Patents by Inventor Antoine Khoueir

Antoine Khoueir 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: 9164832
    Abstract: A data storage device may generally be constructed and operated with at least a controller configured to identify a variance from a predetermined threshold in at least one variable resistance memory cell and upgrade a first error correction code (ECC) level to a second ECC level for the at least one variable resistance memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Mark Allen Gaertner, Ryan James Goss, Antoine Khoueir, Ara Patapoutian
  • Patent number: 9135993
    Abstract: A data storage device may generally be constructed and operated with at least one variable resistance memory cell having a first logic state threshold that is replaced with a second logic state threshold by a controller. The first and second logic states respectively corresponding to a predicted resistance shift that is based upon an operating temperature profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Inventors: David Scott Ebsen, Antoine Khoueir, Jon D. Trantham
  • Patent number: 9123640
    Abstract: A memory device includes a stack of layers comprising a plurality of alternating layers of continuous electrically conductive material word line layers with layers of continuous electrically insulating material. A plurality of vias vertically extend through the stack of layers and a vertical bit line is disposed within each via. A layer of switching material separates the vertical bit line from the stack of layers, thereby forming an array of RRAM cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Antoine Khoueir, YoungPil Kim, Rodney Virgil Bowman
  • Patent number: 9105360
    Abstract: An incremental signal is defined that includes at least one of a duration and a peak voltage that is less than a respective minimum programming time or minimum programming voltage step of a resistive memory element. A characterization procedure is repeatedly performed that at least involves: applying a signal to the memory element, the signal being incremented by the incremental signal during each subsequent application; measuring a first resistance of the memory element in response to the signal; and c) measuring a second resistance of the memory element after a time period has elapsed from the measurement of the first resistance with no programming signal applied. In response to the first and second resistance measurements of the characterization procedure, a characterization parameter of the memory element is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Ryan James Goss, Mark Allen Gaertner, Antoine Khoueir, David Scott Ebsen, Jon D. Trantham
  • Publication number: 20150213901
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for managing data in a memory, such as but not limited to a flash memory array. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an array of memory cells and a dual polarity charge pump. The dual polarity charge pump has a positive polarity voltage source which applies a positive voltage to a charge storage device to program a selected memory cell to a first programming state, and a negative polarity voltage source which applies a negative voltage to the charge storage device to program the selected memory cell to a different, second programming state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: YoungPil Kim, Dadi Setiadi, Wei Tian, Antoine Khoueir, Rodney V. Bowman
  • Patent number: 9076530
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for managing data in a memory. In accordance with some embodiments, a non-volatile (NV) buffer is adapted to store input write data having a selected logical address. A write circuit is adapted to transfer a copy of the input write data to an NV main memory while retaining the stored input write data in the NV buffer. A verify circuit is adapted to perform a verify operation at the conclusion of a predetermined elapsed time interval to verify successful transfer of the copy of the input write data to the NV main memory. The input write data are retained in the NV buffer until successful transfer is verified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Arthur Gomez, Ryan James Goss, Antoine Khoueir, David Scott Ebsen, Jon D. Trantham
  • Publication number: 20150187413
    Abstract: Two or more workload indicators affecting a memory cell of a resistance-based, non-volatile memory are measured. The two or more workload indicators are applied to a transfer function that predicts a resistance shift and/or resistance noise variance in response to the two or more workload indicators. A result of the transfer function is applied to shift and/or determine a threshold resistance used for at least one of a program operation and a read operation affecting the memory cell. An error rate of the memory cell is reduced as a result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Inventors: Ara Patapoutian, Ryan James Goss, Antoine Khoueir
  • Patent number: 9064563
    Abstract: A data storage device may generally be constructed and operated with at least one variable resistance memory cell configured with non-factory operational parameters by a controller. The non-factory operational parameters are assigned in response to an identified variance from a predetermined threshold in at least one variable resistance memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Antoine Khoueir, Mark Allen Gaertner, Ryan James Goss
  • Patent number: 9058870
    Abstract: Parameters indicative of resistance variance of the memory elements are tracked. The resistance variance affects values of data stored in the resistance-based memory elements. A hash function is performed for each memory element. The hash function returns a reference to one of a plurality of counter elements. A value of each counter element is modified in response to the tracked parameter data of the associated memory element. Read operations affecting the memory elements are adjusted based on the values for the associated counter elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: David Scott Ebsen, Antoine Khoueir, Mark Allen Gaertner
  • Patent number: 9058869
    Abstract: Data is written to cells of a resistance-based, non-volatile memory. An activity metric is tracked since the writing of the data to the cells. In response to the activity metric satisfying a threshold, a bias signal is applied to the cells to reverse a resistance shift of the cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Ara Patapoutian, Antoine Khoueir, Ryan James Goss, Jon D. Trantham
  • Publication number: 20150155050
    Abstract: A data storage device receives a write data command and data. The data is stored in a buffer of the data storage device. The data storage device issues a command complete status indication. After the command complete status indication is issued, the data are stored in a primary memory of the data storage device. The primary memory comprises a first type of non-volatile memory and the buffer comprises a second type of non-volatile memory that is different from the first type of non-volatile memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Jon Trantham, Michael Joseph Steiner, Antoine Khoueir
  • Patent number: 9025359
    Abstract: Data is written to cells of a resistance-based, non-volatile memory. An activity metric is tracked since the writing of the data to the cells. In response to the activity metric satisfying a threshold, a bias signal is applied to the cells to reverse a resistance shift of the cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Ara Patapoutian, Antoine Khoueir, Ryan James Goss, Jon D. Trantham
  • Patent number: 9001578
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for managing data in a memory, such as but not limited to a flash memory array. In accordance with some embodiments, a soft erasure is performed on a block of memory cells by toggling an erasure status value without otherwise affecting a written state of the cells in the block. The memory cells are subsequently overwritten with a set of data using a write polarity direction determined responsive to the toggled erasure status value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: YoungPil Kim, Dadi Setiadi, Wei Tian, Antoine Khoueir, Rodney Virgil Bowman
  • Patent number: 8949567
    Abstract: A plurality of addressable memory tiles each comprise one or more cross-point arrays. Each array comprises a plurality of non-volatile resistance-change memory cells. A controller is configured to couple to the array and to a host system. The controller is configured to perform receiving, from the host system, one or more data objects each having a size equal to a predetermined logical block size, and storing the one or more data objects in a corresponding integer number of one or more of the memory tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Antoine Khoueir, Jon D. Trantham, Kevin Gomez, Ara Patapoutian
  • Publication number: 20150023097
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for managing data in a memory, such as a flash memory array. In accordance with some embodiments, data are written to a set of solid-state non-volatile memory cells so that each memory cell in the set is written to an associated initial programmed state. Drift in the programmed state of a selected memory cell in the set is detected, and the selected memory cell is partially reprogrammed to return the selected memory cell to the associated initial programmed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Antoine Khoueir, Varun Voddi, Rodney Virgil Bowman
  • Patent number: 8934284
    Abstract: Two or more workload indicators affecting a memory cell of a resistance-based, non-volatile memory are measured. The two or more workload indicators are applied to a transfer function that predicts a resistance shift and/or resistance noise variance in response to the two or more workload indicators. A result of the transfer function is applied to shift and/or determine a threshold resistance used for at least one of a program operation and a read operation affecting the memory cell. An error rate of the memory cell is reduced as a result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Ara Patapoutian, Ryan James Goss, Antoine Khoueir
  • Publication number: 20150011062
    Abstract: Memory arrays that include a first memory cell having a channel; a first insulator; a floating gate; a second insulator; and a control gate, wherein the first insulator is positioned between the channel and the floating gate, the second insulator is positioned between the floating gate and the control gate; and a second memory cell having a channel; a first insulator; a floating gate; a second insulator; and a control gate, wherein the first insulator is positioned between the channel and the floating gate, the second insulator is positioned between the floating gate and the control gate, wherein the first memory cell and the second memory cell are positioned parallel to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Antoine Khoueir, YoungPil Kim, Rodney Virgil Bowman
  • Patent number: 8896070
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an apparatus with embedded (bottom side) control lines for vertically stacked semiconductor elements. In accordance with various embodiments, a first semiconductor wafer is provided with a first facing surface on which a first conductive layer is formed. The first semiconductor wafer is attached to a second semiconductor wafer to form a multi-wafer structure, the second semiconductor wafer having a second facing surface on which a second conductive wafer is formed. The first conductive layer is contactingly bonded to the second conductive layer to form an embedded combined conductive layer within said structure. Portions of the combined conductive layer are removed to form a plurality of spaced apart control lines that extend in a selected length or width dimension through said structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Hyung-Kyu Lee, YoungPil Kim, Peter Nicholas Manos, Maroun Khoury, Dadi Setiadi, Chulmin Jung, Hsing-Kuen Liou, Paramasiyan Kamatchi Subramanian, Yongchul Ahn, Jinyoung Kim, Antoine Khoueir
  • Publication number: 20140332748
    Abstract: A memory device includes a stack of layers comprising a plurality of alternating layers of continuous electrically conductive material word line layers with layers of continuous electrically insulating material. A plurality of vias vertically extend through the stack of layers and a vertical bit line is disposed within each via. A layer of switching material separates the vertical bit line from the stack of layers, thereby forming an array of RRAM cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Antoine Khoueir, YoungPil Kim, Rodney Virgil Bowman
  • Publication number: 20140281280
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a controller capable of being coupled to a host interface and a memory device. The memory device includes two or more non-hierarchical, non-volatile memory units having different minimum addressable data unit sizes. The controller is configured to at least perform determining a workload indicator of a data object being stored in the memory device via the host interface. The controller selects one of the memory units in response to the workload indicator of the data object corresponding to the minimum addressable data unit size of the selected memory unit corresponding to the workload indicator. The data object is stored in the selected memory unit in response thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Ryan James Goss, Jon D. Trantham, Antoine Khoueir, David Scott Ebsen, Mark Allen Gaertner, Kevin Gomez