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:
Nov. 20, 2001
Filed:
Oct. 11, 2000
Antonino Conte, Tremestieri Etneo, IT;
Maurizio Gaibotti, Cesano Maderno, IT;
STMicroelectronics S.r.l., Agrate Brianza, IT;
Abstract
A memory read amplifier circuit includes at least one memory cell to be read and a bit line connected thereto, a first pre-charge amplifier circuit connected to the bit line. A first cascode circuit is connected between a supply voltage and the memory cell for providing a first current to the memory cell. The memory read amplifier circuit also includes at least one reference memory cell and a reference bit line connected thereto, and a second pre-charge amplifier circuit connected to the reference bit line. A second cascode circuit is connected between the supply voltage and the reference memory cell for providing a second current to the reference memory cell. A differential comparator circuit having a first input is connected to the control terminal of the first cascode circuit for receiving a first voltage based upon the first current, and a second input connected to the control terminal of the second cascode circuit for receiving a second voltage based upon the second current. The differential comparator circuit compares the first and second voltages for providing a logic value relegates to a state of the memory cell to be read.