Patents Examined by Fernando N Hidalgo
  • Patent number: 7961499
    Abstract: A memory cell includes a storage element, a write circuit coupled to the storage element and a read circuit coupled to the storage element. At least a portion of the storage element and at least a portion of the write circuit are fabricated using a thicker functional gate oxide and at least a portion of the read circuit is fabricated using a thinner functional gate oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Manish Garg, Chiaming Chai, Michael ThaiThanh Phan
  • Patent number: 7957206
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device (e.g., a logic device or a memory device) having a memory cell array which includes (i) a plurality of memory cells, wherein each memory cell is programmable to store one of a plurality of data states, and (ii) a bit line, having a plurality of memory cells coupled thereto. Memory cell control circuitry applies one or more read control signals to perform a read operation wherein, in response to the read control signals, a selected memory cell conducts a current which is representative of the data state stored therein. Sense amplifier circuitry senses the data state stored in the selected memory cell using a signal which is responsive to the current conducted by the selected memory cell. Current regulation circuitry is responsively and electrically coupled to the bit line during a portion of the read operation to sink or source at least a portion of the current provided on the bit line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Philippe Bauser
  • Patent number: 7948820
    Abstract: Commonly, read times of a memory line are slowed due to voltage overshoot and/or voltage undershoot. To eliminate these problems, a control component can manage voltage while a leakage component manages timing of voltage. This allows for a line pre-charge that produces increase read times. The control component can implement as a variable resistor that modifies value to compensate for temperature. The leakage component can include a capacitor configuration that allows voltage to pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Tien-Chun Yang, Yonggang Wu, Nian Yang
  • Patent number: 7944726
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a memory controller to provide a first on-die termination (ODT) signal and a second ODT signal, a memory channel, a first memory module to couple to the memory channel, and a second memory module to couple to the memory channel. The first memory module may include a first memory having a first ODT circuit to receive the first ODT signal, and a second memory having a second ODT circuit to receive the first ODT signal. The first ODT signal may disable the ODT circuit of the first memory when the first memory is to be ACTIVE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Ripan Das
  • Patent number: 7940597
    Abstract: Semiconductor memory device and parallel test method of the same. The test includes writing data into multiple memory banks simultaneously, reading the data from a portion of the memory banks, compressing the read data and outputting the compressed data to the outside of a chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Bo-Yeun Kim
  • Patent number: 7940582
    Abstract: An integrated circuit including an array of memory cells, a circuit, volatile storage, and non-volatile storage. The circuit is configured to detect defective memory cells in the array of memory cells and provide addresses of the defective memory cells. The volatile storage is configured to store the addresses, where each entry in the volatile storage includes one of the addresses and a volatile storage master bit. The non-volatile storage is configured to store the addresses, where each entry in the non-volatile storage includes one of the addresses and a non-volatile storage master bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Qimonda AG
    Inventor: Khaled Fekih-Romdhane
  • Patent number: 7940096
    Abstract: A register controlled DLL circuit occupies a relatively small area in a semiconductor device by reducing the number of flip-flops for generating timing pulses that are used to control a DLL operation and sequentially toggled. The registered controlled DLL circuit for generating a DLL clock by delaying internal clocks includes a timing pre-pulse generating unit configured to generate a plurality of timing pre-pulses activated sequentially in response to a source clock, the plurality of pre-pulses being repeated two or more times in each delay shifting update period, a mask signal generating unit configured to generating a mask signal having a logic level varied according to toggling of a predetermined one of the timing pre-pulses, and a timing pulse outputting unit configured to output the plurality of timing pre-pulses as a plurality of timing pulses in response to the mask signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Young-Jun Ku
  • Patent number: 7936616
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a reference voltage generator for generating a plurality of reference voltages each having different voltage levels in response to a self refresh enable control signal, and a voltage comparator for generating a result signal that controls a self refresh operation cycle by comparing each of the plurality of reference voltages with a temperature information voltage that represents an internal temperature of an integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Chun-Seok Jeong
  • Patent number: 7936614
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a data input driver and a data output driver for receiving an external power supply voltage, and for inputting and outputting data, respectively; and a voltage detector for detecting the external power supply voltage to generate a detection signal, wherein a drive current of each of the data input driver and the data output driver is controlled by the detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventors: Ki-Ho Kim, Kang-Seol Lee
  • Patent number: 7936619
    Abstract: Provided are a nonvolatile memory and related method of programming same. The nonvolatile memory includes a memory cell array with a plurality of nonvolatile memory cells and a write circuit. The write circuit is configured to write first logic state data to a first group of memory cells during a first program operation using a first internally generated step-up voltage, and second logic state data to a second group of memory cells during a second program operation using an externally supplied step-up voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joon-Min Park, Kwang-Jin Lee, Du-Eung Kim, Woo-Yeong Cho, Hui-Kwon Seo
  • Patent number: 7936591
    Abstract: A word line voltage is applied to a plurality of word lines. A read/write voltage is applied to a plurality of bit lines. The read/write voltage is applied to a plurality of source lines. A word line selector selects the word line and applies the word line voltage. A driver applies a predetermined voltage to the bit line and the source line, thereby supplying a current to the memory cell. A read circuit reads a first current having flowed through the memory cell, and determines data stored in the memory cell. When performing the read, the driver supplies a second current to second bit lines among other bit lines, which are adjacent to the first bit line through which the first current has flowed. The second current generates a magnetic field in a direction to suppress a write error in the memory cell from which data is to be read.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kiyotaro Itagaki, Yoshihiro Ueda
  • Patent number: 7933141
    Abstract: In a semiconductor memory device, a memory cell is connected with a local sense amplifier and a global sense amplifier via a local bit line and a global bit line. The local sense amplifier is a single-ended sense amplifier including a single MOS transistor, which detects a potential of the local bit line which varies when reading and writing data with the memory cell. The threshold voltage of the MOS transistor is monitored so as to produce a high-level write voltage and a low-level write voltage, which are corrected and shifted based on the monitoring result so as to properly perform a reload operation on the memory cell by the global local sense amplifier. Thus, it is possible to cancel out temperature-dependent variations of the threshold voltage and shifting of the threshold voltage due to dispersions of manufacturing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Elpida Memory, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Kajigaya, Soichiro Yoshida, Tomonori Sekiguchi, Riichiro Takemura, Yasutoshi Yamada
  • Patent number: 7924609
    Abstract: A spin valve element driving method, and a spin valve element employing such a method, for causing microwave oscillation in a spin valve element. The spin valve element includes an intermediate layer and a pair of ferromagnetic layers including a fixed layer and a free layer sandwiching the intermediate layer, the fixed layer having a higher coercivity than the free layer, and being magnetized in a direction substantially perpendicular to a film plane thereof. The method includes a driving step of passing current from one of the pair of ferromagnetic layers to the other through the intermediate layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruo Kawakami, Yasushi Ogimoto
  • Patent number: 7920431
    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: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean K. Nobunaga, June Lee, Chih Liang Chen
  • Patent number: 7916538
    Abstract: A memory device includes a memory cell array including a NAND flash cell portion including a plurality of first columns of serially-connected flash memory cells and a non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM) cell portion including a plurality of second columns of NVRAM cells. The flash memory cells and the NVRAM cells are arranged such that respective word lines are connected to flash memory cells and NVRAM cells in each of respective rows, which may correspond to page units including flash memory cells and NVRAM cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byung-gil Jeon, Byung-jun Min, Hong-sik Jeong
  • Patent number: 7911832
    Abstract: A high speed and low power method to control and switch the magnetization direction and/or helicity of a magnetic region in a magnetic device for memory cells using spin polarized electrical current. The magnetic device comprises a reference magnetic layer with a fixed magnetic helicity and/or magnetization direction and a free magnetic layer with a changeable magnetic helicity and/or magnetization direction. The fixed magnetic layer and the free magnetic layer are preferably separated by a non-magnetic layer. The fixed and free magnetic layers may have magnetization directions at a substantially non-zero angle relative to the layer normal. A current can be applied to the device to induce a torque that alters the magnetic state of the device so that it can act as a magnetic memory for writing information. The resistance, which depends on the magnetic state of the device, is measured to read out the information stored in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: New York University
    Inventors: Andrew Kent, Daniel Stein, Jean-Marc Beaujour
  • Patent number: 7911844
    Abstract: A non-volatile semiconductor storage device includes: a memory cell array having memory cells arranged therein, the memory cells storing data in a non-volatile manner; and a plurality of transfer transistors transferring a voltage to the memory cells, the voltage to be supplied for data read, write and erase operations with respect to the memory cells. Each of the transfer transistors includes: a gate electrode formed on a semiconductor substrate via a gate insulation film; and diffusion layers formed to sandwich the gate electrode therebetween and functioning as drain/source layers. Upper layer wirings are provided above the diffusion layers and provided with a predetermined voltage to prevent depletion of the diffusion layers at least when the transfer transistors become conductive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Dai Nakamura, Hiroyuki Kutsukake, Kenji Gomikawa, Takeshi Shimane, Mitsuhiro Noguchi, Koji Hosono, Masaru Koyanagi, Takashi Aoi
  • Patent number: 7907450
    Abstract: A NAND memory device is constructed using Silicon On Insulator (SOI) techniques. In particular, Thin Film Transistor (TFT) techniques can be used to fabricate the NAND Flash memory device. In both SOI and TFT structures, the body, or well, is isolated. This can be used to enable a bit-by-bit programming and erasing of individual cells and allows tight control of the threshold voltage, which can enable MLC operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hang-Ting Lue, Erh Kun Lai
  • Patent number: 7903460
    Abstract: The present invention provides a non-volatile memory capable of realizing erase/write operations in sufficiently small division units while suppressing an increase in chip area to the minimum, and shortening an erase time. Two of a physical erase state and a logical erase state are provided as threshold voltage distribution states of each memory cell. In the logical erase state, a threshold voltage criterion of the memory cell is shifted to a state higher than the physical erase state. When data rewriting of the memory cell placed in the physical erase state is performed, a logical erase is performed and the threshold voltage criterion is shifted to a high voltage level. The logical erase simply shifts the voltage level of the threshold voltage criterion. Since an electrical charge accumulated in the memory cell is not moved, erasing can be done at high speed and in a short period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Kajimoto
  • Patent number: 7903480
    Abstract: An integrated circuit and a method for transferring data is provided. One embodiment provides a method for transferring data in an integrated circuit. The method includes driving a first line in accordance with data to be transferred. The data is transmitted from the first line to a second line based on a capacitive coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Qimonda AG
    Inventors: Konrad Seidel, Reinhard Ronneberger, Mario Wallisch