Patents by Inventor Donald Martin Morgan
Donald Martin Morgan 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: 20250006236Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for memory row-hammer mitigation are described. A memory device may operate based on a scheme that is continuous across power cycles. For example, the memory device may access a region if a value of a counter does not satisfy a threshold value and may access the region if a value of the counter satisfies the threshold value. Upon transitioning power states, the value of the counter may be stored to a non-volatile memory such that it may be accessed when transitioning back to the original power state (e.g., an “ON” state). Accordingly, the value of the counter may be maintained across power cycles.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2024Publication date: January 2, 2025Inventors: Bryan David Kerstetter, Alan J. Wilson, Donald Martin Morgan
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Patent number: 12118211Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for retiring pages of a memory device are described. An ordered set of device information pages may be used to store device information. The device information pages may be in non-volatile memory. Each page may include a counter value of the number of accesses to indicate if the page includes valid data. A flag associated with the page may be set when the counter value reaches a threshold, to retire the page. Upon power-up, the device may determine which page to use, based on the flags. The flag may be stored in the page, or may be separate (e.g., fuse elements). If fuse elements are used, the page may store a programming-in-process flag to indicate when programming of the fuse element may not have been completed before power loss, in which case the programming may be restarted after power is restored.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2023Date of Patent: October 15, 2024Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Donald Martin Morgan, Alan J. Wilson
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Patent number: 12112831Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for memory row-hammer mitigation are described. A memory device may operate based on a scheme that is continuous across power cycles. For example, the memory device may access a region if a value of a counter does not satisfy a threshold value and may access the region if a value of the counter satisfies the threshold value. Upon transitioning power states, the value of the counter may be stored to a non-volatile memory such that it may be accessed when transitioning back to the original power state (e.g., an “ON” state). Accordingly, the value of the counter may be maintained across power cycles.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2022Date of Patent: October 8, 2024Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Bryan David Kerstetter, Alan J. Wilson, Donald Martin Morgan
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Patent number: 12086425Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for techniques for non-volatile data protection are described. As part of a power on operation, a non-volatile memory system may be configured to selectively stored data. For example, the memory system may determine whether a host system is authorized to access data stored in the memory system prior to a power off operation. If the memory system determines that the host system is authorized, the memory device may retain the data. If the memory system determines that the host system is not authorized, the memory system may erase all or a portion of the data. In some cases, the memory system may maintain a retain flag to determine whether the host system is authorized. Additionally or alternatively, the memory system may determine whether a password received from the host system is valid to determine whether the host system is authorized.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2022Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Bryan David Kerstetter, Donald Martin Morgan, Alan J. Wilson
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Patent number: 12086415Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for frequency regulation for memory management commands are described. A memory device may maintain a respective first counter and second counter for each monitoring area of the memory device, where the counters may be incremented for each activate command received for the corresponding monitoring area. If the first counter satisfies a first threshold, an activate command issued to the monitoring area may be ignored. If the second counter fails to satisfy a second threshold, a memory management command issued to the monitoring area may be ignored and the memory device may maintain a value of the second counter, while decrementing the first counter. Alternatively, if the second counter satisfies the second threshold, the memory device may perform a memory management operation associated with a received memory management command and may decrement the first counter and the second counter.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2022Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Bryan David Kerstetter, Donald Martin Morgan
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Publication number: 20240038284Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for memory row-hammer mitigation are described. A memory device may operate based on a scheme that is continuous across power cycles. For example, the memory device may access a region if a value of a counter does not satisfy a threshold value and may access the region if a value of the counter satisfies the threshold value. Upon transitioning power states, the value of the counter may be stored to a non-volatile memory such that it may be accessed when transitioning back to the original power state (e.g., an “ON” state). Accordingly, the value of the counter may be maintained across power cycles.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2022Publication date: February 1, 2024Inventors: Bryan David Kerstetter, Alan J. Wilson, Donald Martin Morgan
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Publication number: 20230359361Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for frequency regulation for memory management commands are described. A memory device may maintain a respective first counter and second counter for each monitoring area of the memory device, where the counters may be incremented for each activate command received for the corresponding monitoring area. If the first counter satisfies a first threshold, an activate command issued to the monitoring area may be ignored. If the second counter fails to satisfy a second threshold, a memory management command issued to the monitoring area may be ignored and the memory device may maintain a value of the second counter, while decrementing the first counter. Alternatively, if the second counter satisfies the second threshold, the memory device may perform a memory management operation associated with a received memory management command and may decrement the first counter and the second counter.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2022Publication date: November 9, 2023Inventors: Bryan David Kerstetter, Donald Martin Morgan
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Publication number: 20230350580Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for techniques for non-volatile data protection are described. As part of a power on operation, a non-volatile memory system may be configured to selectively stored data. For example, the memory system may determine whether a host system is authorized to access data stored in the memory system prior to a power off operation. If the memory system determines that the host system is authorized, the memory device may retain the data. If the memory system determines that the host system is not authorized, the memory system may erase all or a portion of the data. In some cases, the memory system may maintain a retain flag to determine whether the host system is authorized. Additionally or alternatively, the memory system may determine whether a password received from the host system is valid to determine whether the host system is authorized.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2022Publication date: November 2, 2023Inventors: Bryan David Kerstetter, Donald Martin Morgan, Alan J. Wilson
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Patent number: 11733967Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for split and duplicate ripple circuits are described. A ripple circuit may be divided into stages, which may operate in parallel. For example, a first stage may have a finite number of possibilities for an output that is relevant for a second stage, and the second stages may be replicated according to the finite number of possibilities. The replicated second stages thus may operate concurrently with each other and the first stage, with each of the replicated second stages assuming a different possible output from the first stage. Once operation of the first stage is complete, the true output of the first stage may be used to select one of the second stages as corresponding to the correct assumed output, and the output of the selected second stage may be or may be included in a set of output signals for the circuit.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2022Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: Micron Technoloay Inc.Inventor: Donald Martin Morgan
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Patent number: 11721372Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for system and method for reading and writing memory management data through a non-volatile cell based register are described. A memory device may include a set of latch units addressable via a set of row lines and a set of column lines. Each latch unit may include a sense amplifier coupled with a first line and a first non-volatile capacitor coupled with the first line and a second line, where the first capacitor is configured to store a charge representing one or more bits. Additionally, each latch unit may include a second capacitor coupled with the first line and a third line, where the second capacitor is configured to amplify a voltage at the first line based on the charge stored in the first capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2022Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Yasushi Matsubara, Yusuke Jono, Donald Martin Morgan, Nobuo Yamamoto
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Publication number: 20230229304Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for retiring pages of a memory device are described. An ordered set of device information pages may be used to store device information. The device information pages may be in non-volatile memory. Each page may include a counter value of the number of accesses to indicate if the page includes valid data. A flag associated with the page may be set when the counter value reaches a threshold, to retire the page. Upon power-up, the device may determine which page to use, based on the flags. The flag may be stored in the page, or may be separate (e.g., fuse elements). If fuse elements are used, the page may store a programming-in-process flag to indicate when programming of the fuse element may not have been completed before power loss, in which case the programming may be restarted after power is restored.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2023Publication date: July 20, 2023Inventors: Donald Martin Morgan, Alan J. Wilson
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Publication number: 20230068011Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for system and method for reading and writing memory management data through a non-volatile cell based register are described. A memory device may include a set of latch units addressable via a set of row lines and a set of column lines. Each latch unit may include a sense amplifier coupled with a first line and a first non-volatile capacitor coupled with the first line and a second line, where the first capacitor is configured to store a charge representing one or more bits. Additionally, each latch unit may include a second capacitor coupled with the first line and a third line, where the second capacitor is configured to amplify a voltage at the first line based on the charge stored in the first capacitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2022Publication date: March 2, 2023Inventors: Yasushi Matsubara, Yusuke Yono, Donald Martin Morgan, Nobuo Yamamoto
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Patent number: 11579772Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for retiring pages of a memory device are described. An ordered set of device information pages may be used to store device information. The device information pages may be in non-volatile memory. Each page may include a counter value of the number of accesses to indicate if the page includes valid data. A flag associated with the page may be set when the counter value reaches a threshold, to retire the page. Upon power-up, the device may determine which page to use, based on the flags. The flag may be stored in the page, or may be separate (e.g., fuse elements). If fuse elements are used, the page may store a programming-in-process flag to indicate when programming of the fuse element may not have been completed before power loss, in which case the programming may be restarted after power is restored.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2020Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Donald Martin Morgan, Alan J. Wilson
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Publication number: 20230028060Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for split and duplicate ripple circuits are described. A ripple circuit may be divided into stages, which may operate in parallel. For example, a first stage may have a finite number of possibilities for an output that is relevant for a second stage, and the second stages may be replicated according to the finite number of possibilities. The replicated second stages thus may operate concurrently with each other and the first stage, with each of the replicated second stages assuming a different possible output from the first stage. Once operation of the first stage is complete, the true output of the first stage may be used to select one of the second stages as corresponding to the correct assumed output, and the output of the selected second stage may be or may be included in a set of output signals for the circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2022Publication date: January 26, 2023Inventor: Donald Martin Morgan
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Patent number: 11462249Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for reading and writing memory management data using a non-volatile cell based register are described. A memory device may include a set of latch units addressable via a set of row lines and a set of column lines. Each latch unit may include a sense amplifier coupled with a first line and a first non-volatile capacitor coupled with the first line and a second line, where the first capacitor is configured to store a charge representing one or more bits. Additionally, each latch unit may include a second capacitor coupled with the first line and a third line, where the second capacitor is configured to amplify a voltage at the first line based on the charge stored in the first capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2020Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Yasushi Matsubara, Yusuke Jono, Donald Martin Morgan, Nobuo Yamamoto
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Publication number: 20220310189Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for error control for memory device are described. A memory device may be configured to perform memory management operations including error control operations. For example, a memory device may be configured to perform an error control operation on data stored in a first memory cell coupled with a source row of a memory array. The memory device may be configured to write the data to a second memory cell coupled with the target row of the memory array based on performing the error control operation on the data and determine whether the management operation is complete based at least in part on the first column address of the first memory cell. The memory device may also generate an output signal to perform the error control operation on a third memory cell coupled with the source row based on determining whether the management operation is complete.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2022Publication date: September 29, 2022Inventors: Nobuo Yamamoto, Donald Martin Morgan, Victor Wong, Jongtae Kwak
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Patent number: 11416217Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for split and duplicate ripple circuits are described. A ripple circuit may be divided into stages, which may operate in parallel. For example, a first stage may have a finite number of possibilities for an output that is relevant for a second stage, and the second stages may be replicated according to the finite number of possibilities. The replicated second stages thus may operate concurrently with each other and the first stage, with each of the replicated second stages assuming a different possible output from the first stage. Once operation of the first stage is complete, the true output of the first stage may be used to select one of the second stages as corresponding to the correct assumed output, and the output of the selected second stage may be or may be included in a set of output signals for the circuit.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Donald Martin Morgan
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Publication number: 20220164108Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for retiring pages of a memory device are described. An ordered set of device information pages may be used to store device information. The device information pages may be in non-volatile memory. Each page may include a counter value of the number of accesses to indicate if the page includes valid data. A flag associated with the page may be set when the counter value reaches a threshold, to retire the page. Upon power-up, the device may determine which page to use, based on the flags. The flag may be stored in the page, or may be separate (e.g., fuse elements). If fuse elements are used, the page may store a programming-in-process flag to indicate when programming of the fuse element may not have been completed before power loss, in which case the programming may be restarted after power is restored.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2020Publication date: May 26, 2022Inventors: Donald Martin Morgan, Alan J. Wilson
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Patent number: 11334458Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for completing memory repair operations interrupted by power loss are described. A command to perform a memory repair of a memory device may be received. A memory repair process of the memory device may be initiated, based on the command. The memory repair process may include programming fuse elements of the memory device. Information associated with the initiated memory repair process may be stored in a non-volatile memory. The memory repair process may be interrupted by a power interruption. During powerup of the memory device, it may be determined that the memory repair process was initiated and not completed before the powerup, based on the stored information. The memory repair process of the memory device may be continued, based on the determination. Upon completion of the memory repair process, the stored information may be cleared.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2020Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Alan J. Wilson, Donald Martin Morgan
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Patent number: 11322218Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for error control for memory device are described. A memory device may be configured to perform memory management operations including error control operations. For example, a memory device may be configured to perform an error control operation on data stored in a first memory cell coupled with a source row of a memory array. The memory device may be configured to write the data to a second memory cell coupled with the target row of the memory array based on performing the error control operation on the data and determine whether the management operation is complete based at least in part on the first column address of the first memory cell. The memory device may also generate an output signal to perform the error control operation on a third memory cell coupled with the source row based on determining whether the management operation is complete.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2020Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Nobuo Yamamoto, Donald Martin Morgan, Victor Wong, Jongtae Kwak