With Shift Register Patents (Class 365/189.12)
  • Patent number: 9734878
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for configuring dynamic random access memory (DRAM) in a personal computing device (PCD). An exemplary method includes providing a shared command access (CA) bus in communication with a first DRAM and a second DRAM. A first command from a system on a chip (SoC) is received at the first DRAM and the second DRAM. A decoder of the first DRAM determines whether to mask a mode register write (MRW) in response to the received first command. A second command containing configuration information is received vie the shared CA bus at the first DRAM and the second DRAM. Responsive to the determination by the decoder of the first DRAM, the received MRW is either ignored or implemented by the first DRAM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Inventors: Farrukh Aquil, Michael Drop, Vaishnav Srinivas, Philip Clovis
  • Patent number: 9727267
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a command for a storage device may be received, wherein the command comprises a plurality of stages. Power for the plurality of stages of the command may be dynamically allocated, wherein power for a first stage of the command is allocated first, and power for each remaining stage of the command is allocated after a preceding stage is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Donia Sebastian, Simon D. Ramage, Curtis A. Gittens, Scott Nelson, David B. Carlton, Kai-Uwe Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9674153
    Abstract: A secure data processing apparatus and method are disclosed. The secure data processing apparatus is operable to securely process user data provided by a user and includes a trusted domain having a trusted bus; a trusted domain controller coupling the trusted bus with an untrusted bus of an untrusted domain, the trusted domain controller being operable to ensure that encrypted incoming user data received over the untrusted bus is decrypted and provided over the trusted bus as the incoming user data and to ensure that outgoing user data is encrypted and provided over the untrusted bus as encrypted outgoing data. The trusted domain controller that only encrypted data is provided in the untrusted domain reducing the chance of the data being compromised. The trusted domain controller ensures that access to the unencrypted data within the trusted domain can be avoided. Confidentiality of the data can be assured without performance shortfalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Tommaso Cucinotta, Davide Cherubini, Eric B. Jul
  • Patent number: 9659626
    Abstract: Embodiments are generally directed to memory refresh operation with page open. An embodiment of a memory device includes a memory array including a plurality of memory banks; and a control logic to provide control operations for the memory device including a page open refresh mode, wherein the control logic is to perform a refresh cycle in response to a refresh command with a memory page of the memory array open, the refresh operation including precharge of one or more memory banks of the plurality of memory banks, refresh of the one or more memory banks, and activation of the memory page.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce Querbach, Kuljit S. Bains, John B. Halbert
  • Patent number: 9660648
    Abstract: A memory control component outputs a memory write command to a memory IC and also outputs write data to be received via data inputs of the memory IC. Prior to reception of the write data within the memory IC, the memory control component asserts a termination control signal that causes the memory IC to apply to the data inputs a first on-die termination impedance during reception of the write data followed by a second on-die termination impedance after the write data has been received. The memory control component deasserts the termination control signal to cause the memory IC to apply no termination impedance to the data inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Kyung Suk Oh, Ian P. Shaeffer
  • Patent number: 9653140
    Abstract: A memory device may include: an active controller configured to output a row active signal in response to a refresh control signal and a row enable signal when an active signal is activated; a refresh controller configured to generate and store a flag bit for controlling a refresh operation in response to a refresh signal, a precharge signal, and a precharge stop signal, and output the row enable signal corresponding to the stored flag bit to the active controller; and a cell array circuit configured to perform a refresh operation in memory cell array areas in response to the row active signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Chang Hyun Kim, Min Chang Kim, Do Yun Lee, Yong Woo Lee, Jae Jin Lee, Hun Sam Jung, Hoe Kwon Jung
  • Patent number: 9653141
    Abstract: A method of operating a volatile memory device includes storing address information of weak cell rows. According to some examples, after writing to a weak cell row, a refresh operation is performed on the weak cell row within a predetermined time. According to some examples, the writing operation to a weak cell row may be performed with a longer write recovery time than a write recovery time to normal cell rows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang-Yun Kim, Jong-Pil Son, Su-A Kim, Chul-Woo Park, Hong-Sun Hwang
  • Patent number: 9558844
    Abstract: Various embodiments comprise apparatuses to assign unique device identifier values to addressable devices in a stacked package. In one embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed including a stacked package with at least two addressable devices. Each of the addressable devices includes data input and switch path circuitry, a shift register coupled to the data input and switch path circuitry, and a single through-substrate via (TSV) through which the unique device identifier values can be assigned. The single TSV is coupled to the data input and switch path circuitry and between adjacent ones of the at least two addressable devices. Additional apparatuses, systems, and methods are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Tadashi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9466343
    Abstract: A method for writing a mode register in a semiconductor device, the method includes receiving a mode register command and a mode signal; generating a first mode register setting signal; delaying the first mode register setting signal in a first latency shifter to provide a second mode register setting signal; receiving a data signal in synchronization with the second mode register setting signal; and writing the mode signal to the mode register only if the received data signal has a first logic level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: PS4 LUXCO S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Chikara Kondo
  • Patent number: 9454945
    Abstract: A display device including a scanning circuit formed using single conductivity type thin-film transistors suppresses threshold changes in the thin-film transistors forming the scanning circuit by controlling a circuit for maintaining an internal node of the unit circuits forming the scanning circuit at a constant potential is controlled by a clock signal or a pulse signal having a smaller amplitude than the amplitude of an output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: NLT TECHNOLOGIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Tomohiko Otose
  • Patent number: 9361961
    Abstract: A memory device may include a plurality of memory banks, a row control signal input unit suitable for receiving a plurality of row control signals, a column control signal input unit suitable for receiving a plurality of column control signals, a row control unit suitable for selecting a memory bank and a row in response to the row control signals, and controlling a row operation for the selected row, and a column control unit suitable for selecting a memory bank and column in response to the column control signals, and controlling a column operation for the selected column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Young-Ju Kim, Dong-Uk Lee
  • Patent number: 9286955
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments related to dual-gate transistors and associated calibration circuitry. In one embodiment, dual-gate transistors may be configured in a sense amplifier arrangement, and calibration circuitry can be used to adjust an input offset of the sense amplifier. In another embodiment, a reference level voltage utilized in an amplifier with dual-gate transistors can be adjusted during a calibration sequence, and may be substantially unchanged from its nominal value outside of the calibration sequence. In another embodiment, a calibration sequence can be utilized to determine circuit results from a circuit including dual-gate transistors, and to adjust control gates to more closely coincide with expected or desired results. In yet another embodiment, a semiconductor memory device can include a memory array with amplifiers that include dual-gate transistors, as well as associated calibration circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Michael C. Stephens, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9275715
    Abstract: In some examples, a memory device is configured with non-volatile memory array(s) having one or more associated volatile memory arrays. The memory device may include a non-destructive write mode configured to prevent access to the non-volatile memory array(s) during an initiation or calibration sequence performed by the memory device or an electronic device associated with the memory device to calibrate read and write access timing associated with the memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Everspin Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Andre
  • Patent number: 9251863
    Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor memory device that includes a plurality of channel memories mounted within a package and is capable of minimizing or reducing the number of through-silicon vias. With the semiconductor memory device, a row command or a row address on two or more channels is applied through a shared bus. The semiconductor memory device is capable of reducing an overhead of a die size by reducing the number of through-silicon vias. A method of driving a multi-channel semiconductor memory device including a plurality of memories, using a shared bus, is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun-Joong Kim, Dongyang Lee
  • Patent number: 9240781
    Abstract: A shift register, a display apparatus, a gate driving circuit and a driving method, the shift register comprises a plurality of stages of shift register circuits (SR0-SRn), a Nth stage shift register circuit among the plurality of stages of shift register circuits (SR0-SRn) comprises: a pre-charging circuit (1), a pulling-up circuit (2), a resetting circuit (3) and a retaining circuit, the retaining circuit is equipped with an eighth transistor (M8) whose gate is connected with a first control signal terminal (CK), source and drain are connected with each other. Not only a shift registering is realized, but also the operation period of the circuit is decreased, which can address the problem of shift in the voltage thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., CHENGDU BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bo Wu, Xiaojing Qi, Quanguo Zhou, Leisen Nie
  • Patent number: 9152496
    Abstract: Systems and/or methods that facilitate high performance flash channel interface techniques are presented. Integrated error correction code (ECC) engine and buffer sets facilitate bypassing error correction of data being written to or read from memory, such as flash memory, in addition to single ECC mode or multiple ECC mode. The integrated ECC engines and buffers can quickly analyze data, and provide error correction information or correct error, significantly increasing throughput. In addition, the programmable flash channel interface can provide more rapid development of flash products by accommodating both Open NAND Flash Interface (ONFI) standard flash and legacy flash devices, by using a configurable micro-code engine in the flash interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: CYPRESS SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ravindra K. Kanade, Gregory Racino, Michael Wiles
  • Publication number: 20150124537
    Abstract: A semiconductor device of an embodiment is provided with a memory, a register configured to store a first data group including test data and read/write instruction data to the memory, a first inversion portion having an inverting function of a value of the test data outputted from the register, a second inversion portion having the inverting function of a value of the read/write instruction data outputted from the register, first and second input portions configured to input a data inversion instruction to the first and second inversion portions, and a data switching portion configured to switch between a test data group obtained by applying predetermined processing to the first data group outputted from the register through the first and second inversion portions and a second data group used for reading/writing of data held in the memory during a system operation as input data into the memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Kenichi Anzou, Chikako Tokunaga
  • Patent number: 8988950
    Abstract: A data loading circuit comprises a non-volatile memory configured to store non-volatile data and output a serial data signal based on the stored non-volatile data in response to a power-up operation, a deserializer configured to receive the serial data signal and output multiple data bits at intervals of a unit period based on the received serial data signal, a load controller configured to generate multiple loading selection signals that are sequentially activated one-by-one at each interval of the unit period, and a loading memory unit configured to sequentially store the data bits at each interval of the unit period in response to the loading selection signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-Min Oh, Ho-Yong Song, Seong-Jin Jang
  • Publication number: 20150078108
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes apparatuses and methods related to data shifting. An example apparatus comprises a first memory cell coupled to a first sense line of an array, a first isolation device located between the first memory cell and first sensing circuitry corresponding thereto, and a second isolation device located between the first memory cell and second sensing circuitry corresponding to a second sense line. The first and the second isolation devices are operated to shift data in the array without transferring the data via an input/output line of the array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy B. Cowles, Steven M. Bodily
  • Patent number: 8953410
    Abstract: The semiconductor integrated circuit includes a command decoder, a shift register unit and a command address latch unit. The command decoder is responsive to an external command defining write and read modes and configured to provide a write command or a read command according to the external command using a rising or falling clock. The shift register unit is configured to shift an external address and the write command by a write latency in response to the write command. The column address latch unit is configured to latch and provide the external address as a column address in the read mode, and to latch a write address, which is provided from the shift register unit, and provide the write address as the column address in the write mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Kyong Ha Lee
  • Patent number: 8923030
    Abstract: In one embodiment described herein, on-die programmable fuses may be used. On-die programmable fuses may be programmed by entities other than the chip manufacturer after the fuse array chip has been manufactured and shipped out. However, other non-volatile memories may also be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Jason G. Sandri, Ian S. Walker, Monib Ahmed
  • Patent number: 8923075
    Abstract: A memory control device that can reduce a power consumption at the time of writing a memory. The memory control device includes a data output buffer circuit that burst-transfers data to a memory device through a data bus, and a mask signal output buffer circuit that outputs, to the memory device, a mask signal indicative of data that prohibits write into a memory cell within the memory device among the data. The data output buffer circuit puts an output node into a high impedance state when the mask signal is indicative of write prohibition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Junya Okubo
  • Patent number: 8913449
    Abstract: In-system repairing or configuring faulty memories after being used in a system. In one embodiment, a memory chip can include at least one OTP memory to store defective addresses that are to be repaired. The OTP memory can operate without requiring additional I/O pins or high voltage supplies for reading or programming. The memory chip can also include control logic to control reading or programming of the OTP memory as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Shine C. Chung
  • Patent number: 8902680
    Abstract: Various embodiments comprise apparatuses to assign unique device identifier values to addressable devices in a stacked package. In one embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed including a stacked package with at least two addressable devices. Each of the addressable devices includes data input and switch path circuitry, a shift register coupled to the data input and switch path circuitry, and a single through-substrate via (TSV) through which the unique device identifier values can be assigned. The single TSV is coupled to the data input and switch path circuitry and between adjacent ones of the at least two addressable devices. Additional apparatuses, systems, and methods are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Tadashi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8897080
    Abstract: A shift register structure is presented that can be used in fixed or variable rate serial to parallel data conversions. In an 1 to N conversion, data is received off an m-bit serial data bus and loaded into a N by m wide latch, before being transfer out onto an (N×m)-wide parallel data bus. Based on information on how of the N m-bit wide data units are to be ignored, the data will be clocked out at a variable rate. When loading data off the serial bus into the latch, upon refresh the current data is loaded into all N units of the latch, with one less latch being loaded at each subsequent clock. When the content of a unit of latch is to be ignored on the parallel bus, that unit is closed at the same time as the preceding unit so that it is left with redundant data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Wanfang Tsai
  • Publication number: 20140340973
    Abstract: A method for writing a mode register in a semiconductor device, the method includes receiving a mode register command and a mode signal, generating a first mode register setting signal, delaying the first mode register setting signal in a first latency shifter to provide a second mode register setting signal, receiving a data signal in synchronization with the second mode register setting signal, and writing the mode signal to the mode register only if the received data signal has a first logic level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Chikara KONDO
  • Patent number: 8885424
    Abstract: A memory device includes a boot-up control unit configured to control a start of boot-up operation by starting the boot-up operation when an initialization signal is activated, and ignore the initialization signal after a complete signal is activated, a nonvolatile memory unit configured to store repair data, and output the stored repair data during the boot-up operation, a plurality of registers configured to store the repair data outputted from the nonvolatile memory unit, a plurality of memory banks configured to replace a normal cell with a redundant cell, using the repair data stored in the corresponding registers among the plurality of resistors, and a verification unit configured to generate the complete signal to notify that the boot-up operation is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Jeongsu Jeong, Youncheul Kim, Hyunsu Yoon, Yonggu Kang, Kwidong Kim, Jeongtae Hwang
  • Patent number: 8879350
    Abstract: A processor and a system are provided for tuning a supply voltage for data retention. The contents of data storage circuitry are read and a data verification indication corresponding to the contents is computed. Then, the supply voltage provided to the data storage circuitry is reduced to a low voltage level that is intended to retain the contents of the data storage circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: NVIDIA Corporation
    Inventors: Brucek Kurdo Khailany, Brian Matthew Zimmer
  • Patent number: 8879337
    Abstract: A memory, a system and a method for controlling dynamic burst length control data can generate clocks for both an upstream counter and a downstream counter by using substantially the same latency delayed received command indications. A downstream clock generation circuit generates a clock signal from a received command indication delayed by both a delay locked loop and latency delays stored in latency control circuits. An upstream clock generation circuit generates a clock signal from the received command indication delayed by the delay locked loop and capture indications from the latency control circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Jongtae Kwak
  • Patent number: 8861249
    Abstract: A low density One-Time Programmable (OTP) memory is disclosed to achieve low gate count and low overhead in the peripheral circuits to save the cost. A maximum-length Linear Feedback Shift Register (LFSR) can be used to generate 2n?1 address spaces from an n-bit address. The registers used in the address generator can have two latches. Each latch has two cross-coupled inverters with two outputs coupled to the drains of two MOS input devices, respectively. The inputs of the latch are coupled to the gates of the MOS input devices, respectively. The sources of the MOS input devices are coupled to the drains of at least one MOS device(s), whose gate(s) are coupled to a clock signal and whose source(s) are coupled to a supply voltage. The two latches can be constructed in serial with the outputs of the first latch coupled to the inputs of the second latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Shine C. Chung
  • Patent number: 8848463
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes at least one logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage and at least one memory circuit coupled to the logic circuit and supplied by a second supply voltage. The memory circuit is configured to be read and written responsive to the logic circuit even if the first supply voltage is less than the second supply voltage during use. In another embodiment, a method includes a logic circuit reading a memory cell, the logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage; and the memory cell responding to the read using signals that are referenced to the first supply voltage, wherein the memory cell is supplied with a second supply voltage that is greater than the first supply voltage during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Campbell, Vincent R. von Kaenel, Daniel C. Murray, Gregory S. Scott, Sribalan Santhanam
  • Patent number: 8811109
    Abstract: Memory pre-decoder circuits employing pulse latch(es) for reducing memory access times, and related systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the memory pre-decoder circuit includes a memory pre-decoder configured to pre-decode a memory address input within a memory pre-decode setup path to generate a pre-decoded memory address input. Additionally, a pulse latch is provided in the memory pre-decoder circuit outside of the memory pre-decode setup path. The pulse latch samples the pre-decoded memory address input based on a clock signal and generates a pre-decoded memory address output. As such, the memory pre-decode setup path sets up the pre-decoded memory address input prior to the clock signal for the pulse latch. In this manner, the pulse latch is configured to generate a pre-decoded memory address output without increasing setup times in the memory pre-decode setup path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Esin Terzioglu, Changho Jung, Shahzad Nazar
  • Patent number: 8797808
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a non-volatile memory unit; a data bus configured to transfer data outputted from the non-volatile memory unit; a selection signal generation unit configured to generate a plurality of selection signals based on a clock; and a plurality of latch sets configured to each be enabled in response to a selection signal that corresponds to the latch set among the selection signals and store the data transferred through the data bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Jeongsu Jeong
  • Publication number: 20140177348
    Abstract: Non-Volatile Register (NVR) and Non-Volatile Shift Register (NVSR) devices are disclosed. The innovative NVR and NVSR devices of the invention can rapidly load the stored non-volatile data in non-volatile memory elements into their correspondent static memory elements for fast and constant referencing in digital circuitry. According to the invention, the loading process from non-volatile memory to static memory is a direct process without going through the conventional procedures of accessing the non-volatile memory, sensing from the non-volatile memory, and loading into the digital registers and shift registers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: FlashSilicon Incorporation
    Inventor: Lee WANG
  • Patent number: 8743633
    Abstract: An integrated semiconductor device including: a first semiconductor device having a clock generation section, first data storage sections storing input data as transfer data, data output terminals provided, one for each of the first data storage sections, and a clock output terminal adapted to output a transfer clock; and a second semiconductor device having data input terminals which receive the transfer data, a clock input terminal adapted to receive the transfer clock, second data storage sections associated with the data input terminals respectively to store input data, and selection sections associated with the second data storage sections respectively to select either the transfer data or data shifted and output to the associated second data storage section in a first series circuit which is formed by connecting the second data storage sections in series, the selection sections supplying the selected data to the associated second data storage section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Takenori Aoki
  • Patent number: 8737130
    Abstract: A method includes determining a programming step size for a word line of a memory in a data storage device. The programming step size is determined at least partially based on a count of memory elements of the word line to be programmed to a particular state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Manuel Antonio D'Abreu, Dimitris Pantelakis, Stephen Skala
  • Patent number: 8737143
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a semiconductor device that includes a command decoder activating a first mode register setting signal in response to a mode register setting command supplied from outside, a first latency shifter activating a second mode register setting signal after elapse of predetermined cycles of a clock signal since the first mode register setting signal is activated, and a mode register storing a mode signal supplied from outside in response to the second mode register setting signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Chikara Kondo
  • Patent number: 8724406
    Abstract: A bidirectional shift register includes a first register circuit and a second register circuit. The first register circuit includes a first register stage and a first output buffer stage with n numbers of scanning signal output ends. The first register stage is electrically coupled to a third voltage source. The first output buffer stage is electrically coupled to a second voltage source and a first voltage source. The second register circuit has a similar circuit structure to the first register circuit; wherein the first register circuit and the second register circuit each use n+1 numbers clock signal lines, and the n is a positive integer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.
    Inventors: Chien-Chang Tseng, Kuang-Hsiang Liu, Yu-Hsin Ting
  • Publication number: 20140126309
    Abstract: A shiftable memory is employed in a system and a method to shift a contiguous subset of stored data within the shiftable memory. The shiftable memory includes a memory having built-in shifting capability to shift a contiguous subset of data stored by the memory from a first location to a second location within the memory. The contiguous subset has a size that is smaller than a total size of the memory. The system further includes a processor to provide an address and the length of the contiguous subset. The method includes selecting the contiguous subset of data and shifting the selected contiguous subset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventors: Terence P. Kelly, Alan L. David, Matthew D. Pickett
  • Publication number: 20140126308
    Abstract: A memory device includes a boot-up control unit configured to control a start of boot-up operation by starting the boot-up operation when an initialization signal is activated, and ignore the initialization signal after a complete signal is activated, a nonvolatile memory unit configured to store repair data, and output the stored repair data during the boot-up operation, a plurality of registers configured to store the repair data outputted from the nonvolatile memory unit, a plurality of memory banks configured to replace a normal cell with a redundant cell, using the repair data stored in the corresponding registers among the plurality of resistors, and a verification unit configured to generate the complete signal to notify that the boot-up operation is completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Jeongsu JEONG, Youncheul KIM, Hyunsu YOON, Yonggu KANG, Kwidong KIM, Jeongtae HWANG
  • Patent number: 8717831
    Abstract: A memory circuit may include a shift register ring including single-bit shift registers. The circuit may include a clock connected to the shift registers to shift bits within the shift register ring, and a counter connected to the clock and indicating positions of the bits in the shift register ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Ted A. Hadley
  • Patent number: 8711633
    Abstract: Examples described include dynamic data caches (DDCs), decoders and decoding methods that may fit into a smaller width area. The DDCs, decoders and decoding method may be used in flash memory devices. A single column select line may be provided to select a plurality of cached bytes, while a second select line selects a byte of the selected plurality. The column select line may be routed parallel to bit lines carrying data, while the second select line may be routed perpendicular to the bit lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Chang Wan Ha
  • Patent number: 8705312
    Abstract: A clock signal generation apparatus for generating a reference clock signal for outputting data in synchronization with an external clock signal from a semiconductor memory device, including: a clock signal generation unit for receiving an internal clock signal to generate the reference clock signal according to a control signal; and a control unit for generating the control signal based on a read command, a write command and an external address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: 658868 N.B. Inc.
    Inventor: Tae-Jin Kang
  • Publication number: 20140104966
    Abstract: A data loading circuit comprises a non-volatile memory configured to store non-volatile data and output a serial data signal based on the stored non-volatile data in response to a power-up operation, a deserializer configured to receive the serial data signal and output multiple data bits at intervals of a unit period based on the received serial data signal, a load controller configured to generate multiple loading selection signals that are sequentially activated one-by-one at each interval of the unit period, and a loading memory unit configured to sequentially store the data bits at each interval of the unit period in response to the loading selection signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD
    Inventors: JONG-MIN OH, HO-YONG SONG, SEONG-JIN JANG
  • Patent number: 8687436
    Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing delays between successive write and read accesses in multi-bank memory devices are provided. Computer circuits modify the relative timing between addresses and data of write accesses, reducing delays between successive write and read accesses. Memory devices that interface with these computer circuits use posted write accesses to effectively return the modified relative timing to its original timing before processing the write access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Round Rock Research, LLC
    Inventor: J. Thomas Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 8687459
    Abstract: Methods of operating a memory device and memory devices are provided. For example, a method of operating a memory array is provided that includes a synchronous path and an asynchronous path. A Write-with-Autoprecharge signal is provided to the synchronous path, and various bank address signals are provided to the asynchronous path. In another embodiment, the initiation of the bank address signals may be provided asynchronously to the assertion of the Write-with-Autoprecharge signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Wong, Alan Wilson, Christopher K. Morzano
  • Patent number: 8675418
    Abstract: A memory includes a memory cell, two word lines coupled to the memory cell, two bit lines coupled to the memory cell, and a write assist cell. The write assist cell is configured to transfer data of one bit line in a write operation to the other bit line in a read operation when one word line is used for the write operation, the other word line is used for the read operation, and the two word lines are asserted simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jui-Jen Wu, Shau-Wei Lu, Robert Lo, Kun-Hsi Li
  • Publication number: 20140068241
    Abstract: A memory device includes a non-volatile memory configured to store a repair data and output the repair data in response to an initialization signal, a plurality of registers configured to store the repair data outputted from the non-volatile memory, a plurality of memory banks configured to replace normal cells with redundant cells by using the repair data stored in corresponding registers among the plurality of registers, a verification circuit configured to generate a completion signal for informing that transfer of the repair data from the non-volatile memory to the plurality of registers is completed, and an output circuit configured to output the completion signal to a device other than the memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Jeongsu JEONG, Youncheul Kim, Gwangyoung Stanley Jeong, Bokmoon Kang
  • Patent number: 8654573
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: MOSAID Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Peter B. Gillingham, Bruce Millar
  • Patent number: 8654557
    Abstract: A system including a controller and a memory chip. The controller includes first and second selection signal terminals supplying first and second selection signals, respectively, multiple first data terminals and multiple second data terminals. The memory chip includes a semiconductor substrate, third and fourth selection signal terminals provided on the semiconductor substrate and electrically coupled to the first and second selection signal terminals of the controller, respectively. Multiple third data terminals are provided on the semiconductor substrate and electrically coupled to the first data terminals of the controller, respectively. Multiple fourth data terminals are provided on the semiconductor substrate and electrically coupled to the second data terminals of the controller, respectively. The first and third data terminals communicate first data in response to the first selection signal. The second and fourth data terminals communicate second data in response to the second selection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventors: Yasushi Takahashi, Toru Ishikawa