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. 14, 2015
Filed:
May. 07, 2014
Texas Instruments Incorporated, Dallas, TX (US);
Lakshmikantha V. Holla, Karnataka, IN;
Vinod J. Menezes, Karnataka, IN;
Theodore W. Houston, Richardson, TX (US);
Michael Patrick Clinton, Austin, TX (US);
TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED, Dallas, TX (US);
Abstract
A memory circuit includes a bit cell that receives a word line, complementary bit lines and an array supply voltage; a word line driver coupled to the word line, the word line driver receiving the array supply voltage; and a word line suppression circuit coupled to the word line. The word line suppression circuit includes a diode and a first switch coupled in series and a second switch. The switches are responsive to a control signal. The word line suppression circuit limits a word line voltage to a value lower than the array supply voltage such that the static noise margin (SNM) of the bit cell is increased.