Abstract: During first portion of a first read cycle determining that a first input of a sense amplifier is to receive information based upon a state of a storage cell during a first portion of a read cycle, and determining that a conductance at the first input is substantially equal to a conductance at a second input of the sense amplifier during the first portion. A plurality of NAND string modules are connected to a global bit line of a memory device that includes a memory column where a plurality of NAND strings and a buffer are formed.

Abstract: Receiver architectures and bias circuits for a data processor are provided. A receiver architecture includes a linear receiver having a first input node for a data (DQ) signal, a second input node for a reference voltage, and output nodes for a differential output signal. The linear receiver compares the DQ signal to the reference voltage, and generates the differential output signal in response to the comparison. A sense amplifier is coupled to the linear receiver. The sense amplifier has input nodes connected to the output nodes of the linear receiver, and an output node for a binary output signal having voltage characteristics compatible with the processor. The sense amplifier transforms the differential output signal into the binary output signal. The receiver architecture also includes a programming architecture coupled to the linear receiver to set operating characteristics of the linear receiver.

Abstract: The invention relates to sample-and hold modules, and notably those which are intended to be placed upstream of an analog-digital converter. The sample-and-hold module conventionally comprises a differential pair of transistors, a follower transistor and a storage capacitor. The follower transistor is turned on during a sampling phase by the application of an emitter current by means of a first current switch and can be disabled during a hold phase by the application of a disabling voltage to its base. The sample-and-hold module operates according to the invention with a hold phase beginning at the same time as the end of a sampling phase and terminating before the start of a new sampling phase. Switching spikes are thus avoided at the transition between the end of a hold phase and the start of a new sampling phase.

Abstract: A sense amplifier prevents a reduction in sensing margin occurring when data forms an island pattern. The sense amplifier includes a first inverter having an input terminal connected to a bit line and an output terminal connected to a bar bit line, and a second inverter having an input terminal connected to the bar bit line and an output terminal connected to the bit line. The first and second inverters are configured to receive a pull-up voltage through different pull-up voltage lines, respectively.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for tuning nano-scale analog-circuit designs in order to reduce random-device mismatches and optimize said design, where nano-scale devices potentially have large-scale process variations. The method includes providing a tunable circuit topology, wherein each nano-scale device comprises a single component or comprises multiple parallel components. Each component is decomposed into multiple discrete sub-components, wherein each said sub-component either operates in parallel with other like components to effectively operate like one bigger component. The sub-components are subjected to a dynamic-programming process to adaptively select the sub-components to be kept operational, while configuring the nonselected sub-components to be nonoperational, based on the measurement of at least one operational parameter.

Abstract: Various circuit techniques for implementing ultra high speed circuits use current-controlled CMOS (C3MOS) logic with inductive broadbanding fabricated in conventional CMOS process technology. Optimum balance between power consumption and speed for each circuit application is achieved by combining high speed C3MOS logic with inductive broadbanding/C3MOS logic with low power conventional CMOS logic. The combined C3MOS logic with inductive broadbanding/C3MOS/CMOS logic allows greater integration of circuits such as high speed transceivers used in fiber optic communication systems.

Abstract: A sense amplifier circuit is provided with a first transistor arrangement comprising a first n-type field effect transistor (NFET) having a respective body node, and a second transistor arrangement comprising a second NFET having a respective body node. The second transistor arrangement is electrically coupled to the first transistor arrangement, and the body node of the first NFET is electrically coupled to the body node of the second NFET. The sense amplifier circuit also includes or cooperates with a voltage condition selector that is electrically coupled to the body node of the first NFET and to the body node of the second NFET. The voltage condition selector is configured to assert one of a plurality of voltage conditions at the body node of the first NFET and at the body node of the second NFET.

Abstract: A system includes a current sense amplifier to receive an input voltage based on a sense current provided to load circuitry. The current sense amplifier is configured to generate an output voltage from the input voltage based, at least in part, on one or more reconfigurable characteristics of the current sense amplifier. The system also includes a microcontroller to compare the output voltage from the current sense amplifier to one or more programmable thresholds. The microcontroller is configured to direct a current controller to regulate the sense current provided to the load circuitry according to the comparison.

Abstract: A sense amplifier according to the present invention for detecting a potential difference of signals input to a first input terminal and a second input terminal, includes a first means for applying voltages corresponding to threshold voltages of first and second transistors to gate-source voltages of the first and second transistors, and a second means for transferring signals input to the first and second input terminals to gates of the first and second transistors. In this case, a threshold variation of the first and second transistors is corrected.

Abstract: A dynamic flip-flop includes first and second input stages forming a differential input stage adapted to receive differential data. The flip-flop is reset in response to a reset signal. To ensure proper operation, a transistor disposed between the first and second input stages is always maintained active to provide a conduction path between the ground terminal and the nodes that may be charged from the supply voltage. To improve the setup and hold time of the flip-flop, the clock signal is applied to a first transistor disposed in the first input stage and a second transistor disposed in the second input stage.

Abstract: A sense amplifier is disclosed comprising a first sense input, a second sense input, a latch, a first p-channel control transistor arranged to electrically power a first section of the latch and having a gate terminal linked to the first sense input, and a second p-channel control transistor arranged to electrically power a second section of the latch and having a gate terminal linked to the second sense input. Application may be in particular to low power embedded memories.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing sense amplifier threshold voltages on an integrated circuit includes one or more sense amplifier modules each including a number of sense amplifier circuits, a voltage generator unit, and detection logic. The voltage generator unit may select a differential voltage to supply to at least some of the sense amplifier circuits, and each sense amplifier circuit may be configured to generate an output value that is dependent upon the applied differential voltage in response to receiving an enable signal. The detection logic may detect and capture an output value of each of the sense amplifier circuits. In one implementation, the voltage generator unit may iteratively select a different differential voltage in response to a control input. Accordingly, the detection logic may capture the output value of the sense amplifiers after each change in differential voltage.

Abstract: Mixer-systems comprising gain-blocks (1-4) and switches (5-8) have a flexibility depending upon their configuration (insight) and are made more flexible (basic idea) by supplying data input signals to the gain-blocks (1-4) and oscillation signals to the switches (5-6) for switching couplings between the gain-blocks (1-4). A switch (5-6) comprises a switch-transistor and a gain-block (1-4) either comprises a gain-block-transistor or comprises five gain-block-transistors for increasing the linearity of the mixer-system. The switches (5-6) have main electrodes which in the balanced situation are all coupled via four impedances (13-16) to the gain-blocks (1-4). In the single ended situation two main electrodes are coupled via two impedances (13,15,18,20) to the gain-blocks (1-4) and two others are coupled directly to the gain-blocks (1-4). By introducing further switches (7-8) parallel to the switches (5-6), harmonics can be suppressed.

Abstract: A memory system includes a sense amplifier for detecting content of data memory cells by comparison with a voltage stored in a reference cell. The sense amplifier may comprise a comparator, first and second load circuits, and a low impedance circuit. A first input of the comparator is coupled to the low impedance circuit and a reference voltage node. A second input of the comparator is coupled to a data voltage node. The first load circuit loads a reference cell coupled to the reference voltage node. The second load circuit loads a data cell coupled to the data voltage node.

Abstract: A sense amplifier according to the present invention for detecting a potential difference of signals input to a first input terminal and a second input terminal, includes a first means for applying voltages corresponding to threshold voltages of first and second transistors to gate-source voltages of the first and second transistors, and a second means for transferring signals input to the first and second input terminals to gates of the first and second transistors. In this case, a threshold variation of the first and second transistors is corrected.

Abstract: Method and means for random or systematic mismatch compensation for a memory sensing system are disclosed. A sense amplifier includes a bulk voltage source to set the bulk of the sensing transistor to be a voltage different than the voltage driving the sensing transistor. For an NMOS sensing transistor, a triple well is used with the variable bulk voltage. Differential sense amplifiers with various offset compensation are included. Intentional offset creation for useful purpose is also included.

Abstract: A current sense amplifier can include an active load circuit having a first load device and second load device coupled in parallel to a first power supply node. A first load device and second load device can provide an impedance that varies according to a potential at a load control node. A reference current circuit can be coupled between the first load device and a second power supply node that includes a current reference section that provides an impedance according to a bias voltage. A data current circuit can be coupled between the second load device and a plurality of memory cells. An adaptive bias circuit can be coupled between the first power supply and the second power supply node and can include a bias section coupled to the load control node that provides an impedance according to the bias voltage.

Abstract: A reference current integrator and a sensed current integrator are coupled to form a differential sense amplifier. The differential sense amplifier is coupled to receive a bitline current signal from a flash memory, and the reference current integrator is coupled to receive a current signal from a reference memory cell. Integration continues until a desired voltage or time is reached, resulting in a sufficiently reliable output. The differential current integrating sense amplifier is also used for instrumentation, communication, data storage, sensing, biomedical device, and analog to digital conversion.

Abstract: In some examples, a differential comparator includes a differential amplifier configured to output differential output signals, a first switch portion configured to input the differential output signals from the differential amplifier and output the differential output signals from output terminals while alternatively changing over the output terminals, a latch portion configured to update and latch the differential output signals from the output terminals of the first switch portion, and a second switch portion configured to input output signals from the latch portion and output the latched output signals. The first switch portion and the second switch portion are changed over complementarily so that the differential output signals from the differential amplifier are always outputted from the same first and second output terminals of the second switch portion respectively.

Abstract: A differential sense amplifier can perform data sensing using a very low supply voltage.

Abstract: A DC stabilization circuit for an organic electroluminescent display device and a power supply using the same are provided. The DC stabilization circuit includes a self-bias part connected between a first power supply voltage and a reference power supply. The self-bias part generates a bias voltage depending on the first power supply voltage. The circuit also includes a differential part connected to the self-bias part that amplifies a variation in the bias voltage. A negative feedback part is connected to the differential part, adjusts a level of a second power supply voltage using a variable resistor, and compensates for the amplified variation of the bias voltage through a negative feedback operation.

Abstract: An input buffer circuit is disclosed. The input buffer circuit includes a buffer configured to receive an input signal and differentially amplify and buffer the received input signal, and a current regulator for regulating the amount of current in the buffer at a turn-on level which depends on a level of a voltage inputted thereto.

Abstract: A sense amplifier circuit includes a current sense amplifier, a voltage sense amplifier, and an output stabilizing circuit. The current sense amplifier amplifies differential input currents to generate differential output voltages and provides the differential output voltages to a sense amplifier output line pair. The voltage sense amplifier is coupled to the sense amplifier output line pair to amplify the differential output voltages on the sense amplifier output line pair. The voltage sense amplifier is activated at the time later than a time of activation of the current sense amplifier. The output stabilizing circuit is coupled to the sense amplifier output line pair to stabilize the differential output voltages on the sense amplifier output line pair. The output stabilizing circuit has a positive input resistance. Accordingly, the sense amplifier circuit reduces power consumption and an occupied area on a semiconductor chip.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for providing a strobed comparator with reduced offset and reduced charge kickback. The strobed comparator circuit comprises a differential pair of transistors coupled to a first switch circuit, a regenerative latch circuit, a first strobe signal line coupled to the switch circuit and a second strobe signal line coupled to the regenerative latch circuit. The first and second strobe signal lines provide separate strobe controls. The differential pair of transistors reduces the charge kickback effect by remaining in an “on” state. The differential pair of transistors is enabled when the regenerative latch circuit is in a reset condition and the regenerative latch circuit is enabled when the differential pair of transistors is in a saturation condition.

Abstract: An interface circuit for a multi-differential embedded-clock channel for communicating data provides efficient utilization of the bandwidth of the channel. The interface circuit includes at least four first signals, at least four second signals, and a multi-differential amplifier. The multi-differential amplifier is coupled to the first and second signals. The multi-differential amplifier is adapted to generate the second signals by amplifying, for all combinations of two of the first signals, differential transitions between the two of the first signals. Each of a plurality of symbols of the data has a corresponding one of the differential transitions, and the differential transitions are serially communicated through the channel.

Abstract: A system and method for sensing a current. The system includes an operational amplifier including a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and a first output terminal. The first input terminal is biased to a predetermined voltage, and the second input terminal and the first output terminal are directly connected. Additionally, the system includes a switch coupled to the first output terminal and a first node. The switch is controlled by at least a first control signal. Moreover, the system includes a comparator including a third input terminal, a fourth input terminal, and at least a second output terminal. The comparator is configured to receive a first input signal at the third input terminal and a second input signal at the fourth input terminal. The first input signal and the second input signal are associated with the first node and the predetermined voltage.

Abstract: A dual reference input receiver, and a method of receiving, wherein the input receiver includes a first input buffer which is synchronized with and enabled by a clock signal, senses a difference between the input data signal and a first reference voltage, and amplifies the sensing result; a second input buffer which is synchronized with and enabled by the clock signal, senses a difference between a second reference voltage and the input data signal, and amplifies the sensing result; and a phase detector which detects a difference between a phase of output signals of the first and second input buffers, and outputs a signal corresponding to the detection result. The first and second reference voltages may respectively be higher and lower than a median voltage of the input data signal. Thus, a single input data signal is advantageously used and a wide input data eye is provided.

Abstract: For example, a gain control part and a common node control part are provided in a logic circuit including a data acquisition part that has a differential amplifier configuration and acquires a data input signal when a click signal is an “H” level and a latch part that latches a data output signal from the data acquisition part when the click signal is an “L” level. The gain control part is provided between common nodes of NMOS transistors in the differential amplifier and serves to make the gain of the differential amplifier higher in a high frequency band than in a low frequency band. When the clock signal is an “L” level, the common node control part serves to control an electrical charge so as to eliminate a potential difference between the common nodes. Thus, the transition time of the data output signal is speeded up and the setup margin is increased in the latch part. The above described technique can therefore speed up operations of various logic circuits such as a latch circuit.

Abstract: A trigger circuit generates a trigger signal when a differential input signal crosses a differential threshold voltage level. A first side of the differential input signal is applied to a first terminal of a first load termination resistor. A second side of the differential signal is applied to a first terminal of a second load termination resistor. A first side of the differential threshold voltage level is applied to a second terminal of the first load termination resistor. A second side of the differential threshold voltage level is applied to a second terminal of the second load termination resistor. A comparator generates the trigger signal when a voltage level at the first terminal of the first resistor exceeds a voltage level at the first terminal of the second resistor.

Abstract: A boot strap driver including a fast differential level shifter are disclosed. The fast differential level shifter may include a first differential amplifier differentially amplifying a pulse width modulation signal and an inverted pulse width modulation signal and outputting a first differential amplification voltage and a second differential amplification voltage based on the amplified result. The fast differential level shifter may also include a second differential amplifier differentially amplifying the first differential amplification voltage and the second differential amplification voltage, and shifting the differential amplification voltages to voltages having an output range between a first voltage and a second voltage based on the amplified result.

Abstract: A controller and an output filter for a power converter, and a power converter employing at least one of the same. In one embodiment, the controller includes an error amplifier with first and second input terminals coupled to one of an operating characteristic and a reference voltage of the power converter, and a switch configured to couple the first and second input terminals to one of the operating characteristic and the reference voltage as a function of a power conversion mode of the power converter. In one embodiment, the output filter includes an output filter capacitor with a first terminal coupled to a first output terminal of a power converter, and an output filter inductor coupled between a second terminal of the output filter capacitor and a second output terminal of the power converter.

Abstract: Disclosed are an input buffer, and more particularly, a technique that is capable of improving the operation speed of the input buffer by improving response speed with respect to an input signal. The input buffer includes a buffer unit that operates when an activation control signal is activated, compares the voltage of an input signal to a preset reference voltage, and outputs the result of the comparison to an output node, a driving unit that performs driving control on an output of the buffer unit, and outputs an output signal, and a pull-down control unit that outputs a pull-down control signal that has a high pulse for a predetermined time when transition of a potential of the input signal occurs.

Abstract: A first auxiliary switch circuit is connected to one terminal and a first terminal of a main switch circuit and generates a first auxiliary detection current. A second auxiliary switch circuit is connected to the other terminal and a second terminal of the main switch circuit and generates a second auxiliary detection current. A current adjustment detection circuit adjusts the first auxiliary detection current so that the potentials of the other terminal and the first terminal are equal and passes the first auxiliary detection current in a direction of receiving the current from the first auxiliary switch circuit and adjusts the second auxiliary detection current so that the potentials of the one terminal and the second terminal are equal and passes the second auxiliary detection current in a direction of outputting the current to the second auxiliary switch circuit, thereby generating a detection current being proportional to the output current.

Abstract: A sense amplifier includes a first sensing element and a second sensing element redundant to the first sensing element. The sense amplifier further comprises a switch circuit configured to switch between the first and second sensing elements when an offset of the sense amplifier is greater than a prescribed amount.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for controlling a switching assembly comprising a plurality of transistors connected in parallel, having a linear operating mode, a closed-switch operating mode and an off operating mode including a first operating phase during which a current flows from a source terminal to a drain terminal and a second operating phase during which no current flows. The method includes the following successive steps; (a) controlling the switching assembly in closed-switch mode during part of the first phase; (b) controlling the switching assembly in linear mode; (c) controlling the assembly in off mode during part of the second phase.

Abstract: A sense amplifier having a pre-amplifier and a main-amplifier is disclosed. The pre-amplifier is connected to paired data line, senses and amplifies data on the paired data line using voltage mode and outputting a pair of differential signal. The main-amplifier is connected to the paired data line, senses and amplifies data on the paired data line using current mode and generating a first amplified signal, senses and amplifies the first amplified signal using voltage mode in response to the pair of differential signal, and outputting an amplified data.

Abstract: A differential amplifier includes an amplification unit and a feedback unit. The amplification unit amplifies a voltage difference between a first input signal and a second input signal and outputs a first output signal and a second output signal. The feedback unit amplifies a voltage difference between a first feedback signal based on the first output signal and a second feedback signal based on the second output signal.

Abstract: A signal conditioning circuit for a latching comparator comprising first and second transistors arranged in a long tail pair, the long tail pair having an active load and configured to act as an integrator.

Abstract: A sense amplifier control circuit includes an initial-voltage setting circuit configured to set a control signal to an initial voltage, the control signal controlling a sensing operation of a sense amplifier, and a control-signal-level adjusting circuit configured to first change a voltage level of the control signal from the initial voltage to a voltage level at which the sense amplifier can execute a current sensing, and is configured to second change, after a predetermined time elapses, the voltage level at which the sense amplifier can execute the current sensing to a voltage level at which the sense amplifier can execute a voltage sensing.

Abstract: A differential level shifter employs a variable current mirror to maintain a reference voltage at one output while the other output follows a differential input. Resistor networks allow postproduction trimming of load resistors and the current mirror, resulting in a precise and accurate output of the differential signal. An active cascode circuit enhances current mirror balance and high frequency operation.

Abstract: A sense amplifier comprises: a differential amplifier circuit configured to generate an amplified signal depending on a difference in voltage between bit lines; an output circuit receiving the amplified signal; and a load. The differential amplifier circuit comprises: a first output node supplying the amplified signal to the output circuit; and a second output node symmetrically placed with respect to the first output node and connected to the load. The output circuit comprises an output terminal for outputting an output signal generated based on the amplified signal.

Abstract: A prescaling stage includes bistable circuit in turn including respective master and slave portions inserted between a first and a second voltage reference and feedback connected to each other. Each portion is provided with at least one differential stage supplied by the first voltage reference and connected, by a transistor stage, to the second voltage reference, as well as a differential pair of cross-coupled transistors, supplied by output terminals of the differential stage and connected, by the transistor stage, to the second voltage reference. Advantageously, each master and slave portion includes a degeneration capacitance inserted in correspondence with respective terminals of the transistors of the differential pair.

Abstract: A sense amplifier having an amplifier stage with decreased gain is described. The sense amplifier includes a first input/output (“I/O”) node and a second complementary I/O node. The sense amplifier includes two amplifier stages, each for amplifying a signal on one of the I/O nodes. The first amplifier stage, having a first conductivity-type, amplifies one of the I/O node towards a first voltage. The second amplifier stage, having a second conductivity-type, amplifies the other I/O node towards a second voltage. The sense amplifier also includes a resistance circuit coupled to the second amplifier stage to reduce the gain of the second amplifier stage thereby reducing the rate of amplification of the signal on the corresponding I/O node.

Abstract: A memory system includes a sense amplifier for detecting content of data memory cells by comparison with a voltage stored in a reference cell. The sense amplifier may comprise a comparator, first and second load circuits, and a low impedance circuit. A first input of the comparator is coupled to the low impedance circuit and a reference voltage node. A second input of the comparator is coupled to a data voltage node. The first load circuit loads a reference cell coupled to the reference voltage node. The second load circuit loads a data cell coupled to the data voltage node.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first sense amplifier coupled to an input for generating a first output; a second sense amplifier couple to the input for generating a second output; and a third sense amplifier coupled to the input for generating a third output, wherein a fourth output amplifying the input is generated based on combinations of logic states of the first, second and third outputs.

Abstract: A high-side current sense circuit comprises a sense resistance Rsense connected in series with a signal having an associated current to be measured I, which develops voltages V1 and V2 on either side of Rsense. A differential gain stage powered by supply voltages VCC and VEE produces an output voltage which varies with the difference between its input signals. To keep the common mode portion of the input signal between voltages VCC and VEE, a voltage modification circuit subtracts or adds a common mode voltage to or from V1 and V2 to produce modified voltages V1? and V2?, which are coupled to the gain stage inputs. The voltage modification circuit is arranged to ensure that VEE?V1? and V2??VCC.

Abstract: A circuit assembly for converting a differential input clock signal pair into a single-ended output clock signal comprises a NMOS differential amplifier (20) including two N-channel field-effect transistors (N1, N2) which converts the input clock signal pair (CLK, NCLK) applied to its differential inputs into a first single-ended signal, a PMOS differential amplifier (22) including two P-channel field-effect transistors (P3, P4) which converts the input clock signal pair applied to its differential inputs into a second single-ended signal, a bias circuit (N5, N6, N7, P5, P6) generating for each differential amplifier a bias voltage defining its working point at which said field-effect transistors (N1, N2; P3, P4) change state as a function of said input clock signal pair (CLK, NCLK), and a NAND circuit (32) for linking said first and said second single-ended signal and outputting the single-ended output clock signal (A-CLK) as the result thereof.

Abstract: An input buffer receiver circuit for electronic devices (e.g., memory chips) to receive and process reduced-swing and high bandwidth inputs to obtain “buffered” output signals therefrom with symmetrical rising and falling delays, and without additional current dissipation over previous receiver circuits, is disclosed. The receiver circuit may include two stages of differential amplifier pairs (i.e., a total of 4 separated differential amplifiers). The differential amplifiers in the first stage convert the single-ended input signal to a full-differential signal, which is then converted back to a single-ended output signal by the differential amplifier pair in the second stage. The output of a P-diff first stage may be connected to the input of an N-diff second stage and the output of an N-diff first stage may be connected to the input of a P-diff second stage thereby creating a “cross” coupled structure.

Abstract: A sense amplifier according to the present invention for detecting a potential difference of signals input to a first input terminal and a second input terminal, includes a first means for applying voltages corresponding to threshold voltages of first and second transistors to gate-source voltages of the first and second transistors, and a second means for transferring signals input to the first and second input terminals to gates of the first and second transistors. In this case, a threshold variation of the first and second transistors is corrected.

Abstract: A digital communication system for transmitting and receiving Digital Visual Interface (DVI) communication data signals and Display Data Channel (DDC) communication signals over a transmission line comprises an open-loop equalizer circuit and a DDC extension circuit. The open-loop equalizer circuit is operable to receive DVI communication signals transmitted over the transmission line and output equalized DVI communication data signals. The DDC extension circuit is operable to inject a boost current at the receive end of the transmission line during a positive transition in the DDC communication signal, and clamp the receive end of the transmission line during a negative transition of the DDC communication signal.