Abstract
Based on the requirements of the nonvolatile memories embedded in ultra low-power RFID transponders, a novel voltage-type sense amplifier is designed to achieve both the reduced reading power and the improved reliability. Compared to the conventional voltage-type sense amplifier, the additional capacitor and current limiter are introduced in the novel voltage-type sense amplifier to reduce the reading power and to improve the reading reliability. The simulations show that the reading power and reliability of our voltage-type sense amplifier are superior to the previously reported voltage-type sense amplifier without speed loss but with only a little increased area. A testing chip has been fabricated based on 0.18 μm EEPROM technology to verify the design. The novel voltage-type sense amplifier can be implemented to the low-power nonvolatile memory embedded in RFID transponder.
Similar content being viewed by others
Explore related subjects
Discover the latest articles and news from researchers in related subjects, suggested using machine learning.References
Glidden R, Bockorick C, Cooper S, et al. Design of ultra-low-cost UHF RFID tags for supply chain applications. IEEE Commun Mag, 2004, 42: 140–151
Liu D S, Zou X C, Zhang F, et al. Embeded EEPROM memory achieving lower power-New design of EEPROM memory for RFID tag IC. IEEE Circ Devic Mag, 2006, 22: 53–59
Daga J M, Papaix C, Merandat M, et al. Design techniques for EEPROMs embedded in portable systems on chips. IEEE Design Test Comput, 2003, 20: 68–75
Micheloni R, Crippa L, Sangalli M, et al. The flash memory read path: building blocks and critical aspects. Proc IEEE, 2003, 91: 537–553
Conte A, Giudice G L, Palumbo G, et al. A high-performance very low-voltage current sense amplifier for nonvolatile memories. IEEE J Solid-State Circ, 2005, 40: 507–514
Otsuka N, Horowitz M A. Circuit techniques for 1.5-V power supply flash memory. IEEE J Solid-State Circ, 1997, 32: 1217–1230
Yan N, Tan X, Zhao D, et al. An ultra-low-power embedded EEPROM for passive RFID tags. Chin J Semiconduc, 2006, 27: 994–998
Lee J H, Kim J H, Lim G H, et al. Low-power 512-bit EEPROM designed for UHF RFID tag chip. ETRI J, 2008, 30: 347–354
Huang R, Zhou F L, Cai Y M, et al. Novel vertical channel double gate structures for high density and low power flash memory applications. Sci China Ser F-Inf Sci, 2008, 51: 799–806
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Li, M., Kang, J. & Wang, Y. A novel voltage-type sense amplifier for low-power nonvolatile memories. Sci. China Inf. Sci. 53, 1676–1681 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11432-010-4015-8
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11432-010-4015-8