Sense Amplifier Power Control for Weak Write Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
In semiconductor memory technology, the writing circuit's weak drive capability relative to the amplifying circuit prevents the Sense Amplifier from successfully writing data, leading to data write failures due to the inability to flip the voltage of the bit line and bit line benchmark according to the data to be written.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a controllable power module that stops providing power to the amplifying module during the writing stage, allowing the writing module to independently pull the voltage difference between the bit line and bit line benchmark, thereby enabling successful data writing even when the writing module's drive capability is weaker.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the amplifying module continuously provides power to amplify voltage difference, then the amplifying capability is improved, but the writing capability deteriorates when the writing circuit has weak drive capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the amplifying module's power supply through a controllable power module that can switch between providing and stopping power based on the operational stage (writing stage vs. amplifying stage). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize performance for the current operation, resolving the contradiction between maintaining amplifying capability and ensuring writing success.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by alternately providing and stopping power to the amplifying module according to different operational stages. During the writing stage, power is stopped to prevent interference with the weak writing circuit. During the amplifying stage, power is provided to enable voltage amplification. This periodic on-off pattern resolves the contradiction by ensuring the amplifying module operates only when needed.
2Power
If the amplifying module works continuously, then the voltage amplification is improved, but the writing circuit cannot pull voltage according to data due to weak drive capability
Solution Approach 1:
The controllable power module dynamically adjusts the operational state of the amplifying module based on the current stage. During the writing stage, power is stopped to reduce load on the writing circuit, enabling it to pull voltage according to data without interference. During the amplifying stage, power is restored to enable strong voltage amplification, thus resolving the contradiction between amplification strength and voltage pulling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power supply function from the amplifying module by introducing a separate controllable power module. This allows independent control of the amplifying module's power state, enabling the system to stop power to the amplifying module during writing operations and restore it during amplification operations, thereby resolving the contradiction.
3Device complexity
If the writing module operates with weak drive capability, then the device complexity is reduced, but the SA cannot flip resulting in data write failure
Solution Approach 1:
The controllable power module acts as an intermediary between the power supply and the amplifying module. It mediates the power delivery by stopping power during the writing stage to prevent the amplifying module from interfering with the weak writing circuit's voltage pulling capability. This intermediary control enables the writing circuit to successfully flip the SA state without requiring increased drive capability or complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A sense amplifier (SA), a memory and a control method are provided. The SA includes an amplifying module, configured to amplify voltage difference between a BL and a BLB when the SA is in an amplifying stage; a controllable power module, connected to the amplifying module and configured to stop providing power to the amplifying module when the SA is in a writing stage, to enable the amplifying module to stop working; and a writing module, connected to the BL and the BLB and configured to pull the voltage difference between the BL and the BLB according to data to be written when the SA is in the writing stage. The solution may ensure the successful data writing in a storage unit in a case that a writing circuit has weak drive capability.