A current direction sense technique for multiport SRAM's

Abstract

This paper describes two techniques for low-power single-end multiport SRAMs: a current direction sense circuit and a write bit-line swing control circuit. The sense circuit's input node is clamped at an intermediate voltage level, and the circuit transforms current direction into a logic value. It operates four times faster than a CMOS inverter, when driver sizes are equal, When it is applied to a single-end multiport SRAM, access is accelerated 3.2 times faster than that with a CMOS inverter with no increase in power consumption. The write bit-line swing control circuit reduces the bit-line precharge level within the limit of correct operation by using a memory cell replica. The control circuit reduces power consumption for bit-line driving and pseudoread cell current by 40%.