Patents Assigned to Netlist, Inc.
  • Patent number: 9318160
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a plurality of array dies and at least two die interconnects. The first die interconnect is in electrical communication with a data port of a first array die and a data port of a second array die and not in electrical communication with data ports of a third array die. The second die interconnect is in electrical communication with a data port of the third array die and not in electrical communication with data ports of the first array die and the second array die. The apparatus includes a control die that includes a first data conduit configured to transmit a data signal to the first die interconnect and not to the second die interconnect, and at least a second data conduit configured to transmit the data signal to the second die interconnect and not to the first die interconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventor: Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 9311116
    Abstract: A memory module is operatively coupled to a memory controller of a host computer system and configured to operate in at least two modes including an operational mode in which the memory module performs memory operations in response to memory commands from the memory controller in accordance with an industry standard. The memory module comprises a controller circuit configured to cause the memory module to enter an initialization mode during which the memory module executes at least one initialization sequence, the initialization mode being one of the at least two modes. The memory module further comprises at least one output having a defined function in the operational mode according to the industry standard but is undefined by the industry standard in the initialization mode. During the initialization mode, the memory module is configured to output a notification signal indicating a status of the initialization mode to the memory controller via the at least one output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventor: Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 9269437
    Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein include a memory system having a volatile memory subsystem, a non-volatile memory subsystem, a controller coupled to the non-volatile memory subsystem, and a circuit coupled to the volatile memory subsystem, to the controller, and to a host system. In a first mode of operation, the circuit is operable to selectively isolate the controller from the volatile memory subsystem, and to selectively couple the volatile memory subsystem to the host system to allow data to be communicated between the volatile memory subsystem and the host system. In a second mode of operation, the circuit is operable to selectively couple the controller to the volatile memory subsystem to allow data to be communicated between the volatile memory subsystem and the nonvolatile memory subsystem using the controller, and the circuit is operable to selectively isolate the volatile memory subsystem from the host system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: NetList, Inc.
    Inventors: Chi-She Chen, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Scott H. Milton, Jayesh Bhakta
  • Patent number: 9158684
    Abstract: A memory module that is couplable to a memory controller hub (MCH) of a host system includes a non-volatile memory subsystem, a data manager coupled to the non-volatile memory subsystem, a volatile memory subsystem coupled to the data manager and operable to exchange data with the non-volatile memory subsystem by way of the data manager, and a controller operable to receive read/write commands from the MCH and to direct transfer of data between any two or more of the MCH, the volatile memory subsystem, and the non-volatile memory subsystem based on the commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: NETLIST, INC.
    Inventors: Hyun Lee, Chi-She Chen, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Scott H. Milton, Jayesh Bhakta
  • Patent number: 9128632
    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 command signals and module control signals. The module command signals are provided to memory devices organized in groups, each group including at least one memory device, while the module control signals are provided to a plurality of buffer circuits to control data paths in the buffer circuits. The plurality of buffer circuits are associated with respective groups of memory devices and are distributed across a surface of the memory module such that each module control signal arrives at the plurality of buffer circuits at different points in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun Lee, Jayesh R. Bhakta
  • Patent number: 9037774
    Abstract: A memory module includes a plurality of memory devices and is operable in a computer system to perform memory operations in response to memory commands from a memory controller of the computer system. The memory module comprises a register device configured to receive a set of input control/address signals associated with a respective memory command (e.g., a read command or a write command) from the memory controller and to generate a set of output control/address signals in response to the set of input control/address signals. The set of output control/address signals are provided to the plurality of memory devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Jefferey C. Solomon, Jayesh R. Bhakta
  • Patent number: 9037809
    Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein include a memory module having a printed circuit board including at least one connector configured to be operatively coupled to a memory controller of a computer system. The memory module further includes a plurality of memory devices on the printed circuit board and a circuit including a first set of ports operatively coupled to at least one memory device. The circuit further includes a second set of ports operatively coupled to the at least one connector. The circuit includes a switching circuit configured to selectively operatively couple one or more ports of the second set of ports to one or more ports of the first set of ports. Each port of the first set and the second set comprises a correction circuit which reduces noise in one or more signals transmitted between the first set of ports and the second set of ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun Lee, Jayesh R. Bhakta, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Mario Jesus Martinez, Chi-She Chen
  • Publication number: 20150070959
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a plurality of array dies and at least two die interconnects. The first die interconnect is in electrical communication with a data port of a first array die and a data port of a second array die and not in electrical communication with data ports of a third array die. The second die interconnect is in electrical communication with a data port of the third array die and not in electrical communication with data ports of the first array die and the second array die. The apparatus includes a control die that includes a first data conduit configured to transmit a data signal to the first die interconnect and not to the second die interconnect, and at least a second data conduit configured to transmit the data signal to the second die interconnect and not to the first die interconnect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: NETLIST, INC.
    Inventor: Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 8971045
    Abstract: A module is electrically connectable to a computer system. The module includes an edge connector with a plurality of electrical contacts electrically connectable to the computer system, at least one layer of thermally conductive material thermally coupled to the edge connector, and first and second printed circuit boards each having a plurality of integrated circuit components that are electrically coupled to the edge connector and thermally coupled to the at least one layer of thermally conductive material. The at least one layer of thermally conductive material are disposed between the first and second printed circuit boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: NETLIST, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Pauley, Jayesh R. Bhakta, William M. Gervasi, Chi She Chen, Jose Delvalle
  • Patent number: 8904099
    Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein include a memory system having a volatile memory subsystem, a non-volatile memory subsystem, a controller coupled to the non-volatile memory subsystem, and a circuit coupled to the volatile memory subsystem, to the controller, and to a host system. In a first mode of operation, the circuit is operable to selectively isolate the controller from the volatile memory subsystem, and to selectively couple the volatile memory subsystem to the host system to allow data to be communicated between the volatile memory subsystem and the host system. In a second mode of operation, the circuit is operable to selectively couple the controller to the volatile memory subsystem to allow data to be communicated between the volatile memory subsystem and the nonvolatile memory subsystem using the controller, and the circuit is operable to selectively isolate the volatile memory subsystem from the host system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Chi-She Chen, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Scott H. Milton, Jayesh Bhakta
  • Patent number: 8904098
    Abstract: Data stored in a volatile memory subsystem is backed up redundantly into first and second channels of a non-volatile memory subsystem. The data is retrieved from the volatile memory subsystem upon detection of a trigger condition indicative of real or imminent power loss or reduction and multiple copies are stored in dedicated non-volatile memory channels. The stored copies may be error checked and corrected, and re-written if necessary. The redundantly backed up data can be subsequently retrieved from the non-volatile memory subsystem, error-corrected, and an error-free copy communicated to the volatile memory subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Hossein Amidi, Chi-She Chen, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Scott H. Milton, Jayesh Bhakta
  • Publication number: 20140337539
    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 command signals and module control signals. The module command signals are provided to memory devices organized in groups, each group including at least one memory device, while the module control signals are provided to a plurality of buffer circuits to control data paths in the buffer circuits. The plurality of buffer circuits are associated with respective groups of memory devices and are distributed across a surface of the memory module such that each module control signal arrives at the plurality of buffer circuits at different points in time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun Lee, Jayesh R. Bhakta
  • Patent number: 8880791
    Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein include a memory system having a register coupled to a host system and operable to receive address and control signals from the host system, a volatile memory subsystem, a non-volatile memory subsystem, a controller coupled to the non-volatile memory subsystem, and a circuit coupled to the register, the volatile memory subsystem, and the controller. In a first mode of operation, the circuit is operable to selectively isolate the controller from the volatile memory subsystem, and to selectively couple the volatile memory subsystem to the register to allow data to be communicated between the volatile memory subsystem and the host system. In a second mode of operation, the circuit is operable to selectively couple the controller to the volatile memory subsystem to allow data to be communicated between the volatile memory subsystem and the non-volatile memory subsystem using the controller, and is operable to selectively isolate the volatile memory subsystem from the register.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Chi-She Chen, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Scott H. Milton, Jayesh Bhakta
  • Patent number: 8874831
    Abstract: A memory module that is couplable to a memory controller hub (MCH) of a host system includes a non-volatile memory subsystem, a data manager coupled to the non-volatile memory subsystem, a volatile memory subsystem coupled to the data manager and operable to exchange data with the non-volatile memory subsystem by way of the data manager, and a controller operable to receive read/write commands from the MCH and to direct transfer of data between any two or more of the MCH, the volatile memory subsystem, and the non-volatile memory subsystem based on the commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun Lee, Chi-She Chen, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Scott Milton, Jayesh Bhakta
  • Patent number: 8864500
    Abstract: An electronic module for a computer system comprises a first circuit board having a plurality of edge connectors configured to releasably connect to electrical contacts of a computer system socket, a second circuit board having a plurality of contacts configured to connect with a plurality of electrical components, and a flexible portion having electrical conduits to provide electrical connection between the plurality of edge connectors and the plurality of contacts. The flexible portion further includes an electrically conductive layer extending across a region of the flexible portion. The electrically conductive layer is superposed with the electrical conduits and separated from electrical conduits by a dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Jayesh R. Bhakta, Enchao Yu, Chi She Chen, Richard E. Flaig
  • Publication number: 20140281661
    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: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott H. Milton, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Ken Post
  • Patent number: 8787060
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a plurality of array dies and at least two die interconnects. The first die interconnect is in electrical communication with a data port of a first array die and a data port of a second array die and not in electrical communication with data ports of a third array die. The second die interconnect is in electrical communication with a data port of the third array die and not in electrical communication with data ports of the first array die and the second array die. The apparatus includes a control die that includes a first data conduit configured to transmit a data signal to the first die interconnect and not to the second die interconnect, and at least a second data conduit configured to transmit the data signal to the second die interconnect and not to the first die interconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventor: Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 8782350
    Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein include a memory module having a printed circuit board including at least one connector configured to be operatively coupled to a memory controller of a computer system. The memory module further includes a plurality of memory devices on the printed circuit board and a circuit including a first set of ports operatively coupled to at least one memory device. The circuit further includes a second set of ports operatively coupled to the at least one connector. The circuit includes a switching circuit configured to selectively operatively couple one or more ports of the second set of ports to one or more ports of the first set of ports. Each port of the first set and the second set comprises a correction circuit which reduces noise in one or more signals transmitted between the first set of ports and the second set of ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun Lee, Jayesh R. Bhakta, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Mario Jesus Martinez, Chi-She Chen
  • Patent number: 8756364
    Abstract: A circuit is configured to be mounted on a memory module connectable to a computer system so as to be electrically coupled to a plurality of memory devices on the memory module. The memory module has a first number of ranks of double-data-rate (DDR) memory devices activated at least in part to a first number of chip-select signals. The circuit is configurable to receive address signals and a second number of chip-select signals from the computer system. The circuit is further configurable to generate and transmit phase-locked clock signals to the first number of ranks, and to generate the first number of chip-select signals in response at least in part to the phase-locked clock signals, the address signals, and the second number of chip-select signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Jayesh R. Bhakta, Jeffrey C. Solomon
  • Publication number: 20140156919
    Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein include a memory system having a volatile memory subsystem, a non-volatile memory subsystem, a controller coupled to the non-volatile memory subsystem, and a circuit coupled to the volatile memory subsystem, to the controller, and to a host system. In a first mode of operation, the circuit is operable to selectively isolate the controller from the volatile memory subsystem, and to selectively couple the volatile memory subsystem to the host system to allow data to be communicated between the volatile memory subsystem and the host system. In a second mode of operation, the circuit is operable to selectively couple the controller to the volatile memory subsystem to allow data to be communicated between the volatile memory subsystem and the nonvolatile memory subsystem using the controller, and the circuit is operable to selectively isolate the volatile memory subsystem from the host system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Chi-She Chen, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Scott H. Milton, Jayesh Bhakta