IP Library Granted Patent US 6,999,359
Granted Patent B2
US 6,999,359 · App. 10/850,622 · Granted Feb 14, 2006

Method for screening failure of memory cell transistor

Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 6,999,359
App. No.
10/850,622
Granted
Feb 14, 2006
Kind
B2
Abstract

The present invention discloses a method for screening a sensing margin generated by a gate residue in a memory cell transistor. The method for screening failure of the memory cell transistor is summarized as follows. A test mode signal for sensing margin control is supplied. A write operation is performed to store data in the cell transistor. A word line is enabled by an active command. Isolated transistors disposed between a bit line coupled to the cell transistor and a bit line coupled to a sense amplifier are disabled to intercept a sensing operation. A voltage of the bit line coupled to the cell transistor is measured for a predetermined time. Here, voltage variations on the bit line are measured to screen failure of the cell transistor.

Claims (22)

1. A method for screening failure of a memory cell transistor for a memory device, comprising the steps of:

(s1) enabling a word line coupled to the memory cell transistor;

(s2) disabling isolated transistors disposed between a first bit line on which the memory cell transistor is positioned and a second bit line on which the sense amplifier is positioned; and

(s3) screening voltage variations on the first bit line for a predetermined time.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein, when a first control signal for enabling the word line and a test mode signal for screening failure of the memory cell transistor are enabled at the same time, the isolated transistors are disabled.

3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of:

(s4) enabling the sense amplifier to perform a turn-on operation by turning on the isolated transistors.

4. A method for screening failure of a memory cell transistor for a memory device, comprising the steps of:

(s1) supplying a test mode signal;

(s2) enabling a word line coupled to the memory cell transistor;

(s3) disabling isolated transistors disposed between a first bit line on which the memory cell transistor is positioned and a second bit line on which the sense amplifier is positioned; and

(s4) screening voltage variations on the first bit line for a predetermined time.

5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising the step of:

(s5) enabling the sense amplifier to perform a turn-on operation by turning on the isolated transistors.

6. A method for screening failure of a memory cell transistor, comprising the steps of:

(s1) supplying a test mode signal for sensing margin control;

(s2) performing a write operation to store data in the cell transistor;

(s3) enabling a word line by an active command;

(s4) disabling isolated transistors disposed between a bit line coupled to the cell transistor and a bit line coupled to the sense amplifier; and

(s5) measuring a voltage of the bit line coupled to the cell transistor for a predetermined time.

7. The method of claim 6 , further comprising the step of:

(s6) enabling the sense amplifier to perform a turn-on operation by turning on the isolated transistors.

Assignments (3)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 9, 2014
From: SK HYNIX INC
To: INTELLECTUAL DISCOVERY CO., LTD.
Reel/Frame 032421/0488 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Mar 9, 2014
From: HYNIX SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
To: SK HYNIX INC
Reel/Frame 032421/0496 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 21, 2004
From: KIM, YOUNG SOO; LEE, JUNG HOON
To: HYNIX SEMICONDUCTOR INC.
Reel/Frame 015363/0442 →
Priority Claims (1)
KR 10-2004-0016575 · Mar 11, 2004 · national
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20050201166A1 · Sep 15, 2005