Patents by Inventor Cristinel Zonte

Cristinel Zonte 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: 11940831
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a circuit includes: a trimmable reference current generator having a temperature dependent current output node, the trimmable reference current generator including: a proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) current generation circuit; a first programmable current scaling circuit coupled to the PTAT current generation circuit and including a first output coupled to the temperature dependent current output node; a constant current generation circuit; a second programmable current scaling circuit coupled to the constant current generation circuit and including a first output coupled to the temperature dependent current output node; and a reference interface circuit having an input coupled to the temperature dependent current output node and an output configured to be coupled to a reference current input of a memory sense amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Cristinel Zonte
  • Publication number: 20230197128
    Abstract: Systems and methods for driving a non-volatile memory device in a standby operating condition are disclosed. A standby detection circuit detects whether the non-volatile memory system is in a standby condition. In response to determining that the non-volatile memory system is in a standby condition, a bias control circuit provides bias currents to drivers of the non-volatile memory system in a standby mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Cristinel Zonte, Vijay Raghavan, Iulian C Gradinariu, Gary Peter Moscaluk, Roger Bettman, Vineet Argrawal, Samuel Leshner
  • Publication number: 20230176604
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a circuit includes: a trimmable reference current generator having a temperature dependent current output node, the trimmable reference current generator including: a proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) current generation circuit; a first programmable current scaling circuit coupled to the PTAT current generation circuit and including a first output coupled to the temperature dependent current output node; a constant current generation circuit; a second programmable current scaling circuit coupled to the constant current generation circuit and including a first output coupled to the temperature dependent current output node; and a reference interface circuit having an input coupled to the temperature dependent current output node and an output configured to be coupled to a reference current input of a memory sense amplifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventor: Cristinel Zonte
  • Patent number: 11581029
    Abstract: Systems and methods for driving a non-volatile memory device in a standby operating condition are disclosed. A standby detection circuit detects whether the non-volatile memory system is in a standby condition. In response to determining that the non-volatile memory system is in a standby condition, a bias control circuit provides bias currents to drivers of the non-volatile memory system in a standby mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: LONGITUDE ELASH MEMORY SOLUTIONS LTD
    Inventors: Cristinel Zonte, Vijay Raghavan, Iulian C Gradinariu, Gary Peter Moscaluk, Roger Bettman, Vineet Argrawal, Samuel Leshner
  • Publication number: 20210327477
    Abstract: Systems and methods for driving a non-volatile memory device in a standby operating condition are disclosed. A standby detection circuit detects whether the non-volatile memory system is in a standby condition. In response to determining that the non-volatile memory system is in a standby condition, a bias control circuit provides bias currents to drivers of the non-volatile memory system in a standby mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: Cristinel Zonte, Vijay Raghavan, Iulian C. Gradinariu, Gary Peter Moscaluk, Roger Bettman, Vineet Argrawal, Samuel Leshner
  • Patent number: 10998019
    Abstract: Systems and methods for driving a non-volatile memory device in a standby operating condition are disclosed. A standby detection circuit detects whether the non-volatile memory system is in a standby condition. In response to determining that the non-volatile memory system is in a standby condition, a bias control circuit provides bias currents to drivers of the non-volatile memory system in a standby mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Longitude Flash Memory Solutions, Ltd.
    Inventors: Cristinel Zonte, Vijay Raghavan, Iulian C. Gradinariu, Gary Peter Moscaluk, Roger Bettman, Vineet Argrawal, Samuel Leshner
  • Publication number: 20200234746
    Abstract: Systems and methods for driving a non-volatile memory device in a standby operating condition are disclosed. A standby detection circuit detects whether the non-volatile memory system is in a standby condition. In response to determining that the non-volatile memory system is in a standby condition, a bias control circuit provides bias currents to drivers of the non-volatile memory system in a standby mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Inventors: Cristinel Zonte, Vijay Raghavan, Iulian C. Gradinariu, Gary Peter Moscaluk, Roger Bettman, Vineet Argrawal, Samuel Leshner
  • Patent number: 10510387
    Abstract: A method for driving a non-volatile memory system is disclosed. A standby detection circuit detects whether the nonvolatile memory system is in a standby condition. In response to determining that the non-volatile memory system is in a standby condition, a bias control circuit reduces bias currents provided to drivers of the non-volatile memory system in a standby mode. The non-volatile memory system is operated in the standby mode after the bias currents have been reduced, where an output signal indicating the standby mode is maintained until a read instruction is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: LONGITUDE FLASH MEMORY SOLUTIONS LTD.
    Inventors: Cristinel Zonte, Vijay Raghavan, Iulian Gradinariu, Gary Peter Moscaluk, Roger Jay Bettman, Vineet Argrawal, Samuel Leshner
  • Publication number: 20190080732
    Abstract: A method for driving a non-volatile memory system is disclosed. A standby detection circuit detects whether the nonvolatile memory system is in a standby condition. In response to determining that the non-volatile memory system is in a standby condition, a bias control circuit reduces bias currents provided to drivers of the non-volatile memory system in a standby mode. The non-volatile memory system is operated in the standby mode after the bias currents have been reduced, where an output signal indicating the standby mode is maintained until a read instruction is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Applicant: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Cristinel Zonte, Vijay Raghavan, Iulian Gradinariu, Gary Peter Moscaluk, Roger Jay Bettman, Vineet Argrawal, Samuel Leshner
  • Patent number: 10062423
    Abstract: Systems and methods for driving a non-volatile memory device in a standby operating condition are disclosed. A standby detection circuit detects whether the non-volatile memory system is in a standby condition. In response to determining that the non-volatile memory system is in a standby condition, a bias control circuit provides bias currents to drivers of the non-volatile memory system in a standby mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Cristinel Zonte, Vijay Raghavan, Iulian C. Gradinariu, Gary Peter Moscaluk, Roger Bettman, Vineet Argrawal, Samuel Leshner
  • Patent number: 10032517
    Abstract: A system including a memory architecture is described. In one embodiment, the memory architecture includes an array of non-volatile memory cells, a first independently controlled voltage generation circuit, a plurality of register bits to store programmable values used by the independently controlled voltage generation circuit and a control circuit coupled to the first independently controlled voltage generation circuit. The first independently controlled voltage generation circuit is coupled to supply a positive voltage to the array during program and erase operations so that a magnitude of the positive voltage is applied across a storage note of an accessed memory cell of the array. The plurality of register bits to store programmable values used by the independently controlled voltage generation circuit to control the magnitude of the positive voltage. The control circuit controls a duration of the positive voltage. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan Tasuo Hirose, Fredrick B. Jenne, Vijay Raghavan, Igor G. Kouznetsov, Paul Fredrick Ruths, Cristinel Zonte, Bogdan I. Georgescu, Leonard Vasile Gitlan, James Paul Myers
  • Publication number: 20180166140
    Abstract: A system including a memory architecture is described. In one embodiment, the memory architecture includes an array of non-volatile memory cells, a first independently controlled voltage generation circuit, a plurality of register bits to store programmable values used by the independently controlled voltage generation circuit and a control circuit coupled to the first independently controlled voltage generation circuit. The first independently controlled voltage generation circuit is coupled to supply a positive voltage to the array during program and erase operations so that a magnitude of the positive voltage is applied across a storage note of an accessed memory cell of the array. The plurality of register bits to store programmable values used by the independently controlled voltage generation circuit to control the magnitude of the positive voltage. The control circuit controls a duration of the positive voltage. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Inventors: Ryan Tasuo Hirose, Fredrick B. Jenne, Vijay Raghavan, Igor G. Kouznetsov, Paul Fredrick Ruths, Cristinel Zonte, Bogdan I. Georgescu, Leonard Vasile Gitlan, James Paul Myers
  • Patent number: 9899089
    Abstract: A system including a memory architecture is described. In one embodiment, the memory architecture includes an array of non-volatile memory cells, a first independently controlled voltage generation circuit, a plurality of register bits to store programmable values used by the independently controlled voltage generation circuit and a control circuit coupled to the first independently controlled voltage generation circuit. The first independently controlled voltage generation circuit is coupled to supply a positive voltage to the array during program and erase operations so that a magnitude of the positive voltage is applied across a storage node of an accessed memory cell of the array. The plurality of register bits to store programmable values used by the independently controlled voltage generation circuit to control the magnitude of the positive voltage. The control circuit controls a duration of the positive voltage. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan Tasuo Hirose, Fredrick B. Jenne, Vijay Raghavan, Igor G. Kouznetsov, Paul Fredrick Ruths, Cristinel Zonte, Bogdan I. Georgescu, Leonard Vasile Gitlan, James Paul Myers
  • Publication number: 20170098468
    Abstract: Systems and methods for driving a non-volatile memory device in a standby operating condition are disclosed. A standby detection circuit detects whether the non-volatile memory system is in a standby condition. In response to determining that the non-volatile memory system is in a standby condition, a bias control circuit provides bias currents to drivers of the non-volatile memory system in a standby mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Cristinel Zonte, Vijay Raghavan, Iulian C. Gradinariu, Gary Peter Moscaluk, Roger Bettman, Vineet Argrawal, Samuel Leshner
  • Patent number: 9595332
    Abstract: A circuit includes a first word line coupled to a non-volatile memory (NVM) cell. A first path includes a first inverter and a transistor. The transistor is coupled to the word line. The first path is coupled to receive a first input voltage signal. A second path includes at least the transistor coupled to the word line. At least a portion of the second path is embedded within the first path. The second path is coupled to receive a second input voltage signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: CYPRESS SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bogdan Georgescu, Cristinel Zonte, Vijay Raghavan
  • Publication number: 20160365147
    Abstract: A circuit includes a first word line coupled to a non-volatile memory (NVM) cell. A first path includes a first inverter and a transistor. The transistor is coupled to the word line. The first path is coupled to receive a first input voltage signal. A second path includes at least the transistor coupled to the word line. At least a portion of the second path is embedded within the first path. The second path is coupled to receive a second input voltage signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Bogdan Georgescu, Cristinel Zonte, Vijay Raghavan
  • Patent number: 9449655
    Abstract: Systems and methods for driving a non-volatile memory device in a standby operating condition are disclosed. A standby detection circuit detects whether the non-volatile memory system is in a standby condition. In response to determining that the non-volatile memory system is in a standby condition, a bias control circuit provides bias currents to drivers of the non-volatile memory system in a standby mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Cristinel Zonte, Vijay Raghavan, Iulian C. Gradinariu, Gary Peter Moscaluk, Roger Bettman, Vineet Argrawal, Samuel Leshner
  • Publication number: 20160005475
    Abstract: A system including a memory architecture is described. In one embodiment, the memory architecture includes an array of non-volatile memory cells, a first independently controlled voltage generation circuit, a plurality of register bits to store programmable values used by the independently controlled voltage generation circuit and a control circuit coupled to the first independently controlled voltage generation circuit. The first independently controlled voltage generation circuit is coupled to supply a positive voltage to the array during program and erase operations so that a magnitude of the positive voltage is applied across a storage note of an accessed memory cell of the array. The plurality of register bits to store programmable values used by the independently controlled voltage generation circuit to control the magnitude of the positive voltage. The control circuit controls a duration of the positive voltage. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Inventors: Ryan Tasuo Hirose, Fredrick B. Jenne, Vijay Raghavan, Igor G. Kouznetsov, Paul Fredrick Ruths, Cristinel Zonte, Bogdan I. Georgescu, Leonard Vasile Gitlan, James Paul Myers
  • Patent number: 8908438
    Abstract: Flash memory devices and systems are provided. One flash memory device includes an n-channel metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (nMOSFET), a silicon-oxide-nitride-oxide silicon (SONOS) transistor coupled to the nMOSFET, and an isolated p-well coupled to the nMOSFET and the SONOS transistor. A flash memory system includes an array of memory devices divided into a plurality of paired sectors, a global bit line (GBL) configured to provide high voltage to each respective sector during erase and program operations coupled to each of the plurality of sectors, and a plurality of sense amplifiers coupled between a respective pair of sectors. Methods for operating a flash memory are also provided. One method includes providing high voltage, via the GBL, to the paired sectors during erase and program operations and providing low voltage, via a local bit line, to each memory device during read operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan Tasuo Hirose, Bogdan I. Georgescu, Ashish Ashok Amonkar, Vijay Raghavan, Cristinel Zonte, Sean B. Mulholland
  • Patent number: 8773913
    Abstract: Memory circuits and systems are provided. One memory circuit includes an active memory device, an inactive memory device, and a sense amplifier coupled between the active memory device and the inactive memory device. A reference current is coupled between the inactive memory device and the sense amplifier. The active memory device and the inactive memory device are the same type of memory device and the inactive memory device is a reference device with respect to the active memory device's current. A memory system includes a plurality of the above memory circuit coupled to one another. Methods for sensing current in a memory circuit are also provided. One method includes supplying power to a first memory device and comparing the amount of current in the first memory device and a reference current coupled to a second memory device that is the same type of memory device as the first memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Cristinel Zonte, Vijay Raghavan