Patent ID: 6400186
Filing Date: 2002-06-04
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
A sense amplifier for sensing a logic level of a first data signal and for outputting representations of that logic level on complementary output terminals, comprising:a first discharge path, connected to a first one of said output terminals, for allowing a charge stored on said first one of said output terminals to be discharged at a first rate that is proportional to a voltage level developed on said first data signal; a second discharge path, connected to a second one of said output terminals, for allowing a charge stored on said second one of said output terminals to be discharged at a second rate that is proportional to a voltage level developed on a second data signal; a set and reset circuit for overriding said discharge of said first one of said output terminals in response to an assertion of a first control signal and for overriding said discharge of said second one of said output terminals in response to an assertion of a second control signal; a pre-charge unit coupled to said first and second output terminals to pre-charge said first and second output terminals with the charges; and first and second disabling circuits cross-coupled to said second and first discharge paths and in series with said first and second discharge paths, respectively, to disable, as a function of the discharge rates, said first or second output terminal from discharging.