Patent classifications
G11C7/08
Domain-based access in a memory device
Methods, systems, and devices related to domain-based access in a memory device are described. In one example, a memory device in accordance with the described techniques may include a memory array, a sense amplifier array, and a signal development cache configured to store signals (e.g., cache signals, signal states) associated with logic states (e.g., memory states) that may be stored at the memory array (e.g., according to various read or write operations). The memory array may be organized according to domains, which may refer to various configurations or collections of access lines, and selections thereof, of different portions of the memory array. In various examples, a memory device may determine a plurality of domains for a received access command, or an order for accessing a plurality of domains for a received access command, or combinations thereof, based on an availability of the signal development cache.
Multi-sense amplifier based access to a single port of a memory cell
A memory device includes a memory array of memory cells, wordlines and bitlines connected to the memory cells, a first read multiplexor and a second read multiplexor connected to the bitlines, a first sense amplifier connected to the first read multiplexor, a second sense amplifier connected to the second read multiplexor, a first data path connected to the first sense amplifier, and a second data path connected to the second sense amplifier. Each of the memory cells is connected to only one pair of the bitlines and only one of the wordlines. The first read multiplexor is adapted to connect the first sense amplifier to the bitlines during a first portion of a clock cycle and the second read multiplexor is adapted to connect the second sense amplifier to the bitlines during a second portion of a clock cycle that is different from the first portion of the clock cycle.
Multi-sense amplifier based access to a single port of a memory cell
A memory device includes a memory array of memory cells, wordlines and bitlines connected to the memory cells, a first read multiplexor and a second read multiplexor connected to the bitlines, a first sense amplifier connected to the first read multiplexor, a second sense amplifier connected to the second read multiplexor, a first data path connected to the first sense amplifier, and a second data path connected to the second sense amplifier. Each of the memory cells is connected to only one pair of the bitlines and only one of the wordlines. The first read multiplexor is adapted to connect the first sense amplifier to the bitlines during a first portion of a clock cycle and the second read multiplexor is adapted to connect the second sense amplifier to the bitlines during a second portion of a clock cycle that is different from the first portion of the clock cycle.
SENSE AMPLIFIER, MEMORY DEVICE AND OPERATION METHOD THEREOF
A sense amplifier of a memory device that includes sense amplifier circuits and a reference sharing circuit is introduced. The sense amplifier circuits are configured to sense the plurality of bit lines according to an enable signal. The reference sharing circuit includes first switches and second switches that are coupled to the reference nodes and second reference nodes of the sense amplifier circuits, respectively. The first switches and second switches are controlled according to a control signal to control a first electrical connection among the first reference nodes, and to control a second electrical connection among the second reference nodes. An operation method of the sense amplifier and a memory device including the sense amplifier are also introduced.
SENSE AMPLIFIER, MEMORY DEVICE AND OPERATION METHOD THEREOF
A sense amplifier of a memory device that includes sense amplifier circuits and a reference sharing circuit is introduced. The sense amplifier circuits are configured to sense the plurality of bit lines according to an enable signal. The reference sharing circuit includes first switches and second switches that are coupled to the reference nodes and second reference nodes of the sense amplifier circuits, respectively. The first switches and second switches are controlled according to a control signal to control a first electrical connection among the first reference nodes, and to control a second electrical connection among the second reference nodes. An operation method of the sense amplifier and a memory device including the sense amplifier are also introduced.
TIME-INTERLEAVING SENSING SCHEME FOR PSEUDO DUAL-PORT MEMORY
The present invention provides a pseudo dual-port memory. The pseudo dual-port memory includes a single-port memory, a multiplexer, a timing control circuit and an output circuit. The multiplexer is configured to sequentially output a first address and a second address to the single-port memory. The output circuit is configured to receive output data from the single-port memory to generate a first reading result corresponding to the first address and a second reading result corresponding to the second address. The output circuit includes a first sense amplifier and a second sense amplifier, wherein the first sense amplifier receives the output data to generate first data serving as the first reading result according to a first control signal, and the second sense amplifier receives the output data to generate second data serving as the second reading result according to a second control signal.
CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR ADJUSTING TIMING OF SENSE AMPLIFIER ENABLE SIGNAL, AND SENSE ENABLE CIRCUIT AND METHOD FOR ENABLING SENSE AMPLIFIER
A sense enable circuit for enabling a sense amplifier is provided. The sense enable circuit includes a signal generator circuit, a group of reference memory cells and a control circuit. The signal generator circuit is configured to generate a sense amplifier enable signal according to a trigger signal. The sense amplifier is enabled by the sense amplifier enable signal to sense data stored in a memory cell. Each reference memory cell is coupled to a reference wordline and a reference bitline. The reference wordline is activated in response to activation of a wordline coupled to the memory cell. The reference memory cell is configured to, in response to activation of the reference wordline, couple a first reference signal to the reference bitline. The control circuit is configured to adjust a signal level of the reference bitline, and generate the trigger signal according to the signal level of the reference bitline.
CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR ADJUSTING TIMING OF SENSE AMPLIFIER ENABLE SIGNAL, AND SENSE ENABLE CIRCUIT AND METHOD FOR ENABLING SENSE AMPLIFIER
A sense enable circuit for enabling a sense amplifier is provided. The sense enable circuit includes a signal generator circuit, a group of reference memory cells and a control circuit. The signal generator circuit is configured to generate a sense amplifier enable signal according to a trigger signal. The sense amplifier is enabled by the sense amplifier enable signal to sense data stored in a memory cell. Each reference memory cell is coupled to a reference wordline and a reference bitline. The reference wordline is activated in response to activation of a wordline coupled to the memory cell. The reference memory cell is configured to, in response to activation of the reference wordline, couple a first reference signal to the reference bitline. The control circuit is configured to adjust a signal level of the reference bitline, and generate the trigger signal according to the signal level of the reference bitline.
SENSE AMPLIFIER CONTROL
A sense amplifier control system includes a precharge control switch configured to receive a precharge signal. A reference cell is configured to receive a reference word line signal. In a precharge phase, the control switch is controlled in response to the precharge signal to precharge the reference input node to a predetermined precharge level. In a sensing phase subsequent to the pre-charge phase, the trigger circuit is configured to output a triggering signal at the output terminal in response to the reference input node reaching a triggering level.
ACCESS TO A MEMORY
In a method for accessing memory cells, a first read operation is performed on a first memory cell to read a first data value from the first memory cell. During the first read operation, a first variable current source provides a first assessment current having a first current level to a first bitline coupled to the first memory cell. A second read operation is performed on the first memory cell to read a second data value from the first memory cell. During the second read operation, the first variable current source manipulates the first current level to provide a second current level to the first bitline. A difference between the first current level and the second current level is based on whether the first data value that was read during the first read operation was a first data state or a second data state.