Patents by Inventor Ful Long Ni

Ful Long Ni 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: 7929365
    Abstract: A memory structure that improves a sensing accuracy of memory cells by dividing the main array into a number of memory units and sensing memory cells of each memory units with an appropriate set of reference currents. Each of the memory units corresponds to a reference group bit value, which indicates the appropriate set of reference currents. The appropriate set of reference currents is chosen from a number of sets of selective reference currents according to the threshold voltage distribution of each of the memory units. Thus, each of the memory units of the memory structure is sensed correctly with its own appropriate set of reference currents, and the improvement of sensing accuracy is therefore achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Kuang Chen, Ful-Long Ni, Chun-Hsiung Hung
  • Patent number: 7558149
    Abstract: One or more clock signals are used to control sense amplifier measurements. For example, multiple threshold voltage measurement types characterize the multiple clock signals, and selecting the appropriate clock signal selects the appropriate measurement type. In another example, multiple clock signals control multiple measurements of a particular location of nonvolatile memory, so that one of multiple clock signals is selected or the appropriate clock signal is generated to apply an appropriate threshold voltage window sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung Kuang Chen, Ful-Long Ni, Yi-Te Shih
  • Publication number: 20090046521
    Abstract: The memory structure improves a sensing accuracy of memory cells by dividing the main array into a number of memory units and sensing memory cells of each memory units with an appropriate set of reference currents. Each of the memory units corresponds to a reference group bit value, which indicates the appropriate set of reference currents. The appropriate set of reference currents is chosen from a number of sets of selective reference currents according to the threshold voltage distribution of each of the memory units. Thus each of the memory units of the memory structure of the present invention is sensed with its own appropriate set of reference currents correctly, and the improvement of sensing accuracy is therefore achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Kuang Chen, Ful-Long Ni, Chun-Hsiung Hung
  • Patent number: 7443753
    Abstract: The memory structure improves a sensing accuracy of memory cells by dividing the main array into a number of memory units and sensing memory cells of each memory units with an appropriate set of reference currents. Each of the memory units corresponds to a reference group bit value, which indicates the appropriate set of reference currents. The appropriate set of reference currents is chosen from a number of sets of selective reference currents according to the threshold voltage distribution of each of the memory units. Thus each of the memory units of the memory structure of the present invention is sensed with its own appropriate set of reference currents correctly, and the improvement of sensing accuracy is therefore achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Kuang Chen, Ful-Long Ni, Chun-Hsiung Hung
  • Publication number: 20080117703
    Abstract: The memory structure improves a sensing accuracy of memory cells by dividing the main array into a number of memory units and sensing memory cells of each memory units with an appropriate set of reference currents. Each of the memory units corresponds to a reference group bit value, which indicates the appropriate set of reference currents. The appropriate set of reference currents is chosen from a number of sets of selective reference currents according to the threshold voltage distribution of each of the memory units. Thus each of the memory units of the memory structure of the present invention is sensed with its own appropriate set of reference currents correctly, and the improvement of sensing accuracy is therefore achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Kuang Chen, Ful-Long Ni, Chun-Hsiung Hung
  • Patent number: 7330376
    Abstract: A method for data storage of a memory unit and a memory unit using the same are provided in the present invention. The method for data storage of a memory unit includes: first, dividing a memory unit into a plurality of small memory groups; next, defining a threshold voltage distribution region for each small memory group; then, defining a plurality of program verify threshold voltages and a plurality of reference detecting values for each small memory group according to the threshold voltage distribution region of each small memory group; and after that, using these small memory groups to store data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: MACRONIX International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Kuang Chen, Ful-Long Ni
  • Publication number: 20080025102
    Abstract: A method for data storage of a memory unit and a memory unit using the same are provided in the present invention. The method for data storage of a memory unit includes: first, dividing a memory unit into a plurality of small memory groups; next, defining a threshold voltage distribution region for each small memory group; then, defining a plurality of program verify threshold voltages and a plurality of reference detecting values for each small memory group according to the threshold voltage distribution region of each small memory group; and after that, using these small memory groups to store data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Kuang Chen, Ful-Long Ni
  • Publication number: 20070171762
    Abstract: One or more clock signals are used to control sense amplifier measurements. For example, multiple threshold voltage measurement types characterize the multiple clock signals, and selecting the appropriate clock signal selects the appropriate measurement type. In another example, multiple clock signals control multiple measurements of a particular location of nonvolatile memory, so that one of multiple clock signals is selected or the appropriate clock signal is generated to apply an appropriate threshold voltage window sensitivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Applicant: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung Kuang Chen, Ful-Long Ni, Yi-Te Shih
  • Patent number: 6870752
    Abstract: The present invention provides a read-only memory array having a flat-type structure. The read-only memory array comprises at least two memory banks having a plurality of memory cells. At least two inter-bank transistors are coupled to the two memory banks and shared by the two memory banks. Each inter-bank transistor is used for enabling to select the memory cells of the two memory banks. At least a contact commonly is coupled to the two memory banks through the two inter-bank transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jing-Wen Chen, Ful-Long Ni, Nien-Chao Yang
  • Publication number: 20030235096
    Abstract: The present invention provides a read-only memory array having a flat-type structure. The read-only memory array comprises at least two memory banks having a plurality of memory cells. At least two inter-bank transistors are coupled to the two memory banks and shared by the two memory banks. Each inter-bank transistor is used for enabling to select the memory cells of the two memory banks. At least a contact commonly is coupled to the two memory banks through the two inter-bank transistors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Jing-Wen Chen, Ful-Long Ni, Nien-Chao Yang
  • Patent number: 6621129
    Abstract: A MROM memory cell structure for storing multi level bit information is disclosed. First of all, a substrate is provided. The substrate has first and second trenches therein, wherein the first trench is deeper than second trench. A conformnal dielectric layer formed on sidewall and bottom of the first and second trenches. A conductive layer filled in the first and second trenches and on the substrate. A first doped region is formed under the first trench. A second doped region is formed under the second trench. A third doped region is formed in surface of the substrate and between the first and second trenches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Jung Lin, Ful-Long Ni, Chang-Ju Chen
  • Patent number: 6621756
    Abstract: A compact integrated circuit with memory arrays, shared select transistors and distributed drivers of XDEC is disclosed. The shared select transistors are used to access two adjacent memory cell areas so that the overhead resulting from the conventional select areas can be reduced. The drivers of XDEC are distributed to both sides of the memory arrays to drive the memory cell areas so that conventional transfer areas can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chin-Hsi Lin, Meng-Chu Huang, Chun-Li Chen, Ful-Long Ni
  • Publication number: 20030099146
    Abstract: A compact integrated circuit with memory arrays, shared select transistors and distributed drivers of XDEC is disclosed. The shared select transistors are used to access two adjacent memory cell areas so that the overhead resulting from the conventional select areas can be reduced. The drivers of XDEC are distributed to both sides of the memory arrays to drive the memory cell areas so that conventional transfer areas can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chin-Hsi Lin, Meng-Chu Huang, Chun-Li Chen, Ful-Long Ni
  • Patent number: 6535432
    Abstract: A method of erasing a non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory is positioned on a substrate of a semiconductor wafer and has a memory array region. The memory array region has memory cells, word lines and a substrate line electrically connected to the substrate of each memory cell in the memory array region. The erasing method is to control a potential difference between a word line not to be erased and the substrate to within a specific range, then supply a predetermined first potential to a word line to be erased, thereafter float the word line not to be erased, and finally supply the substrate line with a predetermined second potential. The potential difference between the first and the second potential drive the charges stored in the floating gate of the memory cell electrically connected to the word line to be erased to move into the channel through the tunneling oxide layer to complete the erasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Macronix International Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Ching-Fang Yen, Ful-Long Ni
  • Publication number: 20030051106
    Abstract: A multi-memory architecture and a memory access controller therefor are proposed. The multi-memory architecture is composed of at least two different types of memory devices and is used to provide a specific externally-accessible data storage capacity. The multi-memory architecture comprises a first memory device and a second memory device; wherein the first memory device has a first data storage capacity; and the second memory device has a second data storage capacity. The pin configuration of the multi-memory architecture is compatible with the first memory device with the externally accessible data storage capacity, wherein the externally-accessible data storage capacity can be either the first data storage capacity, the second data storage capacity, or the sum of the first and second data storage capacties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Ching-Fang Yen, Sheau-Yung Shyu, Ful-Long Ni
  • Patent number: 6525361
    Abstract: An asymmetric multilevel memory cell provides an inhibited source read current. The inhibited source read current dramatically reduces the likelihood of a cell type misread error for a memory array comprising multilevel cells. The method for fabricating the asymmetric multilevel memory cell comprises a source only implant, formation of a spacer on the drain side of the gate prior to source/drain implant, and the resultant formation of an offset region disposed between the channel and the drain. The offset region is not controlled by the gate voltage. The drain current at 1.5 volts is more than 3.5 times larger than the source current at 1.5 volts for spacer width of 0.12 micrometers. Asymmetric multilevel memory cells in a memory array, where the cells have a common source configuration, are accurately read in one direction because neighboring cells on the word line have substantially lower source current than the read cell drain current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tao Cheng Lu, Chung Ju Chen, Hon Sui Lin, Mam Tsung Wang, Chin Hsi Lin, Ful Long Ni
  • Publication number: 20020168822
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a mask read only memory. Gate stacked structures, each of which made up of a gate dielectric layer, a gate conductive layer and a gate cap layer, are formed on a substrate. Source/drain regions are between, but not adjacent to the gate stacked structures. Regions between the source/drain regions and the gate stacked structures are coding areas. A dielectric layer is formed to fill spaces between the gate stacked structures. A photoresist layer with openings exposing the first dielectric layer on the coding areas is formed. The exposed first dielectric layer is removed to form implantation openings of the coding areas. Ion implantation is performed on the exposed coding areas. The photoresist layer is removed, and another dielectric layer is formed to fill the implantation openings. An etching back process is performed to expose the gate conductive layer. A word line is formed on the gate conductive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Chun-Yi Yang, Chun-Jung Lin, Ful-Long Ni
  • Patent number: 6468869
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a mask read only memory. Gate stacked structures, each of which made up of a gate dielectric layer, a gate conductive layer and a gate cap layer, are formed on a substrate. Source/drain regions are between, but not adjacent to the gate stacked structures. Regions between the source/drain regions and the gate stacked structures are coding areas. A dielectric layer is formed to fill spaces between the gate stacked structures. A photoresist layer with openings exposing the first dielectric layer on the coding areas is formed. The exposed first dielectric layer is removed to form implantation openings of the coding areas. Ion implantation is performed on the exposed coding areas. The photoresist layer is removed, and another dielectric layer is formed to fill the implantation openings. An etching back process is performed to expose the gate conductive layer. A word line is formed on the gate conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Yi Yang, Chun-Jung Lin, Ful-Long Ni
  • Publication number: 20020034854
    Abstract: An asymmetric multilevel memory cell provides an inhibited source read current. The inhibited source read current dramatically reduces the likelihood of a cell type misread error for a memory array comprising multilevel cells. The method for fabricating the asymmetric multilevel memory cell comprises a source only implant, formation of a spacer on the drain side of the gate prior to source/drain implant, and the resultant formation of an offset region disposed between the channel and the drain. The offset region is not controlled by the gate voltage. The drain current at 1.5 volts is more than 3.5 times larger than the source current at 1.5 volts for spacer width of 0.12 micrometers. Asymmetric multilevel memory cells in a memory array, where the cells have a common source configuration, are accurately read in one direction because neighboring cells on the word line have substantially lower source current than the read cell drain current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventors: Tao Cheng Lu, Chung Ju Chen, Hon Sui Lin, Mam Tsung Wang, Chin Hsi Lin, Ful Long Ni
  • Publication number: 20010050865
    Abstract: A method of erasing a non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory is positioned on a substrate of a semiconductor wafer and has a memory array region. The memory array region has memory cells, word lines and a substrate line electrically connected to the substrate of each memory cell in the memory array region. The erasing method is to control a potential difference between a word line not to be erased and the substrate to within a specific range, then supply a predetermined first potential to a word line to be erased, thereafter float the word line not to be erased, and finally supply the substrate line with a predetermined second potential. The potential difference between the first and the second potential drive the charges stored in the floating gate of the memory cell electrically connected to the word line to be erased to move into the channel through the tunneling oxide layer to complete the erasing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventors: Ching-Fang Yen, Ful-Long Ni