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. 17, 2003
Filed:
Feb. 19, 2002
Toshiki Yamanaka, Ikeda, JP;
Ricoh Company Ltd., Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
A semiconductor memory includes a dummy memory circuit configured to simulate dummy data reading from an applicable dummy memory cell when data reading is performed. The dummy memory circuit may include a plurality of dummy memory cells each selected together with a corresponding memory cell for reading. The dummy memory cell may include pre-fixed complementary data. A dummy bit line pair may be connected to each of the plurality the dummy memory cells. A dummy pre-charge circuit may be provided so as to pre-charge the dummy bit line pair when data reading is performed. A dummy sense amplifier may be provided so as to amplify a potential difference of the dummy bit line pair. The dummy sense amplifier may output a control signal for controlling the semiconductor memory when the potential difference is at a prescribed level.