Patents by Inventor Jin-Man Han

Jin-Man Han 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: 8081511
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed, such as those involving a flash memory device. One such apparatus includes a memory block including a plurality of columns. Each of the columns includes a bit line and a plurality of memory cells on the bit line. The plurality of columns include a plurality of groups of regular columns and a plurality of groups of redundant columns. The apparatus also includes a plurality of data latches. Each of the data latches is configured to store data read from a respective one group of regular columns. The apparatus further includes a plurality of redundant data latches. Each of the redundant data latches is configured to store data read from a respective one group of redundant columns. The apparatus also includes a multiplexer configured to selectively output data from the plurality of data latches and the plurality of redundant data latches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jin-Man Han, Aaron Yip
  • Patent number: 8072816
    Abstract: A non-volatile memory device has the pages of a certain memory block reallocated to other blocks in order to increase decrease disturb and increase reliability. Each of the reallocation blocks that contain the reallocated pages from the desired memory block are coupled to a wordline driver. These wordline drivers have a subset of the global wordlines as inputs. The desired wordline driver is selected by an appropriate select signal from a block decoder and an indication on an appropriate global wordline. This causes the wordline driver to generate a local wordline to the desired block with the reallocated page to be accessed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jin-Man Han, Aaron Yip
  • Patent number: 8064258
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and system providing a memory device having an array of cells which may be selectively designated for either error correction code use or redundancy cell use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Jin-Man Han
  • Publication number: 20110213918
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed, such as those involving a flash memory device. One such method includes storing data on memory cells on a memory block including a plurality of word lines and a plurality of memory cells on the word lines. The word lines comprising one or more bottom edge word lines, one or more top edge word lines, and intermediate word lines between the bottom and top edge word lines. The data is stored first on memory cells on the intermediate word lines. Then, a remaining portion, if any, of the data is stored on memory cells on the bottom edge word lines and/or the top edge word lines. This method enhances the life of the flash memory by preventing a premature failure of memory cells on the bottom or top edge word lines, which can be more prone to failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Jin-Man Han
  • Patent number: 7949821
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed, such as those involving a flash memory device. One such method includes storing data on memory cells on a memory block including a plurality of word lines and a plurality of memory cells on the word lines. The word lines comprising one or more bottom edge word lines, one or more top edge word lines, and intermediate word lines between the bottom and top edge word lines. The data is stored first on memory cells on the intermediate word lines. Then, a remaining portion, if any, of the data is stored on memory cells on the bottom edge word lines and/or the top edge word lines. This method enhances the life of the flash memory by preventing a premature failure of memory cells on the bottom or top edge word lines, which can be more prone to failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Jin-Man Han
  • Publication number: 20110110154
    Abstract: A method of programming a nonvolatile memory device comprises applying a gradually increasing program voltage to a memory cell, determining the number of verify voltages to be applied to the memory cell during a program loop based on the change of a threshold voltage from an initial state of the memory cell to a target state, and applying at least one of the determined verify voltages to the memory cell to verify whether the memory cell is programmed to the target state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Min Seok KIM, Jin Man HAN, Ki Tae PARK
  • Publication number: 20110019474
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed, such as those involving a flash memory device. One such apparatus includes a memory block including a plurality of columns. Each of the columns includes a bit line and a plurality of memory cells on the bit line. The plurality of columns include a plurality of groups of regular columns and a plurality of groups of redundant columns. The apparatus also includes a plurality of data latches. Each of the data latches is configured to store data read from a respective one group of regular columns. The apparatus further includes a plurality of redundant data latches. Each of the redundant data latches is configured to store data read from a respective one group of redundant columns. The apparatus also includes a multiplexer configured to selectively output data from the plurality of data latches and the plurality of redundant data latches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Jin-Man Han, Aaron Yip
  • Publication number: 20110013451
    Abstract: A non-volatile memory array with both single level cells and multilevel cells. The single level and multilevel cells, in one embodiment, are alternated either along each bit line. An alternate embodiment alternates the single and multilevel cells along both the bit lines and the word lines so that no single level cell is adjacent to another single level cell in either the word line or the bit line directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: ROUND ROCK RESEARCH, LLC
    Inventor: Jin-Man Han
  • Patent number: 7855927
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus. A NAND flash memory device receives command and address signals at a first frequency and a data signal at a second frequency that is greater than the first frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Jin-Man Han
  • Publication number: 20100296348
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to receive an external erase command at a control circuit coupled to an erasable memory array located on a substrate. A global select gate voltage may thereafter be enabled for application to wordline transistors coupled to the erasable memory array after a voltage applied to the substrate has reached a preselected initiation voltage level between about zero volts and an ultimate erase voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Xiaojun Yu, Jin-man Han, Aaron Yip
  • Patent number: 7821830
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed, such as those involving a flash memory device. One such apparatus includes a memory block including a plurality of columns. Each of the columns includes a bit line and a plurality of memory cells on the bit line. The plurality of columns include a plurality of groups of regular columns and a plurality of groups of redundant columns. The apparatus also includes a plurality of data latches. Each of the data latches is configured to store data read from a respective one group of regular columns. The apparatus further includes a plurality of redundant data latches. Each of the redundant data latches is configured to store data read from a respective one group of redundant columns. The apparatus also includes a multiplexer configured to selectively output data from the plurality of data latches and the plurality of redundant data latches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jin-Man Han, Aaron Yip
  • Patent number: 7808822
    Abstract: A non-volatile memory array with both single level cells and multilevel cells. The single level and multilevel cells, in one embodiment, are alternated either along each bit line. An alternate embodiment alternates the single and multilevel cells along both the bit lines and the word lines so that no single level cell is adjacent to another single level cell in either the word line or the bit line directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Round Rock Research, LLC
    Inventor: Jin-Man Han
  • Patent number: 7778086
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to receive an external erase command at a control circuit coupled to an erasable memory array located on a substrate. A global select gate voltage may thereafter be enabled for application to wordline transistors coupled to the erasable memory array after a voltage applied to the substrate has reached a preselected initiation voltage level between about zero volts and an ultimate erase voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaojun Yu, Jin-man Han, Aaron Yip
  • Publication number: 20100165741
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes methods, devices, modules, and systems for operating memory cells. One method embodiment includes applying sensing voltages to selected access lines for sensing selected memory cells. The method also includes applying a dynamic pass voltage to unselected access lines while the sensing voltages are applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Jin-Man Han
  • Publication number: 20100142280
    Abstract: A target memory cell of a memory device is programmed by applying a programming voltage to a word line that includes the target memory cell, determining whether the target memory cell is programmed, and increasing the programming voltage by a step voltage if it is determined that the target memory cell is not programmed. An initial programming voltage and the step voltage are each selectable after fabrication of the memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Dzung H. Nguyen, Benjamin Louie, Hagop A. Nazarian, Aaron Yip, Jin-Man Han
  • Publication number: 20100135084
    Abstract: The apparatus and systems described herein may comprise a plurality of memory cells coupled to a local wordline, and a wordline drive circuit that includes a regulator coupled to a plurality of pass transistors and a string driver. The regulator may comprise a regulator transistor having a threshold voltage that is substantially the same as the threshold voltage of the string driver during memory cell program operations. In some embodiments, the regulator may comprise a cascode-connected pair of transistors. Methods of manufacturing and operating the apparatus and systems are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Xiaojun Yu, Jin-man Han
  • Patent number: 7719888
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes methods, devices, modules, and systems for operating memory cells. One method embodiment includes applying sensing voltages to selected access lines for sensing selected memory cells. The method also includes applying a dynamic pass voltage to unselected access lines while the sensing voltages are applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Jin-Man Han
  • Publication number: 20100118611
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to receive an external read command at a control circuit coupled to a memory array. Individual wordline activation may be delayed according to a delay period determined by a read level voltage magnitude associated with a plurality of memory cells included in the array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Xiaojun Yu, Jin-man Han
  • Patent number: 7707368
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided. A memory device has a memory array, base trim circuitry adapted to store base control parameter values common to the memory array, and a reference trim circuit corresponding to a portion of the memory array. The reference trim circuit is adapted to store one or more reference control parameter values for respectively correcting one or more of the base control parameter values of the base trim circuitry for application to the portion of the memory array. The memory device may include an index circuit corresponding to the reference trim circuit. The index circuit is adapted to store one or more index parameter values for respectively selecting the one or more base control parameter values of the base trim circuitry for correction by the one or more reference control parameter values of the reference trim circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Louie, Aaron Yip, Jin-Man Han
  • Patent number: 7688630
    Abstract: A target memory cell of a memory device is programmed by applying a programming voltage to a word line that includes the target memory cell, determining whether the target memory cell is programmed, and increasing the programming voltage by a step voltage if it is determined that the target memory cell is not programmed. An initial programming voltage and the step voltage are each selectable after fabrication of the memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dzung H. Nguyen, Benjamin Louie, Hagop A. Nazarian, Aaron Yip, Jin-Man Han