Patents by Inventor Lance P. Johnson
Lance P. Johnson 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).
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Publication number: 20250370621Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for an interface layout for stacked memory architectures are described. A memory interface block may interface a plurality of memory dies to a host controller. The memory interface block may include an interface block coupled with multiple memory dies, which may be stacked on the memory interface block using through-silicon-vias. The memory interface block may include controllers, datapath blocks, and interface blocks associated with each memory die. As such, the memory interface block may perform functions such as queueing, ECC, and performing row repair and column repair procedures. In some examples, a layout for the memory interface block may include pairing controllers for at least two memory devices, such that a pair of controllers may share a command port to a pair of memory dies. Further, the memory interface block may include interfaces to the host controller that are different from the interface to each memory die.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2024Publication date: December 4, 2025Inventors: Nathan A. Eckel, Lance P. Johnson, Paul A. Laberge
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Publication number: 20250279153Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for sparing techniques in stacked memory architectures are described. A memory system may implement a stacked memory architecture that includes a set of array dies stacked along a direction and a logic die coupled with the set of array dies. Each array die may include one or more memory arrays accessible using one or more first interface blocks of the array die. To support sparing, the memory system may remap access from one or more first memory arrays of the set of array dies to one or more second memory arrays of the set of array dies. Logic circuitry of the logic die may be operable to perform the remapping in accordance with one or more levels of granularity, such as at a die level, channel level, pseudo-channel level, bank level, or a combination thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2024Publication date: September 4, 2025Inventors: Sai Krishna Mylavarapu, Shivasankar Gunasekaran, Ameen D. Akel, Brent Keeth, Lance P. Johnson, Amy Rae Griffin
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Publication number: 20250278481Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for row hammer mitigation for stacked memory architectures are described. A semiconductor system, such as a memory system, may distribute operations for row hammer mitigation across circuitry of the semiconductor system. A first interface block of a first die of the semiconductor system may exchange signaling with a second interface block of a second die of the semiconductor system to perform row hammer mitigation operations. The second die may implement counters to track quantities of access operations associated with respective rows of memory cells of the second die. The second interface block may transmit alert signaling to the first interface block based on a value of a counter, and the first interface block may evaluate the alert signaling and transmit refresh signaling to the second interface block to perform one or more refresh operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2024Publication date: September 4, 2025Inventors: Nathan A. Eckel, Chun-Yi Liu, Lance P. Johnson, James Brian Johnson, Yang Lu
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Publication number: 20250278482Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for row hammer mitigation reliability in stacked memory architectures are described. A spare counter may be implemented at a first interface block of a logic die to enable increased reliability and efficiency in row hammer mitigation. The first interface block may use a spare counter in case of an error associated with a counter at a memory array die. A second interface block of an array die may identify an error associated with a counter of a memory array and may transmit an indication of the error to the first interface block. The first interface block may receive the indication and may activate a spare counter to track access operations on (e.g., activations of) the row based on the indication. The first interface block may use the spare counter to evaluate whether to transmit refresh signaling to the second interface block for row hammer mitigation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2024Publication date: September 4, 2025Inventors: Chun-Yi Liu, Lance P. Johnson, Nathan A. Eckel, James Brian Johnson
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Publication number: 20250279133Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for interface techniques for stacked memory architectures are described. A semiconductor system, such as a memory system, may distribute memory access circuitry among multiple semiconductor dies of a stack. A first die of the system may include logic circuitry operable to configure a set of multiple first interface blocks of the first die. Each first interface block may include circuitry operable to communicate with one or more second interface blocks of one or more second dies of the system to access a respective set of one or more memory arrays of the one or more second dies. In some examples, the system may include a respective controller for each first interface block to support access operations via the first interface block. The system may also include non-volatile storage, one or more sensors, or a combination thereof to support various operations of the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2024Publication date: September 4, 2025Inventors: Ameen D. Akel, Brent Keeth, James Brian Johnson, Chun-Yi Liu, Shivasankar Gunasekaran, Paul A. Laberge, Gregory A. King, Sai Krishna Mylavarapu, Su Wei Lim, Nathan A. Eckel, Lance P. Johnson, Nathan D. Henningson
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Publication number: 20250272025Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for schedule memory are described. Specifically, techniques are described for a memory interface between a host system and memory (e.g., a closely coupled memory). For example, a memory interface block (MIB) between the host system and the memory system may schedule access operations performed by the memory system, schedule and perform error control operations, schedule and perform media management operations, as well as schedule and perform other operations. The use of such a MIB may enable the improvement of the memory system by reducing latency and increasing efficiency of memory accesses, while reducing impacts on the architecture and design of the host system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2024Publication date: August 28, 2025Inventors: Chun-Yi Liu, Ameen D. Akel, Lance P. Johnson
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Publication number: 20250149108Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for sparing techniques in stacked memory architectures are described. A memory system may implement a stacked memory architecture that includes a set of array dies stacked along a direction and a logic die coupled with the set of array dies. Each array die may include one or more memory arrays accessible using one or more first interface blocks of the array die. To support sparing, the memory system may remap access from one or more first memory arrays of the set of array dies to one or more second memory arrays of the set of array dies. Logic circuitry of the logic die may be operable to perform the remapping in accordance with one or more levels of granularity, such as at a die level, channel level, pseudo-channel level, bank level, or a combination thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2024Publication date: May 8, 2025Inventors: Sai Krishna Mylavarapu, Shivasankar Gunasekaran, Ameen D. Akel, Brent Keeth, Lance P. Johnson, Amy Rae Griffin
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Publication number: 20250045388Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for row hammer mitigation for stacked memory architectures are described. A semiconductor system, such as a memory system, may distribute operations for row hammer mitigation across circuitry of the semiconductor system. A first interface block of a first die of the semiconductor system may exchange signaling with a second interface block of a second die of the semiconductor system to perform row hammer mitigation operations. The second die may implement counters to track quantities of access operations associated with respective rows of memory cells of the second die. The second interface block may transmit alert signaling to the first interface block based on a value of a counter, and the first interface block may evaluate the alert signaling and transmit refresh signaling to the second interface block to perform one or more refresh operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2024Publication date: February 6, 2025Inventors: Nathan A. Eckel, Chun-Yi Liu, Lance P. Johnson, James Brian Johnson, Yang Lu
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Publication number: 20250045389Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for row hammer mitigation reliability in stacked memory architectures are described. A spare counter may be implemented at a first interface block of a logic die to enable increased reliability and efficiency in row hammer mitigation. The first interface block may use a spare counter in case of an error associated with a counter at a memory array die. A second interface block of an array die may identify an error associated with a counter of a memory array and may transmit an indication of the error to the first interface block. The first interface block may receive the indication and may activate a spare counter to track access operations on (e.g., activations of) the row based on the indication. The first interface block may use the spare counter to evaluate whether to transmit refresh signaling to the second interface block for row hammer mitigation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2024Publication date: February 6, 2025Inventors: Chun-Yi Liu, Lance P. Johnson, Nathan A. Eckel, James Brian Johnson
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Publication number: 20240404581Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for interface techniques for stacked memory architectures are described. A semiconductor system, such as a memory system, may distribute memory access circuitry among multiple semiconductor dies of a stack. A first die of the system may include logic circuitry operable to configure a set of multiple first interface blocks of the first die. Each first interface block may include circuitry operable to communicate with one or more second interface blocks of one or more second dies of the system to access a respective set of one or more memory arrays of the one or more second dies. In some examples, the system may include a respective controller for each first interface block to support access operations via the first interface block. The system may also include non-volatile storage, one or more sensors, or a combination thereof to support various operations of the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2024Publication date: December 5, 2024Inventors: Ameen D. Akel, Brent Keeth, James Brian Johnson, Chun-Yi Liu, Shivasankar Gunasekaran, Paul A. Laberge, Gregory A. King, Sai Krishna Mylavarapu, Su Wei Lim, Nathan A. Eckel, Lance P. Johnson, Nathan D. Henningson
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Publication number: 20240402909Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for an interface layout for stacked memory architectures are described. A memory interface block may interface a plurality of memory dies to a host controller. The memory interface block may include an interface block coupled with multiple memory dies, which may be stacked on the memory interface block using through-silicon-vias. The memory interface block may include controllers, datapath blocks, and interface blocks associated with each memory die. As such, the memory interface block may perform functions such as queueing, ECC, and performing row repair and column repair procedures. In some examples, a layout for the memory interface block may include pairing controllers for at least two memory devices, such that a pair of controllers may share a command port to a pair of memory dies. Further, the memory interface block may include interfaces to the host controller that are different from the interface to each memory die.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2024Publication date: December 5, 2024Inventors: Nathan A. Eckel, Lance P. Johnson, Paul A. Laberge
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Publication number: 20240338149Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for schedule memory are described. Specifically, techniques are described for a memory interface between a host system and memory (e.g., a tightly coupled memory). For example, a memory interface block (MIB) between the host system and the memory system may schedule access operations performed by the memory system, schedule and perform error control operations, schedule and perform media management operations, as well as schedule and perform other operations. The use of such a MIB may enable the improvement of the memory system by reducing latency and increasing efficiency of memory accesses, while reducing impacts on the architecture and design of the host system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2024Publication date: October 10, 2024Inventors: Chun-Yi Liu, Ameen D. Akel, Lance P. Johnson
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Patent number: 11960731Abstract: An apparatus can include first circuitry coupled to a FIFO memory. The first circuitry can provide a write pointer of the FIFO memory at a first rate. Second circuitry can be coupled to the FIFO memory. The second circuitry can provide a read pointer of the FIFO memory at a second rate that is different from the first rate. Third circuitry can be coupled to the first and second circuitries. The third circuitry can provide an indication of an error condition of the FIFO memory based on the write pointer and the read pointer.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Lance P. Johnson
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Publication number: 20230393754Abstract: An apparatus can include first circuitry coupled to a FIFO memory. The first circuitry can provide a write pointer of the FIFO memory at a first rate. Second circuitry can be coupled to the FIFO memory. The second circuitry can provide a read pointer of the FIFO memory at a second rate that is different from the first rate. Third circuitry can be coupled to the first and second circuitries. The third circuitry can provide an indication of an error condition of the FIFO memory based on the write pointer and the read pointer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2022Publication date: December 7, 2023Inventor: Lance P. Johnson
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Patent number: 11457646Abstract: An anti-oxidation frying device includes a frying vessel having an electrically conductive body configured to heat cooking oil carried therein by a heating unit. A removable basket, also formed of electrically conductive material, is configured to be carried within the frying vessel to enable the cooking of food in the heated oil. A rectification circuit is coupled to the heating unit, the body of the frying vessel, and the basket. During operation the rectification circuit converts AC power from an external power source into a rippled, rectified AC current signal that is supplied to the heating unit, body of the frying vessel, and the basket, so as to create a reducing environment of available electrons for absorption by the cooking oil and food as it is prepared, thus extending the life of the cooking oil.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2018Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Inventor: Lance P. Johnson
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Publication number: 20190069571Abstract: An anti-oxidation frying device includes a frying vessel having an electrically conductive body configured to heat cooking oil carried therein by a heating unit. A removable basket, also formed of electrically conductive material, is configured to be carried within the frying vessel to enable the cooking of food in the heated oil. A rectification circuit is coupled to the heating unit, the body of the frying vessel, and the basket. During operation the rectification circuit converts AC power from an external power source into a rippled, rectified AC current signal that is supplied to the heating unit, body of the frying vessel, and the basket, so as to create a reducing environment of available electrons for absorption by the cooking oil and food as it is prepared, thus extending the life of the cooking oil.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2018Publication date: March 7, 2019Inventor: Lance P. Johnson
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Patent number: 10123548Abstract: An anti-oxidation frying device includes a frying vessel having an electrically conductive body configured to heat cooking oil carried therein by a heating unit. A removable basket, also formed of electrically conductive material, is configured to be carried within the frying vessel to enable the cooking of food in the heated oil. A rectification circuit is coupled to the heating unit, the body of the frying vessel, and the basket. During operation the rectification circuit converts AC power from an external power source into a rippled, rectified AC current signal that is supplied to the heating unit, body of the frying vessel, and the basket, so as to create a reducing environment of available electrons for absorption by the cooking oil and food as it is prepared, thus extending the life of the cooking oil.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2016Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Inventor: Lance P. Johnson
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Publication number: 20160213019Abstract: An anti-oxidation frying device includes a frying vessel having an electrically conductive body configured to heat cooking oil carried therein by a heating unit. A removable basket, also formed of electrically conductive material, is configured to be carried within the frying vessel to enable the cooking of food in the heated oil. A rectification circuit is coupled to the heating unit, the body of the frying vessel, and the basket. During operation the rectification circuit converts AC power from an external power source into a rippled, rectified AC current signal that is supplied to the heating unit, body of the frying vessel, and the basket, so as to create a reducing environment of available electrons for absorption by the cooking oil and food as it is prepared, thus extending the life of the cooking oil.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2016Publication date: July 28, 2016Inventor: LANCE P. JOHNSON
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Patent number: 9386881Abstract: An anti-oxidation frying device includes a frying vessel having an electrically conductive body configured to heat cooking oil carried therein by a heating unit. A removable basket, also formed of electrically conductive material, is configured to be carried within the frying vessel to enable the cooking of food in the heated oil. A rectification circuit is coupled to the heating unit, the body of the frying vessel, and the basket. During operation the rectification circuit converts AC power from an external power source into a rippled, rectified AC current signal that is supplied to the heating unit, body of the frying vessel, and the basket, so as to create a reducing environment of available electrons for absorption by the cooking oil and food as it is prepared, thus extending the life of the cooking oil.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Inventor: Lance P. Johnson
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Patent number: 9247841Abstract: An anti-oxidation food preparation device includes a food preparation vessel having an electrically conductive body and a separate power supplying base. The base generates high frequency AC power that is transferred by a primary coil to as secondary coil maintained by the vessel. A rectification circuit converts the high frequency AC power into a rippled, rectified AC current that is supplied to the electrically conductive body of the vessel so as to create a reducing environment of available electrons for absorption by the food as it is prepared.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2011Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Inventors: Steven L. Maupin, Lance P. Johnson