Patents by Inventor Brian W. Huber

Brian W. Huber 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: 20240087621
    Abstract: A memory device includes a command interface configured to receive write commands from a host device. Additionally, the memory device includes an input buffer configured to buffer a strobe signal from the host device. Furthermore, the memory device includes a first ripple counter and a second ripple counter. The memory device includes command handling circuitry configured to alternatingly start the first ripple counter and the second ripple counter in response to consecutive write commands. The command handling circuitry and/or the first and second ripple counters are configured to suppress a reset of the input buffer if either the first ripple counter or the second ripple counter has not reached a threshold and is still counting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Brian W. Huber, Scott E. Smith, Gary L. Howe
  • Patent number: 11881251
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which memory devices are configured to provide row clear features. In some embodiments, the memory device may receive a command from a host device directed to a row of a memory array included in the memory device. The memory device may determine that the command is directed to two or more columns associated with the row, where each column is coupled with a group of memory cells. The memory device may activate the row to write the two or more columns using a set of predetermined data stored in a register of the memory device. Subsequently, the memory device may deactivate the word line based on writing the set of predetermined data to the two or more columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Inventors: Miles S. Wiscombe, Scott E. Smith, Gary L. Howe, Brian W. Huber, Tony M. Brewer
  • Publication number: 20230120654
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for voltage adjustment based on, for example, pending refresh operations are described. A memory device may periodically perform refresh operations to refresh volatile memory cells and may at times postpone performing one or more refresh operations. A memory device may determine a quantity of pending (e.g., postponed) refresh operations, such as by determining a quantity of refresh intervals that have elapsed without receiving or executing a refresh command, among other methods. A memory device may pre-emptively adjust (or cause to be adjusted) a supply voltage associated with the memory device or memory device component based on the quantity of pending refresh operations to prepare for the current demand associated with the performing the one or more pending refresh operations. For example, the memory device may increase a supply voltage associated with one or more components to prepare for performing multiple pending refresh operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: Timothy M. Hollis, James S. Rehmeyer, Baekkyu Choi, Yogesh Sharma, Eric J. Stave, Brian W. Huber, Miles S. Wiscombe
  • Patent number: 11568913
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for voltage adjustment based on, for example, pending refresh operations are described. A memory device may periodically perform refresh operations to refresh volatile memory cells and may at times postpone performing one or more refresh operations. A memory device may determine a quantity of pending (e.g., postponed) refresh operations, such as by determining a quantity of refresh intervals that have elapsed without receiving or executing a refresh command, among other methods. A memory device may pre-emptively adjust (or cause to be adjusted) a supply voltage associated with the memory device or memory device component based on the quantity of pending refresh operations to prepare for the current demand associated with the performing the one or more pending refresh operations. For example, the memory device may increase a supply voltage associated with one or more components to prepare for performing multiple pending refresh operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Hollis, James S. Rehmeyer, Baekkyu Choi, Yogesh Sharma, Eric J. Stave, Brian W. Huber, Miles S. Wiscombe
  • Publication number: 20220375507
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which memory devices are configured to provide row clear features. In some embodiments, the memory device may receive a command from a host device directed to a row of a memory array included in the memory device. The memory device may determine that the command is directed to two or more columns associated with the row, where each column is coupled with a group of memory cells. The memory device may activate the row to write the two or more columns using a set of predetermined data stored in a register of the memory device. Subsequently, the memory device may deactivate the word line based on writing the set of predetermined data to the two or more columns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2022
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Inventors: Miles S. Wiscombe, Scott E. Smith, Gary L. Howe, Brian W. Huber, Tony M. Brewer
  • Patent number: 11430504
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which memory devices are configured to provide row clear features. In some embodiments, the memory device may receive a command from a host device directed to a row of a memory array included in the memory device. The memory device may determine that the command is directed to two or more columns associated with the row, where each column is coupled with a group of memory cells. The memory device may activate the row to write the two or more columns using a set of predetermined data stored in a register of the memory device. Subsequently, the memory device may deactivate the word line based on writing the set of predetermined data to the two or more columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Miles S. Wiscombe, Scott E. Smith, Gary L. Howe, Brian W. Huber, Tony M. Brewer
  • Publication number: 20220068349
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which memory devices are configured to provide row clear features. In some embodiments, the memory device may receive a command from a host device directed to a row of a memory array included in the memory device. The memory device may determine that the command is directed to two or more columns associated with the row, where each column is coupled with a group of memory cells. The memory device may activate the row to write the two or more columns using a set of predetermined data stored in a register of the memory device. Subsequently, the memory device may deactivate the word line based on writing the set of predetermined data to the two or more columns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Miles S. Wiscombe, Scott E. Smith, Gary L. Howe, Brian W. Huber, Tony M. Brewer
  • Patent number: 11183980
    Abstract: Techniques described herein are related to spread amplifier having a differential amplifier spread (DAS) configured to receive a pair of input signals and to provide a plurality of graded outputs each having different output levels. The spread amplifier further includes a final driver stage having a plurality of final drivers, wherein each of the final drivers is configured to receive a respective one of the plurality of graded outputs. The spread amplifier may be used for the regulation of various voltages such as VDQS and VARY.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian W. Huber
  • Publication number: 20210241810
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for voltage adjustment based on, for example, pending refresh operations are described. A memory device may periodically perform refresh operations to refresh volatile memory cells and may at times postpone performing one or more refresh operations. A memory device may determine a quantity of pending (e.g., postponed) refresh operations, such as by determining a quantity of refresh intervals that have elapsed without receiving or executing a refresh command, among other methods. A memory device may pre-emptively adjust (or cause to be adjusted) a supply voltage associated with the memory device or memory device component based on the quantity of pending refresh operations to prepare for the current demand associated with the performing the one or more pending refresh operations. For example, the memory device may increase a supply voltage associated with one or more components to prepare for performing multiple pending refresh operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Inventors: Timothy M. Hollis, James S. Rehmeyer, Baekkyu Choi, Yogesh Sharma, Eric J. Stave, Brian W. Huber, Miles S. Wiscombe
  • Patent number: 9196321
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed herein, including those, performed by a memory die, that operate to detect that a command on a bus connected to the memory die is addressed to another memory die responsive to a chip select signal, and to change the impedance of an on-die termination circuit of the memory die responsive to the detecting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian W. Huber, Vijay Vankayala, Brian Gross, Gary Howe, Roy E. Greeff
  • Publication number: 20150098285
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed herein, including those, performed by a memory die, that operate to detect that a command on a bus connected to the memory die is addressed to another memory die responsive to a chip select signal, and to change the impedance of an on-die termination circuit of the memory die responsive to the detecting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian W. Huber, Vijay Vankayala, Brian Gross, Gary Howe, Roy E. Greeff
  • Patent number: 8379469
    Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatus and methods having a memory cell included in a device, a control line configured to receive a control signal to access the memory cell, and a first line configured to transfer information to and from the memory cell. The control signal has a first level during a first time interval and a second level during a second time interval of a memory operation. The apparatus and methods also include a module configured to reduce difference between a value of a voltage on the second line and a value of a voltage on a node of the device during a first time portion of the second time interval. Additional apparatus and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian W. Huber, Jason M. Brown
  • Publication number: 20120127808
    Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatus and methods having a memory cell included in a device, a control line configured to receive a control signal to access the memory cell, and a first line configured to transfer information to and from the memory cell. The control signal has a first level during a first time interval and a second level during a second time interval of a memory operation. The apparatus and methods also include a module configured to reduce difference between a value of a voltage on the second line and a value of a voltage on a node of the device during a first time portion of the second time interval. Additional apparatus and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Brian W. Huber, Jason M. Brown
  • Patent number: 8107305
    Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatus and methods having a memory cell included in a device, a control line configured to receive a control signal to access the memory cell, and a first line configured to transfer information to and from the memory cell. The control signal has a first level during a first time interval and a second level during a second time interval of a memory operation. The apparatus and methods also include a module configured to reduce difference between a value of a voltage on the second line and a value of a voltage on a node of the device during a first time portion of the second time interval. Additional apparatus and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian W. Huber, Jason M. Brown
  • Publication number: 20100329046
    Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatus and methods having a memory cell included in a device, a control line configured to receive a control signal to access the memory cell, and a first line configured to transfer information to and from the memory cell. The control signal has a first level during a first time interval and a second level during a second time interval of a memory operation. The apparatus and methods also include a module configured to reduce difference between a value of a voltage on the second line and a value of a voltage on a node of the device during a first time portion of the second time interval. Additional apparatus and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Brian W. Huber, Jason M. Brown
  • Patent number: 7529318
    Abstract: A circuit and method reduces noise signals coupled to a reference voltage used by a digital differential input receiver having an input that is coupled to an input/output terminal. The circuit and method selectively isolates the reference voltage from the input/output terminal to which output signals are selectively applied. The isolation occurs responsive to detecting that an output signal is being applied to the input/output terminal so that transitions of the output signal are not coupled through the input receiver to generate noise in the reference voltage. In one embodiment, the isolation is provided by placing an isolation circuit between the input receiver and either the input/output terminal or a source of the reference voltage. In another embodiment, the isolation is provided by selectively biasing the input receiver so that coupling of output signal transitions through the input receiver is substantially reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian W. Huber
  • Patent number: 7253464
    Abstract: Depletion-mode ferroelectric transistors are adapted for use as non-volatile memory cells for memory devices and electronic systems. Various embodiments are described having a diode interposed between the bit line and a source/drain region of the transistor for added margin against read disturb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig T. Salling, Brian W. Huber
  • Patent number: 7199413
    Abstract: Depletion-mode ferroelectric transistors are adapted for use as non-volatile memory cells for memory devices and electronic systems. Various embodiments are described having a diode interposed between the bit line and a source/drain region of the transistor for added margin against read disturb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig T. Salling, Brian W. Huber
  • Patent number: 7139203
    Abstract: A method and apparatus provide unbalanced output drive capability, for example, to correct for output skews in subsequent output stages. In one aspect, a pre-driver or the like provides unbalanced output drive capability. The pre-driver is comprised of first and second data paths having a plurality of transistor output stages and a plurality of switches for controlling the conductivity of the plurality of output stages in response to the level of conductivity of a subsequent driver output stage. A method of correcting output skews in a subsequent amplification stage is also provided. In another aspect, a portion of a data path, a memory device, and a computer system all have a pre-driver with pre-driver output transistors responsive to signals indicative of the strength of output drive transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian W. Huber
  • Patent number: 7016250
    Abstract: A method of boosting the voltage supplied to an output pad driver through a bus connected to a voltage regulator. The method comprises momentarily connecting the bus directly to a voltage source and temporarily enabling the voltage regulator to source additional current to an output terminal thereof. A method of boosting the gate voltages for transistors controlling the voltage appearing on output pads of a solid state memory device, the gate voltages supplied by a voltage regulator through an output bus. The method comprises periodically determining the demand for gate voltage and, when the demand is high, momentarily connecting each line of the bus to a voltage source, and temporarily enabling the voltage regulator to source additional current to an output terminal thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian W. Huber