Word-line driver and method of operating a word-line driver
US10475502B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 5, 2017 |
| Grant date | Nov 12, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 8, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C2207/2227
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Word-line drivers, memories, and methods of operating word-line drivers are provided. A word-line driver coupled to an array of memory cells includes a decoder powered by a first power supply. The decoder is configured to decode an address to provide a plurality of word-line signals. The word-line driver also includes a plurality of output stages powered by a second power supply that is different than the first power supply. Each of the output stages includes a first transistor having a gate controlled by a first control signal and an inverter. The inverter is coupled between the first transistor and a ground and has an input coupled to the decoder to receive one of the word-line signals. The word-line driver also includes pull-down circuitry coupled between the gates of the first transistors and the ground and activated by a second control signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.