Patents by Inventor Mark R. Thomann

Mark R. Thomann 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: 7562268
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a memory device with compressed data using multiple clock edges is disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention data is written to cells in a memory device, the cells are read to generate read data, the read data is compressed to generate test data, and the test data is produced at a single output on edges of a clock signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mirmajid Seyyedy, Mark R. Thomann
  • Patent number: 7251715
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for a double data rate memory device includes a storage element, a first pipeline, and a second pipeline. The pipelines are connected to the storage unit to pass or output data on rising and falling edges of an external clock signal. The device permits data transferring at dual data rates. Another memory device includes a storage element and a plurality of pipelines for transferring data. The plurality of pipelines each pass data on different events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Thomann, Wen Li
  • Patent number: 7093095
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for a double data rate memory device includes a storage element, a first pipeline, and a second pipeline. The pipelines are connected to the storage unit to pass or output data on rising and falling edges of an external clock signal. The device permits data transferring at dual data rates. Another memory device includes a storage element and a plurality of pipelines for transferring data. The plurality of pipelines each pass data on different events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Thomann, Wen Li
  • Patent number: 6976195
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a memory device with compressed data using multiple clock edges is disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention data is written to cells in a memory device, the cells are read to generate read data, the read data is compressed to generate test data, and the test data is produced at a single output on edges of a clock signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mirmajid Seyyedy, Mark R. Thomann
  • Patent number: 6954388
    Abstract: A memory device includes delay locked loop that generates an internal signal based on an external signal. The internal signal serves a reference clock signal for most modes operations of the memory device. In a self refresh mode, the delay locked loop is completely deactivated to completely deactivate the internal signal. In a non-self refresh mode, the delay locked loop is periodically deactivated to periodically deactivate the internal signal based on certain modes of operations of the memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Thomann, Wen Li
  • Patent number: 6901013
    Abstract: A method of monitoring the characteristics of a delay locked loop (DLL) in a memory device during a test mode is provided. The DLL generates an internal clock signal based on an external clock signal. The external and internal clock signals are normally synchronized. DLL constantly responds to variations in operating condition of the memory device to keep the external and internal clock synchronized. The method involves preventing the DLL from responding to a change in operating condition such as a change in the supply voltage of the memory device during a test mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: William Jones, Wen Li, Mark R. Thomann, Timothy B. Cowles, Daniel R. Loughmiller
  • Patent number: 6836437
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing the power consumption of a memory integrated circuit during a period of power down mode operation by interrupting the clocking transitions of a delay line. A memory integrated circuit may include a delay lock loop including a plurality of delay elements connected to one another in series and adapted to delay propagation of the signal of a free running clock. When the delayed signal is not required, as during a period of power down mode operation, the free running clock signal is prevented from reaching the delay lock loop. Consequently the delay elements do not toggle, and power associated with delay element toggling is saved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Wen Li, Mark R. Thomann, Daniel R. Loughmiller, Scott Schaefer
  • Patent number: 6809990
    Abstract: A memory device includes delay locked loop that generates an internal signal based on an external signal. The internal signal serves a reference clock signal for most modes operations of the memory device. In a self refresh mode, the delay locked loop is completely deactivated to completely deactivate the internal signal. In a non-self refresh mode, the delay locked loop is periodically deactivated to periodically deactivate the internal signal based on certain modes of operations of the memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Thomann, Wen Li
  • Patent number: 6809974
    Abstract: A method of monitoring the characteristics of a delay locked loop (DLL) in a memory device during a test mode is provided. The DLL generates an internal clock signal based on an external clock signal. The external and internal clock signals are normally synchronized. DLL constantly responds to variations in operating condition of the memory device to keep the external and internal clock synchronized. The method involves preventing the DLL from responding to a change in operating condition such as a change in the supply voltage of the memory device during a test mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: William Jones, Wen Li, Mark R. Thomann, Timothy B. Cowles, Daniel R. Loughmiller
  • Patent number: 6763444
    Abstract: A number of embodiments of memory devices and methods of performing read/write timing calibration of these memory devices using a row or a redundant row. Addressing of the row or redundant row in a memory array of a memory device may be accomplished by using a calibration fuse bank to address a row or a redundant row of the memory array, by using a fuse bank of the memory device to address a redundant row of the memory array, or by storing the row address of a row in a memory controller and providing the row address to the memory device during calibration. A redundant row used for calibration may be a redundant row not utilized by a memory device during repair of its memory array. A row used for calibration may be a row not utilized by a memory device due to the nature of the specific application in which that memory device is being used. A unique data pattern may then be written to and read from the addressed row or redundant row for read/write timing calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Thomann, Christopher K. Morzano, Wen Li
  • Publication number: 20040117543
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for a double data rate memory device includes a storage element, a first pipeline, and a second pipeline. The pipelines are connected to the storage unit to pass or output data on rising and falling edges of an external clock signal. The device permits data transferring at dual data rates. Another memory device includes a storage element and a plurality of pipelines for transferring data. The plurality of pipelines each pass data on different events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Thomann, Wen Li
  • Publication number: 20040042282
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing the power consumption of a memory integrated circuit during a period of power down mode operation by interrupting the clocking transitions of a delay line. A memory integrated circuit may include a delay lock loop including a plurality of delay elements connected to one another in series and adapted to delay propagation of the signal of a free running clock. When the delayed signal is not required, as during a period of power down mode operation, the free running clock signal is prevented from reaching the delay lock loop. Consequently the delay elements do not toggle, and power associated with delay element toggling is saved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Wen Li, Mark R. Thomann, Daniel R. Loughmiller, Scott Schaefer
  • Patent number: 6694416
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods. A double data rate memory device includes a storage element, a first pipeline, and a second pipeline. The pipelines are connected to the storage unit to pass or output data on rising and falling edges of an external clock signal. The device permits data transferring at dual data rates. Another memory device includes a storage element and a plurality of pipelines for transferring data. The plurality of pipelines each pass data on different events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Thomann, Wen Li
  • Publication number: 20030235106
    Abstract: A memory device includes delay locked loop that generates an internal signal based on an external signal. The internal signal serves a reference clock signal for most modes operations of the memory device. In a self refresh mode, the delay locked loop is completely deactivated to completely deactivate the internal signal. In a non-self refresh mode, the delay locked loop is periodically deactivated to periodically deactivate the internal signal based on certain modes of operations of the memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Thomann, Wen Li
  • Patent number: 6665219
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing the power consumption of a memory integrated circuit during a period of power down mode operation by interrupting the clocking transitions of a delay line. A memory integrated circuit may include a delay lock loop including a plurality of delay elements connected to one another in series and adapted to delay propagation of the signal of a free running clock. When the delayed signal is not required, as during a period of power down mode operation, the free running clock signal is prevented from reaching the delay lock loop. Consequently the delay elements do not toggle, and power associated with delay element toggling is saved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Wen Li, Mark R. Thomann, Daniel R. Loughmiller, Scott Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20020191462
    Abstract: A method of monitoring the characteristics of a delay locked loop (DLL) in a memory device during a test mode is provided. The DLL generates an internal clock signal based on an external clock signal. The external and internal clock signals are normally synchronized. DLL constantly responds to variations in operating condition of the memory device to keep the external and internal clock synchronized. The method involves preventing the DLL from responding to a change in operating condition such as a change in the supply voltage of the memory device during a test mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: William Jones, Wen Li, Mark R. Thomann, Timothy B. Cowles, Daniel R. Loughmiller
  • Publication number: 20020181296
    Abstract: A method of monitoring the characteristics of a delay locked loop (DLL) in a memory device during a test mode is provided. The DLL generates an internal clock signal based on an external clock signal. The external and internal clock signals are normally synchronized. DLL constantly responds to variations in operating condition of the memory device to keep the external and internal clock synchronized. The method involves preventing the DLL from responding to a change in operating condition such as a change in the supply voltage of the memory device during a test mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: William Jones, Wen Li, Mark R. Thomann, Timothy B. Cowles, Daniel R. Loughmiller
  • Publication number: 20020181299
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing the power consumption of a memory integrated circuit during a period of power down mode operation by interrupting the clocking transitions of a delay line. A memory integrated circuit may include a delay lock loop including a plurality of delay elements connected to one another in series and adapted to delay propagation of the signal of a free running clock. When the delayed signal is not required, as during a period of power down mode operation, the free running clock signal is prevented from reaching the delay lock loop. Consequently the delay elements do not toggle, and power associated with delay element toggling is saved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Wen Li, Mark R. Thomann, Daniel R. Loughmiller, Scott Schaefer
  • Patent number: 6487207
    Abstract: An ATM switch including a multi-port memory is described. The multi-port memory having a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and a plurality of input and output serial access memories (SAMs). Efficient, flexible transfer circuits and methods are described for transferring ATM data between the SAMs and the DRAM. The transfer circuits and methods include helper flip/flops to latch ATM data for editing prior to storage in the DRAM. Editing of ATM data transferred from the DRAM is also described. Dynamic parity generation and checking is described to detect errors induced during switching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Thomann
  • Publication number: 20020169922
    Abstract: A number of embodiments of memory devices and methods of performing read/write timing calibration of these memory devices using a row or a redundant row. Addressing of the row or redundant row in a memory array of a memory device may be accomplished by using a calibration fuse bank to address a row or a redundant row of the memory array, by using a fuse bank of the memory device to address a redundant row of the memory array, or by storing the row address of a row in a memory controller and providing the row address to the memory device during calibration. A redundant row used for calibration may be a redundant row not utilized by a memory device during repair of its memory array. A row used for calibration may be a row not utilized by a memory device due to the nature of the specific application in which that memory device is being used. A unique data pattern may then be written to and read from the addressed row or redundant row for read/write timing calibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Mark R. Thomann, Christopher K. Morzano, Wen Li