Abstract: The present invention presents several techniques for using writable tracking cells. Multiple tracking cells are provided for each write block of the memory. These cells are re-programmed each time the user cells of the associated write block are written, preferably at the same time, using the same fixed, global reference levels to set the tracking and user cell programmed thresholds. The threshold voltages of the tracking cells are read every time the user cells are read, and these thresholds are used to determine the stored logic levels of the user cells. In one set of embodiments, populations of one or more tracking cells are associated with different logic levels of a multi-state memory. These tracking cell populations may be provided for only a subset of the logic levels. The read points for translating the threshold voltages are derived for all of the logic levels based upon this subset.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory element is operated, in part, in two phases. During the first phase, a voltage is applied to a first node coupled to the nonvolatile memory element to generate an initial voltage. During the second phase, a voltage is coupled through at least one capacitor to charge pump the initial voltage to a level sufficient for programming or erasing the non-volatile memory element.

Abstract: The present invention presents several techniques for using writable tracking cells. Multiple tracking cells are provided for each write block of the memory. These cells are re-programmed each time the user cells of the associated write block are written, preferably at the same time, using the same fixed, global reference levels to set the tracking and user cell programmed thresholds. The threshold voltages of the tracking cells are read every time the user cells are read, and these thresholds are used to determine the stored logic levels of the user cells. In one set of embodiments, populations of one or more tracking cells are associated with different logic levels of a multi-state memory. These tracking cell populations may be provided for only a subset of the logic levels. The read points for translating the threshold voltages are derived for all of the logic levels based upon this subset.

Abstract: The present invention presents several techniques for using writable tracking cells. Multiple tracking cells are provided for each write block of the memory. These cells are re-programmed each time the user cells of the associated write block are written, preferably at the same time, using the same fixed, global reference levels to set the tracking and user cell programmed thresholds. The threshold voltages of the tracking cells are read every time the user cells are read, and these thresholds are used to determine the stored logic levels of the user cells. In one set of embodiments, populations of one or more tracking cells are associated with different logic levels of a multi-state memory. These tracking cell populations may be provided for only a subset of the logic levels. The read points for translating the threshold voltages are derived for all of the logic levels based upon this subset.

Abstract: The present invention presents several techniques for using writable tracking cells. Multiple tracking cells are provided for each write block of the memory. These cells are re-programmed each time the user cells of the associated write block are written, preferably at the same time, using the same fixed, global reference levels to set the tracking and user cell programmed thresholds. The threshold voltages of the tracking cells are read every time the user cells are read, and these thresholds are used to determine the stored logic levels of the user cells. In one set of embodiments, populations of one or more tracking cells are associated with different logic levels of a multi-state memory. These tracking cell populations may be provided for only a subset of the logic levels. The read points for translating the threshold voltages are derived for all of the logic levels based upon this subset.

Abstract: The present invention presents several techniques for using writable tracking cells. Multiple tracking cells are provided for each write block of the memory. These cells are re-programmed each time the user cells of the associated write block are written, preferably at the same time, using the same fixed, global reference levels to set the tracking and user cell programmed thresholds. The threshold voltages of the tracking cells are read every time the user cells are read, and these thresholds are used to determine the stored logic levels of the user cells. In one set of embodiments, populations of one or more tracking cells are associated with different logic levels of a multi-state memory. These tracking cell populations may be provided for only a subset of the logic levels. The read points for translating the threshold voltages are derived for all of the logic levels based upon this subset.

Abstract: The present invention presents several techniques for using writable tracking cells. Multiple tracking cells are provided for each write block of the memory. These cells are re-programmed each time the user cells of the associated write block are written, preferably at the same time, using the same fixed, global reference levels to set the tracking and user cell programmed thresholds. The threshold voltages of the tracking cells are read every time the user cells are read, and these thresholds are used to determine the stored logic levels of the user cells. In one set of embodiments, populations of one or more tracking cells are associated with different logic levels of a multi-state memory. These tracking cell populations may be provided for only a subset of the logic levels. The read points for translating the threshold voltages are derived for all of the logic levels based upon this subset.

Abstract: Integrated circuit system for analog signal recording and playback having improved performance and a very high level of integration. The integrated circuit is complete with preamplifier, automatic gain control, filter, fixed references including a band gap reference, trimming, power output amplifier, memory array, multiple closed loop sample and hold circuits, column decoder, column driver, row decoder, address counters, master oscillator and chip function timing circuits including sample clock, charge pumps, high voltage regulator and waveshapers, low VCC detector, power-on reset and recording reference circuits on a single chip. The system uses a writable analog reference scheme to put many error sources in the common mode, and provides a double ended output for maximum power output in a limited voltage range, and to allow direct connection to a speaker.

Abstract: A writable distributed non-volatile analog reference system and method for analog signal recording and playback having application in integrated circuits which sample and directly store analog information. The invention is useful to facilitate the sensing of analog levels stored in nonvolatile memory cells where the analog levels are played back such as to reproduce voice or music or tone information. In accordance with the method, one or more reference storage columns are included in the array at each side of the storage cell array and are used to store a reference signal at the same time that the adjacent storage cell stores a signal sample.