Patents Represented by Attorney Lois D. Adam H. Tachner, Esq. Crosby, Heafey, Roach & May Cartier
  • Patent number: 5889701
    Abstract: A novel test procedure is used to determine the optimum programmable charge pump levels for a flash memory array in a CPLD. According to the method of the invention, an automated tester steps through all combinations of charge pump codes and attempts to program the flash memory with each combination of voltage levels. For each combination, the results of the test (pass or fail) are logged and stored into a map or array. The center of a window of passing pump codes is taken as the starting reference point. The next step is to verify the actual voltage level associated with the pump code combination corresponding to the starting reference point. The reference pump code is loaded into the device and the corresponding flash memory cell voltage levels are measured. If the measured voltage level does not fall into the preferred range, the tester automatically adjusts the level towards the preferred range by adjusting the pump codes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Sunae Kang, Rafael G. San Luis, Jr., Derek R. Curd, Ronald J. Mack