Temperature compensated sense amplifier

摘要

A temperature compensated sense amplifier is connected to the sense node of a memory array which is OR tied to the bit lines of the array. A PNP current mirror supplies voltage independent controlled current to the sense node. A level shifting stage is connected to the sense node to establish a threshold sensing level, and to switch on to steer the current into the amplifier stage. A compensation stage is connected to the level shifting stage and the amplifier stage to compensate for the beta factors of the transistors and the resistive changes with temperature. A temperature compensated current sink is connected to the PNP current mirror to track over temperature in opposition therewith and maintain a constant current into the sense node. The level shifting stage and the amplifier stage also include temperature compensating features to provide a sensing threshold which tracks constantly over the operating temperature range.