Patents by Inventor Colin S. Bill

Colin S. Bill 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: 9514824
    Abstract: A memory system is programmed with minimal program disturb and reduced junction and channel leakage during self-boosting. Pre-charging bias signals are applied to word lines adjacent to a selected word line before a program signal is applied to the selected word line and a pass signal is applied to the remaining word lines. The pre-charging bias signals apply a pre-charge to the memory cells. The pre-charging bias signals are chosen to improve the isolation of the memory cells on word lines adjacent to the selected word line, improve self boost efficiency and reduce current leakage to prevent or reduce program disturb and/or programming errors especially in the inhibited memory cells on the selected word line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Ya-Fen Lin, Colin S. Bill, Takao Akaogi, Youseok Suh
  • Publication number: 20120092924
    Abstract: A write-once read-many times memory device is made up of first and second electrodes, a passive layer between the first and second electrodes, and an active layer between the first and second electrode. The memory device is programmed by providing a charged species from the passive layer into the active layer. The memory device may be programmed to have for the programmed memory device a first erase activation energy. The present method provides for the programmed memory device a second erase activation energy greater than the first erase activation energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Michael A. VanBuskirk, Colin S. Bill, Zhida Lan, Tzu-Ning Fang
  • Patent number: 8098521
    Abstract: A write-once read-many times memory device is made up of first and second electrodes, a passive layer between the first and second electrodes, and an active layer between the first and second electrode. The memory device is programmed by providing a charged species from the passive layer into the active layer. The memory device may be programmed to have for the programmed memory device a first erase activation energy. The present method provides for the programmed memory device a second erase activation energy greater than the first erase activation energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. VanBuskirk, Colin S. Bill, Zhida Lan, Tzu-Ning Fang
  • Patent number: 7894243
    Abstract: In a first method of writing data to a resistive memory device (i.e. programming or erasing), successive electrical potentials are applied across the resistive memory device, wherein the successive electrical potentials are of increasing duration. In another method of writing data to a resistive memory device (i.e. programming or erasing), an electrical potential is applied across the resistive memory device, and the level of current through the memory device is sensed as the electrical potential is applied. The application of the electrical potential is ended based on a selected level of current through the resistive memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Michael VanBuskirk, Wei Daisy Cai, Colin S. Bill, Yi-Ching Jean Wu
  • Patent number: 7791947
    Abstract: The present disclosure adjusts the voltage threshold values of select gates of NAND strings. The select gates of the NAND string can be read, erased, and programmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. VanBuskirk, Colin S. Bill, Takao Akaogi
  • Patent number: 7579631
    Abstract: A memory cell made of at least two electrodes with a controllably conductive media between the at least two electrodes is disclosed. The controllably conductive media includes a passive layer made of super ionic material and an active layer. When an external stimuli, such as an applied electric field, is imposed upon the first and second electrode, ions move and dope and/or de-dope the polymer. The applied external stimuli used to dope the polymer is larger than an applied external stimuli to operate the memory cell. The polymer functions as a variable breakdown characteristic diode with electrical characteristics which are a consequence of the doping degree. The memory element may have a current limited read signal. Methods of making the memory devices/cells, methods of using the memory devices/cells, and devices such as computers, hand-held electronic devices and memory devices containing the memory cell(s) are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: David Gaun, Colin S. Bill, Swaroop Kaza
  • Publication number: 20090180330
    Abstract: The present disclosure adjusts the voltage threshold values of select gates of NAND strings. The select gates of the NAND string can be read, erased, and programmed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: SPAINSION LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. VanBuskirk, Colin S. Bill, Takao Akaogi
  • Patent number: 7474579
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that facilitate extending data retention time in a data retention device, such as a nanoscale resistive memory cell array, via assessing a resistance level in a tracking element associated with the memory array and refreshing the memory array upon a determination that the resistance of the tracking element has reached or exceeded a predetermined reference threshold resistance value. The tracking element can be a memory cell within the array itself and can have an initial resistance value that is substantially higher than an initial resistance value for a programmed memory cell in the array, such that resistance increase in the tracking cell will cause the tracking cell to reach the threshold value and trigger refresh of the array before data corruption/loss occurs in the core memory cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Colin S. Bill, Swaroop Kaza, Wei Daisy Cai, Tzu-Ning Fang, David Gaun, Eugen Gershon, Michael A. Van Buskirk, Jean Wu
  • Patent number: 7450416
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of undertaking a procedure on a memory-diode, wherein a memory-diode is provided which is programmable so as to have each of a plurality of different threshold voltages. A reading of the state of the memory-diode indicates the so determined threshold voltage of the memory-diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Swaroop Kaza, Juri Krieger, David Gaun, Stuart Spitzer, Richard Kingsborough, Zhida Lan, Colin S. Bill, Wei Daisy Cai, Igor Sokolik
  • Patent number: 7443710
    Abstract: Systems and methods employing at least one constant current source to facilitate programming of an organic memory cell and/or employing at least one constant voltage source to facilitate erasing of a memory device. The present invention is utilized in single memory cell devices and memory cell arrays. Employing a constant current source prevents current spikes during programming and allows accurate control of a memory cell's state during write cycles, independent of the cell's resistance. Employing a constant voltage source provides a stable load for memory cells during erase cycles and allows for accurate voltage control across the memory cell despite large dynamic changes in cell resistance during the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Spansion, LLC
    Inventors: Tzu-Ning Fang, Michael Allen Van Buskirk, Colin S. Bill
  • Publication number: 20080151669
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that facilitate extending data retention time in a data retention device, such as a nanoscale resistive memory cell array, via assessing a resistance level in a tracking element associated with the memory array and refreshing the memory array upon a determination that the resistance of the tracking element has reached or exceeded a predetermined reference threshold resistance value. The tracking element can be a memory cell within the array itself and can have an initial resistance value that is substantially higher than an initial resistance value for a programmed memory cell in the array, such that resistance increase in the tracking cell will cause the tracking cell to reach the threshold value and trigger refresh of the array before data corruption/loss occurs in the core memory cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: SPANSION LLC
    Inventors: Colin S. Bill, Swaroop Kaza, Wei Daisy Cai, Tzu-Ning Fang, David Gaun, Eugen Gershon, Michael A. Van Buskirk, Jean Wu
  • Publication number: 20080130381
    Abstract: In a first method of writing data to a resistive memory device (i.e. programming or erasing), successive electrical potentials are applied across the resistive memory device, wherein the successive electrical potentials are of increasing duration. In another method of writing data to a resistive memory device (i.e. programming or erasing), an electrical potential is applied across the resistive memory device, and the level of current through the memory device is sensed as the electrical potential is applied. The application of the electrical potential is ended based on a selected level of current through the resistive memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Michael VanBuskirk, Wei Daisy Cai, Colin S. Bill, Yi-Ching Jean Wu
  • Patent number: 7379317
    Abstract: A memory array includes first and second sets of conductors and a plurality of memory-diodes, each connecting in a forward direction a conductor of the first set with a conductor of the second set. An electrical potential is applied across a selected memory-diode, from higher to lower potential in the forward direction, intended to program the selected memory-diode. During this intended programming, each other memory-diode in the array has provided thereacross in the forward direction thereof an electrical potential lower than its threshold voltage. The threshold voltage of each memory-diode can be established by applying an electrical potential across that memory-diode from higher to lower potential in the reverse direction. By so establishing a sufficient threshold voltage, and by selecting appropriate electrical potentials applied to conductors of the array, problems related to current leakage and disturb are avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Colin S. Bill, Swaroop Kaza, Tzu-Ning Fang, Stuart Spitzer
  • Patent number: 7355886
    Abstract: The present approach is a method of writing (which may be programming or erasing) data to a selected memory cell of a memory array. The array includes a plurality of word lines, a plurality of bit lines, a plurality of memory cells each including a diode and a resistive memory device in series connecting a word line and a bit line, and a plurality of transistors, each having a first and second source/drain terminals and a gate, each transistor having a first source/drain terminal connected to a bit line. In the present method a voltage is applied to a selected word line, and a voltage is applied to the second source/drain terminal of a transistor having its first source/drain terminal connected to a selected bit line. The voltage applied to the selected word line is greater than the voltage applied to the second source/drain terminal of that transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Wei Daisy Cai, Swaroop Kaza, Colin S. Bill, Michael VanBuskirk
  • Patent number: 7286388
    Abstract: In the present method of programming a memory device from an erased state, the memory device includes first and second electrodes, a passive layer between the first and second electrodes, and an active layer between the first and second electrodes. In the programming method, (i) an electrical potential is applied across the first and second electrodes from higher to lower potential in one direction to reduce the resistance of the memory device, and (ii) an electrical potential is applied across the first and second electrodes from higher to lower potential in the other direction to further reduce the resistance of the memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: An Chen, Sameer Haddad, Tzu-Ning Fang, Yi-Ching Jean Wu, Colin S. Bill
  • Patent number: 7259983
    Abstract: In the present method of programming and erasing the resistive memory devices of a memory device array, upon a single command, high current is provided in both the program and erase functions to program and erase only those memory devices whose state is to be changed from the previous state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Colin S. Bill, Wei Daisy Cai
  • Patent number: 7145824
    Abstract: Systems and methodologies are provided for temperature compensation of thin film diode voltage levels in memory sensing circuits. The subject invention includes a temperature sensitive bias circuit and an array core with a temperature variable select device. The array core can consist of a thin film diode in series with a nanoscale resistive memory cell. The temperature sensitive bias circuit can include a thin film diode in series with two resistors, and provides a temperature compensating bias voltage to the array core. The thin film diode of the temperature sensitive bias circuit tracks the diode of the array core, while the two resistors create a resistive ratio to mimic the effect of temperature and/or process variation(s) on the array core. The compensating bias reference voltage is generated by the temperature sensitive bias circuit, duplicated by a differential amplifier, and utilized to maintain a constant operation voltage level on the nanoscale resistive memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Colin S. Bill, Wei Daisy Cai
  • Patent number: 7072781
    Abstract: A test system having a feedback loop that facilitates adjusting an output test waveform to a DUT/CUT (Device Under Test/Circuit Under Test) on-the-fly according to changing DUT/CUT parameters. The system includes a tester having an arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) and a data acquisition system (DAS) that monitors the status of the DUT/CUT. The AWG and DAS connect to the DUT/CUT through a feedback loop where the AWG outputs the test waveform to the DUT/CUT, the DAS monitors the DUT/CUT parameters, and the DAS analyzes and communicates changes to the AWG to effect changes in the output waveform, when desired. The AWG builds the output waveform in small slices (or segments) that are assembled together through a process of selection and calibration. The feedback architecture facilitates a number of changes in the output waveform, including a change in the original order of the preassembled slices, and changes in the magnitude/shape of the output waveform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugen Gershon, David Gaun, Colin S. Bill, Tzu-Ning Fang
  • Patent number: 7035141
    Abstract: The present memory structure includes thereof a first conductor, a second conductor, a resistive memory cell connected to the second conductor, a first diode connected to the resistive memory cell and the first conductor, and oriented in the forward direction from the resistive memory cell to the first conductor, and a second diode connected to the resistive memory cell and the first conductor, in parallel with the first diode, and oriented in the reverse direction from the resistive memory cell to the first conductor. The first and second diodes have different threshold voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventors: Nicholas H. Tripsas, Colin S. Bill, Michael A. VanBuskirk, Matthew Buynoski, Tzu-Ning Fang, Wei Daisy Cai, Suzette Pangrle, Steven Avanzino
  • Patent number: 6622274
    Abstract: There is provided an improve BIST frontend state machine and a method for micro-architectural implementation of the same which is achieved with a minimal amount of test logic circuitry. The state frontend machine includes a state controller responsive to clock signals, control signals, and output register signals for generating output state signals based upon a fixed number of states utilizing death logic so as to sequence through one of a plurality of sets of tests until completed or failed. A substantial savings of approximately 40% in the I.C. chip area was realized in comparison to the implementation by a conventional state machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Weng F. Lee, Colin S. Bill, Feng Pan, Edward V. Bautista