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:
Jan. 23, 2007
Filed:
May. 04, 2005
Michele LA Placa, Cefalù, IT;
Antonino Mondello, Messina, IT;
Michele La Placa, Cefalù, IT;
Antonino Mondello, Messina, IT;
STMicroelectronics S.r.l., Agrate Brianza, IT;
Abstract
A sense amplifier for reading a non-volatile memory cell includes a bitline current path connected to a non-volatile memory cell to be read, and a reference current path connected to a reference memory cell. A current mirror includes an input transistor and a corresponding input node, and an output transistor and a corresponding output node. The current mirror converts currents in the reference current path and the bitline current path to respective voltages on the input and output nodes. An equalization circuit equalizes the voltages on the input and output nodes of the current mirror and is activated by a command signal. The equalization circuit includes a switch controlled by the command signal, and a diode-connected load transistor connected in parallel to the output transistor of the current mirror and connected to the output node thereof through the switch. A current steering path draws from the bitline current path a current when enabled by the command signal so that the load transistor establishes a desired voltage on the output node.