Abstract: A method in a memory device that operates in a testing mode, includes receiving a vector to be written to the memory device. The vector is written to the memory device only if the vector belongs to a predefined set of test vectors. If the vector does not belong to the set of test vectors, the vector is converted to one of the test vectors, and the converted vector is written to the memory device.

Abstract: A method, including receiving a sequence of events to be counted. The method further includes, in response to each event, setting a respective bit in a memory that consists of multiple words organized in tiers, such that a number of set bits in the memory is indicative of a count of the received events, and such that each set bit in a first tier corresponds to a respective word in a second tier and is indicative of whether the corresponding word is fully populated with set bits.

Abstract: A serial flash memory is provided with multiple configurable pins, at least one of which is selectively configurable for use in either single-bit serial data transfers or multiple-bit serial data transfers. In single-bit serial mode, data transfer is bit-by-bit through a pin. In multiple-bit serial mode, a number of sequential bits are transferred at a time through respective pins. The serial flash memory may have 16 or fewer pins, and even 8 or fewer pins, so that low pin count packaging such as the 8-pin or 16-pin SOIC package and the 8-contact MLP/QFN/SON package may be used. The availability of the single-bit serial type protocol enables compatibility with a number of existing systems, while the availability of the multiple-bit serial type protocol enables the serial flash memory to provide data transfer rates, in systems that can support them, that are significantly faster than available with standard serial flash memories.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for protecting the contents of a shared memory in a memory device controlled by an embedded controller. The apparatus allows dynamic setting of access permissions to said contents and allows updating and recovery of the contents. A computerized system comprising at least one Host linked to the memory device provides access paths to the shared memory, to the Host, and to the embedded controller. An arbitration device for allocating access paths to the memory device is also provided. The memory device is partitioned into separate blocks, each of which is used to store different types of data. A location is designated in the shared memory for storing protection information that includes data related to access operations allowed by at least one access path to a part of the shared memory.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for fabricating flash memory. In accordance with the present invention, the forming of the floating gate does not require an additional photolithography step. As a result, the misalignment problem between the floating gate and the active area may be resolved. On the other hand, because of the specific floating gate structure of the present invention, high coupling capacitance between the floating gate and control gate can be achieved by recessing the shallow trench isolation more. Therefore, the method does not sacrifice the whole cell size.