Patents by Inventor Michael J. Cornwell

Michael J. Cornwell 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: 7773022
    Abstract: A system and method, including computer software, for storing digital information uses multiple NAND flash memory cells. Each memory cell is adapted to receive charge during a write operation to an analog voltage that corresponds to a data value having a binary representation of more than 4 bits. An analog-to-digital converter converts the analog voltage from each memory cell into a digital representation of the analog voltage during a read operation of each cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte
  • Patent number: 7752391
    Abstract: A method for managing data storage is described. The method includes receiving data from an external host at a peripheral storage device, detecting a file system type of the external host, and adapting a caching policy for transmitting the data to a memory accessible by the storage device, wherein the caching policy is based on the detected file system type. The detection of the file system type can be based on the received data. The detection bases can include a size of the received data. In some implementations, the detection of the file system type can be based on accessing the memory for file system type indicators that are associated with a unique file system type. Adapting the caching policy can reduce a number of data transmissions to the memory. The detected file system type can be a file allocation table (FAT) system type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte, Kenneth L. Herman
  • Publication number: 20100157674
    Abstract: Systems and methods involve the use of a flash memory device having multiple flash memory cells. A first interface is adapted to receive power for selectively programming each flash memory cell. A second interface is adapted to receive power supplied to logic level circuitry to perform the selection of flash memory cells to be supplied with power from the first input during a write operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte
  • Publication number: 20100162012
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated systems, methods and computer program products relate to using information stored in a flash memory to adjust the operating voltage supplied to the flash memory. The voltage information indicates a minimum operating voltage at which to operate the flash memory device. In general, operating a flash memory device near a minimal operating voltage may substantially minimize power consumption. The minimum operating voltage for individual flash memory devices may vary from IC to IC, by manufacturing lot, and by manufacturer. In a product, the minimum operating voltage for a particular flash memory may be determined, for example, by a controller built-in to a flash memory reporting (automatically or in response to a query) the minimum operating voltage (e.g., 2.5 V, 3.15 V) to a memory controller or microprocessor. The stored voltage information may further include information to adjust the operating voltage based on temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte, Joseph R. Fisher, JR.
  • Patent number: 7701797
    Abstract: Systems and methods involve the use of a flash memory device having multiple flash memory cells. A first interface is adapted to receive power for selectively programming each flash memory cell. A second interface is adapted to receive power supplied to logic level circuitry to perform the selection of flash memory cells to be supplied with power from the first input during a write operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte
  • Patent number: 7702935
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated systems, methods and computer program products relate to using information stored in a flash memory to adjust the operating voltage supplied to the flash memory. The voltage information indicates a minimum operating voltage at which to operate the flash memory device. In general, operating a flash memory device near a minimal operating voltage may substantially minimize power consumption. The minimum operating voltage for individual flash memory devices may vary from IC to IC, by manufacturing lot, and by manufacturer. In a product, the minimum operating voltage for a particular flash memory may be determined, for example, by a controller built-in to a flash memory reporting (automatically or in response to a query) the minimum operating voltage (e.g., 2.5 V, 3.15 V) to a memory controller or microprocessor. The stored voltage information may further include information to adjust the operating voltage based on temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte, Joseph R. Fisher, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100070798
    Abstract: Systems and methods, including computer software, for reading data from a flash memory cell involve detecting voltages from a group of memory cells. The group of memory cells have associated metadata for error detection, and each memory cell stores a voltage representing a data value selected from a plurality of possible data values. Each possible data value corresponds to one range of multiple non-overlapping ranges of analog voltages. Memory cells having uncertain data values are identified based on the detected voltages. Alternative data values for the memory cells having the uncertain data values are determined. A combination of alternative data values is selected, and an error detection test is performed using the metadata associated with the memory cells and the selected combination of alternative data values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte
  • Publication number: 20100070799
    Abstract: A system and method, including computer software, is used to write to a flash memory device that includes multiple memory cells. One or more of the memory cells are written at a first resolution corresponding to a first number of bits of data. A signal to write at a second resolution corresponding to a second number of bits of data is received. One or more of the memory cells are written at the second resolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte
  • Publication number: 20100070801
    Abstract: Systems and methods, including computer software, for reading data from a flash memory cell involve detecting voltages from a group of memory cells. The group of memory cells have associated metadata for error detection, and each memory cell stores a voltage representing a data value selected from a plurality of possible data values. Each possible data value corresponds to one range of multiple non-overlapping ranges of analog voltages. Memory cells having uncertain data values are identified based on the detected voltages. Alternative data values for the memory cells having the uncertain data values are determined. A combination of alternative data values is selected, and an error detection test is performed using the metadata associated with the memory cells and the selected combination of alternative data values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte
  • Publication number: 20100020604
    Abstract: A system and method, including software implemented techniques, can be used to adjust for sag in stored data values. Charge is applied to multiple memory cells, and each memory cell is charged to a target voltage corresponding to a data value. The memory cells include a reference cell that is charged to a predetermined voltage. A voltage level in the reference cell is detected, and voltage levels from a group of memory cells are also detected. An adjustment is performed based upon the difference between the detected voltage level in the reference cell and the predetermined voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Chistopher P. Dudte
  • Publication number: 20100002512
    Abstract: Articles and associated methods and systems relate to disabling defective flash memory dies in a device containing multiple flash memory dies. Packages containing multiple flash memory dies may be labeled to indicate a flash memory data storage capacity based on the flash memory dies that are not disabled. Various disabling methods may be applied at the die level, package level, and/or board level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte
  • Publication number: 20090323418
    Abstract: A system and method, including computer software, allows reading data from a flash memory cell. Voltages from a group of memory cells are detected. The group of memory cells have associated metadata for error detection, and each memory cell stores a voltage representing a data value selected from multiple possible data values. Each possible data value corresponds to one range of multiple non-overlapping ranges of analog voltages. Memory cells having uncertain data values are identified based on the detected voltages. Alternative data values for the memory cells having the uncertain data values are determined, and a combination of alternative data values is selected. An error detection test is performed using the metadata associated with the multiple memory cells and the selected combination of alternative data values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte
  • Patent number: 7639542
    Abstract: Systems and methods, including computer software, for reading data from a flash memory cell involve detecting voltages from a group of memory cells. The group of memory cells have associated metadata for error detection, and each memory cell stores a voltage representing a data value selected from a plurality of possible data values. Each possible data value corresponds to one range of multiple non-overlapping ranges of analog voltages. Memory cells having uncertain data values are identified based on the detected voltages. Alternative data values for the memory cells having the uncertain data values are determined. A combination of alternative data values is selected, and an error detection test is performed using the metadata associated with the memory cells and the selected combination of alternative data values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte
  • Patent number: 7639531
    Abstract: A system and method, including computer software, is used to write to a flash memory device that includes multiple memory cells. One or more of the memory cells are written at a first resolution corresponding to a first number of bits of data. A signal to write at a second resolution corresponding to a second number of bits of data is received. One or more of the memory cells are written at the second resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte
  • Publication number: 20090285038
    Abstract: Systems and methods, including computer software for performing operations enable interleaving of charging operations in a charging pump. A first charge pump is charged to a predetermined level, and a first operation is performed using a charge stored in the first charge pump after it reaches the predetermined level. A second charge pump is charged during a time that overlaps with performing the first operation. A second operation is performed using a charge stored in the second charge pump as a result of charging the second charge pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Cornwell
  • Publication number: 20090285037
    Abstract: Systems and methods, including computer software for performing operations enable interleaving of charging operations in a charging pump. A first charge pump is charged to a predetermined level, and a first operation is performed using a charge stored in the first charge pump after it reaches the predetermined level. A second charge pump is charged during a time that overlaps with performing the first operation. A second operation is performed using a charge stored in the second charge pump as a result of charging the second charge pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Cornwell
  • Patent number: 7613043
    Abstract: A system and method, including software implemented techniques, can be used to adjust for sag in stored data values. Charge is applied to multiple memory cells, and each memory cell is charged to a target voltage corresponding to a data value. The memory cells include a reference cell that is charged to a predetermined voltage. A voltage level in the reference cell is detected, and voltage levels from a group of memory cells are also detected. An adjustment is performed based upon the difference between the detected voltage level in the reference cell and the predetermined voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte
  • Patent number: 7613051
    Abstract: Systems and methods, including computer software for performing operations enable interleaving of charging operations in a charging pump. A first charge pump is charged to a predetermined level, and a first operation is performed using a charge stored in the first charge pump after it reaches the predetermined level. A second charge pump is charged during a time that overlaps with performing the first operation. A second operation is performed using a charge stored in the second charge pump as a result of charging the second charge pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Cornwell
  • Patent number: 7609561
    Abstract: Articles and associated methods and systems relate to disabling defective flash memory dies in a device containing multiple flash memory dies. Packages containing multiple flash memory dies may be labeled to indicate a flash memory data storage capacity based on the flash memory dies that are not disabled. Various disabling methods may be applied at the die level, package level, and/or board level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte
  • Publication number: 20090237994
    Abstract: Systems and methods, including computer software for writing to a memory device include applying charge to each of multiple memory cells for storage of a selected data value in each memory cell. The memory cells include a first reference memory cell, and each data value is selected from a group of possible data values. Each possible data value has a corresponding target voltage level, and the first reference memory cell has a corresponding predetermined first reference target voltage level. The voltage level in the first reference memory cell is detected. A determination is made whether the voltage level in the first reference memory cell is less than the first reference target voltage level. Additional charge is applied to the memory cells upon the determination that the voltage level in the first reference memory cell is less than the first reference target voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte