On-chip converter to reversibly change memory organization using external signals
AssigneeTexas Instruments Incorporated
InventorTito Gelsomini
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A device for changing the organization of an array of memory cells formed on a semiconductor ship using external control signals which includes a storage device for storing an external enable/disable command signal on the chip, a divider for dividing the array into blocks of memory cells in response to a stored enable command and a pass gate assembly for permitting access to selected ones of the blocks in response to corresponding toggle input signals when an enable command is stored.
Claims7
In a semiconductor memory device having a first output line and a second output line for communication of data therefrom, a circuit for selectively connecting, responsive to an external control signal, either said first or said second output line, or both, to first and second external terminals of said device, respectively, said circuit comprising:
- means for storing the logic state of an external enable/disable command signal;
- means, connected between said first output line and said first external terminal, for disconnecting said first output line from said first external terminal responsive to said stored command signal being at a first logic state and for connecting said first output line thereto responsive to said stored command signal being at a second logic state;
- and
- toggle means for selectively connecting either said first or said second output line to said second output terminal in response to a toggle input signal said toggle means enabled when said first logic state is stored by said storing means, and disabled when said second logic state is stored by said storing means.
A circuit for providing a selectable number of data outputs, comprising:
- a programmable memory element programmable into a first and a second logic state;
- first and second output lines;
- first and second output terminals corresponding to said first and second output lines;
- first and second pass gates coupled to said output lines for controlling conduction therealong;
- a third pass gate, connected between said first output line and said first output terminal;
- a fourth pass gate, connected between said first output line and said second output terminal;
- and
- a logic circuit having outputs coupled to said pass gates, having an input coupled to said memory element, and having an input receiving a toggle input signal, such that with said memory element in said first logic state, said logic circuit is enabled to control said third pass gate to disconnect said first output line from said first output terminal, to control said fourth pass gate to connect said first output line to said second output terminal, and to enable either said first or said second pass gate in response to said toggle input signal, thereby selecting whether said first output line or said second output line is connected to said second output terminal, and such that with said memory element in said second logic state, said logic circuit enables both said first and second pass gates, enables said third pass gate and disables said fourth pass gate, so that said first and second output lines are connected to said first and second output terminals, respectively.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.