Dual rail memory, memory macro and associated hybrid power supply method

A memory macro, comprising:

• a plurality of memory arrays configured to operate at a first voltage;
• a read path configured to operate at a second voltage;
• a write path configured to operate at both the first and second voltages;
• a word line driver circuit configured to drive a plurality of word lines corresponding to the plurality of memory arrays to a third voltage;
• and
• a control circuit configured to generate control signals to the memory arrays, the read path, the write path and the word line drivers,
• wherein the read path is configured to operate at the second voltage, the write path and the control circuit are configured to operate at both the first and second voltages;
• and
• the control circuit includes a tracking path;
• wherein the tracking path includes a tracking array and a transmission gate, and the tracking array is configured to operate at the first voltage and the transmission gate is configured to operate at the second voltage;
• and
• the first voltage, the second voltage and the third voltage are different from each other.

A method for configuring a dual rail memory to operate at a first voltage and a second voltage, wherein a memory array of the dual rail memory is operable at the first voltage, the method comprising:

• driving a word line of the memory array to the first voltage;
• and
• reading an output data stored in the memory array via a read circuit operable at the second voltage;
• writing an input data signal into the memory array via a write circuit operable at both the first and second voltage;
• coupling an output of a tracking path to bit cells of the memory array via a tracking array and a transmission gate;
• configuring the tracking array to operate at the first voltage;
• and
• coupling a gate of the transmission gate to the second voltage;
• wherein the second voltage is different from the first voltage.