Patent ID: 6617885
Filing Date: 2003-09-09
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
A sense amplifier integrated circuit, comprising:pair of differential input signal lines and a pair of differential output signal lines; and a current amplifier having an input stage electrically coupled to said pair of differential input signal lines and art output stage electrically coupled to said pair of differential output signal lines, said input stage or said output stage responsive to a first control signal that reduces a gain of said current amplifier when the first control signal is asserted, wherein said input stage comprises: a load circuit that is electrically coupled to said pair of differential input signal lines and a first reference signal line, wherein said load circuit is responsive to the first control signal and a second control signal; and wherein during a sense and amplify time interval, an impedance of a load provided by said load circuit to said pair of differential input signal lines increases from a first level when the second control signal is being asserted and the first control signal is not being asserted to a second level higher than the first level when the first and second control signals are both being asserted.