Sense Amplifier Control for Adaptive Memory Read Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sense amplifiers require an enable signal to be maintained for a prolonged duration, leading to extended sensing periods that degrade the speed and efficiency of reading memory cells.
Innovation Solution
A control device comprising a latch circuit and a control circuit that automatically terminates the sensing period of a sense amplifier based on memory data signals, using reference data signals to determine when the data is ready for latching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the enable signal is maintained for a prolonged duration to ensure data is properly latched, then the data latching reliability is improved, but the sensing period becomes too long which degrades the speed and efficiency of reading memory cells
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit monitors the output signals of the sense amplifier and uses this feedback to automatically terminate the enable signal when the data is fully latched, eliminating the need for fixed prolonged duration while ensuring reliable data capture
Solution Approach 2:
The enable signal duration is made dynamic rather than fixed - it automatically adjusts based on the actual latching status of the data, extending only as long as necessary for reliable latching and then terminating promptly to maintain reading speed
2Measurement precision
If the sensing period is extended to ensure complete data amplification and latching, then the data accuracy is improved, but the overall reading efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the sense amplifier output to automatically determine when data accuracy is sufficient, terminating the sensing period at the optimal moment to balance accuracy and efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The sense amplifier system self-determines when its output is ready for latching through automatic detection of signal stability, eliminating the need for external timing control and optimizing the sensing duration naturally
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a method for controlling a sense amplifier. The control device includes a latch circuit and a control circuit. The latch circuit receives a plurality of memory data signals from the sense amplifier, wherein the latch circuit respectively generates a plurality of reference data signals based on the plurality of memory data signals. The control circuit is coupled to the latch circuit, provides an enable signal to the sense amplifier in response to a pass gate signal of the sense amplifier, and stops providing the enable signal in response to at least one of the plurality of reference data signals, wherein the enable signal controls a sensing period of the sense amplifier.