Dynamic RAM having a full size dummy cell

摘要

A dynamic RAM, in which the difference between a data signal level from one of a pair of complementary data lines coupled to a memory cell and a reference potential level of the other of the complementary data lines is differentially amplified by a sense amplifier. The data line taking the reference potential level is coupled to the other data line through a switch element so that its data line capacitance is increased. As a result, the reference potential level is held at a relatively stable level irrespective of a leakage current such as that caused by alpha particles. This construction makes it possible to use a full-size dummy cell because the capacitance of the data lines which takes the reference potential level is increased. The reference potential level achieved by the use of the full-size dummy cell is made relatively accurate because of the relative accuracy between the capacitances of the memory cells and the capacitance of the full-size dummy cell.