Patents by Inventor Chad Adams

Chad Adams 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: 9183906
    Abstract: Rows of a memory array are segmented into a predetermined number of word line groups. Each row in a word line group has a word line disposed between parallel power supply lines. Each of the power supply lines in a row of a word line group is shared by an adjacent row in the word line group. A row on a boundary of a word line group has a power supply line shared by a row on a boundary of an adjacent word line group. All power supply lines in a word line group are at a full power voltage in response to one of the rows in the word line group being selected by a word line. Most power supply lines in an adjacent word line group are at a full power voltage. All power supply lines in other word line groups are at a power-gated voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chad A. Adams, Harold Pilo
  • Patent number: 9087607
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing sense amplifiers for sensing local write driver with bootstrap write assist for Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) arrays, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. The circuit includes a sense amplifier used in both read and write operations with a write assist boost circuitry. The sense amplifier captures and amplifies write data at a selected SRAM cell column and drives the write data onto local bit lines. The write assist boost circuitry temporarily supplies an increased device voltage differential to the SRAM cell during write operations to significantly increase SRAM cell write ability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chad A. Adams, Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Jeffrey M. Scherer
  • Publication number: 20150131368
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing sense amplifiers for sensing local write driver with bootstrap write assist for Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) arrays, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. The circuit includes a sense amplifier used in both read and write operations with a write assist boost circuitry. The sense amplifier captures and amplifies write data at a selected SRAM cell column and drives the write data onto local bit lines. The write assist boost circuitry temporarily supplies an increased device voltage differential to the SRAM cell during write operations to significantly increase SRAM cell write ability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chad A. Adams, Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Jeffrey M. Scherer
  • Patent number: 9007858
    Abstract: An SRAM includes a global bit line, an SRAM cell, precharge logic, discharge logic, and sense logic. The SRAM cell stores a first logical value or a second logic value and is coupled to the global bit line. The precharge logic may charge the global bit line to a precharge voltage for a non-read operation and a boosted voltage that is greater than a reference voltage for a read operation. The discharge logic may either maintain the global bit line at the boosted voltage for the first logical value or discharge the global bit line to a discharge voltage that is less than the reference voltage for the second logical value. The sense logic may output the first logical value when the global bit line has the boosted voltage or may output the second logical value when the global bit line has the discharge voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chad A. Adams, Sharon H. Cesky, Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Jeffrey M. Scherer
  • Patent number: 9007857
    Abstract: An SRAM includes a global bit line, an SRAM cell, precharge logic, discharge logic, and sense logic. The SRAM cell stores a first logical value or a second logic value and is coupled to the global bit line. The precharge logic may charge the global bit line to a precharge voltage for a non-read operation and a boosted voltage that is greater than a reference voltage for a read operation. The discharge logic may either maintain the global bit line at the boosted voltage for the first logical value or discharge the global bit line to a discharge voltage that is less than the reference voltage for the second logical value. The sense logic may output the first logical value when the global bit line has the boosted voltage or may output the second logical value when the global bit line has the discharge voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chad A. Adams, Sharon H. Cesky, Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Jeffrey M. Scherer
  • Patent number: 8754691
    Abstract: A clock system includes a local clock buffer adapted to receive a variable global clock signal. The local clock buffer produces a first local clock signal from the variable global clock signal. The clock system includes a pulse width logic control circuit in operable communication with the local clock buffer. The pulse width logic control circuit may be adapted to limit the first local clock signal pulse width to be less than the variable global clock signal pulse width during a slow mode. The pulse width logic control circuit may be adapted to expand the first local clock signal pulse width to be greater than the variable global clock signal pulse width during a fast mode. The limited and expanded first local clock signals may signal a local evaluation circuit to address a memory line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chad A. Adams, Derick G. Behrends, Travis R. Hebig
  • Publication number: 20140149817
    Abstract: A semiconductor chip and method for diagnostic testing of combinational logic in a logic and array system including Logic Built in Self Test (LBIST) diagnostics are provided. The semiconductor chip includes a logic and array system, an LBIST system, a clocking module, and an addressing module. The method for diagnostic testing includes providing an initialization pattern to an array in the logic and array system, applying a diagnostic control setup, and running the diagnostic test. The diagnostic control setup includes firing a clock every diagnostic test clock cycle and selecting an address from a subset of an address space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chad A. Adams, Derick G. Behrends, Todd A. Christensen, Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Michael W. Harper, Jesse D. Smith
  • Patent number: 8725622
    Abstract: An auction methodology wherein the auction competition among the bidders is generated by allowing each bidder to bid for non-price bid parameters (e.g., lead time, labor rate, contract length, etc.) in addition to the price of the lot on auction. Such a multi-parameter bidding provides the buyer (i.e., the auction requester) with more diverse information when selecting the winning bidder. The buyer and each bidder participating in the electronic auction may receive a real-time feedback of the bidding activity including details on bids placed for price and non-price parameters, which allows each bidder to adjust or modify one or more of its own bids (for price and non-price bid parameters) to effectively compete in the auction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Ariba, Inc.
    Inventors: Virind S. Gujral, Tim Jackovic, Greg S. Anderson, Dan V. Pedersen, William D. Rupp, Chad Adams
  • Publication number: 20140112064
    Abstract: An SRAM includes a global bit line, an SRAM cell, precharge logic, discharge logic, and sense logic. The SRAM cell stores a first logical value or a second logic value and is coupled to the global bit line. The precharge logic may charge the global bit line to a precharge voltage for a non-read operation and a boosted voltage that is greater than a reference voltage for a read operation. The discharge logic may either maintain the global bit line at the boosted voltage for the first logical value or discharge the global bit line to a discharge voltage that is less than the reference voltage for the second logical value. The sense logic may output the first logical value when the global bit line has the boosted voltage or may output the second logical value when the global bit line has the discharge voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chad A. Adams, Sharon H. Cesky, Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Jeffrey M. Scherer
  • Publication number: 20140112060
    Abstract: An SRAM includes a global bit line, an SRAM cell, precharge logic, discharge logic, and sense logic. The SRAM cell stores a first logical value or a second logic value and is coupled to the global bit line. The precharge logic may charge the global bit line to a precharge voltage for a non-read operation and a boosted voltage that is greater than a reference voltage for a read operation. The discharge logic may either maintain the global bit line at the boosted voltage for the first logical value or discharge the global bit line to a discharge voltage that is less than the reference voltage for the second logical value. The sense logic may output the first logical value when the global bit line has the boosted voltage or may output the second logical value when the global bit line has the discharge voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chad A. Adams, Sharon H. Cesky, Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Jeffrey M. Scherer
  • Publication number: 20140092700
    Abstract: Rows of a memory array are segmented into a predetermined number of word line groups. Each row in a word line group has a word line disposed between parallel power supply lines. Each of the power supply lines in a row of a word line group is shared by an adjacent row in the word line group. A row on a boundary of a word line group has a power supply line shared by a row on a boundary of an adjacent word line group. All power supply lines in a word line group are at a full power voltage in response to one of the rows in the word line group being selected by a word line. Most power supply lines in an adjacent word line group are at a full power voltage. All power supply lines in other word line groups are at a power-gated voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chad A. Adams, Harold Pilo
  • Publication number: 20140084980
    Abstract: A clock system includes a local clock buffer adapted to receive a variable global clock signal. The local clock buffer produces a first local clock signal from the variable global clock signal. The clock system includes a pulse width logic control circuit in operable communication with the local clock buffer. The pulse width logic control circuit may be adapted to limit the first local clock signal pulse width to be less than the variable global clock signal pulse width during a slow mode. The pulse width logic control circuit may be adapted to expand the first local clock signal pulse width to be greater than the variable global clock signal pulse width during a fast mode. The limited and expanded first local clock signals may signal a local evaluation circuit to address a memory line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chad A. Adams, Derick G. Behrends, Travis R. Hebig
  • Patent number: 8659937
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing low power write disabled local evaluation for Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. The circuit includes a write disable function to prevent discharge of a global bit line during a write operation. The write disable function disables a NAND gate driving a global pull down device during the write operation preventing the global pull down device from discharging the global bit line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chad A. Adams, Sharon H. Cesky, Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Jeffrey M. Scherer
  • Patent number: 8593890
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing write assist for Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) arrays, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. The circuit includes a write driver including a common bit line supply node, and a common bit line source node. The circuit includes voltage boost circuitry that temporarily boosts the common bit line supply node above supply voltage and temporarily boosts the common bit line source node below source voltage through isolation devices for applying the boosted source and supply voltages to a selected SRAM cell during a write operation. Splitting the boost differential between the common bit lines decreases an overall device voltage differential for providing substantially enhanced reliability of the SRAM array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chad A. Adams, Sharon H. Cesky, Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Jeffrey M. Scherer
  • Publication number: 20130286717
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing write assist for Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) arrays, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. The circuit includes a write driver including a common bit line supply node, and a common bit line source node. The circuit includes voltage boost circuitry that temporarily boosts the common bit line supply node above supply voltage and temporarily boosts the common bit line source node below source voltage through isolation devices for applying the boosted source and supply voltages to a selected SRAM cell during a write operation. Splitting the boost differential between the common bit lines decreases an overall device voltage differential for providing substantially enhanced reliability of the SRAM array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chad A. Adams, Sharon H. Cesky, Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Jeffrey M. Scherer
  • Publication number: 20130201753
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing low power write disabled local evaluation for Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. The circuit includes a write disable function to prevent discharge of a global bit line during a write operation. The write disable function disables a NAND gate driving a global pull down device during the write operation preventing the global pull down device from discharging the global bit line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chad A. Adams, Sharon H. Cesky, Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Jeffrey M. Scherer
  • Publication number: 20130141986
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing column redundancy steering for memories with wordline repowering, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. Each respective data column receives a precharge signal applied to an associated precharge function. An inverting multiplexer is provided in a precharge path after the wordline repowering having inputs coupled to the respective precharge functions before and after the wordline repowering. The inverting multiplexer passes the precharge signal from the precharge function before the wordline repowering or from the precharge function after the wordline repowering. The inverting multiplexer is controlled by the redundancy steering control signal that activates redundancy steering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chad A. Adams, Travis R. Hebig
  • Patent number: 8451668
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing column redundancy steering for memories with wordline repowering, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. Each respective data column receives a precharge signal applied to an associated precharge function. An inverting multiplexer is provided in a precharge path after the wordline repowering having inputs coupled to the respective precharge functions before and after the wordline repowering. The inverting multiplexer passes the precharge signal from the precharge function before the wordline repowering or from the precharge function after the wordline repowering. The inverting multiplexer is controlled by the redundancy steering control signal that activates redundancy steering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chad A. Adams, Travis R. Hebig
  • Patent number: 8313269
    Abstract: Pneumatic particulate material fill systems and methods are disclosed. A particulate material fill system includes a cyclone separator having an inlet adapted to receive pneumatically conveyed particulate material. The cyclone separator has a first outlet adapted to vent air and a second outlet adapted to discharge solids. The particulate material fill system includes a tank adapted to receive solids discharged from the cyclone separator via the second outlet. The tank is adapted for use at atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Chad Adam Fisher, Calvin Lynn Stegemoeller
  • Patent number: RE44969
    Abstract: Data on a master is read into a master image file, and the master image file is manipulated to include a benchmark comprising tracking and verification information tied to at least a portion of the master image file. Thus, a copied-to storage media as copied from the master image file also includes such benchmark, a data alteration of the master image file causes a mis-match with regard to the benchmark in such master image file, and a data alteration of the copied-to storage media also causes a mis-match with regard to the benchmark in such storage media as copied from such master image file. The benchmark may include a part identifier and a security identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Bozak Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Ryon Heiser, Robert L. Short, Chad Adams, Ronald F. Hales