A method for determining a resultant data word when accessing memory cells includes reading a set of memory cells, and determining first and second data words therefrom. Each memory cell is assigned a component of the first and second data words. The first and second data words for the respective memory cell assume a first value if a first comparison with a first reference value and a second comparison with a second reference value show that the two reference values are greater and assume a second value if the first comparison with the first reference value and the second comparison with the second reference value show that the two reference values are smaller. The first and second data words assume at least one third value if niether condition is satisfied. The resultant data word is determined based on the first or second data words. A corresponding device is also proposed.

Technology for reading reversible resistivity cells in a memory array when using a current-force read is disclosed. The memory cells are first read using a current-force referenced read. If the current-force referenced read is successful, then results of the current-force referenced read are returned. If the current-force referenced read is unsuccessful, then a current-force self-referenced read (SRR) is performed and results of the current-force SRR are returned. The current-force referenced read provides a very fast read of the memory cells and can be successful in most cases. The current-force SRR provides a more accurate read in the event that the current-force referenced read is not successful. Moreover, the current-force referenced read may use less power than the current-force SRR. In an aspect this mixed current-force read is used for MRAM cells, which are especially challenging to read.

The disclosed invention presents a self-tracking reference circuit that compensates for IR drops and achieves the target resistance state at different temperatures after write operations. The disclosed self-tracking reference circuit includes a replica access path, a configurable resistor network, a replica selector mini-array and a step current generator that track PVT variations to provide a PVT tracking level for RRAM verify operation.

A circuit includes an array of OTP cells, an array of NVM cells, an amplifier coupled to each of the array of OTP cells and the array of NVM cells, and a control circuit configured to generate one or more control signals. Responsive to the one or more control signals, the amplifier is configured to generate an output voltage based on a current received from the array of OTP cells in a first configuration, and generate the output voltage based on a voltage received from the array of NVM cells in a second configuration.

A system and method for operating a memory cell is provided. A non-volatile memory storage device includes an array of memory cells of differential or single-ended type. In an embodiment, a regulator is coupled to a sense amplifier. The regulator is configured to generate a voltage to gate terminals of one or two transistors of the sense amplifier. In the differential type, the voltage is generated such that the first bias current and the second bias current have a current value equal to the sum of a maximum current flowing in a memory cell being in a RESET state and a fixed current. In the single-ended type, the regulated voltage is generated such that the first bias current and the second bias current have a current value equal to the sum of a fixed current and the reference current generated by the reference current source across temperature.

Cross-point arrays and methods of updating values of the same include input resistive processing units (RPUs), each having a settable resistance, each connected to a common node. Output RPUs each have a settable resistance and are each connected to the common node. An update switch is configured to connect an update voltage to the common node.

A sense amplifier reference is generated with the same memory cell columns as data cells in order to match signal paths between the data and reference signals. Each row of data memory cells may have a corresponding set of reference cells, which greatly reduces the number of data cells supported by a reference, and in turn reduces the impact of process variations. A memory array may include data columns, a first reference column in the memory array configured to provide a logic 0 reference signal, and a second reference column in the memory array configured to provide a logic 1 reference signal. A circuit is configured to combine at least the logic 0 reference signal and the logic 1 reference signal to generate a reference signal for a sense amplifier to identify the data signal provided from the data columns.

The present invention is directed to a nonvolatile memory device including a plurality of memory cells arranged in rows and columns, a plurality of word lines with each connected to a respective row of the memory cells along a row direction, a plurality of bit lines with each connected to a respective column of the memory cells along a column direction; a column decoder connected to the bit lines; a plurality of sense amplifiers connected to the column decoder; and a plurality of sense amplifier control circuits. Each of the sense amplifiers is connected to a unique one of the sense amplifier control circuits. Each of the sense amplifier control circuits includes a current detector circuit for detecting a sensing current, a current booster circuit for boosting the sensing current, and a timer circuit for providing a delayed trigger for a respective one of the sense amplifiers connected thereto.

A memory device and a method of operating the same. The memory device includes a memory cell array including a plurality of memory cells disposed in an area where a plurality of word lines and a plurality of bit lines cross each other; a row decoder including row switches and configured to perform a selection operation on the plurality of word lines; a column decoder including column switches and configured to perform a selection operation on the plurality of bit lines; and a control logic configured to control, in a data read operation, a precharge operation to be performed on a selected word line in a word line precharge period, and to control a precharge operation to be performed on a selected bit line in a bit line precharge period; wherein a row switch connected to the selected word line is weakly turned on in the bit line precharge period.

The disclosed invention presents a self-tracking reference circuit that compensates for IR drops and achieves the target resistance state at different temperatures after write operations. The disclosed self-tracking reference circuit includes a replica access path, a configurable resistor network, a replica selector mini-array and a step current generator that track PVT variations to provide a PVT tracking level for RRAM verify operation.