Patents Examined by Cach Phung
  • Patent number: 7161860
    Abstract: A local input/output line precharge circuit of a semiconductor memory device comprises a precharge control unit, an equalization unit and a data output unit. The precharge control unit outputs a precharge control signal to precharge a pair of local input/output lines in response to a continuous write signal activated when a write operation continues. The equalization unit precharges and equalizing the pair of local input/output lines in response to the precharge control signal. The data output unit outputs data signals of a pair of global input/output lines to the pair of local input/output lines in response to output signal from the equalization unit. In the circuit, a local input/output line precharge operation is not performed at a continuous write mode, thereby reducing current consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventors: Sung Joo Ha, Ho Youb Cho