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:
Jul. 31, 2012
Filed:
Mar. 14, 2008
Chad A. Adams, Byron, MN (US);
George M. Braceras, Essex Junction, VT (US);
Harold Pilo, Underhill, VT (US);
Fred J. Towler, Essex Junction, VT (US);
Chad A. Adams, Byron, MN (US);
George M. Braceras, Essex Junction, VT (US);
Harold Pilo, Underhill, VT (US);
Fred J. Towler, Essex Junction, VT (US);
International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY (US);
Abstract
An apparatus for implementing a write assist for a memory array includes a common discharge node configured to provide a discharge path for precharged write data lines and bit lines selected during a write operation of the memory array; negative boost circuitry configured to introduce a voltage lower than a nominal logic low supply voltage onto the common discharge node following the discharge of the common discharge node, write data lines and bit lines; and a clamping device coupled to the common discharge node, the clamping device configured to limit the magnitude of negative voltage applied to common discharge node by the negative boost circuitry so as to prevent activation of non-selected bit switches.