Abstract:
A difference amplifier used as a sense amplifier for stored binary data being read from a computer memory. The amplifier includes a pair of cross-coupled transistors, a power source providing an operating voltage for said transistors, and means for intermittently applying said power source to the crosscoupled transistors. Selective application means apply each of the pair of voltage signals to be differentiated from each other to a respective one of the pair of cross-couplings, i.e., the pair of cross-connected regions in the transistors. In the case of reading from binary storage, the voltage signals are applied from the pair of sense lines from the memory storage. The signals are applied during a period when the voltage source is not being applied and, consequently, both of the paired transistors are in the non-conductive state. The signals establish a stored charge in each of the transistors; the difference between these charges will determine which of the transistors assumes the conductive state when the power is subsequently applied.
Abstract:
A read only memory having the capability of being written into once after manufacture. The cells of the memory are capable of being fused or permanently altered by directing a fusing current to the selected cells. The cell is a monolithic semiconductor device comprising a diode to be biased in a forward direction and a diode to be biased in the reverse direction structured so as to form back-to-back diodes. The reverse diode has a lower reverse breakdown voltage than the forward diode, and a metal connection, unconnected to any remaining circuit elements contacts the semiconductor device between diode junctions. The fusing current causes a metal-semiconductor alloy to form and short out the reverse diode.