Jeff C Chu

US Patent:

61078395, Aug 22, 2000

Filed:

Feb 1, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/241003

Inventors:

Jeff L. Chu - Westford MA
Daniel W. Bailey - Northborough MA
Jason F. Cantin - West Chester OH

Assignee:

Compaq Computer Corporation - Houston TX

International Classification:

G01R 1900

US Classification:

327 51

Abstract:

The sense amplifier of the present invention senses the logic level of a digital data element that is conveyed using a low voltage swing signal. That sensing operation occurs relatively soon after the logic level of the data element begins to be established at the input of the sense amplifier. Such a sense amplifier is referred to as having increased sensitivity due to an improved common mode rejection ratio. The common mode rejection ratio is improved by turning-on a pair of evaluate transistors in a successive manner. The sense amplifier includes a pair of discharge paths for allowing a charge, stored on associated internal signals, to be discharged at a given rate that is proportional to voltage levels of the associated data signals. Those data signals are isolated from the discharge paths such that the associated logic levels are not affected by the above mentioned discharge operation. An evaluate unit is connected to the discharge paths and conveys a first portion of the above mentioned charge to electrical ground at an initial rate.