Word-line driver and method of operating a word-line driver

A memory comprising:

• an array of memory cells;
• and
• a word-line driver configured to drive word lines coupled to the array of memory cells and including:
• a decoder configured to decode an address to provide a plurality of word-line signals,
• a plurality of output stages, each of the output stages (i) having an input coupled to the decoder to receive one of the word-line signals and (ii) configured to turn off based on a first control signal, and
• control circuitry configured (i) to turn off the plurality of output stages in a standby mode during which the array of memory cells is not being accessed using the first control signal and (ii) pull gate voltages of transistors of the plurality of output stages to a low voltage, wherein the control circuitry is activated based on a second control signal.

A method for operating a word-line driver, the method comprising:

• providing power to a decoder of the word-line driver using a first power supply;
• decoding an address using the decoder to generate word-line signals;
• transmitting the word-line signals to a plurality of output stages of the word-line driver, the plurality of output stages controlling voltage levels of word lines based on the word-line signals and being powered by a second power supply that is different than the first power supply, wherein the plurality of output stages are turned off based on a first control signal;
• turning off the plurality of output stages when transitioning from an active mode of operation to a standby mode of operation;
• and
• activating pull-down circuitry of the word-line driver based on a second control signal, the pull-down circuitry pulling gate voltages of transistors of the output stages to a low voltage.