Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce power consumption in the hoiding mode of a DRAM as much as possible. SOLUTION: A random access memory device has a memory array, and a refresh rate generator circuit. The memory array has a plurality of memory cells that are configured to hold a charge. The memory array has an active mode and a standby mode. The refresh rate generator circuit is coupled to the memory array and coupled to generate a refresh signal having a rate. The refresh signal is used to periodically refresh the memory cells. The memory device detects when the memory array changes from its standby mode to its active mode and then increases the rate of the refresh signal when the memory array changes from its standby mode to its active mode. COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
A memory circuit comprises a memory and a first test circuit coupled to the memory. The first test circuit is configured to compare data read from memory cells with expected data for the memory cells to provide a first set of pass/fail signals for the memory cells, compress the first set of pass/fail signals for the memory cells into a second pass/fail signal, latch the second pass/fail signal in response to a data valid signal, maintain the latch of the second pass/fail signal if the second pass/fail signal indicates a failed test, combine the second pass/fail signal and a third pass/fail signal of a second test circuit to provide a fourth pass/fail signal, and pass the fourth pass/fail signal to a third test circuit.
Abstract:
A multiple finger off chip driver (OCD) has a single level translator for each of a plurality of PFET fingers and NFET fingers which allow the impedance of the OCD to be varied to match the impedance of a driven load. A plurality of PFET and NFET finger selection devices are used to select various combinations of output FETS and ballast resistor finger combinations to drive an output signal at a desired impedance level. The ballast resistors are scaled in ohmic value to the size of the output finger it is connected to. In this configuration, a constant ratio of FET impedance to ballast resistance is maintained in each drive stage (finger). By selecting various combinations of fingers various driver impedances can be selected.
Abstract:
A memory circuit comprises a memory including a memory array, a twin cell mode predecoder, and a row address predecoder. The memory array comprises word lines. The twin cell mode predecoder is configured for selecting one of four word line activation configurations for the memory array. The four word line activation configurations include three twin cell word line activation configurations and a single cell word line activation configuration. The row address predecoder is configured for selecting one of four word lines if the single cell word line activation configuration is selected.
Abstract:
A memory is provided having an array of rows and columns of memory cells. The memory includes plurality of sense amplifiers, each one having a true terminal and a compliment terminal. The memory also includes a plurality of pairs of twisted bit lines, each one of the pairs of lines being coupled to true and compliment terminals of a corresponding one of the plurality of sense amplifiers. A plurality of word lines is provided, each one being connected to a corresponding one of the rows of memory cells. An address logic section is fed by column address signals, fed to the bit lines, and row address signals, fed to the word lines, for producing invert/non-invert signals in accordance with the fed row and column address signals. The memory includes a plurality of inverters each one being coupled to a corresponding one of the sense amplifiers for inverting data fed to or read from the sense amplifier selectively in accordance with the invert/non-invert signals produced by the address logic.
Abstract:
A method of controlling an internal address counter which provides a count used in accessing a storage cell array to provide increased flexibility in the performance of a test on the array, comprising, rendering a normal overflow condition of the counter modified, thereby enabling alteration of the count provided by the counter in accordance with the requirements of the test being performed on the array.
Abstract:
A test operation of a memory array permits changing the test vector during the test by controlling the contents of a test vector through at least two external terminals not used during the test to change from a first to a second test vector, both of said first and second test vectors being stored in a controllable register connected to the external terminals.
Abstract:
The shift register includes a number of stages, each having a data latch circuit (224,424) for storing a data bit, and a pointer latch circuit (222,422) for storing one bit of pointer information. A transfer circuit serially transfers data bits applied to a data input (DATA-IN) to the data latch circuits via the stages during a first operational mode. A pointer pre-move circuit serially transmits one or more bits of pointer information that form a pointer through the stages during a second operational mode, without disturbing data bits stored in the data latch circuits. Independent claims are included for a fuse programming circuit; a method of retaining pointer and data information in a shift register; and a method of sequentially programming a number of fuses.
Abstract:
A circuit for the sequential programming of fuses (150.1-4) comprises latch circuits (130.1-4) holding data showing which fuse is to be burned through, with those not selected being asynchronous and those (150.1-4) for the burning circuit (140.1-4) burned with the burning voltage being synchronized. An Independent claim is also included for the following: (a) a DRAM comprising the above;and (b) sequential fuse processing programs for the above