US5375086A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Dynamic control of configurable logic
Assignee: Xylon LLC
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Filing: 1993-08-24
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Granted: 1994-12-20
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Expires: 2013-08-24
Abstract
Abstract A method and device for performing logic functions. A logic array (1) is controlled by a plurality of DRAM cells (101). The DRAM cells are, in preferred embodiments, loaded in a serial fashion with a shift register (1205). Refresh according to one aspect of the invention utilizes a shift register (1201) with a circulating "0." A charge pump circuit, voltage boost circuit, and a variety of memory cell/logic array configurations are also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Sven E. Wahlstrom
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 02:40
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03K; H03K19/00; H03K19/02; H03K19/173; H03K19/177; H03K19/17748; H03K19/1776; G; G11; G11C; G11C11/00; G11C11/21; G11C11/34; G11C11/40; G11C11/401; G11C11/403; G11C11/405; G11C11/406; G11C11/4063; G11C11/407; G11C11/409; G11C11/4094; G11C11/4099; H03K19/17704; H03K19/1778
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
A method of operating a dynamic memory comprising the steps of: precharging a selected bit line in said dynamic memory to a selected value with a precharge circuit, said precharge circuit being selectively coupled to said bit line, said bit line being selectively coupled to a sense amplifier comprising a pull up portion coupled to a selectable high voltage source and a pull down portion coupled to a low voltage source; decoupling said bit line from said precharge circuit, whereby said bit line floats; coupling said bit line to a memory cell by bringing at least one word line to a first word line voltage level while applying a first high voltage to said pull up portion; and thereafter, applying a second, higher voltage to said pull up portion while raising a voltage on said at least one word line to a second, higher word line voltage level.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
148 words
A method of operating a dynamic memory comprising the steps of: precharging a selected bit line in said dynamic memory to a selected value with a precharge circuit, said precharge circuit being selectively coupled to said bit line, said bit line being selectively coupled to a sense amplifier comprising a pull up portion coupled to a selectable high voltage source and a pull down portion coupled to a low voltage source; decoupling said bit line from said precharge circuit, whereby said bit line floats; coupling said bit line to a memory cell by bringing at least one word line to a first word line voltage level while applying a first high voltage to said pull up portion; and thereafter, applying a second, higher voltage to said pull up portion while raising a voltage on said at least one word line to a second, higher word line voltage level.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method of operating a dynamic memory as recited in claim 1 wherein said word line is brought to said first word line voltage level and maintained at said first word line voltage level for a selected period of time.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
51 words
A method of operating a dynamic memory as recited in claim 1 wherein said step of coupling said bit line to a memory cell further comprises the step of coupling another bit line to a dummy memory cell by applying said first word line voltage level to a dummy word line.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method of operating a dynamic memory as recited in claim 3 further comprising the step of lowering a voltage applied to said dummy word line when said voltage on said at least one word line is raised.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method of operating a dynamic memory as recited in claim 1 wherein said memory cell is coupled to a logic circuit with inputs and further comprising the step of inputting a voltage level in said memory cell for selecting a logic function performed by said logic circuit.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method of operating a dynamic memory as recited in claim 1 wherein said step of precharging applies a voltage of about 1.5 v to said selected bit line.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method of operating a dynamic memory as recited in claim 1 wherein said first word line voltage level is about 1.5 v and said second word line voltage level is about 7 v.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
71 words
A method of operating a dynamic memory as recited in claim 1 further comprising the step of boosting a supply voltage level in said dynamic memory, and wherein: said step of applying a second word line voltage level is a step of applying said boosted voltage level; and said step of applying a second, higher voltage level to said pull up portion is a step of applying said boosted voltage level.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
119 words
A dynamic memory integrated circuit structure comprising: a storage capacitor, a first plate of said storage capacitor coupled to a gate of an access transistor, a second plate of said storage capacitor coupled to a first terminal of said access transistor; a read transistor, said read transistor having a first terminal coupled to a second terminal of said access transistor and second terminal coupled to a bit line; a restore transistor, said restore transistor having a first terminal coupled to said bit line and a second terminal coupled to said first plate of said storage capacitor; and an inverter circuit having an input selectively coupled to said bit line and an output selectively coupled back to said bit line.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
119 words
A dynamic memory integrated circuit structure comprising: a storage capacitor, a first plate of said storage capacitor coupled to a gate of an access transistor, a second plate of said storage capacitor coupled to a first terminal of said access transistor; a read transistor, said read transistor having a first terminal coupled to a second terminal of said access transistor and second terminal coupled to a bit line; a restore transistor, said restore transistor having a first terminal coupled to said bit line and a second terminal coupled to said first plate of said storage capacitor; and an inverter circuit having an input selectively coupled to said bit line and an output selectively coupled back to said bit line.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
37 words
The dynamic memory as recited in claim 9 further comprising: a first, restore word line coupled to a gate of said restore transistor; and a second, read word line coupled to a gate of said read transistor.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
55 words
The dynamic memory as recited in claim 9 further comprising: a control circuit for selectively coupling said bit line to an input of said inverter circuit at a first time during an operating cycle and coupling an output of said inverter circuit back to said bit line at a second time in an operating cycle.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
50 words
The dynamic memory as recited in claim 11 wherein a gate of said read transistor is coupled to a control line for activation of said read transistor during said first time and a gate of said access transistor is coupled to an output of said inverter during said second time.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
63 words
The dynamic memory as recited in claim 9 further comprising a weak pullup transistor coupled to said bit line, said weak pullup transistor pulling said bit line to a high level when said bit line is brought high by said storage capacitor, and leaving said bit line at a relatively lower level when said bit line is brought low by said storage capacitor.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
25 words
The dynamic memory as recited in claim 9 wherein said first plate of said storage capacitor is a control node in a programmable logic device.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-12-19 | 1998-06-20 | 1998-12-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-12-19 | 2002-06-20 | 2002-12-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-12-19 | 2006-06-20 | 2006-12-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |