Abstract: A hardware implemented method for accessing data in a multicycle operations cache is provided. In this hardware implemented method, a request to access the data in a sub-bank of the multicycle operations cache is received. If the sub-bank is accessed in a previous, consecutive clock cycle, then the request to access the data in the sub-bank is ignored. Else, if the sub-bank is not accessed in the previous, consecutive clock cycle, then the data is allowed to be accessed in the sub-bank. A memory chip and a system for accessing data in the multicycle operations cache also are described.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for reducing latency in asserting a word-line for read/write operations of a memory row in a memory array. One embodiment of the present invention includes a memory array decoder circuit. The memory away decoder includes a level-shifting NAND-gate operative to receive a plurality of pre-decode inputs having a first voltage range. The level-shifting NAND-gate is further operative to generate a level-shifted NAND output signal that is a NAND output of the plurality of pre-decode inputs and has a second voltage range that is greater than the first voltage range. The memory array decoder circuit also includes an output inverter operative to invert the level-shifted NAND output signal to generate a decode signal.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for reducing latency in asserting a word-line for read/write operations of a memory row in a memory array. One embodiment of the present invention includes a memory array decoder circuit. The memory array decoder comprises a level-shifting NAND-gate operative to receive a plurality of pre-decode inputs having a first voltage range. The level-shifting NAND-gate is further operative to generate a level-shifted NAND output signal that is a NAND output of the plurality of pre-decode inputs and has a second voltage range that is greater than the first voltage range. The memory array decoder circuit also comprises an output inverter operative to invert the level-shifted NAND output signal to generate a decode signal.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling a bitline during a memory access operation is provided. The circuit includes a plurality of sub-arrays with each sub-array having a plurality of memory cells. Each of the memory cells is coupled to respective bitline columns. The circuit further includes a sensed output from one of the bitline columns, and a global bitline coupled to a same respective bitline column of each of the plurality of sub-arrays. Each global bitline includes a voltage swing limiter for limiting a voltage swing of the global bitline, and an n-type transistor. The n-type transistor has a gate, a first terminal, and a second terminal. The gate is coupled to the sensed output, the first terminal is coupled to the global bitline, and the second terminal is coupled to the voltage swing limiter.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling a bitline during a memory access operation is provided. The circuit includes a plurality of sub-arrays with each sub-array having a plurality of memory cells. Each of the memory cells is coupled to respective bitline columns. The circuit further includes a sensed output from one of the bitline columns, and a global bitline coupled to a same respective bitline column of each of the plurality of sub-arrays. Each global bitline includes a voltage swing limiter for limiting a voltage swing of the global bitline, and an n-type transistor. The n-type transistor has a gate, a first terminal, and a second terminal. The gate is coupled to the sensed output, the first terminal is coupled to the global bitline, and the second terminal is coupled to the voltage swing limiter.

Abstract: CMOS logic is coupled to dynamic logic which in turn is coupled to CMOS logic such than a clock is not required for the dynamic logic. Such a mixed static/dynamic buffer provides increased speed and fan-out. A buffer includes a dynamic circuit block coupled between static input and output blocks. The dynamic circuit block receives static true and complement input signals and provides dynamic output control signals responsive thereto. The dynamic circuit block dynamically changes the dynamic output control signals responsive to detecting a transition of the true input signal. The dynamic circuit block does not receive a clock signal. The static output block receives the dynamic output control signals and provides a static output signal responsive thereto. The static input block receives the true input signal and precharges the dynamic circuit block after the dynamic circuit block dynamically changes the dynamic output control signals.