Circuit for controlling a reference node in a sense amplifier
US6801466B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 27, 2002 |
| Grant date | Oct 5, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 27, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C16/28
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A circuit for controlling a reference node in a sense amplifier switchable between an operating mode and a stand-by mode is provided. The reference node provides a reference voltage in the operating mode. The circuit may include circuitry for bringing the reference node to a starting voltage upon entry into the stand-by mode, circuitry for keeping the reference node at a pre-charging voltage in the stand-by mode, and circuitry for providing a comparison voltage closer to the pre-charging voltage than the starting voltage. Pulling circuitry may also be included for pulling the reference node toward a power supply voltage. Further, a controller may activate the pulling circuitry upon entering the stand-by mode, and disable the pulling circuitry when the voltage at the reference node reaches the comparison voltage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.