Patents by Inventor Eric J. Stave

Eric J. Stave 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: 20240111707
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided, comprising a plurality of memory devices and a buffering device that permits memory devices with a variety of physical dimensions and memory formats to be used in an industry-standard memory module format. The buffering device includes memory interface circuitry and at least one first-in first-out (FIFO) or multiplexer circuit. The apparatus further comprises a parallel bus connecting the buffering device to the plurality of memory devices. The parallel bus includes a plurality of independent control lines, each coupling the memory interface circuitry to a corresponding subset of a plurality of first subsets of the plurality of memory devices. The parallel bus further includes a plurality of independent data channels, each coupling the at least one FIFO circuit or multiplexer circuit to a corresponding subset of a plurality of second subsets of the plurality of memory devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Thomas H. Kinsley, George E. Pax, Timothy M. Hollis, Yogesh Sharma, Randon K. Richards, Chan H. Yoo, Gregory A. King, Eric J. Stave
  • Patent number: 11948661
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which clock trees can be separately optimized to provide a coarse alignment between a clock signal and a command/address signal (and/or a chip select signal or other control signal), and/or in which individual memory devices can be isolated for fine-tuning of device-specific alignment between a clock signal and a command/address signal (and/or a chip select signal or other control signal). Moreover, individual memory devices can be isolated for fine-tuning of device-specific equalization of a command/address signal (and/or a chip select signal or other control signal).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Stave, Dirgha Khatri, Elancheren Durai, Quincy R. Holton, Timothy M. Hollis, Matthew B. Leslie, Baekkyu Choi, Boe L Holbrook, Yogesh Sharma, Scott R. Cyr
  • Patent number: 11881245
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems related to voltage management of memory apparatuses/systems are described. The memory device can include circuitry configured to determine an operating frequency of a clock signal for an ongoing or an upcoming memory operation. The memory device may generate a control indicator for increasing a system voltage for higher operating frequencies, for decreasing the system voltage for lower operating frequencies, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Inventors: Gary L. Howe, Miles S. Wiscombe, James S. Rehmeyer, Eric J. Stave
  • Patent number: 11867726
    Abstract: A method of operating an oscilloscope is disclosed. The method comprises providing a bit stream comprising pseudo-random data to an oscilloscope across a data path characterized by sufficient signal degradation to prevent the oscilloscope from reliably triggering a sweep of an eye pattern based on receiving the pseudo-random data; inserting a predetermined sequence of bits into the bit stream at predetermined periodic intervals to open the eye pattern sufficiently during each of the periodic intervals to permit the oscilloscope to trigger the sweep of the eye pattern; and generating the eye pattern based at least in part on the pseudo-random data and excluding the predetermined sequence of bits from the sweep of the eye pattern. Oscilloscopes configured to trigger according to a predetermined system of bits at predetermined intervals are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Stewart, Eric J. Stave, Matthew A. Prather
  • Publication number: 20240007092
    Abstract: A device includes a clock input circuit that when in operation receives a clock signal and transmits an internal clock signal based on the clock signal. The device also includes an internal clock generator coupled to the clock input circuit to receive the internal clock signal, wherein the internal clock generator comprises clock adjustment circuitry that when in operation generates a phase controlled internal clock signal having subsequent clock edges based upon a single clock edge of the internal clock signal, wherein the phase controlled internal clock signal comprises a first frequency as a multiple of a second frequency of the internal clock signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventors: Eric J. Stave, Tyler J. Gomm
  • Publication number: 20230386596
    Abstract: Interposers for use in testing and characterizing memory devices, such as memory devices including decision feedback equalization circuitry, are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an interposer having a first interface couplable to a memory device, a second interface couplable to one or more testers, and a channel circuit between the first interface and the second interface. The channel circuit is configurable, via one or more resistive elements, to change a measurable value of a signal transmitted between the first interface and the second interface via the channel circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Eric J. Stave, Luis Nathan Perez Acosta, Bryce A. Gardiner
  • Patent number: 11789890
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided, comprising a plurality of memory devices and a buffering device that permits memory devices with a variety of physical dimensions and memory formats to be used in an industry-standard memory module format. The buffering device includes memory interface circuitry and at least one first-in first-out (FIFO) or multiplexer circuit. The apparatus further comprises a parallel bus connecting the buffering device to the plurality of memory devices. The parallel bus includes a plurality of independent control lines, each coupling the memory interface circuitry to a corresponding subset of a plurality of first subsets of the plurality of memory devices. The parallel bus further includes a plurality of independent data channels, each coupling the at least one FIFO circuit or multiplexer circuit to a corresponding subset of a plurality of second subsets of the plurality of memory devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas H. Kinsley, George E. Pax, Timothy M. Hollis, Yogesh Sharma, Randon K. Richards, Chan H. Yoo, Gregory A. King, Eric J. Stave
  • Patent number: 11728001
    Abstract: Apparatuses for characterizing system channels and associated methods and systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a tester is coupled to an adaptor configured to plug into a CPU socket of a system platform (e.g., a motherboard). The motherboard includes a memory socket that is connected to the CPU socket through system channels. The adaptor may include a connector configured to physically and electrically engage with the CPU socket, an interface configured to receive test signals from the tester, and circuitry configured to internally route the test signals to the connector. The adaptor, if plugged into the CPU socket, can facilitate the tester to directly assess signal transfer characteristics of the system channels. Accordingly, the tester can determine optimum operating parameters for the memory device in view of the system channel characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Markus H. Geiger, Anthony D. Newton, Ron A. Hughes, Eric J. Stave
  • Publication number: 20230117882
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for on-die termination configuration for a memory device are described. In some examples, a memory device may determine a connection option from a set of connections options for which an ODT pin of the memory device is configured. Each connection option may correspond to a termination configuration for a different pin, such as a command and address (CA) pin, a clock (CK) pin, or a chip select (CS). Based on the determined connection option, the memory device may identify a respective termination option for each of the different pins, such as a first termination option for the CA pin, a second termination option for the CK pin, and a third termination option for the CS pin, and configure each of the different pins according to the respective termination option for that pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventor: Eric J. Stave
  • Publication number: 20230120654
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for voltage adjustment based on, for example, pending refresh operations are described. A memory device may periodically perform refresh operations to refresh volatile memory cells and may at times postpone performing one or more refresh operations. A memory device may determine a quantity of pending (e.g., postponed) refresh operations, such as by determining a quantity of refresh intervals that have elapsed without receiving or executing a refresh command, among other methods. A memory device may pre-emptively adjust (or cause to be adjusted) a supply voltage associated with the memory device or memory device component based on the quantity of pending refresh operations to prepare for the current demand associated with the performing the one or more pending refresh operations. For example, the memory device may increase a supply voltage associated with one or more components to prepare for performing multiple pending refresh operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: Timothy M. Hollis, James S. Rehmeyer, Baekkyu Choi, Yogesh Sharma, Eric J. Stave, Brian W. Huber, Miles S. Wiscombe
  • Publication number: 20230084286
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for operating a memory device or devices are described. A memory device or module may introduce latency in commands to coordinate operations at the device or to improve timing or power consumption at the device. For example, a host may issue a command to a memory module, and a component or feature of the memory module may receive the command and modify the command or the timing of its execution in manner that is invisible or non-disruptive to the host while facilitating operations at the memory module. In some examples, components or features of a memory module may be disabled to effect or introduce latency in operation without affecting timing or operation of a host device. A memory module may operate in different modes that allow for different latencies; the use or introduction of latencies may not affect other features or operability of the memory module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2022
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Inventors: Eric J. Stave, George E. Pax, Yogesh Sharma, Gregory A. King, Chan H. Yoo, Randon K. Richards, Timothy M. Hollis
  • Patent number: 11586386
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses related to memory operation with on-die termination (ODT) are provided. A memory device may be configured to provide ODT at a first portion (e.g., rank) during communications at a second portion (e.g., rank). For example, a memory device may receive a first command instructing a first portion to perform a first communication. The device may transmit, from the first portion, a signal instructing a second portion to enter an ODT mode. The device may perform, with the first portion, the first communication with a host while the second portion is in the ODT mode. The signal may be provided at an ODT I/O terminal of the first portion coupled to an ODT I/O terminal of the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Stave, Thomas H. Kinsley, Matthew A. Prather
  • Patent number: 11568913
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for voltage adjustment based on, for example, pending refresh operations are described. A memory device may periodically perform refresh operations to refresh volatile memory cells and may at times postpone performing one or more refresh operations. A memory device may determine a quantity of pending (e.g., postponed) refresh operations, such as by determining a quantity of refresh intervals that have elapsed without receiving or executing a refresh command, among other methods. A memory device may pre-emptively adjust (or cause to be adjusted) a supply voltage associated with the memory device or memory device component based on the quantity of pending refresh operations to prepare for the current demand associated with the performing the one or more pending refresh operations. For example, the memory device may increase a supply voltage associated with one or more components to prepare for performing multiple pending refresh operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Hollis, James S. Rehmeyer, Baekkyu Choi, Yogesh Sharma, Eric J. Stave, Brian W. Huber, Miles S. Wiscombe
  • Publication number: 20230021201
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems related to voltage management of memory apparatuses/systems are described. The memory device can include circuitry configured to determine an operating frequency of a clock signal for an ongoing or an upcoming memory operation. The memory device may generate a control indicator for increasing a system voltage for higher operating frequencies, for decreasing the system voltage for lower operating frequencies, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Gary L. Howe, Miles S. Wiscombe, James S. Rehmeyer, Eric J. Stave
  • Patent number: 11545199
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses related to memory operation with on-die termination (ODT) are provided. A memory device may be configured to provide ODT at a first portion (e.g., rank) during multiple communications at a second portion (e.g., rank). For example, a memory device may receive a first command instructing a first portion to perform a first communication and instructing a second portion to enter an ODT mode. The device may perform, with the first portion, the first communication with a host while the second portion is in the ODT mode. The device may receive a second command instructing the first portion to perform a second communication, and the device may perform, with the first portion, the second communication while the second portion remains in the ODT mode. The second portion may persist in the ODT mode for an indicated number of communications, or until instructed to exit the ODT mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Howe, Eric J. Stave, Thomas H. Kinsley, Matthew A. Prather
  • Patent number: 11508422
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for operating a memory device or devices are described. A memory device or module may introduce latency in commands to coordinate operations at the device or to improve timing or power consumption at the device. For example, a host may issue a command to a memory module, and a component or feature of the memory module may receive the command and modify the command or the timing of its execution in manner that is invisible or non-disruptive to the host while facilitating operations at the memory module. In some examples, components or features of a memory module may be disabled to effect or introduce latency in operation without affecting timing or operation of a host device. A memory module may operate in different modes that allow for different latencies; the use or introduction of latencies may not affect other features or operability of the memory module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Stave, George E. Pax, Yogesh Sharma, Gregory A. King, Chan H. Yoo, Randon K. Richards, Timothy M. Hollis
  • Patent number: 11494323
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for addressing scheme for a memory system are described. A memory system may include a plurality of memory devices that are coupled with various command address (CA) channels via respective pins. In some examples, different pins of each memory device may be coupled with different CA channels. When the memory system receives a command to enter a memory device into a per-device addressability (PDA) mode, certain CA channels may be driven. One or more memory devices may enter the PDA mode based on certain pins of the respective memory device being biased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric J. Stave
  • Publication number: 20220335000
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided, comprising a plurality of memory devices and a buffering device that permits memory devices with a variety of physical dimensions and memory formats to be used in an industry-standard memory module format. The buffering device includes memory interface circuitry and at least one first-in first-out (FIFO) or multiplexer circuit. The apparatus further comprises a parallel bus connecting the buffering device to the plurality of memory devices. The parallel bus includes a plurality of independent control lines, each coupling the memory interface circuitry to a corresponding subset of a plurality of first subsets of the plurality of memory devices. The parallel bus further includes a plurality of independent data channels, each coupling the at least one FIFO circuit or multiplexer circuit to a corresponding subset of a plurality of second subsets of the plurality of memory devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2022
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas H. Kinsley, George E. Pax, Timothy M. Hollis, Yogesh Sharma, Randon K. Richards, Chan H. Yoo, Gregory A. King, Eric J. Stave
  • Patent number: 11462254
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems related to voltage management of memory apparatuses/systems are described. The memory device can include circuitry configured to determine an operating frequency of a clock signal for an ongoing or an upcoming memory operation. The memory device may generate a control indicator for increasing a system voltage for higher operating frequencies, for decreasing the system voltage for lower operating frequencies, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary L. Howe, Miles S. Wiscombe, James S. Rehmeyer, Eric J. Stave
  • Patent number: 11416437
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided, comprising a plurality of memory devices and a buffering device that permits memory devices with a variety of physical dimensions and memory formats to be used in an industry-standard memory module format. The buffering device includes memory interface circuitry and at least one first-in first-out (FIFO) or multiplexer circuit. The apparatus further comprises a parallel bus connecting the buffering device to the plurality of memory devices. The parallel bus includes a plurality of independent control lines, each coupling the memory interface circuitry to a corresponding subset of a plurality of first subsets of the plurality of memory devices. The parallel bus further includes a plurality of independent data channels, each coupling the at least one FIFO circuit or multiplexer circuit to a corresponding subset of a plurality of second subsets of the plurality of memory devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Kinsley, George E. Pax, Timothy M. Hollis, Yogesh Sharma, Randon K. Richards, Chan H. Yoo, Gregory A. King, Eric J. Stave