Write-tracking circuitry for memory devices
AssigneeLSI Corporation
InventorsDharmendra Kumar Rai, Rahul Sahu
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A write-tracking circuit for a writable memory array has one or more dummy memory cells and is configured to write different values to the one or more dummy memory cells. Durations of pulses applied to word lines of the memory array during write operations are controlled based on durations of writing the different values to the one or more dummy memory cells. In at least some embodiments, the write-tracking circuit is configured to write the different values to the one or more dummy memory cells during a single write operation. In at least some embodiments, the write-tracking circuit is configured to write the different values to at least one of the one or more dummy memory cells during different write operations.
Claims17
An apparatus comprising:
- a memory array (e.g., 102) of memory cells arranged in at least one row;
- a word line (e.g., WL) configured to control access to the memory cells in the at least one row;
- and
- a write-tracking circuit (e.g., 114 and 200) comprising one or more dummy memory cells (e.g., 208(1) and 208(2)), wherein:
- the write-tracking circuit is configured to write a first value and a second value, different from the first value, to the one or more dummy memory cells;
- and
- durations of pulses applied to the word line during write operations of the memory array are controlled based on durations of writing the first and second values to the one or more dummy memory cells.
A method for operating an apparatus comprising a memory array of memory cells arranged in at least one row, the method comprising:
- (a) writing a first value and a second value, different from the first value, to one or more dummy cells;
- and
- (b) controlling durations of pulses applied to a word line of the memory array during write operations based on durations of writing the first and second values to the one or more dummy memory cells.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.