/Selectively Erasing One Of Multiple Erase Blocks Coupled To A Same String By Creating A Pseudo Pn Junction
Abstract

Erase operations can be performed selectively on one of erase blocks or a memory array coupled to the same string by creating a pseudo PN junction that is located adjacent to the selected erase block. The pseudo PN junction is created by including channel inversion at least on those portions of the string coupled to unselected erase blocks, which further creates a flow of electrons. As a result of the channel inversion (along with channel accumulation created adjacent to the channel inversion), the flow of gate induced drain leakage (GIDL) holes are further generated from the pseudo PN junction and GIDL holes are induced to tunnel into memory cells of the selected erase block.

Full Text

What is claimed is:

Erase operations can be performed selectively on one of erase blocks or a memory array coupled to the same string by creating a pseudo PN junction that is located adjacent to the selected erase block. The pseudo PN junction is created by including channel inversion at least on those portions of the string coupled to unselected erase blocks, which further creates a flow of electrons. As a result of the channel inversion (along with channel accumulation created adjacent to the channel inversion), the flow of gate induced drain leakage (GIDL) holes are further generated from the pseudo PN junction and GIDL holes are induced to tunnel into memory cells of the selected erase block.
Timeline
Filed
05/21/2026
Published
09/17/2026
Granted
Not Available
IPC Codes(3)
G11C 16/16:for erasing blocks, e.g. arrays, words, groups
G11C 16/04:using variable threshold transistors, e.g. FAMOS
G11C 16/28:using differential sensing or reference cells, e.g. dummy cells