Miscellaneous active electrical nonlinear devices – circuits – and – Signal converting – shaping – or generating – Amplitude control
Reexamination Certificate
2006-09-22
2008-03-18
Tra, Quan (Department: 2816)
Miscellaneous active electrical nonlinear devices, circuits, and
Signal converting, shaping, or generating
Amplitude control
C327S541000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07345522
ABSTRACT:
A method and apparatus for stabilizing the charge on a floating gate in a floating gate reference voltage generator. After an initial high voltage set mode, the method and apparatus allows for a controlled ramp down sequence to ramp down the voltages at the floating gate erase and program electrode generated by first and second bias sources coupled thereto, such that, when these bias sources are completely shut down in the generator, a more accurate voltage is set on the floating gate. The first bias source is preferably a voltage source and the second bias source is preferably a current source. The voltage at the erase electrode that is coupled to the floating gate is controlled during the ramp down sequence by shutting off the current source coupled thereto while allowing a feedback circuit in the generator to remain active. For the method and apparatus, charge may be coupled to the floating gate and removed therefrom using suitable means including, but not limited to, avalanche injection and electron tunneling.
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Intersil America's Inc.
Nixon & Peabody LLP
Tra Quan
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