Data Transfer Circuit Patents (Class 365/189.17)
  • Patent number: 8289788
    Abstract: The control section performs a write operation, in synchronism with a clock signal, for transferring write data to one of the plurality of memory devices, utilizing: (i) an identification information transmission period during which the control section sends the identification information of a single memory device to all of the plurality of memory devices through the data line to select the single memory device; (ii) a write data transmission period during which the control section sends a single set of write data having a prescribed size to the selected single memory device; and (iii) a response period during which the selected single memory device responds to the control section with a response signal indicating presence or absence of communication error in relation to the received set of write data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Noboru Asauchi
  • Patent number: 8284629
    Abstract: A system and method for implementing a low-power local-area wireless network for use with a mobile terminal satellite modem. This low-power local-area wireless network enables sensors on an asset to wirelessly transmit sensor data to a mobile terminal affixed on the asset. The mobile terminal reports the sensor data along with asset position information to a centralized facility via a communications satellite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: SkyBitz, Inc.
    Inventor: Rich Battista
  • Patent number: 8274842
    Abstract: An integrated circuit may include: access circuits that couple first electrodes of a plurality of programmable metallization cells (PMC) to access paths in parallel, each PMC comprising a solid ion conducting material formed between the first electrode and a second electrode; a plurality of write circuits, each coupled to a different access path, and each coupling the corresponding access path to a first voltage in response to input write data having a first value and to a second voltage in response to the input write data having a second value; and a node setting circuit that maintains second electrodes of the PMCs at a substantially constant third voltage while write circuits couple the access paths to the first or second voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Adesto Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Shane Charles Hollmer, Nad Edward Gilbert, John Dinh
  • Patent number: 8264894
    Abstract: In a memory cell array, a plurality of memory cells connected to word lines and bit lines are arranged in a matrix. A data storage circuit is connected to the bit lines and stores write data. The data storage circuit includes at least one static latch circuit and a plurality of dynamic latch circuits when setting 2k threshold voltages (k is a natural number equal to 3 or more) in each memory cell in the memory cell array. A control circuit refreshes data by moving the data in one of the plurality of dynamic latch circuits to the static latch circuit and further moving the data in the static latch circuit to one of the plurality of dynamic latch circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Noboru Shibata
  • Patent number: 8264883
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array including an even page cell group and an odd page cell group, and a page buffer configured to read data stored in memory cells of the even page cell group and the odd page cell group and store the read data. The page buffer comprises a first latch configured to store first even page data of the even page cell group when a first read operation is performed, a second latch configured to store odd page data of the odd page cell group when a second read operation is performed, and a third latch configured to store second even page data of the even page cell group when a third read operation is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventors: Kyu Hee Lim, Seung Ho Chang, Seong Je Park
  • Patent number: 8264902
    Abstract: A memory control method that carries out first-in first-out access control for a memory having a plurality of storage areas, including: selecting, as write positions, an address of a storage area in a storage block having at least one or more storage areas and an address of a storage area in any one of a plurality of redundant blocks that are made redundant with respect to the storage block and have at least one or more storage areas when the write positions are selected to write data to the memory; and selecting, as read positions, an address of a storage area of the storage block and an address selected by the selecting of the write position from among the addresses of a plurality of the redundant blocks when the read positions are selected to read data written by the writing of the data to the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Shizuko Maruyama, Nobukazu Koizumi
  • Publication number: 20120224439
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device that comprises a SRAM cell, a pair of bit-lines coupled with the SRAM cell, a writing circuit producing at first and second output nodes thereof true and complementary data signals responsive to data to be written, a first pass transistor coupled between one of the pair of the bit-lines and the first output node of the writing circuit, a second pass transistor coupled between the other of the pair of bit lines and the second output node of the writing circuit; and a mask-write circuit configured to render both of the first and second pass transistors conductive in a write operation and render selected one or ones of first and second pass transistors non-conductive in a write-mask operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: Elpida Memory, Inc.
    Inventors: Giulio Martinozzi, Mauro Pagliato
  • Patent number: 8259526
    Abstract: A first transfer circuit includes pipeline circuits having different number of stages, and switch circuits that exclusively supply the pipeline circuits with first and second read data. A second transfer circuit includes pipeline circuits having different number of stages, and switch circuits that exclusively supply the pipeline circuits with third and fourth read data. Outputs of the first and second transfer circuits are sequentially output from a multiplex circuit. When a first operation mode is selected, all the pipeline circuits are activated. When a second operation mode is selected, one of the pipeline circuits in the first transfer circuit and one of the pipeline circuits in the second transfer circuit are activated, whereas the others of the pipeline circuits are inactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Elpida Memory, Inc.
    Inventors: Takahiko Fukiage, Atsushi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8259517
    Abstract: A Random Access Memory (RAM) and method of using the same are disclosed. The RAM includes a plurality of memory cells arranged in columns and in rows with each memory cell coupled to at least one word line and at least one bit line. The RAM includes a plurality of switches with at least one of the switches coupled between two of the memory cells to allow data to be copied from one of the two memory cells to the other of the two memory cells. In another aspect, the two memory cells can be considered a dual bit cell that contains a copying mechanism. There are two interleaved memory planes, assembled from bit cells that contain two bits of information. One bit is the primary bit that corresponds to the normal RAM bit. The second bit is able to receive a copy and hold the primary value. When the copying mechanism is over, the two memory planes may act as two completely independent structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Mentor Graphics Corporation
    Inventor: Peer Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20120218839
    Abstract: A data interface unit is used in a semiconductor memory device and includes a data alignment unit configured to separate consecutive input data into rising data and falling data, and a data transfer unit configured to selectively transfer the rising data and falling data to an even column line and an odd column line in response to a start column address.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventor: Byoung-Sung YOO
  • Publication number: 20120218840
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a plurality of data lines on which data aligned by a plurality of pulse signals are loaded, a plurality of transfer lines, a data transfer unit configured to transfer the data of the plurality of data lines to the plurality of transfer lines in response to a correlation signal, a data output unit configured to output the data of the transfer line corresponding to a transmission signal activated among a plurality of transmission signals, a correlation signal generation unit configured to generate the correlation signal using a latency value and a logic value of one of the plurality of transmission signals when a command is inputted to the correlation signal generation unit, and a pulse signal generation unit configured to sequentially activate the plurality of pulse signals when the command is inputted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventor: Jinyeong Moon
  • Patent number: 8254187
    Abstract: Provided is a data transfer apparatus and method that enables fast data transfer, and has a simple circuit configuration and a small area; and a semiconductor circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Katsunori Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8248868
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes methods, and circuits, for operating a memory device. One method embodiment for operating a memory device includes controlling data transfer through a memory interface in an asynchronous mode by writing data to the memory device at least partially in response to a write enable signal on a first interface contact, and reading data from the memory device at least partially in response to a read enable signal on a second interface contact. The method further includes controlling data transfer in a synchronous mode by transferring data at least partially in response to a clock signal on the first interface contact, and providing a bidirectional data strobe signal on an interface contact not utilized in the asynchronous mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean K. Nobunaga, June Lee, Chih Liang Chen
  • Patent number: 8243533
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device allows a read command to be inputted thereto after a passage of a relatively short time period from a point in time where a write command has been inputted thereto. A method of operating the semiconductor memory device includes inputting a write command, inputting a read command in a preset period of time after the write command has been inputted, loading read data of a memory cell onto a data bus in response to the read command; and loading write data from outside of the semiconductor memory device onto the data bus in response to the write command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Kie-Bong Ku
  • Patent number: 8238176
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a terminal, a first plurality of driver lines, and a first phase mixer. The driver lines drive the terminal to a first logic state responsive to a first enable signal. The first phase mixer is coupled to a first one of the first plurality of driver lines. The first phase mixer is operable to receive the first enable signal and a first delayed enable signal derived from the first enable signal and generate a first signal on the first driver line having a first configurable delay with respect to the first enable signal by mixing the first enable signal and the first delayed enable signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Chang-Ki Kwon
  • Patent number: 8228729
    Abstract: Techniques for the reading and writing of data in multi-state non-volatile memories are described. Data is written into the memory in a binary format, read into the data registers on the memory, and “folded” within the registers, and then written back into the memory in a multi-state format. In the folding operation, binary data from a single word line is folded into a multi-state format and, when rewritten in multi-state form, is written into a only a portion of another word line. A corresponding reading technique, where the data is “unfolded” is also described. A register structure allowing such a “folding” operation is also presented. One set of embodiments include a local internal data bus that allows data to between the registers of different read/write stacks, where the internal bus can used in the internal data folding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Bo Liu, Yan Li, Alexander Kwok-Tung Mak, Chi-Ming Wang, Eugene Jinglun Tam, Kwang-Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 8223550
    Abstract: A nonvolatile semiconductor memory apparatus includes memory cell strings, first and second bit lines, a first buffer, a second buffer, and a controlling unit. The memory cell strings each include memory cells. The first and second bit lines connected to the memory cell strings. The first buffer connects to the first bit line and holds first data. The second buffer connects to the second bit line and holds second data. The controlling unit includes first and second latches and controls timing to output the first and second data according to an internal terminal, a second signal, and a third signal, and transfers a control signal synchronized with the timing of the first and second data to the external terminal. The controlling unit allows the first latch to hold the first and second data, and transfers the first data, and thereafter transfers the second data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8218353
    Abstract: Integrated circuits with memory elements are provided. The memory elements may be arranged in a memory block. The memory block may include cross-coupled inverters that store data. The stored data may be used to program pass transistors. Transistors in the memory block may be stressed. Depending on the type of stress-inducing layer used, a tensile stress or a compressive stress may be built in into the transistors. Stressed transistors may help improve the routing speed of the memory block. Stressed transistors may be implemented using dual gate-oxide process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Liu, Shankar Sinha, Qi Xiang, Yow-Juang Liu
  • Patent number: 8213245
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes data transmission devices for transmit data in synchronization with each other. The semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of data transferring unit, a first control unit, a multiplexing unit, and a second control unit. The plurality of data transferring unit transfers data to a plurality of global lines. The first control unit controls the plurality of data transferring unit in response to a column select signal to select a column of a memory cell. The multiplexing unit multiplexes the data transferred to the plurality of global lines. The second control unit controls the multiplexing unit, wherein the second control unit synchronizes the column select signal with a column address signal having a column address information of the memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: Kwang-Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 8194437
    Abstract: Various embodiments are generally directed to a method and apparatus associated with operating a first memory device with multiple interfaces and a status register. In some embodiments, a first interface is engaged by a host. A memory device that has a plurality of memory cells comprised of at least a magnetic tunneling junction and a spin polarizing magnetic material is connected to a second interface. A status register is maintained by logging at least an error or busy signal during data transfer operations through the first and second interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Yiran Chen, Daniel S. Reed, Yong Lu, Harry Hongyue Liu, Hai Li, Rod V. Bowman
  • Patent number: 8189400
    Abstract: A data alignment circuit of a semiconductor memory apparatus for receiving and aligning parallel data group includes a first control unit, a second control unit, a first alignment unit and a second alignment unit. The first alignment unit generates a first control signal group in response to an address group, a clock signal, and a latency signal. The second control unit generates a second control signal group in response to the address group, the clock signal, and the latency signal. The first alignment unit aligns the parallel data group as a first serial data group in response to the first control signal group. The second alignment unit aligns the parallel data group as a second serial data group in response to the second control signal group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventors: Hyung Soo Kim, Yong Ju Kim, Sung Woo Han, Hee Woong Song, Ic Su Oh, Tae Jin Hwang, Hae Rang Choi, Ji Wang Lee, Jae Min Jang, Chang Kun Park
  • Patent number: 8189408
    Abstract: An array of memory bit cells are operable to provide a memory device having data shifting capability, so that data can be flexibly stored and retrieved from the memory device in both parallel and serial fashions. The memory array can thus be used for conventional memory storage operations, and also for operations, such as matrix operations, that provide for the alteration of the arrangement of stored data elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Ravi Gupta, David R. Bearden, Ravindraraj Ramaraju
  • Publication number: 20120106270
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes first and second memory groups that each comprise memory cells and redundancy memory cells; first main page buffers assigned to the first memory group and second main page buffers assigned to the second memory group; first main page buffers and a first redundancy page buffer coupled between the first memory group and first internal data lines and configured to store data for the program or read operation of the memory cells and the redundancy memory cells; and a data transfer circuit configured to transfer data from a first main page buffer of the first main page buffers that corresponds to the defective column of the first memory group to the at least one second redundancy page buffer before the program operation and transfer data of the at least one second redundancy page buffer to the first main page buffer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Jin Su PARK
  • Patent number: 8169825
    Abstract: A method for data storage in a non-volatile memory includes storing data in the non-volatile memory using a first storage configuration while the non-volatile memory is supplied with electrical power. After storing the data, an indication is accepted, indicating that shut-off of the electrical power is imminent. Responsively to the indication and before the shut-off, at least some of the data is re-programmed in the non-volatile memory using a second storage configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Anobit Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Ofir Shalvi, Naftali Sommer, Barak Rotbard, Oren Golov, Micha Anholt, Uri Perlmutter
  • Publication number: 20120101731
    Abstract: A system and method for performing a wellbore operation is disclosed. A first memory device for storing data is provided at a downhole location, the first memory device having a first data retention time. A second memory device is provided at the downhole location, and controller is used to store data at the first memory device and to transfer the data to the second memory device at a selected time interval less than the first data retention time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Joseph C. Joseph
  • Patent number: 8159886
    Abstract: A memory device having a single or a plurality of memory chips includes a memory part (control register, SPD memory unit) inside each memory chip, which memory part stores control data concerning the memory chip. The memory device enables writing-in or readout of the control data stored on the memory part to be able to set any desired control data for each memory chip, and, when the memory device has the plurality of memory chips, enables separate use of each of the memory chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Toshihiro Miyamoto, Akio Takigami, Masaya Inoko, Takayoshi Suzuki, Hiroyuki Ono
  • Patent number: 8139406
    Abstract: A programming method for a non-volatile memory system includes storing multi-page program data and buffering the multi-page program data from a page buffer to a memory block and programming the multi-page program data through a predetermined number of program operations. The programming the multi-page program data includes programming memory cells of the memory block using a first threshold voltage lower than a desired threshold voltage based on the multi-page program data sequentially buffered by the page buffer in units of pages and programming the memory cells using the desired threshold voltage by increasing a threshold voltage of the memory cells by a predetermined level at each successive program operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ki Tae Park, Yeong Taek Lee
  • Patent number: 8135879
    Abstract: System and method for a four-slot asynchronous communication mechanism with increased throughput. The system may include a host system and a client device. The host may comprise a data structure with four (two pairs of) slots and first information indicating a status of read operations from the data structure by the host. The client may read the first information from the host. The client may read second information from a local memory. The second information may indicate a status of write operations to the data structure by the client. The client may determine a slot of the data structure to be written. The slot may be determined based on the first information and the second information and may be the slot which has not been written to more recently of the pair of slots which has not been read from most recently. The client may increment a value of a counter. The value of the counter may be useable to indicate which slot has been written to most recently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney W. Cummings, Eric L. Singer
  • Patent number: 8130570
    Abstract: A data transfer circuit includes: an asynchronous memory to which transfer data is written from a first clock domain with a first clock and from which the written transfer data is read to a second clock domain with a second clock; a scan flip-flop whose input terminal is connected to a first position located on a data path, of the transfer data, from the asynchronous memory to the second clock domain, and whose output terminal is connected to a second position located on a data path, of the transfer data, from the asynchronous memory to the first position; and a clock selector which selects a clock to drive the scan flip-flop from the first clock and the second clock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Akihiko Fukui, Naoki Kiryu
  • Patent number: 8116164
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of banks; a peripheral circuit configured to send data to and receive data from the plurality of banks; and data lines configured to connect the plurality of banks and the peripheral circuit, wherein the plurality of banks are disposed such that a sum of lengths of data transfer paths of the data lines connecting the peripheral circuit and at least two banks, among the plurality of banks, activated at a same time is uniformly maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-Yong Lee, Gongheum Han
  • Patent number: 8116158
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a data line pair formed of a data line and a complementary data line; a first sensing amplification unit including a first sensing amplifier and a second sensing amplifier that are cross-coupled with the data line and the complementary data line; a first variable current source supplying or flowing out a first variable current to the first sensing amplifier; and a second variable current source supplying or flowing out a second variable current to the second sensing amplifier. A current amount of the first variable current is different from a current amount of the second variable current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyung-seuk Kim
  • Patent number: 8111562
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device comprises a first memory cell array having a first plane which is composed of a plurality of blocks each having a plurality of memory cells, a sense circuit which reads data the memory cells, a sequencer which receives control signals from outside, a first address register, and a second address register which receives an output address from the first address register and outputs an address signal in response to an address control signal from the sequencer. In reading from the memory cells, the sequencer reads a page n in accordance with the address stored in the second address register, then transfers an address stored in the first address register to the second address register concurrently with outputting data read from the page n to outside and reads data from an arbitrary page m in accordance with the address transferred to the second address register.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Toshio Yamamura, Masanobu Shirakawa
  • Patent number: 8111564
    Abstract: A DRAM and memory controller are coupled during driver training to reduce mismatches. The impedances of the system are controlled through a termination at the controller to yield improvements in timing margins. The coupling of the components on a shared electrical bus through adjustment of the termination values during training removes known offset issues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin A Fox, William P Hovis, Thomas W Liang, Paul Rudrud
  • Publication number: 20120026811
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is 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: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Takenori Aoki
  • Patent number: 8107279
    Abstract: High manufacturing yield is realized and variations in threshold voltage of each MOS transistor in a CMOS.SRAM is compensated. Body bias voltages are applied to wells for MOS transistors of each SRAM memory cell in any active mode of an information holding operation, a write operation and a read operation of an SRAM. The threshold voltages of PMOS and NMOS transistors of the SRAM are first measured. Control information is respectively programmed into control memories according to the results of determination. The levels of the body bias voltages are adjusted based on the programs so that variations in the threshold voltages of the MOS transistors of the CMOS.SRAM are controlled to a predetermined error span. A body bias voltage corresponding to a reverse body bias or an extremely shallow forward body bias is applied to a substrate for the MOS transistors with an operating voltage applied to the source of each MOS transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Masanao Yamaoka, Kenichi Osada, Shigenobu Komatsu
  • Patent number: 8107306
    Abstract: A storage device includes a storage array having a group of storage elements. Each storage element can written to a discrete set of physical states. A read circuit selects one or more storage elements and generates, for each selected storage element, an analog signal representative of the physical state of the selected storage element. A signal processing circuit processes the analog signal to generate a plurality of outputs, with each output representing a degree of an association of the selected storage element with a different subset of one or more of the discrete set of physical states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Vigoda, Eric Nestler, Jeffrey Bernstein, David Reynolds, Alexander Alexeyev, Jeffrey Venuti, William Bradley, Vladimir Zlatkovic
  • Patent number: 8102688
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a controller, a plurality of substrates, and a plurality of stacked memories that are spaced apart and sequence on each of the substrates. Each of the stacked memories includes an interface chip that is connected to the respective substrate and a plurality of memory chips that are stacked on the interface chip. The controller is configured to control the stacked memories. The interface chips are configured to forward a command signal from the controller through each interface chip in the sequence of stacked memories that is intervening between the controller and a selected stacked memory to which the command signal is directed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hoe-ju Chung, Jung-bae Lee
  • Patent number: 8102705
    Abstract: Techniques for the reading and writing of data in multi-state non-volatile memories are described. Data is written into the memory in a binary format, read into the data registers on the memory, and “folded” within the registers, and then written back into the memory in a multi-state format. In the folding operation, binary data from a single word line is folded into a multi-state format and, when rewritten in multi-state form, is written into a only a portion of another word line. A corresponding reading technique, where the data is “unfolded” is also described. The techniques further allow for the data to be encoded with an error correction code (ECC) on the controller that takes into account its eventual multi-state storage prior to transferring the data to the memory to be written in binary form. A register structure allowing such a “folding” operation is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Bo Liu, Yan Li, Alexander Kwok-Tung Mak, Chi-Ming Wang, Eugene Jinglun Tam, Kwang-ho Kim
  • Patent number: 8094511
    Abstract: A non-volatile memory device comprises an interface circuit for receiving a plurality of signals. The plurality of signals provides multiplexed address and data and command signals in a serial format. An input buffer stores a plurality of the plurality of signals received in serial format and reconstitutes the address, data and command signals, and has an output. A command circuit receives the output of the input buffer and stores the command signals therefrom. An address circuit receives the output of the input buffer and stores the address signals therefrom. A data buffer circuit receives the output of the input buffer and stores the data signals therefrom. An array of non-volatile memory cells stores data from and provides data to the data buffer in response to address signals from the address decoder. A state machine is connected to the command circuit and controls the array of non-volatile memory cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Silicon Storage Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Lee, Cindy Ho Malamy, Kyle McMartin, Tam Minh Nguyen, Jih Min Niu, Hung Thanh Nguyen, Thuc Tran Bui, Conrado Canlas Canio, Richard Zimering
  • Patent number: 8094504
    Abstract: A buffered DRAM that can be utilized in a DIMM or RDIMM package to reduce the load on the data lines connected to the package is presented. A buffered DRAM can include a DRAM memory cell; and a buffer coupled to receive data lines and strobe signals, the buffer further coupled to receive address and command signals. If data access is directed to a second DRAM, the buffer buffers the data and strobe signals for access by the second DRAM. If data access is directed to the buffered DRAM the buffer buffers the data and strobe signals for access by the DRAM memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Integrated Device Technology inc.
    Inventor: John Smolka
  • Publication number: 20120002492
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a data transfer circuit of a semiconductor apparatus are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the data transfer circuit may include a first data line, a second data line, a first transfer unit configured to amplify data on the first data line in response to a first control signal and transfer amplified data to the second data line, and a second transfer unit configured to electrically connect the first data line to the second data line in response to a second control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Byeong Chan CHOI
  • Patent number: 8089819
    Abstract: A memory cell mat is divided into a plurality of entries, and an arithmetic logic unit is arranged corresponding to each entry. Between the entries and the corresponding arithmetic logic units, arithmetic/logic operation is executed in bit-serial and entry-parallel manner. Where parallel operation is not very effective, data is transferred in entry-serial and bit-parallel manner to a group of processors provided at a lower portion of the memory mat. In this manner, a large amount of data can be processed at high speed regardless of the contents of operation or data bit width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Hideyuki Noda, Kazunori Saitoh, Kazutami Arimoto, Katsumi Dosaka
  • Patent number: 8085606
    Abstract: An input-output line sense amplifier configured to drive input data signals over an input-output signal line to an output driver circuit, the input-output line sense amplifier having an output driver stage having a plurality of different programmable output drive capacities to tailor the output drive of the sense amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kang Yong Kim, Chulmin Jung
  • Publication number: 20110310681
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a bidirectional first bus arranged in common for a plurality of memory array basic units transferring write data and read data, a second bus transferring address/command, a plurality of first buffer circuits receiving addresses/command transferred to the second bus, wherein a control delay for generating the address/command and preparing write data to the first bus for write access and an output delay for outputting read data are both set to a length greater than or equal to a selection time for writing or reading of data to a memory cell of a selected area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Atsunori HIROBE
  • Patent number: 8081538
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes output enable signal generation means configured to be reset in response to an output enable reset signal, count a DLL clock signal and an external clock signal, and generate an output enable signal in correspondence to a read command and an operating frequency; and activation signal generation means configured to generate an activation signal for inactivating the output enable signal generation means during a write operation interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Young-Kyu Noh
  • Patent number: 8081534
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device is capable of scrambling input/output data according to row addresses. The semiconductor memory device includes a local line driving block configured to differentially drive a positive local line and a negative local line by selectively inverting data on a global line according to row addresses, a global line driving block configured to drive the global line by selectively inverting data on the positive local line and data on the negative local line according to the row addresses, a first cell region configured to allow a first internal data to be equalized with the data on the positive local line in response to the row addresses and column addresses, and a second cell region configured to allow a second internal data to be equalized with the data on the negative local line in response to the row addresses and the column addresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Seung-Bong Kim
  • Patent number: 8077530
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device comprises a plurality of memory cells each including a holding circuit for holding memory data, and a read-only output circuit for outputting a signal corresponding to the data held by the holding circuit. The read-only output circuit has a read drive transistor controlled in accordance with a signal held by the holding circuit. A gate length of the read drive transistor is longer than a gate length of a transistor included in the holding circuit. Alternatively, the read-only output circuit has a read access transistor controlled in accordance with a read word select signal, and a gate length of the read access transistor is longer than a gate length of a transistor included in the holding circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Ishikura, Marefusa Kurumada, Hiroaki Okuyama, Yoshinobu Yamagami, Toshio Terano
  • Patent number: 8074024
    Abstract: An electronic flash memory external storage method and device for data processing system includes firmware which directly controls the access of electronic storage media and implements standard interface functions, adopts particular reading and writing formats of the external storage media, receives power via USB, externally stores data by flash memory and access control circuit with the cooperation of the firmware and the driver with the operating system, and has write-protection so that the data can be safely transferred. The method according to present invention is highly efficient and all parts involved are assembled as a monolithic piece so that it has large-capacity with small size and high speed. The device operates in static state and is driven by software. It is plug-and-play and adapted to data processing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Netac Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guoshun Deng, Xiaohua Cheng
  • Patent number: 8072820
    Abstract: Methods, memory devices and systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a non-volatile memory device receives command signals through the same input/output terminals that receive address signals and write data signals and transmit read data signals. The input/output terminals are connected to a multiplexer, which is responsive to a received mode control signal to couple the input/output terminals to either a command bus or an input/output bus. A latch in the memory device latches the command signals when the mode control signal causes the input/output terminals to be coupled to the input/output bus. As a result, the command signals continue to be applied to the command bus. When the mode control signal causes the input/output terminals to be coupled to the input/output bus, write data signals are clocked into the memory device and read data signals are clocked out of the memory device responsive to a received clock signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Gatzemeier, Wallace Fister, Adam Johnson, Ben Louie
  • Patent number: 8072821
    Abstract: To provide an input/output circuit that includes a write path to which write data is supplied and a read path to which read data is supplied and first and second data lines that connect the input/output circuit to a memory cell array. The input/output circuit includes a write buffer that supplies the write data on the write path to the first data line, a read amplifier that supplies the read data supplied to the read path through the second data line, and a bypass circuit that supplies the write data on the write path to the read path in response to detection of matching between a write address and a read address. Thus, data collisions can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Elpida Memory, Inc.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Arai