Patents by Inventor Paul F. Ruths

Paul F. Ruths 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: 8780640
    Abstract: A system and method to enable reading from non-volatile memory (NVM) devices is described. In one embodiment, the method includes setting a sensing parameter used to read data stored in a NVM device, reading from pluralities of locations of the NVM device with the sensing parameter set at the first value. The locations of the NVM device store an identical value. The method also includes verifying whether the identical value is read correctly from the locations of the NVM device. The method also includes setting the sensing parameter to a second value when the identical value is not read correctly with the sensing parameter set at the first value. The method further includes determining a third value for the sensing parameter from the identical value and setting the sensing parameter to the third value when the identical value is read correctly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Paul F. Ruths
  • Publication number: 20130141983
    Abstract: A system and method to enable reading from non-volatile memory (NVM) devices is described. In one embodiment, the method includes setting a sensing parameter used to read data stored in a NVM device, reading from pluralities of locations of the NVM device with the sensing parameter set at the first value. The locations of the NVM device store an identical value. The method also includes verifying whether the identical value is read correctly from the locations of the NVM device. The method also includes setting the sensing parameter to a second value when the identical value is not read correctly with the sensing parameter set at the first value. The method further includes determining a third value for the sensing parameter from the identical value and setting the sensing parameter to the third value when the identical value is read correctly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventor: Paul F. Ruths
  • Patent number: 6097629
    Abstract: The invention relates to a non-volatile, static random access memory (nvSRAM) device that is capable of high speed copying of the data in the static random access portion of the device into the non-volatile portion of the device after the detection of possible loss of power. This is accomplished by preparing the non-volatile portion for receiving a bit of data from the SRAM portion before the possible loss of power is detected, i.e., pre-arming the device. In one embodiment, the pre-arming is accomplished by erasing the non-volatile portion during the time when the power supply is stable and data can be transferred between the SRAM portion and the exterior environment. In another embodiment, pre-arming is accomplished by erasing the non-volatile portion immediately after power has been provided to the device and data from the non-volatile portion has been copied into the SRAM in a recall operation. Another aspect of the invention provides for the decoupling of the erase and store operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Simtek Corporation
    Inventors: Daryl G. Dietrich, Paul F. Ruths, Christian E. Herdt
  • Patent number: 6026018
    Abstract: The invention relates to a non-volatile, static random access memory (nvSRAM) device that addresses the consequence of a manufacturing defect that occasionally occurs during mass production of the nvSRAM device and if not addressed, reduces the yield of the production process. The consequence of the defect is termed a store disturb because the execution of a store operation in a defective nvSRAM causes the bit of data retained in the SRAM portion and, in some cases, the nv portion of the nvSRAM to be instable or corrupted. The present invention provides an nvSRAM device in which the controller provides modified signals to the nvSRAM memory portion of the device that address the store disturb phenomena and, as a consequence, improve the yield of the manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Simtek Corporation
    Inventors: Christian E. Herdt, Daryl G. Dietrich, John R. Gill, Paul F. Ruths