Method and circuit for reducing defect current from array element failures in random access memories
First Claim
1. A memory circuit, comprising:
- a plurality of sense amplifier circuits having a predetermined pitch in a first direction; and
a plurality of programmable element controlled devices, each programmable element controlled device fitting within the pitch and isolating at least one associated bitline from a corresponding sense amplifier circuit when disabled.
2 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
A defect current contribution elimination technique may be suitable for dynamic random access memories (DRAMs) and other memory devices. A defect current can be eliminated by using an isolation circuit (106) between bitlines (102-0 and 102-1) and an associated sense amplifier circuit (104). Isolation circuit (106) can be controlled by programmable elements, such as fusible links, which are blown at wafer test to isolate the defective bitlines from the sense amplifier circuit. Isolated, defective bitlines may initially float, but based upon the type of defect, such bitlines can be resistively tied to another element, and as a result no DC current will flow. According to another implementation, controllable devices are placed between wordlines (206) and the wordline driver circuits (226-y). A current path through a defective wordline can be similarly cut-off.
24 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A memory circuit, comprising:
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a plurality of sense amplifier circuits having a predetermined pitch in a first direction; and a plurality of programmable element controlled devices, each programmable element controlled device fitting within the pitch and isolating at least one associated bitline from a corresponding sense amplifier circuit when disabled. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A circuit for reducing defect induced standby current in a memory device, comprising:
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a plurality of first conductive lines parallel to one another, each first conductive line coupled to a plurality of memory cells in a memory cell array; a plurality of first circuits arranged on at least one side of the memory array, each first circuit being associated with at least one associated first conductive line and having a same first pitch in a first direction; and a plurality of first isolation circuits, each first isolation circuit permanently isolating a corresponding first circuit from the associated at least one first conductive line when activated and fitting within the first pitch. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification