Patents by Inventor Douglas Edward Shelton

Douglas Edward Shelton 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: 8391068
    Abstract: A method to adjust the programming voltage in flash memory when the programming time exceeds specification. A method to adjust the programming voltage of flash memory after a predetermined number of erase/write cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Douglas Edward Shelton, John Howard MacPeak, Eddie Hearl Breashears, Bruce Lynn Pickelsimer
  • Publication number: 20120294086
    Abstract: A method to adjust the programming voltage in flash memory when the programming time exceeds specification. A method to adjust the programming voltage of flash memory after a predetermined number of erase/write cycles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Douglas Edward Shelton, John Howard MacPeak, Eddie Hearl Breashears, Bruce Lynn Pickelsimer
  • Patent number: 8238158
    Abstract: An electrically programmable non-volatile memory array and associated circuitry, including programming circuitry that adaptively senses completed programming of a selected memory cell. A programming bit line driver is connected to the bit line, and a first transistor has its source/drain path connected in series with the memory cell, and its gate connected to the output of the current comparator. As the MOS transistor in the selected cell becomes programmed, its drain current drawn from the bit line driver decays, and a remainder current into the current comparator increases. Upon the remainder current exceeding the reference current, the comparator turns off the first transistor; a second transistor connected between the source and drain of the cell transistor is turned on. In another approach, a summed current controls the gates of the first and second transistors. Programming terminates, and over-programming is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Douglas Edward Shelton, Bruce Lynn Pickelsimer, John Howard MacPeak
  • Publication number: 20120155187
    Abstract: A method to adjust the programming voltage in flash memory when the programming time exceeds specification. A method to adjust the programming voltage of flash memory after a predetermined number of erase/write cycles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Douglas Edward Shelton, John Howard MacPeak, Eddie Hearl Breashears, Bruce Lynn Pickelsimer
  • Patent number: 8199577
    Abstract: An electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) with a ripple programming mode. Memory cells in an the EEPROM array include floating-gate transistors with control gates coupled to corresponding word lines, and drain electrodes coupled to corresponding bit lines. A memory cell is programmed by applying a high programming voltage to its control gate along with applying a high programming voltage to its drain. Multiple memory cells within a row can be programmed by applying the programming voltage to the word line of that row, during which multiple bit lines receive their programming voltage, without removing the word line programming voltage when changing the programming from one bit line to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Douglas Edward Shelton, John Howard MacPeak, Eddie Hearl Breashears
  • Publication number: 20120033491
    Abstract: An electrically programmable non-volatile memory array and associated circuitry, including programming circuitry that adaptively senses completed programming of a selected memory cell. A programming bit line driver is connected to the bit line, and a first transistor has its source/drain path connected in series with the memory cell, and its gate connected to the output of the current comparator. As the MOS transistor in the selected cell becomes programmed, its drain current drawn from the bit line driver decays, and a remainder current into the current comparator increases. Upon the remainder current exceeding the reference current, the comparator turns off the first transistor; a second transistor connected between the source and drain of the cell transistor is turned on. In another approach, a summed current controls the gates of the first and second transistors. Programming terminates, and over-programming is avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Douglas Edward Shelton, Bruce Lynn Pickelsimer, John Howard MacPeak
  • Publication number: 20110128787
    Abstract: An electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) with a ripple programming mode. Memory cells in an the EEPROM array include floating-gate transistors with control gates coupled to corresponding word lines, and drain electrodes coupled to corresponding bit lines. A memory cell is programmed by applying a high programming voltage to its control gate along with applying a high programming voltage to its drain. Multiple memory cells within a row can be programmed by applying the programming voltage to the word line of that row, during which multiple bit lines receive their programming voltage, without removing the word line programming voltage when changing the programming from one bit line to another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Douglas Edward Shelton, John Howard MacPeak, Eddie Hearl Breashears