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).
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Patent number: 11954049Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 5, 2022Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Inventors: Brenton P. Van Leeuwen, Nathaniel J. Meier
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Publication number: 20230289301Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2023Publication date: September 14, 2023Inventors: Nathaniel J. Meier, Brenton P. Van Leeuwen
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Patent number: 11704255Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 19, 2021Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel J. Meier, Brenton P. Van Leeuwen
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Patent number: 11644981Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 25, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel J. Meier, Brenton P. Van Leeuwen
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Publication number: 20230102649Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2022Publication date: March 30, 2023Inventors: Brenton P. Van Leeuwen, Nathaniel J. Meier
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Publication number: 20230073070Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2022Publication date: March 9, 2023Inventors: Nathaniel J. Meier, Brenton P. Van Leeuwen
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Patent number: 11587607Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 17, 2022Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Tae H. Kim, Brenton P. Van Leeuwen
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Patent number: 11520711Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 3, 2021Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Brenton P. Van Leeuwen, Nathaniel J. Meier
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Patent number: 11494522Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 7, 2019Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel J. Meier, Brenton P. Van Leeuwen
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Patent number: 11474955Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 16, 2020Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Shea M. Morrison, Brenton P. Van Leeuwen, Blakely N. Frechette
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Publication number: 20220254405Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2022Publication date: August 11, 2022Inventors: Tae H. Kim, Brenton P. Van Leeuwen
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Publication number: 20220129392Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2021Publication date: April 28, 2022Inventors: Nathaniel J. Meier, Brenton P. Van Leeuwen
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Patent number: 11302381Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 8, 2021Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Tae H. Kim, Brenton P. Van Leeuwen
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Publication number: 20220100397Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2020Publication date: March 31, 2022Inventors: Nathaniel J. Meier, Brenton P. Van Leeuwen
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Publication number: 20220012374Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2021Publication date: January 13, 2022Inventors: Brenton P. Van Leeuwen, Nathaniel J. Meier
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Patent number: 11182308Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 7, 2019Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel J. Meier, Brenton P. Van Leeuwen
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Patent number: 11132470Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 7, 2019Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Brenton P. Van Leeuwen, Nathaniel J. Meier
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Publication number: 20210286738Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2021Publication date: September 16, 2021Inventors: Brenton P. Van Leeuwen, Nathaniel J. Meier
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Patent number: 11030124Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 7, 2019Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Brenton P. Van Leeuwen, Nathaniel J. Meier
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Publication number: 20210141744Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2019Publication date: May 13, 2021Inventors: Brenton P. Van Leeuwen, Nathaniel J. Meier