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. 28, 2003
Filed:
Jan. 07, 2002
Chih-Kang Chiu, Hsinchu, TW;
Faraday Technology Corp., Hsinchu, TW;
Abstract
An apparatus for reading a ROM device. A ROM memory cell's value is determined by comparing the output current from the circuit with a reference current. The output current from a memory cell is outputted to a current conveyor with a reference current and then inputted to a difference sense amplifier which compares the output current with the reference current and amplifies the difference. If a memory cell is programmed the transistor in the memory cell will draw current away from the current source reducing the output current. This will cause the programmed memory cell current to be of a lesser value than a reference current. If a memory cell has been programmed the transistor will not draw any current and therefore the output current will be a greater value than the reference current. Two extra transistors can be added to adjust the current level on reference bitline.