Patents by Inventor Gordon D. Roberts

Gordon D. Roberts 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: 20010002889
    Abstract: As part of a memory array, a circuit is provided for altering the drive applied to an access transistor that regulates electrical communication within the memory array. In one embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a sense amp's voltage-pulling transistor, thereby allowing modification of the voltage-pulling rate for components of the sense amp. A sample of test data is written to the memory array and read several times at varying drive rates in order to determine the sense amp's ability to accommodate external circuitry. In another embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a bleeder device that regulates communication between the digit lines of the memory array and its cell plate. Slowing said communication allows defects within the memory array to have a more pronounced effect and hence increases the chances of finding such defects during testing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Publication date: June 7, 2001
    Inventors: Kurt D. Beigel, Manny K. Ma, Gordon D. Roberts, James E. Miller, Daryl L. Habersetzer, Jeffrey D. Bruce, Eric T. Stubbs
  • Patent number: 6235622
    Abstract: Methods of processing semiconductor circuits are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of processing a semiconductor circuit includes isolating a conductive region of the semiconductor circuit from a substrate region of the semiconductor circuit while forming the semiconductor circuit, and connecting the conductive region to the substrate region after the forming of the semiconductor circuit is completed. In alternate embodiments, the isolating and connecting of the conductive and substrate regions may include de-activating and activating a transistor, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Lucien J. Bissey, Bryan C. Carson, Gordon D. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6232148
    Abstract: A device and method for increasing integrated circuit density comprising at least a pair of superimposed dice, wherein at least one of the superimposed dice has at least one bond pad variably positioned on an active surface of the die. A plurality of lead fingers from a leadframe extend between the dice. The leadframe comprises at least one lead with leads of non-uniform length and configuration to attach to the differently positioned bond pads of the multiple dice. An advantage of the present invention is that it allows dice with differing bond pad arrangements to be used in a superimposed configuration to increase circuit density, while eliminating the use of bond wires in such a configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Manny Kin F. Ma, Jeffrey D. Bruce, Darryl L. Habersetzer, Gordon D. Roberts, James E. Miller
  • Patent number: 6226210
    Abstract: As part of a memory array, a circuit is provided for altering the drive applied to an access transistor that regulates electrical communication within the memory array. In one embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a sense amp's voltage-pulling transistor, thereby allowing modification of the voltage-pulling rate for components of the sense amp. A sample of test data is written to the memory array and read several times at varying drive rates in order to determine the sense amp's ability to accommodate external circuitry. In another embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a bleeder device that regulates communication between the digit lines of the memory array and its cell plate. Slowing said communication allows defects within the memory array to have a more pronounced effect and hence increases the chances of finding such defects during testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt D. Beigel, Manny K. Ma, Gordon D. Roberts, James E. Miller, Daryl L Habersetzer, Jeffrey D. Bruce, Eric T. Stubbs
  • Patent number: 6198676
    Abstract: As part of a memory array, a circuit is provided for altering the drive applied to an access transistor that regulates electrical communication within the memory array. In one embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a sense amp's voltage-pulling transistor, thereby allowing modification of the voltage-pulling rate for components of the sense amp. A sample of test data is written to the memory array and read several times at varying drive rates in order to determine the sense amp's ability to accommodate external circuitry. In another embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a bleeder device that regulates communication between the digit lines of the memory array and its cell plate. Slowing said communication allows defects within the memory array to have a more pronounced effect and hence increases the chances of finding such defects during testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt D. Beigel, Douglas J. Cutter, Manny K. Ma, Gordon D. Roberts, James E. Miller, Daryl L. Habersetzer, Jeffrey D. Bruce, Eric T. Stubbs
  • Patent number: 6188622
    Abstract: As part of a memory array, a circuit is provided for altering the drive applied to an access transistor that regulates electrical communication within the memory array. In one embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a sense amp's voltage-pulling transistor, thereby allowing modification of the voltage-pulling rate for components of the sense amp. A sample of test data is written to the memory array and read several times at varying drive rates in order to determine the sense amp's ability to accommodate external circuitry. In another embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a bleeder device that regulates communication between the digit lines of the memory array and its cell plate. Slowing said communication allows defects within the memory array to have a more pronounced effect and hence increases the chances of finding such defects during testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt D. Beigel, Manny K. Ma, Gordon D. Roberts, James E. Miller, Daryl L. Habersetzer, Jeffrey D. Bruce, Eric T. Stubbs
  • Patent number: 6181617
    Abstract: As part of a memory array, a circuit is provided for altering the drive applied to an access transistor that regulates electrical communication within the memory array. In one embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a sense amp's voltage-pulling transistor, thereby allowing modification of the voltage-pulling rate for components of the sense amp. A sample of test data is written to the memory array and read several times at varying drive rates in order to determine the sense amp's ability to accommodate external circuitry. In another embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a bleeder device that regulates communication between the digit lines of the memory array and its cell plate. Slowing said communication allows defects within the memory array to have a more pronounced effect and hence increases the chances of finding such defects during testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt D. Beigel, Douglas J. Cutter, Manny K. Ma, Gordon D. Roberts, James E. Miller, Daryl L. Habersetzer, Jeffrey D Bruce, Eric T. Stubbs
  • Patent number: 6137119
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes an enable terminal, a semiconductor substrate, a conductive region, and a transistor. A substrate region is disposed within the substrate, and the conductive region is electrically isolated from both the substrate and the substrate region. The transistor includes a first terminal that is coupled to the substrate region, a second terminal that is coupled to the conductive region, and a control terminal that is coupled to the enable terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Lucien J. Bissey, Bryan C. Carson, Gordon D. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6052322
    Abstract: As part of a memory array, a circuit is provided for altering the drive applied to an access transistor that regulates electrical communication within the memory array. In one embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a sense amp's voltage-pulling transistor, thereby allowing modification of the voltage-pulling rate for components of the sense amp. A sample of test data is written to the memory array and read several times at varying drive rates in order to determine the sense amp's ability to accommodate external circuitry. In another embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a bleeder device that regulates communication between the digit lines of the memory array and its cell plate. Slowing said communication allows defects within the memory array to have a more pronounced effect and hence increases the chances of finding such defects during testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt D. Beigel, Douglas J. Cutter, Manny K. Ma, Gordon D. Roberts, James E. Miller, Daryl L. Habersetzer, Jeffrey D. Bruce, Eric T. Stubbs
  • Patent number: 6028799
    Abstract: As part of a memory array, a circuit is provided for altering the drive applied to an access transistor that regulates electrical communication within the memory array. In one embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a sense amp's voltage-pulling transistor, thereby allowing modification of the voltage-pulling rate for components of the sense amp. A sample of test data is written to the memory array and read several times at varying drive rates in order to determine the sense amp's ability to accommodate external circuitry. In another embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a bleeder device that regulates communication between the digit lines of the memory array and its cell plate. Slowing said communication allows defects within the memory array to have a more pronounced effect and hence increases the chances of finding such defects during testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt D. Beigel, Manny K. Ma, Gordon D. Roberts, James E. Miller, Daryl L. Habersetzer, Jeffrey D. Bruce, Eric T. Stubbs
  • Patent number: 6026040
    Abstract: As part of a memory array, a circuit is provided for altering the drive applied to an access transistor that regulates electrical communication within the memory array. In one embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a sense amp's voltage-pulling transistor, thereby allowing modification of the voltage-pulling rate for components of the sense amp. A sample of test data is written to the memory array and read several times at varying drive rates in order to determine the sense amp's ability to accommodate external circuitry. In another embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a bleeder device that regulates communication between the digit lines of the memory array and its cell plate. Slowing said communication allows defects within the memory array to have a more pronounced effect and hence increases the chances of finding such defects during testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt D. Beigel, Douglas J. Cutter, Manny K. Ma, Gordon D. Roberts, James E. Miller, Daryl L. Habersetzer, Jeffrey D. Bruce, Eric T. Stubbs
  • Patent number: 6011731
    Abstract: As part of a memory array, a circuit is provided for altering the drive applied to an access transistor that regulates electrical communication within the memory array. In one embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a sense amp's voltage-pulling transistor, thereby allowing modification of the voltage-pulling rate for components of the sense amp. A sample of test data is written to the memory array and read several times at varying drive rates in order to determine the sense amp's ability to accommodate external circuitry. In another embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a bleeder device that regulates communication between the digit lines of the memory array and its cell plate. Slowing said communication allows defects within the memory array to have a more pronounced effect and hence increases the chances of finding such defects during testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt D. Beigel, Manny K. Ma, Gordon D. Roberts, James E. Miller, Daryl L. Habersetzer, Jeffrey D. Bruce, Eric T. Stubbs
  • Patent number: 6008533
    Abstract: A semiconductor assembly includes two leads, a primary die and a secondary support structure. Impedance networks of the secondary support structure establish an impedance between each lead and a different bond pad of the primary die. Although the distances between each bond pad and lead are substantially different, the impedances between each bond pad and lead are substantially the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Bruce, Gordon D. Roberts, Aaron M. Schoenfeld
  • Patent number: 5982687
    Abstract: As part of a memory array, a circuit is provided for altering the drive applied to an access transistor that regulates electrical communication within the memory array. In one embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a sense amp's voltage-pulling transistor, thereby allowing modification of the voltage-pulling rate for components of the sense amp. A sample of test data is written to the memory array and read several times at varying drive rates in order to determine the sense amp's ability to accommodate external circuitry. In another embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a bleeder device that regulates communication between the digit lines of the memory array and its cell plate. Slowing said communication allows defects within the memory array to have a more pronounced effect and hence increases the chances of finding such defects during testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt D. Beigel, Manny K. Ma, Gordon D. Roberts, James E. Miller, Daryl L. Habersetzer, Jeffrey D. Bruce, Eric T. Stubbs
  • Patent number: 5976911
    Abstract: A semiconductor assembly includes two leads, a primary die and a secondary support structure. Impedance networks of the secondary support structure establish an impedance between each lead and a different bond pad of the primary die. Although the distances between each bond pad and lead are substantially different, the impedances between each bond pad and lead are substantially the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Bruce, Gordon D. Roberts, Aaron M. Schoenfeld
  • Patent number: 5923672
    Abstract: An address detection circuit includes for each bit to be detected, a plurality of antifuse legs connected in parallel. Each of the antifuse legs includes a separate isolation transistor, so that each of the antifuse legs can be separately disabled. For blowing, only one of the antifuse legs is enabled at a time. During conventional operation, all of the antifuse legs are enabled so that the overall resistance of the antifuse legs equals the parallel combination of the resistances of the blown antifuses. Because the parallel combination of the blown antifuses is always less than or equal to the lower of the resistances of the antifuses, only one of the antifuses need be blown properly for the parallel combination to operate properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon D. Roberts, Jeffrey D. Bruce, Kurt D. Beigel, Eric T. Stubbs
  • Patent number: 5894165
    Abstract: A device and method for increasing integrated circuit density comprising at least a pair of superimposed dice, wherein at least one of the superimposed dice has at least one bond pad variably positioned on an active surface of the die. A plurality of lead fingers from a leadframe extend between the dice. The leadframe comprises at least one lead with leads of non-uniform length and configuration to attach to the differently positioned bond pads of the multiple dice. An advantage of the present invention is that it allows dice with differing bond pad arrangements to be used in a superimposed configuration to increase circuit density, while eliminating the use of bond wires in such a configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Manny Kin F. Ma, Jeffrey D. Bruce, Daryl L. Habersetzer, Gordon D. Roberts, James E. Miller
  • Patent number: 5877993
    Abstract: As part of a memory array, a circuit is provided for altering the drive applied to an access transistor that regulates electrical communication within the memory array. In one embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a sense amp's voltage-pulling transistor, thereby allowing modification of the voltage-pulling rate for components of the sense amp. A sample of test data is written to the memory array and read several times at varying drive rates in order to determine the sense amp's ability to accommodate external circuitry. In another embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a bleeder device that regulates communication between the digit lines of the memory array and its cell plate. Slowing said communication allows defects within the memory array to have a more pronounced effect and hence increases the chances of finding such defects during testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt D. Biegel, Douglas J. Cutter, Manny K. Ma, Gordon D. Roberts, James E. Miller, Daryl L. Habersetzer, Jeffrey D. Bruce, Eric T. Stubbs
  • Patent number: 5770480
    Abstract: A device and method for increasing integrated circuit density comprising at least a pair of superimposed dice, wherein a least one of the superimposed dice has at least one bond pad variably positioned on an active surface of the die. A plurality of lead fingers from a leadframe extend between the dice. The leadframe comprises at least one lead with leads of non-uniform length and configuration to attach to the differently positioned bond pads of the multiple die. An advantage of the present invention is that it allows dice with differing bond pad arrangements to be used in a superimposed configuration to increase circuit density, while eliminating the use of bond wires in such a configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Manny Kin F. Ma, Jeffrey D. Bruce, Daryl L. Habersetzer, Gordon D. Roberts, James E. Miller
  • Patent number: 5677567
    Abstract: A device and method for increasing integrated circuit density comprising at least a pair of superimposed dice, wherein at least one of the superimposed dice has at least one bond pad variably positioned on an active surface of the die. A plurality of lead fingers from a leadframe extend between the dice. The leadframe comprises at least one lead with leads of non-uniform length and configuration to attach to the differently positioned bond pads of the multiple dice. An advantage of the present invention is that it allows dice with differing bond pad arrangements to be used in a superimposed configuration to increase circuit density, while eliminating the use of bond wires in such a configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Manny Kin F. Ma, Jeffrey D. Bruce, Daryl L. Habersetzer, Gordon D. Roberts, James E. Miller