The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 30, 2020
Filed:
Oct. 02, 2019
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, Hsinchu, TW;
Ali Taghvaei, Ontario, CA;
Atul Katoch, Kanata, CA;
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, Hsinchu, TW;
Abstract
Word-line drivers, memories, and methods of operating word-line drivers are provided. A word-line driver coupled to an array of memory cells includes a decoder powered by a first power supply. The decoder is configured to decode an address to provide a plurality of word-line signals. The word-line driver also includes a plurality of output stages powered by a second power supply that is different than the first power supply. Each of the output stages includes a first transistor having a gate controlled by a first control signal and an inverter. The inverter is coupled between the first transistor and a ground and has an input coupled to the decoder to receive one of the word-line signals. The word-line driver also includes pull-down circuitry coupled between the gates of the first transistors and the ground and activated by a second control signal.