Patents Assigned to Netlist, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11200120
    Abstract: A system and method for configuring fault tolerance in nonvolatile memory (NVM) are operative to set a first threshold value, declare one or more portions of NVM invalid based on an error criterion, track the number of declared invalid NVM portions, determine if the tracked number exceeds the first threshold value, and if the tracked number exceeds the first threshold value, perform one or more remediation actions, such as issue a warning or prevent backup of volatile memory data in a hybrid memory system. In the event of backup failure, an extent of the backup can still be assessed by determining the amount of erased NVM that has remained erased after the backup, or by comparing a predicted backup end point with an actual endpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott H. Milton, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Kenneth S. Post
  • Patent number: 11182284
    Abstract: A memory module comprises a volatile memory subsystem, a non-volatile memory subsystem, and a module control device. The module control device is configured to read data from the non-volatile memory subsystem in response to a set of signals received from the memory channel indicating a non-volatile memory access request to transfer the data from the non-volatile memory subsystem to the volatile memory subsystem, and to provide at least a portion of the data to the volatile memory subsystem in response to receiving a dummy write memory command including a memory address related to the non-volatile memory access request via the memory channel. The volatile memory subsystem is further configured to receive the dummy write memory command and to receive the at least a portion of the first data in response to the dummy write memory command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventor: Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 11176040
    Abstract: The present application presents a Uniform Memory Access (UMA) network including a cluster of UMA nodes each having at least one UMA memory unit and a server local to the at least one UMA memory unit. A respective UMA memory unit in a respective UMA node comprises persistent memory; non-persistent memory, a node control device operatively coupled to the persistent memory and the non-persistent memory, a local interface for interfacing with the local server in the respective UMA node, and a network interface for interfacing with the UMA network. The node control device is configured to translate between a local unified memory access (UMA) address space accessible by applications running on the local server and a global UMA address space that is mapped to a physical UMA address space. The physical UMA address space includes physical address spaces associated with different UMA nodes in the cluster of UMA nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun Lee, Junkil Ryu
  • Publication number: 20210279194
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a memory module includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having an interface that couples it to a host system for provision of power, data, address and control signals. First, second, and third buck converters receive a pre-regulated input voltage and produce first, second and third regulated voltages. A converter circuit reduces the pre-regulated input voltage to provide a fourth regulated voltage. Synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) devices are coupled to one or more regulated voltages of the first, second, third and fourth regulated voltages, and a voltage monitor circuit monitors an input voltage and produces a signal in response to the input voltage having a voltage amplitude that is greater than a threshold voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Applicant: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Chi-She Chen, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Scott H. Milton, Jayesh Bhakta
  • Patent number: 11093417
    Abstract: A memory module operable to communicate data with a memory controller via a N-bit wide memory bus comprises memory devices arranged in a plurality of N-bit wide ranks. The memory module further comprises logic configurable to receive a set of input address and control signals associated with a read or write memory command and output registered address and control signals and data buffer control signals. The memory module further comprises circuitry coupled between the memory bus and corresponding data pins of memory devices in each of the plurality of N-bit wide ranks. The circuitry is configurable to enable registered transfers of N-bit wide data signals associated with the memory read or write command between the N-bit wide memory bus and the memory devices in response to the data buffer control signals and in accordance with an overall CAS latency of the memory module, which is greater than an actual operational CAS latency of the memory devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Jefferey C. Solomon, Jayesh R. Bhakta
  • Patent number: 11016918
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a memory module includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having an interface that couples it to a host system for provision of power, data, address and control signals. First, second, and third buck converters receive a pre-regulated input voltage and produce first, second and third regulated voltages. A converter circuit reduces the pre-regulated input voltage to provide a fourth regulated voltage. Synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) devices are coupled to one or more regulated voltages of the first, second, third and fourth regulated voltages, and a voltage monitor circuit monitors an input voltage and produces a signal in response to the input voltage having a voltage amplitude that is greater than a threshold voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Chi-She Chen, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Scott H. Milton, Jayesh Bhakta
  • Publication number: 20210124701
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a memory module includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having an interface that couples it to a host system for provision of power, data, address and control signals. First, second, and third buck converters receive a pre-regulated input voltage and produce first, second and third regulated voltages. A converter circuit reduces the pre-regulated input voltage to provide a fourth regulated voltage. Synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) devices are coupled to one or more regulated voltages of the first, second, third and fourth regulated voltages, and a voltage monitor circuit monitors an input voltage and produces a signal in response to the input voltage having a voltage amplitude that is greater than a threshold voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Applicant: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun Lee, Chi-She Chen, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Scott H. Milton, Jayesh Bhakta
  • Patent number: 10949339
    Abstract: A memory module is configured to communicate with a memory controller. The memory module comprises DDR DRAM devices arranged in multiple ranks each of the same width as the memory module, and a module controller configured to receive and register input control signals for a read or write operation from the memory controller and to output registered address and control signals. The registered address and control signals selects one of the multiple ranks to perform the read or write operation. The module controller further outputs a set of module control signals in response to the input address and control signals. The memory module further comprises a plurality of byte-wise buffers controlled by the set of module control signals to actively drive respective byte-wise sections of each data signal associated with the read or write operation between the memory controller and the selected rank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: NETLIST, INC.
    Inventors: Hyun Lee, Jayesh R. Bhakta
  • Patent number: 10902886
    Abstract: A memory module includes a plurality of DRAM packages mounted on a printed circuit board. Each DRAM package includes a control die, stacked array dies, and first and second die interconnects coupling the stacked array dies to the control die. The control die includes data signal conduits coupled to the first die interconnects and control signal conduits coupled to the second die interconnects. The control die is configured to receive control signals, and to control the data signal conduits in accordance with the control signals. Each of the DRAM packages is configurable to communicate a respective set of bits of a data signal between a selected die among the stacked array dies and the data conduits in response to the control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: NETLIST, INC.
    Inventor: Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 10884923
    Abstract: A memory module-includes memory device groups, and a control circuit configurable to receive a system clock and input address and control (C/A) signals from a memory controller, and output a module clock, module C/A signals and data buffer control signals. The memory module further includes data buffers corresponding to respective memory device groups and configurable to receive the module clock and the data buffer control signals from the control circuit. A respective data buffer includes a n-bit wide data path and logic configured to control the data path in response to the data buffer control signals. The n-bit wide data path includes at least one programmable delay element controlled by the logic. The respective data buffer is further configurable to generate a respective local clock having a respective programmable delay from the module clock and to provide the respective local clock to a respective memory device group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: NETLIST, INC.
    Inventors: Hyun Lee, Jayesh R. Bhakta
  • Patent number: 10860506
    Abstract: A memory module is operable in a memory system with a memory controller. The memory module comprises memory devices, a module control circuit, and a plurality of buffer circuits coupled between respective sets of data signal lines in a data bus and respective sets of the memory devices. Each respective buffer circuit is mounted on the module board and coupled between a respective set of data signal lines and a respective set of memory devices. Each respective buffer circuit is configured to receive the module control signals and the module clock signal, and to buffer a respective set of data signals in response to the module control signals and the module clock signal. Each respective buffer circuit includes a delay circuit configured to delay the respective set of data signals by an amount determined based on at least one of the module control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: NETLIST, INC.
    Inventors: Hyun Lee, Jayesh R. Bhakta
  • Patent number: 10838646
    Abstract: A memory module or a storage device comprises a volatile memory subsystem, a non-volatile memory subsystem, and a controller coupled to the volatile memory subsystem and to the non-volatile memory subsystem. The memory module or storage device further comprises a data selection circuit that pre-search data from the non-volatile memory with respect to one or more search criteria received from a computer system to pre-select data relevant to the one or more search criteria for loading into the volatile memory subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: NETLIST, INC.
    Inventor: Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 10719246
    Abstract: A memory system that has a multi-channel volatile memory subsystem is coupled to a non-volatile memory subsystem to provide independent, configurable backup of data. The volatile memory subsystem has one or more main memory modules that use a form of volatile memory such as DRAM memory, for which the NV subsystem provides selective persistent backup. The main memory modules are dual in-line memory modules or DIMMs using DDR SDRAM memory devices. The non-volatile memory subsystem (NV backup) includes an NV controller and non-volatile memory NVM. The NV backup can also include a memory cache to aid with handling and storage of data. In certain embodiments, the NV controller and the non-volatile memory are coupled to the one or more DIMM channels of the main memory via associated signal lines. Such signal lines can be, for example, traces on a motherboard, and may include one or more signal buses for conveying data, address, and/or control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventor: Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 10606753
    Abstract: The present application presents a Uniform Memory Access (UMA) network including a cluster of UMA nodes each having at least one UMA memory unit and a server local to the at least one UMA memory unit. A respective UMA memory unit in a respective UMA node comprises persistent memory; non-persistent memory, a node control device operatively coupled to the persistent memory and the non-persistent memory, a local interface for interfacing with the local server in the respective UMA node, and a network interface for interfacing with the UMA network. The node control device is configured to translate between a local unified memory access (UMA) address space accessible by applications running on the local server and a global UMA address space that is mapped to a physical UMA address space. The physical UMA address space includes physical address spaces associated with different UMA nodes in the cluster of UMA nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun Lee, Junkil Ryu
  • Patent number: 10489314
    Abstract: A memory module operable to communicate data with a memory controller via a data bus comprises a plurality of memory integrated circuits including first memory integrated circuits and second memory integrated circuits, a data buffer coupled between the first memory integrated circuits and the data bus, and between the second memory integrated circuits and the data bus, and logic coupled to the data buffer. The logic is configured to respond to a first memory command by providing first control signals to the data buffer to enable communication of at least one first data signal between the first memory integrated circuits and the memory controller through the data buffer, and is further configured to respond to a second memory command by providing second control signals to the data buffer to enable communication of at least one second data signal between the second memory integrated circuit and the memory controller through the data buffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Jefferey C. Solomon, Jayesh R. Bhakta
  • Patent number: 10474595
    Abstract: According to certain aspects, a memory module is coupled to a memory controller of a host computer system via an interface. The memory module is operable in at least a second mode and a first mode. The memory module in the second mode is configured to perform training related to one or more training sequences initiated by the memory controller while the memory module is not accessed by the memory controller for memory read or write operations. The memory module in the first mode is configured to perform one or more memory read or write operations not associated with the one or more training sequences by communicating data signals with the memory module. The memory module has an open-drain output pin via which the memory module output a signal indicating a parity error having occurred while the memory module is performing a normal memory read or write operation, and via which the memory module output a signal related to the one or more training sequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: NETLIST, INC.
    Inventor: Hyun Lee
  • Publication number: 20190340080
    Abstract: A system and method for configuring fault tolerance in nonvolatile memory (NVM) are operative to set a first threshold value, declare one or more portions of NVM invalid based on an error criterion, track the number of declared invalid NVM portions, determine if the tracked number exceeds the first threshold value, and if the tracked number exceeds the first threshold value, perform one or more remediation actions, such as issue a warning or prevent backup of volatile memory data in a hybrid memory system. In the event of backup failure, an extent of the backup can still be assessed by determining the amount of erased NVM that has remained erased after the backup, or by comparing a predicted backup end point with an actual endpoint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Applicant: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott H. Milton, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Kenneth S. Post
  • Patent number: 10380022
    Abstract: A memory module comprises a volatile memory subsystem configured to coupled to a memory channel in computer system and capable of serving as main memory for the computer system, a non-volatile memory subsystem providing storage for the computer system, and a module controller coupled to the volatile memory subsystem, the non-volatile memory subsystem, and the C/A bus. The module controller is configured to control intra-module data transfers between the volatile memory subsystem and the non-volatile memory subsystem. The module controller is further configured to monitor C/A signals on the C/A bus and schedule the intra-module data transfers in accordance with the C/A signals so that the intra-module data transfers do not conflict with accesses to the volatile memory subsystem by the memory controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun Lee, Jayesh R. Bhakta, Chi She Chen, Jeffery C. Solomon, Mario Jesus Martinez, Hao Le, Soon J. Choi
  • Patent number: 10372551
    Abstract: A system and method for configuring fault tolerance in nonvolatile memory (NVM) are operative to set a first threshold value, declare one or more portions of NVM invalid based on an error criterion, track the number of declared invalid NVM portions, determine if the tracked number exceeds the first threshold value, and if the tracked number exceeds the first threshold value, perform one or more remediation actions, such as issue a warning or prevent backup of volatile memory data in a hybrid memory system. In the event of backup failure, an extent of the backup can still be assessed by determining the amount of erased NVM that has remained erased after the backup, or by comparing a predicted backup end point with an actual endpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott H. Milton, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Kenneth S. Post
  • Patent number: 10324841
    Abstract: A memory module is operatable in a memory system with a memory controller. The memory module comprises a module control device to receive command signals from the memory controller and to output module C/A signals and data buffer control signals. The module C/A signals are provided to memory devices organized in groups, each group including at least one memory device, while the data buffer control signals are provided to a plurality of buffer circuits to control data paths in the buffer circuits, a respective buffer circuit corresponding to a respective group of memory devices. The plurality of buffer circuits are distributed across a surface of the memory module such that each data buffer control signal arrives at the plurality of buffer circuits at different points in time. The plurality of buffer circuits include clock regeneration circuits to regenerate a clock signal received from the module control device and to provide regenerated clock signals to respective groups of memory devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: NETLIST, INC.
    Inventors: Hyun Lee, Jayesh R. Bhakta