Method of reducing standby current during power down mode
US6438060B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 12, 2001 |
| Grant date | Aug 20, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 12, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C5/14
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for reducing the power consumption of a memory integrated circuit during a period of power down mode operation by interrupting the clocking transitions of a delay line. A memory integrated circuit may include a delay lock loop including a plurality of delay elements connected to one another in series and adapted to delay propagation of the signal of a free running clock. When the delayed signal is not required, as during a period of power down mode operation, the free running clock signal is prevented from reaching the delay lock loop. Consequently the delay elements do not toggle, and power associated with delay element toggling is saved.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.