Patents by Inventor Dong-Hun Kwak

Dong-Hun Kwak 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: 20240155844
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a mold structure including gate electrodes stacked on a first substrate, a channel structure that penetrates a first region of the mold structure to cross the gate electrodes, a first through structure that penetrates a second region of the mold structure, and a second through structure that penetrates a third region of the mold structure. The mold structure further includes memory cell blocks extending in a first direction and spaced apart in a second direction, and a dummy block extending in the first direction and disposed between the memory cell blocks. Each of the memory cell blocks and the dummy block includes a cell region and an extension region arranged in the first direction. The first region is the cell region of one of the memory cell blocks, the second region is the extension region of the one of the memory cell blocks, and the third region is the extension region of the dummy block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2024
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Inventors: Myung Hun Lee, Dong Ha Shin, Pan Suk Kwak, Dae Seok Byeon
  • Publication number: 20240126642
    Abstract: A storage device includes a memory device and a controller. The memory device includes a memory region configured by a plurality of memory cells. The controller is configured to set at least one prohibited threshold voltage distribution for the memory region based on a result of an operation on the memory region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Applicant: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Suk Hwan CHOI, Dong Hun KWAK
  • Patent number: 11950425
    Abstract: A mold structure includes gate electrodes stacked on a first substrate, a channel structure penetrating a first region of the mold structure to cross the gate electrodes, a first through structure penetrating a second region of the mold structure, and a second through structure penetrating a third region of the mold structure. The mold structure includes memory cell blocks extending in a first direction and spaced apart in a second direction, and a dummy block extending in the first direction and disposed between the memory cell blocks. Each of the memory cell and dummy blocks includes a cell region and an extension region arranged in the first direction. The first region is the cell region of one of the memory cell blocks, the second region is the extension region of the one of the memory cell blocks, and the third region is the extension region of the dummy block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Myung Hun Lee, Dong Ha Shin, Pan Suk Kwak, Dae Seok Byeon
  • Patent number: 11948645
    Abstract: An electronic device, and more particularly, a page buffer is provided. The page buffer includes a sensing node configured to sense a potential of a bit line coupled to a memory cell, a precharging circuit coupled to the sensing node and configured to precharge a potential of the sensing node to a first voltage during an evaluation operation on the memory cell, a discharging circuit coupled to the sensing node and configured to discharge the potential of the sensing node from the first voltage to a second voltage, and a latch circuit coupled to the discharging circuit and configured to store therein data sensed from the memory cell based on a result of comparing the potential of the sensing node with a reference voltage after the potential of the sensing node is discharged to the second voltage and a predetermined period elapses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Yeong Jo Mun, Dong Hun Kwak
  • Patent number: 11942140
    Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device includes a memory cell array and a row decoder. The memory cell array includes a plurality of mats. A first cell string of first mat is connected to a plurality of first word-lines, a first bit-line and a first string selection line. A second cell string of second mat is connected to a plurality of second word-lines, a second bit-line and a second string selection line. Each of the first and second cell strings includes a ground selection transistor, memory cells, and a string selection transistor coupled in series. The row decoder applies a first voltage to a third word-line among the plurality of first and second word-lines for a first period of time in a single mat mode and to apply a second voltage to the third word-line for a second period of time longer than the first period of time in a multi-mat mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hee-Woong Kang, Dong-Hun Kwak, Jun-Ho Seo, Hee-Won Lee
  • Patent number: 11915762
    Abstract: A memory device includes a controller that performs a program verification after a first program pulse is applied to the at least one non-volatile memory cell. The first program pulse is applied during a data program operation and the data program operation includes applying program pulses to program multi-bit data to the at least one non-volatile memory cell. The controller also determines a program mode for the at least one non-volatile memory cell based on a result of the program verification, and changes at least one of a level of a first control voltage based on the program mode. The first control voltage is applied to a drain select line coupled to the at least one non-volatile memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Tae Hun Park, Dong Hun Kwak, Hyung Jin Choi
  • Patent number: 11894059
    Abstract: A memory device includes a memory structure including at least one non-volatile memory cell capable of storing multi-bit data, and a control device configured to perform a program verification after a first program pulse is applied to the at least one non-volatile memory cell, determine a program mode for the at least one non-volatile memory cell based on a result of the program verification, and change a level of a pass voltage, applied to another non-volatile memory cell coupled to the at least one non-volatile memory cell, from a first level to a second level which is higher than the first level, or a setup time for changing a potential of a bit line coupled to the at least one non-volatile memory cell, according to the program mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Tae Hun Park, Dong Hun Kwak
  • Publication number: 20240028218
    Abstract: A memory device includes memory cells connected to a plurality of word lines. The memory device also includes a read operation performer configured to perform a read operation of applying an equalizing voltage to the plurality of word lines and applying a read voltage to a selected word line. The memory device further includes a fail cell counter configured to count a number of on cells among selected memory cells connected to the selected word line at each of time points. The memory device additionally includes a read operation controller configured to control the read operation performer to determine a length of an evaluation period based on a result of comparing the number of on cells at each of the time points, and configured to sense a voltage of bit lines respectively connected to the selected memory cells after the evaluation period elapses from the time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2022
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Applicant: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Chan Hui JEONG, Dong Hun KWAK, Se Chun PARK
  • Publication number: 20240020022
    Abstract: A memory device includes a precharge time information storage for storing information on a first precharge time for which a bit line control signal is applied and a second precharge time for which a source line control signal is applied, which are determined according to a degree to which a program operation is performed. The memory device also includes a precharge voltage controller for providing the bit line control signal and the source line control signal respectively to page buffers and a source line driver for a longer precharge time selected from the first precharge time and the second precharge time in the program operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2022
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Applicant: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Chan Hui JEONG, Dong Hun KWAK, Se Chun PARK
  • Patent number: 11862258
    Abstract: An operating method of a memory device, comprises: a program operation of applying a program voltage to a selected word line to program selected memory cells connected to the selected word line, a first verification operation of applying a first verification voltage to the selected word line and applying a first verification pass voltage to unselected word lines to verify a first program state of the selected memory cells, and a second verification operation of applying a second verification voltage to the selected word line and applying a second verification pass voltage to the unselected word lines to verify a second program state higher than the first program state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun Seob Shin, Dong Hun Kwak, Sung Hyun Hwang
  • Publication number: 20230402096
    Abstract: Provided herein may be a memory device and a method of operating the same. The memory device may include a plurality of memory cell strings, a peripheral circuit configured to, using a plurality of read voltages, perform a read operation that reads data that is stored in a selected memory cell that is included in a selected memory cell string, and an operation controller configured to control the peripheral circuit to perform the read operation by using a first read voltage, a first potential adjustment operation, and the read operation by using a second read voltage that is lower than the first read voltage, wherein the first potential adjustment operation is an operation that applies a first turn-on voltage to unselected source select lines that are coupled to unselected memory cell strings for a first period and thereafter applies a ground voltage to the unselected source select lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2022
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Applicant: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Jong Kyung PARK, Jae Yeop JUNG, Dong Hun KWAK
  • Publication number: 20230386581
    Abstract: A method of operating a non-volatile memory device includes performing a first sensing operation on the non-volatile memory device during a first sensing time including a first section, a second section, and a third section. The performing of the first sensing operation includes applying a first voltage level, which is variable according to a first target voltage level, to a selected word line in the first section, applying a second voltage level, which is different from the first voltage level, to the selected word line in the second section, and applying the first target voltage level, which is different from the second voltage level, to the selected word line in the third section. The first voltage level becomes greater as the first target voltage level becomes greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventor: Dong-Hun Kwak
  • Publication number: 20230350576
    Abstract: A memory device includes: a memory cell array including a first memory cell group including memory cells located within a first physical distance from a reference node and a second memory cell group including memory cells located beyond the first physical distance from the reference node; a peripheral circuit configured to perform a program operation of applying program voltages increasing gradually to memory cells included in the memory cell array through word lines; and control logic configured to determine a time at which a first program permission voltage is applied to the first memory cell group and determine a magnitude of the first program permission voltage on the basis of a magnitude of the program voltages in response to a gradual increase in the program voltages, the control logic is further configured to control the peripheral circuit to apply the first program permission voltage to the first memory cell group through bit lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2022
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Applicant: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun Seob SHIN, Dong Hun KWAK
  • Patent number: 11791002
    Abstract: A method of operating a semiconductor memory device includes starting a program operation on selected memory cells using a main verification voltage and an auxiliary verification voltage in response to a program command, receiving a program suspend command during the program operation, and changing at least one auxiliary voltage verification result information among threshold voltage states which are not program-passed to at least one data pattern among threshold voltage states which program-passed, in response to the program suspend command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Yeong Jo Mun, Dong Hun Kwak
  • Publication number: 20230298679
    Abstract: A method of operating a semiconductor memory device includes starting a program operation on selected memory cells using a main verification voltage and an auxiliary verification voltage in response to a program command, receiving a program suspend command during the program operation, and changing at least one auxiliary voltage verification result information among threshold voltage states which are not program-passed to at least one data pattern among threshold voltage states which program-passed, in response to the program suspend command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2022
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Applicant: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Yeong Jo MUN, Dong Hun KWAK
  • Publication number: 20230298669
    Abstract: A memory device includes a plurality of memory cells, where each memory cell is configured to be in an erased state or one of a plurality of program states according to data stored therein. The memory device also includes a peripheral circuit configured to, in a program operation on the plurality of memory cells, perform a first program voltage application operation on first memory cells, the first memory cells being to be programmed to first respective program states. The peripheral circuit is also configured to perform, after the first program voltage application operation, a pre-program voltage application operation on second memory cells, the second memory cells being to be programmed to second respective program states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2023
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Applicant: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun Seob SHIN, Dong Hun KWAK
  • Patent number: 11763894
    Abstract: A method of operating a non-volatile memory device includes performing a first sensing operation on the non-volatile memory device during a first sensing time including a first section, a second section, and a third section. The performing of the first sensing operation includes applying a first voltage level, which is variable according to a first target voltage level, to a selected word line in the first section, applying a second voltage level, which is different from the first voltage level, to the selected word line in the second section, and applying the first target voltage level, which is different from the second voltage level, to the selected word line in the third section. The first voltage level becomes greater as the first target voltage level becomes greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong-Hun Kwak
  • Publication number: 20230238064
    Abstract: Provided herein may be a memory device and a method of operating the same. The memory device may include a plurality of memory cells, a program operation performer configured to perform a plurality of program loops on the plurality of memory cells, a step voltage calculator configured to calculate a step voltage, the step voltage being a difference of magnitude between program voltages that are applied in any two consecutive program loops, a reference bit determiner configured to determine a reference number of fail bits based on a magnitude of the step voltage, and a verification result generator configured to generate verification result information based on a result of a comparison between the reference number of fail bits and a number of on-cells, among the plurality of memory cells, identified in a verify operation that is included in a program loop, among the plurality of program loops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Applicant: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun Seob SHIN, Dong Hun KWAK
  • Publication number: 20230197166
    Abstract: A method of operating a non-volatile memory device includes performing a first sensing operation on the non-volatile memory device during a first sensing time including a first section, a second section, and a third section. The performing of the first sensing operation includes applying a first voltage level, which is variable according to a first target voltage level, to a selected word line in the first section, applying a second voltage level, which is different from the first voltage level, to the selected word line in the second section, and applying the first target voltage level, which is different from the second voltage level, to the selected word line in the third section. The first voltage level becomes greater as the first target voltage level becomes greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventor: Dong-Hun Kwak
  • Publication number: 20230113235
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electronic device. A memory device includes a plurality of memory cells coupled to a plurality of word lines, a voltage generator generating program-related voltages to be applied to the plurality of word lines, an address decoder transferring the program-related voltages to the plurality of word lines, and an operation controller controlling the voltage generator and the address decoder to apply a program voltage to a selected word line among the plurality of word lines, a second pass voltage to adjacent word lines neighboring the selected word line, a first pass voltage to remaining word lines except for the selected word line and the adjacent word lines, and to apply a ground voltage to the selected word line and the first pass voltage to the adjacent word lines during a first period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Inventors: Chan Hui JEONG, Dong Hun KWAK, Se Chun PARK