| 20090290430 | Method And Apparatus For Reading And Programming A Non-Volatile Memory Cell In A Virtual Ground Array - A method and apparatus for dynamic programming and dynamic reading of a select non-volatile memory cell in a virtual grounds array is disclosed. The array of non-volatile memory cells are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns, wherein each cell in the same column share a first local bit line to one side and share a second local bit line to another side. Alternating local bit lines are connected to a first global bit line and other alternating local bit lines are connected to a second global bit line with the global bit lines connected to a sense amplifier. In the dynamic read operation the global bit lines and the associated local bit lines are connected to a precharged voltage. One of the first or second global bit lines is connected to a low voltage such as ground, wherein the one global bit line connected to ground also connects to the local bit line for sensing the select non-volatile memory cell. The state of the select non-volatile memory cell is detected by detecting the sense amplifier connected to the global bit line, other than the one global bit line. In a dynamic programming operation, the first and second global bit lines and their associated local bit lines are precharged to a first voltage. One of the first or second global bit line and its associated local bit lines is connected to a second voltage, wherein the associated local bit lines of the one global bit line include a select bit line connected to a programming terminal of the select non-volatile memory cell. The voltage differential between the second voltage and the first voltage is insufficient to cause programming of the select non-volatile memory cell. The bit line, other than the select bit line of the select non-volatile memory cell, is connected to a low voltage such as ground. The voltage differential between the second voltage and ground is sufficient to cause programming of the select non-volatile memory cell. In another embodiment of the programming operation, a local bit line connected to a programming terminal of a select non-volatile memory cell is precharged to a first voltage and then boosted to a programming voltage by precharging an adjacent local bit line. | 11-26-2009 |
