UCLA

The operation of the voltage-mode and current-mode sense amplifiers (VSA and CSA) is explained in detail. Analytical expressions for offset arising from random FET mismatch are derived. The mechanism of two offset reduction method for VSA is explained. The supply-dependent offset for CSA is shown. The offset combined with signal attenuation define a figure-of-merit. The current-mode sense amplifier is shown to be superior at VDD < 0.6 ~ 0.7V.