Abstract: Command signal management methods and circuits in memory devices are disclosed. Command signals are selectively passed and blocked to enforce safe operating characteristics within a memory device. In at least one embodiment, a command signal management circuit is configured to selectively block a command signal while a memory device operation is being performed. In at least one other embodiment, one or more command blocking circuits are configured to selectively pass and block one or more command signals generated by a memory access device coupled to the memory device while a memory device operation is being performed in the memory device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for evaluating leakage currents of capacitances are described. Capacitances having excessive leakage currents may be disabled from use. An example apparatus includes a leakage detection circuit configured to be coupled to a capacitance block. The leakage detection circuit is configured to determine whether a leakage current of a capacitance of the capacitance block exceeds a current limit and is further configured to provide an output indicative of a status of the capacitance. A detection controller is coupled to the leakage detection circuit and a register, and the detection controller is configured to store data in the register indicative of the status of the capacitance based at least in part on the signal from the leakage detection circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of operating memory devices are disclosed. In one such method, a first portion of the data states of memory cells are determined and transferred from a memory device while continuing to determine remaining portions of data states of the same memory cells. In at least one method, a data state of a memory cell is determined during a first sense phase and is transferred while the memory cell experiences additional sense phases to determine additional portions of the data state of the memory cell.

Abstract: Block-row decoders, memory block-row decoders, memories, methods for deselecting a decoder of a memory and methods of selecting a block of memory are disclosed. An example memory block-row decoder includes a plurality of block-row decoders, each of the block-row decoders having a decoder switch tree. Each block-row decoder is configured to bias a block select switch of the decoder switch tree with a first voltage while the block-row decoder is deselected and further configured to bias decoders switches of the decoder switch tree that are coupled to the block select switch with a second voltage while the block-row decoder is deselected, the second voltage less than the first voltage. An example method of deselecting a decoder of a memory includes providing decoder signals having different voltages to decoder switches from at least two different levels of a decoder switch tree while the decoder is deselected.

Abstract: Subject matter disclosed herein relates to a memory device, and more particularly to write performance of a phase change memory.

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device has a dedicated serial programming port to provide a data path to memory storage. A dedicated power pin supplies power for the programming port to receive data and provide storage in the nonvolatile memory while a power pin for normal device operation is not powered.

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device has a dedicated serial programming port to provide a data path to memory storage. A dedicated power pin supplies power for the programming port to receive data and provide storage in the nonvolatile memory while a power pin for normal device operation is not powered.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory may have memory portions, such as blocks or other granularities of units of memory, which may fail in actual use. These defective portions can be replaced with other portions which may, in some cases, be of corresponding size. In some embodiments, defects may be detected using a current sensor which detects the current drawn in actual operation. If an excessive current is drawn, this may be detected, the defective unit deactivated, and a replacement provided in its stead. This may result in the repair of a defect with little inconvenience to the user in some embodiments.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, an offset compensated comparator is capable of being utilized for higher speed, lower voltage use. The comparator comprises a cross-coupled latch comprising n type devices and p type devices. The threshold mismatch between n type devices is captured on capacitors coupled to the gates of the n type devices to capture the mismatch between the devices. After the threshold mismatch is captured, the comparator can be used as a typical cross coupled latch.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, an offset compensated comparator is capable of being utilized for higher speed, lower voltage use. The comparator comprises a cross-coupled latch comprising n type devices and p type devices. The threshold mismatch between n type devices is captured on capacitors coupled to the gates of the n type devices to capture the mismatch between the devices. After the threshold mismatch is captured, the comparator can be used as a typical cross coupled latch.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory may have memory portions, such as blocks or other granularities of units of memory, which may fail in actual use. These defective portions can be replaced with other portions which may, in some cases, be of corresponding size. In some embodiments, defects may be detected using a current sensor which detects the current drawn in actual operation. If an excessive current is drawn, this may be detected, the defective unit deactivated, and a replacement provided in its stead. This may result in the repair of a defect with little inconvenience to the user in some embodiments.