Bit Line Equalizing Circuit Stair Gate Pattern
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bit line equalizing circuits in sense amplifier circuits for memory cell arrays face challenges in efficiently equalizing bit line voltages within a small occupying area, which affects the pre-charge time and overall performance of memory devices.
Innovation Solution
A bit line equalizing circuit design incorporating one equalizing transistor and multiple pre-charged transistors, sharing a gate pattern with a stair-shaped configuration, allows for efficient voltage equalization between bit lines, optimizing the layout to occupy minimal space and improve pre-charge time characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional bit line equalizing circuits are used, then the equalizing function is achieved, but the occupying area is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple equalizing circuits into a single integrated circuit by sharing common components. Specifically, multiple bit line equalizing circuits share a common first bit line, common second bit line, common equalizing transistor, and common pre-charged transistors, thereby reducing the occupying area while maintaining the equalizing function for multiple bit lines
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the equalizing circuit with universal components that serve multiple functions. The common equalizing transistor and pre-charged transistors are used by multiple equalizing circuits simultaneously, allowing a single set of components to perform equalizing operations across multiple bit line pairs, thus reducing overall circuit area
2Area of stationary object
If the equalizing circuit occupies small area, then space efficiency is improved, but the pre-charge time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-charged transistors that are activated before the equalizing operation to pre-charge the bit lines to a predetermined voltage level. This preliminary action ensures that the bit lines are ready for equalization without extending the actual equalizing time, thus maintaining fast pre-charge characteristics in a compact area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamically controlled transistors whose conductivity is adjusted based on the equalizing signal. The pre-charged transistors are turned on only when needed for pre-charging, and the equalizing transistor is dynamically activated to equalize bit line voltages, enabling the compact circuit to maintain fast response times through dynamic operation rather than static design
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a bit line equalizing circuit including: an active region; a first bit line disposed on the active region in a first direction; a second bit line disposed on the active region in the first direction; a gate pattern including a first pattern disposed on the active region in a second direction crossing the first direction, and a second pattern extended from one side of the first pattern to be disposed in the first direction, and formed in a stair shape; a first contact disposed at one side of the first pattern and one side of the second pattern, and configured to connect the active region and the first bit line; a second contact disposed at one side of the first pattern and the other side of the second pattern, and configured to connect the active region and the second bit line; and a third contact disposed at the other side of the first pattern, and configured to provide a predetermined voltage to the active region.