Patents by Inventor Chan-kyung Kim

Chan-kyung Kim 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: 20150035032
    Abstract: A memory cell array of a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device is provided which includes a first memory cell including a first variable resistance element and a first access transistor connected to each other, and having a first node connected to a first bit line and one end of the first variable resistance element and a second node connected to a second bit line and one end of the first access transistor; and a second memory cell including a second variable resistance element and a second access transistor connected to each other, and having a first node connected to the second bit line and one end of the second variable resistance element and a second node connected to one end of the second access transistor, wherein the first and second access transistors are connected to first and second word lines, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Dong-Seok KANG, Chan-Kyung KIM
  • Patent number: 8885386
    Abstract: Example embodiments include a level shifting write driver in a sense amplifier for a resistive type memory. The write driver may include a cross-coupled latch circuit, a first output section, a second output section, and an input section. The first output section includes one or more first driving transistors to drive a first current through the first output section and not through the cross-coupled latch. The second output section includes one or more second driving transistors configured to drive a second current through the second output section and not through the cross-coupled latch. The current flows of the outputs sections are isolated from the latch circuit. In some embodiments, no two PMOS type transistors are serially connected, thereby reducing the consumption of die area. In some embodiments, a single control signal is used to operate the write driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: YongSik Youn, Sooho Cha, DongSeok Kang, Chan-kyung Kim
  • Publication number: 20140169086
    Abstract: A memory device includes a cell array and a common source line compensation circuit. The cell array includes a plurality of normal cell units connected between a plurality of bit lines and one common source line, respectively. The common source line compensation circuit supplies a plurality of compensation write currents to the common source line to compensate for a plurality of write currents concurrently input into or output from the common source line through the normal cell units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Chan-Kyung KIM, Dong-Min KIM, Hong-Sun HWANG
  • Patent number: 8750018
    Abstract: Example embodiments include a resistive type memory current sense amplifier circuit including differential output terminals, first and second input terminals, pre-charge transistors, and current modulating transistors coupled directly to the pre-charge transistors. The pre-charge configuration provides high peak currents to charge the bit line and reference line during a “ready” or “pre-charge” stage of operation of the current sense amplifier circuit. The current modulating transistors are configured to operate in a saturation region mode during at least a “set” or “amplification” stage. The current modulating transistors continuously average a bit line current and a reference line current during the “set” or “amplification” stage, thereby improving noise immunity of the circuit. During a “go” or “latch” stage of operation, a logical value “0” or “1” is latched at the differential output terminals based on positive feedback of a latch circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: YongSik Youn, Adrian Ong, Sooho Cha, Chan-kyung Kim
  • Publication number: 20140146600
    Abstract: A magneto-resistive random access memory (MRAM) comprising an MRAM cell array having an MRAM cell, and a control and voltage generation unit configured to generate a back bias voltage for the MRAM cell. The control and voltage generation unit comprising a command decoder configured to generate a decoding signal in response to a command output from a memory controller, and a voltage controller and generator configured to generate the back bias voltage with a magnitude based on the decoding signal and a reset signal output from the memory controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventors: DONG HYUN SOHN, CHAN KYUNG KIM, YUN SANG LEE
  • Publication number: 20140112053
    Abstract: Example embodiments include a level shifting write driver in a sense amplifier for a resistive type memory. The write driver may include a cross-coupled latch circuit, a first output section, a second output section, and an input section. The first output section includes one or more first driving transistors to drive a first current through the first output section and not through the cross-coupled latch. The second output section includes one or more second driving transistors configured to drive a second current through the second output section and not through the cross-coupled latch. The current flows of the outputs sections are isolated from the latch circuit. In some embodiments, no two PMOS type transistors are serially connected, thereby reducing the consumption of die area. In some embodiments, a single control signal is used to operate the write driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: YongSik Youn, SOOHO CHA, DongSeok Kang, Chan-kyung Kim
  • Patent number: 8680930
    Abstract: One embodiment of the oscillator includes a first starved inverter and a second starved inverter. An inner inverter of the second starved inverter is cross-coupled to an inner inverter of the first starved inverter. The oscillator further includes a first inverter connected to output of the inner inverter of the first starved inverter, and a second inverter connected to output of the inner inverter of the second starved inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chan-kyung Kim
  • Patent number: 8654595
    Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device comprises a nonvolatile cell array comprising a memory cell and a reference cell, a clamping circuit electrically connected to the memory cell and configured to clamp a voltage applied to a data sensing line during a read operation, and a clamping voltage generation unit configured to generate a clamping voltage responsive to a first voltage having a level based on the reference cell, and to feed back the clamping voltage to the clamping circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chan-Kyung Kim, Hong-Sun Hwang, Chul-Woo Park, Sang-Beom Kang, Hyung-Rok Oh
  • Publication number: 20140016404
    Abstract: A magnetic memory device such as a magnetic random access memory (MRAM), and a memory module and a memory system on which the magnetic memory device is mounted are disclosed. The MRAM includes magnetic memory cells each of which varies between at least two states according to a magnetization direction and an interface unit that provides various interface functions. The memory module includes a module board and at least one MRAM chip mounted on the module board, and further includes a buffer chip that manages an operation of the at least one MRAM chip. The memory system includes the MRAM and a memory controller that communicates with the MRAM, and may communicate an electric-to-optical conversion signal or an optical-to-electric conversion signal by using an optical link that is connected between the MRAM and the memory controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Chan-kyung Kim, Soo-ho Cha, Dong-seok Kang, Chul-woo Park, Dong-hyun Sohn, Yun-sang Lee, Hye-jin Kim
  • Publication number: 20140003124
    Abstract: Example embodiments include a resistive type memory sense amplifier circuit including differential output terminals, first and second input terminals, a pre-charge section, and other components arranged so that current is re-used during at least a “set” or “amplification” stage of the sense amplifier circuit, thereby reducing overall current consumption of the circuit, and improving noise immunity. A voltage level of a high-impedance output terminal is caused to swing in response to a delta average current between a reference line current and a bit line current. During a “go” or “latch” stage of operation, a logical value “0” or “1” is latched at the differential output terminals based on positive feedback of a latch circuit. Also disclosed is a current mirror circuit, which can be used in conjunction with the disclosed sense amplifier circuit. In yet another embodiment, a sense amplifier circuit includes the capability of read/re-write operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: YongSik Youn, Sooho CHA, Chan-kyung Kim
  • Publication number: 20130322162
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a cell array including one or more bank groups, where each of the one or more bank groups includes a plurality of banks and each of the plurality of banks includes a plurality of spin transfer torque magneto resistive random access memory (STT-MRAM) cells. The semiconductor memory device further includes a source voltage generating unit for applying a voltage to a source line connected to the each of the plurality of STT-MRAM cells, and a command decoder for decoding a command from an external source in order to perform read and write operations on the plurality of STT-MRAM cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: YUN-SANG LEE, DONG-SEOK KANG, SANG-BEOM KANG, CHAN-KYUNG KIM, CHUL-WOO PARK, DONG-HYUN SOHN, HYUNG-ROK OH
  • Publication number: 20130322154
    Abstract: Example embodiments include a resistive type memory current sense amplifier circuit including differential output terminals, first and second input terminals, pre-charge transistors, and current modulating transistors coupled directly to the pre-charge transistors. The pre-charge configuration provides high peak currents to charge the bit line and reference line during a “ready” or “pre-charge” stage of operation of the current sense amplifier circuit. The current modulating transistors are configured to operate in a saturation region mode during at least a “set” or “amplification” stage. The current modulating transistors continuously average a bit line current and a reference line current during the “set” or “amplification” stage, thereby improving noise immunity of the circuit. During a “go” or “latch” stage of operation, a logical value “0” or “1” is latched at the differential output terminals based on positive feedback of a latch circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: YongSik Youn, Adrian E. Ong, SOOHO CHA, Chan-kyung Kim
  • Publication number: 20130311717
    Abstract: A magnetic random access memory (MRAM), and a memory module, memory system including the same, and method for controlling the same are disclosed. The MRAM includes magnetic memory cells configured to change between at least two states according to a magnetization direction, and a mode register supporting a plurality of operational modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicants: GLOBIT CO., LTD., DIGITAL MEDIA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Chan-kyung Kim, Dong-seok Kang, Hye-jin Kim, Chul-woo Park, Dong-hyun Sohn, Yun-sang Lee, Sang-beom Kang, Hyung-rok Oh, Soo-ho Cha
  • Publication number: 20130148429
    Abstract: Provided is a memory device having a first switch configured to receive a first CSL signal to input or output data. A second switch is configured to receive a second CSL signal. A sensing and latch circuit (SLC) is coupled between the first and second switches. And at least one memory cell is coupled to the second switch. The second switch is configured to control timing of read or write operations of the at least one memory cell in response to the second CSL signal, e.g., where a read operation can be performed in not more than about 5 ns. The SLC operates as a latch in a write mode and as an amplifier in a read mode. The memory device may comprise part of a memory system or other apparatus including such memory device or system. Methods of performing read and write operations using such memory device are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Chan-Kyung Kim, Yun-Sang Lee, Chul-Woo Park, Hong-Sun Hwang
  • Publication number: 20130064008
    Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device comprises a nonvolatile cell array comprising a memory cell and a reference cell, a clamping circuit electrically connected to the memory cell and configured to clamp a voltage applied to a data sensing line during a read operation, and a clamping voltage generation unit configured to generate a clamping voltage responsive to a first voltage having a level based on the reference cell, and to feed back the clamping voltage to the clamping circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHAN-KYUNG KIM, HONG-SUN HWANG, CHUL-WOO PARK, SANG-BEOM KANG, HYUNG-ROK OH
  • Publication number: 20130051114
    Abstract: A non-volatile memory device including a cell array, which includes a plurality of memory cells, and a sense amplification circuit. The sense amplification circuit is configured to receive a data voltage of a memory cell, a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage during a data read operation of the memory cell, generate differential output signals based on a voltage level difference between the data voltage and the first and second reference voltages, and output the differential output signals as data read from the memory cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Chan-kyung Kim, Hong-sun Hwang, Chul-woo Park, Sang-beom Kang, Hyung-rok Oh
  • Patent number: 8223822
    Abstract: A signal transceiver may include three transmission lines, a signal transmission unit, and/or a signal reception unit. The signal transmission unit may be configured encode first through third transmission data to generate first through third data and transmit the first through third data through the three transmission lines. The signal transmission unit may be configured to generate each of the first through third data at one of four or more voltage level. The signal reception unit may be configured to receive the first through third data and monitor voltage differences between the first through third data to restore the first through third data into first through third reception data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chan-kyung Kim
  • Publication number: 20120075024
    Abstract: One embodiment of the oscillator includes a first starved inverter and a second starved inverter. An inner inverter of the second starved inverter is cross-coupled to an inner inverter of the first starved inverter. The oscillator further includes a first inverter connected to output of the inner inverter of the first starved inverter, and a second inverter connected to output of the inner inverter of the second starved inverter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: Chan-Kyung KIM
  • Patent number: 8106716
    Abstract: One embodiment of the oscillator includes a first starved inverter and a second starved inverter. An inner inverter of the second starved inverter is cross-coupled to an inner inverter of the first starved inverter. The oscillator further includes a first inverter connected to output of the inner inverter of the first starved inverter, and a second inverter connected to output of the inner inverter of the second starved inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chan-kyung Kim
  • Patent number: RE45247
    Abstract: A duty cycle correction circuit and a delay locked loop (DLL) including the duty cycle correction circuit, are capable of controlling their operation in order to correctly analyze the cause of generation of a duty cycle error when the duty cycle error is generated in the DLL. The duty cycle correction circuit selectively outputs to a DLL core duty cycle offset information for controlling a duty cycle of an internal clock signal synchronized to an external clock signal under the control of a switching control signal. The DLL corrects the duty cycle of a reference clock signal according to the duty cycle offset information, thereby outputting a reference clock signal having a 50% duty cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Conversant Intellectual Property Management Inc.
    Inventor: Chan-kyung Kim