Sense Amplifier Latch Circuit Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor memory devices face challenges in reducing memory cell access time due to the need for additional circuitry to manage signal timing and transistor mismatch, leading to increased circuit area and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of sensing circuitry that automatically stores sensed data from a sense amplifier's output node using internal node signals, eliminating the need for a separate latch control signal and associated circuitry, thereby simplifying timing management and reducing transistor mismatch concerns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional circuitry (inverters, control signals) is added to manage latch timing and transistor mismatch, then reliability and timing precision improve, but device complexity and circuit area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the latch control function with the sense amplifier enable signal by using the same signal for both purposes. The sense amplifier enable signal simultaneously controls the sense amplifier operation and the latch timing, eliminating the need for separate control circuitry. This merging approach maintains reliable timing without requiring additional inverters or control signals, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sense amplifier enable signal is given multiple functions: it controls both the sense amplifier operation and the latch control. By making this signal universal, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated latch control circuitry while maintaining proper timing margins. This multi-functionality approach reduces circuit area while preserving reliability.
2Measurement precision
If additional circuitry (inverters, control signals) is added to manage latch timing and transistor mismatch, then timing precision improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the latch control function with the existing sense amplifier enable signal, eliminating the need for separate control circuitry. This merging reduces the number of active components that consume power while maintaining precise timing control, thus resolving the contradiction between timing precision and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch circuit uses the sense amplifier enable signal itself to control its operation, making the system self-regulating. The same signal that enables the sense amplifier also controls the latch timing, eliminating the need for additional power-consuming control circuitry while maintaining precise timing.
3Measurement precision
If additional circuitry (inverters, control signals) is added to manage timing, then timing control improves, but memory access time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the latch control function with the sense amplifier enable signal, eliminating intermediate control stages. By using the same signal for both sense amplifier control and latch timing, the patent removes additional inverter stages and control signal paths that would introduce delay, thus maintaining precise timing control while reducing memory access time.
4Device complexity
If sense amplifier enable signal is used directly for latch control without separate control signal, then device complexity and power consumption reduce, but timing margin maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the latch control function with the sense amplifier enable signal by using the same signal for both purposes. This merging eliminates the need for separate control circuitry while maintaining reliable timing, as the sense amplifier enable signal inherently provides the correct timing sequence for both sense amplifier operation and latch control.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch circuit is designed to be self-controlled by the sense amplifier enable signal. The latch automatically responds to the enable signal without requiring separate control circuitry, maintaining proper timing margins through the inherent timing characteristics of the shared signal.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory device includes a memory array comprising a plurality of memory cells arranged in rows and columns, and sensing circuitry coupled to bitlines associated with respective columns of the memory cells of the memory array. The sensing circuitry comprises, for at least a given one of the bitlines of the memory array, a sense amplifier configured to sense data on the given bitline, with the sense amplifier having at least one internal node and at least one output node. The sensing circuitry further comprises a latch circuit having a data input coupled to the output node and a control input coupled to the internal node, with the latch circuit being configured to latch sensed data from the output node responsive to a signal at the internal node.