Patents Examined by Harry W Byrne
  • Patent number: 10410732
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for predicting potential failures in flash memory devices by probing for memory cells with marginal programming characteristics. A method includes receiving a write request. The method also includes applying a predetermined number of programming pulses to a plurality of memory cells within a block of a flash memory device. The method also includes applying a verify pulse to each respective one of the plurality of memory cells. The method also includes storing programming status of the plurality of memory cells into a set of latches. The method also includes determining, based on the stored programming status, a total number of memory cells within the block that fall outside of one or more predetermined expected ranges. The method also includes identifying the block as a block in risk when the total number of memory cells satisfies a predetermined risk threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tomer Tzvi Eliash, Arthur Shulkin, James Yin Tom, Eran Sharon
  • Patent number: 10410721
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for a pulsed integrator and memory techniques are described. A first device may facilitate discharging a memory cell using at least one current pulse until a voltage associated with the memory cell reaches a reference voltage. The discharge time of the memory cell may be determined based at least in part on a duration of at least one current pulse. In some examples, a state of the memory cell may be determined based at least in part on a discharge time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Hernan A. Castro, Jeremy M. Hirst
  • Patent number: 10410709
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for operating an electronic memory apparatus are described. A logic value stored in a ferroelectric random access memory (FeRAM) cell is read onto a first sensing node of a sense amplifier. The reading is performed through a digit line coupling the FeRAM cell to the first sensing node, while the sense amplifier is in an inactive state. A second sensing node of the sense amplifier is biased to a reference voltage provided by a reference voltage source. The biasing is performed while reading the logic value stored in the FeRAM cell onto the first sensing node. The digit line is isolated from the first sensing node after the reading. The sense amplifier is activated, after isolating the digit line from the first sensing node, to amplify and sense a voltage difference between the first sensing node and the second sensing node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniele Vimercati, Duane R. Mills
  • Patent number: 10403356
    Abstract: A memory apparatus may be provided. The memory apparatus may include a global bit line configured to receive a drift current. A voltage clamping circuit configured to limit a voltage level of the global bit line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Min Chul Shin, Ho Seok Em
  • Patent number: 10402099
    Abstract: A solid state drive (SSD) device includes a first nonvolatile memory package, a second nonvolatile memory package, and a controller. The first nonvolatile memory package includes a first buffer chip and a plurality of first nonvolatile memory chips. The second nonvolatile memory package includes a plurality of second nonvolatile memory chips. The controller controls the first nonvolatile memory package and the second nonvolatile memory package. The first buffer chip communicates a first address signal and a first data with the controller, and selectively communicates the first data with one of the plurality of first nonvolatile memory chips and the plurality of second nonvolatile memory chips based on the first address signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ji-Woon Park
  • Patent number: 10403363
    Abstract: A nonvolatile memory includes a plurality of memory blocks, a plurality of source drivers corresponding to the plurality of memory blocks, a plurality of pass transistor groups connected between the plurality of source drivers and the plurality of memory blocks, a plurality of block pass transistors connected between a plurality of block word lines and the plurality of pass transistor groups, a plurality of block decoders corresponding to a plurality of memory block groups respectively, and a block pass transistor decoder configured to control voltages of block select lines connected to the plurality of block pass transistors. The plurality of memory blocks are divided into the plurality of memory block groups. Each block decoder is configured to control voltages of block word lines, among the plurality of block word lines, connected to at least two memory blocks of a corresponding memory block group in common.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Won-Taeck Jung
  • Patent number: 10403337
    Abstract: A driver of a multi-level signaling interface is provided. The driver may be configured reduce noise in a multi-level signal (e.g., a pulse amplitude modulation signal) generated by the driver using switching components of different polarities. The driver may include a pull-up circuit and/or a pull-down circuit. The pull-up circuit and the pull-down circuit may include at least one switching component of a first polarity (e.g., nmos transistor) and at least one switching component of a second polarity different from the first polarity (e.g., pmos transistor). Such a configuration of pull-up and pull down circuits may generate a more linear relationship between an output current and an output voltage of an output of the driver, thereby improving one or more characteristics of the multi-level signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Justin D. Butterfield
  • Patent number: 10403721
    Abstract: A field effect transistor, a memory element, and a manufacturing method of a charge storage structure are provided. The memory element includes a plurality of field effect transistors, and each of the field effect transistors includes a substrate, a source region, a drain region, a gate conductive layer, and a charge storage structure. Both the source region and the drain region are located in the substrate and connected to an upper surface of the substrate. The source and drain regions are spaced apart from each other to define a channel region therebetween. The gate conductive layer is disposed over the upper surface and overlaps with the channel region. The charge storage structure disposed between the gate conductive layer and the channel region includes a ferroelectric material and a paraelectric material so that the charge storage structure has better capability of trapping charges and a higher switching speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: NUSTORAGE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fu-Chou Liu, Yung-Tin Chen
  • Patent number: 10402743
    Abstract: In some aspects, a heterogeneous computing system includes a quantum processor unit and a classical processor unit. In some instances, variables defined by a computer program are stored in a classical memory in the heterogeneous computing system. The computer program is executed in the heterogeneous computing system by operation of the quantum processor unit and the classical processor unit. Instructions are generated for the quantum processor by a host processor unit based on values of the variables stored in the classical memory. The instructions are configured to cause the quantum processor unit to perform a data processing task defined by the computer program. The values of the variables are updated in the classical memory based on output values generated by the quantum processor unit. The classical processor unit processes the updated values of the variables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Rigetti & Co, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad Tyler Rigetti, William J. Zeng, Dane Christoffer Thompson
  • Patent number: 10395737
    Abstract: A memory structure, includes (a) active columns of polysilicon formed above a semiconductor substrate, each active column extending vertically from the substrate and including a first heavily doped region, a second heavily doped region, and one or more lightly doped regions each adjacent both the first and second heavily doped region, wherein the active columns are arranged in a two-dimensional array extending in second and third directions parallel to the planar surface of the semiconductor substrate; (b) charge-trapping material provided over one or more surfaces of each active column; and (c) conductors each extending lengthwise along the third direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: SUNRISE MEMORY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eli Harari
  • Patent number: 10395710
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a magnetic memory device comprising a memory array structure that includes a first memory array comprising a first plurality of memory cells and a second memory array comprising a second plurality of memory cells. Each memory cell of the first and second plurality of magnetic memory cells includes a magnetic memory element and a two-terminal selector coupled in series. The memory array structure further includes a first multiplexer coupled to a third plurality of first conductive lines with each line connected to a respective column of the first plurality of memory cells; a second multiplexer coupled to a fourth plurality of first conductive lines with each line connected to a respective column of the second plurality of memory cells; a sense amplifier, whose input is connected to the output of the first multiplexer and the output of the second multiplexer; and one or more latches coupled to the sense amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Avalanche Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ebrahim Abedifard, Parviz Keshtbod, Ravishankar Tadepalli
  • Patent number: 10395739
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of word lines, a plurality of bit lines, a plurality of memory cells, a word line driving circuit, a sense amplifier circuit, and a controller. The memory cell connected to the selected word line is written with data using a write sequence including a plurality of write loops each including a write operation of applying a write voltage to the selected word line by the word line driving circuit and a verify operation of detecting data of the memory cell by the sense amplifier circuit. The controller determines an (n+k)-th (where n is an integer not less than 1 and k is an integer not less than 2) verify operation based on comparison between an n-th verify operation and an (n+1)-th verify operation in the write sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Toshiba Memory Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeo Kondo
  • Patent number: 10395735
    Abstract: An electronic device including a semiconductor memory may be provided. The semiconductor memory may include a write circuit configured for generating a first current. The semiconductor memory may include a first selection circuit configured for coupling the first write circuit to a first line based on a first selection signal. The semiconductor memory may include a second write circuit configured for generating a second current. The semiconductor memory may include a second selection circuit configured for coupling the second write circuit to a second line based on a second selection signal. The semiconductor memory may include a memory cell coupled between the first line and the second line. The semiconductor memory may include a voltage control circuit configured for controlling a voltage level of the second line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Jung-Hyuk Yoon
  • Patent number: 10395698
    Abstract: One or more memory systems, architectural structures, and/or methods of storing information in memory devices is disclosed to improve the data bandwidth and or to reduce the load on the communication links. The system may include one or more memory devices, one or more memory control circuits and one or more data buffer circuits. The memory system, architectural structure and/or method improves the ability of the communications links to transfer data downstream to the data buffer circuits. In one aspect, the memory control circuit receives a store command and a store data tag (Host tag) from a Host and sends the store data command and the store data tag to the data buffer circuits. No store data tag or control signal is sent over the communication links between the Host and the data buffer circuits, only data is sent over the communication links between the Host and the data buffer circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven R. Carlough, Susan M. Eickhoff, Warren E. Maule, Patrick J. Meaney, Stephen J. Powell, Gary A. Van Huben, Jie Zheng
  • Patent number: 10395696
    Abstract: A double data rate memory includes a circuit board, a goldfinger connection interface, at least 16 first IC chips, at least 16 second IC chips, a first and a second read-only memory. The circuit board has a first surface, a second surface, a first region and a second region. The first IC chips are disposed on the first surface. The second IC chips are disposed on the second surface. The first read-only memory is connected with the first and the second IC chips disposed on the first region. The second read-only memory is connected with the first and the second IC chips disposed on the second region. 10 pins of the goldfinger connection interface are connected with the second read-only memory and the first and the second IC chips disposed on the second region to make them operate. At least 32 IC chips are effectively operated in single one memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: APACER TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Yung-Chih Wu, Rui-Cheng Lin
  • Patent number: 10387062
    Abstract: A storage system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of storage devices using flash memory as a storage medium. The flash memory used for the storage device may include flash memory configured to operate each cell as a cell capable of storing n-bit information or a cell capable of storing m-bit information (where n<m), where n=2 and m=3. The storage system may periodically acquire a number of remaining erasures from the storage device and predict the lifetime of the storage device by using the acquired number of remaining erasures and the storage device operation time. If the predicted lifetime is greater than a predetermined value (service life), a predetermined number of cells may be changed to cells capable of storing m-bit information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Tomotaro Doi, Shigeo Homma, Kenta Ninose
  • Patent number: 10388390
    Abstract: Sensing in non-volatile memory is performed using bias conditions that are dependent on the position of a selected memory cell within a group of non-volatile memory cells. During sensing, a selected memory cell receives a reference voltage while the remaining memory cells receive a read or verify pass voltage. For at least a subset of the unselected memory cells, the pass voltage that is applied is dependent upon the position of the selected memory cell in the group. As programming progresses from a memory cell at a first end of a NAND string toward a memory cell at a second end of the NAND string, for example, the pass voltage for at least a subset of the unselected memory cells that have already been subjected to programming may be increased. This technique may reduce the effects of an increased channel resistance that occurs as more memory cells are programmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Xiying Costa
  • Patent number: 10388383
    Abstract: An EPROM device may include a unit cell, a switching unit, a multiplexer, and a comparator. The unit cell may be disposed between a bit line, which is coupled to a program voltage supply line, and a ground voltage terminal. The switching unit may be disposed between the bit line and the program voltage supply line, and may control an electrical coupling between the program voltage supply line and the unit cell according to a switching control signal. The multiplexer may selectively output a first reference voltage, a second reference voltage, and a third reference voltage according to an input of binary data. The comparator may compare an output signal of the multiplexer and the bit line, and generate the switching control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Hyun Min Song
  • Patent number: 10388332
    Abstract: There may be provided an electronic device, and more particularly, a semiconductor memory device and a method of operating the same. The semiconductor memory device may include a memory cell array including a plurality of memory cells. The semiconductor memory device may include an operation control signal generator configured to receive a request for performing a target operation from the controller configured to control the semiconductor memory device and to generate a synchronizing signal for performing the target operation. The semiconductor memory device may include a temperature detect circuit configured to detect temperatures of the plurality of memory cells in response to the synchronizing signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Byoung In Joo
  • Patent number: 10388376
    Abstract: A method for managing the endurance of a non-volatile rewritable memory including memory cells each including an ordered stack of a lower electrode, a layer of dielectric material and an upper electrode, the dielectric material switching between a high resistance state and a low resistance state, or vice versa, to enable a writing in the memory cell or an erasure of the memory cell. The method includes at the end of each writing and erasure cycle, reading the erasure conditions of the memory cell in the course of the final erasure operation of the cycle, and comparing the read erasure conditions with a predetermined median erasure value corresponding to a median resistance value which follows a predetermined dependency law linking the condition of erasure of a cycle with the condition of writing of a following cycle; and determining the writing conditions from the results of the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Gabriel Molas, Michel Harrand, Elisa Vianello, Cécile Nail