Memory read amplifier circuit with high current level discrimination capacity
US6320808A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 11, 2000 |
| Grant date | Nov 20, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 11, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C2207/063
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A memory read amplifier circuit includes at least one memory cell to be read and a bit line connected thereto, a first pre-charge amplifier circuit connected to the bit line. A first cascode circuit is connected between a supply voltage and the memory cell for providing a first current to the memory cell. The memory read amplifier circuit also includes at least one reference memory cell and a reference bit line connected thereto, and a second pre-charge amplifier circuit connected to the reference bit line. A second cascode circuit is connected between the supply voltage and the reference memory cell for providing a second current to the reference memory cell. A differential comparator circuit having a first input is connected to the control terminal of the first cascode circuit for receiving a first voltage based upon the first current, and a second input connected to the control terminal of the second cascode circuit for receiving a second voltage based upon the second current. The differential comparator circuit compares the first and second voltages for providing a logic value relegates to a state of the memory cell to be read.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.