Patent ID: 6650147
Filing Date: 2003-11-18
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
A memory device having a sense amplifier receiving a supply voltage level at a supply terminal, said memory device comprising:a comparator for comparing a first signal and a second signal, the comparator having a first signal input for receiving the first signal, a second signal input for receiving the second signal, a common source amplifier coupled to the first signal input, and an active load for the common source amplifier; a memory cell that is connected between ground and a first node; a bit line polarization circuit coupled between the first node and the first signal input of the comparator for providing a polarization voltage level that is independent of the supply voltage level to the first node and converting the current flowing through the memory cell to the first signal received by the first signal input of the comparator; a reference memory cell that is connected between ground and a second node, wherein a reference current flows through the reference memory cell and is used as a reference to define high and low logic states of an output of the comparator; and a circuit coupled between the second node and the second signal input of the comparator for converting the reference current to the second signal received by the second signal input of the comparator.