• JSTS:Journal of Semiconductor Technology and Science
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.118-129
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• 2010

A lower-threshold-voltage (LVth) SRAM cell with an elevated cell biasing scheme, which enables to reduce the random threshold-voltage (Vth) variation and to alleviate the stability-degradation caused by word-line (WL) and cell power line (VDDM) disturbed accesses in row and column directions, has been proposed. The random Vth variation (${\sigma}Vth$) is suppressed by the proposed LVth cell. As a result, the LVth cell reduces the variation of static noise margin (SNM) for the data retention, which enables to maintain a higher SNM over a larger memory size, compared with a conventionally being used higher Vth (HVth) cell. An elevated cell biasing scheme cancels the substantial trade-off relationship between SNM and the write margin (WRTM) in an SRAM cell. Obtained simulation results with a 45-nm CMOS technology model demonstrate that the proposed techniques allow sufficient stability margins to be maintained up to $6{\sigma}$ level with a 0.5-V data retention voltage and a 0.7-V logic bias voltage.

• Transactions on Electrical and Electronic Materials
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.293-302
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• 2015

Degraded data stability, weaker write ability, and increased leakage power consumption are the primary concerns in scaled static random-access memory (SRAM) circuits. Two new SRAM cells are proposed in this paper for achieving enhanced read data stability and lower leakage power consumption in memory circuits. The bitline access transistors are asymmetrically gate-underlapped in the proposed SRAM cells. The strengths of the asymmetric bitline access transistors are weakened during read operations and enhanced during write operations, as the direction of current flow is reversed. With the proposed hybrid asymmetric SRAM cells, the read data stability is enhanced by up to 71.6% and leakage power consumption is suppressed up to 15.5%, while displaying similar write voltage margin and maintaining identical silicon area as compared to the conventional memory cells in a 15 nm FinFET technology.

• Proceedings of the IEEK Conference
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• 2005.11a
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• pp.647-650
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• 2005

In this paper, a low voltage SRAM using double boosting scheme is described. A low supply voltage deteriorates the static noise margin (SNM) and the cell read-out current. For read/write operation, a selected word line and cell VDD bias are boosted in a different level using double boosting scheme. This increases not only the static noise margin but also the cell readout current at a low supply voltage. A low voltage SRAM with 32K ${\times}$ 8bit implemented in a 0.18um CMOS technology shows an access time of 26.1ns at 0.8V supply voltage.

• ETRI Journal
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.457-462
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• 2007

This work presents a low-voltage static random access memory (SRAM) technique based on a dual-boosted cell array. For each read/write cycle, the wordline and cell power node of selected SRAM cells are boosted into two different voltage levels. This technique enhances the read static noise margin to a sufficient level without an increase in cell size. It also improves the SRAM circuit speed due to an increase in the cell read-out current. A 0.18 ${\mu}m$ CMOS 256-kbit SRAM macro is fabricated with the proposed technique, which demonstrates 0.8 V operation with 50 MHz while consuming 65 ${\mu}W$/MHz. It also demonstrates an 87% bit error rate reduction while operating with a 43% higher clock frequency compared with that of conventional SRAM.

• The Transactions of the Korean Institute of Electrical Engineers C
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• v.53 no.8
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• pp.407-414
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• 2004

In this paper, a new gray scale expression method that divides the scan lines into multiple blocks is suggested. The proposed method can drive 16 sub-fields per 1 TV field in the panel with XGA ($1366{\times}768$) resolution. The on and off states of even subfields depend on the condition of odd subfields. The write address mode is used in the odd subfields, while the erase address mode is used in the even subfields. Because the ramp reset pulse is applied every 2 sub-fields, both the contrast ratio and the dynamic voltage margin are sufficiently obtained in comparison with previous AWD (Address While Display) methods. In realizing 16 subfields, shortening the scan time in the erase address period was important. The X bias voltage in the erase address period affected the minimum address voltage but did not the delay time of the address discharge. The delay time of the address discharge was affected by the address voltage and the time interval between the last sustain discharge and the scanning time. We also evaluated the dynamic false contour. New method shows an improved image quality in horizontal moving, but discontinuous lines were observed at the boundaries of each block in vertical moving

• Journal of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of Korea SD
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.28-35
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• 2007

In this paper, an ultra low voltage SRAM design method based on dual-boosted cell bias technique is described. For each read/write cycle, the wordline and cell power node of the selected SRAM cells are boosted into two different voltage levels. This enhances SNM(Static Noise Margin) to a sufficient amount without an increase of the cell size, even at sub 1-V supply voltage. It also improves the SRAM circuit speed owing to increase of the cell read-out current. The proposed design technique has been demonstrated through 0.8-V, 32K-byte SRAM macro design in a $0.18-{\mu}m$ CMOS technology. Compared to the conventional cell bias technique, the simulation confirms an 135 % enhancement of the cell SNM and a 31 % faster speed at 0.8-V supply voltage. This prototype chip shows an access time of 23 ns and a power dissipation of $125\;{\mu}W/Hz$.

• Journal of Korea Society of Industrial Information Systems
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.19-23
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• 2013

This paper deals with the analysis of 6T SRAM cell stability for Hi-speed processing Ternary Content Addressable Memory. The higher the operation frequency, the smaller CMOS technology required in the designed TCAM because the purpose of TCAM is high-speed data processing. Decrease of Supply voltage is one cause of unstable TCAM operation. Thus, We should design TCAM through analysis of SRAM cell stability. In this paper we propose methodology to characterize the Static Noise Margin of 6T SRAM. All simulations of the TCAM have been carried out in 180nm CMOS process technology.

• Proceedings of the International Microelectronics And Packaging Society Conference
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• 2006.10a
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• pp.293-316
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• 2006

[ $\blacksquare$ ] I/O Signal $\square$ We see adequate margin for the RC B design $\square$ Minimum ODW value is 328ps using Ac to DC measurement for the read case. $\square$ Minimum ODW value is 350ps using AC to DC mesurement method for the write case. $\blacksquare$ CLK Signal $\square$ The slew-rate decreases when the Cterm value increases $\square$ Lower slew-rate could effect delay and jitter. $\square$ There are some ldge issues during transitions with lower Cterm and without Cterm. $\square$ Our recommendation for the Cterm value range is between 1.5pF to 2.4pF. $\blacksquare$ ADD/CMD/Ctrl Signal $\square$ High output slew-rate at low VDD causes ring back that reduces voltage margin because of x-talk. $\square$ 30ohm Rterm for the CTRL signal shows a better signal integrity result compared to 36ohm.

• JSTS:Journal of Semiconductor Technology and Science
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.37-50
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• 2009

Evaluation results about area scaling capabilities of various SRAM margin-assist techniques for random $V_T$ variability issues are described. Various efforts to address these issues by not only the cell topology changes from 6T to 8T and 10T but also incorporating multiple voltage-supply for the cell terminal biasing and timing sequence controls of read and write are comprehensively compared in light of an impact on the required area overhead for each design solution given by ever increasing $V_T$ variation (${\sigma}_{VT}$). Two different scenarios which hinge upon the EOT (Effective Oxide Thickness) scaling trend of being pessimistic and optimistic, are assumed to compare the area scaling trends among various SRAM solutions for 32 nm process node and beyond. As a result, it has been shown that 6T SRAM will be allowed long reign even in 15 nm node if ${\sigma}_{VT}$ can be suppressed to < 70 mV thanks to EOT scaling for LSTP (Low Standby Power) process.

• Proceedings of the IEEK Conference
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• 2003.07b
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• pp.815-818
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• 2003

New sensing and writing schemes for a magneto-resistive random access memory (MRAM) with a twin cell structure are proposed. In order to enhance the cell reliability, a scheme of the low voltage precharge is employed to keep the magneto resistance (MR) ratio constant. Moreover, a common gate amplifier is utilized to provide sufficient voltage signal to the bit line sense amplifiers under the small MR ratio structures. To enhance the writing reliability, a current mode technique with tri-state current drivers is adopted. During write operations, the bit and /bit lines are connected. And 'HIGH' or 'LOW' data is determined in terms of the current direction flowing through the MTJ cell. With the viewpoint of the improved reliability of the cell behavior and sensing margin, HSPICE simulations proved the validity of the proposed schemes.