Patents by Inventor Francesco La Rosa

Francesco La Rosa 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: 10796763
    Abstract: A split-gate memory cell includes a state transistor possessing a control gate and a floating gate and a selection transistor possessing a selection gate. The split-gate memory cell is programmed by applying, during a programming duration, a first voltage to the control gate, a second voltage to a drain of the state transistor and a third voltage to the selection gate of the selection transistor. The third voltage is transitioned during the programming duration between a first value and a second value greater than the first value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignees: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS, STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS
    Inventors: Francesco La Rosa, Marc Mantelli, Stephan Niel, Arnaud Regnier
  • Patent number: 10790293
    Abstract: A memory device includes a first state transistor and a second state transistor having a common control gate. A first selection transistor is buried in the semiconductor body and coupled to the first state transistor so that current paths of the first selection transistor and first state transistor are coupled in series. A second selection transistor is buried in the semiconductor body and coupled to the second state transistor so that current paths of the second selection transistor and second state transistor are coupled in series. The first and second selection transistors have a common buried selection gate. A dielectric region is located between the common control gate and the semiconductor body. A first bit line is coupled to the first state transistor and a second bit line is coupled to the second state transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS (ROUSSET) SAS
    Inventors: Francesco La Rosa, Stephan Niel, Arnaud Regnier
  • Publication number: 20200274722
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a physically unclonable function device includes a set of transistor pairs, transistors of the set of transistor pairs having a randomly distributed effective threshold voltage belonging to a common random distribution; a differential read circuit configured to measure a threshold difference between the effective threshold voltages of transistors of transistor pairs of the set of transistor pairs, and to identify a transistor pair in which the measured threshold difference is smaller than a margin value as being an unreliable transistor pair; and a write circuit configured to shift the effective threshold voltage of a transistor of the unreliable transistor pair to be inside the common random distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Inventors: Francesco La Rosa, Marc Mantelli, Stephan Niel, Arnaud Regnier
  • Publication number: 20200274723
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a physically unclonable function device includes a set of floating gate transistor pairs, floating gate transistors of the set of floating gate transistor pairs having a randomly distributed effective threshold voltage belonging to a common random distribution; a differential read circuit configured to measure a threshold difference between the effective threshold voltages of floating gate transistors of floating gate transistor pairs of the set of floating gate transistor pairs, and to identify a floating gate transistor pair in which the measured threshold difference is smaller than a margin value as being an unreliable floating gate transistor pair; and a write circuit configured to shift the effective threshold voltage of a floating gate transistor of the unreliable floating gate transistor pair to be inside the common random distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS
    Inventor: Francesco La Rosa
  • Patent number: 10686046
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a memory cell comprising a vertical selection gate extending in a trench made in a substrate, a floating gate extending above the substrate, and a horizontal control gate extending above the floating gate, wherein the floating gate also extends above a portion of the vertical selection gate over a non-zero overlap distance. Application mainly to the production of a split gate memory cell programmable by hot-electron injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS
    Inventors: Francesco La Rosa, Stephan Niel, Arnaud Regnier, Julien Delalleau
  • Patent number: 10677839
    Abstract: A device for detecting a fault attack, including: a circuit for detecting an interruption of a power supply; a circuit for comparing the duration of the interruption with a first threshold; and a counter of the number of successive interruptions of the power supply having a duration which does not exceed the first threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS (ROUSSET) SAS
    Inventor: Francesco La Rosa
  • Patent number: 10673431
    Abstract: A power supply voltage is monitored by a monitoring circuit including a variable current generator and a band gap voltage generator core receiving the variable current and including a first node and a second node. A control circuit connected to the first and second nodes is configured to deliver a control signal on a first output node having a first state when an increasing power supply voltage is below a first threshold and having a second state when increasing power supply voltage exceeds the first threshold. The first threshold is at least equal to the band gap voltage. An equalization circuit also connected to the first and second nodes with feedback to the variable current generator generates the bandgap voltage at a second output node. The control signal operates to control actuation of the equalization circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS
    Inventors: Jimmy Fort, Nicolas Borrel, Francesco La Rosa
  • Patent number: 10560089
    Abstract: A power supply voltage is monitored by a monitoring circuit including a band gap voltage generator core including a first node and a second node. A control circuit connected to the first and second nodes is configured to deliver a control signal on a first output node having a first state when an increasing power supply voltage is below a first threshold and having a second state when increasing power supply voltage exceeds the first threshold. The first threshold is at least equal to the band gap voltage. An equalization circuit also connected to the first and second nodes with feedback to the band gap voltage generator core generates the bandgap voltage at a second output node. The control signal operates to control actuation of the equalization circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS
    Inventors: Nicolas Borrel, Jimmy Fort, Francesco La Rosa
  • Patent number: 10541270
    Abstract: The array of diodes comprises a matrix plane of diodes arranged according to columns in a first direction and according to rows in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The said diodes comprise a cathode region of a first type of conductivity and an anode region of a second type of conductivity, the said cathode and anode regions being superposed and disposed on an insulating layer situated on top of a semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS (ROUSSET) SAS
    Inventors: Francesco La Rosa, Stephan Niel, Arnaud Regnier
  • Publication number: 20190371805
    Abstract: A memory device includes a first state transistor and a second state transistor having a common control gate. A first selection transistor is buried in the semiconductor body and coupled to the first state transistor so that current paths of the first selection transistor and first state transistor are coupled in series. A second selection transistor is buried in the semiconductor body and coupled to the second state transistor so that current paths of the second selection transistor and second state transistor are coupled in series. The first and second selection transistors have a common buried selection gate. A dielectric region is located between the common control gate and the semiconductor body. A first bit line is coupled to the first state transistor and a second bit line is coupled to the second state transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Inventors: Francesco La Rosa, Stephan Niel, Arnaud Regnier
  • Publication number: 20190341462
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a memory cell comprising a vertical selection gate extending in a trench made in a substrate, a floating gate extending above the substrate, and a horizontal control gate extending above the floating gate, wherein the floating gate also extends above a portion of the vertical selection gate over a non-zero overlap distance. Application mainly to the production of a split gate memory cell programmable by hot-electron injection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventors: Francesco LA ROSA, Stephan NIEL, Arnaud REGNIER, Julien DELALLEAU
  • Patent number: 10438960
    Abstract: Each memory cell is of the type with charge trapping in a dielectric interface and includes a state transistor selectable by a vertical selection transistor buried in a substrate and comprising a buried selection gate. The columns of memory cells include pairs of twin memory cells. The two selection transistors of a pair of twin memory cells have a common selection gate and the two state transistors of a pair of twin memory cells have a common control gate. The device also includes, for each pair of twin memory cells, a dielectric region situated between the control gate and the substrate and overlapping the common selection gate so as to form on either side of the selection gate the two charge-trapping dielectric interfaces respectively dedicated to the two twin memory cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS
    Inventors: Francesco La Rosa, Stephan Niel, Arnaud Regnier
  • Patent number: 10403730
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a memory cell comprising a vertical selection gate extending in a trench made in a substrate, a floating gate extending above the substrate, and a horizontal control gate extending above the floating gate, wherein the floating gate also extends above a portion of the vertical selection gate over a non-zero overlap distance. Application mainly to the production of a split gate memory cell programmable by hot-electron injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS
    Inventors: Francesco La Rosa, Stephan Niel, Arnaud Regnier, Julien Delalleau
  • Publication number: 20190237141
    Abstract: A split-gate memory cell includes a state transistor possessing a control gate and a floating gate and a selection transistor possessing a selection gate. The split-gate memory cell is programmed by applying, during a programming duration, a first voltage to the control gate, a second voltage to a drain of the state transistor and a third voltage to the selection gate of the selection transistor. The third voltage is transitioned during the programming duration between a first value and a second value greater than the first value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Applicants: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS, STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS
    Inventors: Francesco LA ROSA, Marc MANTELLI, Stephan NIEL, Arnaud REGNIER
  • Patent number: 10281512
    Abstract: A method can be used for testing a charge-retention circuit for measurement of a time interval having a storage capacitor coupled between a first biasing terminal and a floating node, and a discharge element coupled between the floating node and a reference terminal. The discharge element is configured to implement discharge of a charge stored in the storage capacitor by leakage through a corresponding dielectric. The method includes biasing the floating node at a reading voltage, detecting a biasing value of the reading voltage, implementing an operation of integration of the discharge current in the discharge element with the reading voltage kept constant at the biasing value, and determining an effective resistance value of the discharge element as a function of the operation of integration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignees: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS, STMicroelectronics S.r.l., STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS
    Inventors: Antonino Conte, Enrico Castaldo, Raul Andres Bianchi, Francesco La Rosa
  • Publication number: 20190123737
    Abstract: A power supply voltage is monitored by a monitoring circuit including a variable current generator and a band gap voltage generator core receiving the variable current and including a first node and a second node. A control circuit connected to the first and second nodes is configured to deliver a control signal on a first output node having a first state when an increasing power supply voltage is below a first threshold and having a second state when increasing power supply voltage exceeds the first threshold. The first threshold is at least equal to the band gap voltage. An equalization circuit also connected to the first and second nodes with feedback to the variable current generator generates the bandgap voltage at a second output node. The control signal operates to control actuation of the equalization circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS
    Inventors: Jimmy FORT, Nicolas BORREL, Francesco LA ROSA
  • Publication number: 20190123736
    Abstract: A power supply voltage is monitored by a monitoring circuit including a band gap voltage generator core including a first node and a second node. A control circuit connected to the first and second nodes is configured to deliver a control signal on a first output node having a first state when an increasing power supply voltage is below a first threshold and having a second state when increasing power supply voltage exceeds the first threshold. The first threshold is at least equal to the band gap voltage. An equalization circuit also connected to the first and second nodes with feedback to the band gap voltage generator core generates the bandgap voltage at a second output node. The control signal operates to control actuation of the equalization circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS
    Inventors: Nicolas BORREL, Jimmy FORT, Francesco LA ROSA
  • Publication number: 20190067309
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes an insulating layer overlying a semiconductor substrate. A semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type overlies the insulating layer. A plurality of projecting regions that are spaced apart from each other overly the semiconductor layer. A sequence of PN junctions are in the semiconductor layer. Each PN junction is located at an edge of an associated projecting region. Each PN junction also extends vertically from an upper surface of the semiconductor layer to the insulating layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Francesco La Rosa, Stephan Niel, Arnaud Regnier
  • Patent number: 10217503
    Abstract: A reading circuit for a charge-retention circuit stage is provided with a storage capacitor coupled between a first biasing terminal and a floating node, and a discharge element coupled between the floating node and a reference terminal. The reading circuit further has an operational amplifier having a first input terminal that is coupled to the floating node and receives a reading voltage, a second input terminal receives a reference voltage, and an output terminal on which it supplies an output voltage, the value of which is a function of the comparison between the reading voltage and the reference voltage and indicative of a residual charge in the storage capacitor. A shifting stage shifts the value of the reading voltage of the floating node, before the comparison is made between the reading voltage and the reference voltage for supplying the output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignees: STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS, STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS, STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Antonino Conte, Enrico Castaldo, Raul Andres Bianchi, Francesco La Rosa
  • Patent number: 10218336
    Abstract: A device and method can be used to manage the operation of a ring oscillator circuit. A master oscillator circuit generates a master supply voltage. The master supply voltage associated with a stable oscillation rate of the master oscillator circuit. The master oscillator circuit is supplied with current and is structurally identical to the ring oscillator circuit. A capacitive circuit is loaded with a load voltage originating from the master supply voltage. In response to a control signal, the ring oscillator circuit is supplied with a current controlled by a voltage delivered by the capacitive circuit, in such a way as to provide a stable oscillation rate for the ring oscillator circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS
    Inventor: Francesco La Rosa