Programming flash memory using distributed learning methods

摘要

In a memory device including an array of memory cells, each memory cell having more than two possible states, a method for programming a memory cell to a desired state. The method comprises a control engine programming a subset of the array of memory cells. Characterization information is determined from the step of programming the subset, wherein the characterization information indicates programming characteristics of a representative memory cell of the array of memory cells. The control engine then uses the characterization information to directly program the memory cell to approximately the desired state without performing a program verify operation.