Abstract: A memory device includes a memory array including memory strings, each memory string comprising a plurality of first memory cells, a plurality of second memory cells, and one or more dummy memory cells between the first memory cells and the second memory cells. The first memory cells are between drain terminals of the memory strings and the dummy memory cells, and the second memory cells are between source terminals of the memory strings and the dummy memory cells. The bit lines are respectively coupled to drain terminals of the memory strings. The word lines are respectively coupled to gate terminals of the first memory cells and the second memory cells. A word line driver is configured to apply a first voltage signal to each of the word lines that are coupled to the gate terminals of the first memory cells during a pre-charge phase.

Abstract: A memory device includes a memory array including memory strings. Each memory string includes a plurality of top memory cells, a plurality of bottom memory cells, and one or more dummy memory cells between the top memory cells and the bottom memory cells. The memory device also includes a plurality of word lines respectively coupled to gate terminals of the top memory cells and the bottom memory cells. The memory device further includes a control circuit configured to provide a control signal to control programming a target memory cell of the top memory cells. The gate terminal of the target memory cell are coupled to a selected word line of the word lines.

Abstract: A memory device includes a memory array including memory strings. Each memory string includes a plurality of top memory cells, a plurality of bottom memory cells, and one or more dummy memory cells between the top memory cells and the bottom memory cells. The memory device also includes a plurality of word lines respectively coupled to gate terminals of the top memory cells and the bottom memory cells. The memory device further includes a control circuit configured to provide a control signal to control programming a target memory cell of the top memory cells. The gate terminal of the target memory cell are coupled to a selected word line of the word lines.

Abstract: A method of performing a programming operation to a three dimensional (3D) NAND memory device is disclosed. The method makes residual electrons trapped in storage regions of middle dummy memory cells of an unselected string of the 3D NAND memory device to be removed during the pre-charging phase, so as to reduce program disturb to an selected string which neighbors the unselected string.