Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Thomas A. Leffert
  • Patent number: 6643192
    Abstract: Ramp comparator pulse generators having temperature and voltage compensation are adapted for use in integrated circuit devices such as memory devices. Such pulse generators include a ramp signal generator, a threshold signal generator, and a comparator providing an output signal in response to a difference between the potential level of the threshold signal and the potential level of the ramp signal. The pulse generators described herein utilize an adaptive threshold signal generator configured as a voltage divider and having resistive components having differing effective temperature coefficients of resistivity. The adaptive threshold signal generator has an upper resistive component and a lower resistive component coupled in series between a high potential node and a low potential node. The lower resistive component has an effective temperature coefficient of resistivity that is less than an effective temperature coefficient of resistivity of the upper resistive component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Giulio G. Marotta, Tommaso Vali