US5648928A
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Alignment structure of a main amplifier in a memory device
Assignee: SK Hynix Inc
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Filing: 1995-12-19
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Granted: 1997-07-15
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Expires: 2015-12-19
Abstract
Abstract In an alignment structure of a main amplifier in a memory device, main amplifiers are aligned between memory cell arrays, so that the data line is shortened from the selected column switch to the main amplifier, to thereby reduce power consumption.
Inventors
- 👤 Oh Sang Yoon
- 👤 Yong Soo Kim
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 04:13
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F12/00; G11; G11C; G11C11/00; G11C11/21; G11C11/34; G11C11/40; G11C11/401; G11C11/4063; G11C11/407; G11C11/409; G11C11/4091; G11C5/00; G11C5/02; G11C5/025; G11C7/00; G11C7/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
138 words
An alignment structure of a main amplifier in a memory device in which when first and second memory cell arrays including a plurality of sense amplifiers and a plurality of column switches are referenced, column decoders connected to the first and second memory cell arrays are aligned at an outside of the first and second memory cell arrays, and main amplifiers amplifying data provided from the sense amplifiers and the column switches are aligned between the first and second memory cell arrays, wherein the main amplifiers are respectively selected by a row decoder arranged at an outside of the first and second memory cell arrays, and sense and amplify data outputted from the first and second memory cell arrays in accordance with left and right sense signals and a short signal applied from control and address buffer means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
138 words
An alignment structure of a main amplifier in a memory device in which when first and second memory cell arrays including a plurality of sense amplifiers and a plurality of column switches are referenced, column decoders connected to the first and second memory cell arrays are aligned at an outside of the first and second memory cell arrays, and main amplifiers amplifying data provided from the sense amplifiers and the column switches are aligned between the first and second memory cell arrays, wherein the main amplifiers are respectively selected by a row decoder arranged at an outside of the first and second memory cell arrays, and sense and amplify data outputted from the first and second memory cell arrays in accordance with left and right sense signals and a short signal applied from control and address buffer means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The alignment structure according to claim 1, wherein the row decoder is arranged in opposite of the main amplifiers for selecting a wordline and the main amplifier.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
148 words
A memory device comprising: first and second memory cell arrays, each array having a plurality of memory cells, a plurality of first and second memory cell select lines, and a plurality of sense amplifiers and switches; first and second decoders for selecting said plurality of first memory cell select lines of said first and second memory cell arrays, respectively; a third decoder for selecting said plurality of second memory cell select lines of said first and second memory cell arrays; a plurality of main amplifiers, each main amplifier being aligned with corresponding sense amplifiers and switches of said first and second memory cell array; and means for controlling reading/writing operation of said first and second memory cell arrays, said controlling means providing first and second memory cell array select signals to said plurality of main amplifiers for reading/writing operation of said first and second memory cell array, respectively.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
148 words
A memory device comprising: first and second memory cell arrays, each array having a plurality of memory cells, a plurality of first and second memory cell select lines, and a plurality of sense amplifiers and switches; first and second decoders for selecting said plurality of first memory cell select lines of said first and second memory cell arrays, respectively; a third decoder for selecting said plurality of second memory cell select lines of said first and second memory cell arrays; a plurality of main amplifiers, each main amplifier being aligned with corresponding sense amplifiers and switches of said first and second memory cell array; and means for controlling reading/writing operation of said first and second memory cell arrays, said controlling means providing first and second memory cell array select signals to said plurality of main amplifiers for reading/writing operation of said first and second memory cell array, respectively.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
The memory device of claim 3, wherein said controlling means comprises a control and address buffer unit responsive to external signals to control the reading/writing operation of said first and second memory cell arrays.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
The memory device of claim 3, wherein said controlling means is responsive to external signals to generate signals to enable said first, second and third decoders to select corresponding first and second memory cell select lines.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The memory device of claim 3, wherein said third decoder selects one of said plurality of main amplifiers.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The memory device of claim 3, wherein said first and second decoders comprise column decoders.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The memory device of claim 3, wherein said third decoder comprises a row decoder.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
The memory device of claim 3, wherein said plurality of main amplifiers are located between said first and second memory cell arrays.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
37 words
The memory device of claim 3, wherein said controlling means further provides a short signal to said plurality of main amplifiers such that non-selected main amplifiers are in a state which is the same to each other.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
38 words
The memory device of claim 3 further comprising a buffer for at least one of reading data from a selected memory cell and writing data to the selected memory cell of said first and second memory cell arrays.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-07-14 | 2001-01-13 | 2001-07-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-07-14 | 2005-01-13 | 2005-07-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-07-14 | 2009-01-13 | 2009-07-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |