Random access memory device with block reset

An apparatus for storing data for random read and write access, comprising:

• a plurality of storage blocks, each block including an array of memory units storing a unit of data organized into a plurality of rows and columns,
• the memory units in each row being connected by a word line through the plurality of blocks to a word line driver,
• the memory units in each column being connected by a bit line to an output buffer,
• the word line comprising means responsive to the word line driver for enabling memory units along the word line to supply the respective units of data to the bit lines;
• reset control means, coupled to receive a reset signal and a reset block select signal identifying at least one of the plurality of blocks, for generating a block reset signal;
• and
• means, coupled to the arrays of bit storage units in the plurality of blocks and to receive the block reset signal, for resetting the array of memory units in the identified blocks to a reset value including,
• isolating means, coupled to the word lines between individual storage blocks, for isolating the word lines through the individual storage blocks during reset,
• driving means, connected to receive the block reset signal and to the word lines in individual blocks, for enabling and disabling isolated sections of the word line through an identified storage block, and
• resetting means, connected to receive the block reset signal and to the bit lines in the plurality of blocks, for driving the memory units to the reset value.