Methods and apparatus for reducing power consumption in memory circuitry by controlling precharge duration

Abstract

Integrated circuits with volatile random-access memory cells are provided. A memory cell may be coupled to write bit lines and a read bit line. The write bit line may not be coupled to any precharge circuitry. The read bit line may only be precharged during memory access operations. In one suitable arrangement, the read bit line may be precharge immediately after an address decoding operation and before an evaluation phase. In another suitable arrangement, the read bit line may be precharged after an addressing decoding operation and in parallel with the evaluation phase. In either arrangement, a substantial amount of leakage and active power can be reduced.