A sense amplifier capable of performing high-speed data sense operation
with lower power consumption using a minuscule signal from a memory cell
even in a case where a memory array voltage is reduced. A plurality of
drive switches for over-driving are distributively arranged in a sense
amplifier area, and a plurality of drive switches for restore operation
are concentratively disposed at one end of a row of the sense amplifiers.
A potential for over-driving is supplied using a meshed power line
circuit. Through the use of the drive switches for over-driving, initial
sense operation can be performed on data line pairs with a voltage having
an amplitude larger than a data-line amplitude, allowing implementation
of high-speed sense operation. The distributed arrangement of the drive
switched for over-driving makes it possible to dispersively supply
current in sense operation, thereby reducing a difference in sense
voltage with respect to far and near positions of the sense amplifiers.