VSS-sensing amplifier

A circuit comprising:

• a first data line;
• a second data line;
• a sensing circuit coupled to the first data line and the second data line;
• a reference node;
• a first switch having a first node, a second node, and a third node, the first node coupled to the first data line, the second node configured to receive a first control signal, and the third node coupled to the reference node;
• a second switch having a fourth node, a fifth node, and a sixth node, the fourth node coupled to the reference node, the fifth node configured to receive a second control signal, and the sixth node coupled to the second data line;
• a third switch coupled between the first data line and the second data line and configured to couple the first data line to the second data line in response to a third control signal;
• and
• a reference voltage generation circuit configured to output a data line reference voltage to the reference node.

A method, performed according to an order as numbered, comprising:

• (1) applying a retention voltage to a first data line and a second data line;
• (2) applying a ground reference voltage to the first data line and the second data line;
• (3) coupling the first data line to a memory cell and applying a reference voltage value to the second data line;
• (4) disconnecting the second data line from the reference voltage;
• and
• (5) enabling a sensing circuit coupled to the first data line and the second data line.