High-Resolution Readout of Analog Memory Cells
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorAriel Maislos
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method includes storing data in an analog memory cell by writing an analog value into the memory cell. After storing the data, the data stored in the memory cell is read by discharging electrical current to flow through the memory cell, during a predefined time interval, while applying a variable voltage to a gate of the memory cell. A fraction of the predefined time interval, during which the variable voltage allows the electrical current to flow through the memory cell, is estimated. The stored data is estimated based on the estimated fraction.
Claims20
A method for operating a memory, wherein the memory includes a plurality of memory cells, the method comprising:
- charging a bit line coupled to a selected one of the plurality of memory cells to a predetermined voltage;
- discharging the bit line through the selected one of the plurality of memory cells;
- estimating data stored in the selected one of the plurality of memory cells dependent upon a current resulting from the discharging of the bit line.
An apparatus, comprising:
- a plurality of memory cells;
- and
- circuitry coupled to the plurality of memory cells, wherein the circuitry is configured to:
- charge a bit line coupled to a selected one of the plurality of memory cells to a predetermined voltage;
- discharge the bit line through the selected one of the plurality of memory cells;
- estimate data stored in the selected one of the plurality of memory cells dependent upon a current resulting from the discharging of the bit line.
A memory, comprising:
- a plurality of memory cells;
- circuitry coupled to the plurality of memory cells, wherein the circuitry is configured to:
- charge a bit line coupled to a selected one of the plurality of memory cells to a predetermined voltage;
- discharge the bit line through the selected one of the plurality of memory cells;
- and
- an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to estimate data stored in the selected one of the plurality of memory cells dependent upon a current resulting from the discharging of the bit line.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.