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).

  • Publication number: 20240126692
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    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
  • Patent number: 11908508
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventors: Dale H. Hiscock, Debra M. Bell, Michael Kaminski, Joshua E. Alzheimer, Anthony D. Veches, James S. Rehmeyer
  • Patent number: 11868252
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 11670358
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 11581031
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale H. Hiscock, Debra M. Bell, Michael Kaminski, Joshua E. Alzheimer, Anthony D. Veches, James S. Rehmeyer
  • Publication number: 20230037145
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2022
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventors: Dale H. Hiscock, Michael Kaminski, Joshua E. Alzheimer, John H. Gentry
  • Patent number: 11482271
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale H. Hiscock, Michael Kaminski, Joshua E. Alzheimer, John H. Gentry
  • Patent number: 11393790
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20220189540
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2022
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: Dale H. Hiscock, Debra M. Bell, Michael Kaminski, Joshua E. Alzheimer, Anthony D. Veches, James S. Rehmeyer
  • Patent number: 11276454
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale H. Hiscock, Debra M. Bell, Michael Kaminski, Joshua E. Alzheimer, Anthony D. Veches, James S. Rehmeyer
  • Patent number: 11250890
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale H. Hiscock, Michael Kaminski, Joshua E. Alzheimer, John H. Gentry
  • Publication number: 20220028443
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    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
  • Patent number: 11145352
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20210295901
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: Dale H. Hiscock, Debra M. Bell, Michael Kaminski, Joshua E. Alzheimer, Anthony D. Veches, James S. Rehmeyer
  • Publication number: 20210241821
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2021
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Inventors: Dale H. Hiscock, Michael Kaminski, Joshua E. Alzheimer, John H. Gentry
  • Patent number: 11062755
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale H. Hiscock, Debra M. Bell, Michael Kaminski, Joshua E. Alzheimer, Anthony D. Veches, James S. Rehmeyer
  • Publication number: 20210174842
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Inventors: Dale H. Hiscock, Michael Kaminski, Joshua E. Alzheimer, John H. Gentry
  • Publication number: 20210175208
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    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
  • Publication number: 20210173773
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    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
  • Publication number: 20210174859
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    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