| CPC G11C 16/3486 (2013.01) [G11C 16/08 (2013.01); G11C 16/3459 (2013.01)] | 21 Claims |

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1. A memory device, comprising:
a plurality of memory cells, comprising:
a first set of memory cells configured to be programmed into a first set of programming states each of which is not lower than a first predetermined programming state; and
a control circuit coupled to the plurality of memory cells and configured to:
perform a first program pass to program the first set of memory cells;
continue to program at least a first memory cell from the first set of memory cells with one or more first programming voltages, wherein a threshold voltage of the first memory cell is greater than a first verification voltage that corresponds to a first programming state of the first memory cell; and
perform a second program pass to program the first set of memory cells after the first memory cell is continued to be programmed with the one or more first programming voltages.
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