Patents by Inventor Dale H. Hiscock
Dale H. Hiscock 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).
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Publication number: 20240177761Abstract: Memory devices and systems with partial array refresh control over memory regions in a memory array, and associated methods, are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a memory device includes a memory array having a first memory region and a second memory region. The memory device is configured to write data to the memory array in accordance with a programming sequence by initially writing data to unutilized memory cells of the first memory region before initially writing data to unutilized memory cells of the second memory region. The memory device is further configured to determine that the data stored on the first and/or second memory regions is not consolidated, and to consolidate at least a portion of the data by rewriting the portion of the data to physically or logically contiguous memory cells of the first memory region and/or the second memory region.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2024Publication date: May 30, 2024Inventors: Dale H. Hiscock, Debra M. Bell, Michael Kaminski, Joshua E. Alzheimer, Anthony D. Veches, James S. Rehmeyer
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Publication number: 20240126692Abstract: Memory devices and systems with post-packaging master die selection, and associated methods, are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a memory device includes a plurality of memory dies. Each memory die of the plurality includes a command/address decoder. The command/address decoders are configured to receive command and address signals from external contacts of the memory device. The command/address decoders are also configured, when enabled, to decode the command and address signals and transmit the decoded command and address signals to every other memory die of the plurality. Each memory die further includes circuitry configured to enable, or disable, or both individual command/address decoders of the plurality of memory dies. In some embodiments, the circuitry can enable a command/address decoder of a memory die of the plurality after the plurality of memory dies are packaged into a memory device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2023Publication date: April 18, 2024Inventors: Evan C. Pearson, John H. Gentry, Michael J. Scott, Greg S. Gatlin, Lael H. Matthews, Anthony M. Geidl, Michael Roth, Markus H. Geiger, Dale H. Hiscock
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Patent number: 11908508Abstract: Memory devices and systems with partial array refresh control over memory regions in a memory array, and associated methods, are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a memory device includes a memory array having a first memory region and a second memory region. The memory device is configured to write data to the memory array in accordance with a programming sequence by initially writing data to unutilized memory cells of the first memory region before initially writing data to unutilized memory cells of the second memory region. The memory device is further configured to determine that the data stored on the first and/or second memory regions is not consolidated, and to consolidate at least a portion of the data by rewriting the portion of the data to physically or logically contiguous memory cells of the first memory region and/or the second memory region.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Inventors: Dale H. Hiscock, Debra M. Bell, Michael Kaminski, Joshua E. Alzheimer, Anthony D. Veches, James S. Rehmeyer
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Patent number: 11868252Abstract: Memory devices and systems with post-packaging master die selection, and associated methods, are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a memory device includes a plurality of memory dies. Each memory die of the plurality includes a command/address decoder. The command/address decoders are configured to receive command and address signals from external contacts of the memory device. The command/address decoders are also configured, when enabled, to decode the command and address signals and transmit the decoded command and address signals to every other memory die of the plurality. Each memory die further includes circuitry configured to enable, or disable, or both individual command/address decoders of the plurality of memory dies. In some embodiments, the circuitry can enable a command/address decoder of a memory die of the plurality after the plurality of memory dies are packaged into a memory device.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2019Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Evan C. Pearson, John H. Gentry, Michael J. Scott, Greg S. Gatlin, Lael H. Matthews, Anthony M. Geidl, Michael Roth, Markus H. Geiger, Dale H. Hiscock
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Patent number: 11670358Abstract: Memory devices and systems with adjustable through-silicon via (TSV) delay, and associated methods, are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a plurality of memory dies and a TSV configured to transmit signals to or receive signals from the plurality of memory dies. The apparatus further includes circuitry coupled to the TSV and configured to introduce propagation delay onto signals transmitted to or received from the TSV. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes additional circuitry configured to activate, deactivate, adjust at least a portion of the circuitry, or any combination thereof, to alter the propagation delay. In this manner, the apparatus can align internal timings of memory dies of the plurality of memory dies.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2021Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: John H. Gentry, Michael J. Scott, Greg S. Gatlin, Lael H. Matthews, Anthony M. Geidl, Michael Roth, Markus H. Geiger, Dale H. Hiscock, Evan C. Pearson
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Patent number: 11581031Abstract: Memory with partial bank refresh is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a memory system includes a memory controller and a memory device operably connected to the memory controller. The memory device includes (i) a memory array having a memory bank with a plurality of memory cells arranged in a plurality of memory rows and (ii) circuitry. In some embodiments, the circuitry is configured to disable at least one memory row of the memory bank from receiving refresh commands such that memory cells of the at least one memory row are not refreshed during refresh operations of the memory device. In some embodiments, the memory controller is configured to track memory rows that include utilized memory cells and/or to write data to the memory rows in accordance with a programming sequence of the memory device.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2021Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Dale H. Hiscock, Debra M. Bell, Michael Kaminski, Joshua E. Alzheimer, Anthony D. Veches, James S. Rehmeyer
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Publication number: 20230037145Abstract: Memory devices and systems with configurable die refresh stagger, and associated methods, are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a memory system includes two or more memory dies. At least one memory die includes a fuse array storing refresh information that specifies a refresh group of the memory die. In these and other embodiments, at least one memory die includes a refresh group terminal and refresh group detect circuitry electrically connected to the refresh group terminal. The at least one memory die is configured to detect a refresh group of the memory die and to delay its refresh operation by a time delay corresponding to the refresh group. In this manner, refresh operations of the two or more memory dies can be staggered to reduce peak current demand of the memory system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2022Publication date: February 2, 2023Inventors: Dale H. Hiscock, Michael Kaminski, Joshua E. Alzheimer, John H. Gentry
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Patent number: 11482271Abstract: Memory devices and systems with configurable die refresh stagger, and associated methods, are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a memory system includes two or more memory dies. At least one memory die includes a fuse array storing refresh information that specifies a refresh group of the memory die. In these and other embodiments, at least one memory die includes a refresh group terminal and refresh group detect circuitry electrically connected to the refresh group terminal. The at least one memory die is configured to detect a refresh group of the memory die and to delay its refresh operation by a time delay corresponding to the refresh group. In this manner, refresh operations of the two or more memory dies can be staggered to reduce peak current demand of the memory system.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2021Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Dale H. Hiscock, Michael Kaminski, Joshua E. Alzheimer, John H. Gentry
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Patent number: 11393790Abstract: Memory devices and systems with TSV health monitor circuitry, and associated methods, are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a memory device includes a plurality of memory dies, a plurality of through-silicon vias (TSVs) in electrical communication with the memory dies; and circuitry. In some embodiments, the circuitry is configured to electrically couple a pair of TSVs of the plurality of TSVs to form a passive circuit. For example, the circuitry can activate a transistor electrically positioned between TSVs of the pair of TSVs to electrically couple the pair of TSVs. In these and other embodiments, the circuitry applies a test voltage to the pair of TSVs using the passive circuit to determine whether a TSV of the pair of TSVs includes degradation.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2019Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Dale H. Hiscock, Evan C. Pearson, John H. Gentry, Michael J. Scott, Greg S. Gatlin, Lael H. Matthews, Anthony M. Geidl, Michael Roth, Markus H. Geiger
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Publication number: 20220189540Abstract: Memory devices and systems with partial array refresh control over memory regions in a memory array, and associated methods, are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a memory device includes a memory array having a first memory region and a second memory region. The memory device is configured to write data to the memory array in accordance with a programming sequence by initially writing data to unutilized memory cells of the first memory region before initially writing data to unutilized memory cells of the second memory region. The memory device is further configured to determine that the data stored on the first and/or second memory regions is not consolidated, and to consolidate at least a portion of the data by rewriting the portion of the data to physically or logically contiguous memory cells of the first memory region and/or the second memory region.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2022Publication date: June 16, 2022Inventors: Dale H. Hiscock, Debra M. Bell, Michael Kaminski, Joshua E. Alzheimer, Anthony D. Veches, James S. Rehmeyer
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Patent number: 11276454Abstract: Memory devices and systems with partial array refresh control over memory regions in a memory array, and associated methods, are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a memory device includes a memory array having a first memory region and a second memory region. The memory device is configured to write data to the memory array in accordance with a programming sequence by initially writing data to unutilized memory cells of the first memory region before initially writing data to unutilized memory cells of the second memory region. The memory device is further configured to determine that the data stored on the first and/or second memory regions is not consolidated, and to consolidate at least a portion of the data by rewriting the portion of the data to physically or logically contiguous memory cells of the first memory region and/or the second memory region.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2020Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Dale H. Hiscock, Debra M. Bell, Michael Kaminski, Joshua E. Alzheimer, Anthony D. Veches, James S. Rehmeyer
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Patent number: 11250890Abstract: Memory devices and systems with configurable die powerup delay, and associated methods, are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a memory system includes two or more memory dies. At least one memory die has a powerup group terminal and powerup group detect circuitry. The powerup group detect circuitry is configured to detect a powerup group assigned to the at least one memory die. The at least one memory die is configured to delay its powerup operation by a time delay corresponding to the powerup group to which it is assigned. In this manner, powerup operations of the two or more memory dies can be staggered to reduce peak current demand of the memory system.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2021Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Dale H. Hiscock, Michael Kaminski, Joshua E. Alzheimer, John H. Gentry
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Publication number: 20220028443Abstract: Memory devices and systems with adjustable through-silicon via (TSV) delay, and associated methods, are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a plurality of memory dies and a TSV configured to transmit signals to or receive signals from the plurality of memory dies. The apparatus further includes circuitry coupled to the TSV and configured to introduce propagation delay onto signals transmitted to or received from the TSV. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes additional circuitry configured to activate, deactivate, adjust at least a portion of the circuitry, or any combination thereof, to alter the propagation delay. In this manner, the apparatus can align internal timings of memory dies of the plurality of memory dies.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2021Publication date: January 27, 2022Inventors: John H. Gentry, Michael J. Scott, Greg S. Gatlin, Lael H. Matthews, Anthony M. Geidl, Michael Roth, Markus H. Geiger, Dale H. Hiscock, Evan C. Pearson
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Patent number: 11145352Abstract: Memory devices and systems with adjustable through-silicon via (TSV) delay, and associated methods, are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a plurality of memory dies and a TSV configured to transmit signals to or receive signals from the plurality of memory dies. The apparatus further includes circuitry coupled to the TSV and configured to introduce propagation delay onto signals transmitted to or received from the TSV. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes additional circuitry configured to activate, deactivate, adjust at least a portion of the circuitry, or any combination thereof, to alter the propagation delay. In this manner, the apparatus can align internal timings of memory dies of the plurality of memory dies.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2019Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: John H. Gentry, Michael J. Scott, Greg S. Gatlin, Lael H. Matthews, Anthony M. Geidl, Michael Roth, Markus H. Geiger, Dale H. Hiscock, Evan C. Pearson
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Publication number: 20210295901Abstract: Memory with partial bank refresh is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a memory system includes a memory controller and a memory device operably connected to the memory controller. The memory device includes (i) a memory array having a memory bank with a plurality of memory cells arranged in a plurality of memory rows and (ii) circuitry. In some embodiments, the circuitry is configured to disable at least one memory row of the memory bank from receiving refresh commands such that memory cells of the at least one memory row are not refreshed during refresh operations of the memory device. In some embodiments, the memory controller is configured to track memory rows that include utilized memory cells and/or to write data to the memory rows in accordance with a programming sequence of the memory device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2021Publication date: September 23, 2021Inventors: Dale H. Hiscock, Debra M. Bell, Michael Kaminski, Joshua E. Alzheimer, Anthony D. Veches, James S. Rehmeyer
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Publication number: 20210241821Abstract: Memory devices and systems with configurable die refresh stagger, and associated methods, are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a memory system includes two or more memory dies. At least one memory die includes a fuse array storing refresh information that specifies a refresh group of the memory die. In these and other embodiments, at least one memory die includes a refresh group terminal and refresh group detect circuitry electrically connected to the refresh group terminal. The at least one memory die is configured to detect a refresh group of the memory die and to delay its refresh operation by a time delay corresponding to the refresh group. In this manner, refresh operations of the two or more memory dies can be staggered to reduce peak current demand of the memory system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2021Publication date: August 5, 2021Inventors: Dale H. Hiscock, Michael Kaminski, Joshua E. Alzheimer, John H. Gentry
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Patent number: 11062755Abstract: Memory with partial bank refresh is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a memory system includes a memory controller and a memory device operably connected to the memory controller. The memory device includes (i) a memory array having a memory bank with a plurality of memory cells arranged in a plurality of memory rows and (ii) circuitry. In some embodiments, the circuitry is configured to disable at least one memory row of the memory bank from receiving refresh commands such that memory cells of the at least one memory row are not refreshed during refresh operations of the memory device. In some embodiments, the memory controller is configured to track memory rows that include utilized memory cells and/or to write data to the memory rows in accordance with a programming sequence of the memory device.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2019Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Dale H. Hiscock, Debra M. Bell, Michael Kaminski, Joshua E. Alzheimer, Anthony D. Veches, James S. Rehmeyer
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Publication number: 20210175208Abstract: Memory devices and systems with TSV health monitor circuitry, and associated methods, are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a memory device includes a plurality of memory dies, a plurality of through-silicon vias (TSVs) in electrical communication with the memory dies; and circuitry. In some embodiments, the circuitry is configured to electrically couple a pair of TSVs of the plurality of TSVs to form a passive circuit. For example, the circuitry can activate a transistor electrically positioned between TSVs of the pair of TSVs to electrically couple the pair of TSVs. In these and other embodiments, the circuitry applies a test voltage to the pair of TSVs using the passive circuit to determine whether a TSV of the pair of TSVs includes degradation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2019Publication date: June 10, 2021Inventors: Dale H. Hiscock, Evan C. Pearson, John H. Gentry, Michael J. Scott, Greg S. Gatlin, Lael H. Matthews, Anthony M. Geidl, Michael Roth, Markus H. Geiger
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Publication number: 20210174859Abstract: Memory devices and systems with adjustable through-silicon via (TSV) delay, and associated methods, are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a plurality of memory dies and a TSV configured to transmit signals to or receive signals from the plurality of memory dies. The apparatus further includes circuitry coupled to the TSV and configured to introduce propagation delay onto signals transmitted to or received from the TSV. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes additional circuitry configured to activate, deactivate, adjust at least a portion of the circuitry, or any combination thereof, to alter the propagation delay. In this manner, the apparatus can align internal timings of memory dies of the plurality of memory dies.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2019Publication date: June 10, 2021Inventors: John H. Gentry, Michael J. Scott, Greg S. Gatlin, Lael H. Matthews, Anthony M. Geidl, Michael Roth, Markus H. Geiger, Dale H. Hiscock, Evan C. Pearson
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Publication number: 20210174842Abstract: Memory devices and systems with configurable die powerup delay, and associated methods, are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a memory system includes two or more memory dies. At least one memory die has a powerup group terminal and powerup group detect circuitry. The powerup group detect circuitry is configured to detect a powerup group assigned to the at least one memory die. The at least one memory die is configured to delay its powerup operation by a time delay corresponding to the powerup group to which it is assigned. In this manner, powerup operations of the two or more memory dies can be staggered to reduce peak current demand of the memory system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2021Publication date: June 10, 2021Inventors: Dale H. Hiscock, Michael Kaminski, Joshua E. Alzheimer, John H. Gentry