Patents by Inventor Jeffrey Milton Scherer

Jeffrey Milton Scherer 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: 8331180
    Abstract: A static random access memory (SRAM) includes an SRAM cell to store a bit of data. A word line accesses the SRAM cell, which, responsively, during a read, drives either a bit line true (BLT) or a bit line complement (BLC) low. Both BLT and BLC are precharged to a supply voltage, then, subsequently are discharged to a reference voltage, lower than the supply voltage, prior to the word line being activated. Because the bit lines are at a voltage lower than the supply voltage when the SRAM cell is activated, the SRAM cell stability is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chad Allen Adams, Sharon Huertas Cesky, Elizabeth Lair Gerhard, Jeffrey Milton Scherer
  • Patent number: 8213249
    Abstract: A method and static random access memory (SRAM) circuit for implementing low power data predicting local evaluation for double pumped arrays, and a design structure on which the subject circuit reside are provided. A novel variation of a domino read local evaluation circuit accurately predicts the write data for the next cycle. The domino read local evaluation circuit uses static write data set up prior to a write enable signal to determine the value of the data that is being written into the array. When the data being written to the array matches the data last read the local bitlines stay in their previous state. When the data being written is opposite of the data last read then the bit lines are precharged to the precharge value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chad Allen Adams, Sharon Huertas Cesky, Elizabeth Lair Gerhard, Jeffrey Milton Scherer
  • Publication number: 20120081949
    Abstract: A static random access memory (SRAM) includes an SRAM cell to store a bit of data. A word line accesses the SRAM cell, which, responsively, during a read, drives either a bit line true (BLT) or a bit line complement (BLC) low. Both BLT and BLC are precharged to a supply voltage, then, subsequently are discharged to a reference voltage, lower than the supply voltage, prior to the word line being activated. Because the bit lines are at a voltage lower than the supply voltage when the SRAM cell is activated, the SRAM cell stability is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chad Allen Adams, Sharon Huertas Cesky, Elizabeth Lair Gerhard, Jeffrey Milton Scherer
  • Publication number: 20110292748
    Abstract: A method and static random access memory (SRAM) circuit for implementing low power data predicting local evaluation for double pumped arrays, and a design structure on which the subject circuit reside are provided. A novel variation of a domino read local evaluation circuit accurately predicts the write data for the next cycle. The domino read local evaluation circuit uses static write data set up prior to a write enable signal to determine the value of the data that is being written into the array. When the data being written to the array matches the data last read the local bitlines stay in their previous state. When the data being written is opposite of the data last read then the bit lines are precharged to the precharge value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chad Allen Adams, Sharon Huertas Cesky, Elizabeth Lair Gerhard, Jeffrey Milton Scherer
  • Patent number: 7783943
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a random access memory device is provided. One embodiment involves providing an interface between Logic Built in Self Test (LBIST) and Array Built in Self Test (ABIST) paths for memory testing, including providing a cross-coupled NAND device with an LBIST test path; configuring the cross-coupled NAND device for interfacing ABIST and LBIST paths by modeling a worst case scenario for timing from a domino read static random access memory (SRAM) array; and modifying data in the cross-coupled NAND device using an LBIST controlled data path at essentially the latest point in time when a read may propagate from the array to provide full AC test coverage of down stream logic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chad Allen Adams, Elizabeth Lair Gerhard, Sharon Huertas Cesky, Jeffrey Milton Scherer
  • Patent number: 7751266
    Abstract: A design structure embodied in a machine readable medium used in a design process and an integrated circuit for high performance SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) read bypass for BIST (built-in self-test). The design structure and integrated structure includes a dynamic to static conversion unit for a read output of an SRAM array, and a test bypass unit integrated into the dynamic to static conversion unit, so as to allow the read output of the SRAM array to pass through in a non-test mode without impacting performance, and bypass the read output of the SRAM array and allow a test signal to pass though in a test mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chad Allen Adams, Derick Gardner Behrends, Daniel Mark Nelson, Jeffrey Milton Scherer
  • Publication number: 20090323445
    Abstract: A design structure embodied in a machine readable medium used in a design process and an integrated circuit for high performance SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) read bypass for BIST (built-in self-test). The design structure and integrated structure includes a dynamic to static conversion unit for a read output of an SRAM array, and a test bypass unit integrated into the dynamic to static conversion unit, so as to allow the read output of the SRAM array to pass through in a non-test mode without impacting performance, and bypass the read output of the SRAM array and allow a test signal to pass though in a test mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chad Allen Adams, Derick Gardner Behrends, Daniel Mark Nelson, Jeffrey Milton Scherer
  • Publication number: 20090287971
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a random access memory device is provided. One embodiment involves providing an interface between Logic Built in Self Test (LBIST) and Array Built in Self Test (ABIST) paths for memory testing, including providing a cross-coupled NAND device with an LBIST test path; configuring the cross-coupled NAND device for interfacing ABIST and LBIST paths by modeling a worst case scenario for timing from a domino read static random access memory (SRAM) array; and modifying data in the cross-coupled NAND device using an LBIST controlled data path at essentially the latest point in time when a read may propagate from the array to provide full AC test coverage of down stream logic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chad Allen Adams, Elizabeth Lair Gerhard, Sharon Huertas Cesky, Jeffrey Milton Scherer
  • Publication number: 20090285039
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for write assist for a static random access memory (SRAM) array, is provided, which increases the write ability of the SRAM cell by locally raising the source voltage. One embodiment involves locally generating a virtual ground for write assist on column selected SRAM cells, including locally raising the source voltage to increase the write ability of the SRAM cell; wherein locally raising the source voltage comprises locally generating a virtual source/ground node for boosting the write ability of a column of SRAM cells without using an additional on-chip or off-chip supply; thereby decreasing the voltage differential across the source and supply of the column of SRAM cells during a write, and restoring the standard chip differential during a read.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chad Allen Adams, Elizabeth Lair Gerhard, Sharon Huertas Cesky, Jeffrey Milton Scherer