Patents by Inventor Innocenzo Tortorelli

Innocenzo Tortorelli 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: 20220366974
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a memory cell including a memory element and a selector device. Data may be stored in both the memory element and selector device. The memory cell may be programmed by applying write pulses having different polarities and magnitudes. Different polarities of the write pulses may program different logic states into the selector device. Different magnitudes of the write pulses may program different logic states into the memory element. The memory cell may be read by read pulses all having the same polarity. The logic state of the memory cell may be detected by observing different threshold voltages when the read pulses are applied. The different threshold voltages may be responsive to the different polarities and magnitudes of the write pulses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Innocenzo Tortorelli, Russell L. Meyer, Agostino Pirovano, Andrea Redaelli, Lorenzo Fratin, Fabio Pellizzer
  • Publication number: 20220359005
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for varying-polarity read operations for polarity-written memory cells are described. Memory cells may be programmed to store different logic values based on applying write voltages of different polarities to the memory cells. A memory device may read the logic values based on applying read voltages to the memory cells, and the polarity of the read voltages may vary such that at least some read voltages have one polarity and at least some read voltages have another polarity. The read voltage polarity may vary randomly or according to a pattern and may be controlled by the memory device or by a host device for the memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Innocenzo Tortorelli, Hari Giduturi, Fabio Pellizzer
  • Patent number: 11487464
    Abstract: An example apparatus can include a memory array and a memory controller. The memory array can include a first portion including a first plurality of memory cells. The memory array can further include a second portion including a second plurality of memory cells. The memory controller can be coupled to the first portion and the second portion. The memory controller can be configured to operate the first plurality of memory cells for short-term memory operations. The memory controller can be further configured to operate the second plurality of memory cells for long-term memory operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mattia Boniardi, Innocenzo Tortorelli
  • Patent number: 11489117
    Abstract: A multi-layer memory device with an array having multiple memory decks of self-selecting memory cells is provided in which N memory decks may be fabricated with N+1 mask operations. The multiple memory decks may be self-aligned and certain manufacturing operations may be performed for multiple memory decks at the same time. For example, patterning a bit line direction of a first memory deck and a word line direction in a second memory deck above the first memory deck may be performed in a single masking operation, and both decks may be etched in a same subsequent etching operation. Such techniques may provide efficient fabrication which may allow for enhanced throughput, additional capacity, and higher yield for fabrication facilities relative to processing techniques in which each memory deck is processed using two or more mask and etch operations per memory deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Agostino Pirovano, Fabio Pellizzer, Anna Maria Conti, Andrea Redaelli, Innocenzo Tortorelli
  • Publication number: 20220343977
    Abstract: A memory device can include a plurality of memory cells including a first group of memory cells and a second group of memory cells programmed to a predefined logic state. The plurality of memory cells includes a memory controller configured to apply a reading voltage to at least one selected memory cell of the first group during a reading operation, apply the reading voltage to the memory cells of the second group, and responsive to the logic state of at least one memory cell of the second group being assessed to be different from the predefined logic state perform a refresh operation of the memory cells of the first group by applying a recovery voltage higher than the reading voltage to assess the logic state thereof and reprogramming the memory cells of the first group to the logic state assessed with the recovery voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: Marco Sforzin, Paolo Amato, Innocenzo Tortorelli
  • Patent number: 11482280
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a memory cell including a memory element and a selector device. Data may be stored in both the memory element and selector device. The memory cell may be programmed by applying write pulses having different polarities and magnitudes. Different polarities of the write pulses may program different logic states into the selector device. Different magnitudes of the write pulses may program different logic states into the memory element. The memory cell may be read by read pulses all having the same polarity. The logic state of the memory cell may be detected by observing different threshold voltages when the read pulses are applied. The different threshold voltages may be responsive to the different polarities and magnitudes of the write pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Innocenzo Tortorelli, Russell L. Meyer, Agostino Pirovano, Andrea Redaelli, Lorenzo Fratin, Fabio Pellizzer
  • Publication number: 20220301619
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for reading a multi-level memory cell are described. The memory cell may be configured to store three or more logic states. The memory device may apply a first read voltage to a memory cell to determine a logic state stored by the memory cell. The memory device may determine whether a first snapback event occurred and apply a second read voltage based on determining that the first snapback event failed to occur based on applying the first read voltage. The memory device may determine whether a second snapback event occurred and determine the logic state based on whether the first snapback event or the second snapback event occurred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Inventors: Mattia Robustelli, Fabio Pellizzer, Innocenzo Tortorelli, Agostino Pirovano
  • Patent number: 11443799
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a memory cell including a memory element and a selector device. Data may be stored in both the memory element and selector device. The memory cell may be programmed by applying write pulses having different polarities and magnitudes. Different polarities of the write pulses may program different logic states into the selector device. Different magnitudes of the write pulses may program different logic states into the memory element. The memory cell may be read by read pulses all having the same polarity. The logic state of the memory cell may be detected by observing different threshold voltages when the read pulses are applied. The different threshold voltages may be responsive to the different polarities and magnitudes of the write pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Innocenzo Tortorelli, Russell L. Meyer, Agostino Pirovano, Andrea Redaelli, Lorenzo Fratin, Fabio Pellizzer
  • Patent number: 11430509
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for varying-polarity read operations for polarity-written memory cells are described. Memory cells may be programmed to store different logic values based on applying write voltages of different polarities to the memory cells. A memory device may read the logic values based on applying read voltages to the memory cells, and the polarity of the read voltages may vary such that at least some read voltages have one polarity and at least some read voltages have another polarity. The read voltage polarity may vary randomly or according to a pattern and may be controlled by the memory device or by a host device for the memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Innocenzo Tortorelli, Hari Giduturi, Fabio Pellizzer
  • Patent number: 11423988
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for programming techniques for polarity-based memory cells are described. A memory device may use a first type of write operation to program one or more memory cells to a first state and a second type of write operation to program one or more memory cells to a second state. Additionally or alternatively, a memory device may first attempt to use the first type of write operation to program one or more memory cells, and then may use the second type of write operation if the first attempt is unsuccessful.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Innocenzo Tortorelli, Mattia Boniardi, Mattia Robustelli
  • Publication number: 20220262859
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for a capacitive pillar architecture for a memory array are described. An access line within a memory array may be, include, or be coupled with a pillar. The pillar may include an exterior electrode, such as a hollow exterior electrode, surrounding an inner dielectric material that may further surround an interior, core electrode. The interior electrode may be maintained at a voltage level during at least a portion of an access operation for a memory cell coupled with the pillar. Such a pillar structure may increase a capacitance of the pillar, for example, based on a capacitive coupling between the interior and exterior electrodes. The increased capacitance may provide benefits associated with operating the memory array, such as increased memory cell programming speed, programming reliability, and read disturb immunity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2022
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Inventors: Innocenzo Tortorelli, Fabio Pellizzer
  • Patent number: 11417398
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for memory cells for storing operational data are described. A memory device may include an array of memory cells with different sets of cells for storing data. A first set of memory cells may store data for operating the memory device, and the associated memory cells may each contain a chalcogenide storage element. A second set of memory cells may store host data. Some memory cells included in the first set may be programmed to store a first logic state and other memory cells in the first set may be left unprogrammed (and may represent a second logic state). Sense circuitry may be coupled with the array and may determine a value of data stored by the first set of memory cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mattia Boniardi, Anna Maria Conti, Innocenzo Tortorelli
  • Patent number: 11417841
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for techniques for forming self-aligned memory structures are described. Aspects include etching a layered assembly of materials including a first conductive material and a first sacrificial material to form a first set of channels along a first direction that creates a first set of sections. An insulative material may be deposited within each of the first set of channels and a second sacrificial material may be deposited onto the first set of sections and the insulating material. A second set of channels may be etched into the layered assembly of materials along a second direction that creates a second set of sections, where the second set of channels extend through the first and second sacrificial materials. Insulating material may be deposited in the second set of channels and the sacrificial materials removed leaving a cavity. A memory material may be deposited in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen W. Russell, Andrea Redaelli, Innocenzo Tortorelli, Agostino Pirovano, Fabio Pellizzer, Lorenzo Fratin
  • Patent number: 11386954
    Abstract: A memory device can include a plurality of memory cells including a first group of memory cells and a second group of memory cells programmed to a predefined logic state. The plurality of memory cells includes a memory controller configured to apply a reading voltage to at least one selected memory cell of the first group during a reading operation, apply the reading voltage to the memory cells of the second group, and responsive to the logic state of at least one memory cell of the second group being assessed to be different from the predefined logic state perform a refresh operation of the memory cells of the first group by applying a recovery voltage higher than the reading voltage to assess the logic state thereof and reprogramming the memory cells of the first group to the logic state assessed with the recovery voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Marco Sforzin, Paolo Amato, Innocenzo Tortorelli
  • Patent number: 11380391
    Abstract: In an example, an apparatus can include an array of memory cells and a neural memory unit controller coupled to the array of memory cells and configured to assert respective voltage pulses during a first training interval to memory cells of the array to change respective threshold voltages of the memory cells from voltages associated with a reset state to effectuate respective synaptic weight changes. The neural memory unit controller can be configured to initiate a sleep interval, during which no pulses are applied to the memory cells, to effectuate respective voltage drifts in the changed respective threshold voltages of the memory cells from a voltage associated with a set state toward the voltage associated with the reset state, and determine an output of the memory cells responsive to the respective voltage drifts in the changed respective threshold voltages after the sleep interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mattia Boniardi, Innocenzo Tortorelli
  • Patent number: 11374059
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes memory cells having resistors, and methods of forming the same. An example method includes forming a first conductive line, forming a second conductive line, and forming a memory element between the first conductive line and the second conductive line. Forming the memory element can include forming one or more memory materials, and forming a resistor in series with the one or more memory materials. The resistor can be configured to reduce a capacitive discharge through the memory element during a state transition of the memory element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Fabio Pellizzer, Andrea Redaelli, Agostino Pirovano, Innocenzo Tortorelli
  • Publication number: 20220189551
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for programming a self-selecting memory cell that stores a first logic state. To program the memory cell, a pulse having a first polarity may be applied to the cell, which may result in the memory cell having a reduced threshold voltage. During a duration in which the threshold voltage of the memory cell may be reduced (e.g., during a selection time), a second pulse having a second polarity (e.g., a different polarity) may be applied to the memory cell. Applying the second pulse to the memory cell may result in the memory cell storing a second logic state different than the first logic state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2022
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: Hernan A. Castro, Innocenzo Tortorelli, Agostino Pirovano, Fabio Pellizzer
  • Publication number: 20220190031
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for a capacitive pillar architecture for a memory array are described. An access line within a memory array may be, include, or be coupled with a pillar. The pillar may include an exterior electrode, such as a hollow exterior electrode, surrounding an inner dielectric material that may further surround an interior, core electrode. The interior electrode may be maintained at a voltage level during at least a portion of an access operation for a memory cell coupled with the pillar. Such a pillar structure may increase a capacitance of the pillar, for example, based on a capacitive coupling between the interior and exterior electrodes. The increased capacitance may provide benefits associated with operating the memory array, such as increased memory cell programming speed, programming reliability, and read disturb immunity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: Innocenzo Tortorelli, Fabio Pellizzer
  • Publication number: 20220172779
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for programming enhancement in memory cells are described. An asymmetrically shaped memory cell may enhance ion crowding at or near a particular electrode, which may be leveraged for accurately reading a stored value of the memory cell. Programming the memory cell may cause elements within the cell to separate, resulting in ion migration towards a particular electrode. The migration may depend on the polarity of the cell and may create a high resistivity region and low resistivity region within the cell. The memory cell may be sensed by applying a voltage across the cell. The resulting current may then encounter the high resistivity region and low resistivity region, and the orientation of the regions may be representative of a first or a second logic state of the cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Inventors: Andrea Redaelli, Agostino Pirovano, Innocenzo Tortorelli, Fabio Pellizzer
  • Publication number: 20220172782
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for memory cells for storing operational data are described. A memory device may include an array of memory cells with different sets of cells for storing data. A first set of memory cells may store data for operating the memory device, and the associated memory cells may each contain a chalcogenide storage element. A second set of memory cells may store host data. Some memory cells included in the first set may be programmed to store a first logic state and other memory cells in the first set may be left unprogrammed (and may represent a second logic state). Sense circuitry may be coupled with the array and may determine a value of data stored by the first set of memory cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Inventors: Mattia Boniardi, Anna Maria Conti, Innocenzo Tortorelli