Patents by Inventor J. Thomas Pawlowski

J. Thomas Pawlowski 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: 8719516
    Abstract: Memories having internal processors and methods of data communication within such memories are provided. One such memory may include a fetch unit configured to substantially control performing commands on a memory array based on the availability of banks to be accessed. The fetch unit may receive instructions including commands indicating whether data is to be read from or written to a bank, and the address of the data to be read from or written to the bank. The fetch unit may perform the commands based on the availability of the bank. In one embodiment, control logic communicates with the fetch unit when an activated bank is available. In another implementation, the fetch unit may wait for a bank to become available based on timers set to when a previous command in the activated bank has been performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Walker, Dan Skinner, J. Thomas Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 8719206
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices, among which is a device that includes a pattern-recognition processor. The pattern-recognition processor may include a matching-data reporting module, which may have a buffer and a match event table. The buffer may be coupled to a data stream and configured to store at least part of the data stream, and the match event table may be configured to store data indicative of a buffer location corresponding with a start of a search criterion being satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Thomas Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 8687436
    Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing delays between successive write and read accesses in multi-bank memory devices are provided. Computer circuits modify the relative timing between addresses and data of write accesses, reducing delays between successive write and read accesses. Memory devices that interface with these computer circuits use posted write accesses to effectively return the modified relative timing to its original timing before processing the write access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Round Rock Research, LLC
    Inventor: J. Thomas Pawlowski
  • Publication number: 20140047305
    Abstract: A DRAM device includes an ECC generator/checker that generates ECC syndromes corresponding to items of data stored in the DRAM device. The DRAM device also includes an ECC controller that causes the ECC syndromes to be stored in the DRAM device. The ECC controller also causes a flag bit having a first value to be stored in the DRAM device when a corresponding ECC syndrome is stored. The ECC controller changes the flag bit to a second value whenever the corresponding data bits are modified, this indicating that the stored syndrome no longer corresponds to the stored data. In such case, the ECC controller causes a new ECC syndrome to be generated and stored, and the corresponding flag bit is reset to the first value. The flag bits may be checked in this manner during a reduced power refresh to ensure that the stored syndromes correspond to the stored data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Thomas Pawlowski, John F. Schreck
  • Patent number: 8601341
    Abstract: A DRAM device includes an ECC generator/checker that generates ECC syndromes corresponding to items of data stored in the DRAM device. The DRAM device also includes an ECC controller that causes the ECC syndromes to be stored in the DRAM device. The ECC controller also causes a flag bit having a first value to be stored in the DRAM device when a corresponding ECC syndrome is stored. The ECC controller changes the flag bit to a second value whenever the corresponding data bits are modified, this indicating that the stored syndrome no longer corresponds to the stored data. In such case, the ECC controller causes a new ECC syndrome to be generated and stored, and the corresponding flag bit is reset to the first value. The flag bits may be checked in this manner during a reduced power refresh to ensure that the stored syndromes correspond to the stored data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Micron Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Thomas Pawlowski, John F. Schreck
  • Publication number: 20130254626
    Abstract: A DRAM device includes an ECC generator/checker that generates ECC syndromes corresponding to items of data stored in the DRAM device, The DRAM device also includes an ECC controller that causes the ECC syndromes to be stored in the DRAM device. The ECC controller also causes a flag bit having a first value to be stored in the DRAM device when a corresponding ECC syndrome is stored. The ECC controller changes the flag bit to a second value whenever the corresponding data bits are modified, this indicating that the stored syndrome no longer corresponds to the stored data. In such case, the ECC controller causes a new ECC syndrome to be generated and stored, and the corresponding flag bit is reset to the first value. The flag bits may be checked in this manner during a reduced power refresh to ensure that the stored syndromes correspond to the stored data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc
    Inventors: J. Thomas Pawlowski, John F. SCHRECK
  • Patent number: 8413007
    Abstract: A DRAM device includes an ECC generator/checker that generates ECC syndromes corresponding to items of data stored in the DRAM device. The DRAM device also includes an ECC controller that causes the ECC syndromes to be stored in the DRAM device. The ECC controller also causes a flag bit having a first value to be stored in the DRAM device when a corresponding ECC syndrome is stored. The ECC controller changes the flag bit to a second value whenever the corresponding data bits are modified, this indicating that the stored syndrome no longer corresponds to the stored data. In such case, the ECC controller causes a new ECC syndrome to be generated and stored, and the corresponding flag bit is reset to the first value. The flag bits may be checked in this manner during a reduced power refresh to ensure that the stored syndromes correspond to the stored data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Thomas Pawlowski, John Schreck
  • Patent number: 8359517
    Abstract: A DRAM memory device includes several banks of memory cells each of which are divided into first and second sets of memory cells. The memory cells in the first set can be refreshed at a relatively slow rate to reduce the power consumed by the DRAM device. Error checking and correcting circuitry in the DRAM device corrects any data retention errors in the first set of memory cells caused by the relatively slow refresh rate. The memory cells in the second set are refreshed at a normal rate, which is fast enough that data retention errors do not occur. A mode register in the DRAM device may be programmed to select the size of the second set of memory cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Thomas Pawlowski
  • Publication number: 20120266005
    Abstract: A device includes a pattern-recognition processor. The pattern recognition processor includes blocks, such that each of the blocks include a plurality of feature cells configured to analyze at least a portion of data to be analyzed and to selectively provide a result of the analysis. The pattern recognition processor also includes block deactivation logic configured to dynamically power-down the block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Thomas Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 8281395
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices, among which is a device that includes a pattern-recognition processor. The pattern-recognition processor may include a matching-data reporting module, which may have a buffer and a match event table. The buffer may be coupled to a data stream and configured to store at least part of the data stream, and the match event table may be configured to store data indicative of a buffer location corresponding with a start of a search criterion being satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Thomas Pawlowski
  • Publication number: 20120198194
    Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing delays between successive write and read accesses in multi-bank memory devices are provided. Computer circuits modify the relative timing between addresses and data of write accesses, reducing delays between successive write and read accesses. Memory devices that interface with these computer circuits use posted write accesses to effectively return the modified relative timing to its original timing before processing the write access.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: ROUND ROCK RESEARCH, LLC
    Inventor: J. Thomas Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 8214672
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices, among which is a device that includes a pattern-recognition processor. In some embodiments, the pattern-recognition processor includes a first block of feature cells coupled to a decoder via a first plurality of local input conductors, a first block-disabling circuit, and a plurality of global input conductors. The pattern-recognition processor further includes a second block of feature cells coupled to the decoder via a second plurality of local input conductors, a second block-disabling circuit, and the plurality of global input conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Thomas Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 8154932
    Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing delays between successive write and read accesses in multi-bank memory devices are provided. Computer circuits modify the relative timing between addresses and data of write accesses, reducing delays between successive write and read accesses. Memory devices that interface with these computer circuits use posted write accesses to effectively return the modified relative timing to its original timing before processing the write access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Round Rock Research, LLC
    Inventor: J. Thomas Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 7978534
    Abstract: A memory device includes a configurable address register having a first set of input buffers coupled to a first set on address bus terminals and a second set of input buffers coupled to a second set of address bus terminals. In a first addressing configuration, address signals are simultaneously applied to the address bus terminals in the first and second sets, and they are simultaneously stored in respective address registers. In a second addressing configuration, a plurality of sets of address signals are sequentially applied to the address bus terminals in only the first set of address bus terminals. Each set of address signals is then stored in a different address register.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Round Rock Research, LLC
    Inventor: J. Thomas Pawlowski
  • Publication number: 20110167237
    Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing delays between successive write and read accesses in multi-bank memory devices are provided. Computer circuits modify the relative timing between addresses and data of write accesses, reducing delays between successive write and read accesses. Memory devices that interface with these computer circuits use posted write accesses to effectively return the modified relative timing to its original timing before processing the write access.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: ROUND ROCK RESEARCH, LLC
    Inventor: J. Thomas Pawlowski
  • Publication number: 20110138251
    Abstract: A DRAM memory device includes several banks of memory cells each of which are divided into first and second sets of memory cells. The memory cells in the first set can be refreshed at a relatively slow rate to reduce the power consumed by the DRAM device. Error checking and correcting circuitry in the DRAM device corrects any data retention errors in the first set of memory cells caused by the relatively slow refresh rate. The memory cells in the second set are refreshed at a normal rate, which is fast enough that data retention errors do not occur. A mode register in the DRAM device may be programmed to select the size of the second set of memory cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: J. Thomas Pawlowski
  • Publication number: 20110138252
    Abstract: A DRAM device includes an ECC generator/checker that generates ECC syndromes corresponding to items of data stored in the DRAM device. The DRAM device also includes an ECC controller that causes the ECC syndromes to be stored in the DRAM device. The ECC controller also causes a flag bit having a first value to be stored in the DRAM device when a corresponding ECC syndrome is stored. The ECC controller changes the flag bit to a second value whenever the corresponding data bits are modified, this indicating that the stored syndrome no longer corresponds to the stored data. In such case, the ECC controller causes a new ECC syndrome to be generated and stored, and the corresponding flag bit is reset to the first value. The flag bits may be checked in this manner during a reduced power refresh to ensure that the stored syndromes correspond to the stored data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: J. Thomas Pawlowski, John Schreck
  • Publication number: 20110093662
    Abstract: Memory having internal processors, and methods of data communication within such a memory are provided. In one embodiment, an internal processor may concurrently access one or more banks on a memory array on a memory device via one or more buffers. The internal processor may be coupled to a buffer capable of accessing more than one bank, or coupled to more than one buffer that may each access a bank, such that data may be retrieved from and stored in different banks concurrently. Further, the memory device may be configured for communication between one or more internal processors through couplings between memory components, such as buffers coupled to each of the internal processors. Therefore, a multi-operation instruction may be performed by different internal processors, and data (such as intermediate results) from one internal processor may be transferred to another internal processor of the memory, enabling parallel execution of an instruction(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Robert M. Walker, Dan Skinner, Todd A. Merritt, J. Thomas Pawlowski
  • Publication number: 20110093665
    Abstract: Memories having internal processors and methods of data communication within such memories are provided. One such memory may include a fetch unit configured to substantially control performing commands on a memory array based on the availability of banks to be accessed. The fetch unit may receive instructions including commands indicating whether data is to be read from or written to a bank, and the address of the data to be read from or written to the bank. The fetch unit may perform the commands based on the availability of the bank. In one embodiment, control logic communicates with the fetch unit when an activated bank is available. In another implementation, the fetch unit may wait for a bank to become available based on timers set to when a previous command in the activated bank has been performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Walker, Dan Skinner, J. Thomas Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 7916554
    Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing delays between successive write and read accesses in multi-bank memory devices are provided. Computer circuits modify the relative timing between addresses and data of write accesses, reducing delays between successive write and read accesses. Memory devices that interface with these computer circuits use posted write accesses to effectively return the modified relative timing to its original timing before processing the write access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Round Rock Research, LLC
    Inventor: J. Thomas Pawlowski