Memory circuits with reduced leakage power and design structures for same
US7668035B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 7, 2008 |
| Grant date | Feb 23, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 31, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C2207/2227
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A memory circuit includes a global read bit line, a global read bit line latch, and a plurality of sub-arrays, each of which includes first and second local read bit lines, first and second local write bit lines, and first and second pluralities of memory cells interconnected, respectively, with the first and second local read bit lines and the first and second local write bit lines. The local read bit lines are decoupled from the local write bit lines. A local multiplexing block is interconnected with the first and second local read bit lines and is configured to ground the first and second local read bit lines upon assertion of a SLEEP signal, and to selectively interconnect the local read bit lines to the global read bit line. A global multiplexing block is interconnected with the global read bit line and is configured to maintain the global read bit line in a substantially discharged state upon assertion of the SLEEP signal and to interconnect the global read bit line to the global read bit line latch. Also included are design structures for circuits of the kind described.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.