Circuit for entering/exiting semiconductor memory device into/from low power consumption mode and method of controlling internal circuit at low power consumption mode
US6563746B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 30, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 13, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 30, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02D30/50
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An internal voltage generator when activated, generates an internal voltage to be supplied to an internal circuit. Operating the internal voltage generator consumes a predetermined amount of the power. In response to a control signal from the exterior, an entry circuit inactivates the internal voltage generator. When the internal voltage generator is inactivated, the internal voltage is not generated, thereby reducing the power consumption. By the control signal from the exterior, therefore, a chip can easily enter a low power consumption mode. The internal voltage generator is exemplified by a booster for generating the boost voltage of a word line connected with memory cells, a substrate voltage generator for generating a substrate voltage, or a precharging voltage generator for generating the precharging voltage of bit lines to be connected with the memory cells.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.