Sense amplifier using different threshold MOS devices

摘要

A sense amplifier quickly charges a column line to a first predetermined voltage level with first, second and third transistors and then charges the column to a second predetermined voltage by using only the second and third transistors. The second and third transistors continue charging to the second predetermined voltage by virtue of having a lower threshold voltage than the first transistor. If a selected memory cell in the column is in a conducting state, the column charges to only the first predetermined voltage for detection as a logic "0". If the selected memory cell in the column is in a non-conducting state, the column continues charging to the second predetermined voltage for detection as a logic "1".