Abstract: A negative bit line boost circuit for a memory is configured to control a write multiplexer and a write assist transistor so that charge from a boost capacitor positively charges a bit line following a write assist period.

Abstract: A memory and apparatus are disclosed. The memory includes a memory core having a plurality of memory cells. The memory also includes a first write assist circuit configured to assist writing to a first group of the plurality of memory cells of the memory core. Additionally, the memory includes a second write assist circuit configured to assist writing to a second group of the plurality of memory cells of the memory core. The apparatus includes at least one processor. The apparatus also includes a memory array. The memory array includes a memory core having a plurality of memory cells. The memory also includes a first write assist circuit configured to assist writing to a first group of the plurality of memory cells of the memory core and a second write assist circuit configured to assist writing to a second group of the plurality of memory cells of the memory core.

Abstract: A method of operating an apparatus in a functional mode and an ATPG scan mode and an apparatus for use in a functional mode and an ATPG scan mode are provided. The apparatus includes a set of latches including a first latch and a second latch. The first latch is operated as a master latch and the second latch is operated as a master latch in the functional mode. The first latch is operated as a master latch of a flip-flop and the second latch is operated as a slave latch of the flip-flop in the ATPG scan mode. In one configuration, the apparatus includes a plurality of latches including at least the first and second latches, an output of each of the latches is coupled to a digital circuit, the apparatus includes a plurality of functional inputs, and each of the functional inputs is input to the digital circuit.

Abstract: A pseudo dual port (PDP) memory is disclosed having a write driver that selectively precharges only one of a bit line and a complement bit line in a bit line pair responsive to a bit value to be written into an accessed bitcell while discharging a remaining one of the bit line and the complement bit line. In this fashion, the cleanup time between a read operation and a write operation during a read/write clock cycle is advantageously reduced.

Abstract: A pseudo dual port (PDP) memory is disclosed having a write driver that selectively precharges only one of a bit line and a complement bit line in a bit line pair responsive to a bit value to be written into an accessed bitcell while discharging a remaining one of the bit line and the complement bit line. In this fashion, the cleanup time between a read operation and a write operation during a read/write clock cycle is advantageously reduced.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory cell includes a set of circuit structures, each having column input/output circuits. The semiconductor memory cell further includes a set of replicas corresponding to the column input/output circuits. The set of replicas are non-functional and fills an empty space next to the column input/output circuits and hence, provides context protection for the column input/output circuits.

Abstract: A method of operating an apparatus in a functional mode and an ATPG scan mode and an apparatus for use in a functional mode and an ATPG scan mode are provided. The apparatus includes a set of latches including a first latch and a second latch. The first latch is operated as a master latch and the second latch is operated as a master latch in the functional mode. The first latch is operated as a master latch of a flip-flop and the second latch is operated as a slave latch of the flip-flop in the ATPG scan mode. In one configuration, the apparatus includes a plurality of latches including at least the first and second latches, an output of each of the latches is coupled to a digital circuit, the apparatus includes a plurality of functional inputs, and each of the functional inputs is input to the digital circuit.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory cell includes a set of circuit structures, each having column input/output circuits. The semiconductor memory cell further includes a set of replicas corresponding to the column input/output circuits. The set of replicas are non-functional and fills an empty space next to the column input/output circuits and hence, provides context protection for the column input/output circuits.

Abstract: A dual port memory implemented using a single port memory core. In an embodiment, the access requests from the two ports are processed in a single memory clock cycle. In one implementation, the access request corresponding to the first port is processed in the high logic state of the memory clock cycle, and the access request corresponding to the second port is processed in the low logic state of the memory clock cycle. A single port memory core may provide multiple memory enable signals and corresponding strobe signals, with each combination of memory enable signal and strobe signal facilitating the memory access request from a corresponding port. An alternative embodiment uses the duration of each clock cycle of the memory clock signal more efficiently by starting the second memory access soon after completion of the first memory access (without waiting for the logic low of memory clock signal).