Patent attributes
A semiconductor memory includes memory cells, a word line and bit lines of the memory cells, sense amplifiers connected to the bit lines, respectively, and a controller. Each sense amplifier includes first, second, and third transistors. The third transistor has one end connected to each of the first and second transistors, and the other end connected to a corresponding bit line. During a read operation, at a first time of a first period during which the controller applies a first read voltage to the word line, the controller applies a first voltage higher than ground voltage to the first transistor, and a second voltage to the second transistor. Also, at the first time, a first sense amplifier applies a voltage to a first bit line through its first and third transistors, and a second sense amplifier applies a voltage to a second bit line through its second and third transistors.