Abstract:
This invention provides ways to intercept abnormal power signals to prevent damaging the memory in a semiconductor. To achieve this, the semiconductor memory comprises a first control signal line controlling a selection from row addresses, a second control signal line controlling a selection from column addresses, a first voltage control means cutting off the first control signal line in case that predetermined number of control signals are abnormal, and a second voltage control means cutting off the second control signal line in case that predetermined number of control signals are abnormal.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    This invention relates to a dynamic RAM used in semiconductor memory systems.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    In recent years, the width of circuits in semiconductor devices has decreased. This reduction in circuit width has increased the capacity of semiconductor memory. As memory capacity increases, the memory is referred to as large scaled. As memory size increases, memory efficiency is a desired quality. Logic-hybrid memory includes a logic block that functions beyond merely controlling reading and writing to specific memory cells. Logic blocks also control a signal called an I/F signal that performs an interface (I/F) between the logic block and the memory block.  
           [0004]    An example of this type of semiconductor where the semiconductor chip includes a logic circuit and a memory is described in “A 500-Megabyte/n Data-Rate 4.5 M DRAM” Kushiyama et al.,  IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits  Vol. 28, No. 4, April 1993. This article illustrates in FIGS. 4 and 10 and describes a memory block (DRAM CORE) and a logic block (INTERFACE LOGIC) in a chip. Signals, such as /RAS, /CAS, and an address signal are control signals from the exterior of the chip, or in a conventional memory chip are the interface (I/F) signals sent between the logic block and the memory block. The I/F signals are basic signals for control of the logic block and operations of the memory block.  
           [0005]    Usually, the logic block controls the I/F signal so that the memory block can operate normally. However, problems occur when the logic block does not operate normally. This may be due to abnormal signals generated by the logic block operating in an unstable state. Often these unstable states occur immediately after power is turned on. Other events causing abnormal signals are temporary, unexpected wave forms from the logic block due to various external factors, such as a changing power source or a change in temperature during a burn-in examination.  
           [0006]    When memory block receives the an abnormal signal, dangerous, large currents can be generated damaging the internal circuit of the memory block. This event may cause latch up and can fatally damage the semiconductor package or circuit board. If the memory block is not initialized correctly, the reading and writing operations normally performed when the power source is turned on cannot be performed. The problem of conventional logic-hybrid memory is the logic block and the memory block are connected to each other only through the I/F signal. No mechanism protects the memory block against abnormal signals generated by the logic block.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    This invention provides semiconductor protection for memory that is susceptible to abnormal and damaging signals from the logic block. An objection of the invention is the interruption of abnormal signals from the logic block. This is accomplished by the semiconductor memory having a first control signal line controlling a selection from row addresses, a second control signal line controlling a selection from column addresses, a first voltage control system cutting off the first control signal line in case a predetermined number of control signals are abnormal, and a second voltage control system cutting off the second control signal line in case a predetermined number of control signals are abnormal, preventing these abnormal signals from reaching the memory cell array.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0008]    Features of this invention will be best understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings.  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the logic-hybrid memory of this invention;  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 2 shows one part of the first voltage control circuit;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 3 shows one part of the second voltage control circuit;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 4 shows another part of the first and second voltage control circuits in the first embodiment of this invention;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 5 is a timing chart representing the operation of the circuit in the first embodiment;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 6 shows another part of the first and second voltage control circuits in the second embodiment of this invention;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 7 is a timing chart representing the operation of the circuit in the second embodiment;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 8 and  9  shows another part of the first and second voltage control circuits in the third embodiment of this invention;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 10 is a timing chart representing the operation of the circuit shown in FIG. 8;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 11 is a timing chart representing the operation of the circuit in the third embodiment;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 12 shows the first and second voltage control circuits in the fourth embodiment of this invention; and  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 13 is a timing chart representing the operation of the circuit in the fourth embodiment.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0021]    This invention is described with four embodiments. FIGS.  1  though  5  illustrate the first embodiment. FIGS.  1 ( a ) illustrate a schematic view of the logic-hybrid memory and a circuit structure of the memory and control blocks. The first voltage control circuit is arranged in an interface block  101  in the logic-hybrid memory  100 . FIG. 1( b ) illustrates the circuit&#39;s overall operational aspects in FIG. 1( a ). The memory cell array has row addresses and column addresses used by the row decoder and column decoder, respectively.  
         [0022]    The first voltage control circuit is partially illustrated in FIG. 2. The first voltage control circuit comprises NMOS transistor  1  and PMOS transistors  2  and  3 . The NMOS transistor  1  and the PMOS transistor  2  are transfer gates. The gate electrode of the PMOS transistor  2  is connected to a reset signal line of inner circuit INRST, and the gate electrode of the NMOS transistor  1  is connected to signal line BINRST (reversal signal of INRST). The input of this transfer gate is connected to signal line RASBx, and the output is connected to RASBi. RASB is the reverse signal of the Row Address Strobe signal. RASBx is the external signal line of RASB, and RASBi is the internal signal line of RASB. Therefore, RASBi is connected to the word line and memory cell array through a row decoder illustrated in FIG  1 ( b ). RASBx is connected to the circuit in the logic block in FIG. 1( a ). A source of the PMOS transistor  3  is connected to the high voltage power source VDD and a drain is connected to RASBi. A gate is connected to signal line BINRST.  
         [0023]    The second voltage control circuit is illustrated in FIG. 3. The circuit diagram for the second voltage control circuit illustrated in FIG. 3 is similar to the circuit diagram for the first voltage control circuit illustrated in FIG. 1. The difference between the two circuits is the circuit in FIG. 3 is coupled between CASBi and CASBx instead of RASBx and RASBi. CASB is the reversal signal of the Column Address Strobe Signal. CASBx is the external signal line of CASB and CASBi is the internal signal line of CASB. Therefore, CASBi is connected to the bit line through the column decoder in FIG. 1( b ). CASBx is connected to the circuit in the logic block in FIG. 1( a ).  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 4 illustrates another view of the first voltage control circuit and the second voltage control circuit illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the circuit has NAND gates  110 - 114  and an inverter  115 . RASBx, CASBx, and BPRST are connected to the input leads of NAND gate  111 . BPRST is generated from the power on signal generator and keeps the circuit in FIG. 4 in reset state by the time the memory in FIG. 1( a ) turns on. When BPRST is “L,” the circuit in FIG. 4 is in a reset state. When BPRST is “H,” the circuit in FIG. 4 is in the activated state. The output of the NAND gate  113  and the power on signal generator are connected to the input of the NAND gate  112 . The outputs of the NAND gate  111  and  112  are coupled to the input of the NAND gate  113 . The input of the NAND gate  114  is connected to the output power on signal generator and the NAND gate  113 . The output of the NAND gate  114  is connected to the signal line INRST and the input of the inverter  115 . The output of the inverter  115  is connected to the signal line BINRST illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.  
         [0025]    The circuits in FIGS. 2 and 4 illustrate the first voltage control systems while the circuits in FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the second voltage control systems. Operation of the first and second voltage control systems is illustrated in the timing chart depicted in FIG. 5. Referring to FIG. 5, the signal generator for the power on generates a predetermines voltage during the time period between a predetermined time and the time when the power is turned on. The control signal BPRST, generated from the power on signal generator, is “L” from the time the power source turns on until time t 1 . After time t 1 , the BPRST is “H” as illustrated in FIG. 5.  
         [0026]    (1) The case when the control signal BPRST is “L” (to time t 1  in FIG. 5):  
         [0027]    The operation of the circuit illustrated in FIG. 4 is split into two parts, when the control signal BPRST is “L” and when it is “H.” Since one input of the NAND gate  111  is set to “L,” node  130  serves as the “H.” The control signal INRST serves as a “H” and the control signal BINRST serves as “L.” The transfer gate shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is set to the off position. Consequently, RASBi is disconnected to RASBx and CASBi is disconnected to CASBx. Therefore, RASBx is disconnected to the memory block in FIG. 1 and the memory block is unable to perform normal operations (e.g., reading and writing modes).  
         [0028]    (2) The case when the BPRST is “H” (After time t 1  in FIG. 5):  
         [0029]    One of the input leads of NAND gate  111  is set to “H.” When RASBx and CASBi are “H,” node  120  serves an “H.” Accordingly, node  130  serves as “L,” and the transfer gate in FIGS. 2 and 3 are set to the on position. Consequently, RASBi is connected to RASBx and CASBi is connected to CASBx. Therefore, the memory block carries out normal operations.  
         [0030]    Usually, at the time power is turned on an electronic circuit experiences a high possibility that noise is added to the input signal. If noise does occur and reaches the memory block through a control signal line such as CASBx, and RASBx, latch-up can occur. However, using the circuits described in this invention, from the time the power source turns on, to the predetermined time t 1 , the control signal BPRST is “L.” The transfer gate is turned off as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. Therefore, this invention prevents abnormal signals generated at the time the power source turns on, from reaching the memory block. Therefore, an abnormal signal never reaches the sensitive memory block. An internal circuit in the memory block would be destroyed if an abnormal signal, such as when the power source turns on, reaches the sensitive memory circuitry. This invention prevents the abnormal signal from reaching the memory block and reduces the cost of logic-hybrid memory systems.  
         [0031]    The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment. The circuit illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6 show the first voltage control system, while the circuit illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6 show the second voltage control system. FIG. 6 illustrates the first voltage control circuit and the second voltage control circuit as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In FIG. 6 the circuit comprises a series of NAND gates  10 ,  11 ,  12 ,  13  and  14  and an inverter  15 . A predetermined number of control signal lines IF 1 , IF 2 , and IF 3  are connected to the input of the NAND gate  10 . These control signals correspond to the control signal line of the logic block in the logic-hybrid memory in FIG. 1. The output of NAND gate  10  is connected to the input of the NAND gates  11 ,  12 , and  14 . The output of RASBx, CASBx, and the NAND gate  10  are connected to the input of the NAND gate  11 . The output of the NAND gates  10  and  13  are connected to the input of the NAND gate  12 . The output of the NAND gates  11  and  12  are connected to the input of the NAND gate  13 . The input of the NAND gate  14  is connected to the output of the NAND gates  10  and  13 , and the output of NAND gate  14  is connected to the INRST shown in, and to the input of the inverter  15 . The output of the inverter  15  is connected to the BINRST in FIG. 1.  
         [0032]    The timing chart of the operation of these first and second voltage control systems are shown in FIG. 7. The operation of the circuit or the timing chart in FIG. 7 describe the circuit where the control signal lines IF 1 , IF 2  and IF 3  are high level (writes as “H”) in FIG. 6, while at the same time an abnormal signal is generated.  
         [0033]    (1) The case other than IF 1 =“H,” IF 2 =“H, ” and IF 3 =“H” simultaneously.  
         [0034]    At least one of IF 1 , IF 2 , and IF 3  is low level (writes an “L”), the potential of node  10 ′ serves as “H.” Not relating to the potential of CASBx and RASBx, etc., the potential of node  20  serves as “H.” Therefore, the potential of node  30  serves as “L,” INRST=“L,” and BINRST=“H.” 
         [0035]    Consequently, when the transfer gate illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 turn on, RASBx is connected to RASBi, and CASBX is connected to CASBi. A signal RASBx is transmitted to a row decoder (not illustrated in figures), and signal CASBx is transmitted to a column decoder (not illustrated in figures).  
         [0036]    (2) The case IF 1 =“H,” IF 2 =“H,” and IF 3 =“H” simultaneously.  
         [0037]    When an abnormal signal is generated, since all inputs of the NAND gate  10  as shown in FIG. 6 are “H,” the potential of the node is “L.” Therefore, since one of the inputs of the NAND gate  14  is “L,” the potential of node  30  is “H.” The level of INRST is “H,” and the level of BINRST is “L.” The transfer gates shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are set to the off position. Consequently, RASBx is disconnected to RASBi. Since the PMOS transistor  3  is turned on, RASBi is connected to the predetermined potential (VDD is the precharge voltage) as shown in FIG. 2.  
         [0038]    CASBx is disconnected to CASBi and since the PMOS transistor  3  is turned on, CASBi is connected to the predetermined potential VDD as shown in FIG. 3. This is illustrated in FIG. 7. When the control signal lines IF 1 , IF 2  and IF 3  are simultaneously set to “H,” CASBi and RASBi serve as “H” and the memory block is in a standby state. RASBx and the CASBx do not synchronize, and an abnormal signal is prevented from passing through the RASBi and CASBi respectively, even if IF 1 , IF 2  and IF 3  are simultaneously set to “H.” The RASBx and the CASBx are “H,” and when the IF 1 , IF 2  and IF 3  are simultaneously set to “H,” the abnormal signal is prevented from passing through the RASBi and CASBi respectively.  
         [0039]    The second embodiment, like first embodiment, prevents an abnormal signal from being sent as input to the semiconductor memory and prevents damaging the semiconductor memory. Since the memory operation becomes stabilized, a less expensive system is achieved.  
         [0040]    If an abnormal signal is prevented from passing through the RASBi and CASBi, RASBi and CASBi can be given the value equal to the precharge potential VDD when the PMOS transistor  3  turns on. Accordingly, this allows the semiconductor memory to be in a standby state.  
         [0041]    The third embodiment of voltage control is illustrated in FIG. 9. This circuit is similar to the circuit illustrated as shown in FIG. 6. However, it differs from FIG. 6 where the three inputs of the NAND gate  11  are RASBx′, CASBx and the output from NAND gate  10 . The signal of RASBx′ is generated by inputting RASBx into the circuit shown in FIG. 8. The circuit illustrated in FIG. 8 is used to shape (wide or narrow) the width of the signal pulse. The circuit contains an inverter  601  receiving the signal RASBx. The output of the inverter  601  is split with one path becoming one of the input leads to NOR gate  606 . The second path passes through the inverter chain  602 ,  603 ,  604 , and  605  and also becomes one of the leads to the NOR gate  606 . NOR gate  606  provides the output signal RASBx′ and becomes the RASBx′ signal input into NAND gate  11  illustrated in FIG. 9.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 10 illustrates the timing chart of the circuit disclosed in FIG. 8. A signal passing through node B is the output of the inverter chain  602 ,  603 ,  604 , and  605 . The signal passing through node B is slightly delayed compared with the signal passing through node A. The amount of delay is defined as tdelay. A width of signal pulse RASBx is defined as tpulse.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 10( a ) illustrates a waveform representing the case when tdelay&lt;tpulse which occurs when the memory block is operating normally. The waveform represented in FIG. 10( a ) is the waveform of mode A synchronized to RASBx. FIG. 10( b ) illustrates the waveform representing the case where tdelay&gt;tpulse. This event occurs when the circuit in the logic block operates abnormally and produces a narrow width of signal pulse RASBx. The level of node A when compared to the level of node B does not produce an “L” simultaneously. Therefore, RASBx′ is fixed as “L.” Consequently, FIG. 9 is provided a signal fixed “L” when the width of the signal pulse of RASBx is very narrow. In FIG. 9, when the control signal lines IF 1 , IF 2  and IF 3  are “H” simultaneously, an abnormal signal is assumed generated.  
         [0044]    (1) The case IF 1 =“H,” IF 2 =“H,” and IF 3 =“H” simultaneously (generation of an abnormal signal).  
         [0045]    Since all the input leads of NAND gate  10  as illustrated in FIG. 9 are “H,” the potential of node  10  is an “L.” Since one of the input leads to NAND gate  14  is an “L,” the potential of node  30  is an “H.” Therefore, since the level of the INRST is “H,” and the level of BINRST is “L,” then the transfer gates illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 and turned off. Consequently, RASBx is disconnected to RASBi. Since PMOS transistor  3  is turned on, RASBi is connected to the predetermined potential VDD as illustrated in FIG. 2. Also, CASBx is disconnected to CASBi. Since the PMOS transistor  3  is turned on, CASBi is connected to the predetermined potential VDD as illustrated in FIG. 3. When the control signal lines IF 1 , IF 2  and IF 3  are simultaneously set to “H,” CASBi and RASBi serve as “H” and the memory block enters the standby state.  
         [0046]    (2) During the time period t 1  until t 2  in FIG. 11:  
         [0047]    When the width of the signal pulse of RASBx is very narrow, RASBx is fixed “L.” At t 1 , an abnormal signal is prevented from passing through transfer gates illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. The abnormal signal is also prevented from passing through the transfer gates between t 1  and t 2 .  
         [0048]    (3) After time period t 2  in FIG. 11.  
         [0049]    When RASBx′ is changed from “L” to “H,” INRST is changed to “L” and BINST is changed to “H.” At t 2 , the width of the signal pulse of RASBx returns to a normal value and RASBx is connected to RASBi.  
         [0050]    The third embodiment, the abnormal signal continues to be prevented from passing through the transfer gates illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 until the width of the signal pulse of RASBx returns to a normal value.  
         [0051]    When an abnormal signal is prevented from passing through RASBi and CASBi respectively, RASBi and CASBi can be made into the precharged potential VDD. When the PMOS transistor  3  turns on, this causes the semiconductor memory to be in a stand-by state.  
         [0052]    In the fourth embodiment, a voltage control circuit is illustrated in FIG. 12. This circuit comprises NAND gates  50 ,  51  and  52  and inverter  55  and  56 . The control signal lines IF 1 , IF 2  and IF 3  are input into NAND gate  50 . NAND gate  50  acts as the abnormal signal detection circuit. An inverted signal of a control signal line RASBx, and the output of the NAND gate  50  are connected to the input terminal of the NAND gate  51 . The output of NAND gate  51  is connected to the control signal line RASBi. An inverted signal of a control signal line CASBx, and the output of the NAND gate  50  are connected to the input terminal of the NAND gate  52 . The output terminal of the NAND gate  52  is connected to the control signal line CASBi.  
         [0053]    (1) The case other than IF 1 =“H,” IF 2 =“H,” and IF 3 =“H” simultaneously.  
         [0054]    Since at least one of the control signal lines IF 1 , IF 2  and IF 3  are “L,” node  51  serves as “H.” Since one input of the NAND gate  51  serves as “L,” when RASBx is “H” RASBi serves as “H.” Since one input of the NAND gate  51  serves as “H” when RASBx is “L,” RASBi serves as “L.” When considering NAND gate  52 , the timing chart of CASBi is similar to that of CASBx. Therefore, the state of RASBi and CASBi follow the states of RASBx and CASBx, regardless of the state of a control signal line (equal to the node  51 ), respectively.  
         [0055]    (2) The case IF 1 =“H,” IF 2 =“H,” and IF 3 =“H” simultaneously, an abnormal signal is generated  
         [0056]    Since the potential of the node  50  serves as “L,” RASBi and CASBi serve as “H” (precharge potential), regardless of the states of RASBx and CASBx. When an abnormal signal is generated, RASBi and CASBi serve as “H,” and the semiconductor memory is in a standby state.  
         [0057]    A timing chart about the operation of the circuit is illustrated in FIG. 13. FIG. 13 shows when all of the control signals IF 1 , IF 2  and IF 3  are set to “H,” the RASBi and the CASBi serve as “H,” then the memory will be in a standby state.  
         [0058]    The circuit described in the fourth embodiment is simplified when compared to the first to third embodiments because the transfer gates illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 are not necessary. The memory block is disconnected to the logic block and the memory block maintains a precharge state until an external circuit (e.g., the logic block) operates correctly from immediately after the power source turns on.  
         [0059]    Although both RASB and CASB are intercepted in the middle, this intercept is permitted. However, since there are usually many elements connected to a word line than that connected to a bit line, therefore the fourth embodiment only applies to RASB. In logic-hybrid memory, since a logic circuit (e.g., NAND gate, or inverter) in the logic block requires a power source, it is often influenced by noise. This noise can produce abnormal signals that can damage various circuits. Therefore, all embodiments described in this invention apply to logic-hybrid memory.  
         [0060]    Please note that while the specification in this invention has been described in relation to certain preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is capable of alternative embodiments and that certain embodiments described in this invention can be varied considerably without departing from the basic scope and principles of the invention.