A single-bit-line cross-point cell activation (SCPA) architecture for ultra-low-power SRAM's

摘要

This paper describes a single-bit-line cross-point cell activation (SCPA) architecture, which has been developed to reduce active power consumption and to avoid increase in the size of high-density SRAM chips, such as 16-Mb SRAM's and beyond. A new PMOS precharging boost circuit, introduced to realize the single-bit-line structure, is also discussed. This circuit is suitable for operation under low-voltage power supply conditions. The SCPA architecture with the new word-line boost circuit is demonstrated with the experimental device, which is fabricated by a 0.4- mu m CMOS wafer process technology.