Patents by Inventor Kazuyuki Kouno

Kazuyuki Kouno 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: 11615299
    Abstract: A neural network computation circuit that outputs output data according to a result of a multiply-accumulate operation between input data and connection weight coefficients, the neural network computation circuit includes computation units in each of which a memory element and a transistor are connected in series between data lines, a memory element and a transistor are connected in series between data lines, and gates of the transistors are connected to word lines. The connection weight coefficients are stored into the memory elements. A word line selection circuit places the word lines in a selection state or a non-selection state according to the input data. A determination circuit determines current values flowing in data lines to output output data. A current application circuit has a function of adjusting current values flowing in data lines, and adjusts connection weight coefficients without rewriting the memory elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Reiji Mochida, Kazuyuki Kouno, Yuriko Hayata, Takashi Ono, Masayoshi Nakayama
  • Patent number: 11604974
    Abstract: A neural network computation circuit that outputs output data according to a result of a multiply-accumulate operation between input data and connection weight coefficients, the neural network computation circuit includes computation units in each of which a non-volatile semiconductor memory element and a cell transistor are connected in series between data lines, a non-volatile semiconductor memory element and a cell transistor are connected in series between data lines, and gates of the transistors are connected to word lines. The connection weight coefficients are stored into the non-volatile semiconductor memory elements. A word line selection circuit places the word lines in a selection state or a non-selection state according to the input data. A determination circuit determines current values flowing in data lines to output output data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Kouno, Takashi Ono, Masayoshi Nakayama, Reiji Mochida, Yuriko Hayata
  • Patent number: 11495289
    Abstract: Connection weight coefficients to be used in a neural network computation are stored in a memory array. A word line drive circuit drives a word line corresponding to input data of a neural network. A column selection circuit connects to a computation circuit bit lines to which a connection weight coefficient to be computed is connected. The computation circuit determines the sum of cell currents flowing in the bit lines. A result of the determination made by the computation circuit is stored in an output holding circuit, and is set as an input of a neural network in the next layer, to the word line drive circuit. A control circuit instructs the word line drive circuit and the column selection circuit to select the word line and the bit line to be used in the neural network computation, based on information held in a network configuration information holding circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuriko Hayata, Kazuyuki Kouno, Masayoshi Nakayama, Reiji Mochida, Takashi Ono, Hitoshi Suwa
  • Patent number: 11354569
    Abstract: A neural network computation circuit includes in-area multiple-word line selection circuits that are provided in one-to-one correspondence to a plurality of word line areas into which a plurality of word lines included in a memory array are logically divided. Each of the in-area multiple-word line selection circuits sets one or more word lines in a selected state or a non-selected state, and includes a first latch and a second latch provided for each word line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masayoshi Nakayama, Kazuyuki Kouno, Yuriko Hayata, Takashi Ono, Reiji Mochida
  • Patent number: 11062772
    Abstract: A variable resistance non-volatile memory device includes a memory cell array including memory cells, a write circuit, and a control circuit. Each memory cell includes a memory element that is a non-volatile and variable-resistance memory element, and a cell transistor. The write circuit includes a source line driver circuit connected to the cell transistor and a bit line driver circuit connected to the memory element. When performing a write operation of changing the memory element to a low resistance state, the control circuit performs control for allowing current having a first current value to flow through the memory element, and subsequently performs control for allowing current having a second current value to flow through the memory element. The second current value is greater than the largest value of overshoot current flowing through the memory element after the start of the changing of the memory element to the low resistance state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Reiji Mochida, Kazuyuki Kouno, Takashi Ono, Masayoshi Nakayama, Yuriko Hayata
  • Publication number: 20210065795
    Abstract: A variable resistance non-volatile memory device includes a memory cell array including memory cells, a write circuit, and a control circuit. Each memory cell includes a memory element that is a non-volatile and variable-resistance memory element, and a cell transistor. The write circuit includes a source line driver circuit connected to the cell transistor and a bit line driver circuit connected to the memory element. When performing a write operation of changing the memory element to a low resistance state, the control circuit performs control for allowing current having a first current value to flow through the memory element, and subsequently performs control for allowing current having a second current value to flow through the memory element. The second current value is greater than the largest value of overshoot current flowing through the memory element after the start of the changing of the memory element to the low resistance state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Reiji MOCHIDA, Kazuyuki KOUNO, Takashi ONO, Masayoshi NAKAYAMA, Yuriko HAYATA
  • Publication number: 20200202925
    Abstract: Connection weight coefficients to be used in a neural network computation are stored in a memory array. A word line drive circuit drives a word line corresponding to input data of a neural network. A column selection circuit connects to a computation circuit bit lines to which a connection weight coefficient to be computed is connected. The computation circuit determines the sum of cell currents flowing in the bit lines. A result of the determination made by the computation circuit is stored in an output holding circuit, and is set as an input of a neural network in the next layer, to the word line drive circuit. A control circuit instructs the word line drive circuit and the column selection circuit to select the word line and the bit line to be used in the neural network computation, based on information held in a network configuration information holding circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Inventors: Yuriko HAYATA, Kazuyuki KOUNO, Masayoshi NAKAYAMA, Reiji MOCHIDA, Takashi ONO, Hitoshi SUWA
  • Publication number: 20200202204
    Abstract: A neural network computation circuit that outputs output data according to a result of a multiply-accumulate operation between input data and connection weight coefficients, the neural network computation circuit includes computation units in each of which a non-volatile semiconductor memory element and a cell transistor are connected in series between data lines, a non-volatile semiconductor memory element and a cell transistor are connected in series between data lines, and gates of the transistors are connected to word lines. The connection weight coefficients are stored into the non-volatile semiconductor memory elements. A word line selection circuit places the word lines in a selection state or a non-selection state according to the input data. A determination circuit determines current values flowing in data lines to output output data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Inventors: Kazuyuki KOUNO, Takashi ONO, Masayoshi NAKAYAMA, Reiji MOCHIDA, Yuriko HAYATA
  • Publication number: 20200202203
    Abstract: A neural network computation circuit includes in-area multiple-word line selection circuits that are provided in one-to-one correspondence to a plurality of word line areas into which a plurality of word lines included in a memory array are logically divided. Each of the in-area multiple-word line selection circuits sets one or more word lines in a selected state or a non-selected state, and includes a first latch and a second latch provided for each word line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Inventors: Masayoshi NAKAYAMA, Kazuyuki KOUNO, Yuriko HAYATA, Takashi ONO, Reiji MOCHIDA
  • Publication number: 20200202207
    Abstract: A neural network computation circuit that outputs output data according to a result of a multiply-accumulate operation between input data and connection weight coefficients, the neural network computation circuit includes computation units in each of which a memory element and a transistor are connected in series between data lines, a memory element and a transistor are connected in series between data lines, and gates of the transistors are connected to word lines. The connection weight coefficients are stored into the memory elements. A word line selection circuit places the word lines in a selection state or a non-selection state according to the input data. A determination circuit determines current values flowing in data lines to output output data. A current application circuit has a function of adjusting current values flowing in data lines, and adjusts connection weight coefficients without rewriting the memory elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Inventors: Reiji MOCHIDA, Kazuyuki KOUNO, Yuriko HAYATA, Takashi ONO, Masayoshi NAKAYAMA
  • Patent number: 10573810
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a first select line and a second select line. A first memory element among a plurality of memory elements has a first top electrode and a first bottom electrode. The first top electrode is connected to the first select line and the first bottom electrode is connected to the second select line. A second memory element among the plurality of memory elements, which is disposed adjacent to the first memory element, has a second top electrode and a second bottom electrode. The second top electrode is connected to the first select line, and the second bottom electrode is connected to the first select line without passing a resistive element of a memory element other than the second memory element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Nakao, Kazuyuki Kouno
  • Publication number: 20180069177
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a first select line and a second select line. A first memory element among a plurality of memory elements has a first top electrode and a first bottom electrode. The first top electrode is connected to the first select line and the first bottom electrode is connected to the second select line. A second memory element among the plurality of memory elements, which is disposed adjacent to the first memory element, has a second top electrode and a second bottom electrode. The second top electrode is connected to the first select line, and the second bottom electrode is connected to the first select line without passing a resistive element of a memory element other than the second memory element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Yoshiaki NAKAO, Kazuyuki KOUNO
  • Patent number: 9747979
    Abstract: A memory array includes a plurality of memory cells arranged in a matrix, each memory cell including a cell transistor and a variable resistance element connected to an end of the cell transistor, and a cell transistor performance measuring cell including a MOS transistor. The cell transistor performance measuring cell is used to stabilize resistance values in a low resistance state and a high resistance state of the variable resistance element irrespective of variations in the cell transistor and thereby improve read characteristics and reliability characteristics of a nonvolatile semiconductor storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Nakayama, Kazuyuki Kouno, Reiji Mochida, Keita Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9478283
    Abstract: A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes: a memory cell (MC0) including a cell transistor (TC0) and a variable resistance element (RR0); a memory cell (MC1) including a cell transistor (TC1) and a variable resistance element (RR1); a word line (WL0) connected to the cell transistor (TC0); a word line (WL1) connected to the cell transistor (TC1); a data line (SL0) connecting the cell transistor (TC0) and the variable resistance element (RR1) to each other; and a data line (BL0) connecting the variable resistance element (RR0) and the cell transistor (TC1) to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Reiji Mochida, Kazuyuki Kouno
  • Patent number: 9343115
    Abstract: A memory array includes a resistive memory cell array having a first cell transistor and a resistance change element connected in series and a reference cell array having a second cell transistor and a resistance element connected in series. The second cell transistor of the reference cell array is connected to a reference source line, and the resistance element is connected to a reference bit line. A dummy memory cell is connected to the reference bit line in the memory cell array, and both ends of a resistance change element of the dummy memory cell are short-circuited through the reference bit line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takanori Ueda, Kazuyuki Kouno, Yasuo Murakuki, Masayoshi Nakayama, Yuriko Ishitobi, Keita Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9230640
    Abstract: A memory cell array includes a plurality of word lines each connected to gates of cell transistors in corresponding ones of a plurality of memory cells, a plurality of first control lines, a plurality of second control lines, a first ground circuit configured to ground the first control lines together in accordance with a first signal, and the first ground circuit includes a plurality of first transistors provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the first control lines, and each including a drain connected to a corresponding one of the first control lines, a first ground line configured to ground sources of the first transistors together, and a first signal line connected to gates of the first transistors to feed the first signal to the gates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takanori Ueda, Kazuyuki Kouno
  • Publication number: 20150348626
    Abstract: A memory array includes a plurality of memory cells arranged in a matrix, each memory cell including a cell transistor and a variable resistance element connected to an end of the cell transistor, and a cell transistor performance measuring cell including a MOS transistor. The cell transistor performance measuring cell is used to stabilize resistance values in a low resistance state and a high resistance state of the variable resistance element irrespective of variations in the cell transistor and thereby improve read characteristics and reliability characteristics of a nonvolatile semiconductor storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Inventors: Masayoshi NAKAYAMA, Kazuyuki KOUNO, Reiji MOCHIDA, Keita TAKAHASHI
  • Patent number: 9190117
    Abstract: A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes: a memory cell array having a plurality of memory cells arranged in a matrix; a reference bit line; a reference source line; at least one reference cell including first and second transistors serially connected between these lines; a reference word line connected to the gate of the first transistor; and a reference driver circuit configured to control the gate voltage of the second transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takanori Ueda, Kazuyuki Kouno
  • Patent number: 9153625
    Abstract: A non-volatile semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of series-coupled fixed resistance elements, a plurality of reference cell transistors, and reference word lines coupled to gates of the reference cell transistors, a first reference data line coupled to one end of a resistance path in which a plurality of fixed resistance elements are arranged, and a second reference data line coupled in common to one ends of the reference cell transistors. The other end of each of the reference cell transistors is coupled to one of coupling points of the fixed resistance elements or the other end of the resistance path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Kouno, Takanori Ueda
  • Publication number: 20150279457
    Abstract: A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes: a memory cell (MC0) including a cell transistor (TC0) and a variable resistance element (RR0); a memory cell (MC1) including a cell transistor (TC1) and a variable resistance element (RR1); a word line (WL0) connected to the cell transistor (TC0); a word line (WL1) connected to the cell transistor (TC1); a data line (SL0) connecting the cell transistor (TC0) and the variable resistance element (RR1) to each other; and a data line (BL0) connecting the variable resistance element (RR0) and the cell transistor (TC1) to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Reiji Mochida, Kazuyuki Kouno