Sense Amplifier Selectively Powered Inverters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sense amplifiers in semiconductor memory devices face challenges in achieving improved switching speed and reduced leakage when transitioning from an enabled to a disabled state, with voltage-latched sense amplifiers being more power-efficient but requiring innovative solutions to prevent erroneous outputs during disablement.
Innovation Solution
A sense amplifier design incorporating a latch and two inverters, where the inverters are powered by a sense enable signal, allowing the amplifier to inhibit undesired outputs when in a disable state, thereby preventing erroneous signals and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If voltage-latched sense amplifiers are used, then power consumption is reduced, but erroneous outputs may occur during disablement
Solution Approach 1:
An enable signal is introduced as an intermediary control mechanism that gates the operation of the sense amplifier. The enable signal controls the coupling between the latch output and the bit lines, preventing erroneous outputs during disablement while maintaining the power efficiency of voltage-latched operation
Solution Approach 2:
The sense amplifier transitions from a static always-on design to a dynamic enable-controlled design. The amplifier can be selectively enabled or disabled based on operational needs, allowing it to consume minimal power when disabled while providing full functionality when enabled, thus resolving the contradiction between power consumption and reliable operation
2Reliability
If additional devices are added to inhibit erroneous signals, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The enable signal serves multiple functions simultaneously: it activates the sense amplifier for operation, controls the coupling to bit lines, and prevents erroneous outputs during disablement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate inhibition devices, maintaining reliability while avoiding increased complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The control function for inhibiting erroneous signals is merged into the existing enable signal mechanism. Rather than adding separate inhibition circuitry, the enable signal's control node is strategically positioned to simultaneously perform amplification control and output inhibition, simplifying the overall device structure
Data Source
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AI summary
A sense amplifier includes a first inverter responsive to a first output of a latch. The first inverter is powered by a sense enable signal. The sense amplifier also includes a second inverter responsive to a second output of the latch. The second inverter is also powered by the sense enable signal.