RESISTIVE MEMORY WITH PROGRAM VERIFY AND ERASE VERIFY CAPABILITY
First Claim
1. A method of programming a resistive non-volatile memory cell, comprising:
- applying a programming voltage to a first terminal of the resistive non-volatile memory cell;
sensing, during the applying the programming voltage, if the resistive non-volatile memory cell has been programmed;
limiting current through the resistive non-volatile memory cell to a first magnitude; and
after a predetermined time, if the sensing has not detected that the resistive non-volatile memory cell has been programmed, limiting the current through the resistive non-volatile memory cell to a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A resistive non-volatile memory cell is programmed. A programming voltage is applied to a first terminal of the resistive non-volatile memory cell. Sensing, during the applying the programming voltage, determines if the resistive non-volatile memory cell has been programmed. Current is limited through the resistive non-volatile memory cell to a first magnitude. After a predetermined time, if the sensing has not detected that the resistive non-volatile memory cell has been programmed, the current through the resistive non-volatile memory cell is limited to a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude. The resistive non-volatile memory cell is also erased.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of programming a resistive non-volatile memory cell, comprising:
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applying a programming voltage to a first terminal of the resistive non-volatile memory cell; sensing, during the applying the programming voltage, if the resistive non-volatile memory cell has been programmed; limiting current through the resistive non-volatile memory cell to a first magnitude; and after a predetermined time, if the sensing has not detected that the resistive non-volatile memory cell has been programmed, limiting the current through the resistive non-volatile memory cell to a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of erasing a resistive non-volatile memory cell, comprising:
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applying a voltage limit to a first terminal of the resistive non-volatile memory cell; coupling an impedance between a second terminal of the resistive non-volatile memory cell and a supply voltage terminal; sensing a state of the memory cell by sensing a voltage on the second terminal of the resistive non-volatile memory cell; and enabling the resistive non-volatile memory cell after the applying the voltage limit and after the coupling the impedance. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A memory, comprising:
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a resistive non-volatile memory cell having an enabling terminal coupled to a word line, a first terminal coupled to a bit line, and a second terminal coupled to a source line; an auto program verify module coupled to the resistive non-volatile memory cell during a program mode that applies a program signal to the resistive non-volatile memory cell, determines if the resistive non-volatile memory cell has been programmed during application of the program signal, terminates application of the program signal in response to a determination that the resistive non-volatile memory cell has been programmed, provides a current limiter that initially provides a limit to the current through the resistive non-volatile memory cell to a first magnitude and increases the limit to the current through the resistive non-volatile memory cell to a second magnitude during the application of the program signal if the program has not occurred after a predetermined time; and an auto erase verify module coupled to the resistive non-volatile memory cell during an erase mode that applies a voltage limit to the resistive non-volatile memory cell and determines if the resistive non-volatile memory cell has been erased while the voltage limit is applied. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification