Patents by Inventor Du-Eung Kim

Du-Eung Kim 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: 10644069
    Abstract: A memory device includes a first word line extending in a first direction on a substrate, a first bit line extending in a second direction on the first word line, a first memory cell disposed between the first word line and the first bit line, a second word line extending in the first direction on the first bit line, a second bit line extending in the second direction on the second word line, a second memory cell disposed between the second word line and the second bit line, and a first bit line connection structure connected to the first bit line and the second bit line. The first bit line connection structure includes a first bit line contact connected to the first bit line and a second bit line contact, which is connected to the second bit line and vertically overlaps the first bit line contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji-Hyun Jeong, Dae-Hwan Kang, Du-Eung Kim, Kwang-Jin Lee
  • Publication number: 20190140022
    Abstract: A memory device includes a first word line extending in a first direction on a substrate, a first bit line extending in a second direction on the first word line, a first memory cell disposed between the first word line and the first bit line, a second word line extending in the first direction on the first bit line, a second bit line extending in the second direction on the second word line, a second memory cell disposed between the second word line and the second bit line, and a first bit line connection structure connected to the first bit line and the second bit line. The first bit line connection structure includes a first bit line contact connected to the first bit line and a second bit line contact, which is connected to the second bit line and vertically overlaps the first bit line contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: JI-HYUN JEONG, Dae-Hwan Kang, Du-Eung Kim, Kwang-Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 8995203
    Abstract: The present inventive concept provides a driving method of memory controller controlling nonvolatile memory device using variable resistive element. The memory controller may control a plurality of first memory devices and a second memory device. A number of write drivers in the second memory device may be driven when a number of first memory devices among the plurality of first memory devices are used. A different number of write drivers in the second memory device may be driven when a different number of first memory devices among the plurality of first memory devices are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-Hoon Oh, Du-Eung Kim, Woo-Yeong Cho
  • Patent number: 8964488
    Abstract: A non-volatile memory device using a variable resistive element is provided. The non-volatile memory device includes a memory cell array having a plurality of non-volatile memory cells, a first voltage generator configured to generate a first voltage, a voltage pad configured to receive an external voltage that has a level higher than the first voltage, a write driver configured to be supplied with the external voltage and configured to write data to the plurality of non-volatile memory cells selected from the memory cell array; a sense amplifier configured to be supplied with the external voltage and configured to read data from the plurality of non-volatile memory cells selected from the memory cell array, and a row decoder and a column decoder configured to select the plurality of non-volatile memory cells included in the memory cell array, the row decoder being supplied with the first voltage and the column decoder being supplied with the external voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hye-Jin Kim, Kwang-Jin Lee, Du-Eung Kim, Hung-Jun An
  • Publication number: 20140160857
    Abstract: The present inventive concept provides a driving method of memory controller controlling nonvolatile memory device using variable resistive element. The memory controller may control a plurality of first memory devices and a second memory device. A number of write drivers in the second memory device may be driven when a number of first memory devices among the plurality of first memory devices are used. A different number of write drivers in the second memory device may be driven when a different number of first memory devices among the plurality of first memory devices are used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-Hoon Oh, Du-Eung Kim, Woo-Yeong Cho
  • Patent number: 8588010
    Abstract: At least one embodiment includes a non-volatile memory cell array, a write buffer configured to store data being written into the non-volatile memory cell array, and a write unit configured to write data into the non-volatile memory cell array. The write unit is configured to perform writing of data such that each data will have reached a stable storage state in the non-volatile memory prior to being over-written in the write buffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwang Jin Lee, Du Eung Kim, Hye Jin Kim
  • Patent number: 8526223
    Abstract: A method of operating a phase change random access memory (PRAM) device includes performing a program operation to store data in selected PRAM cells of the device, wherein the program operation comprises a plurality of sequential program loops. The method further comprises suspending the program operation in the middle of the program operation, and after suspending the program operation, resuming the program operation in response to a resume command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hye-jin Kim, Kwang-jin Lee, Du-eung Kim
  • Patent number: 8482994
    Abstract: One embodiment includes a non-volatile memory cell array, and a read unit configured to disable read operation for the non-volatile memory cell array for a time period following writing of data in the non-volatile memory cell array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwang-Jin Lee, Du Eung Kim, Yong Jun Lee
  • Publication number: 20130039124
    Abstract: A method of operating a phase change random access memory (PRAM) device includes performing a program operation to store data in selected PRAM cells of the device, wherein the program operation comprises a plurality of sequential program loops. The method further comprises suspending the program operation in the middle of the program operation, and after suspending the program operation, resuming the program operation in response to a resume command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Hye-jin KIM, Kwang-jin LEE, Du-eung KIM
  • Patent number: 8320168
    Abstract: A method of operating a phase change random access memory (PRAM) device includes performing a program operation to store data in selected PRAM cells of the device, wherein the program operation comprises a plurality of sequential program loops. The method further comprises suspending the program operation in the middle of the program operation, and after suspending the program operation, resuming the program operation in response to a resume command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hye-jin Kim, Kwang-jin Lee, Du-eung Kim
  • Patent number: 8264905
    Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device using variable resistive element with reduced layout size and improved performance is provided. The nonvolatile memory device comprising: a main word line; multiple sub-word lines, wherein each of the sub-word line is connected to multiple nonvolatile memory cells; and a section word line driver which controls voltage level of the multiple sub-word lines, wherein the section word line driver includes multiple pull-down elements which are connected to each of the multiple sub-word lines and a common node and a selection element which is connected to the common node and the main word line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byung-Gil Choi, Du-Eung Kim
  • Publication number: 20120224437
    Abstract: A non-volatile memory device using a variable resistive element is provided. The non-volatile memory device includes a memory cell array having a plurality of non-volatile memory cells, a first voltage generator configured to generate a first voltage, a voltage pad configured to receive an external voltage that has a level higher than the first voltage, a write driver configured to be supplied with the external voltage and configured to write data to the plurality of non-volatile memory cells selected from the memory cell array; a sense amplifier configured to be supplied with the external voltage and configured to read data from the plurality of non-volatile memory cells selected from the memory cell array, and a row decoder and a column decoder configured to select the plurality of non-volatile memory cells included in the memory cell array, the row decoder being supplied with the first voltage and the column decoder being supplied with the external voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Hye-Jin Kim, Kwang-Jin Lee, Du-Eung Kim, Hung-Jun An
  • Patent number: 8254159
    Abstract: In a method of discharging bit-lines for a non-volatile semiconductor memory device performing a read-while-write operation. The method include discharging a global write bit-line to a ground voltage based on a write command within a first period. The method also includes maintaining the discharged voltage of the global write bit-line in the ground voltage during a second period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong-Jun Lee, Byung-Gil Choi, Du-Eung Kim
  • Patent number: 8213254
    Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device includes a memory cell array with a matrix of nonvolatile memory cells. The nonvolatile memory cells may store data using variable resistive elements. A plurality of bitlines are coupled to a plurality of nonvolatile memory cell arrays in the memory cell array. A column selection circuit selects among the bitlines in response to a column selection signal. A controller regulates a level of the column selection signal in response to a temperature signal from a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be configured to measure temperature outside the nonvolatile memory device to generate the temperature signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byung-Gil Choi, Du-Eung Kim
  • Patent number: 8194447
    Abstract: A non-volatile memory device using a variable resistive element includes a memory cell array having a plurality of non-volatile memory cells, a first voltage generator generating a first voltage, a voltage pad receiving an external voltage that has a level higher than the first voltage, a sense amplifier supplied with the first voltage and reading data from the non-volatile memory cells selected from the memory cell array, and a write driver supplied with the external voltage and writing data to the non-volatile memory cells selected from the memory cell array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hye-Jin Kim, Kwang-Jin Lee, Du-Eung Kim, Hung-Jun An
  • Patent number: 8194442
    Abstract: Apparatus and systems that use phase-change memory devices are provided. The phase-change memory devices may include multiple phase-change memory cells and a reset pulse generation circuit configured to output multiple sequential reset pulses. Each sequential reset pulse is output to a corresponding one of multiple reset lines. Multiple write driver circuits are coupled to corresponding phase change memory cells and to a corresponding one of the reset lines of the reset pulse generation circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Beak-Hyung Cho, Du-Eung Kim, Woo-Yeong Cho
  • Patent number: 8190968
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array, a mode setting circuit, a parity data generation unit, and a data error detection and correction unit. The memory cell array has a plurality of first memory banks for storing normal data, and a predetermined number of second memory banks less than the number of the first memory banks for storing parity data according to control of a first flag signal. The mode setting circuit sets the first flag signal and a second flag signal controlling based on whether a separate memory bank is used to store the parity data in the second memory banks. The parity data generation unit receives normal write data during a write operation, generates parity data with respect to the normal write data in response to the second flag signal, and outputs the normal data and the parity data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwang-Jin Lee, Won-Seok Lee, Du-Eung Kim
  • Patent number: 8179711
    Abstract: In a semiconductor memory device and method, resistive-change memory cells are provided, each including a plurality of control transistors formed on different layers and variable resistance devices comprising a resistive-change memory. Each resistive-change memory cell includes a plurality of control transistors formed on different layers, and a variable resistance device formed of a resistive-change memory. In one example, the number of the control transistors is two. The semiconductor memory device includes a global bit line; a plurality of local bit lines connected to or disconnected from the global bit line via local bit line selection circuits which correspond to the local bit lines, respectively; and a plurality of resistive-change memory cell groups storing data while being connected to the local bit lines, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-min Kim, Eun-jung Yun, Jong-soo Seo, Du-eung Kim, Beak-hyung Cho, Byung-seo Kim
  • Patent number: 8174878
    Abstract: Provided are a nonvolatile memory and related method of programming same. The nonvolatile memory includes a memory cell array with a plurality of nonvolatile memory cells and a write circuit. The write circuit is configured to write first logic state data to a first group of memory cells during a first program operation using an internally generated step-up voltage, and second logic state data to a second group of memory cells during a second program operation using an externally supplied step-up voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joon-Min Park, Kwang-Jin Lee, Du-Eung Kim, Woo-Yeong Cho, Hui-Kwon Seo
  • Patent number: 8116117
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of driving a multi-level variable resistive memory device. A method of driving a multi-level variable resistive memory device includes supplying a write current to a variable resistive memory cell so as to change resistance of the variable resistive memory cell, verifying whether or not changed resistance enters a predetermined resistance window, the intended resistance window depending on the resistance of reference cells, and supplying a write current having an increased or decreased amount from the write current supplied most recently on the basis of the verification result so as to change resistance of the variable resistive memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Woo-Yeong Cho, Ki-Sung Kim, Du-Eung Kim, Kwang-Jin Lee, Jun-Soo Bae