Patents by Inventor Bruce Millar

Bruce Millar 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: 10985757
    Abstract: A system and method of performing off chip drive (OCD) and on-die termination (ODT) are provided. A common pull-up network composed of transistors and a common pull-down network composed of transistors are employed to implement both of these functions. In drive mode, the pull-up network is configured to produce a calibrated drive impedance when an “on” output is to be generated, and the pull-up network is configured to produce a calibrated drive impedance when an “off” output is to be generated. In termination mode, the pull-up network and the pull-down network are configured to produce a calibrated pull-up resistance and pull-down resistance respectively such that together, they form a split termination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Conversant Intellectual Property Management Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Millar
  • Publication number: 20200266818
    Abstract: A system and method of performing off chip drive (OCD) and on-die termination (ODT) are provided. A common pull-up network composed of transistors and a common pull-down network composed of transistors are employed to implement both of these functions. In drive mode, the pull-up network is configured to produce a calibrated drive impedance when an “on” output is to be generated, and the pull-up network is configured to produce a calibrated drive impedance when an “off” output is to be generated. In termination mode, the pull-up network and the pull-down network are configured to produce a calibrated pull-up resistance and pull-down resistance respectively such that together, they form a split termination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventor: Bruce MILLAR
  • Patent number: 10608634
    Abstract: A system and method of performing off chip drive (OCD) and on-die termination (ODT) are provided. A common pull-up network composed of transistors and a common pull-down network composed of transistors are employed to implement both of these functions. In drive mode, the pull-up network is configured to produce a calibrated drive impedance when an “on” output is to be generated, and the pull-up network is configured to produce a calibrated drive impedance when an “off” output is to be generated. In termination mode, the pull-up network and the pull-down network are configured to produce a calibrated pull-up resistance and pull-down resistance respectively such that together, they form a split termination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Conversant Intellectual Property Management Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Millar
  • Publication number: 20180367140
    Abstract: A system and method of performing off chip drive (OCD) and on-die termination (ODT) are provided. A common pull-up network composed of transistors and a common pull-down network composed of transistors are employed to implement both of these functions. In drive mode, the pull-up network is configured to produce a calibrated drive impedance when an “on” output is to be generated, and the pull-up network is configured to produce a calibrated drive impedance when an “off” output is to be generated. In termination mode, the pull-up network and the pull-down network are configured to produce a calibrated pull-up resistance and pull-down resistance respectively such that together, they form a split termination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventor: Bruce MILLAR
  • Publication number: 20180262195
    Abstract: A system and method of performing off chip drive (OCD) and on-die termination (ODT) are provided. A common pull-up network composed of transistors and a common pull-down network composed of transistors are employed to implement both of these functions. In drive mode, the pull-up network is configured to produce a calibrated drive impedance when an “on” output is to be generated, and the pull-up network is configured to produce a calibrated drive impedance when an “off” output is to be generated. In termination mode, the pull-up network and the pull-down network are configured to produce a calibrated pull-up resistance and pull-down resistance respectively such that together, they form a split termination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventor: Bruce MILLAR
  • Publication number: 20160277027
    Abstract: A system and method of performing off chip drive (OCD) and on-die termination (ODT) are provided. A common pull-up network composed of transistors and a common pull-down network composed of transistors are employed to implement both of these functions. In drive mode, the pull-up network is configured to produce a calibrated drive impedance when an “on” output is to be generated, and the pull-up network is configured to produce a calibrated drive impedance when an “off” output is to be generated. In termination mode, the pull-up network and the pull-down network are configured to produce a calibrated pull-up resistance and pull-down resistance respectively such that together, they form a split termination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Applicant: Conversant Intellectual Property Management Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce MILLAR
  • Patent number: 9300291
    Abstract: A system and method of performing off chip drive (OCD) and on-die termination (ODT) are provided. A common pull-up network composed of transistors and a common pull-down network composed of transistors are employed to implement both of these functions. In drive mode, the pull-up network is configured to produce a calibrated drive impedance when an “on” output is to be generated, and the pull-up network is configured to produce a calibrated drive impedance when an “off” output is to be generated. In termination mode, the pull-up network and the pull-down network are configured to produce a calibrated pull-up resistance and pull-down resistance respectively such that together, they form a split termination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Conversant Intellectual Property Management Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Millar
  • Publication number: 20150078057
    Abstract: A memory module that includes a buffer and a plurality of synchronous memory devices. The memory module also includes bidirectional bus lines, and each of the synchronous memory devices has bidirectional data terminals. The buffer is configured to regenerate signals received on the bus lines for receipt by the synchronous memory devices, and to regenerate signals received from any one of the synchronous memory devices for receipt by the bus lines. The memory module may further include command lines and a clock line for providing commands and a clock signal to the synchronous memory devices via a command buffer. The combined data bus width of the memory module may be greater than the data bus width of any single one of synchronous memory device, and the total address space provided by the memory module may be larger than the data space for any single synchronous memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Peter B. GILLINGHAM, Bruce MILLAR
  • Publication number: 20150008956
    Abstract: A system and method of performing off chip drive (OCD) and on-die termination (ODT) are provided. A common pull-up network composed of transistors and a common pull-down network composed of transistors are employed to implement both of these functions. In drive mode, the pull-up network is configured to produce a calibrated drive impedance when an “on” output is to be generated, and the pull-up network is configured to produce a calibrated drive impedance when an “off” output is to be generated. In termination mode, the pull-up network and the pull-down network are configured to produce a calibrated pull-up resistance and pull-down resistance respectively such that together, they form a split termination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Bruce MILLAR
  • Patent number: 8847623
    Abstract: A system and method of performing off chip drive (OCD) and on-die termination (ODT) are provided. A common pull-up network composed of transistors and a common pull-down network composed of transistors are employed to implement both of these functions. In drive mode, the pull-up network is configured to produce a calibrated drive impedance when an “on” output is to be generated, and the pull-up network is configured to produce a calibrated drive impedance when an “off” output is to be generated. In termination mode, the pull-up network and the pull-down network are configured to produce a calibrated pull-up resistance and pull-down resistance respectively such that together, they form a split termination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Conversant Intellectual Property Management Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Millar
  • Publication number: 20140071781
    Abstract: A voltage down converter (VDC) applicable to high-speed memory devices. The VDC includes a steady driver and active driver along with at least one additional transistor. The steady driver and active driver are coupled by a transistor switch during device start-up to provide fast ramp-up to operating voltage and current. After start-up, the steady driver and active drive function to maintain a steady operating voltage and current. An additional transistor is digitally controlled to drive up operating voltage and current upon issuance of an active command representing read, write, and/or refresh of memory. In this manner, the additional transistor provides fast compensation for fluctuations in operating voltage and current brought on by activity in the memory array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: MOSAID Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Hong Beom PYEON, Bruce MILLAR
  • Patent number: 8654573
    Abstract: A memory module that includes a buffer and a plurality of synchronous memory devices. The memory module also includes bidirectional bus lines, and each of the synchronous memory devices has bidirectional data terminals. The buffer is configured to regenerate signals received on the bus lines for receipt by the synchronous memory devices, and to regenerate signals received from any one of the synchronous memory devices for receipt by the bus lines. The memory module may further include command lines and a clock line for providing commands and a clock signal to the synchronous memory devices via a command buffer. The combined data bus width of the memory module may be greater than the data bus width of any single one of synchronous memory device, and the total address space provided by the memory module may be larger than the data space for any single synchronous memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: MOSAID Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Peter B. Gillingham, Bruce Millar
  • Patent number: 8611171
    Abstract: A voltage down converter (VDC) applicable to high-speed memory devices. The VDC includes a steady driver and active driver along with at least one additional transistor. The steady driver and active driver are coupled by a transistor switch during device start-up to provide fast ramp-up to operating voltage and current. After start-up, the steady driver and active drive function to maintain a steady operating voltage and current. An additional transistor is digitally controlled to drive up operating voltage and current upon issuance of an active command representing read, write, and/or refresh of memory. In this manner, the additional transistor provides fast compensation for fluctuations in operating voltage and current brought on by activity in the memory array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: MOSAID Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Hong Beom Pyeon, Bruce Millar
  • Publication number: 20130329482
    Abstract: A memory module that includes a buffer and a plurality of synchronous memory devices. The memory module also includes bidirectional bus lines, and each of the synchronous memory devices has bidirectional data terminals. The buffer is configured to regenerate signals received on the bus lines for receipt by the synchronous memory devices, and to regenerate signals received from any one of the synchronous memory devices for receipt by the bus lines. The memory module may further include command lines and a clock line for providing commands and a clock signal to the synchronous memory devices via a command buffer. The combined data bus width of the memory module may be greater than the data bus width of any single one of synchronous memory device, and the total address space provided by the memory module may be larger than the data space for any single synchronous memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: MOSAID TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Peter B. GILLINGHAM, Bruce MILLAR
  • Publication number: 20130132761
    Abstract: A memory module that includes a buffer and a plurality of synchronous memory devices. The memory module also includes bidirectional bus lines, and each of the synchronous memory devices has bidirectional data terminals. The buffer is configured to regenerate signals received on the bus lines for receipt by the synchronous memory devices, and to regenerate signals received from any one of the synchronous memory devices for receipt by the bus lines. The memory module may further include command lines and a clock line for providing commands and a clock signal to the synchronous memory devices via a command buffer. The combined data bus width of the memory module may be greater than the data bus width of any single one of synchronous memory device, and the total address space provided by the memory module may be larger than the data space for any single synchronous memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: MOSAID TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Peter B. GILLINGHAM, Bruce MILLAR
  • Patent number: 8266372
    Abstract: A DRAM system configured for high bandwidth communication, the system includes at least one DRAM having resistive termination devices within the DRAM, and a controller connected to the DRAM through a data bus. The controller includes resistive termination devices and the data bus includes at least one clock line driven intermittently. The data bus provides write data from the controller to the DRAM, and provides read data from the DRAM to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: MOSAID Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Peter Gillingham, Bruce Millar
  • Patent number: 8250297
    Abstract: This invention describes an improved high bandwidth chip-to-chip interface for memory devices, which is capable of operating at higher speeds, while maintaining error free data transmission, consuming lower power, and supporting more load. Accordingly, the invention provides a memory subsystem comprising at least two semiconductor devices; a main bus containing a plurality of bus lines for carrying substantially all data and command information needed by the devices, the semiconductor devices including at least one memory device connected in parallel to the bus; the bus lines including respective row command lines and column command lines; a clock generator for coupling to a clock line, the devices including clock inputs for coupling to the clock line; and the devices including programmable delay elements coupled to the clock inputs to delay the clock edges for setting an input data sampling time of the memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: MOSAID Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Peter Gillingham, Bruce Millar
  • Publication number: 20120176118
    Abstract: A voltage down converter (VDC) applicable to high-speed memory devices. The VDC includes a steady driver and active driver along with at least one additional transistor. The steady driver and active driver are coupled by a transistor switch during device start-up to provide fast ramp-up to operating voltage and current. After start-up, the steady driver and active drive function to maintain a steady operating voltage and current. An additional transistor is digitally controlled to drive up operating voltage and current upon issuance of an active command representing read, write, and/or refresh of memory. In this manner, the additional transistor provides fast compensation for fluctuations in operating voltage and current brought on by activity in the memory array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: MOSAID TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Hong Beom PYEON, Bruce MILLAR
  • Patent number: 8164968
    Abstract: A voltage down converter (VDC) applicable to high-speed memory devices. The VDC includes a steady driver and active driver along with at least one additional transistor. The steady driver and active driver are coupled by a transistor switch during device start-up to provide fast ramp-up to operating voltage and current. After start-up, the steady driver and active drive function to maintain a steady operating voltage and current. An additional transistor is digitally controlled to drive up operating voltage and current upon issuance of an active command representing read, write, and/or refresh of memory. In this manner, the additional transistor provides fast compensation for fluctuations in operating voltage and current brought on by activity in the memory array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: MOSAID Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Hong Beom Pyeon, Bruce Millar
  • Publication number: 20120019282
    Abstract: A system and method of performing off chip drive (OCD) and on-die termination (ODT) are provided. A common pull-up network composed of transistors and a common pull-down network composed of transistors are employed to implement both of these functions. In drive mode, the pull-up network is configured to produce a calibrated drive impedance when an “on” output is to be generated, and the pull-up network is configured to produce a calibrated drive impedance when an “off” output is to be generated. In termination mode, the pull-up network and the pull-down network are configured to produce a calibrated pull-up resistance and pull-down resistance respectively such that together, they form a split termination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: MOSAID TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Bruce MILLAR