Patents Examined by Mohammed A Bashar
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Patent number: 10859562Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for reading data stored in a polymer (e.g., DNA) and for verifying the sequence of a polymer synthesized in situ in a nanopore-based chip, include providing a resonator having an inductor and a cell, the cell having a nanopore and a polymer that can traverse through the nanopore, the resonator having an AC output voltage frequency response at a probe frequency in response to an AC input voltage at the probe frequency, providing the AC input voltage having at least the probe frequency, and monitoring the AC output voltage at least at the probe frequency, the AC output voltage at the probe frequency being indicative of the data stored in the polymer at the time of monitoring, wherein the polymer includes at least two monomers having different properties causing different resonant frequency responses.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2019Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: IRIDIA, INC.Inventors: Paul F. Predki, Maja Cassidy
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Patent number: 10861510Abstract: A majority voting processing device performs majority voting on respective bits of information data piece including r-number of bits (r is an integer of 2 or greater). The device includes a memory including a plurality of memory element groups each including r-number of memory elements that store data for the corresponding r-number of bits, respectively, the plurality of memory element groups each being provide for one address. A memory access unit writes each bit of the information data piece in k-number (k is an odd number of 3 or greater) of the memory elements in the memory element group corresponding to one address, and reads out the k-number of bits written in the k-number of the memory elements corresponding to that one address. A majority voter that performs majority voting on the k-number of bits read out from the memory by the memory access unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2019Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: LAPIS SEMICONDUCTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Nobukazu Murata
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Patent number: 10854300Abstract: Techniques are described for programming memory cells with reduced widening of the threshold voltage distributions. Bit line voltages are adjusted during verify tests for memory cells assigned to the upper data state in a pair of adjacent data states which are concurrently verified. An elevated bit line voltage is applied and then stepped up in successive program loops. A lower, fixed bit line voltage is used for verifying the lower data state in the pair of adjacent data states. In one option, the step size increases progressively over the program loops. In another option, the minimum level of the elevated bit line voltage is lower for higher data states. In another option, the minimum level of the elevated bit line voltage is set as a function of data states, program-erase cycles and/or temperature.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2020Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: SanDisk Technologies LLCInventors: Ching-Huang Lu, Vinh Diep, Zhengyi Zhang
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Patent number: 10854250Abstract: A memory device comprises a memory cell array including a first memory cell disposed on a substrate and a second memory cell above the first memory cell; a first word line connected to the first memory cell and a second word line connected to the second memory cell, the second word line disposed above the first word line; and a word line defect detection circuit configured to monitor a number of pulses of a pumping clock signal while applying a first voltage to the first word line to detect a defect of the first word line. The voltage generator is configured to apply a second voltage different from the first voltage to the second word line for programming the second memory cell when the number of pulses of the pumping clock signal is smaller than a reference value.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2018Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jae-Yun Lee, Joon Soo Kwon, Byung Soo Kim, Su-Yong Kim, Sang-Soo Park, Il Han Park, Kang-Bin Lee, Jong-Hoon Lee, Na-Young Choi
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Patent number: 10854268Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for operating a ferroelectric memory cell or cells are described. An electronic memory device may include a plurality of plate portions separated by a plurality of segmentation lines, which may be oriented in a plane parallel to rows of a memory array or columns of the memory array, or both. The segmented plate may be employed instead of a single plate for the array. The one or more plate portions may be energized during access operations of a ferroelectric cell in order to create a voltage different across the cell or to facilitate changing the charge of the cell. Each of the plate portions may include one or more memory cells. The memory cells on a plate portion may be read from or written to after the plate portion is activated by a plate driver.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2019Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Tae H. Kim, Corrado Villa
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Patent number: 10847226Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a memory string coupled between a common source line and a bit line, the memory string including at least one first selection transistor, a plurality of memory cells, and a plurality of second selection transistors. The semiconductor device also includes selection lines respectively coupled to the second selection transistors. The semiconductor device further includes a control logic circuit configured to float a first group of selection lines from among the selection lines at a first time and configured to float a second group of selection lines from among the selection lines at a second time different from the first time.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2018Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: SK hynix Inc.Inventors: Yong Jun Kim, Gae Hun Lee, Hea Jong Yang, Chan Lim, Min Kyu Jeong
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Patent number: 10846236Abstract: A memory device and a method of operating the same. The memory device may include a memory block including a plurality of pages, and a control logic configured to include at least one register in which a plurality of program algorithms and a plurality of pieces of operation information are stored, select any one of the program algorithms in response to an address of a program target page, among the pages, and perform a program operation on the program target page based on the selected program algorithm and operation information corresponding to the selected program algorithm.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2017Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: SK hynix Inc.Inventor: Jung Hwan Lee
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Patent number: 10839925Abstract: Provided herein may be a method of operating a semiconductor memory device. The method of operating a semiconductor memory device may include programming selected memory cells with first page data, and programming the selected memory cells with second page data and programming a flag cell with flag data according to a foggy-fine programming scheme. The flag data may indicate whether data programmed according to the program operation is the first page data or the second page data. An operation of programming the flag cell with the flag data may be initiated after foggy programming of the second page data is completed.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2019Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: SK hynix Inc.Inventor: Ji Man Hong
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Patent number: 10839886Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide systems and methods for adaptive data retention management in non-volatile memory. A solid state device (SSD) includes non-volatile memory (NVM) for storing data. The SSD is configured to determine a temperature of the NVM. If the temperature of the NVM is below a predetermined temperature, the SSD maintains a data retention refresh rate of the data stored in the NVM. If the temperature of the NVM is equal to or above the predetermined temperature, the SSD adjusts the data retention refresh rate at a first rate and then a second rate, each adjustment based on the temperature of the NVM. The first rate and the second rate are different, for example, the second rate is less than the first rate.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2018Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Jingfeng Yuan, Jeffrey Lee Whaley, Xiaoheng Chen, Wei Wang
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Patent number: 10832785Abstract: Program disturb is a condition that includes the unintended programming of a memory cell while performing a programming process for other memory cells. Such unintended programming can cause an error in the data being stored. In some cases, program disturb can result from electrons trapped in the channel being accelerated from one side of a selected word line to another side of the selected word line and redirected into the selected word line. To prevent such program disturb, it is proposed to open the channel from one side of a selected word line to the other side of the selected word line after a sensing operation for program verify and prior to a subsequent programming voltage being applied.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2020Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: SanDisk Technologies LLCInventors: Dengtao Zhao, Peng Zhang, Nan Lu, Deepanshu Dutta
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Patent number: 10825501Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for operating a memory cell or memory cells are described. Cells of a memory array may be pre-written, which may include writing the cells to one state while a sense component is isolated from digit lines of the array. Read or write operations may be executed at the sense component while the sense component is isolated, and the cell may be de-isolated (e.g., connected to the digit lines) when write operations are completed. The techniques may include techniques accessing a memory cell of a memory array, isolating a sense amplifier from a digit line of the memory array based at least in part on the accessing of the cell, firing the sense amplifier, and pre-writing the memory cell of the memory array to a second data state while the sense amplifier is isolated. In some examples, the memory cell may include a ferroelectric memory cell.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2019Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Scott James Derner, Christopher John Kawamura
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Patent number: 10811095Abstract: A semiconductor storage device includes first lines second lines, and memory cells. The detection circuit detects data stored in the memory cells. A first transistor is electrically connected to the second lines between the memory cells and the detection circuit. A controller brings the first transistor to an intermediate state between an on-state and an off-state and thereafter brings the first transistor to the on-state to transmit a voltage of the second line to the detection circuit, in a data read operation, while a read voltage is applied to a first memory cell among the memory cells, the first memory cell being connected to a selected first line selectively driven from among the first lines and connected to a selected second line selectively driven from among the second lines, and the first transistor connected to the selected second line.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2019Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: TOSHIBA MEMORY CORPORATIONInventor: Takayuki Miyazaki
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Patent number: 10811083Abstract: Some embodiments include an integrated assembly having a first memory array which includes a first column of first memory cells. A first digit line extends along the first column and is utilized to address the first memory cells of the first column. A second memory array is proximate to the first memory array and includes a second column of second memory cells. A second digit line extends along the second column and is utilized to address the second memory cells of the second column. A primary-sense-amplifier comparatively couples the first digit line with the second digit line. A first secondary-sense-amplifier is along the first digit line, and a second secondary-sense-amplifier is along the second digit line.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2019Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Charles L. Ingalls
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Patent number: 10796750Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a structure including a sequential mode read controller which is configured to receive a sequential read enable burst signal and a starting word line address, identify consecutive read operations from an array of storage cells accessed via a plurality of word lines, precharge a plurality of bit lines of the storage cells no more than once during the consecutive read operations, and hold a word line of the word lines active throughout the consecutive read operations. The sequential read enable burst signal and a starting word line address are decoded to select a row address and activate the corresponding word line from a plurality of word lines in the array.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2018Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.Inventors: Igor Arsovski, Akhilesh Patil, Eric D. Hunt-Schroeder
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Patent number: 10796739Abstract: A semiconductor device may include a first internal command generation circuit configured to advance a phase of a first external command in accordance with a delay time of an on die termination (ODT) path and a first latency and generate the first delay command; and a second internal command generation circuit configured to advance a phase of a second external command in accordance with a delay time of a clock path and a second latency and to generate a second delay command.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2020Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: SK hynix Inc.Inventors: Gyu Tae Park, Young Suk Seo
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Patent number: 10782920Abstract: A data access method, a memory storage apparatus and a memory control circuit unit are provided. The memory storage apparatus includes a rewritable non-volatile memory module and the memory control circuit unit for controlling the rewritable non-volatile memory module. The data access method includes: receiving an access command; detecting a temperature of the memory storage apparatus; determining whether the temperature of the memory storage apparatus is lower than a first threshold; if the temperature of the memory storage apparatus is lower than the first threshold, performing a dummy access command or adjusting an operating voltage. The data access method further includes performing the access command after the dummy access command is performed or the operating voltage is adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2018Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: PHISON ELECTRONICS CORP.Inventor: Chih-Kang Yeh
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Patent number: 10777236Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for driver circuits without voltage level shifters. An example apparatus includes a semiconductor device including a row decoder circuit that includes a driver circuit and a switching circuit. The driver circuit is configured to receive an input signal having a first logical value, a first voltage signal, and a configurable power signal. The driver circuit is further configured to provide an output signal having the first logical value based on the first signal having the first logical value. A voltage level of the input signal is based on the first voltage signal and a voltage level the output signal is based on the configurable voltage signal. The switching circuit is configured to receive the first voltage signal and a second voltage signal and to provide the configurable voltage signal having a voltage level of one of the first voltage signal or the second voltage signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2019Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Tae H. Kim, Byung S. Moon
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Patent number: 10768824Abstract: A stacked memory includes a logic semiconductor die, a plurality of memory semiconductor dies stacked with the logic semiconductor die, a plurality of through-silicon vias (TSVs) electrically connecting the logic semiconductor die and the memory semiconductor dies, a global processor disposed in the logic semiconductor die and configured to perform a global sub process corresponding to a portion of a data process, a plurality of local processors respectively disposed in the memory semiconductor dies and configured to perform local sub processes corresponding to other portions of the data process and a plurality of memory integrated circuits respectively disposed in the memory semiconductor dies and configured to store data associated with the data process.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2019Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Hak-Soo Yu, Je-Min Ryu, Reum Oh, Pavan Kumar Kasibhatla, Seok-In Hong
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Patent number: 10762965Abstract: Embodiments of three-dimensional memory device architectures and fabrication methods therefor are disclosed. In an example, the memory device includes a substrate and one or more peripheral devices on the substrate. The memory device also includes one or more interconnect layers and a semiconductor layer disposed over the one or more interconnect layers. A layer stack having alternating conductor and insulator layers is disposed above the semiconductor layer. A plurality of structures extend vertically through the layer stack. A first set of conductive lines are electrically coupled with a first set of the plurality of structures and a second set of conductive lines are electrically coupled with a second set of the plurality of structures different from the first set. The first and second sets of conductive lines are vertically distanced from opposite ends of the plurality of structures.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2018Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: Yangtze Memory Technologies Co, Ltd.Inventors: Zongliang Huo, Li Hong Xiao, Zhiliang Xia
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Patent number: 10754809Abstract: By shutting off keeper transistors during pre-charge, the aging on these devices may be reduced. This means that a relatively weaker keeper may be used for noise compared to an overdesigned stronger keeper. Using a relatively weaker keeper circuit results in a faster evaluation stage and improved minimum read voltage in some embodiments.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2019Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Anupama A. Thaploo, Bhushan M. Borole, Bee Ngo, Iqbal R. Rajwani, Altug Koker, Abhishek R. Appu, Kamal Sinha, Wenyin Fu