Method and apparatus for programming single-poly pFET-based nonvolatile memory cells

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 7408809
APP PUB NO 20070019475A1
SERIAL NO

11528069

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Abstract

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Methods and apparatuses for programming a single-poly pFET-based nonvolatile memory cell bias the cell so that band-to-band tunneling (BTBT) is induced and electrons generated by the BTBT are injected onto a floating gate of the cell. Following a predetermined event, the single-poly pFET is biased to induce impact-ionized hot-electron injection (IHEI). The predetermined event may be, for example, the expiration of a predetermined time period or a determination that a channel has been formed by the BTBT injection process that is sufficiently conducting to support IHEI. Employing BTBT permits a previously overerased or stuck bit to be 'unstuck' or 'removed' and thus be made usable (i.e., able to be programmed) again.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
SYNOPSYS INC675 ALMANOR AVENUE SUNNYVALE CA 94085

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Diorio, Christopher J Shoreline, WA 270 5595
Humes, Todd E Shoreline, WA 75 1789

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