Abstract: A ferroelectric memory of the present invention comprises a memory cell which includes a select transistor whose control electrode, first electrode and second electrode are respectively connected to a word line, a bit line and a first node, a ferroelectric capacitor whose first electrode and second electrode are respectively connected to the first node and connected to a plate line through a second node, and a resistor connected between the first node and the second node.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a ferroelectric memory device in which an imprint is prevented, and a method of operating a ferroelectric memory device for preventing the characteristics from deteriorating due to an imprint.

Abstract: A ferroelectric memory of a 1T/1C type has a pair of dummy memory cells DMC2n−1 and DMC2n. Different information have been stored in the dummy memory cells. When the information is read out from each dummy memory cell, a potential Va is developed on a bit line BL2n−1, a potential Vb is developed on an adjacent bit line BL2n. Since the bit lines BL2n−1 and BL2n have the same capacitance, a potential Vave of each bit line which was short-circuited by a short-circuit portion s2a is equal to a just intermediate value (Va+Vb)/2 of the potentials Va and Vb. The potential Vave is applied to sense amplifiers SAn−1 and SAn as a reference potential.

Abstract: A ferroelectric memory device in which an imprint is prevented, and a method of operating the ferroelectric memory device to prevent its characteristics from deteriorating due to an imprint. The ferroelectric memory device includes a sense amplifier having first and second transistors which connect first and third sub-bit lines to a ground in accordance with a sense amplifier control signal, third and fourth transistors which connect the first sub-bit line with a fourth sub-bit line and further connect the third sub-bit line with a second sub-bit line in accordance with a first switching control signal, and fifth and sixth transistors which connect the first sub-bit line with the second sub-bit line and further connect the third sub-bit line with the fourth sub-bit line in accordance with a second switching control signal.

Abstract: A ferroelectric memory of the present invention comprises a memory cell which includes a select transistor whose control electrode, first electrode and second electrode are respectively connected to a word line, a bit line and a first node, a ferroelectric capacitor whose first electrode and second electrode are respectively connected to the first node and connected to a plate line through a second node, and a resistor connected between the first node and the second node.

Abstract: Since the ferroelectric memory device is a 1T1C type, the size of one memory cell can be smaller than that of a 2T2C type. In this ferroelectric memory device, the reference potential does not have to be generated when data is read.