Abstract: In this invention a global row redundancy scheme for a DRAM is described which effectively uses the resources of the chip to produce an area efficient design. The DRAM is constructed from two types of memory blocks, one that has a redundant cell array and one that does not. Both memory block types contain a memory cell array and bit line sense amplifiers. The bit line sense amplifiers, contained on the block with the redundant cell array, are shared with the memory cell array also contained in the block, and thus eliminating the need for sense amplifiers for use only with the redundant cell array. Although, every block could contain a redundant cell array, only one or two blocks with the redundant cell array are normally used.