Patents by Inventor Peter B. Gillingham

Peter B. Gillingham 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: 9928918
    Abstract: A memory device includes core memory such as flash memory for storing data. The memory device includes a first power input to receive a first voltage used to power the flash memory. Additionally, the memory device includes a second power input to receive a second voltage. The memory device includes power management circuitry configured to receive the second voltage and derive one or more internal voltages. The power management circuitry supplies or conveys the internal voltages to the flash memory. The different internal voltages generated by the power management circuitry (e.g., voltage converter circuit) and supplied to the core memory enable operations such as read/program/erase with respect to cells in the core memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Conversant Intellectual Property Management Inc.
    Inventors: Jin-Ki Kim, Peter B. Gillingham
  • Publication number: 20170322730
    Abstract: A clock mode configuration circuit for a memory device is described. A memory system includes any number of memory devices serially connected to each other, where each memory device receives a clock signal. The clock signal can be provided either in parallel to all the memory devices or serially from memory device to memory device through a common clock input. The clock mode configuration circuit in each memory device is set to a parallel mode for receiving the parallel clock signal, and to a serial mode for receiving a source synchronous clock signal from a prior memory device. Depending on the set operating mode, the data input circuits will be configured for the corresponding data signal format, and the corresponding clock input circuits will be either enabled or disabled. The parallel mode and the serial mode is set by sensing a voltage level of a reference voltage provided to each memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Peter B. GILLINGHAM, Graham ALLAN
  • Publication number: 20170309342
    Abstract: A memory device includes core memory such as flash memory for storing data. The memory device includes a first power input to receive a first voltage used to power the flash memory. Additionally, the memory device includes a second power input to receive a second voltage. The memory device includes power management circuitry configured to receive the second voltage and derive one or more internal voltages. The power management circuitry supplies or conveys the internal voltages to the flash memory. The different internal voltages generated by the power management circuitry (e.g., voltage converter circuit) and supplied to the core memory enable operations such as read/program/erase with respect to cells in the core memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Applicant: Conversant Intellectual Property Management Inc.
    Inventors: Jin-Ki KIM, Peter B. GILLINGHAM
  • Patent number: 9780073
    Abstract: In an integrated circuit (IC) adapted for use in a stack of interconnected ICs, interrupted through-silicon-vias (TSVs) are provided in addition to uninterrupted TSVs. The interrupted TSVs provide signal paths other than common parallel paths between the ICs of the stack. This permits IC identification schemes and other functionalities to be implemented using TSVs, without requiring angular rotation of alternate ICs of the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC.
    Inventor: Peter B. Gillingham
  • Patent number: 9740407
    Abstract: A clock mode configuration circuit for a memory device is described. A memory system includes any number of memory devices serially connected to each other, where each memory device receives a clock signal. The clock signal can be provided either in parallel to all the memory devices or serially from memory device to memory device through a common clock input. The clock mode configuration circuit in each memory device is set to a parallel mode for receiving the parallel clock signal, and to a serial mode for receiving a source synchronous clock signal from a prior memory device. Depending on the set operating mode, the data input circuits will be configured for the corresponding data signal format, and the corresponding clock input circuits will be either enabled or disabled. The parallel mode and the serial mode is set by sensing a voltage level of a reference voltage provided to each memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC.
    Inventors: Peter B. Gillingham, Graham Allan
  • Publication number: 20170160935
    Abstract: A clock mode configuration circuit for a memory device is described. A memory system includes any number of memory devices serially connected to each other, where each memory device receives a clock signal. The clock signal can be provided either in parallel to all the memory devices or serially from memory device to memory device through a common clock input. The clock mode configuration circuit in each memory device is set to a parallel mode for receiving the parallel clock signal, and to a serial mode for receiving a source synchronous clock signal from a prior memory device. Depending on the set operating mode, the data input circuits will be configured for the corresponding data signal format, and the corresponding clock input circuits will be either enabled or disabled. The parallel mode and the serial mode is set by sensing a voltage level of a reference voltage provided to each memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Peter B. GILLINGHAM, Graham ALLAN
  • Publication number: 20170117052
    Abstract: A memory device includes core memory such as flash memory for storing data. The memory device includes a first power input to receive a first voltage used to power the flash memory. Additionally, the memory device includes a second power input to receive a second voltage. The memory device includes power management circuitry configured to receive the second voltage and derive one or more internal voltages. The power management circuitry supplies or conveys the internal voltages to the flash memory. The different internal voltages generated by the power management circuitry (e.g., voltage converter circuit) and supplied to the core memory enable operations such as read/program/erase with respect to cells in the core memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Applicant: Conversant Intellectual Property Management Inc.
    Inventors: Jin-Ki KIM, Peter B. GILLINGHAM
  • Patent number: 9576675
    Abstract: A memory device includes core memory such as flash memory for storing data. The memory device includes a first power input to receive a first voltage used to power the flash memory. Additionally, the memory device includes a second power input to receive a second voltage. The memory device includes power management circuitry configured to receive the second voltage and derive one or more internal voltages. The power management circuitry supplies or conveys the internal voltages to the flash memory. The different internal voltages generated by the power management circuitry (e.g., voltage converter circuit) and supplied to the core memory enable operations such as read/program/erase with respect to cells in the core memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Conversant Intellectual Property Management Inc.
    Inventors: Jin-Ki Kim, Peter B. Gillingham
  • Patent number: 9552889
    Abstract: A clock mode configuration circuit for a memory device is described. A memory system includes any number of memory devices serially connected to each other, where each memory device receives a clock signal. The clock signal can be provided either in parallel to all the memory devices or serially from memory device to memory device through a common clock input. The clock mode configuration circuit in each memory device is set to a parallel mode for receiving the parallel clock signal, and to a serial mode for receiving a source synchronous clock signal from a prior memory device. Depending on the set operating mode, the data input circuits will be configured for the corresponding data signal format, and the corresponding clock input circuits will be either enabled or disabled. The parallel mode and the serial mode is set by sensing a voltage level of a reference voltage provided to each memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Conversant Intellectual Property Management Inc.
    Inventors: Peter B. Gillingham, Graham Allan
  • Publication number: 20160293265
    Abstract: A clock mode configuration circuit for a memory device is described. A memory system includes any number of memory devices serially connected to each other, where each memory device receives a clock signal. The clock signal can be provided either in parallel to all the memory devices or serially from memory device to memory device through a common clock input. The clock mode configuration circuit in each memory device is set to a parallel mode for receiving the parallel clock signal, and to a serial mode for receiving a source synchronous clock signal from a prior memory device. Depending on the set operating mode, the data input circuits will be configured for the corresponding data signal format, and the corresponding clock input circuits will be either enabled or disabled. The parallel mode and the serial mode is set by sensing a voltage level of a reference voltage provided to each memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Peter B. GILLINGHAM, Graham ALLAN
  • Patent number: 9384847
    Abstract: A clock mode configuration circuit for a memory device is described. A memory system includes any number of memory devices serially connected to each other, where each memory device receives a clock signal. The clock signal can be provided either in parallel to all the memory devices or serially from memory device to memory device through a common clock input. The clock mode configuration circuit in each memory device is set to a parallel mode for receiving the parallel clock signal, and to a serial mode for receiving a source synchronous clock signal from a prior memory device. Depending on the set operating mode, the data input circuits will be configured for the corresponding data signal format, and the corresponding clock input circuits will be either enabled or disabled. The parallel mode and the serial mode is set by sensing a voltage level of a reference voltage provided to each memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC.
    Inventors: Peter B. Gillingham, Graham Allan
  • Patent number: 9348786
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device including a plurality of memory die and a controller die. The controller die is connected to an internal control bus. The controller die is configured to provide to a selected one of the memory die an internal read command responsive to an external read command. The selected memory die is configured to provide read data to the controller in response to the internal read command; wherein latency between receipt by the controller die of the external read command and receipt of the read data from the selected memory die differs for at least two of the memory die when selected as the selected memory die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC.
    Inventor: Peter B. Gillingham
  • Publication number: 20160099072
    Abstract: A memory device includes core memory such as flash memory for storing data. The memory device includes a first power input to receive a first voltage used to power the flash memory. Additionally, the memory device includes a second power input to receive a second voltage. The memory device includes power management circuitry configured to receive the second voltage and derive one or more internal voltages. The power management circuitry supplies or conveys the internal voltages to the flash memory. The different internal voltages generated by the power management circuitry (e.g., voltage converter circuit) and supplied to the core memory enable operations such as read/program/erase with respect to cells in the core memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Applicant: Conversant Intellectual Property Management Inc.
    Inventors: Jin-Ki KIM, Peter B. GILLINGHAM
  • Publication number: 20160099234
    Abstract: In an integrated circuit (IC) adapted for use in a stack of interconnected ICs, interrupted through-silicon-vias (TSVs) are provided in addition to uninterrupted TSVs. The interrupted TSVs provide signal paths other than common parallel paths between the ICs of the stack. This permits IC identification schemes and other functionalities to be implemented using TSVs, without requiring angular rotation of alternate ICs of the stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Applicant: CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC.
    Inventor: Peter B. GILLINGHAM
  • Publication number: 20150255167
    Abstract: A clock mode configuration circuit for a memory device is described. A memory system includes any number of memory devices serially connected to each other, where each memory device receives a clock signal. The clock signal can be provided either in parallel to all the memory devices or serially from memory device to memory device through a common clock input. The clock mode configuration circuit in each memory device is set to a parallel mode for receiving the parallel clock signal, and to a serial mode for receiving a source synchronous clock signal from a prior memory device. Depending on the set operating mode, the data input circuits will be configured for the corresponding data signal format, and the corresponding clock input circuits will be either enabled or disabled. The parallel mode and the serial mode is set by sensing a voltage level of a reference voltage provided to each memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Inventors: Peter B. GILLINGHAM, Graham ALLAN
  • Publication number: 20150161072
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device including a plurality of memory die and a controller die. The controller die is connected to an internal control bus. The controller die is configured to provide to a selected one of the memory die an internal read command responsive to an external read command. The selected memory die is configured to provide read data to the controller in response to the internal read command; wherein latency between receipt by the controller die of the external read command and receipt of the read data from the selected memory die differs for at least two of the memory die when selected as the selected memory die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Applicant: CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC.
    Inventor: Peter B. Gillingham
  • Patent number: 9042199
    Abstract: A clock mode configuration circuit for a memory device is described. A memory system includes any number of memory devices serially connected to each other, where each memory device receives a clock signal. The clock signal can be provided either in parallel to all the memory devices or serially from memory device to memory device through a common clock input. The clock mode configuration circuit in each memory device is set to a parallel mode for receiving the parallel clock signal, and to a serial mode for receiving a source synchronous clock signal from a prior memory device. Depending on the set operating mode, the data input circuits will be configured for the corresponding data signal format, and the corresponding clock input circuits will be either enabled or disabled. The parallel mode and the serial mode is set by sensing a voltage level of a reference voltage provided to each memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Conversant Intellectual Property Management Inc.
    Inventors: Peter B. Gillingham, Graham Allan
  • Publication number: 20150078057
    Abstract: A memory module that includes a buffer and a plurality of synchronous memory devices. The memory module also includes bidirectional bus lines, and each of the synchronous memory devices has bidirectional data terminals. The buffer is configured to regenerate signals received on the bus lines for receipt by the synchronous memory devices, and to regenerate signals received from any one of the synchronous memory devices for receipt by the bus lines. The memory module may further include command lines and a clock line for providing commands and a clock signal to the synchronous memory devices via a command buffer. The combined data bus width of the memory module may be greater than the data bus width of any single one of synchronous memory device, and the total address space provided by the memory module may be larger than the data space for any single synchronous memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Peter B. GILLINGHAM, Bruce MILLAR
  • Publication number: 20150019936
    Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, a memory device and method of error detection and correction are disclosed. A memory device may include an input for receiving a command packet including an error detection code to facilitate command error detection. The memory device may include an error manager configured to detect, based on the error detection code, whether an error occurred in transmission of the command packet, a command register configured to store the command packet and configured to provide the command packet to the error manager, and an output to transmit the command packet to a subsequent device of the point-to-point ring topology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Peter B. GILLINGHAM
  • Publication number: 20150009761
    Abstract: A clock mode configuration circuit for a memory device is described. A memory system includes any number of memory devices serially connected to each other, where each memory device receives a clock signal. The clock signal can be provided either in parallel to all the memory devices or serially from memory device to memory device through a common clock input. The clock mode configuration circuit in each memory device is set to a parallel mode for receiving the parallel clock signal, and to a serial mode for receiving a source synchronous clock signal from a prior memory device. Depending on the set operating mode, the data input circuits will be configured for the corresponding data signal format, and the corresponding clock input circuits will be either enabled or disabled. The parallel mode and the serial mode is set by sensing a voltage level of a reference voltage provided to each memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Peter B. GILLINGHAM, Graham ALLAN