| 摘要 |
An amplifier used in some embodiments as a sense amplifier for a memory includes a plurality of first sense amplifiers 220.i whose outputs are connected to high capacitance nodes SA, &upbar& S which in turn are connected to inputs of second sense amplifier 240. The state of nodes SA, &upbar& S is defined by the currents on the two nodes. The voltages on nodes SA, &upbar& S, however, are kept substantially constant, which increases the state switching speed and reduces the power consumption. When the amplifier is not in use and the power-down circuitry reconfigures the amplifier to reduce the power consumption, the second amplifier 240 places its output OUT2 into a valid state in order to prevent oscillations of the output and to reduce power consumption. When the amplifier returns from the power-down mode, the output OUT2 is kept in that state until nodes SA, &upbar& S and certain other nodes within the first and second amplifiers settle to proper current and voltage values. As a result, during settling the oscillations on output OUT are prevented and power consumption is reduced.
|
