Abstract:
A sense amplifier is provided with a pair of first pull-up transistors that are configured to charge a corresponding pair of output terminals while a delayed sense enable signal is not asserted and to stop charging the corresponding pair of output terminals while the delayed sense enable signal is asserted.
Abstract:
A sense amplifier is provided that includes a skewed latch that latches a voltage difference developed responsive to a read operation on an accessed memory cell. The skewed latch includes a loaded logic gate that is cross-coupled with an unloaded logic gate. The loaded logic gate drives the unloaded logic gate and an output transistor whereas the unloaded logic gate drives only the loaded logic gate.
Abstract:
A memory is provided with a plurality of column groups and two redundant column groups. If there are two defective columns in the plurality of column groups, the plurality of column groups may be divided into a no-shift region, a one-shift region, and a two-shift region. The memory includes a plurality of input/output circuits corresponding to the plurality of column groups. Each input/output circuit may provide a data input signal during a write operation and receive a data output signal during a read operation. Each input/output circuit also includes a switch matrix. In the no-shift region, the switch matrix couples the input/output circuit to a core in the corresponding column group. In the one-shift region, the switch matrix couples the input/output circuit to a core in a subsequent column group. In the two-shift region, the switch matrix couples the input/output circuit to a core in a next-to-subsequent column group.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatuses having an improved write assist scheme are presented. An apparatus includes a power supply node configured to provide power from a power supply to one memory cell to store data; a bitline configured to provide write data to the one memory cell in a write operation; and a discharge circuit configured to selectively discharge the power supply node to the bitline, based on the write data. A method to write into a memory cell with a write assist scheme includes providing power from a power supply to one memory cell via a power supply node, to store data; providing write data to the one memory cell via a bitline in a write operation; and discharging, selectively based on the write data, the power supply node to the bitline.
Abstract:
A memory is provided that is configured to practice both a normal read operation and also a burst mode read operation. A column multiplexer selects from a plurality of columns using a pair of pass transistor for each column. The column multiplexer drives a true input node and a complement input node of an output data latch.
Abstract:
A bitcell architecture for a pseudo-triple-port memory is provided that includes a a bitcell arranged on a semiconductor substrate, the bitcell defining a bitcell width and a bitcell height and including a first access transistor and a second access transistor. A first metal layer adjacent the semiconductor substrate is patterned to form a pair of local bit lines arranged within the bitcell width. The pair of local bit lines includes a local bit line coupled to a terminal of the first access transistor and includes a complement local bit line coupled to a terminal of the second access transistor.
Abstract:
A method for a memory subsystem redundancy with priority decoding is described. The method includes dynamically repairing a local input/output (IO) unit of a first memory subsystem bank based on a current redundancy fuse input pattern of the first memory subsystem bank. The method also includes concurrently generating a redundancy shift signal in each global IO based on the current redundancy fuse input pattern to shift the repaired local IO unit and lower order local IO units of the first memory subsystem bank relative to the repaired local IO unit.
Abstract:
According to certain aspects, a method includes receiving an input test signal at a test input, receiving an event signal, and passing the input test signal to a test output or blocking the input test signal from the test output based on the event signal. In certain aspects, the event signal indicates an occurrence of an event in a circuit block (e.g., a memory, a processor, or another type of circuit block). The event may include a precharge operation, opening of input latches, reset of a self-time loop, arrival of a data value at a flop in a signal path, an interrupt signal indicating an error or failure in the circuit block, or another type of event.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for memory built-in self-test (MBIST) may be configured to load a testing program from an MBIST controller, execute the testing program, and determine and write pass/fail results to a read-out register. For example, in various embodiments, the testing program may comprise one or more write operations that are configured to change data stored in a plurality of memory bitcells from a first value to a second value while a byte enable signal is asserted in order to test stability associated with a memory bitcell, create DC and AC noise due to byte enable mode stress, check at-speed byte enable mode timing, and execute a self-checking algorithm that may be designed to verify whether data is received at a data input (Din) pin. Any memory bitcells storing a value different from an expected value after performing the write operation(s) may be identified as having failed the MBIST.
Abstract:
A circuit including an output node and a cross-coupled pair of semiconductor devices configured to provide, at the output node, an output signal in a second voltage domain based on an input signal in a first voltage domain is described herein. The circuit further includes a pull-up assist circuit coupled to the output node; and a look-ahead circuit coupled to the pull-up assist circuit, wherein the look-ahead circuit is configured to cause the pull-up assist circuit to assist in increasing a voltage level at the output node when there is a decrease in a voltage level of an inverted output signal in the second voltage domain from a high voltage level of the second voltage domain to a low voltage level of the second voltage domain.