Multi-port random access memory
First Claim
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1. A multi-port RAM (random access memory) comprising:
- RAM cells of m rows by n columns, each RAM cell including storage means for storing differential binary data, the RAM cells being coupled to respective row and column lines of each port, m and n being integers;
data write means for storing differential binary data in the RAM cells selected by signals on the row and column lines of a port;
data read means for reading the differential binary data stored in the RAM cells selected by signals on the row and column lines of a port; and
voltage driving means for applying a predetermined level voltage onto selected ones of the column lines in a shadow write mode.
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Abstract
Disclosed is an architecture of a RAM (random access memory) with BIST (built-in self test) or functional test function. The RAM has a memory cell for storing differential or single-ended binary data and bit line signals are fully differential or single-ended. Shadow write is applied to read only and read-write bit lines. With the test function, port-to-port bit line shorts and port-to-port word line shorts are sensitized.
88 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A multi-port RAM (random access memory) comprising:
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RAM cells of m rows by n columns, each RAM cell including storage means for storing differential binary data, the RAM cells being coupled to respective row and column lines of each port, m and n being integers;
data write means for storing differential binary data in the RAM cells selected by signals on the row and column lines of a port;
data read means for reading the differential binary data stored in the RAM cells selected by signals on the row and column lines of a port; and
voltage driving means for applying a predetermined level voltage onto selected ones of the column lines in a shadow write mode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
M sets of N voltage application means for each port, M and N being integers, the voltage application means being coupled with the respective column lines; and
activating means for activating at least one selected one of the voltage application means of the respective set in the shadow write mode, so that the activated voltage application means driving the predetermined level voltage onto the column line which is coupled therewith.
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8. The multi-port RAM of claim 7, wherein M is 2 and the activating means alternatively activates one set of the N voltage application means.
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9. The multi-port RAM of claim 8, wherein the voltage application means comprises switching means which causes the respective column line to be the predetermined voltage level, in response to a control signal provided by the activating means.
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10. The multi-port RAM of claim 9, wherein:
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each of the switching means comprises a FET (field effect transistor), the drain-source of which is coupled between the respective column line and a terminal for the predetermined level voltage; and
the control signal is selectively applied to the gates of the FETs.
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11. The multi-port RAM of claim 10, further comprising means for providing the ground level voltage to the terminal for the predetermined level voltage.
Specification