US Patent 7782675 Semiconductor memory device and data erase method thereof

A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array which includes a plurality of memory cell strings each including a plurality of memory cells and a first dummy cell, which have current paths connected in series at one end and the other end thereof, a plurality of first and second select transistors, a source line, and a bit line, wherein the first dummy cell is disposed on the source line side such that one end and the other end of the current path thereof are connected between the first select transistor and the memory cell, and a threshold voltage of the first dummy cell is higher than a neutral threshold voltage.