Patent Publication Number: US-7221602-B2

Title: Memory system comprising a semiconductor memory

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
   This application claims priority from Italian patent application No. Ml2002A002629, filed Dec. 12, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
   TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present invention relates generally to the semiconductor memory sector and, in particular, to non-volatile memories. More particularly, the present invention relates to memory access methodologies. 
   BACKGROUND 
   Non volatile memories, such as for example, flash memories, are associated with appropriate control devices which manage the various possible operations to be performed on the memory itself such as, writing, cancellation, or reading. Possible examples of such control devices are: microprocessors, microcontrollers and DSPs (Digital Signal Processors). 
   With particular reference to reading operations, the data-transfer speed between the memory in which the data are stored and the control device thereof, is frequently of fundamental importance. The transfer speed, associated with the memory access time, is a parameter which assumes an ever greater importance with increasing memory dimensions. 
   The known art has proposed different methodologies which seek to increase the transfer speed with respect to that which is observed in the case of random access. 
   One of these methodologies is the page mode technique which, as is known, provides asynchronous access, i.e. not directly associated with the memory system timing signal. According to this technique, access to the memory for the reading of a word causes the reading of a pre-fixed number of words which constitute a memory page. The first word read is made available following a first pre-fixed time interval (for example, equal to 120 ns), whilst the reading of another word belonging to the same page is completed following a second time interval, shorter than the first, for example, equal to 25 ns. Indeed, this second reading is a selection from within the same page to which there has already been access. If the subsequent word to be read does not belong to the same page, it will be accessed, following the first time interval, on a new page. 
   Another access technique is that which is denominated as burst mode which, contrary to the former, is a synchronous type, i.e. the timings of the input and output signals are related to a clock signal generated by the system and provided to the memory. Such technology envisages that the access occurs through the transfer of a sequence of words. In order to gain access to the first word it is necessary to wait for M latency cycles in order to allow the memory to execute the reading of N words. The subsequent data appears as output, subsequent to the first word, regulated by the clock signal. 
   Both page mode technique and the burst mode technique have a drawback associated with the rigidity of the access methodologies. Such rigidity, which is more significant for the second technique, results in the need to use memory control devices which are based on the peculiar characteristics of each of those methods and which in certain cases must envisage the management of additional signals, otherwise not strictly necessary. Furthermore, the known modalities of access do not allow the full exploitation of the possibilities offered by the memories available today. 
   SUMMARY 
   One embodiment of the present invention is a memory system which allows a greater transmission speed of data to control devices than those of the known art mentioned above. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will arise from the following description of preferred embodiments, which are intended as indicative and non limitative, with reference to the attached figures, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  shows a non-volatile memory architecture usable for an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  shows a particular example of a digital system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  shows a preferred embodiment of a wait-signal generating circuit usable in the digital system of  FIG. 2 , 
       FIG. 4  shows examples of signals usable in the digital system of  FIG. 2  during reading cycles, 
       FIG. 5  shows a preferred embodiment of a delay network included in the wait-signal generating circuit of  FIG. 3 , 
       FIG. 6  shows a signal timing of the digital system of  FIG. 2  according to an embodiment of the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG. 1  shows a non-volatile memory  1  architecture wherein the memory cells or locations are arranged according to appropriate hierarchical domains. For example, memory  1  is a flash memory of large dimensions i.e. having, for example, a capacity equal to 256 Mbit. Memory  1 , which is connected to appropriate input I and output O circuit blocks, is organized into hierarchical domains such as sectors, rows, columns, pages and words of memory. Each of such hierarchical domains includes a plurality of sub-matrices, i.e., respectively, a plurality of sectors, rows, columns, pages and words of memory. 
   In particular, at a first level of subdivision the memory  1  comprises sectors S jk  identified by the indices J,K including rows and columns. Another hierarchical domain is that of the rows (in the figure, from 0 to Z), included within each sector. The row of index Z contains a number N of pages P 0 –P N  each including M words of memory or memory words, M-W composed of a pre-established number of bits stored within memory cells. 
   The above-described hierarchical subdivision, which is in itself entirely conventional, is convenient for the selective cancellation of sectors of memory  1 . As is known, in the memory  1  reading stage, address signals are decoded by appropriate row and column decoders, in such a way as to provide electrical signals to the selected memory cells which allow the reading of the stored value. 
   It should be remembered that by memory access time t acc  is meant the time interval which takes place between a change of address and the instant in which the memory is able to make the requested data available. 
   In the reading stage of a conventional memory having the structure of the memory  1 , the access time t acc  to a single memory location may be subject to various contributions of indetermination, amongst which, a topological indetermination, a parametric indetermination, and a functional indetermination are remembered. 
   Ideally, the memory access time t acc  is constituted by the summation of the delay necessary in order to cross the input output blocks t acc-fixed  and the delays tacc domain (An) for descending into the domains which make up the memory  1 . Such access time is expressible through the following formula: 
                     t   acc     (         A   n     /     A     n   -   1         ,       A     n   -   2       ⁢           ⁢   …       ⁢           )     =       t     acc   ⁢     -     ⁢   fixed       +       ∑   domain     ⁢       t     acc   domain       (         A   n     /     A     n   -   1         ,       A     n   -   2       ⁢           ⁢   …       ⁢           )                 (   1   )               
wherein A n  represents the address of the memory location which is accessed in an n th  reading cycle, and A n-1 , A n-2  . . . represents the addresses of the cells selected in the reading operations preceding that of the n th . The access time expressed by formula (1) is, generally dependent on the position within the memory matrix of the desired word WM and is also dependent on the position of the words WL selected in the preceding stages of reading.
 
   For clarity purposes, it is possible to consider the particular case wherein the access time t acc  is dependent only upon the last operation executed. In this situation formula (1) is simplified as 
   
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
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   It is observed that the delay introduced by each domain assumes a different value depending on whether or not the two locations A n  and A n-1  belong, for example, to the same domain, to the same sector J,K or to the same row. 
   The topological indetermination is bound to the fact that the overall access time t acc  is strongly contingent upon the topology of the memory but, typically, only one part of this topology is known and made available to the user. 
   With reference to the parametric indetermination, it is to be noted that the access time for all the domains and also the input I and output O blocks may depend on numerous parameters (temperature, supply voltage, process parameters etc.) which can considerably influence the access time. It is also to be noted that, according to conventional methodologies, such as those mentioned above, i.e. page mode and burst mode, with the aim of overriding such parametric variabilities, the user makes reference, for the management of reading operations, to the most unfavorable conditions. 
   Functional indetermination refers to contributions to the indetermination of access time deriving from possible contrivances which predictively predispose the memory for rapid access, mechanisms which interrupt or alternate the normal flow of operation of the memory such as refresh operations (rewriting the memory), reset, return from power-down i.e., return from a state of low power consumption, etc. 
     FIG. 2  shows a particular example of a digital system  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention and including a memory system indicated on the whole by the number  2  and a controller device CONTR  9 . The memory system  2  in turn comprises a memory MEM  3  and a wait-signal (WAIT) generating circuit  4 . 
   The memory  3  is, for example, organized hierarchically, in an analogous manner to that described with reference to the memory  1  of  FIG. 1 . 
   Furthermore, the memory system  2  comprises a plurality of architectural blocks such as, an input block including a pre-decoder PRE-DEC  5  connected to a row decoder ROW-DEC  6  and to a column decoder COL-DEC  7 , which may have conventional function and structure and which, therefore, do not require further description herein. The pre-decoder  5  receives a coded address signal ADDR relating to a specific memory cell over the input lines, and provides a corresponding decoded address signal ADD dec  over a plurality of output lines. 
   In accordance with the hierarchical organization of the memory  3 , the decoded address signal ADD dec  carries a binary code comprising a plurality of address code groups each referring to a hierarchical domain into which the memory  2  is subdivided. 
   Such plurality of code groups, each constituted by one or more bits, comprises ADDR(sec), ADDR(row), ADDR(col), ADDR(page) codes (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) of different positions which identify respectively (progressing from the most significant bits to the least significant) a sector, a row, a column, a page and a word of the memory  3 . 
   As will be clear to those skilled in the art, the row  6  and column  7  decoders connected to appropriate output lines of the pre-decoder  5  have level translation functions, i.e. they are such to provide, on the basis of the decoded address ADD dec , appropriate voltage and current values to the bit-line and word-line of the memory matrix allowing the selection of the particular word desired. 
   The memory system  2  output block also comprises a reading or “sense” SENSE circuit  8 , which is known per se to one of ordinary skill in the art and therefore not described in any further detail. As is known, the sense circuit  8  is a circuit (for example including an amplifier and a voltage comparator) which allows making the selected data stored within the specific word available for output from the memory  3 . 
   The generating circuit  4  allows the activation of a wait signal (WAIT) to be forwarded to the control device  9 , during reading operations in such a way as to indicate the non-availability of the data to be read. Furthermore, the generating circuit  4  allows the deactivation of the WAIT signal, following an appropriate waiting time interval t w , in such a way as to indicate the availability of the data for reading to the control device  9 . The waiting time interval t w , during which the generating circuit  4  keeps the wait signal WAIT activated, is correlated with the actual access time t acc  of the memory  3 . Advantageously, this time interval has a duration which is variable as a function of the address signal ADD dec  and at least one operating parameter of the memory system  2 . In other words, the waiting time interval t w , during which the wait signal WAIT remains active, may not always be the same in all reading operations but may vary from one reading operation to another, varying with both of the address signal ADD dec  associated with a current reading operation with respect to a preceding operation, and varying with the operating conditions of the memory system  2 . 
   According to one preferred embodiment of the invention this waiting time interval t w  is a function of the temperature T at which the memory system  2  actually operates. 
   Furthermore, the waiting time interval may either also be dependent on the memory system supply voltage V. 
   The control device CONTR  9  is, for example, a conventional microprocessor, microcontroller or a digital signal processor DSP intended to receive, amongst other signals, the WAIT signal and to provide data and memory system control and management signals (for example, address ADDR, data DATA, chip enabling CEO#, reading R, writing W# signals) to the memory  2 . The control device  9  uses the WAIT signal for managing the reading of the memory  3 , which occurs asynchronously, with respect to the timing signals associated with the system  100 . 
   With reference to a reading cycle of the data in the memory  3  by the control device  9 , the WAIT signal may assume two logic levels (for example, high i.e. active, and low i.e. inactive) which indicate, respectively, that the memory  3  has not yet made the data to be read available for the control device  9  and, instead, that the data itself have been made available by the memory. 
   The controller device  9  recognizes, on the basis of the logic level of the WAIT signal, if the data has or has not been made available by the memory  3 . In the case in which the data is not available, the controller device  9  remains waiting, i.e. does not proceed with the reading of the memory  3 , until the WAIT signal is deactivated or, in other words, until such a time when the logic level of the wait signal itself is inverted. When the WAIT signal indicates the availability of the data, the controller device  9  completes the reading operation. 
     FIG. 3  shows a preferred embodiment of the WAIT signal generating circuit  4  in accordance with the present invention. 
   The generating circuit  4  comprises address transition detection means such to receive at least part of the decoded address signal ADD dec  as input and generate an ATD-S signal representative of a modification thereof. 
   In particular, such detection means include at least one address transition detection circuit or ATD circuit realizable by conventional technologies known to those skilled in the art, and intended to receive a specific group of bits of the decoded address signal ADD dec  available on a related bus. 
   In greater detail, according to the example, the transition detection means include three address-transition-detection circuits ATD 1 , ATD 2 , ATD 3 , each intended for receiving as input, respectively, the group of sector ADDR(sec), row ADDR(row) and column ADDR(col) address bits, appropriately extracted from the bus which carries the address ADD dec . 
   The address-transition-detection circuits ATD 1 , ATD 2 , ATD 3  allow the generation on a corresponding output line ATD_SEC, ATD_ROW, ATD_COL of a corresponding impulse signal upon detection of an address change ADD dec  which implies the change of sector, row or column. 
   The output lines ATD_SEC, ATD_ROW, ATD_COL of the three ATD circuits are connected to the input of a logic gate OR the output thereof, on which the detection signal ATD-S is available, is connected to the set input S of a first RS type flip-flop FF 1 , realizable with NOR gates (not shown) for example. 
   In the gate OR are combined the impulse signals outputting from each ATD_SEC, ATD_ROW, ATD_COL detection circuit, in such a way as to obtain the ATD-S detection signal, which, when forwarded to the first flip-flop FF 1 , will allow the activation of the wait signal WAIT. 
   Possible examples of ATD circuits of the type which may be used to make the address-transition-detection circuits ATD 1 , ATD 2 , ATD 3  are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,169,423 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,104, which are incorporated by reference. 
   Furthermore, the generating circuit  4  comprises circuital means of end-wait signalling having the role of generating an end wait signal ENDREAD which commands the deactivation of the wait signal WAIT once said waiting time interval t w  has passed. 
   In more detail, the generating circuit  4  is provided with three delay networks ENDREADSEC  10 , ENDREADROW  11 , ENDREADCOL  12  each of such a type as to receive as input, the detection impulse ATD_SEC, ATD_ROW and ATD_COL outputting, respectively, from the address detection circuits ATD 1 , ATD 2 , ATD 3 . 
   The delay networks  10 ,  11 ,  12  are associated with a corresponding hierarchical domain of the memory  3 . Furthermore, such delay networks  10 ,  11 ,  12  provide a corresponding delayed signal (for example, a delayed copy of the input signal) ENDREAD_SEC, ENDREAD_ROW and ENDREAD_COL over corresponding output lines. 
   The output lines of the delay networks  10 ,  11  and  12  are connected to the input of a logic gate AND, the output of which is connected, in turn, to the reset input R of the first flip-flop FF 1 . 
   In the AND gate are combined the impulse signals output from the delay networks  10 ,  11 ,  12 , in such a way as to obtain the end-wait signal ENDREAD which, once sent to the first flip-flop FF 1 , allows the deactivation of the wait signal WAIT. 
   Each delay network  10 ,  11 ,  12  is such to introduce a time delay T 10 , T 11 , T 12  in the corresponding input signal (i.e. of one of the transition detection signals, ATD_SEC, ATD_ROW, ATD_COL) which substantially reproduces the actual access time t acc  to the memory  3  which occurs in case an address is changed within that specific hierarchical domain. 
   In particular, the delay network  10  introduces a delay substantially equal to the access time in relation to the memory system  2  and evaluated in the case of an address change which implies a change of sector. For example, the address change implies the passage from sector  0 , 0  of  FIG. 1 , to sector  3 ,k. 
   Similarly, the delay network ENDREADROW  11  (ENDREADCOL  12 ) is such to introduce a delay substantially equal to the access time in the case of an address change which implies a change of row (column). The delayed signals ENDREAD_SEC, ENDREAD_ROW and ENDREAD_COL, when activated, indicate respectively that, in the case of a reading operation which implies the change of address within the hierarchical domain (for example, change between columns) to which the relevant delay networks are associated, access to the memory is terminated and the data is made available. 
   Advantageously, the aforesaid circuital means of end-wait signalling of waiting comprise at least one dummy circuit block realized in such a manner as to influence the duration of the waiting-time interval t w  by an amount varying as a function of an operative parameter of the system (for example, the temperature and/or the supply voltage) and according to a behavior which reproduces that associated with at least one architectural block of the memory system  2  itself. 
   Prior to describing a particular embodiment of one of the delay networks, an example of the operation of a digital system  100  ( FIG. 2 ) is described in the following. 
   Reference is made to  FIG. 4 , in which some reading cycles of the memory  3  are represented. 
   In particular,  FIG. 4  shows an example of a clock impulse signal (CLOCK signal, generated by an appropriate device) forwarded to the control device  9  but not to the memory system  2 ; the address signal ADDR; conventional chip enabling CE# (Chip Enable) and output enabling OE# (Output Enable) signals; the wait signal WAIT, and the signal DATA representing the output data. 
   The CE# and OE# signals may be received by the memory system  2  since they are sent by the controller  9 . 
   According to the example of  FIG. 4 , in the first reading cycle of the memory system  3  the situation is hypothesised in which an address change, from that preceding to that current A( 0 ), has occurred, which implies a change of row, sector and column within the memory matrix. 
   Furthermore, it is supposed that, apart from the wait signal WAIT, the control device  9  has been set in such a way as to consider a preset access time equal to two clock cycles and, for example, on the whole equal to 20 ns. According to one particular example, such a preset access time of 20 ns may correspond to two cycles of the clock which times the control device  9  at a frequency 100 MHz. 
   With the falling edge C 1  of the clock signal CLOCK, the control device  9  begins a reading cycle by changing the address ADDR, providing an address A( 0 ) to the memory system  2 , and activating the chip enabling CE# and output enabling signals OE# (for example, both low active). 
   The change of address ADDR which has led to the address A( 0 ) is detected by the generating circuit  4  of the memory system  2 , which brings the wait signal WAIT into the active state. 
   In particular, a change of sector, row and column having occurred, i.e. a change of the corresponding groups of ADDR(sec), ADDR(row) and ADDR(col) bits, the address transition generating circuits ATD 1 , ATD 2 , ATD 3  each generate an impulse on the respective output lines, ATD_SEC, ATD_ROW, ATD_COL. 
   This causes an impulse signal ATD_S to be generated as output from the gate OR of  FIG. 3  (in the example, of high logic level), which controls the input set S of the first flip-flop FF 1 , so as to activate the wait signal WAIT, bringing it to a high logic level (R=0, S=1; Q=1). 
   Therefore, the control device  9 , on a falling edge C 3  of the clock signal CLOCK, samples, i.e. detects, the active WAIT signal and then defers, i.e. delays, the completion of the data reading. Until the wait signal WAIT is deactivated, the control device  9  does not consider the data present on the data busses DATA to be valid. 
   The impulse present on each of the output lines ATD_SEC, ATD_ROW, ATD_COL of the address transition generating circuits ATD 1 , ATD 2 , ATD 3  is also forwarded to the variable delay networks  10 ,  11  and  12  respectively, shown in  FIG. 3 . 
   According to the particular case described, the signals present on the ENDREAD_SEC, ENDREAD_ROW and ENDREAD_COL outputs of the three temporal networks  10 ,  11  and  12  will remain at a low logic level for the entire duration of the specific time delay introduced by each of such networks. 
   The signals present on the ENDREAD_ROW and ENREAD-COL outputs, corresponding to the variable delay networks in relation to the row and column change, are the first to proceed to a high logic level. Subsequently, the signal present on the ENDREAD_SEC output also proceeds to a high logic level. 
   Under such conditions, an end of wait-impulse signal ENDREAD is generated as output from the gate AND of  FIG. 3 , which drives the reset input R of the first flip-flop FF 1 , deactivating the wait signal WAIT (S=0 and R=1; Q=0). 
   Generally, according to the example of  FIG. 4 , the WAIT signal has been kept active by the memory system  2  for eleven clock cycles, i.e. during the time necessary for the memory  3  to make the data to be read available for the specific address change, indicated above. In particular, it is to be noted that the delays (T 10 , T 11 , T 12 ) introduced by each of the delay networks are a function of the temperature at which the memory system finds itself and/or of the supply voltage thereof. 
   Still with reference to the example of  FIG. 4 , following such eleven clock cycles, the wait signal WAIT is deactivated. The control device  9 , on the falling edge of the impulse C 12  detects the wait signal WAIT to be in a deactivated state and therefore considers the data D( 0 ) made available by the memory system  2  to be valid or, in other words, concludes the reading of the data. At the conclusion of the reading, the control device  9  deactivates the enabling signals of both the chip and the outputs CE# and OE#. 
   In a second example reading cycle, the address ADD changes from A( 0 ) to A( 1 ), implying only a change of the word to be read inside the same page. 
   The wait-signal WAIT generating circuit  4  operates in a similar manner as shown for the address A( 1 ) and which is evident for those skilled in the art from the above description. 
   In this case, the WAIT signal remains active for a time interval which is less than the preceding case, and in such a way that on the second clock cycle which follows the address change, the controller device  9  may conclude the reading of the data to be read, indicated with D( 1 ). 
   In a third example of a reading cycle, the address ADD changes from A( 1 ) to A( 6 ), and it is supposed that such a change leads only to a change of column whilst the sector and the row have remained unaltered. 
   In this case, the WAIT signal remains active in such a way as to delay the reading of the data to be read, D( 2 ), by five clock cycles. 
   In the final example, a change of address from A( 6 ) to A( 7 ) is again shown, which leads to just the changing of the word inside the same page. 
   Once again, the data to be read, D(3), is made available only after two clock cycles following the occurrence of the address change. 
   In  FIG. 5  is shown a preferred embodiment of the delay network  11  included within the wait-signal WAIT generating circuit  4 , shown in  FIG. 3 , and relating to the generation of the ENDREAD_ROW signal corresponding to the change of address including the change of row. This network  11  is such to introduce the time delay T 11  into the signal which traverses it. 
   The network  11  of  FIG. 5  comprises a group of dummy circuit blocks, appropriately connected to one another and each associated with a corresponding architectural block of the memory system  2  or a structural block of the memory  3 . For example the architectural blocks to which each of the dummy blocks are associated may be the pre-decoder  5 , the row decoder  6 , the column decoder  7  and the sense circuit  8 . Furthermore, the structural blocks of the memory  3  to which each of the dummy circuit blocks are associated are the rows, the columns or the cells of the matrix itself. 
   Each dummy block introduces a corresponding time delay, which substantially reproduces that introduced by the architectural or structural block to which it is associated, on the signals which pass through it (such as for example, address signals, voltage signals, current signals) for selecting a data stored within the memory  3 , during a reading operation. 
   Advantageously, each dummy circuit block is such that the corresponding time delay is variable as a function of the operative parameter of the memory system  2  and according to a behavior which substantially reproduces that of the corresponding architectural or structural block. 
   In greater detail, the variable delay network  11  comprises a pre-coding delay block Pre-Dec-D  13  which reproduces the time delay introduced by the pre-decoder  5  during the reading operation. The pre-coding delay block  13  is intended to receive the transition signal ATD-ROW, which indicates the row change, as input. 
   Furthermore, the variable delay network  11  includes a row-decoding delay block Row-Dec-D,  14 , connected in series to the pre-coding delay block  13 , which reproduces the time delay introduced during the reading operation by the row decoder  6 . 
   Within the variable delay network  11  are also included a row delay block Row-D  15  and a cell delay block Cells-D  16 , connected in series to one another and to the preceding blocks  13  and  14 . The row Row-D and cell Cells-D delay blocks reproduce, respectively, the time delay due to the propagation of the signal applied to the memory  3  within the selected row, and the delay introduced by the cell selected for reading. 
   In series with the cell delay block  16  is connected a sense delay block Sense-D  17 , representative of the delay introduced by the sense circuit  8 , during the reading of a data. 
   Such delay blocks  13 – 17  are appropriately sized during the production stage, so as to introduce the desired delays. 
   Advantageously, each delay block  13 – 17  is made using one or more electronic components belonging to the structural or architectural block of which it represents the delay, appropriately connected in such a way as to define an overall delay. 
   For example, the row delay block Row-D  15  is made using a particular row of the same memory  3  expressly excluded from the task of storing data and which is, preferably, placed inside the memory itself in such a position as to offer the worst conditions in relation to the access time (greatest delay). Furthermore, it is remembered that the row decoder  6  has the function of level translation and, typically, includes a plurality of elementary translation blocks. One of such elementary blocks constituting the row decoder  6  is, for example, intended to form the row decoding delay block Row-Dec-D,  14 . 
   Analogously, the row pre-decoder  5  typically includes a plurality of logic gates, intended to select a row, and the corresponding pre-coding delay block  13  is made using an elementary logic circuit, included within the same row pre-decoder  5 , and comprising an appropriate number of logic levels with the same load. 
   The cell delay block  16  comprises an appropriate cell of the memory  3  not intended for storing data. The sense delay block  17  is, for example, formed using a sense-circuit elementary block having solely time delay functions and not used for reading. 
   With this particularly advantageous choice, the dummy delay route has, due to its construction, a delay and a behavior essentially identical to that of the actual route. Furthermore, the delay blocks  13 – 17  made as described above, may be finely tuned (trimming operations) following measurements and/or simulations in order to obtain the desired delay value with greater precision. 
   The delay network  11  comprises a second RS type flip-flop FF 2  (for example, made with NAND gates) having the set input S intended to receive the row transition signal ATD_ROW and the reset input R intended to receive an output signal A from the sense delay block  17 . 
   An output  Q  from the second flip-flop FF 2  carries the row end wait signal ENDREAD_ROW. 
   For a working example of the delay network  11 , reference is also made to  FIG. 6  in which some example timings of the above defined ATD-ROW, A, and ENDREAD_ROW signals are shown. 
   Upon activation of the ATD_ROW signal (for example, this assumes the logic level of 1) the set input S of the second flip-flop FF 2  is equal to 1, whilst the reset input R will remain equal to 0. In such an input configuration (S=1, R=0) the output  Q  and, therefore, the row-end-wait signal ENDREAD_ROW assumes a low logic level,  Q =0. 
   Following a time interval necessary for the propagation of the ATD_ROW impulse across the delay blocks  13 – 17 , the output A will assume a high logic level, e.g. A=1. In such an input configuration (S=0 and R=1) the output  Q  will assume a high logic level, i.e. ENDREAD_ROW=1. 
   The other data-availability detection networks  10 ,  12  included within the generating circuit  4  are analogous to that described above. In particular, the delay network  10  relating to the address change which envisages the change of sector is such to introduce an overall delay greater than the network  11  whilst, the delay network  12  which refers to the address change which envisages a column change will have a delay which is less than the two networks  10  and  11 . For example, the delay network  12  will also include a column decoder delay block and a column delay block (not shown). This column decoder delay block and the column delay block reproduce, respectively, the time delay introduced, during the reading operation, by the column decoder  7  and the time delay due to the propagation of the signal applied to the memory  3  within the selected column. 
   The above-described embodiments of the present invention may be applied, using known and commercially available control devices, to memories of a known type with the addition of an appropriate wait signal WAIT generating circuit. 
   For example, a known DSP (Digital Signal Processor) by Motorola from the DSP56xxx family, such as a DSP56302A may be used. 
   Indeed, such a DSP, well known to those skilled in the art, has a TA# input (Transfer Acknolowedge, low active) which allows the addition of wait cycles to the transfer operation. According to an embodiment of the invention, a flash memory provided with a wait signal WAIT generating circuit (high active) may be connected to this DSP in such a way as to provide the wait signal WAIT to the TA# input. In such a case, even if the aforementioned Motorola DSP is not equipped with page mode type management modality, thanks to the functionality provided by the wait signal it is however possible to carry out a page mode type transfer. 
   Furthermore, an embodiment of the present invention is also applicable to DSPs equipped with an input for a signal which allows the addition of wait cycles to the transfer but which require that this signal will have active-low logic. In such a case, an active-low WAIT wait signal, WAIT# may be provided to such DSP devices. For example, the Texas Instruments DSPO model TMS320c60x is equipped with an input for an ARDY (Asynchronous Ready) signal, which may be connected to a flash memory for receiving the active-low waiting WAIT# signal. 
   In order to be able to manage both categories of control devices (those which use a low-active WAIT signal or those which use a high-active WAIT), the memory systems may be differentiated by providing them with an appropriate logic device (in particular, an inverter) which will allow the inversion of the WAIT signal. 
   Advantageously, in order to not differentiate the memory systems, memory system  2  may envisage means of sampling (not shown) which upon emerging from a reset state of memory  3 , sample the signal present on the wait signal WAIT line. The sampled value will then be used in the following as the inactive level of the WAIT signal. 
   With this aim, the output line of the memory system  2  on which the wait signal WAIT is present is connected to a terminal of a resistive element (not shown) having the other terminal connected to ground in the case of an active WAIT for a high logic value, or connected to the supply voltage in the case of an active WAIT for a low logic value. 
   The digital system  100  in accordance with these embodiments of the present invention is particularly advantageous, in that it allows the increasing of the memory data transmission speed to a control device, with respect to conventional systems. In particular, the presence of the generating circuit  4  and the wait signal WAIT allows the controller device, to which the memory system is connected, to use the maximum possible speed allowed by the generation of the wait signal or WAIT. 
   Furthermore, such a memory system, which takes account of the preceding address signal and of that of the current, as well as the hierarchical organization of the memory for the generation of the wait signal, allows the reduction of the consequences of the topological indetermination of the memory access time. 
   Thanks to the use of dummy elements, the digital system  100  also reduces the consequences of the parametric indetermination of the memory access time. 
   Furthermore, an embodiment of the present invention is advantageous for the management of the re-entry stages of a memory system, such as memory system  2 , from reset or from power-down. In this case, this embodiment reduces the consequences of the functional indetermination of the access time on the data transfer speed. 
   It is considered that for a flash memory, for example of the multilevel type, the time interval T D  required by the memory upon emerging from a reset or power-down in order that the voltages produced by the appropriate voltage boosters are restored (not shown) may be 10 microseconds. 
   During this initial interval T D  the memory system  2  is not operative and the user should refrain from carrying out operations on the system itself. 
   It is to be noted, however, that in various cases, a conventional control device such as, for example, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a DSP or an MMU (Memory Manager Unit) carries out access to the external memory immediately after having been freed from the corresponding reset state (boot from external memory). In other words, the conventional control device attempts to access the memory system prior to this being actually operative. 
   According to conventional techniques, in order to correctly manage such a situation, it is necessary to have a flash memory reset signal available that is anticipated with respect to that of the aforementioned T D  time interval control device reset, necessary for the re-entry of the memory system from reset. All this entails an additional cost for the system. An analogous situation is valid for re-entry from power down. 
   Instead, thanks to an embodiment of the present invention, the control device and the memory system may be brought into the reset state at the same time. It will be the generating circuit  4 , included within the memory system  2 , using additional signals (indicated with OP-S in  FIG. 2 ) provided by the memory system and relating to the achievement of a particular operating state, to activate and deactivate the wait signal WAIT in such a way as to prolong the waiting of the control device  9  by the time necessary for the restoration of the operating conditions of the memory for achieving the availability of the data. 
   For example, such additional signals OP-S are normally generated by conventional circuits present within the memory system, such as power on circuits, circuits related to the status of the pumps, or circuits which signal the completion of system initialisation. 
   It is to be noted that an embodiment of the present invention is particularly advantageous for high-capacity flash memories but may be conveniently applied to other types of memories such as, for example, EPROM, EEPROM, SRAM, DRAM memories. 
   Furthermore, the memory system  100  of  FIG. 2  may be included in a larger system such as a computer system. 
   From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention.