A
memory cell for use in a
memory array includes a storage element for storing a logical state of the
memory cell, a write circuit and a read circuit. The write circuit is operative to selectively connect a first node of the storage element to at least a first
write bit line in the
memory array in response to a write
signal for selectively writing the logical state of the
memory cell. The read circuit includes a substantially
high impedance input node connected to the storage element and an output node connectable to a
read bit line of the
memory array. The read circuit is configured to generate an output
signal at the output node which is representative of the logical state of the storage element in response to a read
signal applied to the read circuit. The memory
cell is configured such that the write circuit is disabled during a read operation of the memory
cell so as to substantially isolate the storage element from the first
write bit line during the read operation. A strength of at least one
transistor device in the storage element is separately optimized relative to a strength of at least one
transistor device in the write circuit and / or the read circuit.