Patent ID: 6812746
Filing Date: 2004-11-02
Classification: G11C,H03K

Abstract:
A sense amplifier having first and second differential data inputs and first and second differential data outputs, comprising:a differential cross-coupled inverter circuit including first and second inputs for coupling via said first and second differential data inputs with a memory cell operative over a first voltage range, said differential cross-coupled inverter circuit further including first and second outputs coupled to said first and second differential data outputs; a level-shifting pull-up circuit coupled in a pull-up arrangement to said differential cross-coupled inverter circuit and to a second voltage level, said level-shifting pull-up circuit for level-shifting said first and second inputs within said first voltage range to said first and second differential data outputs of a second voltage range greater than said first voltage range and bounded by said second voltage level, a pull-down circuit coupled in a pull-down arrangement to said differential cross-coupled inverter circuit; and a clamp circuit coupled between said first and second differential data outputs for discharging from said second voltage range to said first voltage range following sensing and level-shifting of said first and second differential data inputs.