×

Comprehensive erase verification for non-volatile memory

  • US 7,009,889 B2
  • Filed: 05/28/2004
  • Issued: 03/07/2006
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/28/2004
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method of erasing non-volatile memory, comprising:

  • erasing a group of non-volatile storage elements during user operation;

    performing an erase verification operation to determine if said group of non-volatile storage elements is erased, said performing determines whether there is a first current flow above a first minimum current level in a first direction through said group;

    reading said group of non-volatile storage elements for an erased state, said reading determines whether there is a second current flow above a second minimum current level in a second direction through said group; and

    verifying that said group is erased if said erase verification operation determines that said group is erased and said step of reading reads said group as erased.

View all claims
  • 3 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×