Patents by Inventor Matthew A. Prather

Matthew A. Prather 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: 20230297472
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a memory array including a plurality of memory cells arranged in a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows is provided. The apparatus further comprises circuitry configured to perform an error detection operation on the memory array to determine a raw count of detected errors, to compare the raw count of detected errors to a threshold value to determine an over-threshold amount, to scale the over-threshold amount according to a scaling algorithm to determine a scaled error count, and to store the scaled error count in a user-accessible storage location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2023
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew A. Prather, Randall J. Rooney
  • Patent number: 11762582
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes apparatuses and methods related to performing background operations in memory. A memory device can be configured to perform background operations while another memory device in a memory system and/or on a common memory module is busy performing commands received from a host coupled to the memory system and/or common memory module. An example apparatus can include a first memory device, wherein the first memory device can include an array of memory cells and a controller configured to perform a background operation on the first memory device in response to detecting a command from a host to a second memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank F. Ross, Matthew A. Prather
  • Patent number: 11698831
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a memory array including a plurality of memory cells arranged in a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows is provided. The apparatus further comprises circuitry configured to perform an error detection operation on the memory array to determine a raw count of detected errors, to compare the raw count of detected errors to a threshold value to determine an over-threshold amount, to scale the over-threshold amount according to a scaling algorithm to determine a scaled error count, and to store the scaled error count in a user-accessible storage location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Prather, Randall J. Rooney
  • Publication number: 20230206969
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for buffer configurations for communications between memory dies and a host device are described. A memory device may include a buffer having a first interface coupled with a host device and a second interface coupled with a memory die of the memory device. The first interface may communicate information with the host device at a first frequency and according to a first signaling scheme, and the second interface may communicate information with the memory die at a second frequency and according to a second signaling scheme. The first frequency may be higher than the second frequency, and the second signaling scheme may include a greater quantity of voltage levels than the first signaling scheme.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2022
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: Sujeet V. Ayyapureddi, Brent Keeth, Matthew A. Prather
  • Publication number: 20230205712
    Abstract: A memory module is provided, comprising a connector and a plurality of memory devices. Each memory device includes a memory array and a plurality of data connections, wherein a first subset of the plurality of data connections are configured to communicate data with a first portion of the memory array, and a second subset of the plurality of data connections are configured to communicate data with a second portion of the memory array. The first subset of the plurality of data connections of each of the plurality of memory devices are connected in parallel to first external contacts of the connector in a first addressable pseudo-channel, and the second subset of the plurality of data connections of each of the plurality of memory devices are connected in parallel to second external contacts of the connector in a second addressable pseudo-channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2022
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventor: Matthew A. Prather
  • Patent number: 11687410
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for a memory device (e.g., DRAM) including an error check and scrub (ECS) procedure in conjunction with refresh operations are described. The ECS procedure may include read/modify-write cycles when errors are detected in code words. In some embodiments, the memory device may complete the ECS procedure over multiple refresh commands, namely by performing a read (or read/modify) portion of the ECS procedure while a first refresh command is executed, and by performing a write portion of the ECS procedure while a second refresh command is executed. The ECS procedure described herein may facilitate avoiding signaling conflicts or interferences that may occur between the ECS procedure and other memory operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall J. Rooney, Matthew A. Prather
  • Patent number: 11646751
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for multi-bit error detection. A memory device may store data bits and parity bits in a memory array. An error correction code (ECC) circuit may generate syndrome bits based on the data and parity bits and use the syndrome bits to correct up to a single bit error in the data and parity bits. A multi-bit error (MBE) detection circuit may detect an MBE in the data and parity based on at least one of the syndrome bits or the parity bits. For example, the MBE detection circuit may determine if the syndrome bits have a mapped or unmapped state and/or may compare the parity bits, data bits, and an additional parity bit to determine if there is an MBE. When an MBE is detected an MBE signal is activated. In some embodiments, an MBE flag may be set based on the MBE signal being active.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Markus H. Geiger, Matthew A. Prather, Sujeet Ayyapureddi, C. Omar Benitez, Dennis Montierth
  • Publication number: 20230127970
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides techniques for using a multiple-port buffer to improve a transaction rate of a memory module. In an example, a memory module can include a circuit board having an external interface, first memory devices mounted to the circuit board, and a first multiple-port buffer circuit mounted to the circuit board. The first multiple-port buffer circuit can include a first port coupled to data lines of the external interface, the first port configured to operate at a first transaction rate, a second port coupled to data lines of a first plurality of the first memory devices, and a third port coupled to data lines of a second plurality of the first memory devices. The second and third ports can be configured to operate at a second transaction rate, wherein the second transaction rate is slower than the first transaction rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2022
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Inventors: Jasper S. Gibbons, Matthew A. Prather, Brent Keeth, Frank F. Ross, Daniel Benjamin Stewart, Randall J. Rooney
  • Patent number: 11620088
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes apparatuses and methods related to dual speed memory. A memory module can include a number of memory devices that coupled to a host via a number of first ports and coupled to a controller via a number of second ports. The memory module can be configured to transfer data on the first number of ports at a first clock speed and transfer data on the second number of ports at a second clock speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank F. Ross, Matthew A. Prather
  • Patent number: 11604694
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for memory (e.g., DRAM) having an error check and scrub (ECS) procedure in conjunction with refresh operations are described. While a refresh operation reads the code words of a memory row, ECS procedures may be performed on some of the sensed code words. When the write portion of the refresh begins, a code word discovered to have errors may be corrected before it is written back to the memory row. The ECS procedure can be incremental across refresh operations, beginning, for example, each ECS at the code word where the pervious ECS for that row left off. The ECS procedure can include an out-of-order (OOO) procedure where ECS is performed more often for certain identified code words.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall J. Rooney, Matthew A. Prather
  • Patent number: 11594298
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which memory devices are configured to monitor word line characteristics. In one embodiment, the memory device includes a memory array including a word line (e.g., a local word line) and a word line driver coupled thereto. When the memory device activates the word line driver, the memory device may generate a diagnostic signal in response to the word line voltage reaching a threshold. Further, the memory device may generate a reference signal to compare the diagnostic signal with the reference signal. In some cases, the memory device may generate an alert signal based on comparing the diagnostic signal with the reference signal if the diagnostic signal indicates a symptom of degradation in the word line characteristics. The memory device may implement certain preventive and/or precautionary measures upon detecting the symptom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Prather, Randall J. Rooney
  • Patent number: 11586386
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses related to memory operation with on-die termination (ODT) are provided. A memory device may be configured to provide ODT at a first portion (e.g., rank) during communications at a second portion (e.g., rank). For example, a memory device may receive a first command instructing a first portion to perform a first communication. The device may transmit, from the first portion, a signal instructing a second portion to enter an ODT mode. The device may perform, with the first portion, the first communication with a host while the second portion is in the ODT mode. The signal may be provided at an ODT I/O terminal of the first portion coupled to an ODT I/O terminal of the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Stave, Thomas H. Kinsley, Matthew A. Prather
  • Publication number: 20230027332
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods related to commands to transfer data and/or perform logic operations are described. For example, a command that identifies a location of data and a target for transferring the data may be issued to a memory device. Or a command that identifies a location of data and one or more logic operations to be performed on that data may be issued to a memory device. A memory module may include different memory arrays (e.g., different technology types), and a command may identify data to be transferred between arrays or between controllers for the arrays. Commands may include targets for data expressed in or indicative of channels associated with the arrays, and data may be transferred between channels or between memory devices that share a channel, or both. Some commands may identify data, a target for the data, and a logic operation for the data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2022
    Publication date: January 26, 2023
    Inventors: Frank F. Ross, Matthew A. Prather
  • Patent number: 11545199
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses related to memory operation with on-die termination (ODT) are provided. A memory device may be configured to provide ODT at a first portion (e.g., rank) during multiple communications at a second portion (e.g., rank). For example, a memory device may receive a first command instructing a first portion to perform a first communication and instructing a second portion to enter an ODT mode. The device may perform, with the first portion, the first communication with a host while the second portion is in the ODT mode. The device may receive a second command instructing the first portion to perform a second communication, and the device may perform, with the first portion, the second communication while the second portion remains in the ODT mode. The second portion may persist in the ODT mode for an indicated number of communications, or until instructed to exit the ODT mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Howe, Eric J. Stave, Thomas H. Kinsley, Matthew A. Prather
  • Publication number: 20220414034
    Abstract: Memory devices and methods for operating the same are provided. A memory device can include at least one command contact and at least one data contact. The memory device can be configured to detect a condition in which the at least one command contact is connected to a controller and the at least one data contact is disconnected from the controller, and to enter, based at least in part on detecting the condition, a first operating mode with a lower nominal power rating than a second operating mode. Memory modules including one or more such memory devices can be provided, and memory systems including controllers and such memory modules can also be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2022
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: Scott E. Schaefer, Matthew A. Prather
  • Patent number: 11538508
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides techniques for using a multiple-port buffer to improve a transaction rate of a memory module. In an example, a memory module can include a circuit board having an external interface, first memory devices mounted to the circuit board, and a first multiple-port buffer circuit mounted to the circuit board. The first multiple-port buffer circuit can include a first port coupled to data lines of the external interface, the first port configured to operate at a first transaction rate, a second port coupled to data lines of a first plurality of the first memory devices, and a third port coupled to data lines of a second plurality of the first memory devices. The second and third ports can be configured to operate at a second transaction rate, wherein the second transaction rate is slower than the first transaction rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jasper S. Gibbons, Matthew A. Prather, Brent Keeth, Frank F Ross, Daniel Benjamin Stewart, Randall J. Rooney
  • Publication number: 20220399902
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for multi-bit error detection. A memory device may store data bits and parity bits in a memory array. An error correction code (ECC) circuit may generate syndrome bits based on the data and parity bits and use the syndrome bits to correct up to a single bit error in the data and parity bits. A multi-bit error (MBE) detection circuit may detect an MBE in the data and parity based on at least one of the syndrome bits or the parity bits. For example, the MBE detection circuit may determine if the syndrome bits have a mapped or unmapped state and/or may compare the parity bits, data bits, and an additional parity bit to determine if there is an MBE. When an MBE is detected an MBE signal is activated. In some embodiments, an MBE flag may be set based on the MBE signal being active.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Publication date: December 15, 2022
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Markus H. Geiger, Matthew A. Prather, Sujeet Ayyapureddi, C. Omar Benitez, Dennis Montierth
  • Publication number: 20220334777
    Abstract: Apparatuses, hybrid memory modules, memories, and methods for configuring I/Os of a memory for a hybrid memory module are described. An example apparatus includes a non-volatile memory, a control circuit coupled to the non-volatile memory, and a volatile memory coupled to the control circuit. The volatile memory is configured to enable a first subset of I/Os for communication with a bus and enable a second subset of I/O for communication with the control circuit, wherein the control circuit is configured to transfer information between the volatile memory and the non-volatile memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2022
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Matthew A. Prather
  • Patent number: 11474820
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods related to commands to transfer data and/or perform logic operations are described. For example, a command that identifies a location of data and a target for transferring the data may be issued to a memory device. Or a command that identifies a location of data and one or more logic operations to be performed on that data may be issued to a memory device. A memory module may include different memory arrays (e.g., different technology types), and a command may identify data to be transferred between arrays or between controllers for the arrays. Commands may include targets for data expressed in or indicative of channels associated with the arrays, and data may be transferred between channels or between memory devices that share a channel, or both. Some commands may identify data, a target for the data, and a logic operation for the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank F. Ross, Matthew A. Prather
  • Publication number: 20220284979
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which memory devices are configured to monitor word line characteristics. In one embodiment, the memory device includes a memory array including a word line (e.g., a local word line) and a word line driver coupled thereto. When the memory device activates the word line driver, the memory device may generate a diagnostic signal in response to the word line voltage reaching a threshold. Further, the memory device may generate a reference signal to compare the diagnostic signal with the reference signal. In some cases, the memory device may generate an alert signal based on comparing the diagnostic signal with the reference signal if the diagnostic signal indicates a symptom of degradation in the word line characteristics. The memory device may implement certain preventive and/or precautionary measures upon detecting the symptom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2022
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventors: Matthew A. Prather, Randall J. Rooney