Abstract
Electronic systems play an important role in the functioning of modern society. Semiconductor memories are key building blocks in many of such systems. Responsible for distinguishing whether a given bit of data stored in memory, corresponds to a set or reset state, are electronic circuits known as sense ampliers. Sense ampli ers bottleneck overall system performance; if they consume and dissipate too much power, prevent the system from operating in new target environments (for example, a bodily implant). In other words, sense ampli ers can make or break the system. In this work, we explore a lesser-known class of sense ampliers: current sense ampli ers. Instead of sensing the voltage(s) present on the memory bit-line(s), a current sense amplier identi es electrical current drawn by the memory bit-cell, as its primary signal. Building upon the ingenuity of past designs, and applying fundamental circuit design principles, we develop|at the transistor level|alternative current sense ampli er designs. They have the characteristic of reduced sensitivity to bit-line capacitance|a problem common to all large memory arrays. It is hoped that the concepts and designs introduced in this work, can be exploited to create extra degrees of freedom for designers of new circuits and systems. This would, in turn, enable faster and/or more ubiquitous electronics to be realised in service of humanity present, and in the near future.