Patents by Inventor Greg A. Blodgett

Greg A. Blodgett 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: 20090179665
    Abstract: Techniques for controlling a driver to reduce data dependent noise, such as simultaneous switching effects and cross-talk effects. A plurality of drivers may each receive a data segment to transmit and a plurality of data segments that other drivers will transmit. A driver controller may adjust the time at which the data segment is transmitted in response to the plurality of data segments that the other drivers will transmit. The adjustment may compensate for simultaneous switching noise and cross-talk by, for example, delaying the transmission of a data segment or changing the slew rate of the signal carrying the data segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Chang Ki Kwon, Greg A. Blodgett
  • Patent number: 7558125
    Abstract: An input buffer having a comparator that receives an input signal, a reference signal and a positive feedback. The comparator compares the input signal relative to the reference signal and generates an output signal transitioning between a first logic state and a second logic state responsive to the magnitude of the input signal transitioning through the magnitude of the reference signal. The comparator intensifies the output signal in response to the positive feedback from the output of the comparator while the output signal transitions from the first logic state to the second logic state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Greg Blodgett
  • Patent number: 7521967
    Abstract: Techniques for controlling a driver to reduce data dependent noise, such as simultaneous switching effects and cross-talk effects. A plurality of drivers may each receive a data segment to transmit and a plurality of data segments that other drivers will transmit. A driver controller may adjust the time at which the data segment is transmitted in response to the plurality of data segments that the other drivers will transmit. The adjustment may compensate for simultaneous switching noise and cross-talk by, for example, delaying the transmission of a data segment or changing the slew rate of the signal carrying the data segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Chang Ki Kwon, Greg Blodgett
  • Publication number: 20090100291
    Abstract: A block repair device is used in a Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) having a primary array with a defective cell and a redundant array with a redundant row. The block repair device stores a block repair configuration that determines the dimensions (e.g., the number of rows and columns spanned) of a repair block. Routing circuitry is configured by the stored block repair configuration to output some row and column address bits from received row and column addresses in a selected ratio. Comparison circuitry compares the row and column address bits output by the routing circuitry with the address of the defective cell that defines the repair block. When a match occurs, the comparison circuitry implements a block repair by activating the redundant row and by causing data to be written to or read from the activated redundant row instead of the primary array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Greg A. Blodgett
  • Publication number: 20090091350
    Abstract: An off chip driver impedance adjustment circuit includes a storage circuit adapted to receive and store a drive strength adjustment word. A counter circuit is coupled to the storage circuit to receive the drive strength adjustment word and develops a drive strength count responsive to the drive strength adjustment word. A programmable fuse code to preset the counter. An output driver circuit is coupled to the counter circuit to receive the drive strength count and is adapted to receive a data signal. The output driver circuit develops an output signal on an output responsive to the data signal and adjusts a drive strength as a function of the drive strength count.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: GREG A. BLODGETT, Christopher K. Morzano
  • Patent number: 7489184
    Abstract: A voltage reference generating method, source, memory device and substrate containing the same include a voltage reference generator comprised of a bandgap voltage reference circuit including a first complementary-to-absolute-temperature (CTAT) signal and a second complementary-to-absolute-temperature (CTAT) signal. The voltage reference generator further includes a differential sensing device for generating a reference signal substantially insensitive to temperature variations over an operating temperature range by differentially sensing the first and second CTAT signals. The method includes generating first and second complementary-to-absolute-temperature (CTAT) signals and generating a reference signal that is substantially insensitive to temperature variations over an operating temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dong Pan, Greg A. Blodgett
  • Patent number: 7480199
    Abstract: A method and system for operating a DRAM device in either a high power, full density mode or a low power, half density mode. In the full density mode, each data bit is stored in a single memory cell, and, in the half density mode, each data bit is stored in two memory cells that are refreshed at the same time to permit a relatively slow refresh rate. When transitioning from the full density mode to the half density mode, data are copied from each row of memory cells storing data to an adjacent row of memory cells. The adjacent row of memory cells are made free to store data from an adjacent row by remapping the most significant bit of the row address to the least significant bit of the row address, and then remapping all of the remaining bits of the row address to the next highest order bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald M. Morgan, Greg A. Blodgett
  • Patent number: 7467334
    Abstract: A block repair device is used in a Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) having a primary array with a defective cell and a redundant array with a redundant row. The block repair device stores a block repair configuration that determines the dimensions (e.g., the number of rows and columns spanned) of a repair block. Routing circuitry is configured by the stored block repair configuration to output some row and column address bits from received row and column addresses in a selected ratio. Comparison circuitry compares the row and column address bits output by the routing circuitry with the address of the defective cell that defines the repair block. When a match occurs, the comparison circuitry implements a block repair by activating the redundant row and by causing data to be written to or read from the activated redundant row instead of the primary array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Greg A. Blodgett
  • Patent number: 7463052
    Abstract: An off chip driver impedance adjustment circuit includes a storage circuit adapted to receive and store a drive strength adjustment word. A counter circuit is coupled to the storage circuit to receive the drive strength adjustment word and develops a drive strength count responsive to the drive strength adjustment word. A programmable fuse code to preset the counter. An output driver circuit is coupled to the counter circuit to receive the drive strength count and is adapted to receive a data signal. The output driver circuit develops an output signal on an output responsive to the data signal and adjusts a drive strength as a function of the drive strength count.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg A. Blodgett, Christopher K. Morzano
  • Publication number: 20080144398
    Abstract: An input buffer having a comparator that receives an input signal, a reference signal and a positive feedback. The comparator compares the input signal relative to the reference signal and generates an output signal transitioning between a first logic state and a second logic state responsive to the magnitude of the input signal transitioning through the magnitude of the reference signal. The comparator intensifies the output signal in response to the positive feedback from the output of the comparator while the output signal transitions from the first logic state to the second logic state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Greg Blodgett
  • Patent number: 7372768
    Abstract: The present invention allows for the reduction in power consumption of memory devices. A memory device in one embodiment prohibits address signal propagation on internal address buses based upon a function being performed by the memory. As such, some, all or none of the externally provided address signals are allowed to transition past address buffer circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Debra M. Bell, Greg A. Blodgett
  • Patent number: 7362641
    Abstract: A method and system for operating a DRAM device in either a high power, full density mode or a low power, half density mode. In the full density mode, each data bit is stored in a single memory cell, and, in the half density mode, each data bit is stored in two memory cells that are refreshed at the same time to permit a relatively slow refresh rate. When transitioning from the full density mode to the half density mode, data are copied from each row of memory cells storing data to an adjacent row of memory cells. The adjacent row of memory cells are made free to store data from an adjacent row by remapping the most significant bit of the row address to the least significant bit of the row address, and then remapping all of the remaining bits of the row address to the next highest order bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald M. Morgan, Greg A. Blodgett
  • Patent number: 7332950
    Abstract: A memory device, delay lock loop circuit (DLL) and DLL reset circuitry are described. The DLL includes a shift register and a measured delay for pre-loading the shift register. The reset circuitry selectively filters a clock signal propagation through the measured delay during a reset operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Greg A. Blodgett
  • Publication number: 20080036491
    Abstract: Techniques for controlling a driver to reduce data dependent noise, such as simultaneous switching effects and cross-talk effects. A plurality of drivers may each receive a data segment to transmit and a plurality of data segments that other drivers will transmit. A driver controller may adjust the time at which the data segment is transmitted in response to the plurality of data segments that the other drivers will transmit. The adjustment may compensate for simultaneous switching noise and cross-talk by, for example, delaying the transmission of a data segment or changing the slew rate of the signal carrying the data segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Chang Kwon, Greg Blodgett
  • Patent number: 7256643
    Abstract: A voltage reference generating method, source, memory device and substrate containing the same include a voltage reference generator comprised of a bandgap voltage reference circuit including a first complementary-to-absolute-temperature (CTAT) signal and a second complementary-to-absolute-temperature (CTAT) signal. The voltage reference generator further includes a differential sensing device for generating a reference signal substantially insensitive to temperature variations over an operating temperature range by differentially sensing the first and second CTAT signals. The method includes generating first and second complementary-to-absolute-temperature (CTAT) signals and generating a reference signal that is substantially insensitive to temperature variations over an operating temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dong Pan, Greg A. Blodgett
  • Patent number: 7253655
    Abstract: Techniques for controlling a driver to reduce data dependent noise, such as simultaneous switching effects and cross-talk effects. A plurality of drivers may each receive a data segment to transmit and a plurality of data segments that other drivers will transmit. A driver controller may adjust the time at which the data segment is transmitted in response to the plurality of data segments that the other drivers will transmit. The adjustment may compensate for simultaneous switching noise and cross-talk by, for example, delaying the transmission of a data segment or changing the slew rate of the signal carrying the data segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Chang Ki Kwon, Greg Blodgett
  • Publication number: 20070171753
    Abstract: A method and system for operating a DRAM device in either a high power, full density mode or a low power, half density mode. In the full density mode, each data bit is stored in a single memory cell, and, in the half density mode, each data bit is stored in two memory cells that are refreshed at the same time to permit a relatively slow refresh rate. When transitioning from the full density mode to the half density mode, data are copied from each row of memory cells storing data to an adjacent row of memory cells. The adjacent row of memory cells are made free to store data from an adjacent row by remapping the most significant bit of the row address to the least significant bit of the row address, and then remapping all of the remaining bits of the row address to the next highest order bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Morgan, Greg Blodgett
  • Publication number: 20070171752
    Abstract: A method and system for operating a DRAM device in either a high power, full density mode or a low power, half density mode. In the full density mode, each data bit is stored in a single memory cell, and, in the half density mode, each data bit is stored in two memory cells that are refreshed at the same time to permit a relatively slow refresh rate. When transitioning from the full density mode to the half density mode, data are copied from each row of memory cells storing data to an adjacent row of memory cells. The adjacent row of memory cells are made free to store data from an adjacent row by remapping the most significant bit of the row address to the least significant bit of the row address, and then remapping all of the remaining bits of the row address to the next highest order bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Morgan, Greg Blodgett
  • Publication number: 20070159238
    Abstract: A voltage reference generating method, source, memory device and substrate containing the same include a voltage reference generator comprised of a bandgap voltage reference circuit including a first complementary-to-absolute-temperature (CTAT) signal and a second complementary-to-absolute-temperature (CTAT) signal. The voltage reference generator further includes a differential sensing device for generating a reference signal substantially insensitive to temperature variations over an operating temperature range by differentially sensing the first and second CTAT signals. The method includes generating first and second complementary-to-absolute-temperature (CTAT) signals and generating a reference signal that is substantially insensitive to temperature variations over an operating temperature range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Inventors: Dong Pan, Greg Blodgett
  • Patent number: 7212053
    Abstract: A method of operating a delay locked loop is comprised of producing a first output signal in response to a first lock point. A new lock point is measured, or otherwise determined, while continuing to produce the first output signal. Thereafter, a second output signal is produced in response to the new lock point. The new lock point data may be loaded into the delay locked loop while the delay locked loop continues to produce the first output signal. The delay locked loop switches from producing the first output signal, responsive to a first lock point, to producing the second output signal, responsive to the new lock point, in response to various conditions such as control signals, e.g. an auto refresh command, a precharge all command, a mode register load command, a power down entry, a power down exit (among others), in response to a timer, e.g., an internal timer (among others), or in response to environmental condition signals, e.g., a temperature sensor output signal (among others).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler Gomm, Greg Blodgett