Patents by Inventor Mario Allegra

Mario Allegra 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: 11942183
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for adaptive write operations for a memory device are described. In an example, the described techniques may include identifying a quantity of access operations performed on a memory array, modifying one or more parameters for a write operation based on the identified quantity of access operations, and writing logic states to the memory array by performing the write operation according to the one or more modified parameters. In some examples, the memory array may include memory cells associated with a configurable material element, such as a chalcogenide material, that stores a logic state based on a material property of the material element. In some examples, the described techniques may at least partially compensate for a change in memory material properties due to aging or other degradation or changes over time (e.g., due to accumulated access operations).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mattia Boniardi, Richard K. Dodge, Innocenzo Tortorelli, Mattia Robustelli, Mario Allegra
  • Patent number: 11837267
    Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and other implementations to store fuse data in memory devices are described. Some implementations may include an array of memory cells with different portions of cells for storing data. A first portion of the array may store fuse data and may contain a chalcogenide storage element, while a second portion of the array may store user data. Sense circuitry may be coupled with the array, and may determine the value of the fuse data using various signaling techniques. In some cases, the sense circuitry may implement differential storage and differential signaling to determine the value of the fuse data stored in the first portion of the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mattia Boniardi, Anna Maria Conti, Mattia Robustelli, Innocenzo Tortorelli, Mario Allegra
  • Patent number: 11763886
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices related to techniques to access a self-selecting memory device are described. A self-selecting memory cell may store one or more bits of data represented by different threshold voltages of the self-selecting memory cell. A programming pulse may be varied to establish the different threshold voltages by modifying one or more time durations during which a fixed level of voltage or current is maintained across the self-selecting memory cell. The self-selecting memory cell may include a chalcogenide alloy. A non-uniform distribution of an element in the chalcogenide alloy may determine a particular threshold voltage of the self-selecting memory cell. The shape of the programming pulse may be configured to modify a distribution of the element in the chalcogenide alloy based on a desired logic state of the self-selecting memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Innocenzo Tortorelli, Andrea Redaelli, Agostino Pirovano, Fabio Pellizzer, Mario Allegra, Paolo Fantini
  • Publication number: 20230240160
    Abstract: A phase-change memory cell includes a heater, a memory region made of a phase-change material located above said heater, and an electrically conductive element positioned adjacent to the memory region and the heater at a first side of the heater. The electrically conductive element extends parallel to a first axis and has, parallel to the first axis, a first dimension at the first side that is greater than a second dimension at a second side opposite to the first side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Mario ALLEGRA, Andrea REDAELLI
  • Publication number: 20220115068
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices related to techniques to access a self-selecting memory device are described. A self-selecting memory cell may store one or more bits of data represented by different threshold voltages of the self-selecting memory cell. A programming pulse may be varied to establish the different threshold voltages by modifying one or more time durations during which a fixed level of voltage or current is maintained across the self-selecting memory cell. The self-selecting memory cell may include a chalcogenide alloy. A non-uniform distribution of an element in the chalcogenide alloy may determine a particular threshold voltage of the self-selecting memory cell. The shape of the programming pulse may be configured to modify a distribution of the element in the chalcogenide alloy based on a desired logic state of the self-selecting memory cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Inventors: Innocenzo Tortorelli, Andrea Redaelli, Agostino Pirovano, Fabio Pellizzer, Mario Allegra, Paolo Fantini
  • Publication number: 20220108732
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for adaptive write operations for a memory device are described. In an example, the described techniques may include identifying a quantity of access operations performed on a memory array, modifying one or more parameters for a write operation based on the identified quantity of access operations, and writing logic states to the memory array by performing the write operation according to the one or more modified parameters. In some examples, the memory array may include memory cells associated with a configurable material element, such as a chalcogenide material, that stores a logic state based on a material property of the material element. In some examples, the described techniques may at least partially compensate for a change in memory material properties due to aging or other degradation or changes over time (e.g., due to accumulated access operations).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Inventors: Mattia Boniardi, Richard K. Dodge, Innocenzo Tortorelli, Mattia Robustelli, Mario Allegra
  • Patent number: 11283016
    Abstract: A memory cell can include a chalcogenide material configured in an annular shape or a chalcogenide material substantially circumscribing an interior conductive channel. Such memory cells can be included in memory structures having an interior conductive channel and a plurality of alternating dielectric layers and memory layers oriented along the interior conductive channel. Individual memory layers can include a chalcogenide material substantially circumscribing the interior conductive channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Mario Allegra
  • Patent number: 11158358
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for adaptive write operations for a memory device are described. In an example, the described techniques may include identifying a quantity of access operations performed on a memory array, modifying one or more parameters for a write operation based on the identified quantity of access operations, and writing logic states to the memory array by performing the write operation according to the one or more modified parameters. In some examples, the memory array may include memory cells associated with a configurable material element, such as a chalcogenide material, that stores a logic state based on a material property of the material element. In some examples, the described techniques may at least partially compensate for a change in memory material properties due to aging or other degradation or changes over time (e.g., due to accumulated access operations).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mattia Boniardi, Richard K. Dodge, Innocenzo Tortorelli, Mattia Robustelli, Mario Allegra
  • Patent number: 11152065
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices related to techniques to access a self-selecting memory device are described. A self-selecting memory cell may store one or more bits of data represented by different threshold voltages of the self-selecting memory cell. A programming pulse may be varied to establish the different threshold voltages by modifying one or more time durations during which a fixed level of voltage or current is maintained across the self-selecting memory cell. The self-selecting memory cell may include a chalcogenide alloy. A non-uniform distribution of an element in the chalcogenide alloy may determine a particular threshold voltage of the self-selecting memory cell. The shape of the programming pulse may be configured to modify a distribution of the element in the chalcogenide alloy based on a desired logic state of the self-selecting memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Innocenzo Tortorelli, Andrea Redaelli, Agostino Pirovano, Fabio Pellizzer, Mario Allegra, Paolo Fantini
  • Patent number: 11114159
    Abstract: In an example, a first data structure can be read with a first read voltage dedicated to the first data structure. A second data structure that stores a larger quantity of data than the first data structure can be with a second read voltage that is dedicated to the second data structure. The first data structure can be with a third read voltage in response to a quantity of errors in reading the first data structure being greater than or equal to a first threshold quantity. The second data structure can be read with the third read voltage in response to a quantity of errors in reading the second data structure being greater than or equal to a second threshold quantity. The read voltages can be based on a temperature of an apparatus that includes the first and second data structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Marco Sforzin, Mattia Robustelli, Innocenzo Tortorelli, Mario Allegra, Paolo Amato
  • Publication number: 20210272615
    Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and other implementations to store fuse data in memory devices are described. Some implementations may include an array of memory cells with different portions of cells for storing data. A first portion of the array may store fuse data and may contain a chalcogenide storage element, while a second portion of the array may store user data. Sense circuitry may be coupled with the array, and may determine the value of the fuse data using various signaling techniques. In some cases, the sense circuitry may implement differential storage and differential signaling to determine the value of the fuse data stored in the first portion of the array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Inventors: Mattia Boniardi, Anna Maria Conti, Mattia Robustelli, Innocenzo Tortorelli, Mario Allegra
  • Patent number: 11037613
    Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and other implementations to store fuse data in memory devices are described. Some implementations may include an array of memory cells with different portions of cells for storing data. A first portion of the array may store fuse data and may contain a chalcogenide storage element, while a second portion of the array may store user data. Sense circuitry may be coupled with the array, and may determine the value of the fuse data using various signaling techniques. In some cases, the sense circuitry may implement differential storage and differential signaling to determine the value of the fuse data stored in the first portion of the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mattia Boniardi, Anna Maria Conti, Mattia Robustelli, Innocenzo Tortorelli, Mario Allegra
  • Publication number: 20210050519
    Abstract: A memory cell can include a chalcogenide material configured in an annular shape or a chalcogenide material substantially circumscribing an interior conductive channel. Such memory cells can be included in memory structures having an interior conductive channel and a plurality of alternating dielectric layers and memory layers oriented along the interior conductive channel. Individual memory layers can include a chalcogenide material substantially circumscribing the interior conductive channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Applicant: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Mario Allegra
  • Publication number: 20210027813
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for adaptive write operations for a memory device are described. In an example, the described techniques may include identifying a quantity of access operations performed on a memory array, modifying one or more parameters for a write operation based on the identified quantity of access operations, and writing logic states to the memory array by performing the write operation according to the one or more modified parameters. In some examples, the memory array may include memory cells associated with a configurable material element, such as a chalcogenide material, that stores a logic state based on a material property of the material element. In some examples, the described techniques may at least partially compensate for a change in memory material properties due to aging or other degradation or changes over time (e.g., due to accumulated access operations).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Inventors: Mattia Boniardi, Richard K. Dodge, Innocenzo Tortorelli, Mattia Robustelli, Mario Allegra
  • Publication number: 20210020218
    Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and other implementations to store fuse data in memory devices are described. Some implementations may include an array of memory cells with different portions of cells for storing data. A first portion of the array may store fuse data and may contain a chalcogenide storage element, while a second portion of the array may store user data. Sense circuitry may be coupled with the array, and may determine the value of the fuse data using various signaling techniques. In some cases, the sense circuitry may implement differential storage and differential signaling to determine the value of the fuse data stored in the first portion of the array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Inventors: Mattia Boniardi, Anna Maria Conti, Mattia Robustelli, Innocenzo Tortorelli, Mario Allegra
  • Publication number: 20200327940
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices related to techniques to access a self-selecting memory device are described. A self-selecting memory cell may store one or more bits of data represented by different threshold voltages of the self-selecting memory cell. A programming pulse may be varied to establish the different threshold voltages by modifying one or more time durations during which a fixed level of voltage or current is maintained across the self-selecting memory cell. The self-selecting memory cell may include a chalcogenide alloy. A non-uniform distribution of an element in the chalcogenide alloy may determine a particular threshold voltage of the self-selecting memory cell. The shape of the programming pulse may be configured to modify a distribution of the element in the chalcogenide alloy based on a desired logic state of the self-selecting memory cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: Innocenzo Tortorelli, Andrea Redaelli, Agostino Pirovano, Fabio Pellizzer, Mario Allegra, Paolo Fantini
  • Publication number: 20200279604
    Abstract: In an example, a first data structure can be read with a first read voltage dedicated to the first data structure. A second data structure that stores a larger quantity of data than the first data structure can be with a second read voltage that is dedicated to the second data structure. The first data structure can be with a third read voltage in response to a quantity of errors in reading the first data structure being greater than or equal to a first threshold quantity. The second data structure can be read with the third read voltage in response to a quantity of errors in reading the second data structure being greater than or equal to a second threshold quantity. The read voltages can be based on a temperature of an apparatus that includes the first and second data structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Inventors: Marco Sforzin, Mattia Robustelli, Innocenzo Tortorelli, Mario Allegra, Paolo Amato
  • Patent number: 10763432
    Abstract: A memory cell can include a chalcogenide material configured in an annular shape or a chalcogenide material substantially circumscribing an interior conductive channel. Such memory cells can be included in memory structures having an interior conductive channel and a plurality of alternating dielectric layers and memory layers oriented along the interior conductive channel. Individual memory layers can include a chalcogenide material substantially circumscribing the interior conductive channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Mario Allegra
  • Patent number: 10714177
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for operating and forming a multilevel memory cell and array are described. A multilevel memory cell includes two or more binary memory elements, which may include phase change material. Each memory element may be programmed to one of two possible states—e.g., a fully amorphous state or a fully crystalline state. By combining multiple binary memory elements in a single memory cell, the memory cell may be programmed to store more than two states. The different memory elements may be programmed by selectively melting each memory element. Selective melting may be controlled by using memory elements with different melting temperatures or using electrodes with different electrical resistances, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Allegra, Mattia Boniardi
  • Publication number: 20200194670
    Abstract: A memory cell can include a chalcogenide material configured in an annular shape or a chalcogenide material substantially circumscribing an interior conductive channel. Such memory cells can be included in memory structures having an interior conductive channel and a plurality of alternating dielectric layers and memory layers oriented along the interior conductive channel. Individual memory layers can include a chalcogenide material substantially circumscribing the interior conductive channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Applicant: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Mario Allegra