Importance

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Abstract

A semiconductor memory device, such as a DRAM, includes a memory cell array and pairs of bit lines connected to the memory cells in the array. A precharge circuit is connected the bit line pairs and selectively provides the bit line pairs with a reference power supply voltage when the memory cells are being accessed and a precharge voltage when the memory cells are not being accessed. A correction circuit adjusts the precharge voltage in accordance with a difference between the precharge voltage and the reference power supply voltage so that the precharge voltage becomes substantially equal to the reference power supply voltage. A retention mode determination circuit detects when the memory device is in a retention mode (powered down state) and prevents access to the memory cells at this time.

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First Claim