Patent · US Active

Apparatus and method for implementing write assist for static random access memory arrays

US8233342B2 · kind B2 · utility

35Cited by
5References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 14, 2008
Grant dateJul 31, 2012
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 1, 2031

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG11C11/419
  • WIPO fieldComputer technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus for implementing a write assist for a memory array includes a common discharge node configured to provide a discharge path for precharged write data lines and bit lines selected during a write operation of the memory array; negative boost circuitry configured to introduce a voltage lower than a nominal logic low supply voltage onto the common discharge node following the discharge of the common discharge node, write data lines and bit lines; and a clamping device coupled to the common discharge node, the clamping device configured to limit the magnitude of negative voltage applied to common discharge node by the negative boost circuitry so as to prevent activation of non-selected bit switches.

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