Abstract:
An address counter for a nonvolatile memory device comprising a memory cell array and a page buffer for storing data read from a selected memory array page and to be read therefrom starting from an addressed memory array location during a read sequence and during data input cycles to the device to be written starting from an addressed memory array location during a program sequence, is composed of a cascade of elementary cells. Each cell includes an address counting flip-flop (F/F2) that is updated to the value of every newly counted address bit (ADD) or latches a column address bit value (ADD) input by an external user of the memory device during ALE cycles for addressing said start memory location on the selected page at the rising edge of a clock signal (CK_ADD) generated by an input logic circuitry managing external user's commands, and a carry signal (CARRY) propagation logic circuit along the cascaded elementary cells. Each cell further comprises an additional address loading flip-flop (F/F1) for loading such a column address bit value (LOADADD) input by an external user of the memory device during ALE cycles for addressing a start memory location on a selected page at the rising edge of said clock signal (CK_LOAD) during ALE cycles, and logic circuit means for updating the address counting flip flop (F/F2) at the rising edge of said clock signal (CK_ADD) to said address bit value (LOADADD) when is active an internally generated control signal (ENLOAD) that is raised during a read confirm cycle (30h), in a read sequence, and during a first data input cycle (D0), in a program sequence. The new structure prevents glitches and permits to implement multiple internal pipelining buses without employing an adder connected in cascade of the address counter output bus and reducing the possibility of glitches being generated.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a low-consumption TTL-CMOS input buffer stage (10) of the type which comprises a chain of inverters (11,12,13,14) cascade connected between an input (APAD) receiving electric signals at a TTL logic level and an output (ADD) reproducing electric signals at a CMOS logic level, and powered between a first or supply voltage reference (Vcc) and a second or ground reference (GND). Advantageously, the first inverter (11) in the chain includes a means (15,MP2,MN2) of selecting the delivery path to the stage (10) according to an activate signal (LOWPOWER) for a low-consumption operation mode. In essence, the first inverter (11) of the buffer (10) has two signal paths, one for normal operation, and the other for low consumption operation.
Abstract:
Output circuit for an integrated circuit, comprising first transistor means (P2) and second transistor means (N2) connected in series between a first external voltage (Vcc) and a second external voltage (Gnd) external to the integrated circuit (100), respectively through first (L2) and second electrical connecting means (L4). The first transistor means for carry an output line (5) of the integrated circuit to the first external voltage, while the second transistor means for carry said external line of the integrated circuit to said second external voltage. The second transistor means are formed inside a first well (130) of a first conductivity type contained inside a second well (140) of a second conductivity type formed in a substrate (7) of the first conductivity type. The second well (140) of the second conductivity type is connected to said first external voltage (Vcc) through third electrical connecting means (L21) distinct from said first electrical connecting means (L2).
Abstract:
A power on reset circuit for initializing at power on a digital integrated circuit comprising a first power on reset signal generator (PORE_GEN) supplied by an externally applied power supply voltage (VDDE), generating a first or external power on reset signal (PORE) during external power supply voltage (VDDE) ramp up, a reference voltage generator (REF_GEN) powered by said externally applied power supply voltage (VDDE) when enabled by said first power on reset signal (PORE) for generating a stable compensating reference voltage (VREF_VDC), a voltage down converter circuit (VDC) converting the externally applied power supply voltage (VDDE) to a stable regulated internal supply voltage (VDDI) employing said reference voltage (VREF_VDC) generated by the reference voltage generator, and a second or internal power on reset signal generator circuit (PORI_GEN) supplied at said stable regulated internal supply voltage (VDDI) and generating a second power on reset signal (PORI) conveyed to core parts of the integrated circuit for initializing them at power on, has the second internal power on reset signal generator circuit with enablement means for enabling also the second internal power on reset signal generator circuit with the first power on reset signal (PORE) together with the voltage down converter circuit (VDC). Fuse means permit optimization of dynamical responses of the two reset generators for selectably supported external power supply voltages.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a temperature-related voltage generating circuit having an input terminal (15) receiving a control voltage (V BG ) independent of temperature, and an output terminal (16) delivering a temperature-related control voltage (Vout), the input and output terminals (15, 16) being connected together through at least an amplifier stage (19) adapted to set an output reference voltage from a comparison of input voltages, and comprising a generator element (T1) generating a Varying voltage (V BE ) with temperature connected between a ground voltage reference (GND) and a non-inverting input terminal of the amplifier stage (19), which has an output terminal adapted to deliver a multiple of the varying voltage (V BE ) with temperature to an inverting input terminal of a comparator stage (18); the comparator stage (18) has its output connected to the temperature-related voltage generating circuit (14) and a non-inverting input terminal receiving the control voltage (V BG ) independent of temperature to evaluate the difference between the control voltage (V BG ) independent of temperature and said voltage being a multiple of the varying voltage (V BE ) with temperature and to output a temperature-related control voltage (Vout) having at room temperature a mean value which is independent of its thermal differential (δVout/δT) and increases with temperature. The invention also relates to a regulator for a drain voltage (Vd) of a single-supply memory cell (M1), comprising a temperature-related voltage generating circuit (14) according to the invention.