Patents by Inventor Peter Thomas Freiburger

Peter Thomas Freiburger 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: 7925950
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing substantially perfect array access time tracking with Logic Built In Self Test (LBIST) diagnostics of dynamic memory array and random logic, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. The dynamic memory array is initialized to a state for the longest read time for each bit and the dynamic memory array is forced into a read only mode. During LBIST diagnostics with the array in the read only mode, the array outputs are combined with the data inputs to provide random switching data on the array outputs to the random logic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Todd Alan Christensen, Peter Thomas Freiburger, Jesse Daniel Smith
  • Patent number: 7835176
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing an enhanced dual-mode static random access memory (SRAM) performance screen ring oscillator (PSRO), and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. The dual-mode SRAM PSRO includes a plurality of SRAM base blocks connected together in a chain. Each of the plurality of SRAM base blocks includes an eight-transistor (8T) SRAM cell, a local evaluation circuit and a logic function coupled to the SRAM cell. The eight-transistor (8T) static random access memory (SRAM) cell is an unmodified 8T SRAM cell. The dual-mode SRAM PSRO includes one mode of operation, where the output frequency is determined by write-through performance of the 8T SRAM cell; and another mode of operation, where the output frequency is determined by read performance of the 8T SRAM cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chad Allen Adams, Todd Alan Christensen, Peter Thomas Freiburger, Travis Reynold Hebig
  • Publication number: 20100218055
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing substantially perfect array access time tracking with Logic Built In Self Test (LBIST) diagnostics of dynamic memory array and random logic, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. The dynamic memory array is initialized to a state for the longest read time for each bit and the dynamic memory array is forced into a read only mode. During LBIST diagnostics with the array in the read only mode, the array outputs are combined with the data inputs to provide random switching data on the array outputs to the random logic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Todd Alan Christensen, Peter Thomas Freiburger, Jesse Daniel Smith
  • Publication number: 20100188888
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing an enhanced dual-mode static random access memory (SRAM) performance screen ring oscillator (PSRO), and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. The dual-mode SRAM PSRO includes a plurality of SRAM base blocks connected together in a chain. Each of the plurality of SRAM base blocks includes an eight-transistor (8T) SRAM cell, a local evaluation circuit and a logic function coupled to the SRAM cell. The eight-transistor (8T) static random access memory (SRAM) cell is an unmodified 8T SRAM cell. The dual-mode SRAM PSRO includes one mode of operation, where the output frequency is determined by write-through performance of the 8T SRAM cell; and another mode of operation, where the output frequency is determined by read performance of the 8T SRAM cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chad Allen Adams, Todd Alan Christensen, Peter Thomas Freiburger, Travis Reynold Hebig
  • Patent number: 7724586
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing domino static random access memory (SRAM) local evaluation with enhanced SRAM cell stability, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. A SRAM local evaluation circuit enabling a read and write operations of an associated SRAM cell group includes true and complement bitlines, true and complement write data propagation inputs, a precharge signal, and a precharge write signal. A respective precharge device is connected between a voltage supply VDD and the true bitline and the complement bitline. A first passgate device is connected between the complement bitline and the true write data propagation input. A second passgate device is connected between the true bitline and the complement write data propagation input. The precharge write signal disables the passgate devices during a read operation. During write operations, the precharge write signal enables the passgate devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chad Allen Adams, Todd Alan Christensen, Peter Thomas Freiburger, Daniel Mark Nelson
  • Patent number: 7684263
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing an enhanced static random access memory (SRAM) read and write performance ring oscillator, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. A plurality of SRAM base blocks is connected together in a chain. Each of the plurality of SRAM base blocks includes a SRAM cell, such as an eight-transistor (8T) static random access memory (SRAM) cell, and a local evaluation block coupled to the SRAM cell. The SRAM cell includes independent left wordline input and right wordline input. The SRAM cell includes a read wordline connected high, and a true and complement write bitline pair connected low. In the local evaluation circuit, one input of a NAND gate receiving the read bitline input is connected high. A control signal is combined with an inverted feedback signal to start and stop the ring oscillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chad Allen Adams, Todd Alan Christensen, Peter Thomas Freiburger, Travis Reynold Hebig
  • Publication number: 20100046278
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing domino static random access memory (SRAM) local evaluation with enhanced SRAM cell stability, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. A SRAM local evaluation circuit enabling a read and write operations of an associated SRAM cell group includes true and complement bitlines, true and complement write data propagation inputs, a precharge signal, and a precharge write signal. A respective precharge device is connected between a voltage supply VDD and the true bitline and the complement bitline. A first passgate device is connected between the complement bitline and the true write data propagation input. A second passgate device is connected between the true bitline and the complement write data propagation input. The precharge write signal disables the passgate devices during a read operation. During write operations, the precharge write signal enables the passgate devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chad Allen Adams, Todd Alan Christensen, Peter Thomas Freiburger, Daniel Mark Nelson
  • Publication number: 20090185435
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing an enhanced static random access memory (SRAM) read and write performance ring oscillator, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. A plurality of SRAM base blocks is connected together in a chain. Each of the plurality of SRAM base blocks includes a SRAM cell, such as an eight-transistor (8T) static random access memory (SRAM) cell, and a local evaluation block coupled to the SRAM cell. The SRAM cell includes independent left wordline input and right wordline input. The SRAM cell includes a read wordline connected high, and a true and complement write bitline pair connected low. In the local evaluation circuit, one input of a NAND gate receiving the read bitline input is connected high. A control signal is combined with an inverted feedback signal to start and stop the ring oscillator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Chad Allen Adams, Todd Alan Christensen, Peter Thomas Freiburger, Travis Reynold Hebig
  • Publication number: 20080273406
    Abstract: A method and enhanced Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) redundancy circuit reduce wiring and the required number of redundant elements. A bitline redundancy mechanism allows the swapping of a pair of bitlines for a redundant pair of bit columns. Two of the adjacent bitlines are swapped out at a time, one even and one odd. The swap is accomplished by steering the data around the bad columns and adding redundant columns on the end that are steered in when needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Derick Gardner Behrends, Peter Thomas Freiburger, Ryan Charles Kivimagi, Daniel Mark Nelson
  • Patent number: 7443744
    Abstract: A method and enhanced Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) redundancy circuit reduce wiring and the required number of redundant elements. A bitline redundancy mechanism allows the swapping of a pair of bitlines for a redundant pair of bit columns. Two of the adjacent bitlines are swapped out at a time, one even and one odd. The swap is accomplished by steering the data around the bad columns and adding redundant columns on the end that are steered in when needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Derick Gardner Behrends, Peter Thomas Freiburger, Ryan Charles Kivimagi, Daniel Mark Nelson
  • Publication number: 20080112219
    Abstract: A method and enhanced Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) redundancy circuit reduce wiring and the required number of redundant elements, and a design structure on which the subject SRAM redundancy circuit resides is provided. A bitline redundancy mechanism allows the swapping of a pair of bitlines for a redundant pair of bit columns. Two of the adjacent bitlines are swapped out at a time, one even and one odd. The swap is accomplished by steering the data around the bad columns and adding redundant columns on the end that are steered in when needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Derick Gardner Behrends, Peter Thomas Freiburger, Ryan Charles Kivimagi, Daniel Mark Nelson
  • Publication number: 20080112237
    Abstract: A method and enhanced Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) redundancy circuit reduce wiring and the required number of redundant elements. A bitline redundancy mechanism allows the swapping of a pair of bitlines for a redundant pair of bit columns. Two of the adjacent bitlines are swapped out at a time, one even and one odd. The swap is accomplished by steering the data around the bad columns and adding redundant columns on the end that are steered in when needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Derick Gardner Behrends, Peter Thomas Freiburger, Ryan Charles Kivimagi, Daniel Mark Nelson
  • Patent number: 7161390
    Abstract: A latching dynamic logic includes a dynamic logic gate, a static logic input interface, and a set-reset output latch. The dynamic logic gate receives a clock signal, a data signal, and a select signal output of the static logic input interface. The dynamic logic gate includes a dynamic node and a pulldown network coupled to the dynamic node. The pulldown network selectively discharges the dynamic node following a clock signal transition dependent on the data signal and the select signal output of the static logic input interface being active. The set-reset output latch is coupled to the dynamic node of the dynamic logic gate for providing an output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony Gus Aipperspach, Peter Thomas Freiburger
  • Publication number: 20060087873
    Abstract: A method and a sum addressed content-addressable memory (CAM) compare are provided for implementing an enhanced sum address compare function. True and compliment bit signals applied to the CAM compare are encoded by combining respective ones of the applied true and compliment bit signals. Then the encoded true and compliment bit signals are applied to a critical path dynamic compare circuit. An encoder apparatus encodes true and compliment bit signals that then are applied to the dynamic compare circuit in the critical path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Publication date: April 27, 2006
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chad Allen Adams, Derick Gardner Behrends, Todd Alan Christensen, Peter Thomas Freiburger, Ryan Charles Kivimagi
  • Patent number: 7035127
    Abstract: A method and a sum addressed content-addressable memory (CAM) compare are provided for implementing an enhanced sum address compare function. True and compliment bit signals applied to the CAM compare are encoded by combining respective ones of the applied true and compliment bit signals. Then the encoded true and compliment bit signals are applied to a critical path dynamic compare circuit. An encoder apparatus encodes true and compliment bit signals that then are applied to the dynamic compare circuit in the critical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chad Allen Adams, Derick Gardner Behrends, Todd Alan Christensen, Peter Thomas Freiburger, Ryan Charles Kivimagi
  • Patent number: 7015600
    Abstract: A pulse generator circuit is disclosed including a delay element coupled to a logic circuit. The delay element receives a clock signal CLK and a signal X and produces a signal XN dependent upon the clock signal CLK and the signal X. The logic circuit receives the clock signal CLK and the signal XN and produces a signal ACLK such that ACLK=CLK·XN?. The signal ACLK may include a series of positive pulses. The delay element may be, for example, one of multiple delay elements coupled in series, and signal X may be an output of a preceding one of the delay elements. A semiconductor device is described including the above pulse generator circuit and a self-resetting logic circuit. The self-resetting logic circuit receives the signal ACLK and one or more input signals and performs a logic operation using the one or more input signals during the positive pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chad Allen Adams, Todd Alan Christensen, Peter Thomas Freiburger
  • Patent number: 6901003
    Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and a computer program are provided to reading indicia from an SRAM cell. A low value is generated on a write true line. A high value is generated on a continuous bit_line. The true node of the SRAM cell is evaluated through use of a floating voltage coupled to the true node of the SRAM cell. If the floating voltage stays substantially constant, the value read from the SRAM cell is a high. If the floating voltage is drained to ground, the value read from the SRAM cell is a low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chad Allen Adams, Anthony Gus Aipperspach, Todd Alan Christensen, Peter Thomas Freiburger
  • Patent number: 6741493
    Abstract: An improved memory device has a reduced number of wires for carrying local write signals. The improved memory device includes an array of memory cells. A plurality of local true bitlines is coupled to the array of memory cells. A plurality of continuous complement bitlines is coupled to the array of memory cells. The memory device also includes a plurality of write circuits. At least one write circuit is coupled to at least one continuous complement bitline and at least one local true bitline, receives information on a data input from the continuous complement bitline, and controls the local true bitline. At least one local write line is coupled to at least two of the write circuits for providing a write enable signal to the two write circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Todd Alan Christensen, Peter Thomas Freiburger
  • Publication number: 20040090817
    Abstract: An improved memory device has a reduced number of wires for carrying local write signals. The improved memory device includes an array of memory cells. A plurality of local true bitlines is coupled to the array of memory cells. A plurality of continuous complement bitlines is coupled to the array of memory cells. The memory device also includes a plurality of write circuits. At least one write circuit is coupled to at least one continuous complement bitline and at least one local true bitline, receives information on a data input from the continuous complement bitline, and controls the local true bitline. At least one local write line is coupled to at least two of the write circuits for providing a write enable signal to the two write circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Todd Alan Christensen, Peter Thomas Freiburger
  • Publication number: 20040070433
    Abstract: A pulse generator circuit is disclosed including a delay element coupled to a logic circuit. The delay element receives a clock signal CLK and a signal X and produces a signal XN dependent upon the clock signal CLK and the signal X. The logic circuit receives the clock signal CLK and the signal XN and produces a signal ACLK such that ACLK=CLK·XN′. The signal ACLK may include a series of positive pulses. The delay element may be, for example, one of multiple delay elements coupled in series, and signal X may be an output of a preceding one of the delay elements. A semiconductor device is described including the above pulse generator circuit and a self-resetting logic circuit. The self-resetting logic circuit receives the signal ACLK and one or more input signals and performs a logic operation using the one or more input signals during the positive pulses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chad Allen Adams, Todd Alan Christensen, Peter Thomas Freiburger