Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/293,023, filed Nov. 12, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,812,746. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to timing in semiconductor memory devices and, more particularly, to signal sensing and level-shifting within semiconductor memory devices. 
   2. State of the Art 
   Semiconductor memory devices are used in a myriad of applications. Such memory devices receive data for storage during a write operation and provide stored data to devices or systems external to the memory device during a read operation. Typically, a memory device is accessed through a bus which is controlled by a microprocessor or other digital control mechanism. 
   As the density of fast memory devices, such as static MOS random access memories (SRAM), increases, it becomes increasingly more difficult to utilize existing memory components.  FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary prior art circuit which includes various componentry utilized in a memory application.  FIG. 1  illustrates a memory cell  10  which may be a portion of a generally inclusive memory array of memory cells  10 . By way of simplification, the associated timing and control as well as other routing signals associated with a memory array are not depicted in  FIG. 1  so as to better isolate the shortcomings of the prior art. Memory cell  10  outputs differential output signals DIN and /DIN to a conventional sense amplifier  12 . The sense amplifier depicted in  FIG. 1  is typical of a sense amplifier resident on a memory module or system which utilizes lower voltages, illustrated as VCCR, due to the reduced architecture dimensions of memory cell  10 . Therefore, sense amplifier  12  receives the data signals and, upon sensing the respective differential relationship of the input signals, generates output signals, illustrated in  FIG. 1  as DOUT and /DOUT. 
   Because the data information retrieved from memory cell  10  is utilized by external devices operating at typically higher voltage levels, the system as illustrated in  FIG. 1  further includes a level shifter  14  for receiving the DOUT, /DOUT signals from sense amplifier  12  and converting those signals into compatible voltage output signals illustrated as DOUT′ and /DOUT′. In order to perform the level-shifting, level shifter  14  is coupled to an external voltage which is generally a higher voltage illustrated in  FIG. 1  as VCCX. In order to make the data available to a computing device, a latch  16  retains the data as retrieved from the memory cell and shifted to the higher voltage level for utilization by a processor or other computational device, illustrated in  FIG. 1  as processor  18 . 
   While the architecture illustrated in  FIG. 1  accomplishes the objective of retrieving data from a memory cell and presenting the data to a processor for consumption, such an architecture does not lend itself to current speeds associated with both the capability of the memory cell as well as the capability of the processor. For example, there is a finite latency associated with the switching of sense amplifier  12 . Additionally, level shifter  14  requires a significant amount of time for boosting the signal level. It is not uncommon for memory access times to be on the order of 4 nanoseconds, with separate level-shifting alone requiring more than 10% of that time. Accordingly, there exists a need to minimize the overall latency associated with the identification and signal level translation resident within a memory module or system. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In summary, the present invention comprises a sensing and level-shifting apparatus and method for application in a time-sensitive environment where mixed voltage componentry coexists and interoperates. One such environment includes the semiconductor memory realm where high-speed memories with very small signals, and hence low operating power, interoperate with higher-powered computer buses and processors. While sensing the presence of a voltage differential and latching a corresponding output with additional drive capability is presented, the sense amplifier of the present invention further integrates level-shifting into the sensing structure and process without the excessive time delays associate with external level-shifting. 
   In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the level-shifting sense amplifier includes a differential cross-coupled inverter circuit comprised of a pair of inverters that is cross-coupled (i.e., an input of one coupled to the output of the other, and vice versa). The sense amplifier further provides isolation between the lower voltage of the data source (e.g., semiconductor memory) and the higher voltage level-shifting components. Isolation is performed by coupling a pass gate between the input of each inverter and the corresponding one of the differential data inputs of the sense amplifier. The pass gates are controlled by a control signal that isolates the above-described cross-coupled inverters once their gates are charged to the lower or regulated voltage levels. 
   In order to perform the level-shifting aspects of the invention, the cross-coupled inverters are further coupled to a pull-up circuit in a pull-up arrangement. The pull-up circuit is comprised of at least one pull-up transistor that may couple to one or both of the cross-coupled inverters with the pull-up circuit also being coupled to the higher voltage that is the target voltage for the level-shifting process. In order to complete the circuit, the sense amplifier further includes a pull-down circuit that includes a pull-down transistor coupled to the pair of cross-coupled inverters in a pull-down arrangement. Both the pull-up and pull-down circuits remain in an open-circuit state until the input nodes of the cross-coupled inverters are charged and the pass gates are opened. Upon such an occurrence, both the pull-up and pull-down circuits close and allow the cross-coupled inverters to switch into a latched status with the signal levels being pulled up to the higher level-shifted voltage. 
   Following the sensing and level-shifting of the input data, residual high voltage remains on the output and input nodes. If the pass gates repeated a subsequent sensing and level-shifting process, the higher voltage would bleed up into memory cells and potentially cause data upset or result in destruction of the memory device. Therefore, the present invention further includes a clamp circuit which is activated following a sensing and level-shifting process. The clamp circuit shorts the differential outputs together and further pulls them up with pull-up transistors to the lower voltage, namely, the voltage levels as utilized on the memory device. 
   One particular application of the present invention is with respect to SRAM devices where the latency of external level-shifting impairs the desired memory access speed associated with such a technology. The present invention finds application in further integration into memory systems or devices as well as in computer systems or other computational environments that utilize stored data and require sensing of stored data followed by the level-shifting or signal conditioning prior to interconnection with circuitry utilizing higher voltages. Thus, the sense amplifier of the present invention significantly improves memory access times by providing sensing and level-shifting together in one signal transition process. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of skill in the art through a consideration of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the drawings, which illustrate what is currently considered to be the best mode for carrying out the invention: 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a simplified block diagram, in accordance with the prior art; 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a block diagram of a memory device incorporating a sense amplifier, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a detailed diagram of a sense amplifier, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a timing diagram of the control and latching aspects of the sense amplifier, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a timing control circuit, in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a more detailed block diagram of a memory device or system, in accordance with the present invention; and 
       FIG. 7  is a simplified block diagram of a computer system having a memory device utilizing the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 2  illustrates a memory system  20  as illustrated in block diagram form, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Memory system  20  generally interfaces with a data-consuming device, illustrated in  FIG. 2  as processor  22 . It should be appreciated that the interfacing between memory system  20  and processor  22  may further include other interfaces and data paths not illustrated, including buses, latches and other buffering or transport topologies. 
   Memory system  20  is generally implemented on an integrated circuit device and includes operational components as illustrated. Memory system  20  includes a memory array  24  comprised of at least one memory cell  26 . Those of ordinary skill in the art appreciate the composition and architecture associated with memory array  24  as well as memory cells  26 . By way of example, memory cell  26  stores data therein which is retrieved under the direction of a timing control block  28  (also referred to herein as “memory control circuit  28 ”) which generates timing signals, namely, a memory read signal, to memory cell  26  for divulgence of the requested data within memory cell  26 . As illustrated, memory cell  26  divulges or outputs data in the form of differential signals, illustrated in  FIG. 2  as differential data inputs  30 . Differential data inputs  30  pass to a level-shifting sense amplifier  32 , configured in accordance with the present invention. Level-shifting sense amplifier  32  includes power inputs, namely, regulated power  34 , illustrated in  FIG. 2  as VCCR, and external power  36 , illustrated in  FIG. 2  as VCCX. It should be appreciated that as integrated circuit complexities increase and as integrated circuit dimensions decrease, devices utilizing the smaller dimensions operate at generally lower voltage levels, illustrated in  FIG. 2  as regulated power  34 . However, external devices, such as processor  22 , operate at external voltage levels which are generally higher in voltage potential than the regulated power. Therefore, level-shifting of differential data inputs  30  must occur, and does occur, in the present invention within level-shifting sense amplifier  32 . 
   Level-shifting sense amplifier  32  outputs differential data outputs  38  which swing between the signal power range established by external power  36 .  FIG. 2  illustrates an optional latch  40  which may provide further storage and timing synchronization of data prior to accessing by processor  22 . Other similar control devices are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3  illustrates a sense amplifier  32  for receiving differential data inputs  30  ( FIG. 2 ) illustrated individually in  FIG. 3  as first and second differential data inputs  42  and  44  and for generating, in response to control signals  46 ,  48 , and  50 , first and second differential data outputs  52  and  54 . The logic states of first and second differential data outputs  52  and  54  are determined by a differential voltage between first and second differential data inputs  42  and  44 . First and second differential data inputs  42  and  44  are typically received by way of differential data inputs  30  ( FIG. 2 ) as received from a memory cell  26  (FIG.  2 ), or a similar data source. Additionally, first and second differential data outputs  52  and  54  are interfaced as differential data outputs  38  ( FIG. 2 ) to a latch (e.g., latch  40  of  FIG. 2 ) or other digital circuits such as processor  22  (FIG.  2 ). 
   First and second differential data inputs  42  and  44  are received at respective transistors  56  and  58  (also referred to herein as “pass gates  56  and  58 ”) when output from memory cell  26  (FIG.  2 ). Transistors  56  and  58  are illustrated as being implemented as p-channel transistors operably gated and controlled by pass gate control signal  46 . When activated by pass gate control signal  46 , transistors  56  and  58  pass first and second differential data inputs  42  and  44 , respectively, to nodes  60  and  62 , respectively. Upon the transfer of the signals resident on first and second differential data inputs  42  and  44  to their respective nodes  60  and  62 , pass gate control signal  46  is deactivated, thereby shutting off transistors  56  and  58  and providing a decoupling of sense amplifier  32  from the load exhibited by the remaining circuitry components attached thereto, namely, memory cell  26  (FIG.  2 ). Nodes  60  and  62  are respectively coupled to transistors  64 ,  66 ,  68 , and  70 , which together and cooperatively coupled form a differential cross-coupled inverter circuit  72 . 
   Transistors  64  and  66  are preferably implemented as p-channel transistors while transistors  68  and  70  are implemented as n-channel transistors. The differential cross-coupled inverter circuit  72 , as mentioned, is preferably formed from first and second cross-coupled inverters  74  and  76 , wherein an output of the first inverter  74  is connected to an input of the second inverter  76  and an output of the second inverter  76  is connected to the input of the first inverter  74 . The first inverter  74  comprises transistors  64  and transistor  68  wherein the source of the p-channel transistor  64  is connected to node  78  with the source of transistor  68  connected to a node  80 . Similarly, the second inverter  76  comprises a p-channel transistor  66  and an n-channel transistor  70 , wherein the source of transistor  66  is connected to a node  82  and the source of transistor  70  is connected to node  84 . Furthermore, the gates of transistors  64  and  68  are connected together at a node  60  to form the input of the first inverter  74 , and the drains of transistors  64  and  68  are connected together to form the output of the first inverter  74 , which is further coupled at a node  62 . Similarly, gates of transistors  66  and  70  are coupled together to form an input of the second inverter  76  at node  62  with the drains of transistors  66  and  70  being coupled together to form an output of the second inverter as further coupled to node  60 . 
   Differential cross-coupled inverter circuit  72  forms a sensing portion of sense amplifier  32  and forms the appropriate switching circuitry for detecting a differential input and for switching differential cross-coupled inverter circuit  72  into a latched output state. It should be pointed out that in the present configuration as heretofore described, differential cross-coupled inverter circuit  72  has not been triggered or switched to generate a latched output, but rather the gates of the respective transistors have become precharged with the input signals. 
   It should be recalled that first and second differential data input signals  42  and  44  are received from devices, such as memory cell  26 , which are operative over a first voltage range, namely, regulated power  34  (FIG.  2 ), which operates at a lower voltage than the interfacing devices that couple with first and second differential data outputs  52  and  54  of sense amplifier  32 . Therefore, the output signals generated by sense amplifier  32  with its inherent level-shifting capability must be shifted in magnitude to a second voltage range, which is represented as the range between external power  36  ( FIG. 2 ) and a reference signal such as ground. Therefore, sense amplifier  32  further comprises a level-shifting pull-up circuit  86  which shifts first and second differential data outputs  52  and  54  to a second voltage range, namely, the range defined by external power  36 . 
   As depicted in  FIG. 3 , level-shifting pull-up circuit  86  is comprised, in one embodiment, of a first pull-up transistor  88  which couples to first inverter  74 . More particularly, first pull-up transistor  88  is illustrated as a p-channel transistor with a drain coupled to node  78  of first inverter  74  and a source coupled to external power  36 . Similarly, a second pull-up transistor  90  has a source that couples to node  82  and a drain that also couples with external power  36 . Gates of both first and second pull-up transistors  88  and  90  are coupled together and are further coupled to a P-sense control signal  48 . Operationally, first and second pull-up transistors  88  and  90 , when activated by P-sense control signal  48 , pull up their respective first and second cross-coupled inverters  74  and  76  from the first and second differential data inputs  42  and  44  to a generally larger external power  36 . 
   In order to complete the electrical circuit inclusive of differential cross-coupled inverter circuit  72 , sense amplifier  32  is further comprised of a pull-down circuit  92  which includes a transistor  94  coupled in an n-channel embodiment to the drain of transistor  94  with both nodes  80  and  84  of first and second cross-coupled inverters  74 ,  76 . Upon activation of an N-sense control signal  50 , transistor  94  completes the circuit between level-shifting pull-up circuit  86 , differential cross-coupled inverter circuit  72  and pull-down circuit  92 . Such a completion of the circuit enables first and second differential data inputs  42  and  44 , which occur at a first voltage level, namely, the range as defined by regulated power  34 , to be sensed by sense amplifier  32  and to be output by first and second differential data outputs  52  and  54  at a second voltage range, namely, the voltage range as defined by a level of external power  36 . 
   By way of review, the discussion thus far, with regard to sense amplifier  32 , has described first and second differential data inputs  42  and  44  as being received from a memory cell  26 , or other similar data storage device, and being received at sense amplifier  32  at signal levels corresponding to regulated power, typically at a lower voltage range. The regulated power level inputs are synchronously clocked or passed into the sensing portion of sense amplifier  32  by way of pass gates  56  and  58  as controlled by pass gate control signal  46 . The passing of the input signal into corresponding nodes  60  and  62  within differential cross-coupled inverter circuit  72  enables the charging of those nodes with respect to the differential polarity of the input signals. In order to decouple or otherwise isolate the load associated with other supporting circuitry, pass gate control signal  46  is deactivated, thereby opening transistors  56  and  58  and further releasing the support circuitry such as memory cell  26  ( FIG. 2 ) from sustaining a valid, reliable input signal to sense amplifier  32 . Charged nodes  60  and  62  await the sensing or strobing signals, namely, P-sense control signal  48  and N-sense control signal  50 , in order to complete the sensing circuit allowing first and second differential data outputs  52  and  54  to assume their respective differential states. In order to mitigate the shortcomings and delays associated with the level-shifting processes of the prior art, as described above with respect to  FIG. 1 , sense amplifier  32  incorporates level-shifting capability through the use of level-shifting pull-up circuit  86  to provide a full voltage range as defined by external power  36 . 
   It should be appreciated that first and second inputs to first and second cross-coupled inverters  74  and  76  have been pulled to a higher signal level, namely, a level corresponding to external power  36 . Therefore, any subsequent sensing operation would subject any first and second differential data inputs  42  and  44 , upon the activation of pass gate control signal  46 , to become unreliable and, furthermore, could result in damage to any upstream circuitry such as memory cell  26  (FIG.  2 ). Therefore, a clamp circuit  96  provides a discharging or bleeding of charge associated with external power  36  down to an acceptable regulated power  34  prior to a subsequent sensing operation. Clamp circuit  96  is responsive to a clamp control signal  98  which is activated upon the conclusion of the sensing operation within sense amplifier  32  and is deactivated prior to a subsequent sensing operation. By way of example, clamp circuit  96  is comprised of a transistor  100  which has one of either a source or a drain coupled to a first inverter  74  input node  60  and the other one of either the source or drain coupled to the input of second inverter  76  at node  62 . Transistor  100 , in one embodiment, is implemented as a p-channel transistor with a gate coupled to clamp control signal  98 . Clamp circuit  96  may further include a transistor  102  and a transistor  104 , having their sources coupled to regulated power  34  and their drains respectively coupled to first and second inverter inputs, namely, nodes  60  and  62 . The gates of both transistors  102  and  104  are coupled together and are further coupled to clamp control signal  98  and, when activated, serve to further bleed or discharge the voltage differential between external power  36 , present at nodes  60  and  62  immediately following this sensing process. 
     FIG. 4  illustrates timing diagrams useful for describing the operation of sense amplifier  32 . Prior to time t 0 , the signals on the first and second differential data inputs  42  and  44  ( FIG. 3 ) are output from a corresponding memory storage device such as a memory cell  26  (FIG.  2 ). At time t 0 , a strobe signal  106  ( FIG. 2 ) is received from a universal timing control  28  ( FIG. 2 ) which coordinates the timing from memory cell  26  with sense amplifier  32 . Strobe signal  106  ( FIG. 2 ) initiates the timing associated with the other control signals of sense amplifier  32 , and between time t 0  and t 1 , first and second differential data inputs  42  and  44  “settle” into their respective differential states while pass gate control signal  46  maintains the activation of pass gates  56  and  58 , thereby connecting memory cell  26  ( FIG. 2 ) with level-shifting pull-up circuit  86  (FIG.  3 ). 
   At a time t 1 , pass gate control signal  46  deactivates the respective pass gates, isolating the memory cell outputs operative at a lower regulated voltage (regulated power  34 ) from the higher voltage level-shifting pull-up circuit  86  ( FIG. 3 ) operative on external power  36 . Prior to time t 2 , the input nodes, namely nodes  60  and  62 , charge their respective gates of the differential cross-coupled inverter circuit  72  ( FIG. 3 ) to facilitate the switching and locking of the transistors during the sensing process. At time t 2 , the sensing signals, N-sense  50  and P-sense  48 , transition to active states, thereby providing the respective “pulling-down” and “pulling-up” of differential cross-coupled inverter circuit  72  (FIG.  3 ). While the transition times of signals  46 ,  48  and  50  are illustrated as having discrete relational latency with respect to each other, simultaneous transitions are acceptable. At the conclusion of time t 2  followed by a nominal transistor transition time, first and second differential data outputs  52  and  54  output the corresponding level-shifted input signals at their corresponding logic values and desired level-shifting voltage range. 
   The time between t 2  and t 3  enables a latch or processor to further read or retain corresponding level-shifted differential data outputs prior to preparation of the sensing circuitry for a subsequent read operation. In preparation of a subsequent sensing and level-shifting operation, at a time t 3 , clamp control signal  98  becomes active and “bleeds-off” at least the now-excessive portion of voltage and charge on first and second differential data outputs  52  and  54  that exceeds the regulated voltage levels. Such a node-conditioning process prevents any higher voltage from being transferred upstream to a lower voltage device such as a memory cell  26  when the pass gates are reactivated in a subsequent read operation. At a time t 4 , clamp control signal  98  becomes deactivated as the differential data output signal levels have been reduced to compatible regulated power levels and pass gate control signal  46  may be reactivated with a subsequent read operation. 
     FIG. 5  illustrates a timing control circuit for the generation of the various control signals described herein. More particularly, timing control circuit  108  receives a strobe signal  106  and through the various and respective gate delays and inversions generates control signals  46 ,  98 ,  48 , and  50 . Those of ordinary skill in the art appreciate that the various timing parameters described in the present invention may also be implemented using other control and gating mechanisms for the generation of the respective wave forms described above with regard to FIG.  4 . 
     FIG. 6  depicts one of many possible applications of the sense amplifier, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6  depicts a memory system  20  that includes a memory cell array  24  and operates in accordance with the plurality of internal control signals produced by a memory control circuit  28 . A device external to the memory system  20  applies a plurality of command signals to the memory control circuit  28 , including well-known signals such as write enable (WE), output enable (OE), and chip enable (CE). The memory control circuit  28  also receives the system clock signal SYSCLK. Those skilled in the art will understand that each of the depicted control signals may itself represent a plurality of associated control signals, and that additional well-known control signals may be included depending upon the particular type of memory system  20  (e.g., SRAM, DRAM, etc.). 
   An address ADDR is applied to the memory system  20  on an address bus  112 . The address ADDR may be a single applied address, as in the case of an SRAM, or may be a time-multiplexed address, as in the case of a DRAM. In response to one or more control signals provided by the memory control circuit  28 , address circuitry  114  decodes the address ADDR, selects corresponding locations within the memory cell array  24 , and initiates access to these locations. As is known to those of ordinary skill in the art, the depicted address circuitry  114  includes a variety of functional components particular to the memory device type. For example, the address circuitry  114  might include an address burst controller and multiplexer circuitry, together with activation and address select circuitry appropriate to the particular memory device type. 
   In response to one or more control signals provided by the memory control circuit  28 , write circuitry  116  writes data to address locations within the memory cell array  24 . Those of ordinary skill in the art know that the depicted write circuitry  116  includes a variety of functional components particular to the memory device type. For example, the write circuitry  116  might include byte-enable circuitry and write driver circuitry. In response to one or more control signals provided by the memory control circuit  28 , sense amplifier  32 , in conjunction with address circuitry  114 , receives data stored in the addressed locations within memory cell array  24 . The operation of sense amplifier  32  is described above in response to the description of previous figures. In response to one or more control signals provided by memory control circuit  28 , data input and data output circuits  118  and  120  are selectively connected to a data bus  122  to input and output data to and from memory system  20 . 
   In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, sense amplifier  32  utilizes both regulated power  34  and external power  36  for performing sensing and level-shifting functions. In particular, sense amplifier  32  steps-up the signal levels of the first and second differential data outputs  52  and  54  without requiring the additional time delay associated with a separate external level shifter following a sense amplifier. 
     FIG. 7  is a functional block diagram depicting a computer system  124  which includes a memory system  20  constructed in accordance with the present invention. For example, the memory system  20  is configured to integrate the sense amplifier and associated circuitry described in connection with the previous figures. Computer system  124  includes computer circuitry  126  for performing such functions as executing software to accomplish desired calculations and tasks. The computer circuitry  126  includes at least one processor, such as processor  22  of  FIG. 2 , and the memory system  20 , as shown. A data input device  128  is coupled to the computer circuitry  126  to facilitate the inputting of information into computer system  124 . Data input devices include keyboards, pointing devices, and recognition devices including image and voice recognition. A data output device  130  is coupled to the computer circuitry  126  to present or output data generated by computer circuitry  126 . Such data output devices include printers, displays, audible output devices, as well as others known and appreciated by those of skill in the art. A data storage device  132  is coupled to the computer circuitry  126  to store data and retrieve data from external storage media. Those of skill in the art appreciate that examples of such storage devices include disks, disk drives, removable media, and other storage formats appreciated in the art. 
   It is appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. While one example of a circuit implementation has been presented, modifications and functional substitutions for the particular level-shifting sense amplifier and the various memory systems, modules, devices and computer systems described herein are also contemplated. Accordingly, the invention is not limited by the disclosed embodiments, but, instead, the scope of the invention is determined by the following claims.

Technology Category: 5