Abstract
In this paper, the programming characteristics of the multi-bit devices based on SONOS structure are investigated. Our devices have been fabricated by $0.35\;{\mu}m$ complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process with LOCOS isolation. In order to achieve the two-bits per cell operation, charges must be locally trapped in the nitride layer above the channel near the junction. Channel hot electron (CHE) injection for programming can operate in multi-bit using localized trap in nitride film. CHE injection in our devices is achieved with the single power supply of 5 V. To demonstrate CHE injection, substrate current (Isub) and one-shot programming curve were investigated. The multi-bit operation which stores two-bit per cell is investigated with a reverse read scheme. Also, hot hole injection for fast erasing is used. Due to the ultra-thin gate dielectrics, our results show many advantages which are simpler process, better scalability and lower programming voltage compared to any other two-bit storage flash memory. This fabricated structure and programming characteristics are shown to be the most promising for the multi-bit flash memory.