Patents by Inventor Chikara Kondo

Chikara Kondo 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: 20170365356
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of sharing error correction memory on an interface chip are described. An example apparatus includes: at least one memory chip having a plurality of first memory cells and an interface chip coupled to the at least one memory chip and having a control circuit and a storage area. The control circuit detects one or more defective memory cells of the first memory cells of the at least one memory chip. The control circuit further stores first defective address information of the one or more defective memory cells of the first memory cells into the storage area. The interface chip responds to the first defective address information and an access request to access the storage area in place of the at least one memory chip when the access request has been provided with respect to the one or more defective memory cells of the first memory cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Shibata, Chikara Kondo, Hiroyuki Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20170287545
    Abstract: A method for writing a mode register in a semiconductor device, the method includes receiving a mode register command and a mode signal; generating a first mode register setting signal; delaying the first mode register setting signal in a first latency shifter to provide a second mode register setting signal; receiving a data signal in synchronization with the second mode register setting signal; and writing the mode signal to the mode register only if the received data signal has a first logic level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventor: Chikara Kondo
  • Publication number: 20170236597
    Abstract: Apparatuses including an interface chip that interfaces with dice through memory channels are described. An example apparatus includes: an interface chip that interfaces with a plurality of dice through a plurality of memory channels, each of the dice comprising a plurality of memory cells, and the interface chip comprising a test circuit. The test circuit includes: first and second terminals corresponding to the first and second memory channels respectively; a test terminal and a built in self test (BIST) circuit common to the first and second memory channels; and a selector coupled to the first and second terminals, the test terminal and the BIST circuit, and couples a first selected one of the first terminal, the test terminal and the BIST circuit to the first channel and a second selected one of the second terminal, the test terminal and the BIST circuit to the second channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Chikara Kondo, Tomoyuki Shibata, Ryota Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9715921
    Abstract: A method for writing a mode register in a semiconductor device, the method includes receiving a mode register command and a mode signal; generating a first mode register setting signal; delaying the first mode register setting signal in a first latency shifter to provide a second mode register setting signal; receiving a data signal in synchronization with the second mode register setting signal; and writing the mode signal to the mode register only if the received data signal has a first logic level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: LONGITUDE SEMICONDUCTOR S.A.R.L
    Inventor: Chikara Kondo
  • Publication number: 20170148498
    Abstract: A method includes resetting an output timing adjustment circuit in each of a plurality of DRAM devices to a default output timing data value, measuring a default delay from read command to read data for each of the plurality of DRAM devices, identifying a slowest DRAM device having a maximum default delay from read command to read data among the plurality of DRAM devices, writing an output timing data value to the output timing adjustment circuit in each of the plurality of DRAM devices to set the delay from read command to read data for each respective DRAM device to an amount substantially equal to the maximum default delay, and reading data from any one of the plurality of DRAM devices with a delay from read command to read data substantially equal to the maximum default delay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Naohisa Nishioka, Chikara Kondo
  • Publication number: 20170125081
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a semiconductor device that includes an access control circuit generating an internal command based on a verification result signal and an external command. The external command indicates at least one of a first command that enables the access control circuit to access a first circuit and a second command that enables the access control circuit not to access the first circuit or enables the access control circuit to maintain a current state of the first circuit. The access control circuit, when the verification result signal indicates a first logic level, generates the internal command based on the external command. The access control circuit, when the verification result signal indicates a second logic level, generates the internal command that corresponds to a second command even if the external command indicates a first command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Chikara Kondo
  • Publication number: 20170125084
    Abstract: One semiconductor device includes a command receiver receiving the command signal to generate a first internal command signal, and a latency control circuit activating a second internal chip select signal after elapse of first cycles of a clock signal since a first internal chip select signal is activated. The latency control circuit activates a second control signal when the chip select signal is maintained in an inactive state during second cycles of the clock signal that is larger than the first cycles. The command receiver is activated based on a first control signal. The first control signal is activated in response to the first internal chip select signal. The first control signal is deactivated in response to the second control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Chikara Kondo
  • Patent number: 9576641
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a semiconductor device that includes an access control circuit generating an internal command based on a verification result signal and an external command. The external command indicates at least one of a first command that enables the access control circuit to access a first circuit and a second command that enables the access control circuit not to access the first circuit or enables the access control circuit to maintain a current state of the first circuit. The access control circuit, when the verification result signal indicates a first logic level, generates the internal command based on the external command. The access control circuit, when the verification result signal indicates a second logic level, generates the internal command that corresponds to a second command even if the external command indicates a first command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: LONGITUDE SEMICONDUCTOR S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Chikara Kondo
  • Patent number: 9576639
    Abstract: One semiconductor device includes a command receiver receiving the command signal to generate a first internal command signal, and a latency control circuit activating a second internal chip select signal after elapse of first cycles of a clock signal since a first internal chip select signal is activated. The latency control circuit activates a second control signal when the chip select signal is maintained in an inactive state during second cycles of the clock signal that is larger than the first cycles. The command receiver is activated based on a first control signal. The first control signal is activated in response to the first internal chip select signal. The first control signal is deactivated in response to the second control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: LONGITUDE SEMICONDUCTOR S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Chikara Kondo
  • Patent number: 9564203
    Abstract: A method includes resetting an output timing adjustment circuit in each of a plurality of DRAM devices to a default output timing data value, measuring a default delay from read command to read data for each of the plurality of DRAM devices, identifying a slowest DRAM device having a maximum default delay from read command to read data among the plurality of DRAM devices, writing an output timing data value to the output timing adjustment circuit in each of the plurality of DRAM devices to set the delay from read command to read data for each respective DRAM device to an amount substantially equal to the maximum default delay, and reading data from any one of the plurality of DRAM devices with a delay from read command to read data substantially equal to the maximum default delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: LONGITUDE SEMICONDUCTOR S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Naohisa Nishioka, Chikara Kondo
  • Publication number: 20170011791
    Abstract: A method for writing a mode register in a semiconductor device, the method includes receiving a mode register command and a mode signal; generating a first mode register setting signal; delaying the first mode register setting signal in a first latency shifter to provide a second mode register setting signal; receiving a data signal in synchronization with the second mode register setting signal; and writing the mode signal to the mode register only if the received data signal has a first logic level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Chikara Kondo
  • Publication number: 20160343426
    Abstract: One semiconductor device includes a command receiver receiving the command signal to generate a first internal command signal, and a latency control circuit activating a second internal chip select signal after elapse of first cycles of a clock signal since a first internal chip select signal is activated. The latency control circuit activates a second control signal when the chip select signal is maintained in an inactive state during second cycles of the clock signal that is larger than the first cycles. The command receiver is activated based on a first control signal. The first control signal is activated in response to the first internal chip select signal. The first control signal is deactivated in response to the second control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventor: Chikara Kondo
  • Patent number: 9472253
    Abstract: A semiconductor device disclosed in this disclosure includes a first terminal formed above a first surface of a semiconductor substrate, a second terminal formed above a second surface of the semiconductor substrate opposite to the first surface, a first through substrate via (TSV) penetrating the semiconductor substrate, and a first-in first-out (FIFO) circuit, wherein the first TSV and the FIFO circuit are coupled in series between the first terminal and the second terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Seiji Narui, Chikara Kondo
  • Patent number: 9466343
    Abstract: A method for writing a mode register in a semiconductor device, the method includes receiving a mode register command and a mode signal; generating a first mode register setting signal; delaying the first mode register setting signal in a first latency shifter to provide a second mode register setting signal; receiving a data signal in synchronization with the second mode register setting signal; and writing the mode signal to the mode register only if the received data signal has a first logic level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: PS4 LUXCO S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Chikara Kondo
  • Patent number: 9455019
    Abstract: One semiconductor device includes a command receiver receiving the command signal to generate a first internal command signal, and a latency control circuit activating a second internal chip select signal after elapse of first cycles of a clock signal since a first internal chip select signal is activated. The latency control circuit activates a second control signal when the chip select signal is maintained in an inactive state during second cycles of the clock signal that is larger than the first cycles. The command receiver is activated based on a first control signal. The first control signal is activated in response to the first internal chip select signal. The first control signal is deactivated in response to the second control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: PS4 Luxco S.a.r.l.
    Inventor: Chikara Kondo
  • Patent number: 9412432
    Abstract: A semiconductor storage device is provided with a memory cell array comprising a plurality of word lines including word lines that are adjacent to one another; and a TRR address conversion unit that selects the word line in response to the input of an address signal indicating a first value while in a first operation mode and selects the word line in response to the input of an address signal indicating a first value while in a target row refresh mode. Due to the fact that address conversion is performed on the semiconductor storage device side in the present invention, it is sufficient for a control device to output, for example, the address of a word line having a high access count to the semiconductor storage device during a target row refresh operation. As a result, control of the target row refresh operation on the control device side is facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: PS4 LUXCO S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Seiji Narui, Hiromasa Noda, Chiaki Dono, Chikara Kondo, Masayuki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9281050
    Abstract: A method for reading data from a plurality of DRAM devices connected to common command, address, and data busses. A clock signal is provided to the plurality of DRAM devices. A read command and address to the plurality of DRAM devices on the command and address busses in synchronization with the clock signal. A read clock signal is provided to the plurality of DRAM devices to initiate a read operation in one of the plurality of DRAM devices that is selected by the address. The one DRAM device delays the read clock signal by an amount based on a speed of the one of the plurality of DRAM devices to generate. First delayed read clock and second delayed read clock signals are provided. The read data is received on the data bus in synchronization with the second delayed read clock signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: PS4 Luxco S.a.r.l.
    Inventor: Chikara Kondo
  • Publication number: 20160042782
    Abstract: [Problem] To regenerate the charge of a memory cell having reduced information retention characteristics using a target row refresh operation. [Solution] A semiconductor storage device is provided with a memory cell array (11) comprising a plurality of word lines including word lines (WLI, WL2) that are adjacent to one another; and a TRR address conversion unit (53) that selects the word line (WL1) in response to the input of an address signal (IADD) indicating a first value while in a first operation mode and selects the word line (WL2) in response to the input of an address signal indicating a first value while in a target row refresh mode. Due to the fact that address conversion is performed on the semiconductor storage device side in the present invention, it is sufficient for a control device to output, for example, the address of a word line having a high access count to the semiconductor storage device during a target row refresh operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Seiji Narui, Hiromasa Noda, Chiaki Dono, Chikara Kondo, Masayuki Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20160034340
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a first external terminal, a first circuit, a signal line and a second circuit, The first external terminal receives at least one of data mask information and data bus inversion information. The first circuit performs one of an error check operation and as data bus invasion operation. The signal line is coupled between the first external terminal and the first circuit. The second circuit is coupled to the signal line and first a voltage level of the signal line at a substantially constant level responsive to a first control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: CHIAKI DONO, Seiichi Maruno, Taihei Shido, Toshio Ninomiya, Chikara Kondo
  • Patent number: 9225331
    Abstract: A device including first and second semiconductor chips, each of first and second semiconductor chips including first to M-th penetration electrodes, M being an integer equal to or greater than 3, each of the first to M-th penetration electrodes penetrating through a semiconductor substrate, and the first semiconductor chip including a first input circuit coupled to the M-th penetration electrode of the first semiconductor chip at an input node thereof, the first and second semiconductor chips being stacked with each other in which the first to M-th penetration electrodes of the second semiconductor chip are vertically arranged respectively with the first to M-th penetration electrodes of the first semiconductor chip, in which the first to (M?2)-th penetration electrodes of the second semiconductor chip are electrically coupled to the second to (M?1)-th penetration electrodes of the first semiconductor chip, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: PS4 Luxco S.a.r.l.
    Inventor: Chikara Kondo