Static information storage and retrieval – Read/write circuit – Including level shift or pull-up circuit
Reexamination Certificate
2006-08-01
2006-08-01
Hoang, Huan (Department: 2827)
Static information storage and retrieval
Read/write circuit
Including level shift or pull-up circuit
C365S063000, C365S190000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07085178
ABSTRACT:
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that writes to a cell in a memory using a low-voltage-swing signal across a pair of global bit-lines. During operation, the system receives a low-voltage-swing signal across a pair of global bit-lines, which is too low to reliably write the memory cell. Next, the system converts the low-voltage-swing signal to a high-voltage-swing signal, which is adequate to reliably write the memory cell. The system then writes to the memory cell by applying the high-voltage-swing signal across a pair of local bit-lines that are coupled to the memory cell. The use of low-voltage-swing signals on the global bit-lines reduces overall power consumption. Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the voltage conversion is achieved using a pair of cross-coupled NMOS transistors whose sources are directly or indirectly coupled with the global bit-lines, and whose drains are directly or indirectly coupled with the local bit-lines.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5684745 (1997-11-01), Kim et al.
patent: 6275430 (2001-08-01), Ka
patent: 6775168 (2004-08-01), Park et al.
Drost Robert J.
Ho Ronald
Proebsting Robert J.
Hoang Huan
Park Vaughan & Fleming LLP
Sun Microsystems Inc.
LandOfFree
Low-power memory write circuits does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Low-power memory write circuits, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Low-power memory write circuits will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3619080