Patents by Inventor Dean D. Gans

Dean D. Gans 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: 20210149565
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for configurable memory array bank architectures are described. An example apparatus includes a mode register configured to store information related to bank architecture and a memory array including a plurality of memory banks The plurality of memory banks are configured to he arranged in a bank architecture based at least in part on the information related to bank architecture stored in the mode register.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Dean D. Gans, Shunichi Saito
  • Patent number: 11010092
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for prefetch signaling in a memory system or sub-system are described. A memory device (e.g., a local memory controller of memory device) of a main memory may transmit a prefetch indicator indicating a size of prefetch data associated with a first set of data requested by an interface controller. The size of the prefetch data may be equal to or different than the size of the first set of data. The main memory may, in some examples, store the size of prefetch data along with the first set of data. The memory device may transmit the prefetch indicator (e.g., an indicator signal) to the interface controller using a pin compatible with an industry standard or specification and/or a separate pin configured for transmitting command or control information. The memory device may transmit the prefetch indicator while the first set of data is being transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Nasry Hasbun, Dean D. Gans, Sharookh Daruwalla
  • Patent number: 11003388
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for prefetch signaling in a memory system or sub-system are described. A memory device (e.g., a local memory controller of memory device) of a main memory may transmit a prefetch indicator indicating a size of prefetch data associated with a first set of data requested by an interface controller. The size of the prefetch data may be equal to or different than the size of the first set of data. The main memory may, in some examples, store the size of prefetch data along with the first set of data. The memory device may transmit the prefetch indicator (e.g., an indicator signal) to the interface controller using a pin compatible with an industry standard or specification and/or a separate pin configured for transmitting command or control information. The memory device may transmit the prefetch indicator while the first set of data is being transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Microon Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Nasry Hasbun, Dean D. Gans, Sharookh Daruwalla
  • Patent number: 10976945
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses related to memory operation with multiple sets of latencies are disclosed. A memory device or system that includes a memory device may be operable with one or several sets of latencies (e.g., read, write, or write recovery latencies), and the memory device or system may apply a set of latencies depending on which features of the memory device are enabled. For example, control circuitry may be configured to enable one or more features during operations on a memory array, and the control circuitry may apply a set of latency values based on a number or type of features that are enabled. The sets of latency values may depend, for example, on whether various control features (e.g., dynamic voltage frequency scaling) are enabled, and a device may operate within certain frequency ranges irrespective of other characteristics (e.g., mode register values) or latencies applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean D. Gans, Yoshiro Riho, Shunichi Saito, Osamu Nagashima
  • Patent number: 10978116
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for multiple concurrent modulation schemes in a memory system are described. Techniques are provided herein to communicate data using a modulation scheme having at least three levels and using a modulation scheme having at least two levels within a common system or memory device. Such communication with multiple modulation schemes may be concurrent. The modulated data may be communicated to a memory die through distinct signal paths that may correspond to a particular modulation scheme. An example of a modulation scheme having at least three levels may be pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) and an example of a modulation scheme having at least two levels may be non-return-to-zero (NRZ).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Nasry Hasbun, Timothy M. Hollis, Jeffrey P. Wright, Dean D. Gans
  • Patent number: 10978115
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for writing and storing parameter codes for operating parameters, and selecting between the parameter codes to set an operating condition for a memory are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first mode register and a second mode register. The first mode register is configured to store first and second parameter codes for a same operating parameter. The second mode register is configured to store a parameter code for a control parameter to select between the first and second parameter codes to set a current operating condition for the operating parameter. An example method includes storing in a first register a first parameter code for an operating parameter used to set a first memory operating condition, and further includes storing in a second register a second parameter code for the operating parameter used to set a second memory operating condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean D. Gans, Daniel C. Skinner
  • Publication number: 20210105161
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for multiplexing distinct signals on a single pin of a memory device are described. Techniques are described herein to multiplex data using a modulation scheme having at least three levels. The modulated data may be communicated to multiple memory dies over a shared bus. Each of the dies may include a same or different type of memory cell and, in some examples, a multi-level signaling scheme may be pulse amplitude modulation (PAM). Each unique symbol of the modulated signal may be configured to represent a plurality of bits of data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Inventors: Robert Nasry Hasbun, Timothy M. Hollis, Jeffrey P. Wright, Dean D. Gans
  • Patent number: 10963168
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices related to a memory system or scheme that includes a first memory device configured for low-energy access operations and a second memory device configured for storing high-density information and operations of the same are described. The memory system may include an array configured for high-density information and may interface with a host via a controller and a cache or another array of a relatively fast memory type. The memory system may support signals communicated according to one or several modulation schemes, including a modulation scheme or schemes that employ two, three, or more voltage levels (e.g., NRZ, PAM4). The memory system may include, e.g., separate channels configured to communicate using different modulation schemes between a host and between memory arrays or memory types within the memory system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean D. Gans
  • Patent number: 10956333
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for wireless communications. A request for data located in a memory page of a memory array may be received at a device, and a value of a prefetch counter associated with the memory page may be identified. A portion of the memory page that includes the requested data may then be communicated between a memory array and memory bank of the device based on the value of the prefetch counter. For instance, the portion of the memory page may be selected based on the value of the prefetch counter. A second portion of the memory page may be communicated to a buffer of the device, and the value of the prefetch counter may be modified based on a relationship between the first portion of the memory page and the second portion of the memory page.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Nasry Hasbun, Dean D. Gans, Sharookh Daruwalla
  • Patent number: 10942854
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for wireless communications. A request for data located in a memory page of a memory array may be received at a device, and a value of a prefetch counter associated with the memory page may be identified. A portion of the memory page that includes the requested data may then be communicated between a memory array and memory bank of the device based on the value of the prefetch counter. For instance, the portion of the memory page may be selected based on the value of the prefetch counter. A second portion of the memory page may be communicated to a buffer of the device, and the value of the prefetch counter may be modified based on a relationship between the first portion of the memory page and the second portion of the memory page.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Nasry Hasbun, Dean D. Gans, Sharookh Daruwalla
  • Patent number: 10910037
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for input receiver circuits and receiver masks for electronic memory are disclosed. Embodiments of the disclosure include memory receiver masks having shapes other than rectangular shapes. For example, a receiver mask according to some embodiments of the disclosure may have a hexagonal shape. Other shapes of receiver masks may also be included in other embodiments of the disclosure. Circuits, timing, and operating parameters for achieving non-rectangular and various shapes of receiver mask are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean D. Gans, John D. Porter
  • Patent number: 10904052
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for multiplexing distinct signals on a single pin of a memory device are described. Techniques are described herein to multiplex data using a modulation scheme having at least three levels. The modulated data may be communicated to multiple memory dies over a shared bus. Each of the dies may include a same or different type of memory cell and, in some examples, a multi-level signaling scheme may be pulse amplitude modulation (PAM). Each unique symbol of the modulated signal may be configured to represent a plurality of bits of data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Nasry Hasbun, Timothy M. Hollis, Jeffrey P. Wright, Dean D. Gans
  • Patent number: 10839874
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for a latency indication in a memory system or sub-system are described. An interface controller of a memory system may transmit an indication of a time delay (e.g., a wait signal) to a host in response to receiving an access command from the host. The interface controller may transmit such an indication when a latency associated with performing the access command is likely to be greater than a latency anticipated by the host. The interface controller may determine a time delay based on a status of buffer or a status of memory device, or both. The interface controller may use a pin designated and configured to transmit a command or control information to the host when transmitting a signal including an indication of a time delay. The interface controller may use a quantity, duration, or pattern of pulses to indicate a duration of a time delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Nasry Hasbun, Dean D. Gans, Sharookh Daruwalla
  • Patent number: 10832748
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices that supports dual-mode modulation in the context of memory access are described. A system may include a memory array coupled with a buffer, and a multiplexer may be coupled with the buffer, where the multiplexer may be configured to output a bit pair representative of data stored within the memory array. The multiplexer may also be coupled with a driver, where the driver may be configured to generate a symbol representative of the bit pair that is output by the multiplexer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Nasry Hasbun, Timothy M. Hollis, Jeffrey P. Wright, Dean D. Gans
  • Publication number: 20200348883
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for memory buffer management and bypass are described. Data corresponding to a page size of a memory array may be received at a virtual memory bank of a memory device, and a value of a counter associated with the virtual memory bank may be incremented. Upon determining that a value of the counter has reached a threshold value, the data may be communicated from the virtual memory bank to a buffer of the same memory device. For instance, the counter may be incremented based on the virtual memory bank receiving an access command from a host device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: Robert Nasry Hasbun, Dean D. Gans, Sharookh Daruwalla
  • Patent number: 10825485
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a driver circuit configured to selectively provide a first supply voltage to an output node in a first operating mode and to selectively provide a second supply voltage to the output node in a second operating mode, based on one or more enable signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Hollis, Dean D. Gans, Larren G. Weber
  • Publication number: 20200336137
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure are drawn to apparatuses and methods for lookahead duty cycle adjustment of a clock signal. Clock signals may be provided to a semiconductor device, such as a memory device, to synchronize one or more operations. A duty cycle adjuster (DCA) of the device may adjust the clock signal(s) based on a duty code determined during an initialization of the device. While the device is in operation, a lookahead DCA (LA DCA) may test a number of different adjustments to the clock signal(s), the results of which may be determined by a duty cycle monitor (DCM). The results of the DCM may be used to select one of the tested adjustments, which may be used to update the duty code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Dean D. Gans
  • Publication number: 20200327057
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices that support variable modulation schemes for memory are described. A device may switch between different modulation schemes for communication based on one or more operating parameters associated with the device or a component of the device. The modulation schemes may involve amplitude modulation in which different levels of a signal represent different data values. For instance, the device may use a first modulation scheme that represents data using two levels and a second modulation scheme that represents data using four levels. In one example, the device may switch from the first modulation scheme to the second modulation scheme when bandwidth demand is high, and the device may switch from the second modulation scheme to the first modulation scheme when power conservation is in demand. The device may also, based on the operating parameter, change the frequency of the signal pulses communicated using the modulation schemes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: Robert Nasry Hasbun, Timothy M. Hollis, Jeffrey P. Wright, Dean D. Gans
  • Publication number: 20200312387
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for writing and storing parameter codes for operating parameters, and selecting between the parameter codes to set an operating condition for a memory are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first mode register and a second mode register. The first mode register is configured to store first and second parameter codes for a same operating parameter. The second mode register is configured to store a parameter code for a control parameter to select between the first and second parameter codes to set a current operating condition for the operating parameter. An example method includes storing in a first register a first parameter code for an operating parameter used to set a first memory operating condition, and further includes storing in a second register a second parameter code for the operating parameter used to set a second memory operating condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Dean D. Gans, Daniel C. Skinner
  • Patent number: 10788985
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for configurable memory array bank architectures are described. An example apparatus includes a mode register configured to store information related to bank architecture and a memory array including a plurality of memory banks. The plurality of memory banks are configured to be arranged in a bank architecture based at least in part on the information related to bank architecture stored in the mode register.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean D. Gans, Shunichi Saito