Abstract:
This specification describes a comparator for comparing memory sense signals with a reference potential and for providing an output indicative of whether the sense signals are larger or smaller than the reference potential. The comparator includes a differential circuit that compares the output of a signal amplifier, for the sense signals, to the voltage drop across a forward biased diode. Simultaneously, the output of a model or reference amplifier, which amplifies the reference potential is compared to the diode voltage drop and the output levels of the model amplifier and the signal amplifier are simultaneously adjusted by a feedback network until the output of the model amplifier is equal to the diode voltage drop. The model and sense amplifiers are practically identical in design and are produced on the same monolithic chip so that the comparison by the differential circuit indicates whether or not the signal on the sense line exceeds the reference potential.