Architecture for high-speed magnetic memories

摘要

A magnetic memory circuit comprises a plurality of memory cells and a plurality of bit lines coupled to the memory cells for selectively accessing one or more of the memory cells. The memory circuit comprises at least one bit line programming circuit, configurable as a current source for generating a programming current for writing a logical state of at least one memory cell and/or a current sink for returning the programming current, and a first set of switches. The first set of switches are disabled at least during a read operation of the memory cells and at least a portion of the first set of switches are selectively enabled during a write operation of the memory cells. Each switch in the first set of switches is configured to selectively couple the at least one bit line programming circuit to a corresponding one of the bit lines in response to a first control signal. The memory circuit further comprises at least one sense amplifier and a second set of switches. The second set of switches are disabled at least during a write operation of the memory cells and at least a portion of the second set of switches are selectively enabled during a read operation of the memory cells. Each switch in the second set of switches is configured to selectively couple the at least one sense amplifier to a corresponding one of the bit lines in response to a second control signal.