MTP-Thyristor Memory Cell Circuits and Methods of Operation

摘要

An MTP (Many Times Programmable) memory cell for integrated circuit memory arrays is described. The cell includes an MTP device and a thyristor interconnected so that the MTP device triggers the thyristor to turn on during a Read or Verify operation. The difference in threshold voltages between a data memory cell and a reference memory cell is used to determine the information in the data memory cell. Different memory cell structures may be constructed for different memory array requirements.

主权项

1. In an integrated circuit having an array of memory cells, each memory cell capable of holding information by the storage of charge and comprising:
a thyristor having anode and cathode regions and two intermediate regions therebetween; an MTP device connected to one of the two intermediate regions of the thyristor and having a charge storage region, the charge in the charge storage region determining the threshold voltage of the MTP device and controlling the switching of the thyristor; whereby the information held in the memory cell is determined using the switching of the thyristor.