Winston Lee

Bio: Winston Lee is an academic researcher from SanDisk. The author has contributed to research in topics: EEPROM & Reading (computer). The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 5 publications receiving 1150 citations.

Multi-state EEprom read and write circuits and techniques

Abstract: Improvements in the circuits and techniques for read, write and erase of EEprom memory enable nonvolatile multi-state memory to operate with enhanced performance over an extended period of time. In the improved circuits for normal read, and read between write or erase for verification, the reading is made relative to a set of threshold levels as provided by a corresponding set of reference cells which closely track and make adjustment for the variations presented by the memory cells. In one embodiment, each Flash sector of memory cells has its own reference cells for reading the cells in the sector, and a set of reference cells also exists for the whole memory chip acting as a master reference. In another embodiment, the reading is made relative to a set of threshold levels simultaneously by means of a one-to-many current mirror circuit. In improved write or erase circuits, verification of the written or erased data is done in parallel on a group of memory cells at a time and a circuit selectively inhibits further write or erase to those cells which have been correctly verified. Other improvements includes programming the ground state after erase, independent and variable power supply for the control gate of EEprom memory cells.

Latent defect handling in EEPROM devices

Abstract: A memory system having a two dimensional array of EEPROM or Flash EEPROM cells is addressable by rows and columns. A word line is connected to the control gates of all the cells in each row, an erase line is connected to all the erase gates of each sector of cells, and a pair of bit lines are connected respectively to all the sources and drains of each column of cells. The memory system incorporates a word line current detector and an erase line current detector in addition to the usual bit line current detectors. The leakage current of each of the lines are measured after predetermined memory events such as program or erase operations. When a defective row or column is detected, it is electrically isolated from other columns by programming and is mapped out and replaced. Data recovery schemes include reading a defective column by a switched-memory-source-drain technique.

Serial 9 Mb flash EEPROM for solid state disk applications

Abstract: A 9-Mb flash EEPROM incorporating a serial interface and other features specifically suited for low-cost, high-capacity, low-power solid-state storage systems has been fabricated using a triple polysilicon, single-metal, 0.9- mu m CMOS process. Thin oxide transistors are used for low read and programming voltages, and thick oxide transistors are used for high erase voltage. The memory array utilizes a virtual ground architecture. The cell erases using inter-poly dielectric tunneling and programs using channel hot electron injection. The use of a split channel memory transistor allows the floating gate portion of the cell to be erased to negative thresholds, thus eliminating the over-erase limitation of traditional stacked gate flash cells. >

EEPROM including reference cell

Abstract: Improvements in the circuits and techniques for read, write and erase of EEprom memory (60). In the circuits for normal read, and read between write or erase for verification, the reading is made relative to set of threshold levels as provided by a corresponding set of reference cells (431, 432 etc.) which closely track and make adjustment for the variations presented by the memory cells. In one embodiment, each Flash sector of memory cells has its own reference cells for reading the cells in the sector, and a set of reference cells (529) also exists for the whole memory chip acting as a master reference.

Semiconductor device, and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract: An object is to provide a semiconductor device of which a manufacturing process is not complicated and by which cost can be suppressed, by forming a thin film transistor using an oxide semiconductor film typified by zinc oxide, and a manufacturing method thereof. For the semiconductor device, a gate electrode is formed over a substrate; a gate insulating film is formed covering the gate electrode; an oxide semiconductor film is formed over the gate insulating film; and a first conductive film and a second conductive film are formed over the oxide semiconductor film. The oxide semiconductor film has at least a crystallized region in a channel region.

Flash EEprom system

Abstract: A system of Flash EEprom memory chips with controlling circuits serves as non-volatile memory such as that provided by magnetic disk drives. Improvements include selective multiple sector erase, in which any combinations of Flash sectors may be erased together. Selective sectors among the selected combination may also be de-selected during the erase operation. Another improvement is the ability to remap and replace defective cells with substitute cells. The remapping is performed automatically as soon as a defective cell is detected. When the number of defects in a Flash sector becomes large, the whole sector is remapped. Yet another improvement is the use of a write cache to reduce the number of writes to the Flash EEprom memory, thereby minimizing the stress to the device from undergoing too many write/erase cycling.

Two bit non-volatile electrically erasable and programmable semiconductor memory cell utilizing asymmetrical charge trapping

Abstract: An electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) having a non conducting charge trapping dielectric, such as silicon nitride, sandwiched between two silicon dioxide layers acting as electrical insulators is disclosed. The invention includes a method of programming, reading and erasing the EEPROM device. The non conducting dielectric layer functions as an electrical charge trapping medium. A conducting gate layer is placed over the upper silicon dioxide layer. The memory device is programmed in the conventional manner, using hot electron programming, by applying programming voltages to the gate and the drain while the source is grounded. Hot electrons are accelerated sufficiently to be injected into the region of the trapping dielectric layer near the drain. The device, however, is read in the opposite direction from which it was written, meaning voltages are applied to the gate and the source while the drain is grounded. Application of relatively low gate voltages combined with reading in the reverse direction greatly reduces the potential across the trapped charge region. This permits much shorter programming times by amplifying the effect of the charge trapped in the localized trapping region. In addition, the memory cell can be erased by applying suitable erase voltages to the gate and the drain so as to cause electrons to be removed from the charge trapping region of the nitride layer. Similar to programming, a narrower charge trapping region enables much faster erase cycles.

Highly compact EPROM and flash EEPROM devices

Abstract: Structures, methods of manufacturing and methods of use of electrically programmable read only memories (EPROM) and flash electrically erasable and programmable read only memories (EEPROM) include split channel and other cell configurations. An arrangement of elements and cooperative processes of manufacture provide self-alignment of the elements. An intelligent programming technique allows each memory cell to store more than the usual one bit of information. An intelligent erase algorithm prolongs the useful life of the memory cells. Use of these various features provides a memory having a very high storage density and a long life, making it particularly useful as a solid state memory in place of magnetic disk storage devices in computer systems.

Multi-state memory

Abstract: Maximized multi-state compaction and more tolerance in memory state behavior is achieved through a flexible, self-consistent and self-adapting mode of detection, covering a wide dynamic range. For high density multi-state encoding, this approach borders on full analog treatment, dictating analog techniques including A to D type conversion to reconstruct and process the data. In accordance with the teachings of this invention, the memory array is read with high fidelity, not to provide actual final digital data, but rather to provide raw data accurately reflecting the analog storage state, which information is sent to a memory controller for analysis and detection of the actual final digital data.