Importance

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Abstract

Integrated circuits may include memory elements that are provided with voltage overstress protection. One suitable arrangement of a memory cell may include a latch with two cross-coupled inverters. Each of the two cross-coupled inverters may be coupled between first and second power supply lines and may include a transistor with a gate that is connected to a separate power supply line. Another suitable memory cell arrangement may include three cross-coupled circuits. Two of the three circuits may be powered by a first positive power supply line, while the remaining circuit may be powered by a second positive power supply line. These memory cells may be used to provide an elevated positive static control signal and a lowered ground static control signal to a corresponding pass gate. These memory cells may include access transistors and read buffer circuits that are used during read/write operations.

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First Claim