Abstract:
A device includes a plurality of memory cells of a memory array, a sense amplifier of the memory array, and selection logic of the memory array. The sense amplifier is configured to sense at least one data value from at least one memory cell of the plurality of memory cells. The selection logic is configured to select between causing the sense amplifier to sense the at least one data value using a first sensing delay and causing the sense amplifier to sense the at least one data value using a second sensing delay. The second sensing delay is longer than the first sensing delay.
Abstract:
A circuit includes a plurality of transistors responsive to a plurality of latches that store a test code. The circuit further includes a first bit line coupled to a data cell and coupled to a sense amplifier. The circuit also includes a second bit line coupled to a reference cell and coupled to the sense amplifier. A current from a set of the plurality of transistors is applied to the data cell via the first bit line. The set of the plurality of transistors is determined based on the test code. The circuit also includes a test mode reference circuit coupled to the first bit line and to the second bit line.
Abstract:
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for determining a read voltage threshold 662 for solid-state storage media 110. A data set read module 402 reads a data set from storage cells of solid-state storage media 110. The data set is originally stored in the storage cells with a known bias. A deviation module 404 determines that a read bias for the data set deviates from the known bias. A direction module 406 determines a direction of deviation for the data set. The direction of deviation is based on a difference between the read bias of the data set and the known bias. An adjustment module 408 adjusts a read voltage threshold 662 for the storage cells of the solid-state storage media 110 based on the direction of deviation.
Abstract:
The present invention is a method, circuit and system for determining a reference voltage to be used in reading cells programmed to a given program state. Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a system, method and circuit for establishing a set of operating reference cells to be used in operating (e.g. reading) cells in a NVM block or array. As part of the present invention, at least a subset of cells of the NVM block or array may be read and the number of cells found at a given state associated with the array may be compared to one or more check sum values obtained during programming of the at least a subset of cells. A Read Verify threshold reference voltage associated with the given program state or associated with an adjacent state may be adjusted based on the result of the comparison.
Abstract:
A novel technique for the enhancement of yield and speed of semiconductor integrated circuits using post fabrication transistor mismatch compensation circuitry is proposed. The system comprises of sense amplifier SA, multiplexer MUX, delay elements Delay-1, Delay-2, and provision for hardwiring fast and slow circuits during packaging. The sense amplifier firing path is split into slow and fast path and the multiplexer can select one of these paths. The memory circuits are tested after fabrication to assess whether they could be partitioned as slow or fast circuits and accordingly an appropriate path is selected by the multiplexer.
Abstract:
A memory includes a memory cell, one bitline coupled to the memory cell, a sense amplifier coupled to the one bitline, a timing circuit configured to enable the sense amplifier during a read operation, a control circuit configured to enable the sense amplifier independent of the timing circuit, and a pull-up circuit configured to pull up the one bitline while the sense amplifier is enabled by the control circuit. The method includes enabling a sense amplifier in a read operation by a timing circuit. The sense amplifier is coupled to at least one bitline, and the at least one bitline is coupled to a memory cell. The method further includes enabling the sense amplifier independent of the timing circuit in a second operation and pulling up the at least one bitline by a pull-up circuit while the sense amplifier is enabled in the second operation.
Abstract:
A memory (10) has an array of memory cells (12, 16, 18), a word line driver (36), a sense amplifier (46), and a sense enable circuit (50). Each memory cell has a coupling transistor (20, 22) for coupling a storage portion (26, 28, 30, 32) to a bit line (BL). The coupling transistors have an average threshold voltage and a maximum threshold voltage. The word line driver (36) is coupled to the array and is for enabling a selected row of memory cells in the array. The sense amplifier (46) detects a state of a memory cell (12) in the selected row (WLB) in response to a sense enable signal. The sense enable circuit provides the sense enable signal at a time based on the maximum threshold voltage. This timing enables the sense amplifier (46) sufficiently late for low temperature operation while providing for faster operation at high temperature than would normally be achieved using just the average threshold voltage in providing timing of the sense enable signal.