Abstract:
Method and apparatus for use with multi-bank Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM) circuits, modules, and memory systems are disclosed. In one described embodiment, an SDRAM circuit receives a bank address to be used in an auto-refresh operation, and performs the auto-refresh operation on the specified bank and for a current refresh row. The device is allowed to enter a self-refresh mode before auto-refresh operations have been completed for all banks and the current refresh row. The memory device completes refresh operations for the current refresh row before proceeding to perform self-refresh operations for new rows. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
Abstract:
Integrated circuit memory devices include a memory cell array that is configured to write N data bits in parallel and a write data path that is configured to serially receive 2N data bits from an external terminal. The write data path includes 2N write data buffers that are configured to store the 2N data bits, 2N switches, and N data lines that are configured to connect at least N of the 2N switches to the memory cell array to write therein N data bits in parallel. A reduced number of local data lines and/or global data lines may be provided.
Abstract:
A layout of a bit line sensing control circuit for a semiconductor memory device includes two bit line pairs extending in a first direction. A power contact is arranged between the two bit line pairs. A power gate is arranged around the power contact. A plurality of sense transistors respectively have a plurality of sense transistor gates. The plurality of sense transistor gates are arranged around the power gate. A pair of control line contacts is arranged in a second direction at an adjacent location outside the two bit line pairs. A control line extends in the second direction and is connected to the power gate through the pair of control line contacts. A power line extends in the second direction adjacent to the control line and is connected to an active area surrounded by the power gate through the power contact.
Abstract:
Integrated circuit memory devices include a rectangular integrated circuit memory device substrate that includes a pair of short sides, a pair of long sides and a pair of opposing faces. The substrate also includes an array of memory cells and peripheral circuits therein. A plurality of spaced apart rows of input/output pads on one of the faces extend parallel to the short sides. The face is free of (i.e. does not include) a row of input/output pads that extends parallel to the long sides. The input/output pads are preferably arranged on the integrated circuit memory device substrate, relative to the circuits in the integrated circuit memory device substrate. More specifically, the integrated circuit memory device includes a plurality of memory cell array blocks, first decoder blocks and second decoder blocks in the substrate. A respective first decoder block extends parallel to the short sides adjacent a respective memory cell array block and opposite a short side. A respective second decoder block extends parallel to the long sides, between adjacent memory cell array blocks. The plurality of input/output pads are included between the short sides and the memory cell array blocks adjacent thereto and between the first decoder blocks.
Abstract:
A data output circuit of a semiconductor memory circuit with pull-up and pull-down transistors for outputting data through complementary switching operation, comprising a pre-charge means for pre-charging a pair of data signals read from a memory cell having a given voltage level in a first operational mode, a switching means for connecting the output signal of the pre-charge means amplified to the gates of the pull-up and pull-down transistors, and an enable circuit for connecting the output signal of the switching means to the gates of the pull-up and pull-down transistors in a second operational mode. The switching means is a level change circuit to control the pull-up and pull-down transistors, which are data output drivers, by employing a constant voltage source to provide a voltage rise Vpp increased over the source voltage level Vcc of an integrated circuit before enabling the integrated circuit. The first and second operational mode respectively represent the disabling and enabling of the data output circuit to output the data.
Abstract:
A stacked semiconductor apparatus and method of fabricating same are disclosed. The apparatus includes upper and lower semiconductor devices having a similar pattern of connection elements. When stacked connected the resulting plurality of semiconductor devices includes a serial connection path traversing the stack, and may also include parallel connection paths, back-side mounted large components, and vertical thermal conduits.
Abstract:
Provided is a memory device having a first switch configured to receive a first CSL signal to input or output data. A second switch is configured to receive a second CSL signal. A sensing and latch circuit (SLC) is coupled between the first and second switches. And at least one memory cell is coupled to the second switch. The second switch is configured to control timing of read or write operations of the at least one memory cell in response to the second CSL signal, e.g., where a read operation can be performed in not more than about 5 ns. The SLC operates as a latch in a write mode and as an amplifier in a read mode. The memory device may comprise part of a memory system or other apparatus including such memory device or system. Methods of performing read and write operations using such memory device are also provided.
Abstract:
A stacked semiconductor apparatus and method of fabricating same are disclosed. The apparatus includes upper and lower semiconductor devices having a similar pattern of connection elements. When stacked connected the resulting plurality of semiconductor devices includes a serial connection path traversing the stack, and may also include parallel connection paths, back-side mounted large components, and vertical thermal conduits.
Abstract:
A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array, a mode register set and a test circuit. The memory cell array includes a plurality of wordlines, a plurality of bitlines, and a plurality of spin-transfer torque magneto-resistive random access memory (STT-MRAM) cells, and each STT-MRAM cell disposed in a cross area of each wordline and bitline, and the STT-MRAM cell includes a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) element and a cell transistor. The MTJ element includes a free layer, a barrier layer and a pinned layer. A gate of the cell transistor is coupled to a wordline, a first electrode of the cell transistor is coupled to a bitline via the MTJ element, and a second electrode of the cell transistor is coupled to a source line. The mode register set is configured to set a test mode, and the test circuit is configured to perform a test operation by using the mode register set.
Abstract:
A method of operating a memory device includes masking at least one bank among a plurality of banks in response to a mode register writing command; and performing a refresh operation on a plurality of rows in one of unmasked banks in response to a first per-bank refresh command.