Multi-Stage Bit Line Pre-Charge for Read Coupling Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory technologies face challenges in achieving high-speed read operations due to untimely pre-charge control signals, leading to anomalous bit cell behavior and data disturbances caused by coupling between bit lines and word lines during read operations, particularly due to process variations and parasitic capacitances.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multi-stage pre-charge circuit with individually controllable first and second pre-charge components, where the first component begins pre-charging before the read operation concludes and the second component takes over after, minimizing coupling and ensuring rapid recharging of bit lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If pre-charge control signal is activated early to enable fast read operations, then read speed is improved, but coupling between bit lines and word lines increases causing anomalous bit cell behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-charge circuit is divided into two distinct stages with separate control signals. The first pre-charge component activates before the read operation to begin charging bit lines, while the second pre-charge component activates after the read operation to complete the charging process. This segmentation allows the system to benefit from early pre-charging for speed while controlling coupling effects through staged activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The first pre-charge component performs preliminary charging of the bit lines before the actual read operation begins. This preliminary action reduces the total pre-charge time needed during the read operation, enabling faster read speeds while the controlled activation timing prevents excessive coupling between bit lines and word lines.
2Device complexity
If single-stage pre-charge circuit is used to simplify device structure, then device complexity is reduced, but pre-charge timing control precision deteriorates leading to data disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-charge circuit is segmented into two independently controllable stages, each with its own control signal. This segmentation enables precise control of pre-charge timing at different phases of the read operation, improving timing control precision while maintaining relatively simple circuit structures through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-charge circuit transitions from a static single-stage design to a dynamic two-stage design where different pre-charge components are activated at different times based on the read operation phase. This dynamic control enables precise timing adjustment to prevent data disturbances while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If pre-charge components are activated simultaneously to simplify control logic, then ease of operation is improved, but anomalous bit cell behavior increases due to timing conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The control logic is segmented into two distinct phases with separate control signals. The first pre-charge component is activated in the first phase before the read operation, while the second pre-charge component is activated in the second phase after the read operation. This segmentation resolves timing conflicts and prevents anomalous bit cell behavior while maintaining straightforward control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-charge components are activated in periodic phases corresponding to the read operation timeline. The first component activates during the pre-read phase, and the second component activates during the post-read phase. This periodic activation pattern ensures reliable bit cell operation by preventing simultaneous activation conflicts.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method are provided for a memory circuit that includes a bit cell responsive to a bit line signal line and a bit line bar signal line configured to store a bit of data. A pre-charge circuit is configured to charge one of the bit line and bit line bar signal lines prior to a read operation, where the pre-charge circuit includes a first pre-charge component and a second pre-charge component, the first and second pre-charge components being individually controllable for charging the bit line and bit line bar signal lines.