An SDRAM and method for operating it provide for increased data access
speed. The SDRAM includes a central memory region with memory blocks
arranged in sets on respective opposite sides. A plurality of primary
sense amplifier sets are provided, each set being associated with a
respective pair of the memory blocks and located adjacent thereto. A row
cache is provided in the central memory region, and row decoders decode a
row address in response to a "bank activate" command and move data from a
decoded row address into a primary sense amplifier set associated with a
memory block containing the decoded row address and into the row cache,
prior to application of a "read" command to the SDRAM. Column decoders
decode a column address in response to a "read" command and for reading
data from the cache in accordance with the decoded column address.