Patents by Inventor Michael Achter

Michael Achter 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: 10097086
    Abstract: Techniques for fast ramp, low supply charge-pump circuits are described herein. In an example embodiment, a non-volatile memory device comprises a flash memory array coupled to a fast charge-pump circuit. The charge-pump circuit comprises a first charge pump, an active charge pump coupled as input to the first charge pump, and a power supply coupled as input to the active charge pump. The active charge pump is configured to initialize the first charge pump to a greater absolute voltage than the power supply and to provide power to the first charge pump during an active mode of the flash memory array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Achter, Evrim Binboga
  • Publication number: 20180102704
    Abstract: Techniques for fast ramp, low supply charge-pump circuits are described herein. In an example embodiment, a non-volatile memory device comprises a flash memory array coupled to a fast charge-pump circuit. The charge-pump circuit comprises a first charge pump, an active charge pump coupled as input to the first charge pump, and a power supply coupled as input to the active charge pump. The active charge pump is configured to initialize the first charge pump to a greater absolute voltage than the power supply and to provide power to the first charge pump during an active mode of the flash memory array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Applicant: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Achter, Evrim Binboga
  • Patent number: 9142270
    Abstract: A system including a memory cell array including a plurality of memory cells, and a writing device to generate multiple back-to-back write pulses to write to target memory cells from among the plurality of memory cells, the multiple back-to-back write pulses overlapping during an overlap duration, the overlap duration being adjustable based on a performance parameter of the memory cell array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Achter, Evrim Binboga, Marufa Kaniz, Murni Mohd-Salleh
  • Patent number: 9042150
    Abstract: An exemplary system includes an array of interconnected cells and a flexible decoder. The array is configured to receive a selection signal as input, select a cell based upon the selection signal, and provide an output based on the selected cell. The flexible decoder is configured to receive an input, generate a selection signal based on the input and one or more characteristics of the array of interconnected cells, and provide the selection signal to the array of interconnected cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Achter, Evrim Binboga, Harry Kuo
  • Publication number: 20140254288
    Abstract: A system including a memory cell array including a plurality of memory cells, and a writing device to generate multiple back-to-back write pulses to write to target memory cells from among the plurality of memory cells, the multiple back-to-back write pulses overlapping during an overlap duration, the overlap duration being adjustable based on a performance parameter of the memory cell array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Michael ACHTER, Evrim BINBOGA, Marufa KANIZ, Murni MOHD-SALLEH
  • Publication number: 20140192581
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for programmable reference cell selection for flash memory are disclosed. An exemplary system includes an array of interconnected cells and a flexible decoder. The array is configured to receive a selection signal as input, select a cell based upon the selection signal, and provide an output based on the selected cell. The flexible decoder is configured to receive an input, generate a selection signal based on the input and one or more characteristics of the array of interconnected cells, and provide the selection signal to the array of interconnected cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Michael Achter, Evrim Binboga, Harry Kuo
  • Patent number: 8295102
    Abstract: A method and structure for passing a bitline voltage regardless of its voltage level via a bitline in a memory device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes detecting the bitline voltage of the bitline, feeding a control signal at an activation voltage level to the bitline pass device to maintain a pass voltage differential of the bitline pass device when the bitline is selected and passing the bitline voltage via the bitline pass device in response to the control signal, where the pass voltage differential is greater than a threshold voltage of the bitline pass device regardless of a level of the bitline voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Chieu Yin Chia, Michael Achter, Harry Kuo, Book-Aik Ang
  • Patent number: 8116151
    Abstract: Providing systems and methods that reduce memory device read errors and improve memory device reliability by intelligently disturbing the memory cells during storage of their characteristic states. A specification component can determine a desired characteristic state for each cell of a plurality of multi-cell memory devices. A storage component can, alternatively, successively store an equivalent characteristic state in each cell of the plurality of multi-cell memory devices in stages, based on a cell's current characteristic state, or directly store the desired characteristic state of each cell of the plurality of multi-cell memory devices, based on an ordering of desired characteristic states of cells of the multi-cell memory devices. Further, a step component can gradate the equivalent characteristic state between successive storage stages. In this way, the overlap of distributions of electrical characteristics associated with different bits of one or more memory cells can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventor: Michael Achter
  • Patent number: 7995385
    Abstract: A system comprising a program component that programs one or more non-volatile memory (“NVM”) cells of an array of pairs of NVM cells using FN tunneling, an erase component that erases the one or more NVM cells of the array of pairs of NVM cells using FN tunneling, and a read component that reads the one or more NVM cells of the array of pairs of NVM cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Hagop Nazarian, Michael Achter, Harry Kuo
  • Patent number: 7894267
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving the programming of memory devices. A pulse component applies different programming pulses to a memory cell. An analysis component measures values of one or more characteristics of the memory cell as a function of the applied different programming pulses. A computation component computes the applied different programming pulses as a function of the measured values of the one or more characteristics of the memory cell. The analysis component measures one or more values of the one or more characteristics of the memory cell, the computation component computes one or more programming pulses as a function of the one or more measured values of the one or more characteristics of the memory cell, and the pulse component applies the one or more programming pulses to the memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Hagop Nazarian, Michael Achter, Harry Kuo
  • Patent number: 7872916
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices that employ deterministic programming techniques to facilitate efficient programming of memory elements in a memory are presented. A memory component comprises an optimized program component that can divide a group of memory elements selected for programming into a desired number of subgroups based in part on respective current threshold voltage levels (Vt) of the memory elements; apply respective program pulses to each memory element in respective subgroups; measure respective Vt levels of memory elements after the pulse; and verify as passed memory elements that meet a target Vt. The optimized program component can divide a subset of memory elements that do not meet the target Vt into a desired number of subgroups based in part on respective current Vt levels of the memory elements and can continue to perform this deterministic programming process until all memory elements are verified as passing for the target Vt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Fatima Bathul, Darlene Gay Hamilton, Michael Achter, Hagop Artin Nazarian
  • Patent number: 7852669
    Abstract: Providing distinction between overlapping threshold levels of one or more multi-cell memory devices is described herein. By way of example, a system can include a sensing component that can measure a level associated with a first memory cell. The system can also include a comparison component that can compare the measured level associated with the first memory cell level to non-overlapping threshold levels, wherein such measurement can be used to determine a unique bit level associated with a second memory cell. By way of further example, methodologies are described for accurately measuring a bit level of a first cell of a dual-cell memory device, by comparing a second cell value to non-overlapping threshold values, as measured with respect to the second reference point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventor: Michael Achter
  • Patent number: 7835189
    Abstract: Flash memory devices have a plurality of memory cells that can be erased and programmed. Performing a voltage verification check allows a for an appropriate state-change voltage to be applied to the flash memory device. The appropriate state-change voltage is determined though accessing a look-up table. Using an appropriate state-change voltage allows a cell to operate with more overall programming cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Michael Achter, Hagop Nazarian
  • Publication number: 20100284229
    Abstract: A method and structure for passing a bitline voltage regardless of its voltage level via a bitline in a memory device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes detecting the bitline voltage of the bitline, feeding a control signal at an activation voltage level to the bitline pass device to maintain a pass voltage differential of the bitline pass device when the bitline is selected and passing the bitline voltage via the bitline pass device in response to the control signal, where the pass voltage differential is greater than a threshold voltage of the bitline pass device regardless of a level of the bitline voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Chieu Yin CHIA, Michael ACHTER, Harry KUO, Book-Aik ANG
  • Patent number: 7802114
    Abstract: Application of too much voltage to a memory cell will cause damage to the cell or even destroy the cell. Tracking current that arises from an application of voltage upon a memory cell allows for minimization of damage upon the memory cell. If there is a change in current, then the voltage application can be accordingly changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventor: Michael Achter
  • Patent number: 7787313
    Abstract: A method and structure for passing a bitline voltage regardless of its voltage level via a bitline in a memory device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes detecting the bitline voltage of the bitline, feeding a control signal at an activation voltage level to the bitline pass device to maintain a pass voltage differential of the bitline pass device when the bitline is selected and passing the bitline voltage via the bitline pass device in response to the control signal, where the pass voltage differential is greater than a threshold voltage of the bitline pass device regardless of a level of the bitline voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Chieu Yin Chia, Michael Achter, Harry Kuo, Boon-Aik Ang
  • Publication number: 20100142284
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices that employ deterministic programming techniques to facilitate efficient programming of memory elements in a memory are presented. A memory component comprises an optimized program component that can divide a group of memory elements selected for programming into a desired number of subgroups based in part on respective current threshold voltage levels (Vt) of the memory elements; apply respective program pulses to each memory element in respective subgroups; measure respective Vt levels of memory elements after the pulse; and verify as passed memory elements that meet a target Vt. The optimized program component can divide a subset of memory elements that do not meet the target Vt into a desired number of subgroups based in part on respective current Vt levels of the memory elements and can continue to perform this deterministic programming process until all memory elements are verified as passing for the target Vt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: SPANSION LLC
    Inventors: Fatima Bathul, Darlene Gay Hamilton, Michael Achter, Hagop Artin Nazarian
  • Publication number: 20100037032
    Abstract: Providing systems and methods that reduce memory device read errors and improve memory device reliability by intelligently disturbing the memory cells during storage of their characteristic states. A specification component can determine a desired characteristic state for each cell of a plurality of multi-cell memory devices. A storage component can, alternatively, successively store an equivalent characteristic state in each cell of the plurality of multi-cell memory devices in stages, based on a cell's current characteristic state, or directly store the desired characteristic state of each cell of the plurality of multi-cell memory devices, based on an ordering of desired characteristic states of cells of the multi-cell memory devices. Further, a step component can gradate the equivalent characteristic state between successive storage stages. In this way, the overlap of distributions of electrical characteristics associated with different bits of one or more memory cells can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: SPANSION LLC
    Inventor: Michael Achter
  • Publication number: 20090244989
    Abstract: A method and structure for passing a bitline voltage regardless of its voltage level via a bitline in a memory device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes detecting the bitline voltage of the bitline, feeding a control signal at an activation voltage level to the bitline pass device to maintain a pass voltage differential of the bitline pass device when the bitline is selected and passing the bitline voltage via the bitline pass device in response to the control signal, where the pass voltage differential is greater than a threshold voltage of the bitline pass device regardless of a level of the bitline voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: SPANSION, LLC
    Inventors: Chieu Yin CHIA, Michael ACHTER, Harry KUO, Boon-Aik ANG
  • Patent number: 7567457
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a two or three dimensional array of a plurality of pairs of non-volatile memory (“NVM”) cells coupled to enable program and erase of the NVM cells. The plurality of pairs of NVM cells is electrically connected to word lines and bit lines. Each pair of NVM cells comprises a first memory cell and a second memory cell. The first and second memory cells comprise a first source/drain, a second source/drain, and a control gate. The first source/drain of the first memory cell is connected to one of the bit lines. The second source/drain of the first memory cell is connected to the first source/drain of the second memory cell. The second source/drain of the second memory cell is connected to another one of the bit lines. The control gates of the first and second memory cells are connected to different word lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Hagop Nazarian, Harry Kuo, Michael Achter