Patent ID: 8050126
Filing Date: 2011-11-01
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
1. A method of sensing a conduction current of a memory cell comprising: accessing said conduction current via a bit line; coupling a capacitor to said bit line via an intermediate circuit; precharging said capacitor to an initial voltage above a reference voltage; after said precharging, boosting the initial voltage on the capacitor to a boosted initial voltage by a predetermined amount; discharging said capacitor with said conduction current for a predetermined period of time such that said boosted initial voltage on the capacitor decreases from the initial voltage to a boosted discharged voltage; said discharging said capacitor being performed while maintaining said bit line at a constant voltage; after said discharging, restoring the capacitor to an unboosted discharge voltage by reducing said boosted discharged voltage on the capacitor by said predetermined amount; and comparing the unboosted discharged voltage with the reference voltage to give a measure of said conduction current.