Multi-phase-driven split-word-line ferroelectric memory without plate line
A working methodology bypasses the conventional cell plate line (PL), mitigating its disadvantages. The methodology utilizes split word lines (SWLs), driven by multi-phased voltage signals. In this scheme there is no need for PL and additional elements, and fabrication is simple and compatible with downscaling of cell area.
A 3.3-V, 4-Mb nonvolatile ferroelectric RAM with selectively driven double-pulsed plate read/write-back scheme
This paper presents, for the first time, a 4-Mb ferroelectric random access memory, which has been designed and fabricated with 0.6-/spl mu/m ferroelectric storage cell integrated CMOS technology. In order to achieve a stable cell operation, novel design techniques robust to unstable cell capacitors are proposed: (1) double-pulsed plate read/write-back scheme; (2) complementary data preset reference circuitry; (3) relaxation/fatigue/imprint-free reference voltage generator; (4) open bitline cell array; (5) unintentional power-off data protection scheme. Additionally, to improve cell array layout efficiency a selectively driven cell plate scheme has been devised. The prototype chip incorporating these circuit schemes shows 75 ns access time and 21-mA active current at 3.3 V, 25/spl deg/C, 110-ns minimum cycle. The die size is 116 mm/sup 2/ using 9 /spl mu/m/sup 2/, one-transistor/one-capacitor-based memory cell, twin-well, single-poly, single-tungsten, and double-Al process technology.
Axonal sensorimotor neuropathy in patients with β-thalassaemia
Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in patients with β-thalassaemia. Methods: Thirty six patients with a mean age of 29.2±8.2 years and 17 healthy controls with a mean age of 27.6±9.1 were included in this study. Measurements included the neuropathy symptoms score (NSS), the neuropathy disability score (NDS) as well as nerve conduction studies of two motor (ulnar and peroneal) and two sensory (ulnar and sural) nerves of the right limbs. Results: A mainly sensory axonal polyneuropathy was present in 19 out of 36 patients (52.7%). Eight out of these 19 patients also had abnormal NDS values. The neuropathy correlated significantly with the age of the patients and the hematocrit. However, it did not correlate with the presence of antibodies against HCV, the ferritin levels, or with a history of transfusions, desferrioxamine treatment, or splenectomy. Conclusions: This study showed a high prevalence of a predominantly sensory neuropathy in patients with β-thalassaemia. The electrophysiological data suggest that the underlying pathology is an axonopathy. Chronic hypoxia of the nerves resulting from severe anaemia may contribute to the pathogenesis of this neuropathy.