Method and system for power conservation in memory devices
US6731564B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 18, 2003 |
| Grant date | May 4, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 18, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C2207/2227
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
According to one embodiment of the invention, a memory circuit operable to assume a standby mode is provided. A memory circuit includes a transistor comprising a gate and a bulk. The bulk is at a retention voltage level. The memory circuit also includes a first node and a second node that are coupled to each other by the transistor. The first node is operable to assume a higher voltage level than the second node in response to an initiation of the standby mode. The memory circuit also includes a third node coupled to the gate of the transistor. The third node is operable to assume a voltage approximately equal to the retention voltage in response to an initiation of the standby mode. The transistor is operable to reduce any direct current flow between the first node and the second node in response to a rise in voltage at the third node to a voltage approximately equal to the retention voltage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.