Two mode sense amplifier with latch
US5526314A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 9, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jun 11, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 9, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C7/065
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A sense amplifier apparatus for use in a memory array having a plurality of memory cells is provided. The sense amplifier apparatus includes a differential sense amplifier and a dynamic sense amplifier. The differential sense amplifier has a first set of switches for driving the voltages of the sense amplifier apparatus and are coupled to a complementary pair of outputs. Also provided are a second set of switches, which are coupled to a complementary pair of input lines so as to amplify the input signal on either of the pair of input lines to a first signal level at a first rate of amplification. The dynamic sense amplifier shares the first set of switches with the differential sense amplifier and further includes a third set of switches that are coupled to a complementary pair of input lines and the output lines and also a sense enable line. This allows the first signal level to be amplified to a second signal level at a second rate of amplification faster than the first rate of amplification.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.