Bi-directional sense amplifier stage for memory datapath

Abstract

A sense amplifier (SA) stage includes a single SA used to selectively sense signals from both directions in a datapath. The SA is connected to detect the differential signal present at a pair of sense nodes on the datapath. A first pair of switches is inserted in the datapath between the sense nodes and a first transfer port (FTP). A first equalizer is connected to the differential lines at points between the first pair of switches and the FTP. A second pair of switches is inserted in the datapath between the sense nodes and a second transfer port (STP), with a second equalizer connected to the differential lines between the second pair of switches and the STP. Before transferring data from the FTP to the STP, the first equalizer is turned on while the first pair of switches is turned off. While the data is being developed at the FTP, the first equalizer is turned off, the first pair of switches is turned on, the second pair of switches is off, and the second equalizer is on. Then the first pair of switches is turned off, the first equalizer is turned on, and the SA is enabled. While the SA is enabled, the second pair of switches is turned on and the second equalizer is turned off. The SA senses and drives the data signal to the STP. To transfer data from the STP to the FTP, this same sequence is performed, replacing “first” for “second” and vice versa.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.