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:
Aug. 01, 2006
Filed:
Jun. 22, 2004
Anita X. Meng, Los Altos, CA (US);
Eric H. Voelkel, Ben Lomond, CA (US);
Anita X. Meng, Los Altos, CA (US);
Eric H. Voelkel, Ben Lomond, CA (US);
Other;
Abstract
A sense amplifier for a content addressable memory (CAM) device can utilize charge sharing between a match line and a pseudo-supply line to indicate a mis-match indication. A sense amplifier () can include match line () that can be precharged to a high supply potential (VCC), a sense node (), and a pseudo-VSS (PVSS) line () that can be precharged to a low supply potential (VSS). In a match result, match line () can remain precharged, keeping sense device (P) turned off, and sense node () remains low, generating a low output signal (SAOUT). In a mis-match result, match line () and sense node () can be equalized. A resulting drop in match line () potential can turn on sense device (P), and sense node () can be pulled high. As a result, output signal (SAOUT) can be driven high.