Patents by Inventor Brent Keeth

Brent Keeth has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20210201966
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides techniques for using a multiple-port buffer to improve a transaction rate of a memory module. In an example, a memory module can include a circuit board having an external interface, first memory devices mounted to the circuit board, and a first multiple-port buffer circuit mounted to the circuit board. The first multiple-port buffer circuit can include a first port coupled to data lines of the external interface, the first port configured to operate at a first transaction rate, a second port coupled to data lines of a first plurality of the first memory devices, and a third port coupled to data lines of a second plurality of the first memory devices. The second and third ports can be configured to operate at a second transaction rate, wherein the second transaction rate is slower than the first transaction rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventors: Jasper S. Gibbons, Matthew A. Prather, Brent Keeth, Frank F. Ross, Daniel Benjamin Stewart, Randall J. Rooney
  • Publication number: 20210191622
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for latency offset for frame-based communications are described. A memory system may include a host device and a memory device that communicate using frames based on a frame period of a frame clock. The memory device may receive a read command and a write command from the host device, and determine a read latency and a write latency corresponding to the received commands. The memory device may also determine an additional offset latency to add to the write latency to avoid bus contention between read data and write data associated with the read command and the write command, respectively. The offset latency may correspond to an integer quantity of clock periods, which may be less than the frame period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2020
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: James Brian Johnson, Brent Keeth
  • Publication number: 20210191627
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for multi-purpose signaling for a memory system are described. One or more signal paths of between a host device and a memory device may be configured to support shared pathways between multiple channels and to support multiple functions. For example, a signal path may be configured to communicate a state signal for an initialization sequence of the memory device, an error signal for the memory device to indicate that errors have occurred, or a low-power signal for the host device to request that the memory device enter a low-power mode, or a combination thereof. The signal path may be shared between two or more channels of the memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2020
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: James Brian Johnson, Brent Keeth
  • Patent number: 11031049
    Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for providing a flexible memory system are generally described herein. In some embodiments, a substrate is provided, wherein a stack of memory is coupled to the substrate. The stack of memory includes a number of vaults. A controller is also coupled to the substrate and includes a number of vault interface blocks coupled to the number of vaults of the stack of memory, wherein the number of vault interface blocks is less than the number of vaults.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe M. Jeddeloh, Brent Keeth
  • Patent number: 10998291
    Abstract: Systems and devices for routing signals between a memory device and an interface of a host device are described. Some memory technologies may have a defined, preconfigured interface (e.g., bumpout), where each interface terminal may have a specific location and a specific function. Using preconfigured interfaces may allow device maker and memory makers to make parts that are able to connect with one another without special designs. In some cases, a memory device may include a redistribution layer that includes a plurality of interconnects that may be configured couple channel terminals of the memory device with an interface associated with the host device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Brent Keeth
  • Publication number: 20210124512
    Abstract: Techniques are described herein for a reconfigurable memory device that is configurable based on the type of interposer used to couple the memory device with a host device. The reconfigurable memory device may include a plurality components for a plurality of configurations. Various components of the reconfigurable memory die may be activated/deactivated based on what type of interposer is used in the memory device. For example, if a first type of interposer is used (e.g., a high-density interposer), the data channel may be eight data pins wide. In contrast, if second type of interposer is used (e.g., an organic-based interposer), the data channel may be four data pins wide. As such, a reconfigurable memory device may include data pins and related drivers that are inactive in some configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2021
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Inventors: Brent Keeth, James Brian Johnson
  • Patent number: 10936221
    Abstract: Techniques are described herein for a reconfigurable memory device that is configurable based on the type of interposer used to couple the memory device with a host device. The reconfigurable memory device may include a plurality components for a plurality of configurations. Various components of the reconfigurable memory die may be activated/deactivated based on what type of interposer is used in the memory device. For example, if a first type of interposer is used (e.g., a high-density interposer), the data channel may be eight data pins wide. In contrast, if second type of interposer is used (e.g., an organic-based interposer), the data channel may be four data pins wide. As such, a reconfigurable memory device may include data pins and related drivers that are inactive in some configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Keeth, James Brian Johnson
  • Publication number: 20200411064
    Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for providing a flexible memory system are generally described herein. In some embodiments, a substrate is provided, wherein a stack of memory is coupled to the substrate. The stack of memory includes a number of vaults. A controller is also coupled to the substrate and includes a number of vault interface blocks coupled to the number of vaults of the stack of memory, wherein the number of vault interface blocks is less than the number of vaults.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Joe M. Jeddeloh, Brent Keeth
  • Patent number: 10878933
    Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatuses and methods having a first interface to communicate with a processing unit, a second interface to communicate with a memory device, and a module coupled to the first and second interfaces. In at least one of the embodiments, the module can be configured to obtain information stored in the memory device and perform at least one of testing and repairing of a memory structure of the memory device based at least in part on the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe M. Jeddeloh, Brent Keeth
  • Patent number: 10838897
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for a translation device that is configured to enable communication between a host device and a memory technology using different communication protocols (e.g., a communication protocol that is not preconfigured in the host device) is described herein. The translation device may be configured to receive signals from the host device using a first communication protocol and transmit signals to the memory device using a second communication protocol, or vice-versa. When converting signals between different communication protocols, the translation device may be configured to convert commands, map memory addresses to new addresses, map between channels having different characteristics, encode data using different modulation schemes, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Keeth, Richard C. Murphy, Elliott C. Cooper-Balis
  • Publication number: 20200350224
    Abstract: Stacked semiconductor die assemblies with multiple thermal paths and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a semiconductor die assembly can include a plurality of first semiconductor dies arranged in a stack and a second semiconductor die carrying the first semiconductor dies. The second semiconductor die can include a peripheral portion that extends laterally outward beyond at least one side of the first semiconductor dies. The semiconductor die assembly can further include a thermal transfer feature at the peripheral portion of the second semiconductor die. The first semiconductor dies can define a first thermal path, and the thermal transfer feature can define a second thermal path separate from the first semiconductor dies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: Steven K. Groothuis, Jian Li, Haojun Zhang, Paul A. Silvestri, Xiao Li, Shijian Luo, Luke G. England, Brent Keeth, Jaspreet S. Gandhi
  • Patent number: 10802516
    Abstract: Apparatuses for supplying power supply voltage in a plurality of dies are described. An example apparatus includes: a circuit board; a regulator on the circuit board that regulates a first voltage; a semiconductor device on the circuit board that receives the first voltage through a power line in the circuit board. The semiconductor device includes: a substrate on the circuit board, stacked via conductive balls, that receives the first voltage from the power line via the conductive balls; a plurality of dies on the semiconductor device, stacked via bumps, each die including, a first conductive via that receives the first voltage via the bumps; a plurality of pillars between adjacent dies and couple the first conductive vias of the adjacent dies; and a sense node switch circuit that selectively couples one first conductive via of one die among the plurality of dies to the regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam S. El-Mansouri, Fuad Badrieh, Brent Keeth
  • Publication number: 20200285498
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods related to managing regions of memory are described. Managing regions can include verifying whether an access command is authorized to access a particular region of a memory array, which may have some regions that have rules or restrictions governing access (e.g., so-called “protected regions”). The authorization can be verified utilizing a key and a memory address corresponding to the access command. If an access command is authorized to access a region, then a row of the memory array corresponding to the access command can be activated. If an access command is not authorized to access the region, then a row of the memory array corresponding to the access command may not be activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: Brent Keeth, Naveh Malihi
  • Patent number: 10768831
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods related to implementing a non-persistent unlock state for secure memory. Implementing the non-persistent unlock state can include verifying whether an access command is authorized to access a protected region of a memory array. The authorization can be verified utilizing a key and a memory address corresponding to the access command. If an access command is authorized to access a protected region, then a row of the memory array corresponding to the access command can be activated following the placement of the protected region in a non-persistent unlocked mode. If the row of the memory array corresponding to the access command is activated, then the protected region can be placed on a locked mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Keeth, Naveh Malihi
  • Publication number: 20200272560
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed, including memory devices and systems. Example memory devices, systems and methods include a buffer interface to translate high speed data interactions on a host interface side into slower, wider data interactions on a DRAM interface side. The slower, and wider DRAM interface may be configured to substantially match the capacity of the narrower, higher speed host interface. In some examples, the buffer interface may be configured to provide multiple sub-channel interfaces each coupled to one or more regions within the memory structure and configured to facilitate data recovery in the event of a failure of some portion of the memory structure. Selected example memory devices, systems and methods include an individual DRAM die, or one or more stacks of DRAM dies coupled to a buffer die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Inventors: Brent Keeth, Owen Fay, Chan H. Yoo, Roy E. Greeff, Matthew B. Leslie
  • Publication number: 20200272564
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed, including memory devices and systems. Example memory devices, systems and methods include a buffer interface to translate high speed data interactions on a host interface side into slower, wider data interactions on a DRAM interface side. The slower, and wider DRAM interface may be configured to substantially match the capacity of the narrower, higher speed host interface. In some examples, the buffer interface may be configured to provide multiple sub-channel interfaces each coupled to one or more regions within the memory structure and configured to facilitate data recovery in the event of a failure of some portion of the memory structure. Selected example memory devices, systems and methods include an individual DRAM die, or one or more stacks of DRAM dies coupled to a buffer die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Inventors: Brent Keeth, Owen Fay, Chan H. Yoo, Roy E. Greeff, Matthew B. Leslie
  • Patent number: 10741468
    Abstract: Stacked semiconductor die assemblies with multiple thermal paths and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a semiconductor die assembly can include a plurality of first semiconductor dies arranged in a stack and a second semiconductor die carrying the first semiconductor dies. The second semiconductor die can include a peripheral portion that extends laterally outward beyond at least one side of the first semiconductor dies. The semiconductor die assembly can further include a thermal transfer feature at the peripheral portion of the second semiconductor die. The first semiconductor dies can define a first thermal path, and the thermal transfer feature can define a second thermal path separate from the first semiconductor dies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven K. Groothuis, Jian Li, Haojun Zhang, Paul A. Silvestri, Xiao Li, Shijian Luo, Luke G. England, Brent Keeth, Jaspreet S. Gandhi
  • Patent number: 10714150
    Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for providing a flexible memory system are generally described herein. In some embodiments, a substrate is provided, wherein a stack of memory is coupled to the substrate. The stack of memory includes a number of vaults. A controller is also coupled to the substrate and includes a number of vault interface blocks coupled to the number of vaults of the stack of memory, wherein the number of vault interface blocks is less than the number of vaults.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe M. Jeddeloh, Brent Keeth
  • Publication number: 20200210078
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods related to tracking unauthorized access commands for memory. Identifying unauthorized memory access can include verifying whether an access command is authorized to access a protected region of a memory array. The authorization can be verified utilizing a key and a memory address corresponding to the access command. If an access command is authorized to access a protected region, then a row of the memory array corresponding to the access command can be activated. If an access command is not authorized to access the protected region, then an access count can be incremented to signify the unauthorized access command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Brent Keeth, Naveh Malihi
  • Publication number: 20200210361
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for a translation device that is configured to enable communication between a host device and a memory technology using different communication protocols (e.g., a communication protocol that is not preconfigured in the host device) is described herein. The translation device may be configured to receive signals from the host device using a first communication protocol and transmit signals to the memory device using a second communication protocol, or vice-versa. When converting signals between different communication protocols, the translation device may be configured to convert commands, map memory addresses to new addresses, map between channels having different characteristics, encode data using different modulation schemes, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Brent Keeth, Richard C. Murphy, Elliott C. Cooper-Balis