Sequential access memory with system and method
AssigneeMicron Technology, Inc.
InventorDavid Warner
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A sequential access memory (“SAM”) device, system and method is provided that includes a memory array configured to store a group of bytes on each of a plurality of rows. A plurality of bit-lines transfer each of the group of bytes into and out of the memory array, and a pre-charging unit is configured to pre-charge the plurality of bit-lines once per each transfer of one of the group of bytes into or out of one of the plurality of rows. The device operates by accessing a memory array in a SAM device by activating a selected row in the memory array, pre-charging a plurality of bit-lines that provide access to the memory array, and accessing the memory array before the plurality of bit-lines are pre-charged a second time.
Claims47
A sequential access memory device, comprising:
- a memory array configured to store a group of bytes on each of a plurality of rows;
- a plurality of bit-lines for transferring each of the group of bytes into and out of the memory array;
- and
- a pre-charging unit configured to pre-charge the plurality of bit-lines once per each transfer of one of the group of bytes into or out of one of the plurality of rows of the memory array.
An electronic system, comprising:
- an input device;
- an output device;
- a memory system;
- and
- a processor device coupled to the input device, the output device and the memory system, at least one of the input device, the output device, the memory system and the processor device including a sequential access memory device comprising:
- a memory array configured to store a group of bytes on each of a plurality of rows;
- a plurality of bit-lines for transferring each of the group of bytes into and out of the memory array;
- and
- a pre-charging unit configured to pre-charge the plurality of bit-lines once per each transfer of one of the group of bytes into or out of one of the plurality of rows of the memory array.
A semiconductor substrate on which a sequential access memory device is fabricated, the sequential access memory device comprising:
- a memory array configured to store a group of bytes on each of a plurality of rows;
- a plurality of bit-lines for transferring each of the group of bytes into and out of the memory array;
- and
- a pre-charging unit configured to pre-charge the plurality of bit-lines once per each transfer of one of the group of bytes into or out of one of the plurality of rows of the memory array.
A method of accessing a memory array in a sequential access memory device, comprising:
- activating a selected row in the memory array, wherein the selected row is configured to store a group of bytes in a corresponding group of memory cells;
- pre-charging a plurality of bit-lines a first time that provide access to the group of memory cells;
- and
- accessing each of the group of memory cells before pre-charging the plurality of bit-lines a second time.
An imaging system, comprising:
- an optical system;
- an imaging device including a two-dimensional sensor array of pixel elements configured to capture an image created by energy incident upon the sensor array through the optical system;
- a memory system;
- and
- a processor device coupled to both the memory system and the imaging device, at least one of the imaging device, the memory system and the processor device including a sequential access memory device on which pixel data may be stored, the sequential access memory device comprising:
- a memory array configured to store a group of bytes on each of a plurality of rows;
- a plurality of bit-lines for transferring each of the group of bytes into and out of the memory array;
- and
- a pre-charging unit configured to pre-charge the plurality of bit-lines once per each transfer of one of the group of bytes into or out of one of the plurality of rows of the memory array.
A method of operating an imaging system, comprising:
- capturing an image created by energy incident upon a two-dimensional sensor array of pixel elements within an imaging device;
- transferring pixel data from the sensor array to a memory array located within a sequential access memory device, wherein access to the memory array is by a method comprising:
- activating a selected row in the memory array, wherein the selected row is configured to store a group of bytes in a corresponding group of memory cells;
- pre-charging a plurality of bit-lines a first time that provide access to the group of memory cells;
- and
- accessing each of the group of memory cells before pre-charging the plurality of bit-lines a second time.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.