Supply line controlled sense amplifier
US6009031A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 18, 1998 |
| Grant date | Dec 28, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 18, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C11/4091
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A sense amplifier includes cross-coupled latch has a PMOS bias transistor for selectively connecting the cross-coupled latch to a supply voltage and has an NMOS bias transistor for selectively connecting the cross-coupled latch to ground potential. The conductivity of the PMOS bias transistor is controlled by a first bias signal having a magnitude dependent upon the supply voltage and, in a similar manner, the conductivity of the NMOS bias transistor is controlled by a second bias signal also having a magnitude dependent upon the supply voltage. When the supply voltage exceeds a predetermined level, the first and second bias signals are of respective magnitudes so as to slowly turn on the PMOS and NMOS bias signals. In this manner, the current flow is gradually increased to the sense circuit at high voltages, thereby minimizing noise and power consumption. When, on the other hand, the supply voltage drops below the predetermined level, the first and second bias signals are of respective magnitudes so as to rapidly turn on the PMOS and NMOS bias transistor potential. In this manner, current flow to the sense circuit is maximized at low supply voltages, thereby improving speeds at lo…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.