Patent ID: 6888380
Filing Date: 2005-05-03
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
1. A latch circuit comprising: a sample section activated during a sample period by a sample signal to sample a pair of complementary data signals, to deliver said complementary data signals through a pair of sample output nodes; a latch section activated during a hold period by a hold signal to latch said complementary data signals through said sample output nodes, to deliver said complementary data signals through a pair of latch output nodes, said sample signal and said hold signal occurring alternately with each other; and a precharge section for precharging said latch output nodes during said sample period, wherein: said latch section includes first and second inverters for receiving said complementary data signals through said sample output nodes, and a latch-section activating circuit for activating said first and second inverters during said hold period; said first inverter includes a first transistor having a gate connected to one of said sample output nodes and connected between a high-potential power source line and one of said latch output nodes, a second transistor connected between said one of said latch output nodes and the other of said sample output nodes and being OFF during said sample period, and a third transistor having a gate connected to the other of said latch output nodes and connected between said other of said sample output nodes and a low-potential power source line; and said second inverter includes a fourth transistor having a gate connected to said other of said sample output nodes and connected between said high-potential power source line and said other of said latch output nodes, a fifth transistor connected between said other of said latch output nodes and said one of said sample output nodes and being OFF during said sample period, and a sixth transistor having a gate connected to said one of said latch output nodes and connected between said one of said sample output nodes and said low-potential power source line.