Microchip Technology Incorporated
Flash memory cell adapted for low voltage and/or non-volatile performance

Abstract:

A memory cell having a structure of a modified flash memory cell, but configured to operate in a low voltage domain (e.g., using voltages of .ltoreq.6V amplitude for program and/or erase operations) is provided. The disclosed memory cells may be formed with dielectric layers having reduced thickness(es) as compared with conventional flash memory cells, which allows for such low voltage operation. The disclosed memory cells may be compatible with advanced, high density, low energy data computational applications. The disclosed memory cells may replace or reduce the need for RAM (e.g., SRAM or DRAM) in a conventional device, e.g., microcontroller or computer, and are thus referred to "RAM Flash" memory cells. Data retention of RAM Flash memory cells may be increased (e.g., to days, months, or years) by (a) applying a static holding voltage at selected nodes of the cell, and/or (b) periodically refreshing data stored in RAM Flash.