Patents Assigned to Netlist, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8880791
    Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein include a memory system having a register coupled to a host system and operable to receive address and control signals from the host system, a volatile memory subsystem, a non-volatile memory subsystem, a controller coupled to the non-volatile memory subsystem, and a circuit coupled to the register, the volatile memory subsystem, and the controller. In a first mode of operation, the circuit is operable to selectively isolate the controller from the volatile memory subsystem, and to selectively couple the volatile memory subsystem to the register to allow data to be communicated between the volatile memory subsystem and the host system. In a second mode of operation, the circuit is operable to selectively couple the controller to the volatile memory subsystem to allow data to be communicated between the volatile memory subsystem and the non-volatile memory subsystem using the controller, and is operable to selectively isolate the volatile memory subsystem from the register.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Chi-She Chen, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Scott H. Milton, Jayesh Bhakta
  • Patent number: 8874831
    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: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun Lee, Chi-She Chen, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Scott Milton, Jayesh Bhakta
  • Patent number: 8864500
    Abstract: An electronic module for a computer system comprises a first circuit board having a plurality of edge connectors configured to releasably connect to electrical contacts of a computer system socket, a second circuit board having a plurality of contacts configured to connect with a plurality of electrical components, and a flexible portion having electrical conduits to provide electrical connection between the plurality of edge connectors and the plurality of contacts. The flexible portion further includes an electrically conductive layer extending across a region of the flexible portion. The electrically conductive layer is superposed with the electrical conduits and separated from electrical conduits by a dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Jayesh R. Bhakta, Enchao Yu, Chi She Chen, Richard E. Flaig
  • Publication number: 20140281661
    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: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott H. Milton, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Ken Post
  • Patent number: 8787060
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a plurality of array dies and at least two die interconnects. The first die interconnect is in electrical communication with a data port of a first array die and a data port of a second array die and not in electrical communication with data ports of a third array die. The second die interconnect is in electrical communication with a data port of the third array die and not in electrical communication with data ports of the first array die and the second array die. The apparatus includes a control die that includes a first data conduit configured to transmit a data signal to the first die interconnect and not to the second die interconnect, and at least a second data conduit configured to transmit the data signal to the second die interconnect and not to the first die interconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventor: Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 8782350
    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: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun Lee, Jayesh R. Bhakta, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Mario Jesus Martinez, Chi-She Chen
  • Patent number: 8756364
    Abstract: A circuit is configured to be mounted on a memory module connectable to a computer system so as to be electrically coupled to a plurality of memory devices on the memory module. The memory module has a first number of ranks of double-data-rate (DDR) memory devices activated at least in part to a first number of chip-select signals. The circuit is configurable to receive address signals and a second number of chip-select signals from the computer system. The circuit is further configurable to generate and transmit phase-locked clock signals to the first number of ranks, and to generate the first number of chip-select signals in response at least in part to the phase-locked clock signals, the address signals, and the second number of chip-select signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Jayesh R. Bhakta, Jeffrey C. Solomon
  • Publication number: 20140156920
    Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein include a memory system having a register coupled to a host system and operable to receive address and control signals from the host system, a volatile memory subsystem, a non-volatile memory subsystem, a controller coupled to the non-volatile memory subsystem, and a circuit coupled to the register, the volatile memory subsystem, and the controller. In a first mode of operation, the circuit is operable to selectively isolate the controller from the volatile memory subsystem, and to selectively couple the volatile memory subsystem to the register to allow data to be communicated between the volatile memory subsystem and the host system. In a second mode of operation, the circuit is operable to selectively couple the controller to the volatile memory subsystem to allow data to be communicated between the volatile memory subsystem and the non-volatile memory subsystem using the controller, and is operable to selectively isolate the volatile memory subsystem from the register.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Chi-She Chen, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Scott H. Milton, Jayesh Bhakta
  • Publication number: 20140156919
    Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein include a memory system having a volatile memory subsystem, a non-volatile memory subsystem, a controller coupled to the non-volatile memory subsystem, and a circuit coupled to the volatile memory subsystem, to the controller, and to a host system. In a first mode of operation, the circuit is operable to selectively isolate the controller from the volatile memory subsystem, and to selectively couple the volatile memory subsystem to the host system to allow data to be communicated between the volatile memory subsystem and the host system. In a second mode of operation, the circuit is operable to selectively couple the controller to the volatile memory subsystem to allow data to be communicated between the volatile memory subsystem and the nonvolatile memory subsystem using the controller, and the circuit is operable to selectively isolate the volatile memory subsystem from the host system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Chi-She Chen, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Scott H. Milton, Jayesh Bhakta
  • Patent number: 8705239
    Abstract: A heat dissipation system for use with an electronic module is provided. The electronic module includes a first side with a first plurality of electronic components mounted thereon and a second side with a second plurality of electronic components mounted thereon. The heat dissipation system includes a first segment mountable on the module to be in thermal communication with at least one electronic component of the first plurality of electronic components. The system further includes a second segment mountable on the module to be in thermal communication with at least one electronic component of the second plurality of electronic components. The system includes a third segment mountable on the module to be in thermal communication with the first segment and with the second segment, the third segment providing a path through which heat flows from the first segment to the second segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Enchao Yu, Zhiyong An
  • Patent number: 8689064
    Abstract: A memory module for operating with a system memory controller comprises a plurality of data ports, a plurality of memory devices organized in ranks, and a plurality of data handlers. Each respective data handler is coupled to a respective set of data ports of the plurality of data ports and to a respective set of memory devices of the plurality of memory devices. Each set of memory devices include at least one memory device from each rank. In a normal mode, each respective data handler is configured to provide write data received from the system memory controller via the respective data ports to the respective set of memory devices. In a test mode, each respective data handler is configured to provide test data generated in the respective data handler to the respective set of memory devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun Lee, Jayesh R. Bhakta, Soonju Choi
  • Patent number: 8677060
    Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein include a memory system having a register coupled to a host system and operable to receive address and control signals from the host system, a volatile memory subsystem, a non-volatile memory subsystem, a controller coupled to the non-volatile memory subsystem, and a circuit coupled to the register, the volatile memory subsystem, and the controller. In a first mode of operation, the circuit is operable to selectively isolate the controller from the volatile memory subsystem, and to selectively couple the volatile memory subsystem to the register to allow data to be communicated between the volatile memory subsystem and the host system. In a second mode of operation, the circuit is operable to selectively couple the controller to the volatile memory subsystem to allow data to be communicated between the volatile memory subsystem and the non-volatile memory subsystem using the controller, and is operable to selectively isolate the volatile memory subsystem from the register.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Chi-She Chen, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Scott H. Milton, Jayesh Bhakta
  • Patent number: 8671243
    Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein include a memory system having a volatile memory subsystem, a non-volatile memory subsystem, a controller coupled to the non-volatile memory subsystem, and a circuit coupled to the volatile memory subsystem, to the controller, and to a host system. In a first mode of operation, the circuit is operable to selectively isolate the controller from the volatile memory subsystem, and to selectively couple the volatile memory subsystem to the host system to allow data to be communicated between the volatile memory subsystem and the host system. In a second mode of operation, the circuit is operable to selectively couple the controller to the volatile memory subsystem to allow data to be communicated between the volatile memory subsystem and the nonvolatile memory subsystem using the controller, and the circuit is operable to selectively isolate the volatile memory subsystem from the host system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Chi-She Chen, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Scott H. Milton, Jayesh Bhakta
  • Publication number: 20140040568
    Abstract: A memory module is operable to communicate with a memory controller via a data bus and a control/address bus and comprises a module board; a plurality of memory devices mounted on the module board; and multiple sets of data pins along an edge of the module board. Each respective set of the multiple sets of data pins is operatively coupled to a respective set of multiple sets of data lines in the data bus. The memory module further comprises a control circuit configured to receive control/address information from the memory controller via the control/address bus and to produce module control signals. The memory module further comprises a plurality of buffer circuits each being disposed proximate to and electrically coupled to a respective set of the multiple sets of data pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun Lee, Jayesh R. Bhakta
  • Publication number: 20140040569
    Abstract: A circuit is mountable on a memory module that includes a plurality of memory devices and that is operable in a computer system to perform memory operations in response to memory commands from a memory controller. The circuit comprises a register device configured to receive a set of input control/address signals associated with a respective memory command (e.g., a read command or a write command) from the memory controller and to generate a set of output control/address signals in response to the set of input control/address signals. The set of output control/address signals are provided to the plurality of memory devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Jefferey C. Solomon, Jayesh R. Bhakta
  • Patent number: 8599634
    Abstract: A circuit is configured to be operatively coupled to a plurality of memory devices arranged into one or more logical ranks. Each logical rank may correspond to a set of at least two physical ranks. The circuit is configured to be operatively coupled to a memory controller of a computer system to receive a logical rank refresh command. In response, the circuit can initiate a first refresh operation for one or more first physical ranks and then initiate a second refresh operation for one or more second physical ranks. The circuit can further include a memory location storing a refresh time (tRFC) value accessible by the memory controller and based at least in part on a calculated maximum amount of time for refreshing the logical rank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun Lee, Jayesh Bhakta
  • Publication number: 20130254456
    Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein include a memory system having a volatile memory subsystem, a non-volatile memory subsystem, a controller coupled to the non-volatile memory subsystem, and a circuit coupled to the volatile memory subsystem, to the controller, and to a host system. In a first mode of operation, the circuit is operable to selectively isolate the controller from the volatile memory subsystem, and to selectively couple the volatile memory subsystem to the host system to allow data to be communicated between the volatile memory subsystem and the host system. In a second mode of operation, the circuit is operable to selectively couple the controller to the volatile memory subsystem to allow data to be communicated between the volatile memory subsystem and the nonvolatile memory subsystem using the controller, and the circuit is operable to selectively isolate the volatile memory subsystem from the host system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Chi-She Chen, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Scott H. Milton, Jayesh Bhakta
  • Publication number: 20130254497
    Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein include a memory system having a register coupled to a host system and operable to receive address and control signals from the host system, a volatile memory subsystem, a non-volatile memory subsystem, a controller coupled to the non-volatile memory subsystem, and a circuit coupled to the register, the volatile memory subsystem, and the controller. In a first mode of operation, the circuit is operable to selectively isolate the controller from the volatile memory subsystem, and to selectively couple the volatile memory subsystem to the register to allow data to be communicated between the volatile memory subsystem and the host system. In a second mode of operation, the circuit is operable to selectively couple the controller to the volatile memory subsystem to allow data to be communicated between the volatile memory subsystem and the non-volatile memory subsystem using the controller, and is operable to selectively isolate the volatile memory subsystem from the register.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Chi-She Chen, Jeffrey C. Solomon, Scott H. Milton, Jayesh Bhakta
  • Patent number: 8516188
    Abstract: A circuit is configured to be mounted on a memory module configured to be operationally coupled to a computer system. The memory module has a first number of ranks of double-data-rate (DDR) memory circuits activated by a first number of chip-select signals. The circuit is configurable to receive a set of signals comprising address signals and a second number of chip-select signals smaller than the first number of chip-select signals. The circuit is further configurable to generate phase-locked clock signals, to selectively isolate a load of at least one rank of the first number of ranks from the computer system in response at least in part to the set of signals, and to generate the first number of chip-select signals in response at least in part to the phase-locked clock signals, the address signals, and the second number of chip-select signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Solomon, Jayesh R. Bhakta
  • Patent number: 8516185
    Abstract: A memory system and method utilizing one or more memory modules is provided. The memory module includes a plurality of memory devices and a controller configured to receive control information from a system memory controller and to produce module control signals. The memory module further includes a plurality of circuits, for example byte-wise buffers, which are configured to selectively isolate the plurality of memory devices from the system memory controller. The circuits are operable, in response to the module control signals, to drive write data from the system memory controller to the plurality of memory devices and to merge read data from the plurality of memory devices to the system memory controller. The circuits are distributed at corresponding positions separate from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun Lee, Jayesh R. Bhakta