Patents Examined by Xiaochun L Chen
  • Patent number: 11756637
    Abstract: A data storage device includes a memory device and a controller coupled to the memory device. The controller is configured to determine that a power loss event has occurred, determine that one or more blocks are in an erased state, examine a block of the one or more blocks to determine whether the block is a SLC erased block or a TLC erased block, and place the block in a SLC pre-erase heap if the block is the SLC erased block or in a TLC pre-erase heap if the block is the TLC erased block. The controller is further configured to determine a first bit count of page0 for a SLC voltage for the block, determine a second bit count of page1 for a TLC voltage for the block, and classify the block as either a SLC erased block or a TLC erased block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Ionin, Lior Avital, Tomer T. Eliash, Lola Grin, Alexander Bazarsky, Itay Busnach, Lior Bublil, Mahim Gupta
  • Patent number: 11742029
    Abstract: A method includes performing a first write operation that writes data to a first memory unit of a group of memory units in a memory device, determining a write-to-write (W2W) delay based on a time difference between the first write operation and a second write operation on a memory unit in the group of memory units, wherein the second write operation occurred prior to the first write operation, identifying a threshold time criterion that is satisfied by the W2W delay, identifying a first read voltage level associated with the threshold time criterion, and associating the first read voltage level with a second memory unit of the group of memory units. The second memory unit can be associated with a second read voltage level that satisfies a selection criterion based on a comparison of the second read voltage level to the first read voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhongguang Xu, Tingjun Xie, Murong Lang, Zhenming Zhou
  • Patent number: 11735260
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device capable of satisfying multiple reliability conditions and multiple performance requirements is provided. A variable resistance memory of the disclosure makes it possible to write data in a memory array by changing a write condition according to the type of a write command from the outside. If the write command is an endurance-related command, an endurance algorithm is selected and data is written in an endurance storage area. If the write command is a retention-related command, a retention algorithm is selected and data is written in a retention storage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Winbond Electronics Corp.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Tomita
  • Patent number: 11735266
    Abstract: An antifuse-type one time programming memory cell includes a select device, a following device and an antifuse transistor. A first terminal of the select device is connected with a bit line. A second terminal of the select device is connected with a first node. A select terminal of the select device is connected with a word line. A first terminal of the following device is connected with the first node. A second terminal of the following device is connected with a second node. A control terminal of the following device is connected with a following control line. A first drain/source terminal of the antifuse transistor is connected with the second node. A gate terminal of the antifuse transistor is connected with an antifuse control line. A second drain/source terminal of the antifuse transistor is in a floating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: EMEMORY TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Lun-Chun Chen, Jiun-Ren Chen, Ping-Lung Ho, Hsin-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 11727996
    Abstract: A storage device can reorganize a sequentially performed calibration task and delegate various steps of the task to multiple memory planes. By utilizing a characteristic that provides for similar memory device responses across multiple planes, the calibration task processed on one memory plane can be applied to another memory plane within the device. In this way, partial calibration data may be generated across a plurality of memory planes, and subsequently pooled together to generate a unified calibration data that can be utilized on each of the plurality of planes to do a full calibrated read on memory devices, thus reducing the amount of time needed to perform a calibrated read. Reduced times for calibrated reads allows for increased resolution of threshold valley scans, increased lifespan of the storage device, improved read times, and also provides for data write methods to use less memory during intermediate multi-pass programming steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Harish Singidi, Amiya Banerjee, Shantanu Gupta
  • Patent number: 11715539
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for improving the safety of the reading phase of a non-volatile memory device including at least an array of memory cells and with associated decoding and sensing circuitry and a memory controller, the method comprising: storing in a dummy row of said memory block at least a known pattern; performing some reading cycles changing the read trimming parameters up to the moment wherein said known value is read correctly; adopting the trimming parameters of the correct reading for the subsequent reading phases. The disclosure further relates to a memory device structured for implementing the above method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Antonino Mondello, Alberto Troia
  • Patent number: 11715505
    Abstract: A memory circuit includes a NAND logic gate configured to receive a first bit line signal and a second bit line signal, and to generate a first signal. The memory circuit further includes a first N-type transistor coupled to the NAND logic gate, and configured to receive a first pre-charge signal. The memory circuit further includes a second N-type transistor coupled to the first N-type transistor and a reference voltage supply, and configured to receive a first clock signal. The memory circuit further includes a first latch coupled to the NAND logic gate, and configured to latch the first signal in response to at least the first clock signal or the first pre-charge signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignees: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD., TSMC CHINA COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Yi-Tzu Chen, Ching-Wei Wu, Hau-Tai Shieh, Hung-Jen Liao, Fu-An Wu, He-Zhou Wan, XiuLi Yang
  • Patent number: 11705212
    Abstract: A memory device and a method of correcting error in a memory device is provided. The memory device controller includes a memory array, a tie-breaker array, a write controller, a verify circuit, and a controller. The memory array includes a plurality of memory cells. The tie-breaker array includes a plurality of tie-breaker rows. The write controller is configured to apply a programming voltage to the memory array. The verify circuit is configured to apply a verify voltage to verify whether the memory cells in the memory array are in an unambiguous state or not. The controller is configured to enable one or more tie-breaker rows in additions to the memory array to adjust an output of the memory array when the memory cells in the memory array are in an ambiguous state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Win-San Khwa
  • Patent number: 11706916
    Abstract: A method of controlling a memory device includes receiving a write instruction; starting a write operation to a first address in response to the write instruction; receiving a first read instruction of the first address; suspending the write operation; and applying a read voltage to a word line corresponding to the first address in a first read operation in response to the first read instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Kioxia Corporation
    Inventor: Koichiro Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 11705179
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a monitoring circuit suitable for generating a monitoring signal indicating whether a speed of a memory clock signal is changed based on a speed information signal representing speed information of the memory clock signal; a cycle control circuit suitable for generating a refresh cycle control signal for controlling a refresh cycle based on a system clock signal, the memory clock signal, the monitoring signal and a refresh flag signal; and a control circuit suitable for generating the memory clock signal and the refresh flag signal based on the speed information signal, the system clock signal and the refresh cycle control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Woongrae Kim, Tae-Yong Lee
  • Patent number: 11705163
    Abstract: A memory device can include a nonvolatile memory (NVM) cell array, data path circuits, coupled between the NVM cell array and an output of the device, that are configured to enable access to the NVM cell array via a plurality of bit lines. A first charge pump can generate a first voltage supply. A second charge pump can generate a second voltage supply. Switch circuits are configured to, in a first mode, couple the first voltage supply to data path circuits, and in a second mode, couple the second voltage supply to the data path circuits. The first charge pump, the second charge pump, the switch circuits, the data path circuits and the NVM cell array are formed with the same integrated circuit substrate. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Adesto Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Trinh, Duong Vinh Hao, Nguyen Khac Hieu, Hendrik Hartono, John Dinh, Shane Charles Hollmer
  • Patent number: 11698726
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for configurable memory array bank architectures are described. An example apparatus includes a mode register configured to store information related to bank architecture and a memory array including a plurality of memory banks. The plurality of memory banks are configured to be arranged in a bank architecture based at least in part on the information related to bank architecture stored in the mode register.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean D. Gans, Shunichi Saito
  • Patent number: 11699491
    Abstract: Control logic in a memory device identifies a first plurality of groups of programming distributions, wherein each group comprises a subset of programming distributions associated with a portion of a memory array of the memory device configured as quad-level (QLC) memory. During a first pass of a multi-pass programming operation, the control logic coarsely programs memory cells in the portion configured as QLC memory to initial values representing a second plurality of pages of host data and stores, in a portion of the memory array of the memory device configured as single-level cell (SLC) memory, an indicator of the first plurality of groups of programming distributions with which each of the coarsely programmed memory cells is associated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Phong Sy Nguyen, James Fitzpatrick, Kishore Kumar Muchherla
  • Patent number: 11694753
    Abstract: Memory might include a controller configured to cause the memory to capacitively couple a first voltage level from a voltage node to a node of a sense circuit, selectively discharge the node of the sense circuit through a memory cell, measure a current demand of the voltage node while selectively discharging the node of the sense circuit through the memory cell, determine a second voltage level in response to the measured current demand, isolate the node of the sense circuit from the memory cell, capacitively couple the second voltage level from the voltage node to the node of the sense circuit, and determine a data state of the memory cell in response to a voltage level of the node of the sense circuit while capacitively coupling the second voltage level to the node of the sense circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Jun Xu
  • Patent number: 11688479
    Abstract: A first group of memory cells of a memory device can be subjected to a particular quantity of program/erase cycles (PECs) in response to a programming operation performed on a second group of memory cells of the memory device. Subsequent to subjecting the first group of memory cells to the particular quantity of PECs, a data retention capability of the first group of memory cells can be assessed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Vamsi Pavan Rayaprolu, Giuseppina Puzzilli, Karl D. Schuh, Jeffrey S. McNeil, Jr., Kishore K. Muchherla, Ashutosh Malshe, Niccolo' Righetti
  • Patent number: 11682469
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for techniques for data programming are described for programming data to a memory system using a second programming mode associated with a higher error rate than a first programming mode. The second programming mode may include skipping one or more voltage calibration procedures included in the first programming mode, as well as performing one or more data verification procedures once a larger set of the data is programmed. The second programming mode may also include using a higher programming voltage pulse to program data and the programming pulse may last for a longer period of time than a programming pulse for the first programming mode. A memory system may receive data, determine to write the data to a memory device using the second programming mode, write the data using the second programming mode, and verify whether the data satisfies an error threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Cariello
  • Patent number: 11682460
    Abstract: A program method of a nonvolatile memory device including receiving a write address and write data, generating a seed corresponding to the write address, generating a random sequence by using the seed, randomizing the write data by using the random sequence, and programming the randomized write data to a memory area corresponding to the write address may be provided. The seed may provide state shaping variable depending on a location of a word line, at which the received write data is to be programmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun-ho Seo, Sangwon Hwang, Suk-Eun Kang, Haneol Jang, Youngwook Jeong, Wanha Hwang
  • Patent number: 11657886
    Abstract: A memory device to generate intelligent, proactive responses to a read command. For example, signal and noise characteristics of a group of memory cells in a memory device are measured to determine a read voltage. An action is identified based on evaluation of the quality of data retrievable using the read voltage from the group of memory cells. While a response indicating the action is provided responsive to the command, the memory device can initiate the action proactively before a subsequent command, following the response, is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Sivagnanam Parthasarathy, James Fitzpatrick, Patrick Robert Khayat, AbdelHakim S. Alhussien
  • Patent number: 11657892
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a latch array including a plurality of latches logically configured in rows and columns, a plurality of repair latches operatively coupled to the plurality of latches and latch array built in self-test and repair logic (LABISTRL) coupled to the plurality of latches. In some implementations the LABISTRL configures latches in the array as one or more column serial test shift register, detects one or more defective latches of the plurality of latches based on applied test data, and selects at least one repair latch in response to detection of at least one defective latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Joel Thornton Irby, Grady L. Giles
  • Patent number: 11651826
    Abstract: A memory device is provided. The memory device includes a first transistor and a second transistor connected in series with the first transistor. The second transistor is programmable between a first state and a second state. A bit line connected to the second transistor. A sense amplifier connected to the bit line. The sense amplifier is operative to sense data from the bit line. A feedback circuit connected to the sense amplifier, wherein the feedback circuit is operative to control a bit line current of the bit-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu-Der Chih