Dual Mode Sense Amplifier for Leakage Testing and Read Debug
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sense amplifiers in memory circuits are either power inefficient and slow or unsuitable for measuring low leakage currents, leading to incorrect data reading due to sensitivity to input differential signals and timing issues.
Innovation Solution
A dual mode sense amplifier circuit with a configuration selector, differential signal generator, and controllable input node, allowing operation in both latch and linear modes to enable high-speed, low-power data reading and leakage testing, with debug capabilities to correct polarity errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a latch based sense amplifier is used to achieve high speed and low power, then speed and power efficiency are improved, but it becomes unsuitable for measuring very low leakage current due to sensitivity to input differential signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a reconfigurable sense amplifier that can dynamically switch between latch mode and linear mode based on the measurement requirements. The circuit includes switchable feedback paths and configurable transistor connections that allow transition between high-speed latch operation and precise leakage measurement linear operation, resolving the contradiction between speed/power efficiency and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the sense amplifier by adjusting feedback coefficients and gain settings. The linear mode operates with different feedback parameters compared to latch mode, enabling precise measurement of small leakage currents while maintaining the ability to switch to high-speed latch mode when leakage measurement is not required.
2Speed
If a latch based sense amplifier is used, then high speed operation is achieved, but it reads incorrect data when sense timing is incorrect due to incorrect polarity at input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the input differential signal polarity and timing. The linear mode provides feedback about the sensed values, allowing the system to detect and correct timing errors. The reconfigurable feedback paths enable the amplifier to adjust its operation based on detected signal conditions, ensuring reliable data reading even when timing is not optimal.
Solution Approach 2:
The sense amplifier performs preliminary signaling and validation before final data latching. The linear mode can pre-sense the differential signal and validate polarity correctness before committing to a latched output, preventing incorrect data reading due to timing errors while maintaining high-speed operation when timing is correct.
3Measurement precision
If a conventional linear sense amplifier is used, then leakage measurement capability is maintained, but it draws more current and is slower compared to latch amplifier
Solution Approach 1:
The reconfigurable sense amplifier dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on measurement requirements. When leakage measurement is not needed, the circuit switches to compact latch mode with lower power consumption. When leakage measurement is required, it reconfigures to linear mode with appropriate gain and feedback settings, optimizing the trade-off between measurement precision and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal sense amplifier that can perform multiple functions: high-speed data reading in latch mode and precise leakage current measurement in linear mode. The same physical circuit implements both functions by reconfiguring transistor connections and feedback paths, eliminating the need for separate amplifiers and reducing overall power consumption compared to always operating in linear mode.
4Measurement precision
If a conventional linear sense amplifier is used, then it is suitable for measuring low leakage current, but it is slower in terms of access time
Solution Approach 1:
The sense amplifier dynamically switches between linear mode for precise leakage measurement and latch mode for high-speed operation. The reconfigurable circuit allows the system to select the appropriate mode based on the measurement task, achieving both high precision when needed and fast access time when performing standard read operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically switches between measurement modes based on operational requirements. During normal high-speed operation, the latch mode is active. When leakage measurement is required, the system transitions to linear mode, performs the measurement, then returns to latch mode, creating a periodic pattern of mode switching that optimizes both speed and precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a high speed and power efficient dual mode sense amplifier circuit, which comprises a configuration selector further comprising a read amplifier, a debug circuit and a backup read circuit. The dual mode sense amplifier circuit also comprises a controllable input node further comprising an enabling circuit, the controllable input node being coupled to the configuration selector and the dual mode sense amplifier circuit comprises a differential signal generator further comprising a reference signal source, the differential signal generator is coupled to the controllable input node. A method of dual mode sensing and other embodiments are also disclosed.