Patents by Inventor Brenton P. Van Leeuwen

Brenton P. Van Leeuwen 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).

  • Patent number: 11954049
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which security measures may be implemented to control access to a fuse array (or other secure features) of the memory devices based on a secure access key. In some cases, a customer may define and store a user-defined access key in the fuse array. In other cases, a manufacturer of the memory device may define a manufacturer-defined access key (e.g., an access key based on fuse identification (FID), a secret access key), where a host device coupled with the memory device may obtain the manufacturer-defined access key according to certain protocols. The memory device may compare an access key included in a command directed to the memory device with either the user-defined access key or the manufacturer-defined access key to determine whether to permit or prohibit execution of the command based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Inventors: Brenton P. Van Leeuwen, Nathaniel J. Meier
  • Publication number: 20230289301
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which security measures may be implemented to control access to a fuse array (or other secure features) of the memory devices based on a secure access key. In some cases, a customer may define and store a user-defined access key in the fuse array. In other cases, a manufacturer of the memory device may define a manufacturer-defined access key (e.g., an access key based on fuse identification (FID), a secret access key), where a host device coupled with the memory device may obtain the manufacturer-defined access key according to certain protocols. The memory device may compare an access key included in a command directed to the memory device with either the user-defined access key or the manufacturer-defined access key to determine whether to permit or prohibit execution of the command based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Nathaniel J. Meier, Brenton P. Van Leeuwen
  • Patent number: 11704255
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which security measures may be implemented to control access to a fuse array (or other secure features) of the memory devices based on a secure access key. In some cases, a customer may define and store a user-defined access key in the fuse array. In other cases, a manufacturer of the memory device may define a manufacturer-defined access key (e.g., an access key based on fuse identification (FID), a secret access key), where a host device coupled with the memory device may obtain the manufacturer-defined access key according to certain protocols. The memory device may compare an access key included in a command directed to the memory device with either the user-defined access key or the manufacturer-defined access key to determine whether to permit or prohibit execution of the command based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel J. Meier, Brenton P. Van Leeuwen
  • Patent number: 11644981
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which security locks are implemented to control access to secure functions of the memory devices. In one embodiment, the memory device detects a predetermined signal directed to the memory device. The predetermined signals may include one or more commands directed to the memory device, an operating parameter of the memory device, or both. The memory device may track instances of the predetermined signals to compare with a threshold stored in the memory device. If the memory device determines that the predetermined signals satisfy the threshold, the memory device prohibits access to the secure functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel J. Meier, Brenton P. Van Leeuwen
  • Publication number: 20230102649
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which security measures may be implemented to control access to a fuse array (or other secure features) of the memory devices based on a secure access key. In some cases, a customer may define and store a user-defined access key in the fuse array. In other cases, a manufacturer of the memory device may define a manufacturer-defined access key (e.g., an access key based on fuse identification (FID), a secret access key), where a host device coupled with the memory device may obtain the manufacturer-defined access key according to certain protocols. The memory device may compare an access key included in a command directed to the memory device with either the user-defined access key or the manufacturer-defined access key to determine whether to permit or prohibit execution of the command based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventors: Brenton P. Van Leeuwen, Nathaniel J. Meier
  • Publication number: 20230073070
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which self-lock security may be implemented to control access to a fuse array (or other secure features) of the memory devices based on a predefined event associated with the memory device operation. The predefined event may include an operating parameter of the memory device, one or more commands directed to the memory device, or both. The memory device may monitor the predefined event and determine that the predefined event satisfies a threshold. The threshold may be related to a time elapsed since the predefined event has occurred or a certain pattern in the one or more commands. Subsequently, the memory device may disable a circuit configured to access the fuse array based on the determination such that an access to the fuse array is no longer allowed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Nathaniel J. Meier, Brenton P. Van Leeuwen
  • Patent number: 11587607
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for driving word lines using sub word line drivers are described. A memory array may include a plurality of sub-arrays arranged with gaps in between. Word lines may be arranged across multiple sub-arrays and drive access transistors that are used to selectively access rows (e.g., rows of memory cells) within the sub-arrays. In some examples, signals applied to selection devices driving the word lines may be over-driven for a duration at or near the desired transitions of the word line, and some signals may be driven to a relatively high level for a duration around the high and low transitions of a global row line. Whether a signal is over driven or driven to a relatively high level may depend on the type or types of transistors used in each word line driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Tae H. Kim, Brenton P. Van Leeuwen
  • Patent number: 11520711
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which security measures may be implemented to control access to a fuse array (or other secure features) of the memory devices based on a secure access key. In some cases, a customer may define and store a user-defined access key in the fuse array. In other cases, a manufacturer of the memory device may define a manufacturer-defined access key (e.g., an access key based on fuse identification (FID), a secret access key), where a host device coupled with the memory device may obtain the manufacturer-defined access key according to certain protocols. The memory device may compare an access key included in a command directed to the memory device with either the user-defined access key or the manufacturer-defined access key to determine whether to permit or prohibit execution of the command based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Brenton P. Van Leeuwen, Nathaniel J. Meier
  • Patent number: 11494522
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which self-lock security may be implemented to control access to a fuse array (or other secure features) of the memory devices based on a predefined event associated with the memory device operation. The predefined event may include an operating parameter of the memory device, one or more commands directed to the memory device, or both. The memory device may monitor the predefined event and determine that the predefined event satisfies a threshold. The threshold may be related to a time elapsed since the predefined event has occurred or a certain pattern in the one or more commands. Subsequently, the memory device may disable a circuit configured to access the fuse array based on the determination such that an access to the fuse array is no longer allowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel J. Meier, Brenton P. Van Leeuwen
  • Patent number: 11474955
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods related to memory disablement for memory security. Disabling the memory for memory security can include, responsive to receiving a trigger signal, provide a voltage, which may be in excess of an operating or nominal voltage, to the access circuitry. The voltage may thus be sufficient to render the access circuitry inoperable for accessing data stored in the memory array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shea M. Morrison, Brenton P. Van Leeuwen, Blakely N. Frechette
  • Publication number: 20220254405
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for driving word lines using sub word line drivers are described. A memory array may include a plurality of sub-arrays arranged with gaps in between. Word lines may be arranged across multiple sub-arrays and drive access transistors that are used to selectively access rows (e.g., rows of memory cells) within the sub-arrays. In some examples, signals applied to selection devices driving the word lines may be over-driven for a duration at or near the desired transitions of the word line, and some signals may be driven to a relatively high level for a duration around the high and low transitions of a global row line. Whether a signal is over driven or driven to a relatively high level may depend on the type or types of transistors used in each word line driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2022
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Inventors: Tae H. Kim, Brenton P. Van Leeuwen
  • Publication number: 20220129392
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which security measures may be implemented to control access to a fuse array (or other secure features) of the memory devices based on a secure access key. In some cases, a customer may define and store a user-defined access key in the fuse array. In other cases, a manufacturer of the memory device may define a manufacturer-defined access key (e.g., an access key based on fuse identification (FID), a secret access key), where a host device coupled with the memory device may obtain the manufacturer-defined access key according to certain protocols. The memory device may compare an access key included in a command directed to the memory device with either the user-defined access key or the manufacturer-defined access key to determine whether to permit or prohibit execution of the command based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Inventors: Nathaniel J. Meier, Brenton P. Van Leeuwen
  • Patent number: 11302381
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for driving word lines using sub word line drivers are described. A memory array may include a plurality of sub-arrays arranged with gaps in between. Word lines may be arranged across multiple sub-arrays and drive access transistors that are used to selectively access rows (e.g., rows of memory cells) within the sub-arrays. In some examples, signals applied to selection devices driving the word lines may be over-driven for a duration at or near the desired transitions of the word line, and some signals may be driven to a relatively high level for a duration around the high and low transitions of a global row line. Whether a signal is over driven or driven to a relatively high level may depend on the type or types of transistors used in each word line driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Tae H. Kim, Brenton P. Van Leeuwen
  • Publication number: 20220100397
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which security locks are implemented to control access to secure functions of the memory devices. In one embodiment, the memory device detects a predetermined signal directed to the memory device. The predetermined signals may include one or more commands directed to the memory device, an operating parameter of the memory device, or both. The memory device may track instances of the predetermined signals to compare with a threshold stored in the memory device. If the memory device determines that the predetermined signals satisfy the threshold, the memory device prohibits access to the secure functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: Nathaniel J. Meier, Brenton P. Van Leeuwen
  • Publication number: 20220012374
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which security measures may be implemented to control access to a fuse array (or other secure features) of the memory devices based on a secure access key. In some cases, a customer may define and store a user-defined access key in the fuse array. In other cases, a manufacturer of the memory device may define a manufacturer-defined access key (e.g., an access key based on fuse identification (FID), a secret access key), where a host device coupled with the memory device may obtain the manufacturer-defined access key according to certain protocols. The memory device may compare an access key included in a command directed to the memory device with either the user-defined access key or the manufacturer-defined access key to determine whether to permit or prohibit execution of the command based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Inventors: Brenton P. Van Leeuwen, Nathaniel J. Meier
  • Patent number: 11182308
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which security measures may be implemented to control access to a fuse array (or other secure features) of the memory devices based on a secure access key. In some cases, a customer may define and store a user-defined access key in the fuse array. In other cases, a manufacturer of the memory device may define a manufacturer-defined access key (e.g., an access key based on fuse identification (FID), a secret access key), where a host device coupled with the memory device may obtain the manufacturer-defined access key according to certain protocols. The memory device may compare an access key included in a command directed to the memory device with either the user-defined access key or the manufacturer-defined access key to determine whether to permit or prohibit execution of the command based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel J. Meier, Brenton P. Van Leeuwen
  • Patent number: 11132470
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which security measures may be implemented to control access to a fuse array (or other secure features) of the memory devices based on a secure access key. In some cases, a customer may define and store a user-defined access key in the fuse array. In other cases, a manufacturer of the memory device may define a manufacturer-defined access key (e.g., an access key based on fuse identification (FID), a secret access key), where a host device coupled with the memory device may obtain the manufacturer-defined access key according to certain protocols. The memory device may compare an access key included in a command directed to the memory device with either the user-defined access key or the manufacturer-defined access key to determine whether to permit or prohibit execution of the command based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Brenton P. Van Leeuwen, Nathaniel J. Meier
  • Publication number: 20210286738
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which security measures may be implemented to control access to a fuse array (or other secure features) of the memory devices based on a secure access key. In some cases, a customer may define and store a user-defined access key in the fuse array. In other cases, a manufacturer of the memory device may define a manufacturer-defined access key (e.g., an access key based on fuse identification (FID), a secret access key), where a host device coupled with the memory device may obtain the manufacturer-defined access key according to certain protocols. The memory device may compare an access key included in a command directed to the memory device with either the user-defined access key or the manufacturer-defined access key to determine whether to permit or prohibit execution of the command based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Brenton P. Van Leeuwen, Nathaniel J. Meier
  • Patent number: 11030124
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which security measures may be implemented to control access to a fuse array (or other secure features) of the memory devices based on a secure access key. In some cases, a customer may define and store a user-defined access key in the fuse array. In other cases, a manufacturer of the memory device may define a manufacturer-defined access key (e.g., an access key based on fuse identification (FID), a secret access key), where a host device coupled with the memory device may obtain the manufacturer-defined access key according to certain protocols. The memory device may compare an access key included in a command directed to the memory device with either the user-defined access key or the manufacturer-defined access key to determine whether to permit or prohibit execution of the command based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Brenton P. Van Leeuwen, Nathaniel J. Meier
  • Publication number: 20210141744
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which security measures may be implemented to control access to a fuse array (or other secure features) of the memory devices based on a secure access key. In some cases, a customer may define and store a user-defined access key in the fuse array. In other cases, a manufacturer of the memory device may define a manufacturer-defined access key (e.g., an access key based on fuse identification (FID), a secret access key), where a host device coupled with the memory device may obtain the manufacturer-defined access key according to certain protocols. The memory device may compare an access key included in a command directed to the memory device with either the user-defined access key or the manufacturer-defined access key to determine whether to permit or prohibit execution of the command based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: Brenton P. Van Leeuwen, Nathaniel J. Meier