Patent ID: 6643213
Filing Date: 2003-11-04
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
A magnetic memory comprising:a memory cell; a conductor which crosses the memory cell; and a write pulse generator coupled to the conductor configured to provide a discharge current to the conductor during a write operation of the memory cell, wherein the write pulse generator comprises: a capacitor which is charged to a first voltage reference potential to provide the discharge current; and a discharge control circuit coupled between the capacitor and the conductor for limiting the peak value of the discharge current provided to the conductor, wherein the discharge control circuit includes: a first transistor having a width W, wherein the first transistor is coupled between a reference source and the conductor for conducting a reference current to the conductor; and a second transistor having a width &agr;W, wherein the second transistor is coupled between the capacitor and the conductor for conducting the discharge current from the capacitor to the conductor, wherein the first and second transistors each have a gate coupled to the reference source to limit the discharge current to the peak value of &agr; times the reference current through the first transistor.