Patents Examined by Son T. Dinh
  • Patent number: 11929133
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided, comprising a controller, a plurality of memory devices operably connected to the controller, circuitry configured to measure a performance metric for each of the plurality of memory devices, and circuitry configured to select, based upon the measured performance metric, a subset of the plurality of memory devices to disable in response to a recovery command. Information corresponding to the selected subset cam be stored in a mode register of the apparatus, and the apparatus can further comprise circuitry configured, in response to a recovery command, to disable the subset of the plurality of memory devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Rachael Skreen
  • Patent number: 11922064
    Abstract: A storage device can control the input/output of data at a high frequency. The storage device includes a memory device and a memory controller for controlling the memory device, and providing the memory device with a command. The memory device includes a memory unit, and an interface chip for performing a training operation in response to the command. The interface chip generates a shift signal according to a first data strobe signal provided from the memory controller, and stores, based on the shift signal, training data provided from the memory controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Soo Jin Kim, Seung Jin Park
  • Patent number: 11914873
    Abstract: A flash memory controller for controlling a flash memory module includes a communication interface for receiving a first data and a second data; and a processing circuit for dynamically controlling a data writing mode of the flash memory module according to an amount of stored data in the flash memory module. If the amount of stored data in the flash memory module is less than a first threshold when the communication interface receives the first data, the processing circuit controls the flash memory module so that the first data is written into the first data block under an one-bit-per-cell mode. If the amount of stored data in the flash memory module is greater than the first threshold when the communication interface receives the second data, the processing circuit controls the flash memory module so that the second data is written into the second data block under a two-bit-per-cell mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Silicon Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Tsung-Chieh Yang, Chun-Chieh Kuo, Ching-Hui Lin, Yang-Chih Shen
  • Patent number: 11907063
    Abstract: A read-disturb-based physical storage read temperature information identification system includes a global read temperature identification subsystem coupled to at least one storage device. Each at least one storage device reads valid data and obsolete data from at least one physical block in that storage device and, based on the reading of the valid data and the obsolete data, generates read disturb information associated with each row provided by the at least one physical block in that storage device. Each at least one storage devices then uses the read disturb information associated with each row provided by the at least one physical block in that storage device to generate a local logical storage element read temperature map for that storage device that it provides to the global read temperature identification subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Ali Aiouaz, Walter A. O'Brien, III, Leland W. Thompson
  • Patent number: 11908529
    Abstract: A data storage device includes a power supply circuit configured to supply power to the data storage device. The power supply circuit includes a voltage clamp configured to operate in a conduction state in response to an over-voltage condition of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit also includes a fuse in series with the voltage clamp. The fuse is configured to open in response to a current flow through the fuse and the voltage clamp exceeding a threshold value. The power supply circuit also includes a switching device that is configured to latch in a forward conduction mode in response to the voltage clamp operating in the conduction state. The switching device couples power from a positive voltage bus to the voltage clamp when the switching device is in the forward conduction mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Linnen, Kirubakaran Periyannan, Khanfer A. Kukkady
  • Patent number: 11903194
    Abstract: In one embodiment of this disclosure, an integrated circuit includes at least one first memory block, at least one second memory block, and a pad disposing area. The first memory block and the second memory block are respectively disposed at two sides of the integrated circuit, wherein each of the first memory block and the second memory block includes a memory cell array having a three-dimension structure. The first memory block and the second memory block are symmetrically disposed about the pad disposing area. A plurality of pads are disposed in the pad disposing area. The pads are respectively electrically coupled to the first memory block and the second memory block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: MACRONIX International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ya-Chun Tsai
  • Patent number: 11901017
    Abstract: A read operation on selected memory cells may be performed by a method of operating a semiconductor memory device. The method may include determining a read voltage to be used in the read operation among first to 2N?1-th read voltages, applying the determined read voltage to a selected word line connected to the selected memory cells, and applying a read pass voltage to unselected word lines based on whether the determined read voltage is a first read voltage. Here, N may be a natural number of 2 or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Hee Youl Lee
  • Patent number: 11894074
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device according to an embodiment includes memory cell transistors, a word line, and a controller. A memory cell transistor whose threshold voltage is included in first and second states store first and second data, respectively. In a verify operation of the first data, during application of a verify high voltage of the first data to the word line, the controller is configured to determine whether or not a threshold voltage of a memory cell transistor to which the first data is to be written exceeds the verify high voltage of the first data, and also determine whether or not a threshold voltage of a memory cell transistor to which the second data is to be written exceeds a verify low voltage of the second data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Kioxia Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Kato
  • Patent number: 11894066
    Abstract: The present technology provides a method of operating a semiconductor memory device detecting a threshold voltage distribution for memory cells included in a page selected from among a plurality of memory cells. The method of operating the semiconductor memory device includes selecting a target state in which the threshold voltage distribution is to be detected, determining a plurality of read voltages for dividing a voltage range in which a threshold voltage of the selected target state is distributed, and performing a plurality of sensing operations using the plurality of read voltages on the selected page. Masking to the target state is applied in each of the plurality of sensing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Soo Yeol Chai
  • Patent number: 11887674
    Abstract: A memory apparatus and method of operation is provided. The apparatus includes memory cells each connected to one of a plurality of word lines. The memory cells are disposed in strings coupled to one of a plurality of bit lines and are configured to retain a threshold voltage corresponding to one of a plurality of data states. A control means is configured to read each of the memory cells in a read operation. For each one of the memory cells, the control means is also configured to offset at least one of a bit line settling time and a kick voltage during the read operation based on a probability of at least one neighboring one of the plurality of bit lines being coupled to the memory cells retaining the threshold voltage corresponding to a different one of the plurality of data states than the one of the memory cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Yanjie Wang, Guirong Liang, Xiaoyu Che, Yi Song
  • Patent number: 11887681
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed including a memory device and a processing device operatively coupled to the memory device. The processing device can perform operations comprising determining a data validity metric value with respect to a source set of memory cells of the memory device; determining whether the data validity metric value satisfies a first threshold criterion; responsive to determining that the data validity metric value satisfies the first threshold criterion, performing a data integrity check on the source set of memory cells to obtain a data integrity metric value; determining whether the data integrity metric value satisfies a second threshold criterion; and responsive to determining that the data integrity metric value fails to satisfy the second threshold criterion, causing the memory device to copy data from the source set of memory cells to a destination set of memory cells of the memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Vamsi Rayaprolu, Ashutosh Malshe, Gary Besinga, Roy Leonard
  • Patent number: 11880582
    Abstract: A method for operating a memory device includes providing a memory block including at least one source select transistor coupled between a source line and a bit line, a plurality of memory cells, and a drain select transistor, controlling a source select line coupled to the at least one source select transistor and a plurality of word lines coupled to the plurality of memory cells to be in a floating state, and applying an erase voltage to the source line and the bit line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Byung In Lee, Hee Joung Park, Keon Soo Shim, Sang Heon Lee, Jae Il Tak
  • Patent number: 11881273
    Abstract: A layout structure of a ROM cell using a complementary FET (CFET) is provided. The ROM cell includes first and second three-dimensional transistors. The second transistor is formed above the first transistor, and the channel portions of the first and second transistors overlap each other. First data is stored in the ROM cell depending on the presence or absence of connection between a local interconnect connected to the source of the first transistor and a ground power supply line, and second data is stored in the ROM cell depending on the presence or absence of connection between a local interconnect connected to the source of the second transistor and a ground power supply line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: SOCIONEXT INC.
    Inventors: Yasumitsu Sakai, Shinichi Moriwaki
  • Patent number: 11881267
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a substrate, gate electrodes, a semiconductor layer opposed to gate electrodes, an electric charge accumulating layer disposed between gate electrodes and the semiconductor layer, a conductive layer connected to one end portion of the semiconductor layer, and a control circuit electrically connected to gate electrodes and the conductive layer. Gate electrodes include first gate electrodes, second gate electrodes, and third gate electrode. The control circuit is configured to perform an erase operation. The erase operation includes: at least one-time first operation that applies a first voltage to the conductive layer; a second operation performed after the first operation, the second operation applying a second voltage to the third gate electrode; and at least one-time third operation performed after the second operation, the third operation applying a third voltage same as or larger than the first voltage to the conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: KIOXIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Manabu Sakaniwa, Yasuhiro Shiino, Kota Nishikawa, Yu Ishiyama, Shinji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 11882695
    Abstract: A vertical field effect transistor (FET) includes a vertical semiconductor channel having a first end that contacts an upper surface of a substrate and an opposing second end that contacts a source/drain region. An electrically conductive gate encapsulates the vertical semiconductor channel. The vertical FET further includes a split-channel antifuse device between the source/drain region and the electrically conductive gate. The split-channel antifuse device includes a gate dielectric having a thickness that varies between the source/drain region and the electrically conductive gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kangguo Cheng, Juntao Li, Geng Wang, Qintao Zhang
  • Patent number: 11861226
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device comprises: a first pad receiving a first signal; a second pad receiving a second signal; a first memory cell array; a first sense amplifier connected to the first memory cell array; a first data register connected to the first sense amplifier and configured to store user data read from the first memory cell array; and a control circuit configured to execute an operation targeting the first memory cell array. The first memory cell array comprises a plurality of first memory strings. The first memory strings each comprise a plurality of first memory cell transistors. In a first mode of this semiconductor memory device, a command set instructing the operation is inputted via the first pad. In a second mode of this semiconductor memory device, the command set is inputted via the second pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Kioxia Corporation
    Inventors: Akio Sugahara, Zhao Lu, Takehisa Kurosawa, Yuji Nagai
  • Patent number: 11862254
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor integrated circuit includes a first signal line including a first part and a second part, a second signal line including a third part and a fourth part, a first inverter, a second inverter, and a control circuit. A first signal is input to the first part in a first period. A second signal is input to the third part in a second period. The first inverter outputs, to the second part, a first inverted signal obtained such that a logic of the first signal is inverted. The second inverter outputs, to the fourth part, a second inverted signal obtained such that a logic of the second signal is inverted. The control circuit brings the second signal line into a floating state in the first period, and brings the first signal line into a floating state in the second period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Kioxia Corporation
    Inventors: Dongxu Li, Kiyotaro Itagaki, Kazuaki Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 11862250
    Abstract: Open block-based read offset compensation in read operation of memory device is disclosed. For example, a memory device includes an array of memory cells arranged in a plurality of blocks and a peripheral circuit coupled to the array of memory cells. The peripheral circuit is configured to, in response to a block of the plurality of blocks being an open block, perform a read operation on a memory cell of the array of memory cells in the block using a compensated read voltage. The compensated read voltage has an offset from a default read voltage of the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: YANGTZE MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xiaojiang Guo, Jong Hoon Kang, Youxin He
  • Patent number: 11862252
    Abstract: A memory device and method of operation are described. The memory device may include memory cells of a first type that each store a single bit of information and memory cells of a second type that each store multiple bits of information. The memory cells of the first type may be more robust to extreme operating conditions than the second type but may have one or more drawbacks (e.g., lower density). The memory device may identify data to be written, and in response, may identify a temperature of the memory device. If the temperature is within a nominal operating range associated with a low risk of memory errors, the memory device may write the data to the memory cells of the second type. If the temperature is outside the nominal operating range, the memory device may write the data to the memory cells of the first type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Minjian Wu
  • Patent number: 11862247
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a first memory string including a first select transistor, a first memory cell, a first select element, a second memory cell, and a second select element in series, a second memory string including a second select transistor, a third memory cell, a third select element, a fourth memory cell, and a fourth select element in series, and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to set the second select transistor to an on state, and to set the third select element and the fourth select element to an off state, when reading data of the first memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Kioxia Corporation
    Inventor: Xu Li