Sense amplifier clock driver
AssigneesUnited Memories, Inc., Nippon Steel Semiconductor Corporation
InventorKim C. Hardee
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for generating two control signals (LPB and LNB) to activate local sense amplifier driver transistors is described. The rise and fall times of these signals as well as their levels keep the sense speed and peak currents as constant as possible over the specified voltage and temperature ranges. This is achieved preferably by using current sources based on resistors to control the rise/fall times and current mirrors or modeling circuits to set the voltage levels. Preferably circuitry is provided to determine when LNB and LPB reach intermediate and full voltage levels. The timing is set to spread out the current peak into three separate smaller peaks.
Claims16
A method of generating a control signal for controlling the operation of sense amplifier driver transistors in an integrated circuit memory comprising the steps of:
- causing a change in voltage of a sense amplifier power supply control signal to an intermediate value between a precharge value and a final value;
- maintaining said intermediate value voltage for a duration;
- then
- bringing the sense amplifier power supply control signal to its full value.
A sense amplifier clock driver circuit for an integrated circuit memory, the driver circuit providing at least one control signal for controlling the operation of sense amplifier driver transistors and comprising:
- a timer circuit;
- a sense amplifier current monitor circuit responsively coupled to the timer circuit;
- a constant current source responsively coupled to the monitor circuit and providing an input to the monitor circuit;
- an output node coupled to the constant current source.
A method of controlling the operation of sense amplifier driver transistors in an integrated circuit memory wherein the sense amplifiers receive power from power supply circuitry in accordance with a power supply control signal, the method comprising the steps of:
- controlling a sense amplifier power supply control signal to provide an initial sensing stage;
- controlling the sense amplifier power supply control signal to have an intermediate voltage to regulate current spikes;
- and thereafter
- driving the sense amplifier power supply control signal to a full active state.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.