Methods of identifying defects in an array of memory cells and related integrated circuitry

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 6094388
SERIAL NO

09346370

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Abstract

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Methods of identifying defects in an array of memory cells and related integrated circuitry are described. In one embodiment, an array of memory cells is provided having a plurality of complementary digit line pairs. The digit line pairs comprise individual digit lines D0.sub.n, D0.sub.n.sup..cndot., where n>1. The complementary digit line pairs are configured to be placed into different states during sensing operations of the array. A defect-identifying signal is applied to the array by driving both digit lines of at least one digit line pair to a common test state, and the cell plate to another different test state with the use of only one dedicated bus line. In another embodiment, a pair of memory cells is provided each having an access transistor and a capacitor. The capacitor has a cell plate. Write circuitry is operably coupled with the pair of memory cells through respective individual input lines. The write circuitry is configured to write data into the memory cells. A defect-identifying condition is imposed on the array by placing the cell plate into a first test state, and, using the write circuitry, placing both of the input lines into a common second test state which is different from the first test state.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
U S BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS COLLATERAL AGENT633 WEST FIFTH STREET 24TH FLOOR LOS ANGELES CA 90071

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Cowles, Timothy B Boise, ID 151 2343

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