Sequential access memory with system and method
AssigneeMicron Technology, Inc.
InventorDavid J. Warner
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A sequential access memory (“SAM”) device, system and method is provided that includes a memory array configured to store a group of bytes on each of a plurality of rows. A plurality of bit-lines transfer each of the group of bytes into and out of the memory array, and a pre-charging unit is configured to pre-charge the plurality of bit-lines once per each transfer of one of the group of bytes into or out of one of the plurality of rows. The device operates by accessing a memory array in a SAM device by activating a selected row in the memory array, pre-charging a plurality of bit-lines that provide access to the memory array, and accessing the memory array before the plurality of bit-lines are pre-charged a second time.
Claims15
An imaging system, comprising:
- an optical system;
- an imaging device including a two-dimensional sensor array of pixel elements configured to capture an image created by energy incident upon the sensor array through the optical system;
- a memory system;
- and
- a processor device coupled to both the memory system and the imaging device, at least one of the imaging device, the memory system and the processor device including a sequential access memory device on which pixel data may be stored, the sequential access memory device comprising:
- a memory array configured to store a group of bytes on each of a plurality of rows;
- a plurality of bit-lines for transferring each of the group of bytes into and out of the memory array;
- and
- a pre-charging unit configured to pre-charge the plurality of bit-lines once per each transfer of one of the group of bytes into or out of one of the plurality of rows of the memory array.
A method of operating an imaging system, comprising:
- capturing an image created by energy incident upon a two-dimensional sensor array of pixel elements within an imaging device;
- transferring pixel data from the two-dimensional sensor array to a memory array located within a sequential access memory device, wherein access to the memory array is by a method comprising:
- activating a selected row in the memory array, wherein the selected row is configured to store a group of bytes in a corresponding group of memory cells;
- pre-charging a plurality of bit-lines a first time that provide access to the corresponding group of memory cells;
- and
- accessing each of the group of memory cells before pre-charging the plurality of bit-lines a second time.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.