LEAKAGE REDUCTION CIRCUIT FOR READ-ONLY MEMORY (ROM) STRUCTURES

A method for performing a read operation of a memory block of a read-only memory array, wherein the method comprises first enabling bit line precharge circuitry of the memory block, (thereby precharging one or more bit lines of the memory block to a first voltage level), enabling a word line of one or more addressed memory cells of the memory block, enabling a leakage current reduction circuit of the memory block, thereby generating across the addressed memory cells a first voltage differential equal to the first voltage level; subsequently discharging the addressed memory cells; disabling the word line of the one or more addressed memory cells; disabling the bit line precharge circuitry; and disabling the leakage current reduction circuit, thereby generating across the one or more addressed memory cells a second voltage differential that is equal to less than the first voltage differential.