Data output buffer for use in a semiconductor memory device

摘要

A data output buffer of a semiconductor memory device having a data output driver comprised of a pull-up transistor and a pull-down transistor includes a precharging circuit for precharging a gate terminal of the pull-up transistor of the data output driver to a power supply voltage level. Precharging the output driver reduces the load on the pumping voltage generator. This feature, together with precharging the pumping voltage generator itself, allow clocking the pumping voltage generator at a reduced clock rate to reduce power consumption without compromising operating speed of the memory device.