Patents by Inventor Debra M. Bell

Debra M. Bell 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: 11200118
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which a host device may directly access a portion of memory array that is otherwise reserved for ECC functionality of a memory device. The memory array may correspond to a set of memory addresses, where each memory address of the set corresponds to a first portion of the memory array (e.g., user data plane) and to a second portion of the memory array (e.g., ECC plane). The second portion may be configured to store ECC data or second user data or metadata based on whether the ECC functionality is enabled or disabled. The memory device may determine a command directed to the memory address of the set is configured to access the first portion or the second portion based on a status of a pin associated with the command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd M. Buerkle, Debra M. Bell, Joshua E. Alzheimer
  • Patent number: 11169730
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for scrub rate control for a memory device are described. For example, during a scrub operation, a memory device may perform an error correction operation on data read from a memory array of the memory device. The memory device may determine a quantity of errors detected or corrected during the scrub operation and determine a condition of the memory array based on the quantity of errors. The memory device may indicate the determined condition of the memory array to a host device. In some cases, the memory device may perform scrub operations based on one or more condition of the memory array. For example, as a condition of the memory array deteriorates, the memory device may perform scrub operations at an increased rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron P. Boehm, Debra M. Bell
  • Publication number: 20210326732
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure are drawn to apparatuses, systems, methods for an internet of things (IoT) system to include edge devices that perform at least some functions without communicating with a cloud computing system. An edge device may include a memory with on-memory pattern matching capabilities. The edge device may perform pattern matching operations on data collected by the edge device or sensors in communication with the edge device. Based on results of the pattern matching operations, the edge device may perform various functions, such as transmitting data to the cloud computing system, activating an alarm, and/or changing a frequency at which data is transmitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: DEBRA M. BELL, JAMES S. REHMEYER, BRETT K. DODDS, ANTHONY D. VECHES, LIBO WANG, DI WU
  • Patent number: 11144214
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods related to memory authentication. Memory devices can be authenticated utilizing authentication codes. An authentication code can be generated based on information stored in a fuse array of the memory device. The authentication code can be stored in the memory device. The stored authentication code can be compared to a captured authentication code based on fuse array information broadcast to memory components of the memory device. The authenticity of the memory device can be determined based on the comparison and can result in placing the memory device in an unlocked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rachael R. Carlson, Aparna U. Limaye, Diana C. Majerus, Debra M. Bell, Shea M. Morrison
  • Publication number: 20210311822
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which a host device may access a group of memory cells (e.g., portion of an array configurable to store ECC parity bits) otherwise reserved for ECC functionality of a memory device. The memory device may include a register to indicate whether its ECC functionality is enabled or disabled. When the register indicates the ECC functionality is disabled, the memory device may increase a storage capacity available to the host device by making the group of memory cells available for user-accessible data. Additionally or alternatively, the memory device may store metadata associated with various operational aspects of the memory device in the group of memory cells. Moreover, the memory device may modify a burst length to accommodate additional information to be stored in or read from the group of memory cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Aaron Jannusch, Brett K. Dodds, Debra M. Bell, Joshua E. Alzheimer, Scott E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20210312961
    Abstract: Tracking circuitry may be used to determine if commands and/or command sequences include illegal commands and/or illegal command sequences. If the commands and/or command sequences include illegal commands and/or illegal command sequences, the tracking circuitry may activate signals that prevent execution of the commands and/or notice of the detected illegal commands and/or command sequences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Di Wu, Debra M. Bell, Anthony D. Veches, James S. Rehmeyer, Libo Wang
  • Publication number: 20210312310
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure are drawn to apparatuses, systems, methods for performing operations associated with machine learning. Machine learning operations may include processing a data set, training a machine learning algorithm, and applying a trained algorithm to a data set. Some of the machine learning operations, such as pattern matching operations, may be performed within a memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Di Wu, Anthony D. Veches, James S. Rehmeyer, Debra M. Bell, Libo Wang
  • 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: 20210279242
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure are drawn to apparatuses, systems, methods, and memories that are capable of performing pattern matching operations within a memory device. The pattern matching operations may be performed on data stored within the memory based on a pattern stored in a register. The result of the pattern matching operation may be provided by the memory. The data on which the pattern matching operation is performed may not be output from the memory during the pattern matching operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: DEBRA M. BELL, LIBO WANG, DI WU, JAMES S. REHMEYER, ANTHONY D. VECHES
  • Publication number: 20210263847
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure are drawn to apparatuses, systems, methods, and memories that are capable of performing pattern matching operations within a memory device. The pattern matching operations may be performed on data stored within the memory based on a pattern stored in a register. The result of the pattern matching operation may be provided by the memory. The data may be retrieved from a memory array for the pattern matching operation by a read operation, a refresh operation, an error correction operation, and/or a pattern matching operation. The data may be retrieved from incoming data input lines instead of or in addition to the memory array. How the data is stored or retrieved for pattern matching operations may be controlled by a memory controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: James S. Rehmeyer, Libo Wang, Anthony D. Veches, Debra M. Bell, Di Wu
  • Patent number: 11087829
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for phase charge sharing are described. In some memory systems or memory devices, one or more decoders may be used to bias access lines of a memory die. The decoders may transfer voltage or current between a first conductive line of the decoder and a second conductive line of the decoder via a shorting device. Transferring the voltage or current may be performed as part of or in association with an operation (e.g., an activate or pre-charge operation) to access one or more memory cells of the memory die. In some examples, the decoders may transfer voltage or current between a first conductive line of a decoder associated with a first refresh activity and a second conductive line of the decoder associated with a second refresh activity via a shorting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James S. Rehmeyer, George B. Raad, Debra M. Bell, Markus H. Geiger, Anthony D. Veches
  • Patent number: 11088153
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an integrated assembly having a first pull-down transistor, a second pull-down transistor, a first pull-up transistor and a second pull-up transistor. The first pull-down transistor has a first conductive-gate-body at a first level, and has an n-channel-device-active-region at a second level vertically offset from the first level. The first pull-up transistor has a second conductive-gate-body at the first level, and has a p-channel-device-active-region at the second level. The second pull-down transistor has a third conductive-gate-body at the second level, and has an n-channel-device-active-region at the first level. The second pull-up transistor has a fourth conductive-gate-body at the second level, and has a p-channel-device-active-region at the first level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Debra M. Bell
  • Publication number: 20210225433
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for refresh-related activation in memory are described. A memory device may conduct a refresh operation to preserve the integrity of data. A refresh operation may be associated with a refresh time where the memory device is unable to execute or issue any commands (e.g., access commands). By posting (e.g., saving) one or more commands and/or row addresses during the refresh time, the memory device may be configured to execute the saved commands and/or re-open one or more rows associated with the saved row addresses at a later time (e.g., upon completion of the refresh operation). Accordingly, fewer commands may be issued to activate the memory cells after the refresh time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: Stephen Michael Kaminski, Anthony D. Veches, James S. Rehmeyer, Debra M. Bell, Dale Herber Hiscock, Joshua E. Alzheimer
  • 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: 20210201981
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which memory devices are configured to monitor degradations in word line characteristics. The memory device may generate a reference signal in response to an access command directed to a memory array including a plurality of word lines, in some embodiments. The memory array may include a victim word line configured to accumulate adverse effects of executing multiple access commands at the word lines of the memory array. When the degradation in the word line characteristics causes reliability issues (e.g., corrupted data), the memory array is deemed unreliable, and may be blocked from memory operations. The memory device may compare the reference signal and a signal from the victim word line to determine whether preventive measures may be appropriate to avoid (or mitigate) such reliability issues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventors: Gitanjali T. Ghosh, Debra M. Bell, Arunmozhi R. Subramaniam, Roya Baghi, Deepika Thumsi Umesh, Sue-Fern Ng
  • Patent number: 11042436
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which a host device may access a group of memory cells (e.g., portion of an array configurable to store ECC parity bits) otherwise reserved for ECC functionality of a memory device. The memory device may include a register to indicate whether its ECC functionality is enabled or disabled. When the register indicates the ECC functionality is disabled, the memory device may increase a storage capacity available to the host device by making the group of memory cells available for user-accessible data. Additionally or alternatively, the memory device may store metadata associated with various operational aspects of the memory device in the group of memory cells. Moreover, the memory device may modify a burst length to accommodate additional information to be stored in or read from the group of memory cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Jannusch, Brett K. Dodds, Debra M. Bell, Joshua E. Alzheimer, Scott E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20210173757
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods related to using memory device sensors are described. Some memory system or device types include sensors embedded in their circuitry. For instance, another device can be coupled to a memory device with an embedded sensor. The memory device can transmit a signal representing sensor data generated by the embedded sensor using a sensor output coupled to the other device. A controller coupled to a memory device may determine one or more threshold values of a sensor or sensors embedded in a memory device. The memory device may transmit an indication responsive to one or more sensors detecting a value greater or less than a threshold and may transmit the indication to another device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Inventors: Cheryl M. O'Donnell, Erica M. Gove, Zahra Hosseinimakarem, Debra M. Bell, Roya Baghi
  • Publication number: 20210173467
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods related to using memory device sensors are described. Some memory system or device types include sensors embedded in their circuitry. For instance, a device can be coupled to a memory device with an embedded sensor. The memory device can transmit the data generated by the embedded sensor using a sensor output coupled to the device. The memory device may generate, based at least in part on a characteristic of a memory device, a signal from a sensor embedded in the memory device and transmit the signal generated by the sensor from the memory device to another device coupled to the memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Inventors: Debra M. Bell, Roya Baghi, Erica M. Gove, Zahra Hosseinimakarem, Cheryl M. O'Donnell
  • Publication number: 20210165584
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods related to updating data lines for data generation in, for example, a memory device or a computing system that includes a memory device. Updating data lines can include updating a plurality of data lines. The plurality of data lines can provide data form the memory array responsive to a receipt of the access command. The plurality of data lines can also be updated responsive to a determination that an access command received at a memory device is unauthorized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2021
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Inventors: Debra M. Bell, Naveh Malihi
  • Patent number: 11024367
    Abstract: Memory devices and systems with on-die data transfer capability, and associated methods, are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a memory device includes an array of memory cells and a plurality of input/output lines operably connecting the array to data pads of the device. In some embodiments, the memory device can further include a global cache and/or a local cache. The memory device can be configured to internally transfer data stored at a first location in the array to a second location in the array without outputting the data from the memory device. To transfer the data, the memory device can copy data on one row of memory cells to another row of memory cells, directly write data to the second location from the first location using data read/write lines of the input/output lines, and/or read the data into and out of the global cache and/or the local cache.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale H. Hiscock, Debra M. Bell, Michael Kaminski, Joshua E. Alzheimer, Anthony D. Veches, James S. Rehmeyer