Abstract:
The present disclosure provides a data storage device that includes a memory cell array and sense circuitry to detect a data value stored to a memory cell of the memory cell array. The data storage device also includes a controller to bias the sense circuitry during a read phase of a write operation to increase the probability that the sense circuitry will detect an opposite value that is opposite from the value being written to the memory cell.
Abstract:
L'invention concerne un circuit de lecture pour lire un état résistif programmé d'éléments résistifs (102) d'une mémoire résistive (101), chaque élément résistif étant programmable pour prendre l'un d'un premier et d'un deuxième état résistif (Rmax, Rmin), le circuit comprenant un intégrateur de courant (122) adapté à intégrer une différence de courant entre un courant de lecture (I R ) passant dans un premier des éléments résistifs et un courant de référence (I REF ) ·
Abstract:
Memory circuits and systems are provided. One memory circuit includes an active memory device, an inactive memory device, and a sense amplifier coupled between the active memory device and the inactive memory device. A reference current is coupled between the inactive memory device and the sense amplifier. The active memory device and the inactive memory device are the same type of memory device and the inactive memory device is a reference device with respect to the active memory device's current. A memory system includes a plurality of the above memory circuit coupled to one another. Methods for sensing current in a memory circuit are also provided. One method includes supplying power to a first memory device and comparing the amount of current in the first memory device and a reference current coupled to a second memory device that is the same type of memory device as the first memory device.
Abstract:
This disclosure provides sense amplifier technology for a memory device that uses multiple sense methods. In one implementation, a memory device is configured with both digital sense circuitry and analog sense circuitry, which can be alternatively or simultaneously used. In another implementation, use of the specific sense circuitry is dependent upon a mode or command. In another embodiment, the specific sense circuitry utilizes is responsive to predetermined tasks. In one contemplated application, a multilevel nonvolatile memory device (e.g., a flash memory device) uses (a) digital sense circuitry during program-verify operations, where it is desired to minimize power and maximize bitline impact and where latency is already to a certain extent fixed by programming operation and (b) analog sense circuitry in responding to read commands, to provide relatively high performance (at the expense of greater power consumption). Different sets of circuits can be used or circuitry can be shared and/or configured for multisense operation, depending on the specific design.
Abstract:
A sensing amplifier (100) for a memory cell comprises a selection stage (102) that outputs one of a reference current (Iref) and a memory cell current (Icell) during a first period and the other of the reference current (Iref) and the memory cell current (Icell) during a second period. The first period and the second period are non-overlapping. An input stage (104) generates a first current based on the one of the reference current (Iref) and the memory cell current (Icell) during the first period and generates a second current based on the other of the reference current (iref) and the memory cell current (Icell) during the second period. A sensing stage (106) senses a first value based on the first current and stores the first value during the first period, senses a second value based on the second current during the second period and compares the first value to the second value.
Abstract:
The memory circuit comprises at least one memory element (T1), a sense amplifier (SA) for sensing a state of the memory element (T1), a switching device (T2) for selectively coupling the sense amplifier (SA) to the memory element (T1), The sense amplifier (SA) comprises a first module (M1) and a second module (M2). The first module (M1) provides a first current limited to a maximum value (Iref+Ibias). The second module (M2) provides a second current which decreases from a value higher than the maximum value at the start of a sensing operation until a value lower than the maximum value at the end of the sensing operation. The memory circuit has a third module (CS2) for sinking a third current (Ibias) at a side of the switching device (T2) coupled to the memory element (T1).
Abstract:
The present invention facilitates more accurate data reads by compensating for parasitic behavior (662) - thus regulating the voltage at the drain (610) of a core memory cell (604) rather than at the output of a sensing circuit. More particularly, respective voltages at one or more nodes (660), such as the start of a bitline at a sensing circuit, for example, are adjusted to compensate for voltage drops that may occur due to parasitic behavior (662). Maintaining the substantially constant voltage levels at core memory cells allows comparisons to be made under ideal conditions while reducing the side leakages in virtual ground schemes. This mitigates margin loss and facilitates more reliable data sensing.
Abstract:
A sense amplifier includes a reference voltage generator for generating a reference output voltage and a core output voltage generator for generating a core output voltage. The core output voltage generator includes a core front-end stage and a core back-end stage or includes a plurality of amplifier transistors each conducting a portion of a core current through a current conducting device such as core cell. The sizes and/or connections of transistors of such components result in high voltage swing and thus high sensitivity of the sense amplifier.
Abstract:
A sense amplifier system for sensing the charge of a charge-storing means (601) comprises a first and second charge reference means (600a, 600b) connected in parallel and similar to the charge-storing means (601) and having respectively opposite polarization. The charge reference means (600a, 600b) and the charge-storing means (601) have a common input node (WL), and first and second pseudo-differential reference sense amplifiers (RSA1, RSA2) are connected with output nodes (RBL1, RBL2) of the charge reference means (600a, 600b) for generating reference signals to a common reference node (CHREF) connected with a pseudo-differential sense amplifier (SA). The pseudo-differential sense amplifier (SA) has a second input for receiving an output signal from the charge-storing means (601) and generates an output signal indicative of a polarization state of the charge-storing means. Another embodiment adapted for sensing the charges of a plurality of charge-storing means (701) and comprising at least two pairs of charge reference means is also described. A non-volatile matrix-addressable memory system comprising an electrical polarizable dielectric memory material exhibiting hysterisis and a sense amplifier system as described is also claimed.
Abstract:
The disclosed memory device is characterised in that the input resistance of the read amplifier may be varied and/or the input connections of the read amplifier may be linked to one or both poles of a voltage source, by means of one or more transistors and/or the read amplifier is also applied in the decoder devices for choosing the memory cell to be read out or to be written.