Patent ID: 6426905
Filing Date: 2002-07-30
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
A sense amplifier for detecting a change of charge out of an input node, the sense amplifier comprising:a first current source for removing charge from said input node; a first field effect transistor having i) a source coupled to said input node, ii) a gate electrode coupled to a first voltage Vref, and iii) a drain coupled to a first side of a first capacitor, to an output node, and to a precharge circuit for setting the voltage of said output node to a second voltage; and an idle circuit connected to the source of the transistor to conduct an idle current to said source to bias the transistor, during a standby mode, in a subthreshold region; and wherein said first transistor has a voltage difference from its drain to its source, and a second side of said capacitor is coupled to ground.