SENSE AMPLIFIER OF THE DRAM

摘要

The sense amplifier for use in a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) is disclosed. In a DRAM having a precharging and equalizing circuit for precharging and equalizing first and second bit lines, an NMOS latch connected to a first NMOS transistor of a first conductivity, and a PMOS latch, the sense amplifier includes a second NMOS transistor of a first conductivity having a drain and a source connected between the first NMOS transistor and a ground voltage, and a bipolar transistor having a base connected to a connection node between the first and second NMOS transistors, an emitter (or collector) connected to the ground voltage and a collector (or emitter) connected to a connection node between the first NMOS transistor and the NMOS latch. Thus, a stable limited voltage swing operation is obtained.