Patents by Inventor James Kai

James Kai 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: 20240127864
    Abstract: A memory device includes a first memory block containing first word lines and a first source layer segment, and a second memory block containing second word lines and a second source layer segment which is electrically isolated from the first source layer segment. The first word lines in the first memory block are electrically connected to the respective second word lines in the second memory block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: Masaaki HIGASHITANI, James KAI, Johann ALSMEIER
  • Publication number: 20240055051
    Abstract: Technology is disclosed herein reconfiguring word lines as either data word lines or dummy word lines. In a sub-block mode reconfigurable word lines are used as dummy word lines that provide electrical isolation between data word lines in a block. The block may be divided into an upper tier, a middle tier, and a lower tier, with the reconfigurable word lines within the middle tier. In a full-block mode the reconfigurable group of the word lines are used as data word lines. Because the reconfigurable word lines are used as data word lines in the full-block mode storage capacity is greater in the full-block mode than in the sub-block mode. Moreover, because the sub-blocks are smaller in size but greater in number than the full-blocks, the memory system may be provisioned with fewer blocks and still meet user storage requirements in both the full-block mode and the sub-block mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Applicant: SanDisk Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Xiang Yang, YenLung Li, James Kai
  • Patent number: 11805649
    Abstract: A three-dimensional memory device includes an alternating stack of insulating layers and electrically conductive layers located over a substrate, memory openings vertically extending through the alternating stack, memory opening fill structures located within a respective one of the memory openings, and at least one drain-select-level isolation structure vertically extending through at least a topmost electrically conductive layer among the electrically conductive layers. The at least one drain-select-level isolation structure may include wiggles and cut through upper portions of at least some of the memory opening fill structures, or may include a vertically-extending dielectric material portion and laterally-protruding dielectric material portions adjoined to the vertically-extending dielectric material portion and laterally protruding into lateral recesses located adjacent to the at least the topmost electrically conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Srinivas Pulugurtha, Johann Alsmeier, Yanli Zhang, James Kai
  • Publication number: 20230282288
    Abstract: The memory device includes a chip with circuitry, a plurality of memory blocks, and a plurality of bit lines. The memory blocks include an array of memory cells, and the circuitry either overlies or underlies the array of memory cells. The bit lines are divided into two portions that are electrically connected with one another via at least one transistor so that at least one portion of each bit line can be charged independently of the other portion of the same bit line. During some read operations, this allows the memory device to operate with lower power requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Applicant: SanDisk Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Xiang Yang, Deepanshu Dutta, Ohwon Kwon, James Kai, Yuki Mizutani
  • Patent number: 11587920
    Abstract: A bonded assembly includes a first three-dimensional memory die containing a first alternating stack of first insulating layers and first electrically conductive layers and first memory structures located in the first alternating stack, a second three-dimensional memory die bonded to the first three-dimensional memory die, and containing a second alternating stack of second insulating layers and second electrically conductive layers, and second memory structures located in the second alternating stack. The first electrically conductive layers have different lateral extents along the first horizontal direction that decrease with a respective vertical distance from driver circuit devices, and the second electrically conductive layers have different lateral extents along the first horizontal direction that increase with the respective vertical distance from the driver circuit devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Johann Alsmeier, James Kai, Koichi Matsuno
  • Publication number: 20230044232
    Abstract: A memory die includes an alternating stack of insulating layers and electrically conductive layers through which memory opening fill structures vertically extend. The memory die includes at least three memory array regions interlaced with at least two contact regions, or at least three contact regions interlaced with at least two memory array regions in the same memory plane. A logic die including at least two word line driver regions can be bonded to the memory die. The interlacing of the contact regions and the memory array regions can reduce lateral offset of boundaries of the word line driver regions from boundaries of the contact regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventors: James KAI, Yuki MIZUTANI, Hisakazu OTOI, Masaaki HIGASHITANI, Hiroyuki OAGAWA
  • Patent number: 11552094
    Abstract: A three-dimensional memory device includes an alternating stack of insulating layers and electrically conductive layers located over a substrate, and an array of memory opening fill structures extending through the alternating stack, an array of drain-select-level assemblies overlying the alternating stack and having a same two-dimensional periodicity as the array of memory opening fill structures, a first strip electrode portion laterally surrounding a first set of multiple rows of drain-select-level assemblies within the array of drain-select-level assemblies, and a drain-select-level isolation strip including an isolation dielectric that contacts the first strip electrode portion and laterally spaced from the drain-select-level assemblies and extending between the first strip electrode portion and a second strip electrode portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: James Kai, Murshed Chowdhury, Masaaki Higashitani, Johann Alsmeier
  • Patent number: 11489043
    Abstract: A three-dimensional memory device includes an alternating stack of word lines and at least one insulating layers or air gaps located over a substrate, a memory opening fill structure extending through the alternating stack. The memory opening fill structure includes a memory film and a vertical semiconductor channel contacting an inner sidewall of the memory film. The word lines are thicker than the insulating layers or air gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: James Kai, Senaka Kanakamedala, Johann Alsmeier
  • Patent number: 11481154
    Abstract: An integrated memory assembly comprises a memory die and a control die bonded to the memory die. The memory die comprises a three dimensional non-volatile memory structure and a first plurality of sense amplifiers. The first plurality of sense amplifiers are connected to the memory structure and are positioned on a substrate of the memory die between the memory structure and the substrate such that the memory structure is directly above the first plurality of sense amplifiers. The control die comprises a second plurality of sense amplifiers that are connected to the memory structure. The first plurality of sense amplifiers and the second plurality of sense amplifiers are configured to be used to concurrently perform memory operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Deepanshu Dutta, James Kai, Johann Alsmeier, Jian Chen
  • Patent number: 11398496
    Abstract: A three-dimensional memory device includes an alternating stack of word lines and at least one insulating layers or air gaps located over a substrate, a memory opening fill structure extending through the alternating stack. The memory opening fill structure includes a memory film and a vertical semiconductor channel contacting an inner sidewall of the memory film. The word lines are thicker than the insulating layers or air gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: James Kai, Senaka Kanakamedala, Johann Alsmeier
  • Publication number: 20220229588
    Abstract: An integrated memory assembly comprises a memory die and a control die bonded to the memory die. The memory die comprises a three dimensional non-volatile memory structure and a first plurality of sense amplifiers. The first plurality of sense amplifiers are connected to the memory structure and are positioned on a substrate of the memory die between the memory structure and the substrate such that the memory structure is directly above the first plurality of sense amplifiers. The control die comprises a second plurality of sense amplifiers that are connected to the memory structure. The first plurality of sense amplifiers and the second plurality of sense amplifiers are configured to be used to concurrently perform memory operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Applicant: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Deepanshu Dutta, James Kai, Johann Alsmeier, Jian Chen
  • Patent number: 11380709
    Abstract: A memory element is provided that includes a portion of a bit line plug, a portion of a source line plug, a portion of a word line, a portion of a vertical semiconductor pillar disposed between the bit line plug, the source line plug and adjacent the word line, and a gate oxide including a ferroelectric material disposed between the vertical semiconductor pillar and the word line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Yingda Dong, James Kai, Christopher J. Petti
  • Patent number: 11355486
    Abstract: A three-dimensional memory device includes an alternating stack of insulating layers and electrically conductive layers located over a carrier substrate. Memory stack structures vertically extend through the alternating stack. Each memory stack structure includes a respective vertical semiconductor channel and a respective memory film. The memory die can be bonded to a logic die containing peripheral circuitry for supporting operations of memory cells within the memory die. A distal end of each of the vertical semiconductor channels is physically exposed by removing the carrier substrate. A source layer is formed directly on the distal end each of the vertical semiconductor channels. A source power supply network can be formed on the backside of the source layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Yuki Mizutani, Masaaki Higashitani, James Kai
  • Publication number: 20220028846
    Abstract: A bonded assembly includes a first three-dimensional memory die containing a first alternating stack of first insulating layers and first electrically conductive layers and first memory structures located in the first alternating stack, a second three-dimensional memory die bonded to the first three-dimensional memory die, and containing a second alternating stack of second insulating layers and second electrically conductive layers, and second memory structures located in the second alternating stack. The first electrically conductive layers have different lateral extents along the first horizontal direction that decrease with a respective vertical distance from driver circuit devices, and the second electrically conductive layers have different lateral extents along the first horizontal direction that increase with the respective vertical distance from the driver circuit devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Inventors: Johann ALSMEIER, James KAI, Koichi MATSUNO
  • Patent number: 11201107
    Abstract: A three-dimensional memory device includes an alternating stack of insulating layers and electrically conductive layers located over a carrier substrate. Memory stack structures vertically extend through the alternating stack. Each memory stack structure includes a respective vertical semiconductor channel and a respective memory film. A pass-through via structure vertically extends through a dielectric material portion that is adjacent to the alternating stack. The memory die can be bonded to a logic die containing peripheral circuitry for supporting operations of memory cells within the memory die. A distal end of each of the vertical semiconductor channels is physically exposed by removing the carrier substrate. A source layer is formed directly on the distal end each of the vertical semiconductor channels. A backside bonding pad or bonding wire is formed to be electrically connected to the pass-through via structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Teruo Okina, Akio Nishida, James Kai
  • Patent number: 11195857
    Abstract: A three-dimensional memory device may include an alternating stack of insulating layers and spacer material layers formed over a carrier substrate. The spacer material layers are formed as, or are subsequently replaced with, electrically conductive layers. Memory stack structures are formed through the alternating stack. Each memory stack structure includes a respective vertical semiconductor channel and a respective memory film. Drain regions and bit lines can be formed over the memory stack structures to provide a memory die. The memory die can be bonded to a logic die containing peripheral circuitry for supporting operations of memory cells within the memory die. A distal end of each of the vertical semiconductor channels is physically exposed by removing the carrier substrate. A source layer is formed directly on the distal end each of the vertical semiconductor channels. A bonding pad can be formed on the source layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: James Kai, Ching-Huang Lu, Murshed Chowdhury, Johann Alsmeier
  • Patent number: 11195781
    Abstract: A three-dimensional memory device includes an alternating stack of insulating layers and electrically conductive layers located over a carrier substrate. Memory stack structures vertically extend through the alternating stack. Each memory stack structure includes a respective vertical semiconductor channel and a respective memory film. A pass-through via structure vertically extends through a dielectric material portion that is adjacent to the alternating stack. The memory die can be bonded to a logic die containing peripheral circuitry for supporting operations of memory cells within the memory die. A distal end of each of the vertical semiconductor channels is physically exposed by removing the carrier substrate. A source layer is formed directly on the distal end each of the vertical semiconductor channels. A backside bonding pad or bonding wire is formed to be electrically connected to the pass-through via structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Teruo Okina, Akio Nishida, James Kai
  • Publication number: 20210358946
    Abstract: A three-dimensional memory device includes an alternating stack of insulating layers and electrically conductive layers located over a substrate, memory openings vertically extending through the alternating stack, memory opening fill structures located within a respective one of the memory openings, and at least one drain-select-level isolation structure vertically extending through at least a topmost electrically conductive layer among the electrically conductive layers. The at least one drain-select-level isolation structure may include wiggles and cut through upper portions of at least some of the memory opening fill structures, or may include a vertically-extending dielectric material portion and laterally-protruding dielectric material portions adjoined to the vertically-extending dielectric material portion and laterally protruding into lateral recesses located adjacent to the at least the topmost electrically conductive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2021
    Publication date: November 18, 2021
    Inventors: Srinivas PULUGURTHA, Johann ALSMEIER, Yanli ZHANG, James KAI
  • Publication number: 20210335805
    Abstract: A three-dimensional memory device includes an alternating stack of word lines and at least one insulating layers or air gaps located over a substrate, a memory opening fill structure extending through the alternating stack. The memory opening fill structure includes a memory film and a vertical semiconductor channel contacting an inner sidewall of the memory film. The word lines are thicker than the insulating layers or air gaps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: James KAI, Senaka KANAKAMEDALA, Johann ALSMEIER
  • Publication number: 20210335999
    Abstract: A three-dimensional memory device includes an alternating stack of word lines and at least one insulating layers or air gaps located over a substrate, a memory opening fill structure extending through the alternating stack. The memory opening fill structure includes a memory film and a vertical semiconductor channel contacting an inner sidewall of the memory film. The word lines are thicker than the insulating layers or air gaps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: James KAI, Senaka KANAKAMEDALA, Johann ALSMEIER