A program method of a nonvolatile memory device that performs a plurality of program loops is provided. At least one of the plurality of program loops includes dividing a channel of a selected cell string into a first side channel and a second side channel during a first interval and a second interval, turning off a string selection transistor of the selected cell string by applying a string select line voltage of a first level during the first interval, and boosting a first voltage of the first side channel and a second voltage of the second side channel, and turning on the string selection transistor by applying the string select line voltage of a second level different from the first level during the second interval, and performing a hot carrier injection (HCI) program operation on a selected memory cell corresponding to the first side channel or the second side channel.

Semiconductor memory having both volatile and non-volatile modes and methods of operation. A semiconductor storage device includes a plurality of memory cells each having a floating body for storing, reading and writing data as volatile memory. The device includes a floating gate or trapping layer for storing data as non-volatile memory, the device operating as volatile memory when power is applied to the device, and the device storing data from the volatile memory as non-volatile memory when power to the device is interrupted.

A non-volatile memory cell includes a substrate, a select gate, a floating gate, and an assistant control gate. The substrate includes a first diffusion region, a second diffusion region, a third diffusion region, and a fourth diffusion region. The select gate is formed above the first diffusion region and the second diffusion region in a polysilicon layer. The floating gate is formed above the second diffusion region, the third diffusion region and the fourth diffusion region in the polysilicon layer. The assistant control gate is formed above the floating gate in a metal layer, wherein an area of the assistant control gate overlaps with at least half an area of the floating gate.

Semiconductor memory having both volatile and non-volatile modes and methods of operation. A semiconductor storage device includes a plurality of memory cells each having a floating body for storing, reading and writing data as volatile memory. The device includes a floating gate or trapping layer for storing data as non-volatile memory, the device operating as volatile memory when power is applied to the device, and the device storing data from the volatile memory as non-volatile memory when power to the device is interrupted.

A one-time programmable non-volatile memory device includes a first conductivity type well region located in a semiconductor substrate, a selection gate electrode and a floating gate electrode located on the substrate, a first doped region located between the selection gate electrode and the floating gate electrode, a second conductivity type source region located on one side of the selection gate electrode, and a second conductivity type drain region located on one side of the floating gate electrode, wherein a depth of the drain region has a depth shallower than that of the first doped region with respect to a top surface of the substrate.

A quantum nano-tip (QNT) thin film, such as a silicon nano-tip (SiNT) thin film, for flash memory cells is provided to increase erase speed. The QNT thin film includes a first dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer arranged over the first dielectric layer. Further, the QNT thin film includes QNTs arranged over the first dielectric layer and extending into the second dielectric layer. A ratio of height to width of the QNTs is greater than 50 percent. A QNT based flash memory cell and a method for manufacture a SiNT based flash memory cell are also provided.

A memory cell formed in a semiconductor substrate, includes a selection gate extending vertically in a trench made in the substrate, and isolated from the substrate by a first layer of gate oxide, a horizontal floating gate extending above the substrate and isolated from the substrate by a second layer of gate oxide, and a horizontal control gate extending above the floating gate. The selection gate covers a lateral face of the floating gate. The floating gate is separated from the selection gate only by the first layer of gate oxide, and separated from a vertical channel region, extending in the substrate along the selection gate, only by the second layer of gate oxide.

A one-time programmable non-volatile memory device includes a first conductivity type well region located in a semiconductor substrate, a selection gate electrode and a floating gate electrode located on the substrate, a first doped region located between the selection gate electrode and the floating gate electrode, a second conductivity type source region located on one side of the selection gate electrode, and a second conductivity type drain region located on one side of the floating gate electrode, wherein a depth of the drain region has a depth shallower than that of the first doped region with respect to a top surface of the substrate.

Semiconductor devices and methods of writing information to a memory cell include an n-type transistor connected to a first terminal. The n-type transistor is formed with a low injection-barrier material gate dielectric. A p-type transistor is connected in serial between the n-type transistor and a second terminal. The p-type transistor is formed with a low injection-barrier material gate dielectric. The first and second transistor share a common floating gate and a common output node.

A nonvolatile memory device includes an active region extending in a first direction and including a source region and a drain region that are respectively disposed at both ends of the active region, a gate electrode pattern extending in a second direction and disposed between the source region and the drain region, wherein the second direction extends across the first direction, a gate insulation pattern disposed between the gate electrode pattern and the active region, a source contact plug and a drain contact plug respectively coupled to the source region and the drain region, and a coupling contact plug disposed over the gate electrode pattern and insulated from the gate electrode pattern.