Programmable write-once, read-only semiconductor memory array using SCR current sink and current source devices
First Claim
1. A programmable semiconductor memory array comprising, in combination, a plurality of memory cells interconnected to provide a memory array, and a group of Word lines and a group of Bit lines, each of said memory cells being connected to one of said group of Word lines and one of said group of Bit lines, each of said memory cells having a first electrical state prior to receiving a writing signal and a different second electrical state after receiving a writing signal, and silicon controlled rectifier means connected to each line of said group of Word lines and to each line of said group of Bit lines to provide the functions of drawing current from said group of Word lines and sourcing current to said group of bit lines and to the memory cells connected to said silicon controlled rectifier means, said silicon controlled rectifier means connected to each line of said group of word lines being located at the opposite end of the word line from a word driver.
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Abstract
This disclosure relates to a programmable write-once, read-only semiconductor memory array which has an improved current source for each bit line and an improved current sink for each Word line. This programmable write-once, read-only semiconductor memory array utilizes a SCR (PNPN or NPNP) or the end of each Word line of the array to function as a current sink to minimize voltage drop on the Word line and a SCR (PNPN or NPNP) on each Bit line of the array for current sourcing purposes. This disclosure also relates to an integrated SCR (PNPN or NPNP) for use with a plurality of connected semiconductor devices to provide either a current sourcing or current sinking or drawing function for the plurality of connected semiconductor devices.
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Citations
15 Claims
- 1. A programmable semiconductor memory array comprising, in combination, a plurality of memory cells interconnected to provide a memory array, and a group of Word lines and a group of Bit lines, each of said memory cells being connected to one of said group of Word lines and one of said group of Bit lines, each of said memory cells having a first electrical state prior to receiving a writing signal and a different second electrical state after receiving a writing signal, and silicon controlled rectifier means connected to each line of said group of Word lines and to each line of said group of Bit lines to provide the functions of drawing current from said group of Word lines and sourcing current to said group of bit lines and to the memory cells connected to said silicon controlled rectifier means, said silicon controlled rectifier means connected to each line of said group of word lines being located at the opposite end of the word line from a word driver.
Specification