Patents Examined by Sung Il Cho
  • Patent number: 11862217
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device with low power and high performance, which can be applied to sensor nodes, a sensor node using the same, an access controller, a data transfer method, and execute a processing method in a microcontroller. The device has: an MRAM; a non-volatile CPU configured to include a nonvolatile memory; a non-volatile FPGA-ACC configured to include a nonvolatile memory and execute a part of operations on the nonvolatile CPU; and a power-gating control unit that controls power supply to each memory cell in the MRAM, the non-volatile CPU, and the non-volatile FPGA-ACC. The device is further provided with an access controller that controls accesses to the MRAM by reading data in advance and backing up the data when data is to be read from the MRAM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: TOHOKU UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Masanori Natsui, Daisuke Suzuki, Akira Tamakoshi, Takahiro Hanyu, Tetsuo Endoh, Hideo Ohno
  • Patent number: 11854618
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure are drawn to apparatuses and methods for determining extremum numerical values. Numerical values may be stored in files of a stack, with each bit of the numerical value stored in a content addressable memory (CAM) cell of the file. Each file may be associated with an accumulator circuit, which provides an accumulator signal. An extremum search operation may be performed where a sequence of comparison bits are compared in a bit-by-bit fashion to each bit of the numerical values. The accumulator circuits each provide an accumulator signal which indicates if the numerical value in the associated file is an extremum value or not. Examples of extremum search operations include finding a maximum of the numerical values and a minimum of the numerical values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Penney, Jason M. Brown
  • Patent number: 11854615
    Abstract: Methods, a memory device, and a system are disclosed to reduce power consumption in a cross-point memory device, including providing a first portion of a first pulse of a memory operation to a memory cell at a first time using a first capacitive discharge from a first discharge path, and providing a second portion of the first pulse of the memory operation to the memory cell at a second time, later than the first time, using a second discharge path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Hernan A. Castro, Jeremy M. Hirst, Eric S. Carman
  • Patent number: 11854590
    Abstract: A sense amplifier reference is generated with the same memory cell columns as data cells in order to match signal paths between the data and reference signals. Each row of data memory cells may have a corresponding set of reference cells, which greatly reduces the number of data cells supported by a reference, and in turn reduces the impact of process variations. A memory array may include data columns, a first reference column in the memory array configured to provide a logic 0 reference signal, and a second reference column in the memory array configured to provide a logic 1 reference signal. A circuit is configured to combine at least the logic 0 reference signal and the logic 1 reference signal to generate a reference signal for a sense amplifier to identify the data signal provided from the data columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Tzen-Wen Guo
  • Patent number: 11854609
    Abstract: A memory is provided that includes multiple memory banks, each one of the memory banks being associated with a read multiplexer. A first read multiplexer couples a first plurality of bit lines to a first sense node pair, and a second read multiplexer couples a second plurality of bit lines to a second sense node pair. A first sense amplifier is coupled to the first sense node pair. The second sense node pair may be coupled to the same sense amplifier or a different sense amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: QUALCOMM INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Arun Babu Pallerla, Anil Chowdary Kota, Hochul Lee
  • Patent number: 11848047
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a static random access memory (SRAM) device is provided. The SRAM device includes a memory cell, a bit line couple to the memory cell, a voltage supply line coupled to the memory cell, a control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to charge a voltage supply line while the voltage supply line is electrically isolated from a bit line. A portion of the charge is transferred from the voltage supply line to the bit line. The voltage supply line is recharged while the voltage supply line is electrically isolated from the bit line storing the transferred portion of the charge. The memory cell is accessed using the recharge on the voltage supply line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Mahmut Sinangil, Chiting Cheng, Hung-Jen Liao, Tsung-Yung Chang
  • Patent number: 11842767
    Abstract: A memory device and an operation method for the memory device are provided. The memory device includes a memory block, a row decoder and a control circuit. The memory block includes a plurality of memory cells, wherein a row of memory cells in the memory block are coupled to at least one word line, and a column of memory cells in the memory block are coupled to a bit line and a multiplexer. The row decoder is coupled to the memory block and configured for the row of memory cells. The control circuit is coupled to the row decoder and indicates which word line, bit line and multiplexer is enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: SHANGHAI ZHAOXIN SEMICONDUCTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Quansheng Li
  • Patent number: 11837289
    Abstract: A compact, low-leakage multi-bit content-addressable memory (CAM) cell is provided. The CAM devices includes a transmission gate, having a positive field effect transistor (“PFET”) and a negative field effect transistor (“NFET”), configured to compare a compare data input with storage node data having a first logic state. The CAM devices includes a passgate, in communication with the transmission gate, configured to compare the compare data input having a first logic state with the storage node data having a second logic state, wherein the passgate is an n-channel metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS) transistor and controls propagation of the compare data input, and the storage node data of a storage cell is used to control the passgate based on the storage node data. The CAM devices includes a PFET stack, having a first PFET and a second PFET, in communication with the transmission gate and the passgate, configured to compare the compare data input with the storage node data having the second logic state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hema Ramamurthy, Michael Lee
  • Patent number: 11817144
    Abstract: A memory device and a method of operating the same are disclosed. In one aspect, the memory device includes a plurality of memory arrays and a controller including a plurality of buffers including a first buffer connected to a first memory array and a second buffer connected to a second memory array. The first and second memory arrays are disposed on opposing sides of the controller. The memory device can include a first wire extending in a first direction and connected to the first buffer, a second wire extending in the first direction and connected to the second buffer, and a third wire connected to the first and second wires and extending in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The third wire can be electrically connected to the controller, and respective lengths of the first wire and the second wire are substantially the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Yuan Chen, Hau-Tai Shieh, Cheng Hung Lee, Hung-Jen Liao
  • Patent number: 11804267
    Abstract: A memory system includes a semiconductor memory device having memory cells arranged in rows and columns, and a controller configured to issue a write command with or without a partial page program command to the semiconductor memory device. The semiconductor memory device, in response to the write command issued without the partial page command, executes a first program operation on a page of memory cells and then a first verify operation on the memory cells of the page using a first verify voltage for all of the memory cells of the page, and in response to the write command issued with the partial page command, executes a second program operation on a subset of the memory cells of the page and then a second verify operation on the memory cells of the subset using one of several different second verify voltages corresponding to the subset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Kioxia Corporation
    Inventors: Masanobu Shirakawa, Kenta Yasufuku, Akira Yamaga
  • Patent number: 11776621
    Abstract: A memory device and an operation method thereof is disclosed. The memory device includes a SRAM cell and a power supply assist circuit connected to the SRAM cell. The power supply assist circuit includes a first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor, a fourth transistor, and a fifth transistor. The first transistor receives a power supply voltage. The control terminals of the first transistor and the second transistor are connected to each other. The third transistor switches, in response to a first control signal, to connect the control terminal and the connect terminal of the second transistor. The fourth transistor switches, in response to a second control signal, to drive the control terminal of the second transistor to a system ground voltage. The fifth transistor switches, in response to a third control signal, to drive the control terminal of the first transistor to the power supply voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: NATIONAL CHUNG CHENG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jinn Shyan Wang, Chien Tung Liu, Chih Jung Liu
  • Patent number: 11776623
    Abstract: A bitline precharge system is provided for a semiconductor memory device. The bitline precharge system comprises a voltage comparator circuit to output a reference voltage signal based on an input wordline voltage supply level (VDDWL), and a periphery power supply voltage (VDDP) level. A voltage control circuit is electrically coupled to a periphery power supply and the voltage comparator circuit to output a precharge voltage (VDDM) level based on the reference voltage signal and the periphery power supply voltage (VDDP) level. A bitline precharge circuit is electrically coupled to the voltage control circuit and a plurality of bitlines of the memory device to precharge the plurality of bitlines based on the precharge voltage (VDDM) level in response to a precharge enable signal during one of a read operation to read data from the memory device and a write operation to write data from the memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lava Kumar Pulluru, Ankur Gupta, Parvinder Kumar Rana
  • Patent number: 11776622
    Abstract: A circuit includes first and second bit lines, a second power node having a voltage level below that of a first power node, a reference node having a reference voltage level, first and second pass gates and drivers, first and second logic gates coupled to the second power node, first and second conversion circuits coupled between the first power node and respective first and second logic and pass gates, and first and second NOR gates coupled between the second power node and respective first and second logic gates and drivers. The first and second pass gates selectively couple the first and second bit lines to the first power node responsive to the respective second and first logic gates and conversion circuits, and the first and second drivers selectively couple the first and second bit lines to the reference node responsive to the respective first and second logic and NOR gates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Pankaj Aggarwal, Ching-Wei Wu, Jaymeen Bharatkumar Aseem
  • Patent number: 11763880
    Abstract: Various implementations described herein are related to a device having memory architecture having multiple bitcell arrays. The device may include column multiplexer circuitry coupled to the memory architecture via multiple bitlines for read access operations. The column multiplexer circuitry may perform read access operations in the multiple bitcell arrays via the bitlines based on a sense amplifier enable signal and a read multiplexer signal. The device may include control circuitry that provides the read multiplexer signal to the column multiplexer circuitry based on a clock signal and the sense amplifier enable signal so that the column multiplexer circuitry is able to perform the read access operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Arm Limited
    Inventors: Lalit Gupta, Fakhruddin Ali Bohra, Shri Sagar Dwivedi, Vidit Babbar
  • Patent number: 11756608
    Abstract: A memory device includes a memory array having a plurality of memory cells arranged along a plurality of rows extending in a row direction and a plurality of columns extending in a column direction. The memory array also includes a plurality of write assist cells connected to the plurality of memory cells. At least one write assist cell of the plurality of write assist cells is in each of the plurality of columns and connected to respective ones of the plurality of memory cells in a same column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yangsyu Lin, Po-Sheng Wang, Cheng Hung Lee, Jonathan Tsung-Yung Chang
  • Patent number: 11749327
    Abstract: An exemplary memory bit cell circuit, including a bit line coupled to an SRAM bit cell circuit and an NVM bit cell circuit, with reduced area and reduced power consumption, included in a memory bit cell array circuit, is disclosed. The SRAM bit cell circuit includes cross-coupled true and complement inverters and a first access circuit coupled to the bit line. The NVM bit cell circuit includes an NVM device coupled to the bit line by a second access circuit and is coupled to the SRAM bit cell circuit. Data stored in the SRAM bit cell circuit and the NVM bit cell circuit are accessed based on voltages on the bit line. A true SRAM data is determined by an SRAM read voltage on the bit line, and an NVM data in the NVM bit cell circuit is determined by a first NVM read voltage on the bit line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Khaja Ahmad Shaik, Bharani Chava
  • Patent number: 11735251
    Abstract: A circuit includes a tracking word line, a power switch, a tracking bit line, a sense circuit. The power switch is coupled between the tracking word line and a first node. The power switch is configured to discharge a voltage level on the first node in response to a clock pulse signal transmitted through the tracking word line to the power switch. The tracking bit line is coupled between the first node and a plurality of tracking cells in a memory array. The sense circuit is coupled between the first node and a second node. The sense circuit is configured to generate a negative bit line enable signal in response to that the voltage level on the first node is below a threshold voltage value of the sense circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignees: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD., TSMC NANJING COMPANY LIMITED, TSMC CHINA COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Xiu-Li Yang, Lu-Ping Kong, Kuan Cheng, He-Zhou Wan
  • Patent number: 11699483
    Abstract: Memory systems with burst mode having logic gates as sense elements and related methods are provided. A memory system comprises a memory array including a first set of memory cells coupled to a first wordline, a second set of memory cells coupled to a second wordline, and a plurality of sense elements, not including any sense amplifiers. The control unit is configured to generate control signals for: in response to a burst mode read request, simultaneously: (1) asserting a first wordline signal on the first wordline coupled to each of a plurality of first set of bitlines, and (2) asserting a second wordline signal on the second wordline coupled to each of a plurality of second set of bitlines, and as part of a burst, outputting data corresponding to a subset of each of the first set of memory cells and the second set of memory cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Pramod Kolar, Stephen Edward Liles, Gregory Christopher Burda
  • Patent number: 11699489
    Abstract: In a method of programming in a nonvolatile memory device including a memory cell region including a first metal pad and a peripheral circuit region including a second metal pad, wherein the peripheral circuit region is vertically connected to the memory cell region by the first metal pad and the second metal pad, a memory block in the memory cell region including a plurality of stacks disposed in a vertical direction is provided where the memory block includes cell strings each of which includes memory cells connected in series in the vertical direction between a source line and each of bitlines. A plurality of intermediate switching transistors disposed in a boundary portion between two adjacent stacks in the vertical direction is provided, where the intermediate switching transistors perform a switching operation to control electrical connection of the cell strings, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yo-Han Lee
  • Patent number: 11676657
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pseudo dual-port memory. The pseudo dual-port memory includes a single-port memory, a multiplexer, a timing control circuit and an output circuit. The multiplexer is configured to sequentially output a first address and a second address to the single-port memory. The output circuit is configured to receive output data from the single-port memory to generate a first reading result corresponding to the first address and a second reading result corresponding to the second address. The output circuit includes a first sense amplifier and a second sense amplifier, wherein the first sense amplifier receives the output data to generate first data serving as the first reading result according to a first control signal, and the second sense amplifier receives the output data to generate second data serving as the second reading result according to a second control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: MEDIATEK INC.
    Inventors: Yi-Ping Kuo, Yi-Te Chiu