Patents by Inventor Gordon D. Roberts
Gordon D. Roberts 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).
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Patent number: 7152143Abstract: An integrated semiconductor memory chip includes hardwired presence detect data which can be accessed for transmission to a location external to the memory chip as well as logic allowing additional presence detect data to be programmed in the memory chip after fabrication of the memory chip. Storing the presence detect data on the memory chip rather than on a separate integrated circuit can help reduce the number of integrated chips required for a memory module, which may include multiple DRAM or other memory chips. Hardwiring at least some of the presence detect data during fabrication of the chip can reduce the number of programming errors as well as the number of mismatches that might otherwise occur if a separate presence detect data chip were used. On the other hand, the capability of programming presence detect data after fabrication of the memory chip provides additional flexibility, allowing the foregoing techniques to be used with a wide variety of memory chips and modules.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2003Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Eric T. Stubbs, Gordon D. Roberts
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Patent number: 6947341Abstract: An integrated semiconductor memory chip includes hardwired presence detect data which can be accessed for transmission to a location external to the memory chip as well as logic allowing additional presence detect data to be programmed in the memory chip after fabrication of the memory chip. Storing the presence detect data on the memory chip rather than on a separate integrated circuit can help reduce the number of integrated chips required for a memory module, which may include multiple DRAM or other memory chips. Hardwiring at least some of the presence detect data during fabrication of the chip can reduce the number of programming errors as well as the number of mismatches that might otherwise occur if a separate presence detect data chip were used. On the other hand, the capability of programming presence detect data after fabrication of the memory chip provides additional flexibility, allowing the foregoing techniques to be used with a wide variety of memory chips and modules.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2004Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Eric T. Stubbs, Gordon D. Roberts
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Patent number: 6882587Abstract: As part of a memory array, a circuit is provided for altering the drive applied to an access transistor that regulates electrical communication within the memory array. In one embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a sense amp's voltage-pulling transistor, thereby allowing modification of the voltage-pulling rate for components of the sense amp. A sample of test data is written to the memory array and read several times at varying drive rates in order to determine the sense amp's ability to accommodate external circuitry. In another embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a bleeder device that regulates communication between the digit lines of the memory array and its cell plate. Slowing said communication allows defects within the memory array to have a more pronounced effect and hence increases the chances of finding such defects during testing.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2004Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Kurt D. Beigel, Manny K. Ma, Gordon D. Roberts, James E. Miller, Daryl L. Habersetzer, Jeffrey D. Bruce, Eric T. Stubbs
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Publication number: 20040240286Abstract: As part of a memory array, a circuit is provided for altering the drive applied to an access transistor that regulates electrical communication within the memory array. In one embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a sense amp's voltage-pulling transistor, thereby allowing modification of the voltage-pulling rate for components of the sense amp. A sample of test data is written to the memory array and read several times at varying drive rates in order to determine the sense amp's ability to accommodate external circuitry. In another embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a bleeder device that regulates communication between the digit lines of the memory array and its cell plate. Slowing said communication allows defects within the memory array to have a more pronounced effect and hence increases the chances of finding such defects during testing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventors: Kurt D. Beigel, Manny K. Ma, Gordon D. Roberts, James E. Miller, Daryl L. Habersetzer, Jeffrey D. Bruce, Eric T. Stubbs
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Patent number: 6778452Abstract: As part of a memory array, a circuit is provided for altering the drive applied to an access transistor that regulates electrical communication within the memory array. In one embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a sense amp's voltage-pulling transistor, thereby allowing modification of the voltage-pulling rate for components of the sense amp. A sample of test data is written to the memory array and read several times at varying drive rates in order to determine the sense amp's ability to accommodate external circuitry. In another embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a bleeder device that regulates communication between the digit lines of the memory array and its cell plate. Slowing said communication allows defects within the memory array to have a more pronounced effect and hence increases the chances of finding such defects during testing.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2003Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Kurt D. Beigel, Douglas J. Cutter, Manny K. Ma, Gordon D. Roberts, James E. Miller, Daryl L. Habersetzer, Jeffrey D. Bruce, Eric T. Stubbs
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Publication number: 20040095822Abstract: As part of a memory array, a circuit is provided for altering the drive applied to an access transistor that regulates electrical communication within the memory array. In one embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a sense amp's voltage-pulling transistor, thereby allowing modification of the voltage-pulling rate for components of the sense amp. A sample of test data is written to the memory array and read several times at varying drive rates in order to determine the sense amp's ability to accommodate external circuitry. In another embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a bleeder device that regulates communication between the digit lines of the memory array and its cell plate. Slowing said communication allows defects within the memory array to have a more pronounced effect and hence increases the chances of finding such defects during testing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Inventors: Kurt D. Beigel, Douglas J. Cutter, Manny K. Ma, Gordon D. Roberts, James E. Miller, Daryl L. Habersetzer, Jeffrey D. Bruce, Eric T. Stubbs
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Publication number: 20040017723Abstract: An integrated semiconductor memory chip includes hardwired presence detect data which can be accessed for transmission to a location external to the memory chip as well as logic allowing additional presence detect data to be programmed in the memory chip after fabrication of the memory chip. Storing the presence detect data on the memory chip rather than on a separate integrated circuit can help reduce the number of integrated chips required for a memory module, which may include multiple DRAM or other memory chips. Hardwiring at least some of the presence detect data during fabrication of the chip can reduce the number of programming errors as well as the number of mismatches that might otherwise occur if a separate presence detect data chip were used. On the other hand, the capability of programming presence detect data after fabrication of the memory chip provides additional flexibility, allowing the foregoing techniques to be used with a wide variety of memory chips and modules.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Eric T. Stubbs, Gordon D. Roberts
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Patent number: 6625692Abstract: An integrated semiconductor memory chip includes hardwired presence detect data which can be accessed for transmission to a location external to the memory chip as well as logic allowing additional presence detect data to be programmed in the memory chip after fabrication of the memory chip. Storing the presence detect data on the memory chip rather than on a separate integrated circuit can help reduce the number of integrated chips required for a memory module, which may include multiple DRAM or other memory chips. Hardwiring at least some of the presence detect data during fabrication of the chip can reduce the number of programming errors as well as the number of mismatches that might otherwise occur if a separate presence detect data chip were used. On the other hand, the capability of programming presence detect data after fabrication of the memory chip provides additional flexibility, allowing the foregoing techniques to be used with a wide variety of memory chips and modules.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1999Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Eric T. Stubbs, Gordon D. Roberts
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Patent number: 6600687Abstract: As part of a memory array, a circuit is provided for altering the drive applied to an access transistor that regulates electrical communication within the memory array. In one embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a sense amp's voltage-pulling transistor, thereby allowing modification of the voltage-pulling rate for components of the sense amp. A sample of test data is written to the memory array and read several times at varying drive rates in order to determine the sense amp's ability to accommodate external circuitry. In another embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a bleeder device that regulates communication between the digit lines of the memory array and its cell plate. Slowing said communication allows defects within the memory array to have a more pronounced effect and hence increases the chances of finding such defects during testing.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2002Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Kurt D. Beigel, Manny K. Ma, Gordon D. Roberts, James E. Miller, Daryl L. Habersetzer, Jeffrey D. Bruce, Eric T. Stubbs
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Publication number: 20030021171Abstract: As part of a memory array, a circuit is provided for altering the drive applied to an access transistor that regulates electrical communication within the memory array. In one embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a sense amp's voltage-pulling transistor, thereby allowing modification of the voltage-pulling rate for components of the sense amp. A sample of test data is written to the memory array and read several times at varying drive rates in order to determine the sense amp's ability to accommodate external circuitry. In another embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a bleeder device that regulates communication between the digit lines of the memory array and its cell plate. Slowing said communication allows defects within the memory array to have a more pronounced effect and hence increases the chances of finding such defects during testing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2002Publication date: January 30, 2003Inventors: Kurt D. Beigel, Manny K. Ma, Gordon D. Roberts, James E. Miller, Daryl L. Habersetzer, Jeffrey D. Bruce, Eric T. Stubbs
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Patent number: 6469944Abstract: As part of a memory array, a circuit is provided for altering the drive applied to an access transistor that regulates electrical communication within the memory array. In one embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a sense amp's voltage-pulling transistor, thereby allowing modification of the voltage-pulling rate for components of the sense amp. A sample of test data is written to the memory array and read several times at varying drive rates in order to determine the sense amp's ability to accommodate external circuitry. In another embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a bleeder device that regulates communication between the digit lines of the memory array and its cell plate. Slowing said communication allows defects within the memory array to have a more pronounced effect and hence increases the chances of finding such defects during testing.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2000Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Kurt D. Beigel, Manny K. Ma, Gordon D. Roberts, James E. Miller, Daryl L. Habersetzer, Jeffrey D. Bruce, Eric T. Stubbs
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Patent number: 6452846Abstract: As part of a memory array, a circuit is provided for altering the drive applied to an access transistor that regulates electrical communication within the memory array. In one embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a sense amp's voltage-pulling transistor, thereby allowing modification of the voltage-pulling rate for components of the sense amp. A sample of test data is written to the memory array and read several times at varying drive rates in order to determine the sense amp's ability to accommodate external circuitry. In another embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a bleeder device that regulates communication between the digit lines of the memory array and its cell plate. Slowing said communication allows defects within the memory array to have a more pronounced effect and hence increases the chances of finding such defects during testing.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2000Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Kurt D. Beigel, Douglas J. Cutter, Manny K. Ma, Gordon D. Roberts, James E. Miller, Daryl L. Habersetzer, Jeffrey D. Bruce, Eric T. Stubbs
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Patent number: 6445629Abstract: As part of a memory array, a circuit is provided for altering the drive applied to an access transistor that regulates electrical communication within the memory array. In one embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a sense amp's voltage-pulling transistor, thereby allowing modification of the voltage-pulling rate for components of the sense amp. A sample of test data is written to the memory array and read several times at varying drive rates in order to determine the sense amp's ability to accommodate external circuitry. In another embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a bleeder device that regulates communication between the digit lines of the memory array and its cell plate. Slowing said communication allows defects within the memory array to have a more pronounced effect and hence increases the chances of finding such defects during testing.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2000Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Kurt D. Beigel, Douglas J. Cutter, Manny K. Ma, Gordon D. Roberts, James E. Miller, Daryl L. Habersetzer, Jeffrey D. Bruce, Eric T. Stubbs
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Patent number: 6418071Abstract: As part of a memory array, a circuit is provided for altering the drive applied to an access transistor that regulates electrical communication within the memory array. In one embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a sense amp's voltage-pulling transistor, thereby allowing modification of the voltage-pulling rate for components of the sense amp. A sample of test data is written to the memory array and read several times at varying drive rates in order to determine the sense amp's ability to accommodate external circuitry. In another embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a bleeder device that regulates communication between the digit lines of the memory array and its cell plate. Slowing said communication allows defects within the memory array to have a more pronounced effect and hence increases the chances of finding such defects during testing.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2000Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Kurt D. Beigel, Manny K. Ma, Gordon D. Roberts, James E. Miller, Daryl L. Habersetzer, Jeffrey D. Bruce, Eric T. Stubbs
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Patent number: 6353564Abstract: As part of a memory array, a circuit is provided for altering the drive applied to an access transistor that regulates electrical communication within the memory array. In one embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a sense amp's voltage-pulling transistor, thereby allowing modification of the voltage-pulling rate for components of the sense amp. A sample of test data is written to the memory array and read several times at varying drive rates in order to determine the sense amp's ability to accommodate external circuitry. In another embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a bleeder device that regulates communication between the digit lines of the memory array and its cell plate. Slowing said communication allows defects within the memory array to have a more pronounced effect and hence increases the chances of finding such defects during testing.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2000Date of Patent: March 5, 2002Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Kurt D. Beigel, Manny K. Ma, Gordon D. Roberts, James E. Miller, Daryl L. Habersetzer, Jeffrey D. Bruce, Eric T. Stubbs
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Publication number: 20020018381Abstract: As part of a memory array, a circuit is provided for altering the drive applied to an access transistor that regulates electrical communication within the memory array. In one embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a sense amp's voltage-pulling transistor, thereby allowing modification of the voltage-pulling rate for components of the sense amp. A sample of test data is written to the memory array and read several times at varying drive rates in order to determine the sense amp's ability to accommodate external circuitry. In another embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a bleeder device that regulates communication between the digit lines of the memory array and its cell plate. Slowing said communication allows defects within the memory array to have a more pronounced effect and hence increases the chances of finding such defects during testing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2000Publication date: February 14, 2002Inventors: Kurt D. Beigel, Manny K. Ma, Gordon D. Roberts, James E. Miller, Daryl L. Habersetzer, Jeffrey D. Bruce, Eric T. Stubbs
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Patent number: 6335888Abstract: As part of a memory array, a circuit is provided for altering the drive applied to an access transistor that regulates electrical communication within the memory array. In one embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a sense amp's voltage-pulling transistor, thereby allowing modification of the voltage-pulling rate for components of the sense amp. A sample of test data is written to the memory array and read several times at varying drive rates in order to determine the sense amp's ability to accommodate external circuitry. In another embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a bleeder device that regulates communication between the digit lines of the memory array and its cell plate. Slowing said communication allows defects within the memory array to have a more pronounced effect and hence increases the chances of finding such defects during testing.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2000Date of Patent: January 1, 2002Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Kurt D. Beigel, Douglas J. Cutter, Manny K. Ma, Gordon D. Roberts, James E. Miller, Daryl L. Habersetzer, Jeffrey D. Bruce, Eric T. Stubbs
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Publication number: 20010009522Abstract: As part of a memory array, a circuit is provided for altering the drive applied to an access transistor that regulates electrical communication within the memory array. In one embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a sense amp's voltage-pulling transistor, thereby allowing modification of the voltage-pulling rate for components of the sense amp. A sample of test data is written to the memory array and read several times at varying drive rates in order to determine the sense amp's ability to accommodate external circuitry. In another embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a bleeder device that regulates communication between the digit lines of the memory array and its cell plate. Slowing said communication allows defects within the memory array to have a more pronounced effect and hence increases the chances of finding such defects during testing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2000Publication date: July 26, 2001Inventors: Kurt D. Beigel, Douglas J. Cutter, Manny K. Ma, Gordon D. Roberts, James E. Miller, Daryl L. Habersetzer, Jeffrey D. Bruce, Eric T. Stubbs
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Publication number: 20010004333Abstract: As part of a memory array, a circuit is provided for altering the drive applied to an access transistor that regulates electrical communication within the memory array. In one embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a sense amp's voltage-pulling transistor, thereby allowing modification of the voltage-pulling rate for components of the sense amp. A sample of test data is written to the memory array and read several times at varying drive rates in order to determine the sense amp's ability to accommodate external circuitry. In another embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a bleeder device that regulates communication between the digit lines of the memory array and its cell plate. Slowing said communication allows defects within the memory array to have a more pronounced effect and hence increases the chances of finding such defects during testing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2000Publication date: June 21, 2001Inventors: Kurt D. Beigel, Manny K. Ma, Gordon D. Roberts, James E. Miller, Daryl L. Habersetzer, Jeffrey D. Bruce, Eric T. Stubbs
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Publication number: 20010002888Abstract: As part of a memory array, a circuit is provided for altering the drive applied to an access transistor that regulates electrical communication within the memory array. In one embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a sense amp's voltage-pulling transistor, thereby allowing modification of the voltage-pulling rate for components of the sense amp. A sample of test data is written to the memory array and read several times at varying drive rates in order to determine the sense amp's ability to accommodate external circuitry. In another embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a bleeder device that regulates communication between the digit lines of the memory array and its cell plate. Slowing said communication allows defects within the memory array to have a more pronounced effect and hence increases the chances of finding such defects during testing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2000Publication date: June 7, 2001Inventors: Kurt D. Beigel, Manny K. Ma, Gordon D. Roberts, James E. Miller, Daryl L. Habersetzer, Jeffrey D. Bruce, Eric T. Stubbs