Patents by Inventor Chang Hua Siau

Chang Hua Siau 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: 9870823
    Abstract: A memory array includes wordlines, local bitlines, two-terminal memory elements, global bitlines, and local-to-global bitline pass gates and gain stages. The memory elements are formed between the wordlines and local bitlines. Each local bitline is selectively coupled to an associated global bitline, by way of an associated local-to-global bitline pass gate. During a read operation when a memory element of a local bitline is selected to be read, a local-to-global gain stage is configured to amplify a signal on or passing through the local bitline to an amplified signal on or along an associated global bitline. The amplified signal, which in one embodiment is dependent on the resistive state of the selected memory element, is used to rapidly determine the memory state stored by the selected memory element. The global bit line and/or the selected local bit line can be biased to compensate for the Process Voltage Temperature (PVT) variation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Unity Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Chang Hua Siau, Bruce Lynn Bateman
  • Patent number: 9870809
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to semiconductors and memory technology, and more particularly, to systems, integrated circuits, and methods to implement circuits configured to compensate for parameter variations in layers of memory by adjusting access signals during memory operations. In some embodiments, memory cells are based on third dimensional memory technology. In at least some embodiments, an integrated circuit includes multiple layers of memory, a layer including sub-layers of semiconductor material. The integrated circuit also includes an access signal generator configured to generate an access signal to facilitate an access operation, and a characteristic adjuster configured to adjust the access signal for each layer in the multiple layers of memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Unity Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Christophe Chevallier, Seow Fong Lim, Chang Hua Siau
  • Publication number: 20180005694
    Abstract: A system includes a cross-point memory array and a decoder circuit coupled to the cross-point memory array. The decoder circuit includes a predecoder having predecode logic to generate a control signal and a level shifter circuit to generate a voltage signal. The decoder circuit further includes a post-decoder coupled to the predecoder, the post-decoder including a first stage and a second stage coupled to the first stage, the control signal to control the first stage and the second stage to route the voltage signal through the first stage and the second stage to a selected conductive array line of a plurality of conductive array lines coupled to a memory array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Christophe Chevallier, Chang Hua Siau
  • Publication number: 20170364296
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to semiconductors and memory technology, and more particularly, to systems, integrated circuits, and methods to preserve states of memory elements in association with data operations using variable access signal magnitudes for other memory elements, such as implemented in third dimensional memory technology. In some embodiments, a memory device can include a cross-point array with resistive memory elements. An access signal generator can modify a magnitude of a signal to generate a modified magnitude for the signal to access a resistive memory element associated with a word line and a subset of bit lines. A tracking signal generator is configured to track the modified magnitude of the signal and to apply a tracking signal to other resistive memory elements associated with other subsets of bit lines, the tracking signal having a magnitude at a differential amount from the modified magnitude of the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Chang Hua Siau
  • Patent number: 9837149
    Abstract: A low read current architecture for memory. Bit lines of a cross point memory array are allowed to be charged by a selected word line until a minimum voltage differential between a memory state and a reference level is assured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Unity Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce Lynn Bateman, Christophe Chevallier, Darrell Rinerson, Chang Hua Siau
  • Publication number: 20170323681
    Abstract: A memory array includes wordlines, local bitlines, two-terminal memory elements, global bitlines, and local-to-global bitline pass gates and gain stages. The memory elements are formed between the wordlines and local bitlines. Each local bitline is selectively coupled to an associated global bitline, by way of an associated local-to-global bitline pass gate. During a read operation when a memory element of a local bitline is selected to be read, a local-to-global gain stage is configured to amplify a signal on or passing through the local bitline to an amplified signal on or along an associated global bitline. The amplified signal, which in one embodiment is dependent on the resistive state of the selected memory element, is used to rapidly determine the memory state stored by the selected memory element. The global bit line and/or the selected local bit line can be biased to compensate for the Process Voltage Temperature (PVT) variation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Chang Hua Siau, Bruce Lynn Bateman
  • Patent number: 9767899
    Abstract: A memory is described having an array including two-terminal resistive memory elements (MEs) to retain stored data in an absence of electrical power and a disturb isolator circuit operatively coupled to the MEs to compensate for disturbances of a magnitude of a signal associated with a selected two-terminal resistive memory element in the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Unity Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Christophe Chevallier, Chang Hua Siau
  • Patent number: 9720611
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to semiconductors and memory technology, and more particularly, to systems, integrated circuits, and methods to preserve states of memory elements in association with data operations using variable access signal magnitudes for other memory elements, such as implemented in third dimensional memory technology. In some embodiments, a memory device can include a cross-point array with resistive memory elements. An access signal generator can modify a magnitude of a signal to generate a modified magnitude for the signal to access a resistive memory element associated with a word line and a subset of bit lines. A tracking signal generator is configured to track the modified magnitude of the signal and to apply a tracking signal to other resistive memory elements associated with other subsets of bit lines, the tracking signal having a magnitude at a differential amount from the modified magnitude of the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Unity Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Chang Hua Siau
  • Patent number: 9711212
    Abstract: A system includes a cross-point memory array and a decoder circuit coupled to the cross-point memory array. The decoder circuit includes a predecoder having predecode logic to generate a control signal and a level shifter circuit to generate a voltage signal. The decoder circuit further includes a post-decoder coupled to the predecoder, the post-decoder including a first stage and a second stage coupled to the first stage, the control signal to control the first stage and the second stage to route the voltage signal through the first stage and the second stage to a selected conductive array line of a plurality of conductive array lines coupled to a memory array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Unity Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Christophe Chevallier, Chang Hua Siau
  • Patent number: 9691480
    Abstract: A memory array includes wordlines, local bitlines, two-terminal memory elements, global bitlines, and local-to-global bitline pass gates and gain stages. The memory elements are formed between the wordlines and local bitlines. Each local bitline is selectively coupled to an associated global bitline, by way of an associated local-to-global bitline pass gate. During a read operation when a memory element of a local bitline is selected to be read, a local-to-global gain stage is configured to amplify a signal on or passing through the local bitline to an amplified signal on or along an associated global bitline. The amplified signal, which in one embodiment is dependent on the resistive state of the selected memory element, is used to rapidly determine the memory state stored by the selected memory element. The global bit line and/or the selected local bit line can be biased to compensate for the Process Voltage Temperature (PVT) variation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Unity Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Chang Hua Siau, Bruce Lynn Bateman
  • Publication number: 20170140816
    Abstract: A memory is described having an array including two-terminal resistive memory elements (MEs) to retain stored data in an absence of electrical power and a disturb isolator circuit operatively coupled to the MEs to compensate for disturbances of a magnitude of a signal associated with a selected two-terminal resistive memory element in the array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Christophe J. Chevallier, Chang Hua Siau
  • Publication number: 20170025173
    Abstract: A system includes a cross-point memory array and a decoder circuit coupled to the cross-point memory array. The decoder circuit includes a predecoder having predecode logic to generate a control signal and a level shifter circuit to generate a voltage signal. The decoder circuit further includes a post-decoder coupled to the predecoder, the post-decoder including a first stage and a second stage coupled to the first stage, the control signal to control the first stage and the second stage to route the voltage signal through the first stage and the second stage to a selected conductive array line of a plurality of conductive array lines coupled to a memory array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Christophe Chevallier, Chang Hua Siau
  • Publication number: 20170010831
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to semiconductors and memory technology, and more particularly, to systems, integrated circuits, and methods to preserve states of memory elements in association with data operations using variable access signal magnitudes for other memory elements, such as implemented in third dimensional memory technology. In some embodiments, a memory device can include a cross-point array with resistive memory elements. An access signal generator can modify a magnitude of a signal to generate a modified magnitude for the signal to access a resistive memory element associated with a word line and a subset of bit lines. A tracking signal generator is configured to track the modified magnitude of the signal and to apply a tracking signal to other resistive memory elements associated with other subsets of bit lines, the tracking signal having a magnitude at a differential amount from the modified magnitude of the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Chang Hua Siau
  • Publication number: 20160379692
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to semiconductors and memory technology, and more particularly, to systems, integrated circuits, and methods to implement circuits configured to compensate for parameter variations in layers of memory by adjusting access signals during memory operations. In some embodiments, memory cells are based on third dimensional memory technology. In at least some embodiments, an integrated circuit includes multiple layers of memory, a layer including sub-layers of semiconductor material. The integrated circuit also includes an access signal generator configured to generate an access signal to facilitate an access operation, and a characteristic adjuster configured to adjust the access signal for each layer in the multiple layers of memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Christophe Chevallier, Seow Fong Lim, Chang Hua Siau
  • Publication number: 20160372189
    Abstract: A low read current architecture for memory. Bit lines of a cross point memory array are allowed to be charged by a selected word line until a minimum voltage differential between a memory state and a reference level is assured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: Bruce Lynn Bateman, Christophe Chevallier, Darrell Rinerson, Chang Hua Siau
  • Patent number: 9514811
    Abstract: Systems, integrated circuits, and methods to generate access signals to facilitate memory operations in scaled arrays of memory elements, are described. In at least some embodiments, a non-volatile memory device can include a cross-point array having resistive memory elements and an access signal generator. The access signal generator can be configured to access a resistive memory element in the cross-point array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: UNITY SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christophe J. Chevallier, Chang Hua Siau
  • Publication number: 20160322104
    Abstract: A memory array includes wordlines, local bitlines, two-terminal memory elements, global bitlines, and local-to-global bitline pass gates and gain stages. The memory elements are formed between the wordlines and local bitlines. Each local bitline is selectively coupled to an associated global bitline, by way of an associated local-to-global bitline pass gate. During a read operation when a memory element of a local bitline is selected to be read, a local-to-global gain stage is configured to amplify a signal on or passing through the local bitline to an amplified signal on or along an associated global bitline. The amplified signal, which in one embodiment is dependent on the resistive state of the selected memory element, is used to rapidly determine the memory state stored by the selected memory element. The global bit line and/or the selected local bit line can be biased to compensate for the Process Voltage Temperature (PVT) variation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventors: Chang Hua Siau, Bruce Lynn Bateman
  • Patent number: 9401202
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to semiconductors and memory technology, and more particularly, to systems, integrated circuits, and methods to preserve states of memory elements in association with data operations using variable access signal magnitudes for other memory elements, such as implemented in third dimensional memory technology. In some embodiments, a memory device can include a cross-point array with resistive memory elements. An access signal generator can modify a magnitude of a signal to generate a modified magnitude for the signal to access a resistive memory element associated with a word line and a subset of bit lines. A tracking signal generator is configured to track the modified magnitude of the signal and to apply a tracking signal to other resistive memory elements associated with other subsets of bit lines, the tracking signal having a magnitude at a differential amount from the modified magnitude of the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: UNITY SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chang Hua Siau
  • Patent number: 9390796
    Abstract: A memory array includes wordlines, local bitlines, two-terminal memory elements, global bitlines, and local-to-global bitline pass gates and gain stages. The memory elements are formed between the wordlines and local bitlines. Each local bitline is selectively coupled to an associated global bitline, by way of an associated local-to-global bitline pass gate. During a read operation when a memory element of a local bitline is selected to be read, a local-to-global gain stage is configured to amplify a signal on or passing through the local bitline to an amplified signal on or along an associated global bitline. The amplified signal, which in one embodiment is dependent on the resistive state of the selected memory element, is used to rapidly determine the memory state stored by the selected memory element. The global bit line and/or the selected local bit line can be biased to compensate for the Process Voltage Temperature (PVT) variation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Unity Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Chang Hua Siau, Bruce Lynn Bateman
  • Patent number: 9384806
    Abstract: A memory device includes a plurality of memory layers and a selecting circuit configured to select a delta value corresponding to a parameter of at least one of the plurality of memory layers having fabricated thereon at least one memory cell accessed during an operation. The memory device further includes an adjusting circuit configured to adjust an access signal based at least in part on the delta value, the access signal being configured to access the at least one memory cell during the operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Unity Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Christophe Chevallier, Seow Fong Lim, Chang Hua Siau