The occurrence of invalid data transitions on an output data bus (17) are
reduced with an improved data sensing circuit (20). In a single block
memory application, a self-controlled sense amplifier (21) eliminates the
need for external timing control signals by triggering off the
rail-to-rail voltage swings of a complementary bit line pair (BIT, BITB)
of a memory array coupled to the inputs of the amplifier (21). Triggering
off the bit lines (BIT, BITB) ensures that the amplifier (21) is not
activated until valid data appears at its input, thereby preventing
glitches on the output data bus (17) due to the amplifier (21) or
associated latch (13). In a multiblock memory application, the data
sensing circuit is further improved by eliminating invalid data
transitions from appearing on the output data bus (17) through use of
feedback. Data storage devices (13) of inactive blocks are preloaded with
the valid data appearing on the output data bus (17) via a feedback
circuit (23), thereby preventing potentially invalid data otherwise stored
in an in active storage device (13) from being transferred to the output
data bus upon activation.