Patents by Inventor Elpida Memory, Inc.

Elpida Memory, Inc. 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: 20130114366
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device that includes: a set of address terminals supplied with a set of address signals, each of the address signals being changed in logic level; memory mats to which address ranges are allocated, respectively, the address ranges being different from each other, each of the memory mats including memory cells; and decoder units each provided correspondingly to corresponding memory mat. Each of the decoder units includes a set of first input nodes and a set of second input nodes, the set of first input nodes of each of the decoder units being coupled to the set of address terminals to receive the set of address signals, the set of second input nodes of each of the decoder units being coupled to receive an associated one of sets of control signals, each of the control signals being fixed in logic level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Elpida Memory, Inc.
    Inventor: Elpida Memory, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130117599
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device that includes a first register temporarily storing first information indicative of a reference latency, a second register temporarily storing second information indicative of an offset latency, a third register temporarily storing third information indicative of one of first and second operation modes, and a logic circuit configured to produce latency information in response to the first information when the third information is indicative of the first operation mode and to both of the first information and the second information when the third information is indicative of the second operation mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: ELPIDA MEMORY, INC.
    Inventor: Elpida Memory, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130107648
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device comprises a memory cell array, first and second bit lines, first and second amplifiers, and a sense amplifier control circuit. An amplifying element in the first sense amplifier amplifiers the signal of the first bit line and converts it into an output current. The second bit line is selectively connected to the first bit line via the first sense amplifier. A signal voltage decision unit in the second sense amplifier determines the signal level of the second bit line being supplied with the output current. The sense amplifier control circuit controls connection between the amplifying element and the unit in accordance with a determination timing, which switches the above connection from a connected state to a disconnected state at a first timing in a normal operation and switches in the same manner at a delayed second timing in a refresh operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: Elpida Memory, Inc.
    Inventor: Elpida Memory, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130105908
    Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor device that includes: a first electrode formed on a principal surface of a semiconductor substrate via a first insulating film; a second electrode formed on the principal surface of the semiconductor substrate via a second insulating film; a compensation film buried between the first electrode and the second electrode; and wiring formed on the first electrode and the second electrode from an upper surface of the first electrode through an upper surface of the compensation film to an upper surface of the second electrode to make contact with the upper surface of the first electrode and the upper surface of the second electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: ELPIDA MEMORY, INC.
    Inventor: Elpida Memory, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130093083
    Abstract: A semiconductor device according to one embodiment has a wiring circuit board, a semiconductor chip, a die attach material and bumps. The semiconductor chip is mounted on the wiring circuit board. The die attach material is provided between the wiring circuit board and the semiconductor chip. A wiring layer is provided on one surface of the wiring circuit board. Leads are extended from the wiring layer and connected to the semiconductor chip. The bumps are provided at outer positions relative to the region where the semiconductor chip of the wiring circuit board is mounted. The wiring layer in the wiring circuit board is formed on the surface opposite from the surface on which the semiconductor chip is mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Elpida Memory, Inc.
    Inventor: Elpida Memory, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130093492
    Abstract: A semiconductor device has a first controlled chip, including a first replica output circuit having the same configuration as a first output circuit, a first ZQ terminal connected to the first replica output circuit, a first through electrode connected to the first ZQ terminal, and a first control circuit which sets the impedance of the first replica output circuit. A control chip includes a second ZQ terminal connected to the first through electrode, a comparator circuit which compares a voltage of the second ZQ terminal with a reference voltage, and a second control circuit 123 which performs a process based on a comparison by the comparator circuit. The first control circuit and the second control circuit receive a common input signal to operate and sequentially change and set the impedance until the comparison result changes when an external resistance element is connected to the second ZQ terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Elpida Memory, Inc.
    Inventor: Elpida Memory, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130095633
    Abstract: Disclosed herein a method of manufacturing a variable resistance memory, which comprises: forming a conductive plug on a substrate; forming a variable resistance film above the substrate, the variable resistance film covering a top surface of the conductive plug; forming an insulating interlayer above the substrate, the insulating interlayer covering a top surface of the conductive plug; forming a hole in the insulating interlayer by removing a part of the insulating interlayer disposed above the conductive plug; and forming a first electroconductive film in the hole extending from a top surface of the insulating interlayer so as to be in contact with the variable resistance film and to be electrically connected with the conductive plug via the variable resistance film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Elpida Memory, Inc.
    Inventor: Elpida Memory, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130093004
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor pillar group having semiconductor pillars which are formed in a first direction with a space left therebetween. A dummy pillar is disposed near a particular semiconductor pillar in the semiconductor pillar group in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction that is any one of the semiconductor pillars which are positioned in an intermediate portion exclusive of both end portions. Gate insulating films are formed on outer circumferential surfaces of the semiconductor pillars. One gate insulating film is formed on a part of an outer circumferential surface of the dummy pillar. Formed over side faces of the semiconductor pillars and over a side face of the dummy pillar via the gate insulating films, gate electrodes fill gaps between the semiconductor pillars and a gap between the particular semiconductor pillar and the dummy pillar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: ELPIDA MEMORY, INC.
    Inventor: ELPIDA MEMORY, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130094321
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device that includes a command decoder and a latency counter. The command decoder generates a first internal command in response to a first internal clock signal. The latency counter includes: a gate control signal generation unit generating output gate signals in response to a second internal clock signal; delay circuits each receiving an associated one of the output gate signals and generating an associated one of input gate signals; and a command signal latch unit fetching the first internal command in response to one of the input gate signals and outputting the first internal command in response to one of the output gate signals. Each of the delay circuit includes a first delay element that operates on a first power supply voltage and a second delay element that operates on a second power supply voltage different from the first power supply voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: ELPIDA MEMORY, INC.
    Inventor: Elpida Memory, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130094272
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first controlled chip and a control chip stacked therewith. The first controlled chip includes a first circuit outputting a data signal in response to a synchronization signal, an input/output circuit outputting the data signal to a data terminal in synchronization with a delayed synchronization signal, and a replica circuit replicating an output circuit and outputting a replica signal to a first replica terminal in synchronization with the delayed synchronization signal. The control chip includes a first control circuit outputting a synchronization signal and receiving a data signal, a delay adjustment circuit delaying the synchronization signal and outputting the same as a delayed synchronization signal, a phase comparator circuit comparing the phases of the replica signal and the synchronization signal, and a delay control circuit controlling the delay amount of the delay adjustment circuit based on a comparison result of the phase comparator circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Elpida Memory, Inc.
    Inventor: Elpida Memory, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130093051
    Abstract: A bilayer second electrode for a MIM DRAM capacitor is formed wherein the layer of the electrode that is in contact with the dielectric layer (i.e. bottom layer) has a composition that is resistant to oxidation during subsequent anneal steps and have rutile templating capability. Examples include SnO2 and RuO2. The capacitor stack including the bottom layer is subjected to a PMA treatment to reduce the oxygen vacancies in the dielectric layer and reduce the interface states at the dielectric/second electrode interface. The other component of the bilayer (i.e. top layer) is a high work function, high conductivity metal or conductive metal compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicants: ELPIDA MEMORY, INC, INTERMOLECULAR, INC.
    Inventors: Intermolecular, Inc., Elpida Memory, Inc
  • Publication number: 20130093027
    Abstract: A layout data creation device includes a transistor adjustment unit. The transistor adjustment unit divides a pillar-type transistor including a plurality of unit pillar-type transistors into the unit pillar-type transistors groups. The unit pillar-type transistors can be placed in a placement area. The number of the unit pillar-type transistors in each group is an integer. The transistor adjustment unit generates sub-pillar-type transistors that are placed in the placement area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Elpida Memory, Inc.
    Inventor: Elpida Memory, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130097388
    Abstract: A device is disclosed which includes a register storing a plurality of latency data and a control unit responding to the latency data. Each of the latency data indicates a period of time between issue of a data transfer request command responsive to an access request from one of access request sources and initiation of a data transfer operation responsive to the data transfer request command. The control unit controls an order in issue of data transfer request commands responsive to access requests from the access request sources so that between issue of a first data transfer request command responsive to a first access request and initiation of a first data transfer operation responsive to the first data transfer request command, at least issue of a second data transfer request command responsive to a second access request is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Elpida Memory, Inc.
    Inventor: Elpida Memory, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130088258
    Abstract: The semiconductor device comprises an output circuit that includes a plurality of unit buffer circuits each of which has an adjustable impedance, a control circuit that selectively activates one or ones of the unit buffer circuits, and an impedance adjustment unit that adjusts the impedances of the unit buffer circuits and includes a power line, a replica circuit, which has a replica impedance that is substantially equal to the adjustable impedance of each of the unit buffer circuits, and a load current generation circuit, which changes current flowing therethrough in accordance with the number of activated the one or ones of the unit buffer circuits. The replica circuit and the load current generation circuit are connected in common to the power line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Elpida Memory, Inc.
    Inventor: Elpida Memory, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130088257
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a semiconductor device that includes a first transistor unit coupled to the data terminal, and a plurality of second transistor units coupled to the calibration terminal. The first transistor unit includes a plurality of first transistors having a first conductivity type connected in parallel to each other so that an impedance of the first transistor unit is adjustable. Each of the second transistor units includes a plurality of second transistors having the first conductivity type connected in parallel to each other so that an impedance of each of the second transistor units is adjustable. The semiconductor device further includes an impedance control circuit that reflects the impedance of each of the second transistor units to the first transistor unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Elpida Memory, Inc.
    Inventor: Elpida Memory, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130091327
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device that a device including first data lines transmitting a plurality of sequential first data bits, respectively, second data lines transmitting a plurality of sequential second data bits, respectively, third data lines transmitting a plurality of sequential third data bits, respectively, a BOC circuit rearranging order of the plurality of first data bits supplied from the plurality of first data lines in accordance with address information, the BOC circuit supplying the resultant to the plurality of second data lines as the plurality of second data bits, and a DBI circuit performing inversion or non-inversion of the plurality of second data bits supplied from the plurality of second data lines independently of each other in accordance with a predetermined condition, the DBI circuit supplying the resultant to the plurality of third data lines as the plurality of third data bits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Elpida Memory, Inc.
    Inventor: Elpida Memory, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130088911
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a writing circuit and a reading circuit. The writing circuit executes a setting action for converting a resistance of a variable resistance element to a low resistance by applying current from one end side to the other end side of a memory cell via the variable resistance element, and a resetting action for converting the resistance to a high resistance by applying current from the other end side to the one end side via the variable resistance element. The reading circuit executes a first reading action for reading a resistance state of the variable resistance element by applying current from one end side to the other end side of the memory cell via the variable resistance element, and a second reading action for reading the resistance state by applying current from the other end side to the one end side via the variable resistance element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicants: ELPIDA MEMORY, INC., SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA, ELPIDA MEMORY, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130089981
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, capable of forming, on a silicon layer, a nickel mono-silicide layer having a low resistance value and a desirable flatness. The method includes depositing a platinum-containing nickel layer that covers the silicon layer formed on the substrate, and that has crystallinity lower in a portion thereof close to the silicon layer than in a portion remote from the silicon layer, and forming a nickel mono-silicide layer at the interface between the silicon layer and the platinum-containing nickel layer by heating the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: ELPIDA MEMORY, INC.
    Inventor: ELPIDA MEMORY, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130082735
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a logic circuit that includes a transistor T1 coupled between VPERI and a node n1, a transistor T2 coupled between VPERI and a node n2, a transistor T3 coupled between VSS and a node n3, a transistor T4 coupled between VSS and a node n4, transistors T5 and T7 coupled in series between the nodes n1 and n3, transistors T9 and T11 coupled in series between the nodes n1 and n3, transistors T6 and T8 coupled in series between the nodes n2 and n4, and transistors T10 and T12 coupled in series between the nodes n2 and n4. An output signal Y is output from a connection point of the transistors T5 and T7 and a connection point of the transistors T6 and T8.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: Elpida Memory, Inc.
    Inventor: Elpida Memory, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130082382
    Abstract: First and second sub-bumps are provided on both surfaces of each substrate along with a usual bump structure (first and second main bumps), and at least one of the first and second sub-bumps is made greater in height than the first and second main bumps, so that the sub-bumps come into contact with one another earlier than the main bumps at the time of joining semiconductor chips, thereby securing margins of joint among the main bumps and suppressing the thin-filming of a layer, such as a solder layer, to be fluidized by heating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: ELPIDA MEMORY, INC.
    Inventor: Elpida Memory, Inc.