Sense Amplifier Pre-Charge Timing for Faster Memory Reads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory devices experience anomalies in subsequent read operations due to late pre-charging of complementary read bit lines, requiring higher supply voltages to ensure fast pre-charging, which affects power efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system where pre-charging of complementary read bit lines is initiated earlier than or at the same time as the current read operation ends, using a read signal generator that generates a read signal based on an internal sense amplifier pre-charge signal, allowing the memory device to operate at a lower supply voltage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If pre-charging is initiated later (after current read operation ends), then the memory device can operate with higher supply voltage to ensure fast pre-charging, but this causes anomalies in subsequent read operations and reduces power efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepre-charging speedVSAvoidpower efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The pre-charger circuit is activated before the current read operation completes, specifically during the write operation phase. This preliminary action allows the read bit lines to be pre-charged to the required voltage level in advance, eliminating the need to wait until after the read operation ends. The control logic coordinates the pre-charging timing to initiate it during the write phase, so that when the next read operation begins, the bit lines are already prepared, thus avoiding anomalies and reducing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of energy

If pre-charging is initiated earlier (during write operation or before read operation), then power efficiency improves by allowing lower supply voltage, but the pre-charging must be coordinated with read/write operation timing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol logic complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control logic uses feedback signals from the read and write operation completion status to determine when to activate the pre-charger. The system monitors the operational state and adjusts the pre-charging timing accordingly. When a write operation is detected, the control logic generates a pre-charge enable signal to activate the pre-charger during the write phase. This feedback mechanism ensures that pre-charging is coordinated with the operational timing without requiring complex manual control, thereby improving power efficiency while managing control logic complexity through automated state-based timing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Speed

If higher supply voltage is used to ensure fast pre-charging, then pre-charging speed is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepre-charging speedVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the supply voltage level based on the operational phase and pre-charging requirements. During normal read operations, a standard supply voltage is used. When pre-charging is needed, the control logic activates the pre-charger circuit with appropriate voltage levels timed to coincide with write operations or before the next read operation. This dynamic voltage adjustment allows the system to maintain fast pre-charging speeds when necessary while reducing power consumption during idle or non-critical phases, resolving the contradiction between speed and energy usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250378875A1Device and Method for Reading a Memory Cell
Publication Date: 2025.12.11 TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO LTD
  • US20250378875A1 patent drawing
  • US20250378875A1 patent drawing
  • US20250378875A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A device includes a sense amplifier and read bit line pre-charger circuit and a local control circuit. The sense amplifier and read bit line pre-charger circuit receives a complement sense amplifier pre-charge signal (SAPRB) and pre-charges the complementary read bit lines in response to the complement sense amplifier pre-charge signal (SAPRB). The local control circuit includes an internal sense amplifier pre-charge signal (SAPRI) generator and a sense amplifier pre-charge signal (SAPR) generator. The internal sense amplifier pre-charge signal (SAPRI) generator receives an internal sense amplifier enable signal (SAEI) and generates an internal sense amplifier pre-charge signal (SAPRI) and an inverted version of the internal sense amplifier pre-charge signal (SAPRI). The sense amplifier pre-charge signal (SAPR) generator receives the inverted version of the internal sense amplifier pre-charge signal (SAPRI) and generates an inverted version of the complement sense amplifier pre-charge signal (SAPR).