Dynamic Trigger Point Sense Amplifier Circuit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mode sense amplifiers in flash memory circuits face challenges in reducing access time and power consumption during READ operations, particularly due to the need for reference current sources which contribute to power consumption and can lead to issues like reference current settling time and voltage headroom.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a current mode sense amplifier with a dynamic trigger point, where the reference current source is optional, allowing for reduced power consumption by eliminating the need for a reference current source and dynamically adjusting the trigger point to enhance sensing speed and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a reference current source is used in a current mode sense amplifier, then the sensing accuracy is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the reference current source from the sense amplifier circuit, extracting this component to reduce power consumption. The sense amplifier operates by directly comparing the memory cell current with ground potential or a fixed voltage level, eliminating the need for a separate reference current source that would otherwise consume additional power.
Solution Approach 2:
The sense amplifier uses the memory cell's own current characteristics to perform the sensing operation. By configuring the sense amplifier to directly compare the memory cell current with a fixed reference level (ground or fixed voltage), the circuit performs self-sensing without requiring an external reference current source, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining sensing functionality.
2Measurement precision
If a reference current source is used in a current mode sense amplifier, then the sensing accuracy is improved, but the access time increases due to reference current settling time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the reference current source from the sense amplifier circuit, extracting this component to reduce power consumption. The sense amplifier operates by directly comparing the memory cell current with ground potential or a fixed voltage level, eliminating the need for a separate reference current source that would otherwise consume additional power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates the settling time issue by removing the reference current source entirely. Since there is no reference current source to settle, the sense amplifier can immediately begin the sensing operation after the memory cell current is established, effectively performing the comparison action without the preliminary settling delay that would otherwise be required.
3Measurement precision
If a reference current source is used in a current mode sense amplifier, then the sensing accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the reference current source from the sense amplifier circuit, extracting this component to reduce power consumption. The sense amplifier operates by directly comparing the memory cell current with ground potential or a fixed voltage level, eliminating the need for a separate reference current source that would otherwise consume additional power.
Solution Approach 2:
The sense amplifier circuit is designed to perform multiple functions using a simplified architecture. By removing the reference current source and using a fixed voltage level or ground as the reference, the same circuit structure can sense different memory cell states without requiring additional components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining sensing accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A sense amplifier circuit comprises a first inverter configured to provide a first trigger point during a pre-charge stage of a READ operation of a memory cell and provide a second trigger point either lower or higher than the first trigger point during a sense stage of the READ operation of the memory cell. The sense amplifier circuit further comprises a plurality of inverters coupled between an output of the first inverter and an output of the sense amplifier and a pre-charge device. The sense amplifier circuit having a dynamic trigger point can deliver faster data access time as well as less power consumption.