Decoding of addresses:

The Row and Column decoders use the folowing structure:



This structure use only few transistors connected in series which reduce the on-resistance. Using pre-decoders with four outputs does not need more wires, than traditonal design. Only pull-down structure is shown. Pull-up is dynamic.

With non-inverted output, only using NMOS transistors, and full-static design, is it possible to use the NMOS in series to do pull-up, while other NMOS do pull-down.



It may be a problem with the delay in the decoders, which cause a spike on Vdd. One way to reduce it is to current limit it. Also synchronize it with a latch is possible.


Another is folowing NMOS design:

Output is Vt lower than Vdd, but it is enough for most cases in RAM/ROM design because word select controls a strong NMOS device. It should not control a CMOS input, without a PMOS pullup feedback (a wPMOS to pull-up input when output of the inverted input is low), but it may be able to control some NMOS. Vdd and Gnd of the decoder may be swaped around to invert outputs.


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