Virtual ground MOS EPROM or ROM matrix
AssigneeTexas Instruments Incorporated
InventorsJoseph H. Neal, Paul A. Reed
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An array of rows and columns of memory cells of the virtual ground type employs a cell layout which has one column line per column instead of requiring extra lines for ground. Half of the column lines are used as outputs and half as ground. One output line and one ground line are selected by improved decode circuitry. The cell array is of a continuous web type wherein metal-to-silicon contacts are shared by four adjacent cells.
Claims9
A semiconductor memory device comprising an array of rows and columns of memory cells in a face of a semiconductor body, each cell including a transistor having a control electrode and a current path between first and second electrodes, a plurality of row lines, the control electrodes of all transistors in a row being electrically connected to a row line, a plurality of column lines, alternate first and second column lines adjacent one another functioning as ground lines and output lines, respectively, all of the first electrodes of adjacent transistors in adjacent columns of cells being connected to a first column line functioning as a ground line, all of the second electrodes of adjacent transistors in adjacent columns of cells being connected to a second column line functioning as an output line, row decode means for selecting row lines for accessing the array, and column decode means for selecting first column lines and selecting second column line for accessing the array.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.