Patents by Inventor Charles K. Snodgrass

Charles K. Snodgrass 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: 7707473
    Abstract: Embodiments herein may enable an algorithmic pattern generator (APG) to present iterative values of one or more operational parameters to a device under test (DUT). At each iteration, one or more test patterns may be presented to the DUT. The APG may capture test results from a set of iterations of the operational parameters. The APG may also write values associated with a next operational parameter to be iterated to a test parameter configuration space within the device tester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. LaBerge, Jeffrey J. Rooney, Charles K. Snodgrass
  • Publication number: 20080052585
    Abstract: Embodiments herein may enable an algorithmic pattern generator (APG) to present iterative values of one or more operational parameters to a device under test (DUT). At each iteration, one or more test patterns may be presented to the DUT. The APG may capture test results from a set of iterations of the operational parameters. The APG may also write values associated with a next operational parameter to be iterated to a test parameter configuration space within the device tester.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Paul A. LaBerge, Jeffrey J. Rooney, Charles K. Snodgrass
  • Patent number: 6968448
    Abstract: A pattern generator includes an address generator, an address topology generator, and a data topology generator. The address generator is adapted to provide a first address having a plurality of address bits. The address topology generator includes a first plurality of programmable logic gates. Each programmable logic gate of the first plurality is coupled to receive at least a subset of the plurality of address bits. The first plurality of programmable logic gates generate a second address having a plurality of modified address bits. The data topology generator is adapted to receive at least a subset of the plurality of modified address bits and generate write data based on the subset of modified address bits. A method for generating a pattern includes generating a first address having a plurality of address bits. A second address having a plurality of modified address bits is generated. The second address is a programmable combination of subsets of the address bits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles K. Snodgrass, Bruce A. Dickey
  • Patent number: 6799289
    Abstract: A system allowing testing a plurality of integrated circuits mounted on a common substrate is described. The testing system includes a failure processor mounted on the substrate. The substrate has a first signal port adapted to be coupled to a testing device. The failure processor has a second signal port coupled to the first signal port and a plurality of test ports corresponding in number to the number of integrated circuits mounted on the substrate that are to be tested. Each of the test ports may be coupled to a respective one of the integrated circuits. The failure processor is constructed to apply stimulus signals to each of the integrated circuits and to record response signals generated by each of the integrated circuits in response to the stimulus signals provided to the integrated circuits. The failure processor is further constructed to provide report data based on the response signals and to couple the report data from the second signal port to the first signal port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Totorica, Charles K. Snodgrass
  • Patent number: 6754861
    Abstract: Signal alignment circuitry aligns (i.e., deskews) test signals from a massively parallel tester. A timing portion of each signal is received by a rising edge delay element, a falling edge delay element, and a transition detector, all in parallel. The delay of the rising edge and falling edge delay elements is independently controlled by control circuitry. The outputs of the rising edge and falling edge delay elements are muxed together, and the output of the mux is selected in response to rising edge and falling edge transitions detected by the transition detector. The output of the mux is provided to pulse generating circuitry, which generates a pulse at each edge for use in clocking a data portion of each signal into a DQ flip-flop. The output of this DQ flip-flop is then latched in to another DQ flip-flop by a reference clock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Reichle, Charles K. Snodgrass, Charles S. Alexander, Fremont S. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030126526
    Abstract: A system allowing testing a plurality of integrated circuits mounted on a common substrate is described. The testing system includes a failure processor mounted on the substrate. The substrate has a first signal port adapted to be coupled to a testing device. The failure processor has a second signal port coupled to the first signal port and a plurality of test ports corresponding in number to the number of integrated circuits mounted on the substrate that are to be tested. Each of the test ports may be coupled to a respective one of the integrated circuits. The failure processor is constructed to apply stimulus signals to each of the integrated circuits and to record response signals generated by each of the integrated circuits in response to the stimulus signals provided to the integrated circuits. The failure processor is further constructed to provide report data based on the response signals and to couple the report data from the second signal port to the first signal port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Robert L. Totorica, Charles K. Snodgrass
  • Patent number: 6581172
    Abstract: A system allowing testing a plurality of integrated circuits mounted on a common substrate is described. The testing system includes a failure processor mounted on the substrate. The substrate has a first signal port adapted to be coupled to a testing device. The failure processor has a second signal port coupled to the first signal port and a plurality of test ports corresponding in number to the number of integrated circuits mounted on the substrate that are to be tested. Each of the test ports may be coupled to a respective one of the integrated circuits. The failure processor is constructed to apply stimulus signals to each of the integrated circuits and to record response signals generated by each of the integrated circuits in response to the stimulus signals provided to the integrated circuits. The failure processor is further constructed to provide report data based on the response signals and to couple the report data from the second signal port to the first signal port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Totorica, Charles K. Snodgrass
  • Publication number: 20020152437
    Abstract: Signal alignment circuitry aligns (i.e., deskews) test signals from a massively parallel tester. A timing portion of each signal is received by a rising edge delay element, a falling edge delay element, and a transition detector, all in parallel. The delay of the rising edge and falling edge delay elements is independently controlled by control circuitry. The outputs of the rising edge and falling edge delay elements are muxed together, and the output of the mux is selected in response to rising edge and falling edge transitions detected by the transition detector. The output of the mux is provided to pulse generating circuitry, which generates a pulse at each edge for use in clocking a data portion of each signal into a DQ flip-flop. The output of this DQ flip-flop is then latched in to another DQ flip-flop by a reference clock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: David A. Reichle, Charles K. Snodgrass, Charles S. Alexander, Fremont S. Smith
  • Patent number: 6430725
    Abstract: Signal alignment circuitry aligns (i e., deskews) test signals from a massively parallel tester. A timing portion of each signal is received by a rising edge delay element, a falling edge delay element, and a transition detector, all in parallel. The delay of the rising edge and falling edge delay elements is independently controlled by control circuitry. The outputs of the rising edge and falling edge delay elements are muxed together, and the output of the mux is selected in response to rising edge and falling edge transitions detected by the transition detector. The output of the mux is provided to pulse generating circuitry, which generates a pulse at each edge for use in clocking a data portion of each signal into a DQ flip-flop. The output of this DQ flip-flop is then latched in to another DQ flip-flop by a reference clock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Reichle, Charles K. Snodgrass, Charles S. Alexander, Fremont S. Smith
  • Publication number: 20010054141
    Abstract: A pattern generator includes an address generator, an address topology generator, and a data topology generator. The address generator is adapted to provide a first address having a plurality of address bits. The address topology generator includes a first plurality of programmable logic gates. Each programmable logic gate of the first plurality is coupled to receive at least a subset of the plurality of address bits. The first plurality of programmable logic gates generate a second address having a plurality of modified address bits. The data topology generator is adapted to receive at least a subset of the plurality of modified address bits and generate write data based on the subset of modified address bits. A method for generating a pattern includes generating a first address having a plurality of address bits. A second address having a plurality of modified address bits is generated. The second address is a programmable combination of subsets of the address bits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles K. Snodgrass, Bruce A. Dickey
  • Patent number: 6321356
    Abstract: A pattern generator includes an address generator, an address topology generator, and a data topology generator. The address generator is adapted to provide a first address having a plurality of address bits. The address topology generator includes a first plurality of programmable logic gates. Each programmable logic gate of the first plurality is coupled to receive at least a subset of the plurality of address bits. The first plurality of programmable logic gates generate a second address having a plurality of modified address bits. The data topology generator is adapted to receive at least a subset of the plurality of modified address bits and generate write data based on the subset of modified address bits. A method for generating a pattern includes generating a first address having a plurality of address bits. A second address having a plurality of modified address bits is generated. The second address is a programmable combination of subsets of the address bits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles K. Snodgrass, Bruce A. Dickey
  • Publication number: 20010005896
    Abstract: A system allowing testing a plurality of integrated circuits mounted on a common substrate is described. The testing system includes a failure processor mounted on the substrate. The substrate has a first signal port adapted to be coupled to a testing device. The failure processor has a second signal port coupled to the first signal port and a plurality of test ports corresponding in number to the number of integrated circuits mounted on the substrate that are to be tested. Each of the test ports may be coupled to a respective one of the integrated circuits. The failure processor is constructed to apply stimulus signals to each of the integrated circuits and to record response signals generated by each of the integrated circuits in response to the stimulus signals provided to the integrated circuits. The failure processor is further constructed to provide report data based on the response signals and to couple the report data from the second signal port to the first signal port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Robert L. Totorica, Charles K. Snodgrass
  • Patent number: 6192495
    Abstract: A system allowing testing a plurality of integrated circuits mounted on a common substrate is described. The testing system includes a failure processor mounted on the substrate. The substrate has a first signal port adapted to be coupled to a testing device. The failure processor has a second signal port coupled to the first signal port and a plurality of test ports corresponding in number to the number of integrated circuits mounted on the substrate that are to be tested. Each of the test ports may be coupled to a respective one of the integrated circuits. The failure processor is constructed to apply stimulus signals to each of the integrated circuits and to record response signals generated by each of the integrated circuits in response to the stimulus signals provided to the integrated circuits. The failure processor is further constructed to provide report data based on the response signals and to couple the report data from the second signal port to the first signal port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Totorica, Charles K. Snodgrass
  • Patent number: 6158030
    Abstract: Signal alignment circuitry aligns (i.e., deskews) test signals from a massively parallel tester. A timing portion of each signal is received by a rising edge delay element, a falling edge delay element, and a transition detector, all in parallel. The delay of the rising edge and falling edge delay elements is independently controlled by control circuitry. The outputs of the rising edge and falling edge delay elements are muxed together, and the output of the flux is selected in response to rising edge and falling edge transitions detected by the transition detector. The output of the mux is provided to pulse generating circuitry, which generates a pulse at each edge for use in clocking a data portion of each signal into a DQ flip-flop. The output of this DQ flip-flop is then latched in to another DQ flip-flop by a reference clock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Reichle, Charles K. Snodgrass, Charles S. Alexander, Fremont S. Smith
  • Patent number: 6101375
    Abstract: A method for reducing the dynamic range required of an automatic gain control (AGC) circuit in a remote transceiver in 2-way communication between local and remote transceivers. By repeatedly transmitting a signal with successively increasing power from one transceiver until a response is received from the other transceiver, the dynamic range and hence complexity of the receiving circuit may be greatly reduced. The operating power of the remote transmitter can then be adjusted according to the level used by the local transmitter, thereby promoting the efficent use of the remote's power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Tuttle, Charles K. Snodgrass
  • Patent number: 6061509
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and an apparatus for routing electrical signals. The method includes accessing a plurality of electrical circuits. The apparatus includes a supervisory circuit capable of delivering two access signals from a group of first, second, third, and fourth access signals, wherein the supervisory circuit is capable of delivering one of the first and third access signals, and one of the second and fourth access signals. A plurality of electrical circuits is organized into first and second rows. A first portion of the plurality of electrical circuits in the first and second rows, is coupled to a first access signal line. A second portion of the plurality of electrical circuits in the first and second rows is coupled to a second access signal line. The first and second portions of the plurality of electrical circuits in said first row are coupled to a third access signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles K. Snodgrass, Robert L. Totorica, David A. Reichle, Charles S. Alexander
  • Patent number: 6005373
    Abstract: A method and system that uses an anticipatory signal to pre-adjust the output of the power supply to compensate for an upcoming load change, thereby minimizing the voltage deviation at the load. A control circuit, such as a processor, controlling the system generates an anticipatory signal indicating an upcoming change in the load that is input to the power supply. The power supply, in response to the signal from the processor, adjusts the output of the power supply accordingly to compensate for the upcoming load change. When the system performs the operation that results in the load change, the power supply output has already been adjusted accordingly and the deviation of the load voltage caused by the change in the load is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles K. Snodgrass, Robert L. Totorica
  • Patent number: 5841770
    Abstract: One or more interrogating commander stations and an unknown plurality of responding responder stations coordinate use of a common communication medium. Each commander station and each responder station is equipped to broadcast messages and to check for error in received messages. When more than one station attempts to broadcast simultaneously, an erroneous message is received and communication is interrupted. To establish uninterrupted communication, a commander station broadcasts a command causing each responder station of a potentially large first number of responder stations to each select a random number from a known range and retain it as its arbitration number. After receipt of such a command, each addressed responder station transmits a response message containing its arbitration number. Zero, one, or several responses may occur simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles K. Snodgrass, David H. Allen, John R. Tuttle, Robert R. Rotzoll, George E. Pax
  • Patent number: 5778309
    Abstract: A method for reducing the dynamic range required of a receiver circuit in a remote transceiver in 2-way communication between local and remote transceivers. By repeatedly transmitting a signal with successively increasing power from one transceiver until a response is received from the other transceiver, the dynamic range and hence complexity of the receiving circuit may be greatly reduced. The operating power of the remote transmitter can then be adjusted according to the level used by the local transmitter, thereby promoting the efficent use of the remote's power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Tuttle, Charles K. Snodgrass
  • Patent number: 5627544
    Abstract: A protocol is used to coordinate the use of a common communication medium by one or more interrogating commander stations and an unknown plurality of responding responder stations. Each commander station and each responder station is equipped to broadcast messages and to check for error in received messages. When more than one station attempts to broadcast simultaneously, an erroneous message is received and communication is interrupted. To establish uninterrupted communication, a commander station broadcasts a command causing each responder station of a potentially large first number of responder stations to each select a random number from a known range and retain it as its arbitration number. After receipt of such a command, each addressed responder station transmits a response message containing its arbitration number. Zero, one, or several responses may occur simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles K. Snodgrass, David H. Allen, John R. Tuttle, Robert R. Rotzoll, George E. Pax