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. 01, 2008
Filed:
Jun. 29, 2005
Shigemasa Ito, Kawasaki, JP;
Shigemasa Ito, Kawasaki, JP;
Fujitsu Limited, Kawasaki, JP;
Abstract
When it is judged that real bit lines connected to real memory cells are liable to be connected to adjacent circuit elements to be electrically short-circuited, dummy bit lines are connected to voltage lines which supply voltages to the circuit elements. For example, the dummy bit lines are directly connected to a negative voltage line via a connection wiring line. Alternatively, the dummy bit lines are selectively connected to any one of internal voltage lines. Even when the dummy bit lines are connected to the adjacent circuit elements to be electrically short-circuited, a leak can be prevented from occurring between the dummy bit lines and the circuit elements. Since the leak can be prevented, internal voltage generators can be prevented from uselessly operating and a standby current can be prevented from increasing. As a result, the yield of the semiconductor memory can be enhanced.