Patents by Inventor Masaru Yano
Masaru Yano 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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Patent number: 7978523Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor memory and a control method therefore, the semiconductor device including a first current-voltage conversion circuit (16) connected to a core cell (12) provided in a nonvolatile memory cell array (10), a second current-voltage conversion circuit (26) connected to a reference cell (22) through a reference cell data line (24), a sense amplifier (18) sensing an output from the first current-voltage conversion circuit and an output from the second current-voltage conversion circuit, a compare circuit (28) comparing a voltage level at the reference cell data line with a predefined voltage level, and a charging circuit (30) charging the reference cell data line, if the voltage level at the reference cell data line is lower than the predefined voltage level during pre-charging the reference cell data line. According to the present invention, the pre-charging period of the reference cell data line can be shortened, and the data read time can be shortened.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2009Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Spansion LLCInventors: Akira Ogawa, Masaru Yano
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Patent number: 7969787Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor memory and a control method therefor, the semiconductor device including a first current-voltage conversion circuit (16) connected to a core cell (12) provided in a nonvolatile memory cell array (10), a second current-voltage conversion circuit (26) connected to a reference cell (22) through a reference cell data line (24), a sense amplifier (18) sensing an output from the first current-voltage conversion circuit and an output from the second current-voltage conversion circuit, a compare circuit (28) comparing a voltage level at the reference cell data line with a predefined voltage level, and a charging circuit (30) charging the reference cell data line, if the voltage level at the reference cell data line is lower than the predefined voltage level during pre-charging the reference cell data line. According to the present invention, the pre-charging period of the reference cell data line can be shortened, and the data read time can be shortened.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2009Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Spansion LLCInventors: Akira Ogawa, Masaru Yano
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Publication number: 20110032764Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor memory and a control method therefor, the semiconductor device including a first current-voltage conversion circuit (16) connected to a core cell (12) provided in a nonvolatile memory cell array (10), a second current-voltage conversion circuit (26) connected to a reference cell (22) through a reference cell data line (24), a sense amplifier (18) sensing an output from the first current-voltage conversion circuit and an output from the second current-voltage conversion circuit, a compare circuit (28) comparing a voltage level at the reference cell data line with a predefined voltage level, and a charging circuit (30) charging the reference cell data line, if the voltage level at the reference cell data line is lower than the predefined voltage level during pre-charging the reference cell data line. According to the present invention, the pre-charging period of the reference cell data line can be shortened, and the data read time can be shortened.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2010Publication date: February 10, 2011Inventors: Akira Ogawa, Masaru Yano
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Publication number: 20100299475Abstract: A non-volatile semiconductor memory device, comprising: a non-volatile memory array, storing multi-values by setting a plurality of different threshold voltages for each memory cell, and a control circuit, controlling a write-in operation to the memory cell array. When data have been written into the memory cell, the control circuit selects an adjacent word line, uses an erasing level to perform write-in which is weaker than the data write-in, and verifies soft programming of the amount of one page, such that a narrow-banded erasing level distribution is realized in an adjacent memory cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2008Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: POWERCHIP SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATIONInventor: Masaru Yano
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Publication number: 20100290291Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor memory and a control method therefor, the semiconductor device including a first current-voltage conversion circuit (16) connected to a core cell (12) provided in a nonvolatile memory cell array (10), a second current-voltage conversion circuit (26) connected to a reference cell (22) through a reference cell data line (24), a sense amplifier (18) sensing an output from the first current-voltage conversion circuit and an output from the second current-voltage conversion circuit, a compare circuit (28) comparing a voltage level at the reference cell data line with a predefined voltage level, and a charging circuit (30) charging the reference cell data line, if the voltage level at the reference cell data line is lower than the predefined voltage level during pre-charging the reference cell data line. According to the present invention, the pre-charging period of the reference cell data line can be shortened, and the data read time can be shortened.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2010Publication date: November 18, 2010Inventors: Akira Ogawa, Masaru Yano
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Patent number: 7729169Abstract: Structures, methods, and systems for multiple programming of spare memory region for nonvolatile memory are disclosed. In one embodiment, a nonvolatile memory system comprises a main memory cell array, a spare memory cell array, and a memory controller that divides the spare memory cell array into at least a first region and a second region. The system further comprises a selection module for selecting the main memory cell array and the first region to write data and the first reference cell to write first reference data associated with the data during an initial data writing operation and for selecting the second region to write additional data and the second reference cell to write second reference data associated with the additional data during an additional data writing operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2008Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Spansion LLCInventors: Masaru Yano, Akira Ogawa
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Patent number: 7724071Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a pump circuit that boosts an output node connected to a memory cell array; an oscillator that outputs a clock to the pump circuit; and a detection circuit that outputs an actuating signal to the oscillator. In this semiconductor device, the actuating signal actuates the oscillator when the voltage of the output node of the pump circuit is lower than a first reference voltage, and the actuating signal stops the oscillator when the voltage of the output node is higher than a second reference voltage. In accordance with the present invention, when the voltage of the output node of the pump circuit is higher than the target voltage, the oscillator is stopped, and so is the pump circuit. Thus, unnecessary charge flow to the ground can be prevented, and the power consumption of the booster circuit can be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2006Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Spansion LLCInventors: Akira Okada, Masaru Yano, Kazuhide Kurosaki
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Publication number: 20090290425Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor memory and a control method therefore, the semiconductor device including a first current-voltage conversion circuit (16) connected to a core cell (12) provided in a nonvolatile memory cell array (10), a second current-voltage conversion circuit (26) connected to a reference cell (22) through a reference cell data line (24), a sense amplifier (18) sensing an output from the first current-voltage conversion circuit and an output from the second current-voltage conversion circuit, a compare circuit (28) comparing a voltage level at the reference cell data line with a predefined voltage level, and a charging circuit (30) charging the reference cell data line, if the voltage level at the reference cell data line is lower than the predefined voltage level during pre-charging the reference cell data line. According to the present invention, the pre-charging period of the reference cell data line can be shortened, and the data read time can be shortened.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2009Publication date: November 26, 2009Inventors: Akira Ogawa, Masaru Yano
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Publication number: 20090285019Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor memory and a control method therefor, the semiconductor device including a first current-voltage conversion circuit (16) connected to a core cell (12) provided in a nonvolatile memory cell array (10), a second current-voltage conversion circuit (26) connected to a reference cell (22) through a reference cell data line (24), a sense amplifier (18) sensing an output from the first current-voltage conversion circuit and an output from the second current-voltage conversion circuit, a compare circuit (28) comparing a voltage level at the reference cell data line with a predefined voltage level, and a charging circuit (30) charging the reference cell data line, if the voltage level at the reference cell data line is lower than the predefined voltage level during pre-charging the reference cell data line. According to the present invention, the pre-charging period of the reference cell data line can be shortened, and the data read time can be shortened.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2009Publication date: November 19, 2009Inventors: Akira Ogawa, Masaru Yano
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Patent number: 7596032Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor memory and a control method therefor, the semiconductor device including a first current-voltage conversion circuit (16) connected to a core cell (12) provided in a nonvolatile memory cell array (10), a second current-voltage conversion circuit (26) connected to a reference cell (22) through a reference cell data line (24), a sense amplifier (18) sensing an output from the first current-voltage conversion circuit and an output from the second current-voltage conversion circuit, a compare circuit (28) comparing a voltage level at the reference cell data line with a predefined voltage level, and a charging circuit (30) charging the reference cell data line, if the voltage level at the reference cell data line is lower than the predefined voltage level during pre-charging the reference cell data line. According to the present invention, the pre-charging period of the reference cell data line can be shortened, and the data read time can be shortened.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2006Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Sapnsion LLCInventors: Akira Ogawa, Masaru Yano
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Publication number: 20090129147Abstract: Structures, methods, and systems for multiple programming of spare memory region for nonvolatile memory are disclosed. In one embodiment, a nonvolatile memory system comprises a main memory cell array, a spare memory cell array, and a memory controller that divides the spare memory cell array into at least a first region and a second region. The system further comprises a selection module for selecting the main memory cell array and the first region to write data and the first reference cell to write first reference data associated with the data during an initial data writing operation and for selecting the second region to write additional data and the second reference cell to write second reference data associated with the additional data during an additional data writing operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2008Publication date: May 21, 2009Inventors: Masaru YANO, Akira OGAWA
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Publication number: 20090109757Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor device that includes: a memory cell array that includes non-volatile memory cells; a first selecting circuit that connects or disconnects a source and a drain of a transistor that forms one of the memory cells, to or from a data line DATAB connected to a first power supply; and a second selecting circuit that connects or disconnects the source and drain to or from a ground line ARVSS connected to a second power supply. In this semiconductor device, the first selecting circuit and the second selecting circuit are arranged on the opposite sides of the memory cell array. The present invention also provides a method of controlling the semiconductor device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2008Publication date: April 30, 2009Inventors: Masaru Yano, Kazuhide Kurosaki, Mototada Sakashita
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Patent number: 7501677Abstract: A SONOS memory cell, formed within a semiconductor substrate, includes a bottom dielectric disposed on the semiconductor substrate, a charge trapping material disposed on the bottom dielectric, and a top dielectric disposed on the charge trapping material. Furthermore, the SONOS memory cell includes a word-line gate structure disposed on the top dielectric and at least one bit-line gate for inducing at least one inversion bit-line within the semiconductor substrate.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2006Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: Spansion LLCInventors: Hidehiko Shiraiwa, Jaeyong Park, Satoshi Torii, Hideki Arakawa, Masaru Yano
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Patent number: 7468909Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor device that includes: a memory cell array that includes non-volatile memory cells; a first selecting circuit that connects or disconnects a source and a drain of a transistor that forms one of the memory cells, to or from a data line DATAB connected to a first power supply; and a second selecting circuit that connects or disconnects the source and drain to or from a ground line ARVSS connected to a second power supply. In this semiconductor device, the first selecting circuit and the second selecting circuit are arranged on the opposite sides of the memory cell array. The present invention also provides a method of controlling the semiconductor device.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2006Date of Patent: December 23, 2008Assignee: Spansion LLCInventors: Masaru Yano, Kazuhide Kurosaki, Mototada Sakashita
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Patent number: 7450419Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor device and a method for controlling a semiconductor device having a memory cell array having a plurality of nonvolatile memory cells, the method including detecting the number of bits to be written as division data that is divided from data to be programmed into the memory cell array, comparing the number of bits with a predetermined number of bits, inverting or not inverting the division data to produce inversion data in accordance with a result of comparing the number of bits with the predetermined number of bits, and programming the inversion data into the memory cell array. The method further includes detecting the number of bits to be written as next division data and comparing the number of bits of next division data with the predetermined number of bits, while concurrently programming the inversion data into the memory cell array.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2006Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Spansion LLCInventors: Mototada Sakashita, Masaru Yano, Akira Ogawa, Tsutomu Nakai
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Patent number: 7385844Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a memory cell array that has a plurality of non-volatile memory cells each having a first bit and a second bit in different regions in a charge storing layer; an SRAM array (first memory unit) that stores data to be written into the memory cell array; a WR sense amplifier block (second memory unit) that stores first divided data to be written into the first bit and second divided data to be written into the second bit, the first divided data being formed by dividing the data into predetermined units, the second divided data being formed by dividing the data into predetermined units; and a control circuit that writes the second divided data into the first bit of the memory cells of the memory cell array (step S28) after writing the first divided data into the second bit of the memory cells of the memory cell array (step S22).Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2006Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Spansion LLCInventors: Masaru Yano, Hideki Arakawa, Mototada Sakashita
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Patent number: 7372743Abstract: A control method for a nonvolatile storage device having a storage mode in which in a memory cell provided with a trapping dielectric layer 1-bit data is stored depending on the presence or absence of charge in a first trapping region. In a dynamic reference cell initialization operation, a charge accumulation operation is performed, as a preset operation in the initialization operation, on second trapping regions of first and second dynamic reference cells to a charge accumulation operation on a second trapping region of the memory cell. In addition, at the time of data rewrite, preprogram verification and preprogramming are performed on the first trapping regions. This makes it possible to shorten the time taken for initialization and data rewrite.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2006Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Spansion, LLCInventors: Masaru Yano, Hideki Arakawa, Mototada Sakashita, Akira Ogawa, Yoshiaki Shinmura, Hajime Aoki
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Patent number: 7362620Abstract: A semiconductor device (1) includes a non-volatile memory cell array (2), a write/read circuit (30) writing data into and reading data from the non-volatile memory cell array (2), a data input/output circuit (80), and a volatile memory cell array (40) including a first latch circuit (41) that is connected to the write/read circuit (30) and latches first data, and a second latch circuit (42) that is connected to the data input/output circuit (80) and latches second data. The device (1) may further include an inverter circuit (310) that inverts the first data in accordance with the number of bits to be actually written among the first data, and a control circuit (3) that causes the second data to be latched in the second latch circuit (42) while the first data is being written into the non-volatile memory cell array (2). This semiconductor device (1) has a shorter writing time and a smaller circuit area.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Spansion LLCInventors: Masaru Yano, Hideki Arakawa, Mototada Sakashita
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Patent number: 7321511Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, word lines, global bit lines, and inversion gates that form inversion layers serving as local bit lines in the semiconductor substrate. The inversion layers are electrically connected to the global bit lines and a memory cell uses the inversion layers as a source and a drain.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Spansion LLCInventors: Masaru Yano, Hideki Arakawa, Hidehiko Shiraiwa
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Patent number: 7286398Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: groups of memory cells that are connected to word lines; and select gates that are controlled by control word lines and are connected to the groups of memory cells, each of the select gates being capable of storing protection information for a respective one of the groups of memory cells.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2005Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Spansion LLCInventors: Masaru Yano, Minoru Aoki