Reading method and circuit for a non-volatile memory

Reading method for a non-volatile memory, implemented by means of a reading circuit comprising a first branch in which a first current flows, and a second branch in which a second current flows;

• said reading method comprising:
• converting said first current into a first electrical potential;
• converting said second current into a second electrical potential;
• comparing said first and second electrical potentials;
• sampling and holding said first electrical potential;
• and
• switching off said first branch of said reading circuit.

A reading circuit for reading the content of an array memory cell, the reading circuit comprising:

• an array branch coupled via an array bit line to the array memory cell the content of which is to be read;
• a reference branch coupled via a reference bit line to a current generator stage supplying a reference current;
• a current/voltage converter stage coupled to said array branch and to said reference branch, said current/voltage converter stage coupled to supply at an array node and at a reference node respectively an array potential and a reference potential correlated to the currents flowing respectively in said array branch and in said reference branch;
• a comparator stage coupled to said array node and said reference node for comparing said array and reference potentials;
• a sample and hold stage arranged between said array node and said comparator stage and selectively operable to sample and hold said array potential;
• and
• a switching off stage coupled to switch off said array branch.

A reading method for a non-volatile memory, implemented by means of a reading circuit comprising a first branch in which a first current flows, and a second branch in which a second current flows, said reading method comprising:

• mirroring said first current onto said second branch by generating sufficient voltage in a current/voltage converter stage to cause a current equivalent to said first current to flow;
• sampling and holding said mirrored current for a predetermined period;
• and
• de-coupling said first branch.