Patents Assigned to Netlist, Inc.
  • Patent number: 10719246
    Abstract: A memory system that has a multi-channel volatile memory subsystem is coupled to a non-volatile memory subsystem to provide independent, configurable backup of data. The volatile memory subsystem has one or more main memory modules that use a form of volatile memory such as DRAM memory, for which the NV subsystem provides selective persistent backup. The main memory modules are dual in-line memory modules or DIMMs using DDR SDRAM memory devices. The non-volatile memory subsystem (NV backup) includes an NV controller and non-volatile memory NVM. The NV backup can also include a memory cache to aid with handling and storage of data. In certain embodiments, the NV controller and the non-volatile memory are coupled to the one or more DIMM channels of the main memory via associated signal lines. Such signal lines can be, for example, traces on a motherboard, and may include one or more signal buses for conveying data, address, and/or control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventor: Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 10606753
    Abstract: The present application presents a Uniform Memory Access (UMA) network including a cluster of UMA nodes each having at least one UMA memory unit and a server local to the at least one UMA memory unit. A respective UMA memory unit in a respective UMA node comprises persistent memory; non-persistent memory, a node control device operatively coupled to the persistent memory and the non-persistent memory, a local interface for interfacing with the local server in the respective UMA node, and a network interface for interfacing with the UMA network. The node control device is configured to translate between a local unified memory access (UMA) address space accessible by applications running on the local server and a global UMA address space that is mapped to a physical UMA address space. The physical UMA address space includes physical address spaces associated with different UMA nodes in the cluster of UMA nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun Lee, Junkil Ryu
  • Patent number: 10489314
    Abstract: A memory module operable to communicate data with a memory controller via a data bus comprises a plurality of memory integrated circuits including first memory integrated circuits and second memory integrated circuits, a data buffer coupled between the first memory integrated circuits and the data bus, and between the second memory integrated circuits and the data bus, and logic coupled to the data buffer. The logic is configured to respond to a first memory command by providing first control signals to the data buffer to enable communication of at least one first data signal between the first memory integrated circuits and the memory controller through the data buffer, and is further configured to respond to a second memory command by providing second control signals to the data buffer to enable communication of at least one second data signal between the second memory integrated circuit and the memory controller through the data buffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Jefferey C. Solomon, Jayesh R. Bhakta
  • Patent number: 10474595
    Abstract: According to certain aspects, a memory module is coupled to a memory controller of a host computer system via an interface. The memory module is operable in at least a second mode and a first mode. The memory module in the second mode is configured to perform training related to one or more training sequences initiated by the memory controller while the memory module is not accessed by the memory controller for memory read or write operations. The memory module in the first mode is configured to perform one or more memory read or write operations not associated with the one or more training sequences by communicating data signals with the memory module. The memory module has an open-drain output pin via which the memory module output a signal indicating a parity error having occurred while the memory module is performing a normal memory read or write operation, and via which the memory module output a signal related to the one or more training sequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: NETLIST, INC.
    Inventor: Hyun Lee
  • Publication number: 20190340080
    Abstract: A system and method for configuring fault tolerance in nonvolatile memory (NVM) are operative to set a first threshold value, declare one or more portions of NVM invalid based on an error criterion, track the number of declared invalid NVM portions, determine if the tracked number exceeds the first threshold value, and if the tracked number exceeds the first threshold value, perform one or more remediation actions, such as issue a warning or prevent backup of volatile memory data in a hybrid memory system. In the event of backup failure, an extent of the backup can still be assessed by determining the amount of erased NVM that has remained erased after the backup, or by comparing a predicted backup end point with an actual endpoint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Applicant: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott H. Milton, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Kenneth S. Post
  • Patent number: 10380022
    Abstract: A memory module comprises a volatile memory subsystem configured to coupled to a memory channel in computer system and capable of serving as main memory for the computer system, a non-volatile memory subsystem providing storage for the computer system, and a module controller coupled to the volatile memory subsystem, the non-volatile memory subsystem, and the C/A bus. The module controller is configured to control intra-module data transfers between the volatile memory subsystem and the non-volatile memory subsystem. The module controller is further configured to monitor C/A signals on the C/A bus and schedule the intra-module data transfers in accordance with the C/A signals so that the intra-module data transfers do not conflict with accesses to the volatile memory subsystem by the memory controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun Lee, Jayesh R. Bhakta, Chi She Chen, Jeffery C. Solomon, Mario Jesus Martinez, Hao Le, Soon J. Choi
  • Patent number: 10372551
    Abstract: A system and method for configuring fault tolerance in nonvolatile memory (NVM) are operative to set a first threshold value, declare one or more portions of NVM invalid based on an error criterion, track the number of declared invalid NVM portions, determine if the tracked number exceeds the first threshold value, and if the tracked number exceeds the first threshold value, perform one or more remediation actions, such as issue a warning or prevent backup of volatile memory data in a hybrid memory system. In the event of backup failure, an extent of the backup can still be assessed by determining the amount of erased NVM that has remained erased after the backup, or by comparing a predicted backup end point with an actual endpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott H. Milton, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Kenneth S. Post
  • Patent number: 10324841
    Abstract: A memory module is operatable in a memory system with a memory controller. The memory module comprises a module control device to receive command signals from the memory controller and to output module C/A signals and data buffer control signals. The module C/A signals are provided to memory devices organized in groups, each group including at least one memory device, while the data buffer control signals are provided to a plurality of buffer circuits to control data paths in the buffer circuits, a respective buffer circuit corresponding to a respective group of memory devices. The plurality of buffer circuits are distributed across a surface of the memory module such that each data buffer control signal arrives at the plurality of buffer circuits at different points in time. The plurality of buffer circuits include clock regeneration circuits to regenerate a clock signal received from the module control device and to provide regenerated clock signals to respective groups of memory devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: NETLIST, INC.
    Inventors: Hyun Lee, Jayesh R. Bhakta
  • Patent number: 10290328
    Abstract: A memory module is operable in a computer system to communicate with a system memory controller via a command/address bus and a data bus. The memory module comprises a register device coupled to the command/address bus, and a plurality of DRAM packages coupled to the data bus and to the register device via a set of module control lines. Each respective DRAM package comprises stacked array dies and a control die. The control die includes data signal conduits and control signal conduits. In response to the memory module receiving a set of command/address signals from the system memory controller, the register device outputs control signals, and the control die configures the data signal conduits in accordance with the control signals to enable respective bits of one or more data signals to be communicated between a selected die among the stacked dies and the system memory controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: NETLIST, INC.
    Inventor: Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 10268608
    Abstract: A memory module is operable in a memory system with a memory controller. The memory module comprises memory devices, a module control circuit, and a plurality of buffer circuits coupled between respective sets of data/strobe signal lines in a data bus and respective sets of the memory devices. Each respective buffer circuit includes a data path corresponding to each data signal line in the corresponding set of data/strobe signal lines, and a command processing circuit configured to decode module control signals from the module control circuit and to control the data path in accordance with the module control signals. The data path corresponding to the each data signal line includes at least one tristate buffer controlled by the command processing circuit and a delay circuit configured to delay a signal through the data path by an amount determined by the command processing circuit in response to at least one of the module control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: NETLIST, INC.
    Inventors: Hyun Lee, Jayesh R. Bhakta
  • Patent number: 10248328
    Abstract: A computer system comprises a processor, a memory module and input/output devices. The memory module includes a circuit board, a volatile memory unit mounted on the circuit board, a non-volatile memory unit mounted on the circuit board and a control circuit mounted on the circuit board. The volatile memory unit comprises DRAM devices, and the non-volatile memory unit comprises flash memory. The processor is configured to execute an operating system (OS) and an application program and to present a memory address space to the application program. The memory address space including a memory mapped input/output (MMIO) space mapped to the I/O devices, a pseudo MMIO (PMMIO) space mapped to the non-volatile memory unit, and a DRAM space mapped to the volatile memory unit, the PMMIO space including a system main memory local storage (MMLS) area and a memory channel storage area, wherein the DRAM space is partitioned into memory pages, and the MCS space is partitioned into storage blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun Lee, Sheng Wang
  • Publication number: 20190079683
    Abstract: A memory system that has a multi-channel volatile memory subsystem is coupled to a non-volatile memory subsystem to provide independent, configurable backup of data. The volatile memory subsystem has one or more main memory modules that use a form of volatile memory such as DRAM memory, for which the NV subsystem provides selective persistent backup. The main memory modules are dual in-line memory modules or DIMMs using DDR SDRAM memory devices. The non-volatile memory subsystem (NV backup) includes an NV controller and non-volatile memory NVM. The NV backup can also include a memory cache to aid with handling and storage of data. In certain embodiments, the NV controller and the non-volatile memory are coupled to the one or more DIMM channels of the main memory via associated signal lines. Such signal lines can be, for example, traces on a motherboard, and may include one or more signal buses for conveying data, address, and/or control signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Applicant: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventor: Hyun LEE
  • Patent number: 10217523
    Abstract: A memory subsystem is operable with a system memory controller. The memory subsystem comprises memory devices mounted on a circuit board, a data module mounted on the circuit board; and a control module mounted on the circuit board to provide address and control signals to the memory devices. The memory subsystem is operable in any of a plurality of modes including a normal mode and a test mode. During the normal mode, the control module provides the address and control signals based on address and control signals from the system memory controller, and the data module enables data paths between the memory devices and the system memory controller. During the test mode, the control module generates the address and control signals, and the data module isolates the memory devices from the system memory controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun Lee, Jayesh R. Bhakta, Soonju Choi
  • Patent number: 10198350
    Abstract: A memory module comprises a volatile memory subsystem configured to coupled to a memory channel in computer system and capable of serving as main memory for the computer system, a non-volatile memory subsystem providing storage for the computer system, and a module controller coupled to the volatile memory subsystem, the non-volatile memory subsystem, and the C/A bus. The module controller reads first data from the non-volatile memory subsystem in response to a Flash access request received via the memory channel, and causes at least a portion of the first data to be written into the volatile memory subsystem in response to a dummy write memory command received via the C/A bus. The module control device includes status registers accessible by the computer system via the memory bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: NETLIST, INC.
    Inventor: Hyun Lee
  • Publication number: 20190004985
    Abstract: A memory module that is couplable to a memory controller hub (MCH) of a host system includes a non-volatile memory subsystem, a data manager coupled to the non-volatile memory subsystem, a volatile memory subsystem coupled to the data manager and operable to exchange data with the non-volatile memory subsystem by way of the data manager, and a controller operable to receive read/write commands from the MCH and to direct transfer of data between any two or more of the MCH, the volatile memory subsystem, and the non-volatile memory subsystem based on the commands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun Lee, Chi-She Chen, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Scott H. Milton, Jayesh Bhakta
  • Patent number: 10025731
    Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein include a memory module having a printed circuit board including at least one connector configured to be operatively coupled to a memory controller of a computer system. The memory module further includes a plurality of memory devices on the printed circuit board and a circuit including a first set of ports operatively coupled to at least one memory device. The circuit further includes a second set of ports operatively coupled to the at least one connector. The circuit includes a switching circuit configured to selectively operatively couple one or more ports of the second set of ports to one or more ports of the first set of ports. Each port of the first set and the second set comprises a correction circuit which reduces noise in one or more signals transmitted between the first set of ports and the second set of ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: NETLIST, INC.
    Inventors: Hyun Lee, Jayesh R. Bhakta, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Mario Jesus Martinez, Chi-She Chen
  • Patent number: 9996284
    Abstract: A memory system that has a multi-channel volatile memory subsystem is coupled to a non-volatile memory subsystem to provide independent, configurable backup of data. The volatile memory subsystem has one or more main memory modules that use a form of volatile memory such as DRAM memory, for which the NV subsystem provides selective persistent backup. The main memory modules are dual in-line memory modules or DIMMs using DDR SDRAM memory devices. The non-volatile memory subsystem (NV backup) includes an NV controller and non-volatile memory NVM. The NV backup can also include a memory cache to aid with handling and storage of data. In certain embodiments, the NV controller and the non-volatile memory are coupled to the one or more DIMM channels of the main memory via associated signal lines. Such signal lines can be, for example, traces on a motherboard, and may include one or more signal buses for conveying data, address, and/or control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventor: Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 9928186
    Abstract: A memory module that is couplable to a memory controller hub (MCH) of a host system includes a non-volatile memory subsystem, a data manager coupled to the non-volatile memory subsystem, a volatile memory subsystem coupled to the data manager and operable to exchange data with the non-volatile memory subsystem by way of the data manager, and a controller operable to receive read/write commands from the MCH and to direct transfer of data between any two or more of the MCH, the volatile memory subsystem, and the non-volatile memory subsystem based on the commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun Lee, Chi-She Chen, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Scott H. Milton, Jayesh Bhakta
  • Patent number: 9921762
    Abstract: Data stored in a volatile memory subsystem is backed up redundantly into first and second channels of a non-volatile memory subsystem. The data is retrieved from the volatile memory subsystem upon detection of a trigger condition indicative of real or imminent power loss or reduction and multiple copies are stored in dedicated non-volatile memory channels. The stored copies may be error checked and corrected, and re-written if necessary. The redundantly backed up data can be subsequently retrieved from the non-volatile memory subsystem, error-corrected, and an error-free copy communicated to the volatile memory subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Hossein Amidi, Chi-She Chen, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Scott H. Milton, Jayesh Bhakta
  • Patent number: 9858218
    Abstract: According to certain aspects, a memory module is coupled to a memory controller of a host computer system via an interface. The interface includes data, address and control signal pins and an output pin in addition to the data, address and control signal pins. The memory module receives a first command from the memory controller via the address and control signal pins, and enters a first mode in response to the first command. The memory module in the first mode responds to at least one initialization sequence, and sends a first output signal via the output pin to indicate a status of the at least one initialization sequence to the memory controller. The memory module enters a second mode in which the memory module performs memory operations including memory read/write operations according to an industry standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventor: Hyun Lee