Patents by Inventor Hock Chuen So

Hock Chuen So 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: 6532556
    Abstract: A multi-bit-per-cell memory reduces the effect of defects and data errors by scrambling data bits before writing data. The scrambling prevents storage of consecutive bits in the same memory cell. When a memory cell is defective or produces an error, the bits read from the memory cell do not create consecutive bit errors that would be noticeable or uncorrectable. An error or a defect in a multi-bit memory cell causes at most scattered bit errors. Scramblers in multi-bit-per-cell memories can include 1) hardwired lines crossing between an input port and an output port, 2) programmable wiring options, 3) a linear buffer where reads from the buffer use addresses with swapped bits, or 4) a buffer array that switches between incrementing a row address first and incrementing a column address first when accessing memory cells in the buffer array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Multi Level Memory Technology
    Inventors: Sau Ching Wong, Hock Chuen So
  • Patent number: 5384499
    Abstract: A programmable logic device is presented comprising a global interconnect array whose lines are fed via programmable multiplexers to logic array blocks. The global interconnect array lines are fed to the multiplexers in a specific pattern which maximizes the user's ability to route a selected line to the output of a selected multiplexer, while at the same time maintaining higher speed and lower power consumption, and using less chip array than prior art programmable logic devices using programmable interconnect arrays based on erasable programmable read-only memories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce B. Pedersen, David Chiang, Francis B. Heile, Cameron McClintock, Hock-Chuen So, James A. Watson
  • Patent number: 5268598
    Abstract: A programmable logic device is presented comprising a global interconnect array whose lines are fed via programmable multiplexers to logic array blocks. The global interconnect array lines are fed to the multiplexers in a specific pattern which maximizes the user's ability to route a selected line to the output of a selected multiplexer, while at the same time maintaining higher speed and lower power consumption, and using less chip array than prior art programmable logic devices using programmable interconnect arrays based on erasable programmable read-only memories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce B. Pedersen, David Chiang, Francis B. Heile, Cameron McClintock, Hock-Chuen So, James A. Watson
  • Patent number: 5241224
    Abstract: A programmable logic device is presented comprising a global interconnect array whose lines are fed via programmable multiplexers to logic array blocks. The global interconnect array lines are fed to the multiplexers in a specific pattern which maximizes the user's ability to route a selected line to the output of a selected multiplexer, while at the same time maintaining higher speed and lower power consumption, and using less chip array than prior art programmable logic devices using programmable interconnect arrays based on erasable programmable read-only memories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce B. Pedersen, David Chiang, Francis B. Heile, Cameron McClintock, Hock-Chuen So, James A. Watson
  • Patent number: 4912342
    Abstract: A programmable logic device having a relatively small number of programmable product terms ("P-terms") feeding each fixed combinatorial logic device, and additional "expander" programmable P-terms which do not directly feed a fixed device. Relatively simple logic functions can be performed by suitably programming the P-terms feeding the fixed devices. More complex logic functions can be performed by suitably programming the required number of expander P-terms, and then combining the outputs of those P-terms by means of another P-term. In addition, a programmable interconnect array is provided to allow certain inputs to the device to be applied to any programmable portion of the device, and also to allow the outputs of at least one of the fixed devices to be also applied to any programmable portion of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Sau-Ching Wong, Hock-Chuen So, Stanley J. Kopec, Jr., Robert F. Hartmann
  • Patent number: 4899067
    Abstract: A programmable logic device having a plurality of word lines and a plurality of bit lines, each of which is programmably interconnectable to at least one of the word lines for producing on each bit line a signal which is a logical function of the signal or signals on the word line or lines to which that bit line is interconnected. The logic device further includes at least one spare word line and/or bit line for use in the event that one of the regular lines of the same kind in defective. When the spare line is to be used, the device is preprogrammed to automatically redirect all signals intended for the bad line to another line, thereby putting the spare line into use. The signals thus automatically redirected include both the signals used during program mode to selectively interconnect the word lines and bit lines and the data signals subsequently processed during normal operation of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Hock-Chuen So, Sau-Ching Wong
  • Patent number: 4871930
    Abstract: A programmable logic device having a relatively small number of programmable product terms ("P-terms") feeding each fixed combinatorial logic device, and additional "expander" programmable P-terms which do not directly feed a fixed device. Relatively simple logic functions can be performed by suitably programming the P-terms feeding the fixed devices. More complex logic functions can be performed by suitably programming the required number of expander P-terms, and then combining the outputs of those P-terms by means of another P-term. In addition, a programmable interconnect array is provided to allow certain inputs to the device to be applied to any programmable portion of the device, and also to allow the outputs of at least one of the fixed devices to be also applied to any programmable portion of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Sau-Ching Wong, Hock-Chuen So, Stanley J. Kopec, Jr., Robert F. Hartmann
  • Patent number: 4864161
    Abstract: A flip-flop-type circuit capable of operating either as a conventional D flip-flop or as a device which merely passes through the data applied to it (so-called "flow-through mode"). In the flow-through mode, the circuit has the additional capability of being able to latch in the data flowing through it at any time. Thus the circuit can also operate as a level-sensitive latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin A. Norman, Hock-Chuen So, Kerry S. Veenstra, Sau-Ching Wong