Patents by Inventor Joseph T. Pawlowski

Joseph T. Pawlowski 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: 10902929
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices related to zone swapping for wear leveling memory are described. A memory device can perform access operations by mapping respective logical zones associated with respective logical addresses (e.g., of an access command) to respective zones of the memory device. As the memory device receives access commands and accesses respective zones, some zones may undergo a disproportionate amount of access operations relative to other zones. Accordingly, the memory device may swap data stored in some disproportionately accessed zones. The memory device can update a correspondence of respective logical zones associated with the zones based on swapping the data so that later access operations access the desired data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph T. Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 10825535
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for spare substitution in a memory system are described. memory device identifying a rotation index that indicates a first assignment of logical channel to physical channels for code words stored in a memory medium. The memory device may use a pointer to indicate one or more code word addresses that are to be rotated and update a value of the pointer associated with a range for the rotation index based on a condition being satisfied. The memory device may rotate a first code word according to a first assignment of the rotation index, where the rotating may occur at an address of the memory medium corresponding to the updated value of the pointer. Additionally, the memory device may execute access operations on the memory medium that include multiplexing multiple logical channels to multiple physical channels based on the rotation index and the pointer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph T. Pawlowski
  • Publication number: 20200034227
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for spare substitution in a memory system are described. A controller may, as part of a background operation, assign a spare bit to replace a bit of a code word and save an indication of the spare bit assignment in a memory array. The code word may include a set of bits that each correspond to a respective Minimum Substitution Region (MSR) within a memory medium that retains the code word. An MSR corresponding to the bit to be replaced may include a quantity of erroneous bits relative to a threshold. The controller may, during a read operation, identify the spare bit in a first portion of the code word, determine the bit to be replaced based on accessing the memory array, and replace the bit with the spare bit concurrently with receiving a second portion of the code word.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Joseph T. Pawlowski
  • Publication number: 20190377511
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for code word formats and structures are described. A code word format and structure may include various fields that facilitate a reliable transaction of user data during an access operation associated with a memory medium. For example, the bit fields may include information directed to an error control operation for a port manager to perform on a code word configured in accordance with the code word format and structure. Additionally, the code word format and structure may be configured for low latency operation and reliable transaction of the user data during the access operation. For example, the port manager may receive a first portion of the code word and parse the first portion of the code word concurrently with receiving an additional portion of the code word.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    Inventor: Joseph T. Pawlowski
  • Publication number: 20190354305
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for code word formats and structures are described. A code word format and structure may include various fields that facilitate a reliable transaction of user data during an access operation associated with a memory medium. For example, the bit fields may include information directed to an error control operation for a port manager to perform on a code word configured in accordance with the code word format and structure. Additionally, the code word format and structure may be configured for low latency operation and reliable transaction of the user data during the access operation. For example, the port manager may receive a first portion of the code word and parse the first portion of the code word concurrently with receiving an additional portion of the code word.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventor: Joseph T. Pawlowski
  • Publication number: 20190354479
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for forwarding a code word address are described. A memory subsystem, for example, may configure a code word including user data as a forwarded code word when the code word becomes unreliable or invalid close to or beyond an error recovery capability of the memory subsystem. The memory subsystem may configure the forwarded code word using a forwarded code word format and structure, which may include a bit field in the forwarded code word to indicate a code word condition and to store a quantity of duplicates of a forwarding address. When the memory subsystem receives a code word, the memory system may determine the code word as a forwarded code word such that the memory system may determine a forwarding address (e.g., from the code word). The memory subsystem may then use the forwarding address to access user data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventor: Joseph T. Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 7644235
    Abstract: In a cache tag integrated on an SRAM with a memory cache, laser fuses are programmed to indicate which, if any, tag subarrays in the cache tag are not functioning properly. In addition, the burst length of the SRAM is increased to reduce the number of tag subarrays necessary for operation of the cache tag so any nonfunctional tag subarrays are no longer necessary. In accordance with the indications from the programmed laser fuses and the increased burst length, logic circuitry disables any nonfunctional tag subarrays, leaving only functional tag subarrays to provide tag functionality for the memory cache. As a result, an SRAM that is typically scrapped as a result of nonfunctional tag subarrays can, instead, be recovered for sale and subsequent use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph T. Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 7089375
    Abstract: In a cache tag integrated on an SRAM with a memory cache, laser fuses are programmed to indicate which, if any, tag subarrays in the cache tag are not functioning properly. In addition, the burst length of the SRAM is increased to reduce the number of tag subarrays necessary for operation of the cache tag so any nonfunctional tag subarrays are no longer necessary. In accordance with the indications from the programmed laser fuses and the increased burst length, logic circuitry disables any nonfunctional tag subarrays, leaving only functional tag subarrays to provide tag functionality for the memory cache. As a result, an SRAM that is typically scrapped as a result of nonfunctional tag subarrays can, instead, be recovered for sale and subsequent use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph T. Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 6925579
    Abstract: In a cache tag integrated on an SRAM with a memory cache, laser fuses are programmed to indicate which, if any, tag subarrays in the cache tag are not functioning properly. In addition, the burst length of the SRAM is increased to reduce the number of tag subarrays necessary for operation of the cache tag so any nonfunctional tag subarrays are no longer necessary. In accordance with the indications from the programmed laser fuses and the increased burst length, logic circuitry disables any nonfunctional tag subarrays, leaving only functional tag subarrays to provide tag functionality for the memory cache. As a result, an SRAM that is typically scrapped as a result of nonfunctional tag subarrays can, instead, be recovered for sale and subsequent use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph T. Pawlowski
  • Publication number: 20040210718
    Abstract: In a cache tag integrated on an SRAM with a memory cache, laser fuses are programmed to indicate which, if any, tag subarrays in the cache tag are not functioning properly. In addition, the burst length of the SRAM is increased to reduce the number of tag subarrays necessary for operation of the cache tag so any non-functional tag subarrays are no longer necessary. In accordance with the indications from the programmed laser fuses and the increased burst length, logic circuitry disables any non-functional tag subarrays, leaving only functional tag subarrays to provide tag functionality for the memory cache. As a result, an SRAM that is typically scrapped as a result of non-functional tag subarrays can, instead, be recovered for sale and subsequent use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph T. Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 6757840
    Abstract: In a cache tag integrated on an SRAM with a memory cache, laser fuses are programmed to indicate which, if any, tag subarrays in the cache tag are not functioning properly. In addition, the burst length of the SRAM is increased to reduce the number of tag subarrays necessary for operation of the cache tag so any nonfunctional tag subarrays are no longer necessary. In accordance with the indications from the programmed laser fuses and the increased burst length, logic circuitry disables any nonfunctional tag subarrays, leaving only functional tag subarrays to provide tag functionality for the memory cache. As a result, an SRAM that is typically scrapped as a result of nonfunctional tag subarrays can, instead, be recovered for sale and subsequent use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph T. Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 6725344
    Abstract: The present invention includes a microprocessor having a system bus for exchanging data with a computer system, and a private bus for exchanging data with a cache memory system. Since the processor exchanges data with the cache memory system through the private bus, cache memory operations thus do not require use of the system bus, allowing other portions of the computer system to continue to function through the system bus. Additionally, the cache memory and the processor are able to exchange data in a burst mode while the processor determines from the tag data when a read or write miss is occurring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph T. Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 6721233
    Abstract: An N-bit wide synchronous, burst-oriented Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) reads out a full N bits simultaneously from its array in accordance with an address A0 into N latched sense amplifiers, which then sequentially output N/X bit words in X burst cycles. Because the SRAM's array reads out the full N bits simultaneously, the array's address bus is freed up to latch in the next sequential address A1 so data output continues uninterrupted, in contrast to certain conventional SRAMs. The SRAM also writes in a full N bits simultaneously after sequentially latching in N/X bit words in X burst cycles into N write drivers. This simultaneous write frees up the array's address bus to begin latching in the next sequential address A1 so data input continues uninterrupted, again in contrast to certain conventional SRAMs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Wilford, Joseph T. Pawlowski
  • Publication number: 20030161206
    Abstract: An N-bit wide synchronous, burst-oriented Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) reads out a full N bits simultaneously from its array in accordance with an address A0 into N latched sense amplifiers, which then sequentially output N/X bit words in X burst cycles. Because the SRAM's array reads out the full N bits simultaneously, the array's address bus is freed up to latch in the next sequential address A1 so data output continues uninterrupted, in contrast to certain conventional SRAMs. The SRAM also writes in a full N bits simultaneously after sequentially latching in N/X bit words in X burst cycles into N write drivers. This simultaneous write frees up the array's address bus to begin latching in the next sequential address A1 so data input continues uninterrupted, again in contrast to certain conventional SRAMs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: John R. Wilford, Joseph T. Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 6570816
    Abstract: An N-bit wide synchronous, burst-oriented Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) reads out a full N bits simultaneously from its array in accordance with an address A0 into N latched sense amplifiers, which then sequentially output N/X bit words in X burst cycles. Because the SRAM's array reads out the full N bits simultaneously, the array's address bus is freed up to latch in the next sequential address A1 so data output continues uninterrupted, in contrast to certain conventional SRAMs. The SRAM also writes in a full N bits simultaneously after sequentially latching in N/X bit words in X burst cycles into N write drivers. This simultaneous write frees up the array's address bus to begin latching in the next sequential address A1 so data input continues uninterrupted, again in contrast to certain conventional SRAMs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Wilford, Joseph T. Pawlowski
  • Publication number: 20030035339
    Abstract: An N-bit wide synchronous, burst-oriented Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) reads out a full N bits simultaneously from its array in accordance with an address A0 into N latched sense amplifiers, which then sequentially output N/X bit words in X burst cycles. Because the SRAM's array reads out the full N bits simultaneously, the array's address bus is freed up to latch in the next sequential address A1 so data output continues uninterrupted, in contrast to certain conventional SRAMs. The SRAM also writes in a full N bits simultaneously after sequentially latching in N/X bit words in X burst cycles into N write drivers. This simultaneous write frees up the array's address bus to begin latching in the next sequential address A1 so data input continues uninterrupted, again in contrast to certain conventional SRAMs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: John R. Wilford, Joseph T. Pawlowski
  • Publication number: 20030005238
    Abstract: The present invention includes a microprocessor having a system bus for exchanging data with a computer system, and a private bus for exchanging data with a cache memory system. Since the processor exchanges data with the cache memory system through the private bus, cache memory operations thus do not require use of the system bus, allowing other portions of the computer system to continue to function through the system bus. Additionally, the cache memory and the processor are able to exchange data in a burst mode while the processor determines from the tag data when a read or write miss is occurring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph T. Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 6469954
    Abstract: An N-bit wide synchronous, burst-oriented Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) reads out a full N bits simultaneously from its array in accordance with an address A0 into N latched sense amplifiers, which then sequentially output N/X bit words in X burst cycles. Because the SRAM's array reads out the full N bits simultaneously, the array's address bus is freed up to latch in the next sequential address A1 so data output continues uninterrupted, in contrast to certain conventional SRAMs. The SRAM also writes in a full N bits simultaneously after sequentially latching in N/X bit words in X burst cycles into N write drivers. This simultaneous write frees up the array's address bus to begin latching in the next sequential address A1 so data input continues uninterrupted, again in contrast to certain conventional SRAMs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Wilford, Joseph T. Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 6446169
    Abstract: The present invention includes a microprocessor having a system bus for exchanging data with a computer system, and a private bus for exchanging data with a cache memory system. Since the processor exchanges data with the cache memory system through the private bus, cache memory operations thus do not require use of the system bus, allowing other portions of the computer system to continue to function through the system bus. Additionally, the cache memory and the processor are able to exchange data in a burst mode while the processor determines from the tag data when a read or write miss is occurring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph T. Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 6304511
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for selectively adjusting control signal timing in a memory device as a function of the externally applied system clock speed. The memory device includes clock sensing circuitry that receives the system clock signal and responsively produces a speed signal having a value corresponding to the frequency of the system clock signal. The clock sensing circuitry includes a plurality of series-connected time-delay circuits through which a signal derived from the system clock signal propagates. The clock sensing circuitry also includes a plurality of latch circuits, each coupled with a respective one of the time delay circuits and latching the value of the signal reaching the respective time delay circuit. The speed signal is then derived from these latched signal values, indicating through how many of the time-delay circuits the signal has propagated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Gans, John R. Wilford, Joseph T. Pawlowski