Continuous Memory Page Read via Sense Amplifier Overlap

The patent applies preliminary action by activating sense amplifiers for subsequent pages during the read operation of the current page. This prepares the sensing circuitry in advance for the next page read operation, eliminating the time delay that would otherwise occur between sequential page reads. The sense amplifiers are pre-configured and ready to immediately sense data from the next page without waiting for the current read to complete.

The patent implements continuity of useful action by overlapping the read operations of multiple pages. While the first page is being read, the sense amplifiers are simultaneously activated for the second page, creating a continuous pipeline of read operations. This eliminates idle time between page reads and maintains continuous data throughput from the memory device.

The patent applies universality by making the existing read circuitry multi-functional. The same sense amplifiers and read circuitry used for single page reads are also activated to handle subsequent pages in a continuous read sequence. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated circuitry or additional pins for burst read operations, achieving high throughput using existing components.

The patent implements self-service by enabling the memory device to automatically continue reading subsequent pages without requiring external control signals or additional pins. Once initiated, the continuous read process automatically progresses through multiple pages using the existing address and control infrastructure, eliminating the need for external burst read control mechanisms.