Linked cell discharge detector having improved response time

摘要

The present invention enables improved response time in a linked cell discharge detection device by providing additional discharge paths when indicated to speed discharge of circuit nodes in a plurality of detection cells. A circuit node is periodically precharged by connection to a voltage source. This node is selectively discharged in accordance with at least one input signal. An output device connected to the circuit node generates an output indicative of the state of the charge on the circuit node. An additional discharge device which is responsive to the output device provides an additional discharge path when the output signal indicates a charge on the circuit node less than a predetermined magnitude. This additional discharge path speeds up the complete discharge of the circuit node. A set of linked cells having connected circuit nodes may thus be assured of reaching a stable state whenever any one of the nodes is selectively discharged by a rippling of the application of these additional discharge devices. In one preferred embodiment the circuit nodes of a number of such detection bit cells are selectively connected in groups in accordance with a size input. This technique is advantageously employed in detecting a code of all "0's" when the code length is variable.