Patents by Inventor Elizabeth L. Gerhard

Elizabeth L. Gerhard 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: 10916323
    Abstract: A memory interface latch including a data NAND gate and a feedback gate can be created within an integrated circuit (IC). When a feedback node is driven low, the data NAND gate can drive an inverted value of a memory array bitline input to a data output of the memory interface latch within a time of one gate delay. A feedback gate can, in a functional mode, during one phase of a clock signal, drive the feedback node high and during the other phase of the clock signal, drive the feedback node to a complement the data output. The feedback gate can be also, in an LBIST write-through mode, drive the feedback node to the value of a WRITE_DATA input. The feedback gate can be also, in a fence mode, drive the feedback node to fixed logic value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Todd A. Christensen, Chad A. Adams, Peter T. Freiburger
  • Publication number: 20190311777
    Abstract: A memory interface latch including a data NAND gate and a feedback gate can be created within an integrated circuit (IC). When a feedback node is driven low, the data NAND gate can drive an inverted value of a memory array bitline input to a data output of the memory interface latch within a time of one gate delay. A feedback gate can, in a functional mode, during one phase of a clock signal, drive the feedback node high and during the other phase of the clock signal, drive the feedback node to a complement the data output. The feedback gate can be also, in an LBIST write-through mode, drive the feedback node to the value of a WRITE_DATA input. The feedback gate can be also, in a fence mode, drive the feedback node to fixed logic value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Inventors: Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Todd A. Christensen, Chad A. Adams, Peter T. Freiburger
  • Patent number: 10381098
    Abstract: A memory interface latch including a data NAND gate and a feedback gate can be created within an integrated circuit (IC). When a feedback node is driven low, the data NAND gate can drive an inverted value of a memory array bitline input to a data output of the memory interface latch within a time of one gate delay. A feedback gate can, in a functional mode, during one phase of a clock signal, drive the feedback node high and during the other phase of the clock signal, drive the feedback node to a complement the data output. The feedback gate can be also, in an LBIST write-through mode, drive the feedback node to the value of a WRITE_DATA input. The feedback gate can be also, in a fence mode, drive the feedback node to fixed logic value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Todd A. Christensen, Chad A. Adams, Peter T. Freiburger
  • Publication number: 20190164623
    Abstract: A memory interface latch including a data NAND gate and a feedback gate can be created within an integrated circuit (IC). When a feedback node is driven low, the data NAND gate can drive an inverted value of a memory array bitline input to a data output of the memory interface latch within a time of one gate delay. A feedback gate can, in a functional mode, during one phase of a clock signal, drive the feedback node high and during the other phase of the clock signal, drive the feedback node to a complement the data output. The feedback gate can be also, in an LBIST write-through mode, drive the feedback node to the value of a WRITE_DATA input. The feedback gate can be also, in a fence mode, drive the feedback node to fixed logic value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Publication date: May 30, 2019
    Inventors: Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Todd A. Christensen, Chad A. Adams, Peter T. Freiburger
  • Patent number: 10229748
    Abstract: A memory interface latch including a data NAND gate and a feedback gate can be created within an integrated circuit (IC). When a feedback node is driven low, the data NAND gate can drive an inverted value of a memory array bitline input to a data output of the memory interface latch within a time of one gate delay. A feedback gate can, in a functional mode, during one phase of a clock signal, drive the feedback node high and during the other phase of the clock signal, drive the feedback node to a complement the data output. The feedback gate can be also, in an LBIST write-through mode, drive the feedback node to the value of a WRITE_DATA input. The feedback gate can be also, in a fence mode, drive the feedback node to fixed logic value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Todd A. Christensen, Chad A. Adams, Peter T. Freiburger
  • Patent number: 10055927
    Abstract: A climate-controlled vending machine is monitored using data analytics. The climate-controlled vending machine includes a primary storage unit for storing two or more items. A first slot of an item is determined to be available within a secondary storage unit of the climate-controlled vending machine. The secondary storage unit is a climate-controlled unit. A first item, of the two or more items within the primary storage unit, is transferred to the first slot of the secondary storage unit. The first item within the first slot of the secondary storage unit is altered to a first condition. A selection from a first user is received. In response to the reception of the selection of the first item, the first item is dispensed to the user from a dispensary unit, wherein the item is being of the first condition. The first slot is replenished with a replacement item from the primary storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Robert E. Kilker, Wayne L. Vlasak
  • Publication number: 20180061169
    Abstract: A climate-controlled vending machine is monitored using data analytics. The climate-controlled vending machine includes a primary storage unit for storing two or more items. A first slot of an item is determined to be available within a secondary storage unit of the climate-controlled vending machine. The secondary storage unit is a climate-controlled unit. A first item, of the two or more items within the primary storage unit, is transferred to the first slot of the secondary storage unit. The first item within the first slot of the secondary storage unit is altered to a first condition. A selection from a first user is received. In response to the reception of the selection of the first item, the first item is dispensed to the user from a dispensary unit, wherein the item is being of the first condition. The first slot is replenished with a replacement item from the primary storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Robert E. Kilker, Wayne L. Vlasak
  • Patent number: 9842454
    Abstract: A climate-controlled vending machine is monitored using data analytics. The climate-controlled vending machine includes a primary storage unit for storing two or more items. A first slot of an item is determined to be available within a secondary storage unit of the climate-controlled vending machine. The secondary storage unit is a climate-controlled unit. A first item, of the two or more items within the primary storage unit, is transferred to the first slot of the secondary storage unit. The first item within the first slot of the secondary storage unit is altered to a first condition. A selection from a first user is received. In response to the reception of the selection of the first item, the first item is dispensed to the user from a dispensary unit, wherein the item is being of the first condition. The first slot is replenished with a replacement item from the primary storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Robert E. Kilker, Wayne L. Vlasak
  • Publication number: 20170287258
    Abstract: A climate-controlled vending machine is monitored using data analytics. The climate-controlled vending machine includes a primary storage unit for storing two or more items. A first slot of an item is determined to be available within a secondary storage unit of the climate-controlled vending machine. The secondary storage unit is a climate-controlled unit. A first item, of the two or more items within the primary storage unit, is transferred to the first slot of the secondary storage unit. The first item within the first slot of the secondary storage unit is altered to a first condition. A selection from a first user is received. In response to the reception of the selection of the first item, the first item is dispensed to the user from a dispensary unit, wherein the item is being of the first condition. The first slot is replenished with a replacement item from the primary storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Robert E. Kilker, Wayne L. Vlasak
  • Patent number: 9087607
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing sense amplifiers for sensing local write driver with bootstrap write assist for Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) arrays, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. The circuit includes a sense amplifier used in both read and write operations with a write assist boost circuitry. The sense amplifier captures and amplifies write data at a selected SRAM cell column and drives the write data onto local bit lines. The write assist boost circuitry temporarily supplies an increased device voltage differential to the SRAM cell during write operations to significantly increase SRAM cell write ability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chad A. Adams, Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Jeffrey M. Scherer
  • Publication number: 20150131368
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing sense amplifiers for sensing local write driver with bootstrap write assist for Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) arrays, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. The circuit includes a sense amplifier used in both read and write operations with a write assist boost circuitry. The sense amplifier captures and amplifies write data at a selected SRAM cell column and drives the write data onto local bit lines. The write assist boost circuitry temporarily supplies an increased device voltage differential to the SRAM cell during write operations to significantly increase SRAM cell write ability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chad A. Adams, Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Jeffrey M. Scherer
  • Patent number: 9007858
    Abstract: An SRAM includes a global bit line, an SRAM cell, precharge logic, discharge logic, and sense logic. The SRAM cell stores a first logical value or a second logic value and is coupled to the global bit line. The precharge logic may charge the global bit line to a precharge voltage for a non-read operation and a boosted voltage that is greater than a reference voltage for a read operation. The discharge logic may either maintain the global bit line at the boosted voltage for the first logical value or discharge the global bit line to a discharge voltage that is less than the reference voltage for the second logical value. The sense logic may output the first logical value when the global bit line has the boosted voltage or may output the second logical value when the global bit line has the discharge voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chad A. Adams, Sharon H. Cesky, Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Jeffrey M. Scherer
  • Patent number: 9007857
    Abstract: An SRAM includes a global bit line, an SRAM cell, precharge logic, discharge logic, and sense logic. The SRAM cell stores a first logical value or a second logic value and is coupled to the global bit line. The precharge logic may charge the global bit line to a precharge voltage for a non-read operation and a boosted voltage that is greater than a reference voltage for a read operation. The discharge logic may either maintain the global bit line at the boosted voltage for the first logical value or discharge the global bit line to a discharge voltage that is less than the reference voltage for the second logical value. The sense logic may output the first logical value when the global bit line has the boosted voltage or may output the second logical value when the global bit line has the discharge voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chad A. Adams, Sharon H. Cesky, Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Jeffrey M. Scherer
  • Publication number: 20140149817
    Abstract: A semiconductor chip and method for diagnostic testing of combinational logic in a logic and array system including Logic Built in Self Test (LBIST) diagnostics are provided. The semiconductor chip includes a logic and array system, an LBIST system, a clocking module, and an addressing module. The method for diagnostic testing includes providing an initialization pattern to an array in the logic and array system, applying a diagnostic control setup, and running the diagnostic test. The diagnostic control setup includes firing a clock every diagnostic test clock cycle and selecting an address from a subset of an address space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chad A. Adams, Derick G. Behrends, Todd A. Christensen, Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Michael W. Harper, Jesse D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140112064
    Abstract: An SRAM includes a global bit line, an SRAM cell, precharge logic, discharge logic, and sense logic. The SRAM cell stores a first logical value or a second logic value and is coupled to the global bit line. The precharge logic may charge the global bit line to a precharge voltage for a non-read operation and a boosted voltage that is greater than a reference voltage for a read operation. The discharge logic may either maintain the global bit line at the boosted voltage for the first logical value or discharge the global bit line to a discharge voltage that is less than the reference voltage for the second logical value. The sense logic may output the first logical value when the global bit line has the boosted voltage or may output the second logical value when the global bit line has the discharge voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chad A. Adams, Sharon H. Cesky, Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Jeffrey M. Scherer
  • Publication number: 20140112060
    Abstract: An SRAM includes a global bit line, an SRAM cell, precharge logic, discharge logic, and sense logic. The SRAM cell stores a first logical value or a second logic value and is coupled to the global bit line. The precharge logic may charge the global bit line to a precharge voltage for a non-read operation and a boosted voltage that is greater than a reference voltage for a read operation. The discharge logic may either maintain the global bit line at the boosted voltage for the first logical value or discharge the global bit line to a discharge voltage that is less than the reference voltage for the second logical value. The sense logic may output the first logical value when the global bit line has the boosted voltage or may output the second logical value when the global bit line has the discharge voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chad A. Adams, Sharon H. Cesky, Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Jeffrey M. Scherer
  • Patent number: 8659937
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing low power write disabled local evaluation for Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. The circuit includes a write disable function to prevent discharge of a global bit line during a write operation. The write disable function disables a NAND gate driving a global pull down device during the write operation preventing the global pull down device from discharging the global bit line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chad A. Adams, Sharon H. Cesky, Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Jeffrey M. Scherer
  • Patent number: 8593890
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing write assist for Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) arrays, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. The circuit includes a write driver including a common bit line supply node, and a common bit line source node. The circuit includes voltage boost circuitry that temporarily boosts the common bit line supply node above supply voltage and temporarily boosts the common bit line source node below source voltage through isolation devices for applying the boosted source and supply voltages to a selected SRAM cell during a write operation. Splitting the boost differential between the common bit lines decreases an overall device voltage differential for providing substantially enhanced reliability of the SRAM array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chad A. Adams, Sharon H. Cesky, Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Jeffrey M. Scherer
  • Publication number: 20130286717
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing write assist for Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) arrays, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. The circuit includes a write driver including a common bit line supply node, and a common bit line source node. The circuit includes voltage boost circuitry that temporarily boosts the common bit line supply node above supply voltage and temporarily boosts the common bit line source node below source voltage through isolation devices for applying the boosted source and supply voltages to a selected SRAM cell during a write operation. Splitting the boost differential between the common bit lines decreases an overall device voltage differential for providing substantially enhanced reliability of the SRAM array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chad A. Adams, Sharon H. Cesky, Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Jeffrey M. Scherer
  • Publication number: 20130201753
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing low power write disabled local evaluation for Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. The circuit includes a write disable function to prevent discharge of a global bit line during a write operation. The write disable function disables a NAND gate driving a global pull down device during the write operation preventing the global pull down device from discharging the global bit line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chad A. Adams, Sharon H. Cesky, Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Jeffrey M. Scherer