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. 28, 2006
Filed:
Jul. 29, 2004
Scott J. Derner, Boise, ID (US);
Stephen R. Porter, Boise, ID (US);
Scot M. Graham, Boise, ID (US);
Ethan A. Williford, Boise, ID (US);
Kevin G. Duesman, Boise, ID (US);
Scott J. Derner, Boise, ID (US);
Stephen R. Porter, Boise, ID (US);
Scot M. Graham, Boise, ID (US);
Ethan A. Williford, Boise, ID (US);
Kevin G. Duesman, Boise, ID (US);
Micron Technology, Inc., Boise, ID (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus is provided for reducing the current in a memory device. Peripheral device control signals are translated to the wordline off voltage level, such as a negative wordline voltage. The translated signals prevent the peripheral devices from conducting current in the wordline off mode, even if a wordline-to-digitline short should occur. The control signals may include a column select signal for a column select device and an active pull-up signal for a sense amplifier, among others. Additionally, an equalization circuit having high and low resistance components is provided for the memory device. The equalization circuit limits current, even if a wordline-to-digitline short occurs.