Low-power embedded SRAM macros with current-mode read/write operations

The newly proposed SRAM performs both read and write operations in the current-mode. Due to the current-mode operations, voltage swings at bit-lines and data-lines are kept very small during read and write. The AC power dissipation of bit-lines and data-lines can thus be saved efficiently. For an embedded SRAM macro used in an 8-bit microcontroller, the SRAM using the fully current-mode technique consumes only 30% power dissipation as compared to the SRAM with only current-mode read operation. Experimental results show good agreement with the simulation results and prove the feasibility of the new technique.