Abstract: A decoding circuit 54 for a simultaneous operation non-volatile memory device with a flexible bank partition architecture comprises an X-decoder 44, a lower bank decoder 58, an upper bank decoder 56, and a plurality of flexibly partitioned conductive lines coupled between the upper and lower bank decoders 56 and 58. The flexibly partitioned conductive lines 60, 62, 64, . . . 74 provide a plurality of bank address pre-decoding bits for the X-decoder 44 to row decode the memory cells along the respective word lines in the memory array 20. The memory array 20 includes a plurality of flexibly partitioned bit lines comprising first and second bit line segments to partition the memory array into upper and lower memory banks. The bit line segments in the upper and lower memory banks are coupled to two Y-decoders 32 and 34 which provide column decoding for the memory cells in the upper and lower memory banks.

Abstract: A simultaneous operation non-volatile memory device with a flexible bank partition architecture comprises a memory array 20 including a plurality of memory cells arranged in a plurality of columns and rows, a plurality of bit lines 28 and 30 each coupled to a respective column of the memory cells, each of the bit lines comprising first and second bit line segments separated by a gap designating a memory partition boundary between upper and lower memory banks, and an X-decoder 22 coupled to the respective rows of the memory cells to row decode the memory array in response to receiving upper and lower bank memory addresses. Two pre-decoders 24 and 26 are coupled to the X-decoder 22. Two Y-decoders 32 and 34 are coupled to the bit line segments to provide column decoding for the memory cells in the upper and lower memory banks, respectively.

Abstract: A flash memory device is divided into two or more banks. Each bank includes a number of sectors. Each sector includes flash memory cells. Each bank has a decoder that selectively receives an address from an input address buffer or from an internal address sequencer controlled by an internal state machine. The output data for each bank can be communicated to a read sense amplifier or a verify sense amplifier. The read sense amplifier connects to the output buffer while the verify sense amplifier connects to the state machine. When one bank receives a write command, the internal state machine takes control and starts the program or erase operation. While one bank is busy with a program or erase operation, the other bank can be accessed for a read operation. Power is supplied for each of the read and write operations via an internal multiplexed multi power supply source that provides an amount of power needed based on the memory operation being performed.

Abstract: A programming algorithm for a flash memory wherein programming circuitry is subdivided into a set of separately controllable groups. The algorithm detects a number of logic zeros to be programmed into a flash cell array by each group and switches among the groups such that a number of simultaneously programmed cells in the flash cell array does not exceed a predetermined number and such that maximum available programming current is used to enhance programming speed.

Abstract: An integrated circuit including an array of flash EEPROM memory cells wherein overerase correction is provided after application of each erase pulse.

Abstract: A system for allowing a content addressable memory (CAM) to operate with first and second power voltage levels including: a first input voltage for providing a first bias to the content addressable memory; a second input voltage for providing a second bias to the content addressable memory; and a selection device coupled to the first input voltage and the second input voltage for decoupling the first input voltage from the content addressable memory and coupling the second input voltage to the content addressable memory in response to coupling the second power voltage level to the content addressable memory.