Voltage generator for memory array
AssigneeAtmel Corporation
InventorEmmanuel Racape
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A high voltage may be generated for programming memory cells in a memory array. A middle voltage may also be generated for reading memory cells in the memory array. Control logic and switches may be used to select between the high voltage and the middle voltage. A first oscillator generates clock signals at a high frequency for generating the voltages, and a low frequency oscillator may be used to generate pulses at a lower frequency than the first oscillator to allow the first oscillator to operate only during such pulses to conserve power during a stand-by mode of operation to maintain the middle or medium voltage.
Claims18
A device comprising:
- a first voltage generator to generate a high voltage for programming memory cells in a memory array;
- a second voltage generator to generate a middle voltage for reading memory cells in the memory array;
- a controller to select between the high voltage and the middle voltage;
- a first oscillator to generate a clock coupled to the first and second voltage generators;
- and
- a pulse generator coupled to the first oscillator for controlling operation of the first oscillator during a stand-by mode.
A device comprising:
- a charge pump to generate a high voltage for programming memory cells in a memory array;
- a boost element to generate a middle voltage for reading memory cells in the memory array;
- control logic and switches coupled to the charge pump and boost element to select between the high voltage and the middle voltage;
- a first oscillator to generate clock signals for the charge pump and boost element;
- a low frequency oscillator to generate clock signals at a lower frequency than the first oscillator;
- and
- a pulse generator coupled to the low frequency oscillator to generate a pulse for each cycle of the low frequency oscillator and control the first oscillator to generate clock signals during such pulses.
A method comprising:
- generating a high voltage and a middle voltage for a memory array;
- controlling an oscillator to generate clock signals continuously for provision of the high voltage;
- and
- controlling the oscillator to generate clock signals during pulses provided at a frequency to reduce power consumption.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.