Patent · US Active

Memory having self-timed bit line boost circuit and method therefor

US7800959B2 · kind B2 · utility

17Cited by
17References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 19, 2008
Grant dateSep 21, 2010
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 27, 2029

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG11C2029/1204
  • WIPO fieldComputer technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A memory has an array of memory cells, column logic, a write driver, a voltage detector, and a bootstrap circuit. The array of memory cells is coupled to pairs of bit lines and word lines. The column logic is coupled to the array and is for coupling a selected pair of bit lines to a pair of data lines. The write driver is coupled to the pair of data lines. The voltage detector provides an initiate boost signal when a voltage of a first data line of the pair of data lines drops below a first level during the writing of the pair of data lines by the write driver. The bootstrap circuit reduces the voltage of the first data line in response to the boost enable signal. This is particularly beneficial when the number of memory cells on a bit line can vary significantly as in a compiler.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.