Patents by Inventor Craig Hampel

Craig Hampel 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: 20120327726
    Abstract: A memory system supports high-performance and low-power modes. The memory system includes a memory core and a core interface. The memory core employs core supply voltages that remain the same in both modes. Supply voltages and signaling rates for the core interface may be scaled down to save power. Level shifters between the memory core and core interface level shift signals as needed to accommodate the signaling voltages used by the core interface in the different modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: RAMBUS INC
    Inventors: Ely Tsern, Thomas Vogelsang, Craig Hampel, Scott C. Best
  • Patent number: 8108607
    Abstract: Systems, among other embodiments, include topologies (data and/or control/address information) between an integrated circuit buffer device (that may be coupled to a master, such as a memory controller) and a plurality of integrated circuit memory devices. For example, data may be provided between the plurality of integrated circuit memory devices and the integrated circuit buffer device using separate segmented (or point-to-point link) signal paths in response to control/address information provided from the integrated circuit buffer device to the plurality of integrated circuit buffer devices using a single fly-by (or bus) signal path. An integrated circuit buffer device enables configurable effective memory organization of the plurality of integrated circuit memory devices. The memory organization represented by the integrated circuit buffer device to a memory controller may be different than the actual memory organization behind or coupled to the integrated circuit buffer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Shaeffer, Ely Tsern, Craig Hampel
  • Publication number: 20110228614
    Abstract: Systems, among other embodiments, include topologies (data and/or control/address information) between an integrated circuit buffer device (that may be coupled to a master, such as a memory controller) and a plurality of integrated circuit memory devices. For example, data may be provided between the plurality of integrated circuit memory devices and the integrated circuit buffer device using separate segmented (or point-to-point link) signal paths in response to control/address information provided from the integrated circuit buffer device to the plurality of integrated circuit buffer devices using a single fly-by (or bus) signal path. An integrated circuit buffer device enables configurable effective memory organization of the plurality of integrated circuit memory devices. The memory organization represented by the integrated circuit buffer device to a memory controller may be different than the actual memory organization behind or coupled to the integrated circuit buffer device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: RAMBUS INC.
    Inventors: Ian Shaeffer, Ely Tsern, Craig Hampel
  • Patent number: 7836378
    Abstract: An integrated circuit, such as an integrated circuit memory or buffer device, method and system, among other embodiments, generate a plurality of error codes, such as CRC codes, corresponding to control information, write data and read data transactions, respectively. The plurality of separately generated CRC codes is logged or stored in respective storage circuits, such as circular buffers. The stored plurality of CRC codes corresponding to each transaction then may be used to determine whether an error occurred during a particular transaction and thus whether a retry of the particular transaction is issued. The integrated circuit includes a compare circuit to compare a CRC code generated by the integrated circuit with a CRC code provided by a controller device. A CRC code corresponding to read data is transferred to a controller device using a data mask signal line that is not being used during a read transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Shaeffer, Craig Hampel, Yuanlong Wang, Fred Ware
  • Publication number: 20100146199
    Abstract: Systems, among other embodiments, include topologies (data and/or control/address information) between an integrated circuit buffer device (that may be coupled to a master, such as a memory controller) and a plurality of integrated circuit memory devices. For example, data may be provided between the plurality of integrated circuit memory devices and the integrated circuit buffer device using separate segmented (or point-to-point link) signal paths in response to control/address information provided from the integrated circuit buffer device to the plurality of integrated circuit buffer devices using a single fly-by (or bus) signal path. An integrated circuit buffer device enables configurable effective memory organization of the plurality of integrated circuit memory devices. The memory organization represented by the integrated circuit buffer device to a memory controller may be different than the actual memory organization behind or coupled to the integrated circuit buffer device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: RAMBUS INC.
    Inventors: Ian Shaeffer, Ely Tsern, Craig Hampel
  • Patent number: 7729151
    Abstract: A system includes a master device and a first memory module having a plurality of integrated circuit memory devices and a plurality of integrated circuit buffer devices that operate in first and second modes of operation (bypass mode). In a first mode of operation, a first memory module provides read data from the plurality of integrated circuit memory devices (via a integrated circuit buffer device) on a first signal path to the master and a second memory module simultaneously provides read data from its plurality of integrated circuit memory devices (via another integrated circuit buffer device on the second module) on a third signal path coupled to the master device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Ely Tsern, Ian Shaeffer, Craig Hampel
  • Publication number: 20100115191
    Abstract: A memory system is disclosed comprising a memory controller and a first set of volatile memory devices defining a first memory hierarchy. The first set of volatile memory devices are disposed on at least one first memory module, which is coupled to the memory controller in a daisy-chained configuration. A first integrated circuit buffer device is included on the module. The system has a second set of nonvolatile memory devices defining a second memory hierarchy. The second set of nonvolatile memory devices are disposed on at least one second memory module, which is coupled to the at least one first memory module in a daisy-chained configuration. The second module includes a second integrated circuit buffer device. The system is configured such that signals transmitted between the memory controller and the second memory hierarchy pass through the first memory hierarchy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: RAMBUS INC.
    Inventors: Craig Hampel, Mark Horowitz
  • Patent number: 7685364
    Abstract: Systems, among other embodiments, include topologies (data and/or control/address information) between an integrated circuit buffer device (that may be coupled to a master, such as a memory controller) and a plurality of integrated circuit memory devices. For example, data may be provided between the plurality of integrated circuit memory devices and the integrated circuit buffer device using separate segmented (or point-to-point link) signal paths in response to control/address information provided from the integrated circuit buffer device to the plurality of integrated circuit buffer devices using a single fly-by (or bus) signal path. An integrated circuit buffer device enables configurable effective memory organization of the plurality of integrated circuit memory devices. The memory organization represented by the integrated circuit buffer device to a memory controller may be different than the actual memory organization behind or coupled to the integrated circuit buffer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Shaeffer, Ely Tsern, Craig Hampel
  • Publication number: 20090198924
    Abstract: Systems, among other embodiments, include topologies (data and/or control/address information) between an integrated circuit buffer device (that may be coupled to a master, such as a memory controller) and a plurality of integrated circuit memory devices. For example, data may be provided between the plurality of integrated circuit memory devices and the integrated circuit buffer device using separate segmented (or point-to-point link) signal paths in response to control/address information provided from the integrated circuit buffer device to the plurality of integrated circuit buffer devices using a single fly-by (or bus) signal path. An integrated circuit buffer device enables configurable effective memory organization of the plurality of integrated circuit memory devices. The memory organization represented by the integrated circuit buffer device to a memory controller may be different than the actual memory organization behind or coupled to the integrated circuit buffer device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Shaeffer, Ely Tsern, Craig Hampel
  • Patent number: 7562271
    Abstract: Systems, among other embodiments, include topologies (data and/or control/address information) between an integrated circuit buffer device (that may be coupled to a master, such as a memory controller) and a plurality of integrated circuit memory devices. For example, data may be provided between the plurality of integrated circuit memory devices and the integrated circuit buffer device using separate segmented (or point-to-point link) signal paths in response to control/address information provided from the integrated circuit buffer device to the plurality of integrated circuit buffer devices using a single fly-by (or bus) signal path. An integrated circuit buffer device enables configurable effective memory organization of the plurality of integrated circuit memory devices. The memory organization represented by the integrated circuit buffer device to a memory controller may be different than the actual memory organization behind or coupled to the integrated circuit buffer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Shaeffer, Ely Tsern, Craig Hampel
  • Publication number: 20080163007
    Abstract: An integrated circuit, such as an integrated circuit memory or buffer device, method and system, among other embodiments, generate a plurality of error codes, such as CRC codes, corresponding to control information, write data and read data transactions, respectively. The plurality of separately generated CRC codes is logged or stored in respective storage circuits, such as circular buffers. The stored plurality of CRC codes corresponding to each transaction then may be used to determine whether an error occurred during a particular transaction and thus whether a retry of the particular transaction is issued. The integrated circuit includes a compare circuit to compare a CRC code generated by the integrated circuit with a CRC code provided by a controller device. A CRC code corresponding to read data is transferred to a controller device using a data mask signal line that is not being used during a read transaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Shaeffer, Craig Hampel, Yuanlong Wang, Fred Ware
  • Publication number: 20080091907
    Abstract: An integrated circuit memory device includes a memory core to store write data, a first set of interconnect resources to receive the write data, and a second set of interconnect resources to receive a write command associated with the write data. Information indicating whether mask information is included with the write command, wherein the mask information, when included in the write command, specifies whether to selectively write portions of the write data to the memory core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: Richard Barth, Frederick Ware, Donald Stark, Craig Hampel, Paul Davis, Abhijit Abhyankar, James Gasbarre, David Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7356639
    Abstract: A memory system architecture/interconnect topology includes a configurable width buffered memory module having a configurable width buffer device with at least one bypass circuit. A buffer device, such as a configurable width buffer device, is positioned between or with at least one integrated circuit memory device positioned on a substrate surface of a memory module, such as a DIMM. The configurable width buffer device is coupled to at least one memory device (by way of an internal channel), entry pin and exit pin on the memory module. The configurable width buffer device includes a multiplexer/demultiplexer circuit coupled to the entry pin and the internal channel for accessing the memory device. A bypass circuit is coupled to the entry pin and the exit pin in order to allow information to be transferred through the memory module to another coupled memory module in the memory system by way of an external channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Perego, Fred Ware, Ely Tsern, Craig Hampel
  • Publication number: 20080080261
    Abstract: Systems, among other embodiments, include topologies (data and/or control/address information) between an integrated circuit buffer device (that may be coupled to a master, such as a memory controller) and a plurality of integrated circuit memory devices. For example, data may be provided between the plurality of integrated circuit memory devices and the integrated circuit buffer device using separate segmented (or point-to-point link) signal paths in response to control/address information provided from the integrated circuit buffer device to the plurality of integrated circuit buffer devices using a single fly-by (or bus) signal path. An integrated circuit buffer device enables configurable effective memory organization of the plurality of integrated circuit memory devices. The memory organization represented by the integrated circuit buffer device to a memory controller may be different than the actual memory organization behind or coupled to the integrated circuit buffer device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Shaeffer, Ely Tsern, Craig Hampel
  • Publication number: 20080071951
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes a transmitting means for transmitting transmit data to an external signal line and a storing means for storing a first value representative of a transmit phase adjustment that is used to adjust when the transmit data is transmitted by the transmitting means. The first value is determined based on information stored in a memory device external to the integrated circuit device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Mark Horowitz, Richard Barth, Craig Hampel, Alfredo Moncavo, Kevin Donnelly, Jared Zerbe
  • Publication number: 20080052434
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes a transmitter circuit having an output driver to output data, and a register to store a value representative of an equalization co-efficient setting of the output driver. The value may be determined based on information stored in a supplemental memory device. The value is representative of an equalization co-efficient setting that compensates for signals present on an external signal line. The signals present on the external signal line comprise one selected from residual signals and cross coupled signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Horowitz, Richard Barth, Craig Hampel, Alfredo Moncavo, Kevin Donnelly, Jared Zerbe
  • Publication number: 20080052440
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes an output driver, a first register to store a value representative of a drive strength setting of the output driver, wherein the value is determined based on information stored in a supplemental memory device external to the integrated circuit memory device, and a transmitter circuit configurable to receive the value representative of a drive strength setting of the output driver. The output driver is configurable to output data synchronously with respect to an external clock signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Mark Horowitz, Richard Barth, Craig Hampel, Alfredo Moncavo, Kevin Donnelly, Jared Zerbe
  • Publication number: 20080043546
    Abstract: Method embodiments including providing control information to a memory device is provided. The control information includes a first code which specifies that a write operation be initiated in the memory device. A signal is provided that indicates when the memory device is to begin sampling write data that is stored in the memory core during the write operation. A first bit of the write data is provided to the memory device during an even phase of a clock signal. A second bit of the write data is provided to the memory device during an odd phase of the clock signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: RAMBUS INC.
    Inventors: Richard Barth, Frederick Ware, John Dillon, Donald Stark, Craig Hampel, Matthew Griffin
  • Publication number: 20080002516
    Abstract: A single chip dynamic random access memory has a memory core, including dynamic random access memory cells, and a clock receiver circuit to receive an external clock signal. A delay locked loop circuit is coupled to the clock receiver circuit. In a first power mode, the delay locked loop circuit and the clock receiver circuit are turned on. Power consumption in the first power mode is less than that consumed while in an active mode. In a second power mode, the delay locked loop circuit is turned off. The memory is configured to receive a command that specifies a power down mode, to turn off the delay locked loop circuit in response to the command that specifies the power down mode, and to operate the memory device in a standby power mode. The delay locked loop circuit and the clock receiver circuit are turned on in a standby mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: Ely Tsern, Richard Barth, Craig Hampel, Donald Stark
  • Publication number: 20070280393
    Abstract: A method and system provides for execution of calibration cycles from time to time during normal operation of the communication channel. A calibration cycle includes de-coupling the normal data source from the transmitter and supplying a calibration pattern in its place. The calibration pattern is received from the communication link using the receiver on the second component. A calibrated value of a parameter of the communication channel is determined in response to the received calibration pattern. The steps involved in calibration cycles can be reordered to account for utilization patterns of the communication channel. For bidirectional links, calibration cycles are executed which include the step of storing received calibration patterns on the second component, and retransmitting such calibration patterns back to the first component for use in adjusting parameters of the channel at first component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Applicant: RAMBUS INC.
    Inventors: Frederick Ware, Richard Perego, Craig Hampel