Patents by Inventor Fanglin Zhang

Fanglin Zhang 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: 11935599
    Abstract: A fast burst program sequence that reduces overall NAND flash programming time is disclosed. The burst program sequence includes maintaining a charge pump in an ON state and not fully discharging the WL/BLs at the conclusion of the programming phase of each program operation. As a result, the fast burst program sequence provides total program time savings over an existing cache program sequence by eliminating the full WL/BL discharge and charge pump reset that conventionally occurs after each program operation, which in turn, allows for the transfer of next page data from the page buffer to the data latches to be hidden within the program time of a prior/current program operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Hua-Ling Cynthia Hsu, Fanglin Zhang, Victor Avila
  • Publication number: 20230350606
    Abstract: A command/address sequence associated with a read/write operation for a memory device that utilizes an existing test data bus in a novel way that obviates the need to utilize an I/O bus for the command/address sequence. As such, the command/address sequence can be performed in parallel with the read/write operations, thereby removing a performance bottleneck that would otherwise be caused by the command and address sequencing. The command/address sequence detects a first enable signal and a data signal on the test data bus and decodes the data signal to obtain at least one of a command latch enable signal and address latch enable signal and at least one of a command code and an address code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Hua-Ling Cynthia Hsu, Fanglin Zhang
  • Publication number: 20230343397
    Abstract: A fast burst program sequence that reduces overall NAND flash programming time is disclosed. The burst program sequence includes maintaining a charge pump in an ON state and not fully discharging the WL/BLs at the conclusion of the programming phase of each program operation. As a result, the fast burst program sequence provides total program time savings over an existing cache program sequence by eliminating the full WL/BL discharge and charge pump reset that conventionally occurs after each program operation, which in turn, allows for the transfer of next page data from the page buffer to the data latches to be hidden within the program time of a prior/current program operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2022
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: HUA-LING CYNTHIA HSU, FANGLIN ZHANG, VICTOR AVILA
  • Patent number: 11705203
    Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein cope with temperature effects in non-volatile memory systems. A control circuit is configured to sense a current temperature of the memory system and read, verify, program, and erase data in non-volatile memory cells by modifying one or more read/verify/program/erase parameters based on a temperature compensation value. The control circuit is further configured to read, verify, program, and erase data by accessing a historical temperature value stored in the memory system, the historical temperature value comprising a temperature at which a previous read, verify, program or erase occurred and measuring a current temperature value. The control circuit determines the temperature compensation value by applying a smoothing function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Henry Chin, Hua-Ling Cynthia Hsu, Wei Zhao, Fanglin Zhang
  • Patent number: 11605436
    Abstract: Countermeasure method for programming a non-defective plane of a non-volatile memory experiencing a neighbor plane disturb, comprising, once a first plane is determined to have completed programming of a current state but where not all planes have completed the programming, a loop count is incremented and a determination is made as to whether the loop count exceeds a threshold. If so, programming of the incomplete plane(s) is ceased and programming of the completed plane(s) is resumed by suspending the loop count and bit scan mode, and, on a next program pulse, applying a pre-determined rollback voltage to decrement a program voltage bias. The loop count and bit scan mode are resumed once a threshold voltage level equals a program voltage bias when the loop count was last incremented. BSPF criterion is applied for each programmed state. Advancement to the next loop only occurs if a programmed state is determined incomplete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Henry Chin, Hua-Ling Hsu, Liang Li, Xuan Tian, Fanglin Zhang, Guanhua Yin
  • Patent number: 11587630
    Abstract: A data storage system includes a storage medium including a plurality of strings of single-level cell (SLC) memory cells connected to a plurality of word lines; and a storage controller in communication with the storage medium, the storage controller including write circuitry configured to write data to the storage medium by: selecting a first word line of the plurality of word lines, the first word line being connected to a first plurality of strings; consecutively programming a first group of memory cells of the first plurality of strings connected to the first word line; and subsequent to programming the first group of memory cells, consecutively verifying respective programming results of the first group of memory cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Cynthia Hsu, Fanglin Zhang
  • Publication number: 20220406383
    Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein cope with temperature effects in non-volatile memory systems. A control circuit is configured to sense a current temperature of the memory system and read, verify, program, and erase data in non-volatile memory cells by modifying one or more read/verify/program/erase parameters based on a temperature compensation value. The control circuit is further configured to read, verify, program, and erase data by accessing a historical temperature value stored in the memory system, the historical temperature value comprising a temperature at which a previous read, verify, program or erase occurred and measuring a current temperature value. The control circuit determines the temperature compensation value by applying a smoothing function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2021
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Applicant: SanDisk Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Henry Chin, Hua-Ling Cynthia Hsu, Wei Zhao, Fanglin Zhang
  • Publication number: 20220399061
    Abstract: Countermeasure method for programming a non-defective plane of a non-volatile memory experiencing a neighbor plane disturb, comprising, once a first plane is determined to have completed programming of a current state but where not all planes have completed the programming, a loop count is incremented and a determination is made as to whether the loop count exceeds a threshold. If so, programming of the incomplete plane(s) is ceased and programming of the completed plane(s) is resumed by suspending the loop count and bit scan mode, and, on a next program pulse, applying a pre-determined rollback voltage to decrement a program voltage bias. The loop count and bit scan mode are resumed once a threshold voltage level equals a program voltage bias when the loop count was last incremented. BSPF criterion is applied for each programmed state. Advancement to the next loop only occurs if a programmed state is determined incomplete.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Publication date: December 15, 2022
    Applicant: SanDisk Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Henry Chin, Hua-Ling Hsu, Liang Li, Xuan Tian, Fanglin Zhang, Guanhua Yin
  • Publication number: 20220392551
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described to program memory cells and control bit line discharge schemes during programming based on the data pattern. The memory controller can predict program data pattern based on SLC pulse number and TLC data completion signals and use these signals to adjust when the inhibited bit lines can discharge. Once a TLC program operation have more one data, the memory controller will enable EQVDDSA_PROG to equalize to VDDSA, and then discharge. In SLC program, the memory controller will enable EQVDDSA_PROG only in first program pulse and disable it thereafter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2021
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Applicant: SanDisk Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Hua-Ling Hsu, Henry Chin, Han-Ping Chen, Erika Penzo, Fanglin Zhang
  • Patent number: 11521686
    Abstract: A memory apparatus and method of operation is provided. The apparatus includes memory cells connected to word lines and bit lines and configured to retain a threshold voltage corresponding to one of a plurality of data states following a program operation. A control circuit is coupled to the word lines and the bit lines. The control circuit is configured to count a bit-scan quantity of the memory cells during a bit-scan of the program operation. The control circuit determines whether the bit-scan quantity of the plurality of memory cells is greater than at least one predetermined bit-scan threshold. In response to the bit-scan quantity of the memory cells being greater than the at least one predetermined bit-scan threshold, the control circuit is configured to adjust a word line ramp rate of a word line voltage applied to the word lines during the program operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Yu-Chung Lien, Hua-Ling Hsu, Huai-Yuan Tseng, Fanglin Zhang
  • Patent number: 11521691
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described to program memory cells and control bit line discharge schemes during programming based on the data pattern. The memory controller can predict program data pattern based on SLC pulse number and TLC data completion signals and use these signals to adjust when the inhibited bit lines can discharge. Once a TLC program operation have more one data, the memory controller will enable EQVDDSA_PROG to equalize to VDDSA, and then discharge. In SLC program, the memory controller will enable EQVDDSA_PROG only in first program pulse and disable it thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Hua-Ling Hsu, Henry Chin, Han-Ping Chen, Erika Penzo, Fanglin Zhang
  • Publication number: 20220319605
    Abstract: A memory apparatus and method of operation is provided. The apparatus includes memory cells connected to word lines and bit lines and configured to retain a threshold voltage corresponding to one of a plurality of data states following a program operation. A control circuit is coupled to the word lines and the bit lines. The control circuit is configured to count a bit-scan quantity of the memory cells during a bit-scan of the program operation. The control circuit determines whether the bit-scan quantity of the plurality of memory cells is greater than at least one predetermined bit-scan threshold. In response to the bit-scan quantity of the memory cells being greater than the at least one predetermined bit-scan threshold, the control circuit is configured to adjust a word line ramp rate of a word line voltage applied to the word lines during the program operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Applicant: SanDisk Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Yu-Chung Lien, Hua-Ling Hsu, Huai-Yuan Tseng, Fanglin Zhang
  • Publication number: 20220301644
    Abstract: A data storage system includes a storage medium including a plurality of strings of single-level cell (SLC) memory cells connected to a plurality of word lines; and a storage controller in communication with the storage medium, the storage controller including write circuitry configured to write data to the storage medium by: selecting a first word line of the plurality of word lines, the first word line being connected to a first plurality of strings; consecutively programming a first group of memory cells of the first plurality of strings connected to the first word line; and subsequent to programming the first group of memory cells, consecutively verifying respective programming results of the first group of memory cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Applicant: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Cynthia Hsu, Fanglin Zhang
  • Patent number: 11361835
    Abstract: Apparatuses and techniques are described for avoiding current consumption peaks during a program operation for a memory device. The timing of scan operations of latches is adjusted to avoid overlapping with an increase in word line voltages. The scan operations can include a pre-charge select scan, which identifies memory cells subject to a verify test, and a fill operation for latches of memory cells which fail a verify test in a prior program loop. The pre-charge select scan can occur before the increase in the word line voltages, while the fill operation occurs after the increase in word line voltages. In another approach, the start of the increase in the word line voltages is delayed when a state bit scan is expected to take a relatively long time, e.g., when a verify test is passed in a prior program loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Yu-Chung Lien, Fanglin Zhang, Huai-Yuan Tseng
  • Patent number: 11355208
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described to program memory cells and verify stored values programmed into the cells. The next stage in stored memory can be moved to the current verification iteration when certain conditions are met. Verification can include counting bits that exceed a voltage value for a stage being verified to produce a bit count number and determining if the bit count number for the stage being verified meets a threshold value. If the bit count number does not meet the threshold, the verification process can continue with a current verify iteration and thereafter move to a next verify iteration. If the bit count number does meet the threshold, the process can add a next stage to the current verify iteration and thereafter move to a next verify iteration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Yu-Chung Lien, Fanglin Zhang, Zhuojie Li, Huai-Yuan Tseng
  • Publication number: 20210407605
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described to program memory cells and verify stored values programmed into the cells. The next stage in stored memory can be moved to the current verification iteration when certain conditions are met. Verification can include counting bits that exceed a voltage value for a stage being verified to produce a bit count number and determining if the bit count number for the stage being verified meets a threshold value. If the bit count number does not meet the threshold, the verification process can continue with a current verify iteration and thereafter move to a next verify iteration. If the bit count number does meet the threshold, the process can add a next stage to the current verify iteration and thereafter move to a next verify iteration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Applicant: SanDisk technologies LLC
    Inventors: Yu-Chung Lien, Fanglin Zhang, Zhuojie Li, Huai-Yuan Tseng
  • Patent number: 10682975
    Abstract: A trim component for a vehicle interior is disclosed. The trim component may provide an opening for airbag deployment and may comprise a substrate; a foam layer and a cover comprising a support layer coupled to a skin layer. The support layer may comprise at least one of polyurethane coating; two-component reactive aliphatic polyurethane; two-component reactive aromatic polyurethane; polyurea; acrylic elastomer; aromatic TPU; aliphatic TPU; TPO. The support layer may comprise a polyurethane coating. The polyurethane coating may be sprayed on the skin layer. The polyurethane coating may comprise a waterborne polyurethane. A thickness of the support layer may be generally less than a thickness of the skin layer. The trim component may comprise first and second features to facilitate deployment of the airbag through the opening. The support layer may limit fragmentation/separation of the skin layer during airbag deployment. The trim component may comprise an instrument panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jingqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Fanglin Zhang, Leilei Wang, Jie Sun, Yuwen Luo
  • Publication number: 20190193662
    Abstract: A trim component for a vehicle interior is disclosed. The trim component may provide an opening for airbag deployment and may comprise a substrate; a foam layer and a cover comprising a support layer coupled to a skin layer. The support layer may comprise at least one of polyurethane coating; two-component reactive aliphatic polyurethane; two-component reactive aromatic polyurethane; polyurea; acrylic elastomer; aromatic TPU; aliphatic TPU; TPO. The support layer may comprise a polyurethane coating. The polyurethane coating may be sprayed on the skin layer. The polyurethane coating may comprise a waterborne polyurethane. A thickness of the support layer may be generally less than a thickness of the skin layer. The trim component may comprise first and second features to facilitate deployment of the airbag through the opening. The support layer may limit fragmentation/separation of the skin layer during airbag deployment. The trim component may comprise an instrument panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Fanglin Zhang, Leilei Wang, Jie Sun, Yuwen Luo
  • Patent number: 8755234
    Abstract: A non-volatile storage system that performs programming and reading processes. The programming process includes coarse/fine programming and verify operations. Programming is verified by testing for two different threshold voltage levels while applying the same voltage level to the control gate of a memory cell by testing for current levels through the memory cells and adjusting the current levels tested for based on current temperature such that the difference between the two effective tested threshold voltage levels remains constant over temperature variation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Oowada, Yingda Dong, Gerrit Jan Hemink, Man Lung Mui, Hao Nguyen, Seungpil Lee, Jong Park, Fanglin Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140036601
    Abstract: A non-volatile storage system that performs programming and reading processes. The programming process includes coarse/fine programming and verify operations. Programming is verified by testing for two different threshold voltage levels while applying the same voltage level to the control gate of a memory cell by testing for current levels through the memory cells and adjusting the current levels tested for based on current temperature such that the difference between the two effective tested threshold voltage levels remains constant over temperature variation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Ken Oowada, Yingda Dong, Gerrit Jan Hemink, Man Lung Mui, Hao Nguyen, Seungpil Lee, Jong Park, Fanglin Zhang