Patents by Inventor Andrea Martinelli

Andrea Martinelli has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11967372
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for shared decoder architecture for three-dimensional memory arrays are described. A memory device may include pillars coupled to an access line using two transistors positioned between the pillar and the access line. The gates of the two transistors may be coupled with respective gate lines coupled with circuitry configured to bias the gate line as part of an access operation for a memory cell coupled with the pillar. In some cases, the circuitry may be positioned between tiles of the memory device, at an end of one or more tiles of the memory device, between word line combs of a tile of the memory device, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Christophe Vincent Antoine Laurent, Andrea Martinelli, Efrem Bolandrina, Ferdinando Bedeschi
  • Patent number: 11948638
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for techniques for parallel memory cell access are described. A memory device may include multiple tiers of memory cells. During a first duration, a first voltage may be applied to a set of word lines coupled with a tier of memory cells to threshold one or more memory cells included in a first subset of memory cells of the tier. During a second duration, a second voltage may be applied to the set of word lines to write a first logic state to the one or more memory cells of the first subset and to threshold one or more memory cells included in a second subset of memory cells of the tier. During a third duration, a third voltage may be applied to the set of word lines to write a second logic state to the one or more memory cells of the second subset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Paolo Fantini, Andrea Martinelli, Maurizio Rizzi
  • Publication number: 20240091089
    Abstract: A trolley for the dispensing of medicines, comprising an entry area of at least one medicine into the trolley and an exit area of the medicine from the trolley, a movement assembly configured to move the medicine between the entry area and the exit area, the exit area being in a position close to said worktop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Applicant: ANTARES VISION S.p.A.
    Inventors: Andrea PIOVANELLI, Adriano FUSCO, Andrea MARTINELLI
  • Publication number: 20240092569
    Abstract: A system for the storage and automatic movement of medicines and trays containing them between central cabinets, ward cabinets and inpatient rooms in hospital environments through the joint operation with one or more ward and interchange trolley/s.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Applicant: ANTARES VISION S.p.A.
    Inventors: Andrea PIOVANELLI, Adriano FUSCO, Andrea MARTINELLI
  • Publication number: 20240071476
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for a memory device. In one approach, a memory device selectively enters a streaming mode when accessing memory cells in a memory array. A controller determines for new read operations whether memory cells will be accessed in a streaming mode or in a random mode. First memory cells addressed using a wordline are read by the controller. The wordline is charged to an initial voltage for reading the first memory cells. When in the streaming mode, instead of discharging the wordline after reading the first memory cells, as is done for a random mode, the controller keeps a minimum bias on the wordline and returns the wordline again to the initial voltage for performing a next read operation to read second memory cells. This saves memory device power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Andrea Martinelli, Christophe Vincent Antoine Laurent, Ferdinando Bedeschi, Efrem Bolandrina
  • Publication number: 20240071483
    Abstract: Disclosed are techniques for correcting drift accumulation in memory cells. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a memory device including: a memory array, the memory array including a set of memory cells; and a memory controller configured to read data from the memory array, the memory controller configured to: sense a first distribution of the set of memory cells, detect a missing cell in the first distribution, increase a voltage on the missing cell causing the missing cell to be read as part of the first distribution, detect that a second memory cell in a second distribution was read while sensing the first distribution, and mask the second memory cell and mark the second memory cell as belonging to the second distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Christophe Vincent Antoine Laurent, Francesco Mastroianni, Andrea Martinelli, Efrem Bolandrina, Lucia Di Martino, Riccardo Muzzetto, Zhongyuan Lu, Karthik Sarpatwari, Nevil N. Gajera
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20240028099
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for architecture-based power management for a memory device are described. Aspects include operating a first memory bank within a memory device in a first mode and a second memory bank within the memory device in a second mode. The memory device may receive a power down command for the first memory bank while operating the first memory bank in the first mode and the second memory bank in the second mode and switch the first memory bank from the first mode to a first low power mode while maintaining the second memory bank in the second mode. The first low power mode corresponds to less power consumption by the first memory bank than the first mode. In some cases, switching the first memory bank from the first mode to the first low power mode includes deactivating circuitry dedicated to the first memory bank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Inventors: Christophe Vincent Antoine Laurent, Andrea Martinelli, Graziano Mitichigni
  • Publication number: 20240012576
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for a memory device. In one approach, known reference patterns are stored in a memory array. The patterns are associated with codewords stored in the memory array. A first pattern has all memory cells written to a first logic state (e.g., all logic ones), and a second pattern has all memory cells written to an opposite second logic state (e.g., all logic zeros). When a controller reads a codeword, the controller first reads memory cells of the associated reference patterns to determine data for estimating a threshold voltage distribution of memory cells in the codeword. Based on a number of memory cells of the reference patterns that snap when reading the first and second patterns, the controller selects a read voltage for reading the associated codeword.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2022
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Inventors: Andrea Martinelli, Ferdinando Bedeschi
  • Publication number: 20230395136
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for memory array seasoning are described. Some memory cells may have an undesirably high threshold voltage and thus a seasoning operation may be performed on a target memory cell. To season the target memory cell, a bit line and a word line associated with the cell may be activated. Additionally or alternatively, a word line coupled with a second memory cell (e.g., a helper memory cell) that shares the activated bit line may be activated. Accordingly, current flowing across the target memory cell may be increased, which may reduce its threshold voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2023
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Andrea Martinelli, Claudia Palattella, Christophe Vincent Antoine Laurent, Ferdinando Bedeschi, Efrem Bolandrina
  • Patent number: 11830570
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for input/output line sharing for memory subarrays are described. I/O lines may be shared across subarrays, which may correspond to separate memory tiles. The sharing of I/O lines may allow an I/O line to carry data from one subarray in response to access commands associated with one address range, and to carry data from another subarray in response to access commands associated with another address range. In some cases, sense amplifiers and other components may also be shared across subarrays, including across subarrays in different banks. The sharing of I/O lines may, in some cases, support activating only a subset of subarrays in a bank when accessing data stored in the bank, which may provide power savings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Vincent Antoine Laurent, Andrea Martinelli
  • Patent number: 11804264
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for decoding architecture for memory tiles are described. Word line tiles of a memory array may each include multiple word line plates, which may each include a sheet of conductive material that includes a first portion extending in a first direction within a plane along with multiple fingers extending in a second direction within the plane. A pillar tile may include one or more pillars that extend vertically between the word line plate fingers. Memory cells may each be couple with a respective word line plate finger and a respective pillar. Word line decoding circuitry, pillar decoding circuitry, or both, may be located beneath the memory array and in some cases may be shared between adjacent pillar tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Paolo Fantini, Andrea Martinelli, Claudio Nava
  • Publication number: 20230307041
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for shared decoder architecture for three-dimensional memory arrays are described. A memory device may include pillars coupled to an access line using two transistors positioned between the pillar and the access line. The gates of the two transistors may be coupled with respective gate lines coupled with circuitry configured to bias the gate line as part of an access operation for a memory cell coupled with the pillar. In some cases, the circuitry may be positioned between tiles of the memory device, at an end of one or more tiles of the memory device, between word line combs of a tile of the memory device, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2022
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Christophe Vincent Antoine Laurent, Andrea Martinelli, Efrem Bolandrina, Ferdinando Bedeschi
  • Publication number: 20230282270
    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: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Efrem Bolandrina, Andrea Martinelli, Christophe Vincent Antoine Laurent, Ferdinando Bedeschi
  • Patent number: 11740678
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for architecture-based power management for a memory device are described. Aspects include operating a first memory bank within a memory device in a first mode and a second memory bank within the memory device in a second mode. The memory device may receive a power down command for the first memory bank while operating the first memory bank in the first mode and the second memory bank in the second mode and switch the first memory bank from the first mode to a first low power mode while maintaining the second memory bank in the second mode. The first low power mode corresponds to less power consumption by the first memory bank than the first mode. In some cases, switching the first memory bank from the first mode to the first low power mode includes deactivating circuitry dedicated to the first memory bank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Inventors: Christophe Vincent Antoine Laurent, Andrea Martinelli, Graziano Mirichigni
  • Patent number: 11733913
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices related to balancing data are described. Data may be communicated using an original set of bits that may be partitioned into segments. Each of the original set of bits may have a first value or a second value, where a weight of the original set of bits may be based on a quantity of the set of bits that have the first value. If the weight of the original set of bits is outside of a target weight range, a different, encoded set of bits may be used to represent the data, the encoded set of bits having a weight within the target weight range. The encoded set of bits may be identified based an inversion of the original set of bits in a one-at-a-time and cumulative fashion. The encoded set of bits may be stored in place of the original set of bits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Christophe Vincent Antoine Laurent, Andrea Martinelli, Marco Sforzin, Paolo Amato
  • Publication number: 20230260576
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for techniques for parallel memory cell access are described. A memory device may include multiple tiers of memory cells. During a first duration, a first voltage may be applied to a set of word lines coupled with a tier of memory cells to threshold one or more memory cells included in a first subset of memory cells of the tier. During a second duration, a second voltage may be applied to the set of word lines to write a first logic state to the one or more memory cells of the first subset and to threshold one or more memory cells included in a second subset of memory cells of the tier. During a third duration, a third voltage may be applied to the set of word lines to write a second logic state to the one or more memory cells of the second subset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Inventors: Paolo Fantini, Andrea Martinelli, Maurizio Rizzi
  • Publication number: 20230245701
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus related to memory devices. In one approach, a vertical three-dimensional cross-point memory device uses digit line decoders that include, on the digit line side of memory cells, a current limiter and sensing circuit configured to control program current in either of positive or negative program polarities, as selected by a controller. Two current limiters are each used on the digit line side of each memory cell. A negative polarity current limiter is used for pull-up, and a positive polarity current limiter is used for pull-down. A negative polarity sensing circuit is used between the respective digit line decoder and a positive supply voltage. A positive polarity sensing circuit is used between the respective digit line decoder and a negative supply voltage. The current limiter and sensing circuit pair of the same polarity is coupled to each digit line decoder based on the selected program polarity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventors: Andrea Ghetti, Andrea Martinelli, Efrem Bolandrina, Ferdinando Bedeschi, Paolo Fantini
  • Publication number: 20230176747
    Abstract: A method to perform data scrub operations by operating a memory device, the memory device comprising a main memory, an internal Error Correction Code (ECC) engine and a scrub memory. The method comprising: receiving a read command; accessing, based on the receiving the read command, a location in the main memory to read data at the location; error correcting data read during the accessing; and storing at the scrub memory information of the location based at least in part on the correcting the data meeting or exceeding an ECC threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2022
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: Graziano Mirichigni, Corrado Villa, Andrea Martinelli, Christophe Vincent Antoine Laurent
  • Patent number: 11651809
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for activity-based data protection in a memory device are described. In one example, a memory device may include a set memory sections each having memory cells configured to be selectively coupled with access lines of the respective memory section. A method of operating the memory device may include determining a quantity of access operations performed on a set of sections of a memory device, selecting at least one of the sections for a voltage adjustment operation based on the determined quantity of access operations, and performing the voltage adjustment operation on the selected section. The voltage adjustment operation may include applying an equal voltage to opposite terminals of the memory cells, which may allow built-up charge, such as leakage charge accumulating from access operations of the selected memory section, to dissipate from the memory cells of the selected section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Corrado Villa, Andrea Martinelli