Clock generator for semiconductor memory
AssigneeTexas Instruments Incorporated
InventorsNorihisa Kitagawa, Lionel S. White, Jr.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Disclosed is a read clock generator for use in a semiconductor memory. The read clock generator is comprised of a bistable amplifier and a differential voltage sensor. The bistable amplifier is activated during a read cycle; and it simulates the transient operation of a plurality of sense amplifiers which sense binary information stored within the memory. The differential voltage sensor couples to the bistable amplifier, and produces an output signal when the bistable amplifier stabilizes.
Claims12
A semiconductor memory comprised of:
- a. an array of memory cell means for storing binary information,
- b. a plurality of sense amplifier means coupled to said array of memory cell means for reading selectable portions of said memory information in response to control signals, and
- c. read-clock generator means for generating output signals indicating when said plurality of sense amplifier means has stabilized during said reading wherein said generator means includes timing circuit means having inputs coupled to receive said control signals and having substantially the same architecture as said sense amplifier means for simulating during said reading the transient operation of said sense amplifiers and for generating said output signals indicating when said timing circuit is stable.
In a semiconductor binary memory comprised of arrays of cells for storing binary information and a plurality of sense amplifier means coupled to said cells for reading selectable cells in response to control signals, an improved read-clock generator means for producing clock signals indicating when said sense amplifiers having stabilized during said reading comprised of:
- a. bi-stable amplifier means having inputs coupled to receive said control signals and having substantially the same architecture as said sense amplifiers for simulating during said read cycle the transient operation of said sense amplifiers, and
- b. differential voltage sensor means coupled to said bi-stable amplifier means for producing said clock signal in response to said bi-stable amplifier means becoming stable.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.