Patents by Inventor David E. Jefferson

David E. Jefferson 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: 11081166
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for memory device random option inversion are described. A memory device may use a second set of fuses to selectively invert options associated with a first set of fuses (e.g., blown fuses). The first set of fuses may output a first set of logic states. Option inversion logic circuitry may perform decoding based on a second set of logic states output by the second set of fuses to identify logic states of the second set of logic states that match the first set of logic states. Based on identifying the logic states, the option inversion logic circuitry may select either a logic state of the first set of logic states or an inverted logic state corresponding to the logic state, and store the selected logic state in a latch of the memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin G. Werhane, Jason M. Johnson, Yoshinori Fujiwara, Tyrel Z. Jensen, Daniel S. Miller, David E. Jefferson, Vivek Kotti
  • Patent number: 8271821
    Abstract: A first set of configuration logic is configurable to provide a first port input clock signal for controlling input registers of a first port of a memory block. A second set of configuration logic is configurable to provide a second port input clock signal for controlling input registers of a second port of the memory block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Jinyong Yuan, Christopher F. Lane, David E. Jefferson, Vaughn Betz
  • Patent number: 7864603
    Abstract: Integrated circuits with memory elements are provided. The memory elements may be arranged in an array. Data lines may be used to load data into the memory elements and may be used to read data from the memory elements. The memory elements may be used to store configuration data on a programmable logic device integrated circuit. Each memory element may have an output that supplies a programmable transistor gate with a static control signal. Data reading circuitry may be coupled to each data line to read data from an addressed memory element on that data line. The data reading circuitry for each data line may include a precharge transistor and an output latch. The output latch may contain cross-coupled inverters. An inwardly-directed inverter in the output latch may have a pull-up transistor that is connected in series with a current source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: John Henry Bui, Triet M. Nguyen, David E. Jefferson
  • Publication number: 20080253220
    Abstract: A first set of configuration logic is configurable to provide a first port input clock signal for controlling input registers of a first port of a memory block. A second set of configuration logic is configurable to provide a second port input clock signal for controlling input registers of a second port of the memory block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Jinyong Yuan, Christopher F. Lane, David E. Jefferson, Vaughn Betz
  • Patent number: 7397726
    Abstract: A first set of configuration logic is configurable to provide a first port input clock signal for controlling input registers of a first port of a memory block. The first set of configuration logic is also configurable to provide a first port core clock signal for controlling the memory block core. The first port core clock signal can either be the same as the first port input clock signal, or can be controlled independently from the first port input clock signal. A second set of configuration logic is configurable to provide a second port input clock signal for controlling input registers of a second port of the memory block. The second set of configuration logic is also configurable to provide a second port core clock signal for controlling the memory block core. The second port core clock signal can be controlled independently from the second port input clock signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Jinyong Yuan, Christopher F. Lane, David E. Jefferson, Vaughn Betz
  • Patent number: 7236411
    Abstract: A programmable device can configure memory access parameters to optimize the performance of one or more of its memory units. A memory unit includes one or more programmable delay units connected with clock, control and/or data signals. The configuration data of the programmable device specifies delay values for each programmable delay unit. A programmable delay unit includes at least two signal paths having different timing characteristics. A switching circuit controlled by configuration data is used to select one of the signal paths as the output of the programmable delay unit. Programmable delay units can be connected in series or in parallel to increase the number of possible delays and/or to specify timing parameters of portions of the memory unit in absolute or relative terms. Programmable delay units can be used to vary the timing characteristics of the memory unit and to control the voltage split used to read data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Rahul Saini, Changsong Zhang, David E. Jefferson
  • Patent number: 6879183
    Abstract: A programmable logic device has a plurality of super-regions of programmable circuitry disposed on the device in a two-dimensional array of such super-regions. Each super-region includes a plurality of regions of programmable logic and a region of programmable memory. Each logic region includes a plurality of subregions of programmable logic. Each super-region has associated interconnection resources for allowing communication between the logic and memory regions of that super-region without the need to use, for such relatively local interconnections, the longer-length inter-super-region interconnection resources that are also provided on the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Jefferson, Cameron McClintock, James Schleicher, Andy L. Lee, Manuel Mejia, Bruce B. Pedersen, Christopher F. Lane, Richard G. Cliff, Srinivas T. Reddy
  • Patent number: 6657456
    Abstract: A programmable logic device or field programmable gate array includes an on-chip clock synchronization circuit to synchronize a reference or system clock signal. The clock synchronization circuit is a delay-locked loop (DLL) circuit in one implementation and a phase-locked loop (PLL) circuit in another implementation. The DLL or PLL circuits may be analog or digital. The clock synchronization circuit generates a synchronized clock signal that is distributed throughout the programmable integrated circuit. The synchronized clock signal is programmably connected to the programmable logic elements or logic array blocks (LABs) of the integrated circuit. The clock synchronization circuit reduces or minimizes clock skew when distributing a clock signal within the integrated circuit. The clock synchronization circuit improves the overall performance of the programmable logic integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Jefferson, L. Todd Cope, Srinivas Reddy, Richard G. Cliff
  • Publication number: 20030080778
    Abstract: A programmable logic device has a plurality of super-regions of programmable circuitry disposed on the device in a two-dimensional array of such super-regions. Each super-region includes a plurality of regions of programmable logic and a region of programmable memory. Each logic region includes a plurality of subregions of programmable logic. Each super-region has associated interconnection resources for allowing communication between the logic and memory regions of that super-region without the need to use, for such relatively local interconnections, the longer-length inter-super-region interconnection resources that are also provided on the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Jefferson, Cameron McClintock, James Schleicher, Andy L. Lee, Manuel Mejia, Bruce B. Pedersen, Christopher F. Lane, Richard G. Cliff, Srinivas T. Reddy
  • Patent number: 6480028
    Abstract: A programmable logic device has a plurality of super-regions of programmable circuitry disposed on the device in a two-dimensional array of such super-regions. Each super-region includes a plurality of regions of programmable logic and a region of programmable memory. Each logic region includes a plurality of subregions of programmable logic. Each super-region has associated interconnection resources for allowing communication between the logic and memory regions of that super-region without the need to use, for such relatively local interconnections, the longer-length inter-super-region interconnection resources that are also provided on the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Jefferson, Cameron McClintock, James Schleicher, Andy L. Lee, Manuel Mejia, Bruce B. Pederson, Christopher F. Lane, Richard G. Cliff, Srinivas T. Reddy
  • Publication number: 20020084801
    Abstract: A programmable logic device has a plurality of super-regions of programmable circuitry disposed on the device in a two-dimensional array of such super-regions. Each super-region includes a plurality of regions of programmable logic and a region of programmable memory. Each logic region includes a plurality of subregions of programmable logic. Each super-region has associated interconnection resources for allowing communication between the logic and memory regions of that super-region without the need to use, for such relatively local interconnections, the longer-length inter-super-region interconnection resources that are also provided on the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Applicant: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Jefferson, Cameron McClintock, James Schleicher, Andy L. Lee, Manuel Mejia, Bruce B. Pedersen, Christopher F. Lane, Richard G. Cliff, Srinivas T. Reddy
  • Patent number: 6337578
    Abstract: Redundant circuitry is provided for a programmable logic device that uses an interleaved input multiplexer circuit arrangement. The programmable logic device has at least one row of logic regions and has multiple columns, each of which contains one of the interleaved input multiplexers and one of the logic regions. A set of conductors associated with the row of logic regions is used to convey signals between the logic regions. Each interleaved logic region distributes logic signals from the conductors in the row to two adjacent logic regions. Bypass circuitry is provided in each column for bypassing the interleaved input multiplexer and logic region in that column. If a defect is detected in a column during testing of the device, the manufacturer can repair the device using the bypass circuitry to bypass that column. Spare logic is provided to replace the circuitry lost when a defective column is bypassed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Jefferson, Srinivas T. Reddy
  • Patent number: 6292016
    Abstract: A programmable logic device or field programmable gate array includes an on-chip clock synchronization circuit to synchronize a reference or system clock signal. The clock synchronization circuit is a delay-locked loop (DLL) circuit in one implementation and a phase locked loop (PLL) circuit in another implementation. The DLL or PLL circuits may be analog or digital. The clock synchronization circuit generates a synchronized clock signal that is distributed throughout the programmable integrated circuit. The synchronized clock signal is programmably connected to the programmable logic elements or logic array blocks (LABs) of the integrated circuit. The clock synchronization circuit reduces or minimizes clock skew when distributing a clock signal within the integrated circuit. The clock synchronization circuit improves the overall performance of the programmable logic integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Jefferson, L. Todd Cope, Srinivas Reddy, Richard G. Cliff
  • Publication number: 20010006348
    Abstract: A programmable logic device has a plurality of super-regions of programmable circuitry disposed on the device in a two-dimensional array of such super-regions. Each super-region includes a plurality of regions of programmable logic and a region of programmable memory. Each logic region includes a plurality of subregions of programmable logic. Each super-region has associated interconnection resources for allowing communication between the logic and memory regions of that super-region without the need to use, for such relatively local interconnections, the longer-length inter-super-region interconnection resources that are also provided on the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Publication date: July 5, 2001
    Applicant: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Jefferson, Cameron McClintock, James Schleicher, Andy L. Lee, Manuel Mejia, Bruce B. Pedersen, Christopher F. Lane, Richard G. Cliff, Srinivas T. Reddy
  • Publication number: 20010006347
    Abstract: Redundant circuitry is provided for a programmable logic device that uses an interleaved input multiplexer circuit arrangement. The programmable logic device has at least one row of logic regions and has multiple columns, each of which contains one of the interleaved input multiplexers and one of the logic regions. A set of conductors associated with the row of logic regions is used to convey signals between the logic regions. Each interleaved logic region distributes logic signals from the conductors in the row to two adjacent logic regions. Bypass circuitry is provided in each column for bypassing the interleaved input multiplexer and logic region in that column. If a defect is detected in a column during testing of the device, the manufacturer can repair the device using the bypass circuitry to bypass that column. Spare logic is provided to replace the circuitry lost when a defective column is bypassed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 5, 2001
    Applicant: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Jefferson, Srinivas T. Reddy
  • Patent number: 6222382
    Abstract: Redundant circuitry is provided for a programmable logic device that uses an interleaved input multiplexer circuit arrangement. The programmable logic device has at least one row of logic regions and has multiple columns, each of which contains one of the interleaved input multiplexers and one of the logic regions. A set of conductors associated with the row of logic regions is used to convey signals between the logic regions. Each interleaved logic region distributes logic signals from the conductors in the row to two adjacent logic regions. Bypass circuitry is provided in each column for bypassing the interleaved input multiplexer and logic region in that column. If a defect is detected in a column during testing of the device, the manufacturer can repair the device using the bypass circuitry to bypass that column. Spare logic is provided to replace the circuitry lost when a defective column is bypassed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Jefferson, Srinivas T. Reddy
  • Patent number: 6215326
    Abstract: A programmable logic device has a plurality of super-regions of programmable circuitry disposed on the device in a two-dimensional array of such super-regions. Each super-region includes a plurality of regions of programmable logic and a region of programmable memory. Each logic region includes a plurality of subregions of programmable logic. Each super-region has associated interconnection resources for allowing communication between the logic and memory regions of that super-region without the need to use, for such relatively local interconnections, the longer-length inter-super-region interconnection resources that are also provided on the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Jefferson, Cameron McClintock, James Schleicher, Andy L. Lee, Manuel Mejia, Bruce B. Pedersen, Christopher F. Lane, Richard G. Cliff, Srinivas T. Reddy
  • Patent number: 6130552
    Abstract: A programmable logic device or field programmable gate array includes an on-chip clock synchronization circuit to synchronize a reference or system clock signal. The clock synchronization circuit is a delay-locked loop (DLL) circuit in one implementation and a phase-locked loop (PLL) circuit in another implementation. The DLL or PLL circuits may be analog or digital. The clock synchronization circuit generates a synchronized clock signal that is distributed throughout the programmable integrated circuit. The synchronized clock signal is programmably connected to the programmable logic elements or logic array blocks (LABs) of the integrated circuit. The clock synchronization circuit reduces or minimizes clock skew when distributing a clock signal within the integrated circuit. The clock synchronization circuit improves the overall performance of the programmable logic integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Jefferson, L. Todd Cope, Srinivas Reddy, Richard G. Cliff
  • Patent number: 6115312
    Abstract: A memory cell circuit for a programmable logic device is provided that allows groups of memory cells to be powered down when one or more of the memory cells in a group is defective. Each memory cell contains two cross-coupled inverters for storing programming data for the programmable logic device. A first inverter in each cell is powered by a global power signal. A second inverter in each cell is powered by a power supply signal. The memory cells are powered down by taking the global power signal low while maintaining the power supply signal high. Because the second inverter remains active during power down, the memory cells may be shut down completely. The memory cell circuit may be used to set all of the memory cells to a known state upon power up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Jefferson, Bruce B. Pedersen
  • Patent number: 6107820
    Abstract: Redundant circuitry is provided for a programmable logic device that uses an interleaved input multiplexer circuit arrangement. The programmable logic device has at least one row of logic regions and has multiple columns, each of which contains one of the interleaved input multiplexers and one of the logic regions. A set of conductors associated with the row of logic regions is used to convey signals between the logic regions. Each interleaved logic region distributes logic signals from the conductors in the row to two adjacent logic regions. Bypass circuitry is provided in each column for bypassing the interleaved input multiplexer and logic region in that column. If a defect is detected in a column during testing of the device, the manufacturer can repair the device using the bypass circuitry to bypass that column. Spare logic is provided to replace the circuitry lost when a defective column is bypassed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Jefferson, Srinivas T. Reddy