METHOD OF DUAL CELL MEMORY DEVICE OPERATION FOR IMPROVED END-OF-LIFE READ MARGIN

摘要

A method of programming a dual cell memory device (6) having a first charge storing cell (38, 40) and a second charge storing cell (38, 40). According to one aspect of the method, the method can include over-erasing the first and second charge storing cells to shift an erase state threshold voltage of the memory device to be lower than a natural state threshold voltage. According to another aspect of the method, the method can include programming the first and second charge storing cells to the same data state and verifying that the second programmed charge storing cell stores charge corresponding to the data state. If the verification fails, both charge storing cells can be re-pulsed.