Patents Examined by O. H.
  • Patent number: 11984169
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a memory and peripheral circuits with a temperature sensor used to automatically adjust operating voltages. The temperature sensor includes a first circuit to generate a temperature-dependent voltage (TDV) that is dependent on an operating temperature of the integrated circuit, and a second circuit to generate a plurality of temperature reference voltages, based on or more codes. One or more comparator circuits compare individual ones of the plurality of reference voltages with the TDV, to generate one or more comparison signals that are indicative of the operating temperature of the integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yih-Shan Yang
  • Patent number: 11977940
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a memory card including a first surface, a second surface, and 1st to Nth terminal groups. The first surface includes first to Nth rows, where N is an integer of two or greater. The second surface faces the opposite side from the first surface. The 1st to Nth terminal groups are placed in the first to Nth rows. The 1st terminal group includes terminals to which differential clock signals are assigned, terminals to which single-ended signals are assigned, and a terminal to which a first power supply voltage is assigned. Kth terminal group, where K is an integer no smaller than two and no greater than N, includes terminals to which differential data signals are assigned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Kioxia Corporation
    Inventors: Akihisa Fujimoto, Toshitada Saito, Noriya Sakamoto, Atsushi Kondo
  • Patent number: 11977777
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a relay chip configured to be connected to a host; a first chip connected to the relay chip via a first channel; and a second chip connected to the relay chip via a second channel. The relay chip is configured to receive, from the host, a first enable signal for selecting the first channel and a second enable signal for selecting the second channel. During a first period in which the first enable signal is maintained at a non-active level and the second enable signal is maintained at an active level, the relay chip is configured to perform, in parallel, a first data transfer operation via the first channel and a first command issuing operation via the second channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: KIOXIA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yohei Yasuda
  • Patent number: 11972809
    Abstract: A non-volatile semiconductor memory device includes non-volatile storage elements and one or more control circuits in communication with the non-volatile storage elements. The one or more control circuits are configured to determine for a program iteration of a program operation on a word line whether a condition is met and in response to determining that the condition is met, identify one or more memory cells of the word line that are in an erased state that have a threshold voltage higher than an erase threshold voltage and perform the program iteration of the program operation. The program iteration includes applying a first bitline inhibit voltage to bitlines connected to the identified one or more memory cells and a second bitline inhibit voltage to bitlines connected to one or more memory cells that are in the erased state that do not have a threshold voltage higher than the erase threshold voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Sujjatul Islam, Yu-Chung Lien, Ravi Kumar, Xue Pitner
  • Patent number: 11967383
    Abstract: To increase the speed of programming of a multi-plane non-volatile memory, it is proposed to accelerate the programming of the last one or more data states for one or more slow planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ke Zhang, Ming Wang, Liang Li
  • Patent number: 11963462
    Abstract: A memory device has a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) element that includes a free layer structure, a free/pinned layer structure, and a tunnel barrier structure between the free layer structure and the free/pinned layer structure. A first electrode is coupled to the free layer structure, and a second electrode is coupled to the free/pinned layer structure. Processing circuitry is operatively coupled to the MTJ element. The processing circuitry is configured to apply a voltage to the MTJ element to modulate magnetic anisotropy using an electric field, to enable writing with reduced write currents; issue a charge current to the MTJ element to induce spin-dependent writing and magnetic spin accumulation in the free layer structure to set a bit state of the MTJ element, using spin-transfer torque into the free layer structure; and remove the voltage from the MTJ element that modulates the magnetic anisotropy, to perform a write operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Romney R. Katti
  • Patent number: 11948659
    Abstract: A mixed-signal in-memory computing sub-cell only requires 9 transistors for 1-bit multiplication. A computing cell is constructed from a plurality of such sub-cells that share a common computing capacitor and a common transistor. A MAC array for performing MAC operations, includes a plurality of the computing cells each activating the sub-cells therein in a time-multiplexed manner. A differential version of the MAC array provides improved computation error tolerance and an in-memory mixed-signal computing module for digitalizing parallel analog outputs of the MAC array and for performing other tasks in the digital domain. An ADC block in the computing module makes full use of capacitors in the MAC array, allowing the computing module to have a reduced area and suffer from fewer computational errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Reexen Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minhao Yang, Hongjie Liu, Alonso Morgado, Neil Webb
  • Patent number: 11942130
    Abstract: A bottom-pinned spin-orbit torque magnetic random access memory (SOT-MRAM) is provided in the present invention, including a substrate, a bottom electrode layer on the substrate, a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) on the bottom electrode layer, a spin-orbit torque (SOT) layer on the MTJ, a capping layer on the SOT layer, and an injection layer on the capping layer, wherein the injection layer is divided into individual first part and second part, and the first part and the second part are connected respectively with two ends of the capping layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Jian-Jhong Chen, Yi-Ting Wu, Jen-Yu Wang, Cheng-Tung Huang, Po-Chun Yang, Yung-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 11942179
    Abstract: Systems, methods, circuits, and apparatuses for managing integrated circuits in memory devices are provided. In one aspect, an integrated circuit includes: a latch circuit including a latch and a sensing transistor coupled to the latch, and a compensation circuit coupled to the sensing transistor. The sensing transistor includes a gate terminal coupled to a sensing node and an additional terminal coupled to the compensation circuit, and the compensation circuit is configured to apply a control voltage to the additional terminal to compensate for a variation of a threshold voltage of the sensing transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shang-Chi Yang, Hui-Yao Kao
  • Patent number: 11942150
    Abstract: A resistive random-access memory (RRAM) circuit includes an RRAM device configured to output a cell current responsive to a bit line voltage, and a current limiter including an input terminal coupled to the RRAM device, first and second parallel current paths configured to conduct the cell current between the input terminal and a reference voltage node, and an amplifier configured to generate a first signal responsive to a voltage level at the input terminal and a reference voltage level. Each of the first and second current paths includes a switching device configured to selectively conduct a portion of the cell current responsive to the first signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Cheng Chou, Zheng-Jun Lin, Pei-Ling Tseng
  • Patent number: 11935596
    Abstract: In certain aspects, a three-dimensional (3D) memory device includes a first semiconductor structure, a second semiconductor structure, and a bonding interface between the first semiconductor structure and the second semiconductor structure. The first semiconductor structure includes an array of memory cells, a first peripheral circuit of the array of memory cells, and a polysilicon layer between the array of memory cells and the first peripheral circuit. The first peripheral circuit includes a first transistor. The second semiconductor structure includes a second peripheral circuit of the array of memory cells. The second peripheral circuit includes a second transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: YANGTZE MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yanhong Wang, Wei Liu, Liang Chen, Zhiliang Xia, Wenxi Zhou, Kun Zhang, Yuancheng Yang
  • Patent number: 11935598
    Abstract: A semiconductor storage device is provided. The semiconductor storage device includes a first voltage supply line coupled to a gate electrode of a first memory transistor through a first transistor, a first signal supply line coupled to a gate electrode of the first transistor, a first capacitor coupled to the gate electrode of the first memory transistor, and a first wiring coupled between the gate electrode of the first memory transistor and the first transistor through the first capacitor. In a write operation on the first memory transistor, at a second timing after a first timing, a voltage present on the first signal supply line decreases from a second voltage to a fourth voltage lower than the second voltage, and at a third timing after the second timing, the voltage present on the first wiring increases from a third voltage to a fifth voltage higher than the third voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: KIOXIA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Okuyama
  • Patent number: 11935576
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a memory cell array including a plurality of word lines each coupled to a plurality of memory cells, and a control circuit which is configured to activate first and second internal signals in a time-division manner in response to a first external command A first number of the word lines arc selected in response to the first internal signal, and a second number of the word line is selected in response to the second internal signal. The second number is smaller than the first number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Inventors: Toru Ishikawa, Takuya Nakanishi, Shinji Bessho
  • Patent number: 11929119
    Abstract: In certain aspects, a three-dimensional (3D) memory device includes a first semiconductor structure, a second semiconductor structure, a third semiconductor structure, and a first bonding interface between the first semiconductor structure and the second semiconductor structure. The first semiconductor structure includes an array of memory cells. The second semiconductor structure includes a first peripheral circuit of the array of memory cells. The first peripheral circuit includes a first transistor. A third semiconductor structure includes a second peripheral circuit of the array of memory cells. The second peripheral circuit includes a second transistor. The first semiconductor structure, the second semiconductor structure, and the third semiconductor structure are stacked over one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: YANGTZE MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Liang Chen, Wei Liu, Yanhong Wang, Zhiliang Xia, Wenxi Zhou, Kun Zhang, Yuancheng Yang
  • Patent number: 11929115
    Abstract: A memory device and an operation method thereof are provided. The memory device includes memory cells, each having a static random access memory (SRAM) cell and a non-volatile memory cell. The SRAM cell is configured to store complementary data at first and second storage nodes. The non-volatile memory cell is configured to replicate and retain the complementary data before the SRAM cell loses power supply, and to rewrite the replicated data to the first and second storage nodes of the SRAM cell after the power supply of the SRAM cell is restored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jer-Fu Wang, Hung-Li Chiang, Yi-Tse Hung, Tzu-Chiang Chen, Meng-Fan Chang
  • Patent number: 11923003
    Abstract: Combinations of resistive change elements and resistive change element arrays thereof are described. Combinational resistive change elements and combinational resistive change element arrays thereof are described. Devices and methods for programming and accessing combinations of resistive change elements are described. Devices and methods for programming and accessing combinational resistive change elements are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Nantero, Inc.
    Inventors: Jia Luo, Lee E. Cleveland, Ton Yan Tony Chan
  • Patent number: 11915758
    Abstract: Memory devices might include a first storage element, a second storage element, a data line, and a controller. The first storage element is to store a first data bit. The second storage element is to store a second data bit. The data line is selectively connected to the first storage element, the second storage element, and a memory cell. The controller is configured to apply one of four voltage levels to the data line based on the first data bit and the second data bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Hao T. Nguyen, Tomoko Ogura Iwasaki, Erwin E. Yu, Dheeraj Srinivasan, Sheyang Ning, Lawrence Celso Miranda, Aaron S. Yip, Yoshihiko Kamata
  • Patent number: 11915740
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for parallel access in a memory array are described. A set of memory cells of a memory device may be associated with an array of conductive structures, where such structures may be coupled using a set of transistors or other switching components that are activated by a first driver. The set of memory cells may be divided into two or more subsets of memory cells, where each subset may be associated with a respective second driver for driving access currents through memory cells of the subset. Two or more of such second drivers may operate concurrently, which may support distributing current or distributing associated circuit structures across a different footprint of the memory device than other different implementations with a single such second driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Efrem Bolandrina, Andrea Martinelli, Christophe Vincent Antoine Laurent, Ferdinando Bedeschi
  • Patent number: 11908510
    Abstract: The fuse device includes a plurality of fuse circuits, a global latch circuit and a plurality of local latch circuits. The global latch circuit is coupled to the fuse circuits. The global latch circuit is used to sense the blown states of the fuse circuits at different times, so as to output the fuse information of the fuse circuits at the different times. The local latch circuits are coupled to the global latch circuits. Each of these local latch circuits latches the fuse information output by the global latch circuit at the different times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: NANYA TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chao-Yu Chiang, Chih-Hsuan Chen
  • Patent number: 11901021
    Abstract: A method for programming at least one memory cell of a plurality of memory cells included in a non-volatile memory device, the at least one memory cell including a word line and a bit line, the method including: performing a first and second program and verify operation based on a first and second condition, respectively, wherein each program and verify operation includes generating a program voltage and a bit line voltage by a voltage generator included in the non-volatile memory device and providing the program voltage and the bit line voltage to the word line and the bit line, respectively, wherein voltage levels and voltage application times of each program voltage and bit line voltage correspond to the first condition or the second condition, respectively, wherein the first condition is different from the second condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Junyong Park, Hyunggon Kim, Byungsoo Kim, Sungmin Joe