SRAM sense amplifier
US8536898B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 2, 2011 |
| Grant date | Sep 17, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 13, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C11/413
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A sense amplifier for use in a memory array having a plurality of memory cells is provided. The sense amplifier provides low power dissipation, rapid sensing and high yield sensing operation. The inputs to the sense amplifier are the differential bitlines of an SRAM column, which are coupled to the sense amplifier via the sources of two PMOS transistors. A CMOS latching element comprised of two NMOS transistors and the aforementioned PMOS transistors act to amplify any difference between the differential bitline voltages and resolve the output nodes of the sense amplifier to a full swing value. The latching element is gated with two additional PMOS transistors which act to block the latching operation until the sense amplifier is enabled. One or more equalization transistors ensure the latch remains in the metastable state until it is enabled. Once the latch has resolved it consumes no DC power, aside from leakage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.