Patents by Inventor Frederick Ware

Frederick Ware 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).

  • Publication number: 20230412213
    Abstract: A single-ended data transmission system transmits a signal having a signal voltage that is referenced to a power supply voltage and that swings above and below the power supply voltage. The power supply voltage is coupled to a power supply rail that also serves as a signal return path. The signal voltage is derived from two signal supply voltages generated by a pair of charge pumps that draw substantially same amount of current from a power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: John W. POULTON, Frederick A. WARE, Carl W. WERNER
  • Patent number: 11842762
    Abstract: Disclosed is a memory system that has a memory controller and may have a memory component. The memory component may be a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The memory controller is connectable to the memory component. The memory component has at least one data row and at least one tag row different from and associated with the at least one data row. The memory system is to implement a cache having multiple ways to hold a data group. The memory controller is operable in each of a plurality of operating modes. The operating modes include a first operating mode and a second operating mode. The first operating mode and the second operating mode have differing addressing and timing for accessing the data group. The memory controller has cache read logic that sends a cache read command, cache results logic that receives a response from the memory component, and cache fetch logic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick Ware, Thomas Vogelsang, Michael Raymond Miller, Collins Williams
  • Publication number: 20230393989
    Abstract: A memory controller includes logic circuitry to generate a first data address identifying a location in a first external memory array for storing first data, a first tag address identifying a location in a second external memory array for storing a first tag, a second data address identifying a location in the second external memory array for storing second data, and a second tag address identifying a location in the first external memory array for storing a second tag. The memory controller includes an interface that transfers the first data address and the first tag address for a first set of memory operations in the first and the second external memory arrays. The interface transfers the second data address and the second tag address for a second set of memory operations in the first and the second external memory arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2023
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventor: Frederick A. Ware
  • Patent number: 11836099
    Abstract: Memory controllers, devices, modules, systems and associated methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a memory module includes a pin interface for coupling to a bus. The bus has a first width. The module includes at least one storage class memory (SCM) component and at least one DRAM component. The memory module operates in a first mode that utilizes all of the first width, and in a second mode that utilizes less than all of the first width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick A. Ware, Kenneth L. Wright, John Eric Linstadt, Craig Hampel
  • Publication number: 20230388028
    Abstract: A method and system that provides for execution of a first calibration sequence, such as upon initialization of a system, to establish an operation value, which utilizes an algorithm intended to be exhaustive, and executing a second calibration sequence from time to time, to measure drift in the parameter, and to update the operation value in response to the measured drift. The second calibration sequence utilizes less resources of the communication channel than does the first calibration sequence. In one embodiment, the first calibration sequence for measurement and convergence on the operation value utilizes long calibration patterns, such as codes that are greater than 30 bytes, or pseudorandom bit sequences having lengths of 2N?1 bits, where N is equal to or greater than 7, while the second calibration sequence utilizes short calibration patterns, such as fixed codes less than 16 bytes, and for example as short as 2 bytes long.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Craig E. Hampel, Frederick A. Ware, Richard E. Perego
  • Patent number: 11829307
    Abstract: Memory controllers, devices, modules, systems and associated methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit (IC) memory device is disclosed. The memory device includes an array of storage cells and command interface circuitry to receive an internal transfer command. In response to the internal transfer command, transfer logic reads data from a first portion of the array of storage cells, transfers the data as on-chip transfer data, and writes the on-chip transfer data to a second portion of the array of storage cells. In response to the command interface circuitry receiving an interrupt command, the transfer logic pauses the internal transfer operation, and carries out an unrelated memory access operation involving at least the first portion of the array of storage cells or the second portion of the array of storage cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Liji Gopalakrishnan, Frederick A. Ware, Brent S. Haukness
  • Patent number: 11829241
    Abstract: A first serializing stage is provided with a stream of data words composed of sub-words that each have values that associate each of the sub-words with the same error detection code value. For example, the values selected for each sub-word may each be associated with even parity. One or more serializing stages time-multiplex the sub-words into a stream of sub-word sized data. At the serializing stage that receives sub-word sized data stream, the data is checked to determine whether any of the sub-words is no longer associated with the error detection code value. Serializing/deserializing stages are selectively controlled to replace one or more data bits from a word being serialized/deserialized with an error detecting code value (e.g., parity). A subsequent serializing/deserializing stage is enabled to use the inserted error detecting code values and the data in the received words to determine whether an error has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Angus William McLaren, Robert A. Heaton, Aaron Ali, Frederick A. Ware
  • Publication number: 20230377632
    Abstract: Described are memory modules that support different error detection and correction (EDC) schemes in both single- and multiple-module memory systems. The memory modules are width configurable and support the different EDC schemes for relatively wide and narrow module data widths. Data buffers on the modules support the half-width and full-width modes, and also support time-division-multiplexing to access additional memory components on each module in support of enhanced EDC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Frederick A. Ware, John Eric Linstadt, Kenneth L. Wright
  • Publication number: 20230376249
    Abstract: A micro-threaded memory device. A plurality of storage banks are provided, each including a plurality of rows of storage cells and having an access restriction in that at least a minimum access time interval must transpire between successive accesses to a given row of the storage cells. Transfer control circuitry is provided to transfer a first amount of data between the plurality of storage banks and an external signal path in response to a first memory access request, the first amount of data being less than a product of the external signal path bandwidth and the minimum access time interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Frederick A. Ware, Craig E. Hampel, Wayne S. Richardson, Chad A. Bellows, Lawrence Lai
  • Publication number: 20230377668
    Abstract: A method of operation in an integrated circuit (IC) memory device is disclosed. The method includes refreshing a first group of storage rows in the IC memory device at a first refresh rate. A retention time for each of the rows is tested. The testing for a given row under test includes refreshing at a second refresh rate that is slower than the first refresh rate. The testing is interruptible based on an access request for data stored in the given row under test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Ely Tsern, Frederick A Ware, Suresh Rajan, Thomas Vogelsang
  • Patent number: 11823732
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein describe technologies for using the memory modules in different modes of operation, such as in a standard multi-drop mode or as in a dynamic point-to-point (DPP) mode (also referred to herein as an enhanced mode). The memory modules can also be inserted in the sockets of the memory system in different configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick A. Ware, Suresh Rajan, Scott C. Best
  • Patent number: 11822822
    Abstract: An memory component includes a memory bank and a command interface to receive a read-modify-write command, having an associated read address indicating a location in the memory bank and to either access read data from the location in the memory bank indicated by the read address after an adjustable delay period transpires from a time at which the read-modify-write command was received or to overlap multiple read-modify-write commands. The memory component further includes a data interface to receive write data associated with the read-modify-write command and an error correction circuit to merge the received write data with the read data to form a merged data and write the merged data to the location in the memory bank indicated by the read address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick A. Ware, Thomas Vogelsang
  • Patent number: 11815940
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein describe technologies of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) components for high-performance, high-capacity registered memory modules, such as registered dual in-line memory modules (RDIMMs). One DRAM component may include a set of memory cells and steering logic. The steering logic may include a first data interface and a second data interface. The first and second data interfaces are selectively coupled to a controller component in a first mode and the first data interface is selectively coupled to the controller component in a second mode and the second data interface is selectively coupled to a second DRAM component in the second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick A. Ware, Ely Tsern, John Eric Linstadt, Thomas J. Giovannini, Kenneth L. Wright
  • Publication number: 20230360695
    Abstract: A memory module with multiple memory devices includes a buffer system that manages communication between a memory controller and the memory devices. Each memory device supports an access mode and a low-power mode, the latter used to save power for devices that are not immediately needed. The module provides granular power management using a chip-select decoder that decodes chip-select signals from the memory controller into power-state signals that determine which of the memory devices are in which of the modes. Devices can thus be brought out of the low-power mode in relatively small numbers, as needed, to limit power consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Frederick A. Ware, James E. Harris
  • Publication number: 20230359437
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes broadcast data paths, a weighting-value memory, multiply-accumulate (MAC) units, and shared shift-out circuitry. The MAC units are coupled in common to each of the broadcast data paths and coupled to receive respective weighting values from the weighting-value memory via respective weighting-value paths. Each of the MAC units includes MAC circuits that each receive an input data value via a respective one of the broadcast data paths and a shared one of the weighting values via a shared one of the respective weighting-value paths; generate a sequence of multiplication products by multiplying the input data value with the shared one of the weighting values; accumulate a sum of the multiplication products; and output the sum of the multiplication products to a respective one of a plurality of serially coupled storage elements within the shared shift-out path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Frederick A. Ware, Cheng C. Wang
  • Publication number: 20230359559
    Abstract: A hybrid volatile/non-volatile memory module employs a relatively fast, durable, and expensive dynamic, random-access memory (DRAM) cache to store a subset of data from a larger amount of relatively slow and inexpensive nonvolatile memory (NVM). A module controller prioritizes accesses to the DRAM cache for improved speed performance and to minimize programming cycles to the NVM. Data is first written to the DRAM cache where it can be accessed (written to and read from) without the aid of the NVM. Data is only written to the NVM when that data is evicted from the DRAM cache to make room for additional data. Mapping tables relating NVM addresses to physical addresses are distributed throughout the DRAM cache using cache line bits that are not used for data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Frederick A. Ware, John Eric Linstadt, Christopher Haywood
  • Publication number: 20230359526
    Abstract: A memory system includes dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) components that include interconnected and redundant component data interfaces. The redundant interfaces facilitate memory interconnect topologies that accommodate considerably more DRAM components per memory channel than do traditional memory systems, and thus offer considerably more memory capacity per channel, without concomitant reductions in signaling speeds. The memory components can be configured to route data around defective data connections to maintain full capacity and continue to support memory transactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Wright, Frederick A. Ware
  • Patent number: 11809712
    Abstract: Memory modules, systems, memory controllers and associated methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a memory module includes a module substrate having first and second memory devices. Buffer circuitry disposed on the substrate couples to the first and second memory devices via respective first and second secondary interfaces. The buffer circuitry includes a primary signaling interface for coupling to a group of signaling links associated with a memory controller. The primary signaling interface operates at a primary signaling rate and the first and second secondary data interfaces operate at a secondary signaling rate. During a first mode of operation, the primary interface signaling rate is at least twice the secondary signaling rate. A first time interval associated with a transfer of first column data via the first secondary interface temporally overlaps a second time interval involving second column data transferred via the second secondary interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick A. Ware, Ely Tsern
  • Patent number: 11811397
    Abstract: An signal switching integrated-circuit die includes an array of switch cells, control signal contacts, data input contacts and data output contacts. Switch control signals are received from an external control-signal source via respective control signal contacts, inbound data signals are received from one or more external data-signal sources via respective data input contacts and outbound data signals are conveyed to one or more external data-signal destinations via respective data output contacts. The array of switch cells receives the control signals directly from the control signal contacts and response to the control signals by switchably interconnecting the data input contacts with selected ones of the data output contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick A. Ware, Carl W. Werner
  • Patent number: 11803328
    Abstract: An integrated-circuit memory component receives, as part of respective first and second memory read transactions, a first column access command that identifies a first volume of data and a second column read command that identifies a second volume of data, the second volume of data being constituted by not more than half as many data bits as the first volume of data. In response to receiving the first column access command, the integrated-circuit memory component transmits the first volume of data as N parallel bit-serial data signals over N external signaling links. In response to receiving the second column access command, the integrated-circuit memory component transmits the second volume of data as M parallel bit-serial data signals over M of the N external signaling links, where M is less than N.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick A. Ware