Dual dynamic sense amplifiers for a memory array
First Claim
1. A data sensing circuit for use with a memory array, comprising:
- a latch for holding an output state;
a first CMOS dynamic sense amplifier connected to an input line and a complementary input line, and having an output connected to the latch for writing an output state thereto;
a second CMOS dynamic sense amplifier connected to the input line and complementary input line, and having an output connected to the latch for writing an output state thereto; and
a clocking circuit connected to the first and second sense amplifiers, wherein the clocking circuit generates a first clocking signal which enables the first sense amplifier to sense data on the input line and complementary input line and write the sensed data to the latch through the first sense amplifier output, and wherein the clocking circuit generates a second clocking signal, after a predetermined period after the first clocking signal, which enables the second sense amplifier to sense data on the input line and complementary input line and write the sensed data to the latch through the second sense amplifier output, and wherein the first and second clocking signals are generated during one read cycle of the memory array.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and circuit for reading a memory array by utilizing dual dynamic sense amplifiers. A first and a second dynamic sense amplifier are connected to an input line and complementary input line. A latch and a clocking circuit are also connected to the two dynamic sense amplifiers. Initially, an equilibrating signal is input into both sense amplifiers. A first clocking signal and a first isolating signal are then input into the first dynamic sense amplifier. The first clocking signal enables the first sense amplifier to read the data on the input and complementary input lines, while the first isolating signal isolates the first sense amplifier from the input and complementary input lines. An output is then provided to the latch based upon the data read by the first sense amplifier. A second clocking signal and a second isolating signal are then input into the second sense amplifier to enable the second sense amplifier to read the data on the input and complementary input lines. The state of the latch may or may not change based upon the data read by the second sense amplifier.
66 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A data sensing circuit for use with a memory array, comprising:
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a latch for holding an output state; a first CMOS dynamic sense amplifier connected to an input line and a complementary input line, and having an output connected to the latch for writing an output state thereto; a second CMOS dynamic sense amplifier connected to the input line and complementary input line, and having an output connected to the latch for writing an output state thereto; and a clocking circuit connected to the first and second sense amplifiers, wherein the clocking circuit generates a first clocking signal which enables the first sense amplifier to sense data on the input line and complementary input line and write the sensed data to the latch through the first sense amplifier output, and wherein the clocking circuit generates a second clocking signal, after a predetermined period after the first clocking signal, which enables the second sense amplifier to sense data on the input line and complementary input line and write the sensed data to the latch through the second sense amplifier output, and wherein the first and second clocking signals are generated during one read cycle of the memory array. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for reading data from a memory array, comprising the steps of:
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applying an equilibrating signal to a first and a second CMOS dynamic sense amplifier in preparation for a single read cycle of the memory array, wherein the first and second sense amplifiers are connected to an input line and a complementary input line; applying a first clocking signal to the first sense amplifier to enable the first sense amplifier to read the data on the input and complementary input lines; isolating the first sense amplifier from the input and complementary input lines when applying the first clocking signal; reading the data on the input and complementary input lines; providing a state to a latch connected to the first and second sense amplifiers as a result of the first sense amplifier reading the data on the input and complementary input lines; after the first clocking signal is applied, applying a second clocking signal to the second sense amplifier to enable the second sense amplifier to read the data on the input and complementary input lines; reading the data on the input and complementary input lines; and providing an output state to the latch as a result of the second sense amplifier reading the data on the input and complementary input lines. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification