Patents by Inventor Feng-Min Lee

Feng-Min Lee 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: 20230253039
    Abstract: A memory device and a method for operating the same are provided. The memory device includes a plurality of resistive memory cells and a control circuitry electrically connected to the plurality of resistive memory cells. The control circuitry provides operation modes to operate the plurality of resistive memory cells. The operation modes include a first program operation and a refresh operation. The first program operation includes applying a first program bias voltage to a selected resistive memory cell of the plurality of resistive memory cells to establish a low-resistance state in the selected resistive memory cell. The first program operation establishes a first threshold voltage in the memory device. The refresh operation includes applying a refresh bias voltage to the selected resistive memory cell to refresh the selected resistive memory cell. An absolute value of the refresh bias voltage is greater than the first threshold voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2022
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: Yu-Yu LIN, Feng-Min LEE, Ming-Hsiu LEE
  • Publication number: 20230253032
    Abstract: An in-memory computation device and computation method are provided. The in-memory computation method includes: providing a memory cell block of a memory cell array to store a plurality of weight values, and providing a plurality of memory cells on the memory cell block to store a plurality of corresponding bits of each of the weight values; respectively transmitting a plurality of input signals to the plurality of bit lines through an input buffer; providing the plurality of memory cells to perform a multiplication operation of the plurality of input signals and the plurality of weight values to generate a plurality of first operation results respectively corresponding to a plurality of bit orders; and performing an addition operation on the plurality of first operation results to generate a second operation result according to the plurality of bit orders by a sense amplifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Applicant: MACRONIX International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Hsuan Lin, Po-Hao Tseng, Feng-Min Lee, Ming-Hsiu Lee
  • Publication number: 20230238037
    Abstract: The application provides a content addressable memory (CAM) memory device and a method for searching and comparing data thereof. The CAM memory device comprises: a plurality of CAM memory strings; and a sensing amplifier circuit coupled to the CAM memory strings; wherein in data searching, a search data is compared with a storage data stored in the CAM memory strings, the CAM memory strings generate a plurality of memory string currents, the sensing amplifier circuit senses the memory string currents to generate a plurality of sensing results: based on the sensing results, a match degree between the search data and the storage data is determined as one of the follows: all-matched, partially-matched and all-mismatched.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Po-Hao TSENG, Yu-Hsuan LIN, Feng-Min LEE, Yung-Chun LI
  • Publication number: 20230197155
    Abstract: Disclosed are TCAM device and operation method thereof. The operation method of the TCAM device comprises: applying a select voltage on one of a plurality of first signal lines, and applying an pass voltage on the rest of the first signal lines, wherein the TCAM device comprises an IMS array, the IMS array comprises a plurality of memory units, the memory units are arranged as a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, a plurality of control terminal of each row of the memory units are coupled to the first driving circuit via a first signal line, each column of the memory units are serially connected to form a memory unit string, each of the memory unit string is coupled to the second driving circuit via a second signal line; and applying a plurality of searching voltage corresponding to a target data to the second signal lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2021
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Po-Hao TSENG, Feng-Min LEE, Yu-Hsuan LIN
  • Patent number: 11664070
    Abstract: An in-memory computation device and computation method are provided. The in-memory computation device, including a memory cell array, an input buffer, and a sense amplifier, is provided. The memory cell array includes a memory cell block. The memory cell block corresponds to at least one word line, and stores multiple weight values. Memory cells on the memory cell block respectively store multiple bits of each weight value. The input buffer is coupled to multiple bit lines, and respectively transmits multiple input signals to the bit lines. The memory cell array performs a multiply-add operation on the input signals and the weight values to generate multiple first operation results corresponding to multiple bit orders. The sense amplifier adds the first operation results to generate a second operation result according to the bit orders corresponding to the first operation results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Hsuan Lin, Po-Hao Tseng, Feng-Min Lee, Ming-Hsiu Lee
  • Patent number: 11657876
    Abstract: An analog CAM and an operation method thereof are provided. The analog CAM includes a matching line, an analog CAM cell and a sense amplifier. Each of the at least one analog CAM includes a first floating gate device having a N type channel and a second floating gate device having a P type channel. A match range is set through programming the first floating gate device and the second floating gate device. The sense amplifier is connected to the matching line. If an inputting signal is within the match range, a voltage of the matching line is pulled down to be equal to or lower than a predetermined level. The sense amplifier outputs a match result if the voltage of the matching line is pulled down to a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Po-Hao Tseng, Feng-Min Lee
  • Publication number: 20230154535
    Abstract: A TCAM comprises a plurality of first search lines, a plurality of second search lines, a plurality of memory cell strings and one or more current sensing units. The memory cell strings comprise a plurality of memory cells. The current sensing units are coupled to the memory cell strings. In a search operation, a determination that whether any of the data stored in the memory cell strings matches a data string to be searched is made according to whether the one or more current sensing units detect current from the memory cell strings, or according to the magnitude of the current flowing out from the memory cell strings detected by the one or more current sensing units. Each memory cell includes a first transistor and a second transistor. Gates of the first and second transistors are coupled to a corresponding first search line and a corresponding second search line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2023
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Po-Hao TSENG, Feng-Min LEE, Ming-Hsiu LEE
  • Publication number: 20230095392
    Abstract: A flash memory cell includes a rectifying device and a transistor. The rectifying device has an input end coupled to a bit line. The transistor has a charge storage structure. The transistor has a first end coupled to an output end of the rectifying device, the transistor has a second end coupled to a source line, and a control end of the transistor is coupled to a word line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Applicant: MACRONIX International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Feng-Min Lee, Po-Hao Tseng, Yu-Hsuan Lin, Ming-Hsiu Lee
  • Publication number: 20230090194
    Abstract: The application provides a Content Addressable Memory (CAM) cell, a CAM memory device and an operation method thereof. The CAM cell includes: a plurality of parallel-coupled flash memory cells: wherein a storage data of the CAM cell is based on a combination of a plurality of threshold voltages of the parallel-coupled flash memory cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Inventors: Po-Hao TSENG, Feng-Min LEE, Ming-Hsiu LEE
  • Publication number: 20230061496
    Abstract: A memory cell for an analog content-addressable memory is provided. The memory cell includes an N-type transistor, a P-type transistor, and a current control circuit. The gate of the N-type transistor is configured to receive a first input signal. The gate of the P-type transistor is configured to receive a second input signal. The current control circuit is coupled to at least one of the N-type transistor and the P-type transistor. The current control circuit is configured to generate at least one passing current. When the input voltages of the first input signal and the second input signal are within a matching range, the N-type transistor and the P-type transistor are turned on, and the passing current is substantially a fixed current value. The matching range is related to the threshold voltages of the N-type transistor and the P-type transistor, and the fixed current value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Po-Hao TSENG, Feng-Min LEE, Ming-Hsiu LEE
  • Publication number: 20230065465
    Abstract: The application discloses an integrated memory device, a manufacturing method and an operation method thereof. The integrated memory cell includes: a first memory cell; and an embedded second memory cell, serially coupled to the first memory cell, wherein the embedded second memory cell is formed on any one of a first side and a second side of the first memory cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Yu-Hsuan LIN, Feng-Min LEE, Po-Hao TSENG
  • Patent number: 11587617
    Abstract: A TCAM comprises a plurality of first search lines, a plurality of second search lines, a plurality of memory cell strings and one or more current sensing units. The memory cell strings comprise a plurality of memory cells. Each of the memory cells is coupled to one of the first search lines and one of the second search lines. The current sensing units, coupled to the memory cell strings. In a search operation, a determination that whether any of the data stored in the memory cell strings matches a data string to be searched is made according to whether the one or more current sensing units detect current from the memory cell strings, or according to the magnitude of the current flowing out from the memory cell strings detected by the one or more current sensing units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Po-Hao Tseng, Feng-Min Lee, Ming-Hsiu Lee, Liang-Yu Chen, Yun-Yuan Wang
  • Patent number: 11587623
    Abstract: A content-address memory (CAM) and an operation method are provided. The content-address memory comprises: a plurality of first signal lines; a plurality of second signal lines; and a plurality of CAM memory cells coupled to the first signal lines and the second signal lines, wherein in data match, a plurality of input signals are input into the CAM memory cells via the first signal lines; the input signals are compared with contents stored in the CAM memory cells; and a match result is determined based on an electrical characteristic of the second signal lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Po-Hao Tseng, Yu-Hsuan Lin, Feng-Min Lee, Ming-Hsiu Lee
  • Publication number: 20230045495
    Abstract: A memory device includes a stack and a plurality of memory strings. The stack is disposed on the substrate, and the stack includes a plurality of conductive layers and a plurality of insulating layers alternately stacked. The memory strings pass through the stack along a first direction, wherein a first memory string in the memory strings includes a first conductive pillar and a second conductive pillar, a channel layer, and a memory structure. The first conductive pillar and the second conductive pillar respectively extend along the first direction and are separated from each other. The channel layer is disposed between the first conductive pillar and the second conductive pillar. The memory structure surrounds the second conductive pillar, and the memory structure includes a resistive memory material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventors: Feng-Min LEE, Erh-Kun LAI, Dai-Ying LEE, Yu-Hsuan LIN, Po-Hao TSENG, Ming-Hsiu LEE
  • Publication number: 20230036141
    Abstract: The application provides a content addressable memory (CAM) cell, a CAM memory device and an operation method thereof, and a method for searching and comparing data. The CAM cell includes a first flash memory cell having a first terminal for receiving a first search voltage; and a second flash memory cell having a first terminal for receiving a second search voltage, a second terminal of the first flash memory cell electrically connected to a second terminal of the second flash memory cell, wherein the first flash memory cell and the second flash memory cell are serially connected; and a storage data of the CAM cell is based on a combination of a plurality of threshold voltages of the first flash memory cell and the second flash memory cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventors: Po-Hao TSENG, Feng-Min LEE, Ming-Hsiu Lee
  • Patent number: 11569445
    Abstract: Metal oxide based memory devices and methods for manufacturing are described herein. A method for manufacturing a memory cell includes forming a bottom adhesion layer in a via formed in an insulating layer. Forming a bottom conductive plug in the bottom adhesion layer. Forming a top adhesion layer over the bottom adhesion layer and bottom conductive plug. Forming a top conductive plug in the top adhesion layer. Wherein the thickness of the bottom and top adhesion layers may be different from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Yu Lin, Feng-Min Lee
  • Publication number: 20230027384
    Abstract: A non-volatile memory and a programming method thereof are provided. The programming method of the non-volatile memory includes the following steps. A coarse programming procedure is performed for programing all of a plurality of memory cells at an erase state to 2?N-1 or 2?N program states. N is a positive integer. A fine programming procedure is performed for pushing all of memory cells into 2?N-1 or 2?N verify levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2021
    Publication date: January 26, 2023
    Inventors: Po-Hao TSENG, Feng-Min LEE, Yung-Chun LI
  • Patent number: 11562229
    Abstract: A method for accelerating a convolution of a kernel matrix over an input matrix for computation of an output matrix using in-memory computation involves storing in different sets of cells, in an array of cells, respective combinations of elements of the kernel matrix or of multiple kernel matrices. To perform the convolution, a sequence of input vectors from an input matrix is applied to the array. Each of the input vectors is applied to the different sets of cells in parallel for computation during the same time interval. The outputs from each of the different sets of cells generated in response to each input vector are sensed to produce a set of data representing the contributions of that input vector to multiple elements of an output matrix. The sets of data generated across the input matrix are used to produce the output matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Yu Lin, Feng-Min Lee
  • Patent number: 11557354
    Abstract: A flash memory cell includes a rectifying device and a transistor. The rectifying device has an input end coupled to a bit line. The transistor has a charge storage structure. The transistor has a first end coupled to an output end of the rectifying device, the transistor has a second end coupled to a source line, and a control end of the transistor is coupled to a word line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Feng-Min Lee, Po-Hao Tseng, Yu-Hsuan Lin, Ming-Hsiu Lee
  • Publication number: 20220375526
    Abstract: An analog CAM and an operation method thereof are provided. The analog CAM includes a matching line, an analog CAM cell and a sense amplifier. Each of the at least one analog CAM includes a first floating gate device having a N type channel and a second floating gate device having a P type channel. A match range is set through programming the first floating gate device and the second floating gate device. The sense amplifier is connected to the matching line. If an inputting signal is within the match range, a voltage of the matching line is pulled down to be equal to or lower than a predetermined level. The sense amplifier outputs a match result if the voltage of the matching line is pulled down to a predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Inventors: Po-Hao TSENG, Feng-Min LEE