Patents by Inventor Chun-Hsiung Hung

Chun-Hsiung Hung 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: 20250124988
    Abstract: A circuit is provided. The circuit includes an array of memory cells including a plurality of bit lines and a plurality of word lines, sensing circuits configured to sense a difference between first and second currents on respective bit lines in selected bit lines and to produce outputs for the selected bit lines as a function of the difference, and a global counter configured to continuously provide a count value to each of the sensing circuits in dependence on a clock signal. Each sensing circuit, of the sensing circuits, can produce an output in dependence on (i) the difference between the first and second currents and (ii) a stored count value received from the global counter, the count value being stored in dependence on a value of the difference between the first and second currents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2023
    Publication date: April 17, 2025
    Applicant: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chun-Hsiung HUNG
  • Patent number: 12274058
    Abstract: A memory device for artificial intelligence calculation includes a memory structure, a controller chip, and a processer chip. The memory structure includes a first memory chip, and a stack of second memory chips, in which a memory density of each of the second memory chips is greater than a memory density of the first memory chip. The controller chip is electrically connected to the first memory chip and the second memory chips. The processer chip is electrically connected to the controller chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shih-Hung Chen, Chun-Hsiung Hung
  • Patent number: 12260130
    Abstract: A memory device for CIM, applicable to a 3D AND-type flash memory, includes a memory array, input word line pairs, and a signal processing circuit. The memory array includes first and second pairs of memory cells. Each first pair of memory cells includes a first memory cell set coupled to a first GBL and a second memory cell set coupled to a second GBL. Each second pair of memory cells includes a third memory cell set coupled to the first GBL and a fourth memory cell set coupled to the second GBL. Each input word line pair includes a first input word line coupled to the first and the second memory cell sets, and a second input word line coupled to the third and the fourth memory cell sets s. The signal processing circuit is coupled to the first and second global bit lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2025
    Assignee: MACRONIX International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hang-Ting Lue, Tzu-Hsuan Hsu, Teng-Hao Yeh, Chih-Chang Hsieh, Chun-Hsiung Hung, Yung-Chun Li
  • Publication number: 20250080131
    Abstract: A circuit comprises a plurality of bit lines, a global counter configured to provide a count value, a global reference source, a plurality of capacitors, a comparator, a storage element, and capacitor selector circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2024
    Publication date: March 6, 2025
    Applicant: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chun-Hsiung HUNG
  • Publication number: 20250078935
    Abstract: A circuit is provided. The circuit can include sensing circuits configured to sense differences between first and second currents on selected bit lines of an array of memory cells and produce outputs for the bit lines as a function of the difference, and a global programmable non-regular counter configured to continuously provide a count value to each of the sensing circuits in dependence on a clock signal, wherein each sensing circuit, of the sensing circuits, includes (i) a local detector circuit configured to detect a voltage (Vc) generated according to the difference and (ii) a reference voltage selector configured to receive reference voltages from a source and to select a single reference voltage (Vref), and wherein each sensing circuit produces an output according to (i) a difference between Vc and Vref and (ii) a stored count value received from the counter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2023
    Publication date: March 6, 2025
    Applicant: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chun-Hsiung HUNG
  • Patent number: 12205672
    Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and circuits for managing reference currents in semiconductor devices. In one aspect, a semiconductor device includes: a memory cell array configured to store data in sets of memory cells and circuitry coupled to the memory cell array. Each set of one or more sets of memory cells in the memory cell array is associated with a respective reference current, and memory cells in sets associated with different reference currents have different threshold voltage distributions. The circuitry is configured to: determine information associated with a reference current for a set of memory cells in the memory cell array based on a memory address corresponding to the set, generate the reference current based on the information associated with the reference current for the set, and sense one or more memory cells in the set based on the reference current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2025
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Hsiung Hung, Fu-Nian Liang, Shang-Chi Yang
  • Patent number: 12197745
    Abstract: A memory device and an associated control method are provided. The memory device includes a non-volatile memory array and a memory control circuit. The non-volatile memory array includes M secured memory zones. The memory control circuit is electrically connected to the non-volatile memory array. The memory control circuit provides a set of mapping information and searches a request key in the set of mapping information. The set of mapping information represents correspondences between N access keys and the M secured memory zones. The memory control circuit acquires at least one of the M secured memory zones if the request key is one of the N access keys, and performs an access command to the at least one of the M secured memory zones. M and N are positive integers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2025
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chin-Hung Chang, Chia-Jung Chen, Ken-Hui Chen, Chun-Hsiung Hung
  • Patent number: 12131772
    Abstract: A three dimension memory device, such as an AND-type memory, includes a memory cell tile, multiple source line switches, multiple first bit line switches to fourth bit line switches. The memory cell tile is divided into a first and a second memory cell sub-tiles. The first bit line switches are respectively coupled to multiple first bit lines of a first part of the first memory cell sub-tile. The second bit line switches are respectively coupled to multiple second bit lines of a second part of the first memory cell sub-tile. The third bit line switches are respectively coupled to multiple third bit lines of a first part of the second memory cell sub-tile. The fourth bit line switches are respectively coupled to multiple fourth bit lines of a second part of the second memory cell sub-tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: MACRONIX International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teng-Hao Yeh, Hang-Ting Lue, Shang-Chi Yang, Fu-Nian Liang, Ken-Hui Chen, Chun-Hsiung Hung
  • Publication number: 20240311014
    Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and circuits for managing read timing in semiconductor devices are provided. In one aspect, a semiconductor device includes: a memory array configured to store data and a circuitry coupled to the memory array and configured to read stored data from the memory array. The circuitry is configured to: obtain a starting address of target data to be read based on a read instruction, determine that the starting address is in a first address group of a plurality of address groups, each of the plurality of address groups being associated with a respective reading speed, and read out the target data from the memory array based on the starting address being in the first address group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2023
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Applicant: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wu-Chin Peng, Ken-Hui Chen, Chun-Hsiung Hung
  • Patent number: 12094569
    Abstract: A three-dimensional memory structure is provided and including a memory array, including a first and a second sub-arrays, each having a first selection line, plural word lines, and a second selection line; a connection structure, including plural connection areas, and at least one of extension structures of the first selection line, the plural of word lines, and the second selection line is coupled to a corresponding connection area of the plurality of connection areas; a pass gate set, arranged under the connection structure and between the first and the second sub-arrays, the pass gate set including plural pass gates, and, the word lines and the second selection line, and the pass gates are respectively coupled to the corresponding connection areas; and a drive circuit, coupled to the pass gate set, and disposed under the connection structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: MACRONIX International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Kuang Chen, Chun-Hsiung Hung
  • Patent number: 12086457
    Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and circuits for managing secure writes in semiconductor devices. In one aspect, a semiconductor device includes a memory array and logic circuitry coupled to the memory array. The logic circuitry is configured to execute a secure write operation in the memory array in response to receiving encrypted information. The encrypted information includes at least one of information of data to be written, an option code, or multiple addresses in the memory array, the option code specifying a way of writing the data on at least one of the multiple addresses in the memory array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chin-Hung Chang, Chia-Jung Chen, Ken-Hui Chen, Chun-Hsiung Hung
  • Patent number: 12086414
    Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and circuits for managing content addressable memory (CAM) devices. In one aspect, a semiconductor device includes: a memory cell array configured to store data in memory cells, and a circuitry coupled to the memory cell array and configured to execute a search operation in the memory cell array according to a search instruction. The search instruction includes at least one of search data or an option code, and the option code specifies, for the search operation, at least one of a search length or a search depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chin-Hung Chang, Ken-Hui Chen, Chun-Hsiung Hung
  • Publication number: 20240274170
    Abstract: Compute-in-memory CIM operations using signed bits produce signed outputs. A circuit for CIM operations comprises an array of memory cells arranged in columns and rows, memory cells in columns connected to corresponding bit lines, and memory cells in rows connected to corresponding word lines. The array is programmable to store signed weights in sets of memory cells, the sets being operatively coupled with a corresponding pair of bit lines and a corresponding pair of word lines. Word line drivers are configured to drive true and complement voltages representing signed inputs on respective word lines in selected pairs of word lines. Sensing circuits are configured to sense differences between first and second currents on respective bit lines in selected pairs of bit lines and to produce signed outputs for the selected pairs of bit lines as a function of the difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2023
    Publication date: August 15, 2024
    Applicant: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chun-Hsiung HUNG, Ken-Hui CHEN, Shang-Chi YANG, Tung-Yu LI
  • Patent number: 12014798
    Abstract: A compute in memory device comprises a memory array including a plurality of data lines for parallel access to memory array data, and an input/output interface. Data path circuits between the memory array and the input/output interface include a page buffer, each buffer cell of the page buffer including a plurality of storage elements. A plurality of computation circuits is provided connected to respective buffer cells. The computation circuits execute a function of data in the storage elements of the respective buffer cells and can be configured in parallel to generate a results data page including operation results for the plurality of buffer cells. A data analysis circuit is connected to the data path circuits to execute a function of the results data page to generate an analysis result. A register can be provided to store the analysis result accessible via the input/output interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Hsiung Hung, Shuo-Nan Hung
  • Publication number: 20240185899
    Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and circuits for managing reference currents in semiconductor devices. In one aspect, a semiconductor device includes: a memory cell array configured to store data in sets of memory cells and circuitry coupled to the memory cell array. Each set of one or more sets of memory cells in the memory cell array is associated with a respective reference current, and memory cells in sets associated with different reference currents have different threshold voltage distributions. The circuitry is configured to: determine information associated with a reference current for a set of memory cells in the memory cell array based on a memory address corresponding to the set, generate the reference current based on the information associated with the reference current for the set, and sense one or more memory cells in the set based on the reference current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2022
    Publication date: June 6, 2024
    Applicant: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Hsiung Hung, Fu-Nian Liang, Shang-Chi Yang
  • Patent number: 12002536
    Abstract: A sensing module, a memory device, and a sensing method are provided to perform a read operation so that the un-programmed/programmed state of a memory cell is identified. The sensing module includes a sensing amplifier and a current sink, and both are electrically connected to the memory cell. The sensing amplifier generates a sensing current and identifies the un-programmed/programmed state of the memory cell accordingly. The current sink receives a reference current being equivalent to the summation of the sensing current and a cell current flowing through the memory cell. The reference current is constant, and the sensing current is changed with the cell current. The cell current is generated based on a high read voltage and a low read voltage applied to the memory cell. The sensing current is higher if the memory cell is un-programmed, and the sensing current is lower if the memory cell is programmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yun-Chen Chou, Tien-Yen Wang, Chun-Hsiung Hung
  • Publication number: 20240171384
    Abstract: A device which can be implemented on a single packaged integrated circuit or a multichip module comprises a plurality of non-volatile memory cells, and logic to use a physical unclonable function to produce a key and to store the key in a set of non-volatile memory cells in the plurality of non-volatile memory cells. The physical unclonable function can use entropy derived from non-volatile memory cells in the plurality of non-volatile memory cells to produce a key. Logic is described to disable changes to data in the set of non-volatile memory cells, and thereby freeze the key after it is stored in the set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2023
    Publication date: May 23, 2024
    Applicant: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chun-Hsiung HUNG, Chin-Hung CHANG
  • Patent number: 11984371
    Abstract: Systems, methods, circuits, and apparatus including computer-readable mediums for testing bonding pads in multi-die packages, e.g., chiplet systems. In one aspect, a chiplet system includes multiple integrated circuit devices electrically connected together. The integrated circuit devices include an integrated circuit device including: an integrated circuit, a plurality of first type bonding pads electrically connected to the integrated circuit and electrically connected to at least one other of the integrated circuit devices, and one or more second type bonding pads electrically isolated from the at least one other of the integrated circuit devices. At least one of the plurality of first type bonding pads is configured to be electrically connected to a corresponding one of the one or more second type bonding pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Hsiung Hung, Su-Chueh Lo
  • Publication number: 20240153564
    Abstract: Systems, methods, circuits, and apparatus for managing multi-block operations in memory devices are provided. In one aspect, a memory device includes a memory cell array including at least two blocks, a bit line coupled to a string of memory cells in each of the at least two blocks respectively, a common source line (CSL) coupled to strings coupled to the bit line in the at least two blocks, and a circuitry configured to perform a multi-block operation in the memory cell array by at least one of: forming a first current path from the bit line through the strings to the CSL coupled to a ground to discharge a capacitor associated with the bit line that is pre-charged, or forming a second current path from the CSL coupled to a supply voltage through the strings to the bit line to charge the capacitor that is pre-discharged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Applicant: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Han Chen, Chun-Hsiung Hung
  • Publication number: 20240118806
    Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and circuits for managing content addressable memory (CAM) devices. In one aspect, a semiconductor device includes: a memory cell array configured to store data in memory cells, and a circuitry coupled to the memory cell array and configured to execute a search operation in the memory cell array according to a search instruction. The search instruction includes at least one of search data or an option code, and the option code specifies, for the search operation, at least one of a search length or a search depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2022
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Applicant: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chin-Hung Chang, Ken-Hui Chen, Chun-Hsiung Hung