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:
Oct. 08, 2002
Filed:
Aug. 15, 2001
Antonino Geraci, Monza, IT;
Carlo Lisi, Milan, IT;
Lorenzo Bedarida, Vimercate, IT;
Marco Sforzin, Novedrate, IT;
STMicroelectronics S.R.L., Agrate Brianza, IT;
Abstract
A direct-comparison reading circuit for a nonvolatile memory array having a plurality of memory cells arranged in rows and columns, and at least one bit line, includes at least one array line, selectively connectable to the bit line, and a reference line; a precharging circuit for precharging the array line and reference line at a preset precharging potential; at least one comparator having a first terminal connected to the array line, and a second terminal connected to the reference line; and an equalization circuit for equalizing the potentials of the array line and reference line in the precharging step. In addition, the reading circuit includes an equalization line distinct from the reference line; and controlled switches for connecting, in the precharging step, the equalization line to the array line and to the reference line, and for disconnecting the equalization line from the array line and from the reference line at the end of the precharging step.