The present invention is to propose an data erasing method, a memory apparatus,
and a data erasing circuit which are able to reduce the time required to boost
the potential of the semiconductor substrate thereby to reduce the time required
to erase data. Namely, a memory apparatus having a data erasing circuit that erases
stored data by applying an erasing voltage between a semiconductor substrate and
a control gate so as to discharge electric charges accumulated in a floating gate
is disclosed. In this case, the data erasing circuit boosts a potential of the
semiconductor substrate side while placing the control gate into its floating state;
and applies an erasing voltage between the semiconductor substrate and the control
gate to make the potential of the control gate to a predetermined potential.