Low-power read circuit and method for controlling a sense amplif

Details Low-power read circuit and method for controlling a sense amplif Low-power read circuit and method for controlling a sense amplif

1996-01-19

1997-04-08

Nguyen, Tan T.

Static information storage and retrieval

Read/write circuit

Differential sensing

365202, 365203, 365227, C11C 706

Patent

active

056194668

ABSTRACT:
A read circuit for a memory cell includes a sense amplifier and an equilibrate circuit. The sense amplifier is coupled to the memory cell via a pair of data lines, and amplifies the data signals that the memory cell provides. The equilibrate circuit is coupled to the sense amplifier, receives an equilibrate signal, and, when the equilibrate signal has an active level, equilibrates the sense amplifier. When the equilibrate signal has an inactive level, the equilibrate circuit causes the sense amplifier to draw substantially zero supply current, regardless of the levels of any signals on the data lines. The read circuit may also include an enable circuit that receives an enable signal and is coupled to the sense amplifier. When the enable signal has an active level, the enable circuit allows the sense amplifier to amplify the data signals on the data lines. When the enable signal has an inactive level, the enable circuit prohibits the sense amplifier from amplifying the data signals on the data lines.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4425633 (1984-01-01), Swain
patent: 4644196 (1987-02-01), Flannagan
patent: 4962324 (1990-10-01), Park
patent: 5072138 (1991-12-01), Slemmer et al.
patent: 5161159 (1992-11-01), McClure et al.
patent: 5265100 (1993-11-01), McClure et al.
patent: 5267210 (1993-11-01), McClure et al.
patent: 5305268 (1994-04-01), McClure
patent: 5311467 (1994-05-01), Lysinger et al.
patent: 5311473 (1994-05-01), McClure et al.
patent: 5339277 (1994-08-01), McClure
patent: 5349243 (1994-09-01), McClure
patent: 5357468 (1994-10-01), Satani et al.
patent: 5396108 (1995-03-01), McClure
patent: 5404334 (1995-04-01), Pascucci et al.
patent: 5408435 (1995-04-01), McClure et al.
patent: 5424985 (1995-06-01), McClure et al.
patent: 5444662 (1995-08-01), Tanaka et al.
patent: 5450019 (1995-09-01), McClure et al.
patent: 5455798 (1995-10-01), McClure
patent: 5455802 (1995-10-01), McClure
patent: 5473567 (1995-12-01), McClure
patent: 5485430 (1996-01-01), McClure

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Low-power read circuit and method for controlling a sense amplif 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 read circuit and method for controlling a sense amplif, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Low-power read circuit and method for controlling a sense amplif will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2401577