Flash memory array using adjacent bit line as source
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A memory array comprising:
- a plurality of flash memory cells arranged in rows and columns; and
a plurality of bit lines coupling the columns such that alternate bit lines of the plurality of bit lines are adapted to operate as either source lines or bit lines in response to bit line selection.
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Abstract
A memory array having a plurality of flash memory cells arranged in rows and columns. A plurality of bit lines couple the columns such that alternate bit lines of the plurality of bit lines are adapted to operate as either source lines or bit lines in response to bit line selection and biasing.
15 Citations
32 Claims
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1. A memory array comprising:
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a plurality of flash memory cells arranged in rows and columns; and
a plurality of bit lines coupling the columns such that alternate bit lines of the plurality of bit lines are adapted to operate as either source lines or bit lines in response to bit line selection. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A NAND flash memory array comprising:
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a plurality of flash memory cells arranged in rows and columns, each column of memory cells comprising a plurality of subsets of series coupled flash memory cells, each subset having a top select transistor and a bottom select transistor;
a plurality of word lines coupling the rows; and
a plurality of bit lines coupling the columns such that the top select transistor of each subset is coupled to a different bit line than the bottom select transistor. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A flash memory device comprising:
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memory control circuit that controls operations of the memory device; and
a flash memory array comprising;
a plurality of flash memory cells arranged in rows and columns; and
a plurality of bit lines coupling the columns such that alternate bit lines of the plurality of bit lines are adapted to operate as either source lines or bit lines in response to bit line selection. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. An electronic system comprising:
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a processor that generates memory control signals; and
a memory device comprising;
a memory array having a plurality of flash memory cells arranged in rows and columns; and
a plurality of bit lines coupling the columns such that alternate bit lines of the plurality of bit lines are adapted to operate as either source lines or bit lines in response to bit line selection.
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22. A method for programming a memory array that includes a plurality of bit lines coupling series strings of memory cells such that alternate bit lines act as source lines, the method comprising:
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biasing selected bit lines with a select voltage;
biasing unselected bit line with an inhibit voltage;
biasing selected word lines with at least one programming voltage; and
biasing a select gate drain line at a first voltage at a first time and a second voltage at a second time. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. A method for reading a memory array that includes a plurality of bit lines coupling series strings of memory cells such that alternate bit lines act as source lines, the method comprising:
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pre-charging selected bit lines to a pre-charge voltage;
biasing a select gate source line and a select gate drain line;
biasing the alternate bit lines at a predetermined voltage such that they act as source lines;
sensing the selected bit lines; and
releasing the bit lines that act as source lines. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32)
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Specification