Sense amplifier with extended supply voltage range
US6650147B2 · kind B2 · utility
5Cited by
3References
22Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 12, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 18, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 12, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C16/26
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A sense amplifier for a memory includes a comparator and a bit line polarization circuit. The comparator receives a first signal representative of a current flowing through a memory cell and a second signal representative of a reference current. Additionally, the comparator includes a stage in a common source configuration and an active load for the stage, and the bit line polarization circuit provides a polarization voltage level that is independent of the supply voltage level. In a preferred embodiment, the sense amplifier also includes an output stage that improves switching time at high supply voltages.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.