Patents by Inventor Wayne S. Richardson
Wayne S. Richardson 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: 20110153932Abstract: A memory system includes a master device, such as a graphics controller or processor, and an integrated circuit memory device operable in a dual column addressing mode. The integrated circuit memory device includes an interface and column decoder to access a row of storage cells or a page in a memory bank. During a first mode of operation, a first row of storage cells in a first memory bank is accessible in response to a first column address. During a second mode of operation, a first plurality of storage cells in the first row of storage cells is accessible in response to a second column address during a column cycle time interval. A second plurality of storage cells in the first row of storage cells is accessible in response to a third column address during the column cycle time interval. The first and second pluralities of storage cells are concurrently accessible from the interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2011Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: RAMBUS INC.Inventors: Frederick A. Ware, Lawrence Lai, Chad A. Bellows, Wayne S. Richardson
-
Publication number: 20110126081Abstract: Embodiments of a memory device are described. This memory device includes a signal connector which is electrically coupled to a command/address (CA) link, and an interface circuit, which is electrically coupled to the signal connector, and which receives CA packets via the CA link. A given CA packet includes an address field having address information corresponding to one or more storage locations in the memory device. Moreover, the memory device includes control logic having two operating modes, where, during a first operating mode, the control logic decodes address information in the CA packets using full-field sampling, and, during the second operating mode, the control logic decodes a portion of the address information in the CA packets using sub-field sampling.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2009Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: RAMBUS INC.Inventors: Kishore Ven Kasamsetty, Wayne S. Richardson, Kurt Knorpp, Frederick A. Ware
-
Patent number: 7907470Abstract: A memory system includes a master device, such as a graphics controller or processor, and an integrated circuit memory device operable in a dual column addressing mode. The integrated circuit memory device includes an interface and column decoder to access a row of storage cells or a page in a memory bank. During a first mode of operation, a first row of storage cells in a first memory bank is accessible in response to a first column address. During a second mode of operation, a first plurality of storage cells in the first row of storage cells is accessible in response to a second column address during a column cycle time interval. A second plurality of storage cells in the first row of storage cells is accessible in response to a third column address during the column cycle time interval. The first and second pluralities of storage cells are concurrently accessible from the interface.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2009Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: RAMBUS Inc.Inventors: Frederick A. Ware, Lawrence Lai, Chad A. Bellows, Wayne S. Richardson
-
Patent number: 7755968Abstract: An integrated circuit memory device has a storage array with an adjustable number of memory banks, a row of sense amplifiers to access storage cells in the storage array; and memory access control circuitry. The memory access control circuitry provides a first number of memory banks and a first page size in the integrated circuit memory device in a first mode of operation, and provides a second number of memory banks and a second page size in the integrated circuit memory device in a second mode of operation. The memory access control circuitry includes logic circuitry to adjust the number of memory banks in the integrated circuit memory device, and to adjust the page size of the integrated circuit memory device.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Rambus Inc.Inventors: Steven Woo, Michael Ching, Chad A. Bellows, Wayne S. Richardson, Kurt T. Knorpp, Jun Kim
-
Publication number: 20090193202Abstract: A memory system includes a master device, such as a graphics controller or processor, and an integrated circuit memory device operable in a dual column addressing mode. The integrated circuit memory device includes an interface and column decoder to access a row of storage cells or a page in a memory bank. During a first mode of operation, a first row of storage cells in a first memory bank is accessible in response to a first column address. During a second mode of operation, a first plurality of storage cells in the first row of storage cells is accessible in response to a second column address during a column cycle time interval. A second plurality of storage cells in the first row of storage cells is accessible in response to a third column address during the column cycle time interval. The first and second pluralities of storage cells are concurrently accessible from the interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2009Publication date: July 30, 2009Inventors: Frederick A. Ware, Lawrence Lai, Chad A. Bellows, Wayne S. Richardson
-
Publication number: 20090132741Abstract: A method for calibrating a communication channel coupling first and second components includes transmitting a data signal from the first component to the second component on the communication channel, and sensing a characteristic, such as phase, of the data signal on the second component. Information about the sensed characteristic is fed back to the first component using an auxiliary channel. An adjustable parameter, such as phase, for the transmitter is adjusted on the first component in response to the information. Also, a characteristic of a data signal received from the transmitter on the second component is sensed and used to adjust an adjustable parameter for the receiver on the first component.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2009Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: Rambus, Inc.Inventors: JUN KIM, Wayne S. Richardson, Glenn Chiu
-
Patent number: 7516029Abstract: A method for calibrating a communication channel coupling first and second components includes transmitting a data signal from the first component to the second component on the communication channel, and sensing a characteristic, such as phase, of the data signal on the second component. Information about the sensed characteristic is fed back to the first component using an auxiliary channel. An adjustable parameter, such as phase, for the transmitter is adjusted on the first component in response to the information. Also, a characteristic of a data signal received from the transmitter on the second component is sensed and used to adjust an adjustable parameter for the receiver on the first component.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2004Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Rambus, Inc.Inventors: Jun Kim, Wayne S. Richardson, Glenn Chiu
-
Patent number: 7505356Abstract: A memory system includes a master device, such as a graphics controller or processor, and an integrated circuit memory device operable in a dual column addressing mode. The integrated circuit memory device includes an interface and column decoder to access a row of storage cells or a page in a memory bank. During a first mode of operation, a first row of storage cells in a first memory bank is accessible in response to a first column address. During a second mode of operation, a first plurality of storage cells in the first row of storage cells is accessible in response to a second column address during a column cycle time interval. A second plurality of storage cells in the first row of storage cells is accessible in response to a third column address during the column cycle time interval. The first and second pluralities of storage cells are concurrently accessible from the interface.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2007Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Rambus Inc.Inventors: Frederick A. Ware, Lawrence Lai, Chad A. Bellows, Wayne S. Richardson
-
Patent number: 7280428Abstract: A memory system includes a master device, such as a graphics controller or processor, and an integrated circuit memory device operable in a dual column addressing mode. The integrated circuit memory device includes an interface and column decoder to access a row of storage cells or a page in a memory bank. During a first mode of operation, a first row of storage cells in a first memory bank is accessible in response to a first column address. During a second mode of operation, a first plurality of storage cells in the first row of storage cells is accessible in response to a second column address during a column cycle time interval. A second plurality of storage cells in the first row of storage cells is accessible in response to a third column address during the column cycle time interval. During a third mode of operation, a first plurality of storage cells in a first row of storage cells in a first memory bank is accessible in response to a first column address.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Rambus Inc.Inventors: Frederick A. Ware, Lawrence Lai, Chad A. Bellows, Wayne S. Richardson
-
Patent number: 7274244Abstract: A pulse multiplexed output subsystem is disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the output subsystem may comprise a plurality of pulse generators, a first pair of transistors, and a second pair of transistors, wherein each of the first pair of transistors is coupled to a respective one of a first pair of the plurality of pulse generators, and wherein each of the second pair of transistors is coupled to a respective one of a second pair of the plurality of pulse generators. The output subsystem may also comprise a first pair of resistive loads, wherein each of the first pair of resistive loads is coupled to a respective one of the first pair of transistors and a respective one of the second pair of transistors, and a first current source coupled to the first pair of transistors and the second pair of transistors.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2005Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Rambus Inc.Inventors: Wayne Fang, Wayne S. Richardson, Kurt T. Knorpp
-
Patent number: 7268605Abstract: A technique for operating a delay circuit is disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized by a delay circuit comprising a plurality of data paths. The delay circuit may receive a signal. The delay circuit may also stagger transmissions of the signal through the plurality of data paths. The delay circuit may additionally generate a plurality of signals based on the staggered transmissions. Each of the plurality of data paths in the delay circuit may comprise at least one of an inverter, a logic gate, a flip-flop, a latch, a register, or a resistor-capacitor (RC) delay element.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Rambus, Inc.Inventors: Wayne Fang, Wayne S. Richardson, Anthony Wong
-
Patent number: 7254075Abstract: A memory system includes a master device, such as a graphics controller or processor, and an integrated circuit memory device operable in dynamic memory bank count and page size mode. The integrated circuit memory device includes a first and second row of storage cells coupled to a row of sense amplifiers including a first and second plurality of sense amplifiers. During the first mode of operation, a first plurality of data is transferred from the first plurality of storage cells to the row of sense amplifiers. During the second mode of operation, a second plurality of data is transferred from the first row of storage cells to the first plurality of sense amplifiers and a third plurality of data is transferred from the second row of storage cells to the second plurality of sense amplifiers. The second and third plurality of data is accessible simultaneously from the memory device interface during the second mode of operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Rambus Inc.Inventors: Steven Woo, Michael Ching, Chad A. Bellows, Wayne S. Richardson, Kurt T. Knorpp, Jun Kim
-
Patent number: 6619973Abstract: A chip socket assembly provides for the mechanical and electrical coupling of edge-mountable chips to a bus of a circuit board with relative ease. An edge-mountable chip may be placed in a slot defined by a base. A clip may be attached to the base to retain the chip in the base. Alternatively, the base and the package of the chip may be configured such that the chip mates with the base in retaining the chip in the base. With the chip socket assembly, users may add, remove, or replace single chips and therefore expand the functionality of a system with the granularity of a single chip in a relatively easy manner. A chip file assembly may also be used to provide for the mechanical and electrical coupling of a plurality of edge-mountable chips to a bus of a circuit board with relative ease. Assemblies for securing horizontal chip packages are also described.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Rambus, Inc.Inventors: Donald V. Perino, Wayne S. Richardson, John B. Dillon
-
Patent number: 6589059Abstract: A chip socket assembly provides for the mechanical and electrical coupling of edge-mountable chips to a bus of a circuit board with relative ease. An edge-mountable chip may be placed in a slot defined by a base. A clip may be attached to the base to retain the chip in the base. Alternatively, the base and the package of the chip may be configured such that the chip mates with the base in retaining the chip in the base. With the chip socket assembly, users may add, remove, or replace single chips and therefore expand the functionality of a system with the granularity of a single chip in a relatively easy manner. A chip file assembly may also be used to provide for the mechanical and electrical coupling of a plurality of edge-mountable chips to a bus of a circuit board with relative ease. Assemblies for securing horizontal chip packages are also described.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Rambus, Inc.Inventors: Donald V. Perino, Wayne S. Richardson, John B. Dillon
-
Publication number: 20020055285Abstract: A chip socket assembly provides for the mechanical and electrical coupling of edge-mountable chips to a bus of a circuit board with relative ease. An edge-mountable chip may be placed in a slot defined by a base. A clip may be attached to the base to retain the chip in the base. Alternatively, the base and the package of the chip may be configured such that the chip mates with the base in retaining the chip in the base. With the chip socket assembly, users may add, remove, or replace single chips and therefore expand the functionality of a system with the granularity of a single chip in a relatively easy manner. A chip file assembly may also be used to provide for the mechanical and electrical coupling of a plurality of edge-mountable chips to a bus of a circuit board with relative ease. Assemblies for securing horizontal chip packages are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2001Publication date: May 9, 2002Applicant: Rambus, Inc.Inventors: Donald V. Perino, Wayne S. Richardson, John B. Dillon
-
Publication number: 20020031923Abstract: A chip socket assembly provides for the mechanical and electrical coupling of edge-mountable chips to a bus of a circuit board with relative ease. An edge-mountable chip may be placed in a slot defined by a base. A clip may be attached to the base to retain the chip in the base. Alternatively, the base and the package of the chip may be configured such that the chip mates with the base in retaining the chip in the base. With the chip socket assembly, users may add, remove, or replace single chips and therefore expand the functionality of a system with the granularity of a single chip in a relatively easy manner. A chip file assembly may also be used to provide for the mechanical and electrical coupling of a plurality of edge-mountable chips to a bus of a circuit board with relative ease. Assemblies for securing horizontal chip packages are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2001Publication date: March 14, 2002Inventors: Donald V. Perino, Wayne S. Richardson, John B. Dillon
-
Patent number: 6352435Abstract: A chip socket assembly provides for the mechanical and electrical coupling of edge-mountable chips to a bus of a circuit board with relative ease. An edge-mountable chip may be placed in a slot defined by a base. A clip may be attached to the base to retain the chip in the base. Alternatively, the base and the package of the chip may be configured such that the chip mates with the base in retaining the chip in the base. With the chip socket assembly, users may add, remove, or replace single chips and therefore expand the functionality of a system with the granularity of a single chip in a relatively easy manner. A chip file assembly may also be used to provide for the mechanical and electrical coupling of a plurality of edge-mountable chips to a bus of a circuit board with relative ease. Assemblies for securing horizontal chip packages are also described.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1999Date of Patent: March 5, 2002Assignee: Rambus, Inc.Inventors: Donald V. Perino, Wayne S. Richardson, John B. Dillon
-
Publication number: 20020016091Abstract: A chip socket assembly provides for the mechanical and electrical coupling of edge-mountable chips to a bus of a circuit board with relative ease. An edge-mountable chip may be placed in a slot defined by a base. A clip may be attached to the base to retain the chip in the base. Alternatively, the base and the package of the chip may be configured such that the chip mates with the base in retaining the chip in the base. With the chip socket assembly, users may add, remove, or replace single chips and therefore expand the functionality of a system with the granularity of a single chip in a relatively easy manner. A chip file assembly may also be used to provide for the mechanical and electrical coupling of a plurality of edge-mountable chips to a bus of a circuit board with relative ease. Assemblies for securing horizontal chip packages are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2001Publication date: February 7, 2002Applicant: Rambus, Inc.Inventors: Donald V. Perino, Wayne S. Richardson, John B. Dillon
-
Patent number: 6007357Abstract: A chip socket assembly provides for the mechanical and electrical coupling of edge-mountable chips to a bus of a circuit board with relative ease. An edge-mountable chip may be placed in a slot defined by a base. A clip may be attached to the base to retain the chip in the base. Alternatively, the base and the package of the chip may be configured such that the chip mates with the base in retaining the chip in the base. With the chip socket assembly, users may add, remove, or replace single chips and therefore expand the functionality of a system with the granularity of a single chip in a relatively easy manner. A chip file assembly may also be used to provide for the mechanical and electrical coupling of a plurality of edge-mountable chips to a bus of a circuit board with relative ease. Assemblies for securing horizontal chip packages are also described.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 1997Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Rambus Inc.Inventors: Donald V. Perino, Wayne S. Richardson, John B. Dillon
-
Patent number: RE37409Abstract: A memory and method of operation is disclosed. In one embodiment, the memory includes a group of memory cells divided into a plurality of subgroups. Sub word-lines are selectively coupled to main word lines, each sub-word line corresponding to a subgroup and is coupled to the memory cells in the row of the corresponding subgroup. Sense amplifier circuitry is coupled to the group of memory cells. The sense amplifier circuitry is divided into a plurality of sub-sensing circuits, each of the plurality of sub-sensing circuits selectively coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of sub-groups. The memory includes a control mechanism to control the word lines and sub-sensing circuit (s) that are activated at any one time such that only those sub-word lines and sub-sensing circuits needed to perform memory operations are operated and consume power.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2000Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Rambus Inc.Inventors: Richard M. Barth, Donald C. Stark, Lawrence Lai, Wayne S. Richardson