Abstract: A memory device is provided including memory cells that are capable of switching between at least two states, where the threshold of a sense signal for detecting the current state depends on a data content of the memory cell. Parallel to a user data block, a primary control word including a predetermined number of bits of a first state is stored in a check section of the cell array. The check section is read by applying sense signals of different amplitudes, where in each case a secondary control word is obtained. By checking in each secondary control word the number of bits of the first state, the margins of the current sense signal amplitude towards the sense window limits may be checked and the sense signal amplitude may be adapted permanently to a sense window drift, so as to enhance the reliability of the memory device.

Abstract: A memory device is provided including memory cells that are capable of switching between at least two states, where the threshold of a sense signal for detecting the current state depends on a data content of the memory cell. Parallel to a user data block, a primary control word including a predetermined number of bits of a first state is stored in a check section of the cell array. The check section is read by applying sense signals of different amplitudes, where in each case a secondary control word is obtained. By checking in each secondary control word the number of bits of the first state, the margins of the current sense signal amplitude towards the sense window limits may be checked and the sense signal amplitude may be adapted permanently to a sense window drift, so as to enhance the reliability of the memory device.

Abstract: A method for conducting programming and erasure of charge-trapped memory devices includes: conducting at least one program/erase cycle of a charge-trapped memory device on the basis of a given threshold voltage of the charge-trapped memory device as a reference point; determining a wear-level of the erasing procedure; shifting the reference point according to a result of the determination of the wear-level; conducting one or more program/erase cycle on the basis of the shifted threshold; and conducting read and verify operations on the basis of the shifted threshold.