Floating gate memory cell structure with programming mechanism outside the read path

摘要

A non-volatile memory cell structure includes a floating gate, a reverse breakdown hot carrier injection element and a sense transistor. The reverse breakdown hot carrier injection element is at least partially formed in a first region of a semiconductor substrate under at least a portion of the floating gate. The sense transistor is at least partially formed in a second region of a semiconductor substrate, isolated from the first region, and under at least a portion of the floating gate. A read transistor may be connected to the sense transistor. In one embodiment, the read transistor is at least partially formed in the second region of a semiconductor substrate, and connected to the sense transistor.