Random access memory based buffer memory and associated method utilizing

Abstract

Stored data elements are read from a first-in-first-out (FIFO) buffer memory in a pipelined fashion. A look-ahead fetching technique is utilized during a memory read cycle operation to advance (select) a subsequent data element in preparation for a next read command. Data read in advance is not output, however, until a subsequent read cycle corresponding to a next request for data in the buffer memory. A first data element written into the buffer memory is stored in an initial data register. Upon a first read request, the first data element is output from the initial data register. A first and a second memory array are provided for alternately storing successive ones of data elements written into the buffer memory. While a presently requested data element from the first array is being output, a memory cell in the second array, which contains the next data element to be requested, is selected and sensed, and the sensed value placed on an output line. Upon receipt of a next request, the value maintained on the output line is output, and a memory cell in the first array, containing the next data element to be requested, is selected and sensed, and that sensed value is placed on a different output line. Such a sequence continues for successive read requests, thus forming a pipelined FIFO buffer memory with look-ahead sensing of memory cells.