Abstract:
A memory system (1000) comprises a memory matrix (110) formed on a semiconductor structure, the memory matrix including:
a first column line (BC-4) and a second column line (BC-5) which are connected electrically to at least one first memory cell (Q 65 ) to be read, for the reading of the at least one first cell (Q 65 ) a first reading voltage can be supplied to the first column line (BC-4), and a third column line (BC-1) distinct from the first column line (BC-4) and from the second column line (BC-5), and is characterized in that it further comprises generating means (SCR) for supplying, to the third column line (BC-1) and during the reading of the at least one first memory cell (Q 65 ), a biasing voltage which can oppose the establishment of an electric current between the first column line (BC-4) and the third column line (BC-1) in the semiconductor structure. The biasing voltage is preferably substantially equal to the first reading voltage.
Abstract:
A new multipurpose interlaced memory device functions in two different modes: synchronous and asynchronous, using a circuit for detecting address transitions that by acting as a synchronous clock of the system lets the control circuit of the memory device recognize the required access mode by enabling a comparison of the currently input external address with the one stored in the address counters of the two banks of cells. The memory device has a buffer for outputting a datum provided with means that for pre-charging the output nodes to an intermediate voltage between the voltages corresponding to the two possible logic states, thus reducing noise and improving transfer time.
Abstract:
A method for reading a memory, particularly a non-volatile memory, whose particularity is that it comprises the steps of:
generating a memory enable signal (CE); generating a signal (ALE) for the visibility, inside the memory, of address signals generated externally with respect to the memory, the address signals being adapted to allow access to corresponding memory locations of the memory; generating a signal (RD) for the synchronous advancement of the read operation within the memory; each change of state of the memory enable signal (CE), together with a change of state of the address signals, being matched by different cycles for reading the memory, the different read cycles being enabled according to the state of the signal (ALE) for the visibility, inside the memory, of address signals generated externally to the memory, the logic state of the visibility signal switching between the high logic state, the low logic state and the pulsed state; emission of the data read from the memory being correlated to the state transition of the signal (RD) for the synchronous advancement of the reading of the memory.
Abstract:
A refresh circuit (130) for refreshing a memory device (100) is proposed. The refresh circuit includes: reading means (110-125,505m,505r i ,515-520) for reading a set of memory cells (MC), the reading means including means (110-125) for applying a biasing voltage having a substantially monotone time pattern to the memory cells and to a set of reference cells (RC) each one having a predefined reference threshold voltage, means (505m,505r i ) for reading the stored state of a certain memory cell by detecting the reaching of a comparison current (Ic) by a cell current (Im) of each memory cell and by a reference current (Ir i ) of each reference cell, and means (515-520) for determining a refresh condition of said memory cell by again reading the stored state at a later time, and writing means (555) for applying a writing voltage to said memory cell; the refresh circuit further includes control means (505g i ,525-550;525',705,530-550) for enabling the writing means during at least part of the application of the biasing voltage after the determination that said cell is in the refresh condition.