IP Library Granted Patent US 6,914,839
Granted Patent B2
US 6,914,839 · App. 10/035,878 · Granted Jul 5, 2005

Self-timed sneak current cancellation

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 6,914,839
App. No.
10/035,878
Granted
Jul 5, 2005
Kind
B2
Abstract

A sensing circuit. The circuit includes an integrator to sense charge release from a passive electronic device and a comparator to interpret the charge release as one of at least two data states. The circuit also includes a compensation module to generate a compensation signal as needed and a self-timing module to adjust timing of the integrator sensing based upon a predefined voltage level.

Claims (20)

1. A sensing circuit, comprising:

an integrator to sense charge release from a passive electronic device;

a comparator to interpret the charge release as one of at least two data states;

a compensation module to generate a compensation signal as needed; and

a self-timing module to adjust timing of the integrator sensing based upon a predefined voltage level.

2. The sensing circuit of claim 1 , wherein the self-timing module is operable to receive a threshold voltage level and an integration mode identifier.

3. The circuit of claim 2 , wherein the threshold voltage level is externally programmed.

4. The circuit of claim 1 , wherein the passive electronic device is a ferroelectric memory cell.

5. A method for sensing output on a passive electronic device, the method comprising:

predefining a threshold voltage level;

comparing a reference voltage to the threshold voltage level;

generating a read out signal when the reference voltage level becomes substantially equal to the threshold voltage level;

sensing an output voltage level upon reception of the read out signal; and

determining if the output voltage level is one of two data states, producing a first read signal.

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein generating a read out signal further comprises receiving a time out signal and generating a read out signal regardless of the reference voltage level.

7. The method of claim 5 , wherein the method further comprises repeating the comparing, generating a read out signal, and sensing processes to produce a second read signal.

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein determining if the output voltage is one of two data states depends on the first and the second read signals.

9. The method of claim 7 , wherein results acquired from the first read signal and the second read signals are subtracted.

10. The method of claim 7 , wherein threshold voltage is predefined externally.

11. The method of claim 7 , wherein the threshold voltage is adjustable.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Nov 1, 2022
From: INTEL CORPORATION
To: TAHOE RESEARCH, LTD.
Reel/Frame 061827/0686 →