Robust sensing circuit and method
US7974133B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 6, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jul 5, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C16/26
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A sense amplifier is disclosed. One embodiment is a sensing circuit that includes a sensing device and a sense transistor coupled to the sensing device. A first switch that is coupled to the sense transistor and to the sensing device causes the sensing device to be charged to a first voltage that is a function of the threshold voltage of the sense transistor. One or more second switches that are coupled to the sensing device and to a target element. The second switches couple the sensing device to the target element to modify the first voltage on the sensing device and decouple the target element from the sensing device during a sense phase in which the modified first voltage is applied to the sense transistor. A condition of the target element is determined based on whether or not the sense transistor turns on in response to applying the modified first voltage to the sense transistor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.