Nonvolatile memory cell programming

A method for programming a non-volatile memory (NVM) cell (110) includes applying an increasing voltage to the current electrode (118) that is used as a source during a read. The initial programming source voltage results in a relatively small number of electrons being injected into the storage layer. Because of the relatively low initial voltage level, the vertical field across the gate dielectric is reduced. The subsequent elevation of the source voltage does not raise the vertical field significantly due to the electrons in the storage layer establishing a field that reduces the vertical field. With less damage to the gate dielectric during programming, the endurance of the NVM cell is improved.