Patents by Inventor Pi-Feng Chiu

Pi-Feng Chiu 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).

  • Publication number: 20200410334
    Abstract: An illustrative embodiment disclosed herein is an apparatus including a non-volatile memory cell and multi-bit input circuitry that simultaneously receives a plurality of bits, receives a supply voltage, converts the plurality of bits and the supply voltage into a multiply voltage, and applies the multiply voltage to the non-volatile memory cell. The non-volatile memory cell may pass a memory cell current in response to the multiply voltage. A magnitude of the multiply voltage may represent a multiplier. The memory cell current may represent a product of the multiplier and a multiplicand stored in the non-volatile memory cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Applicant: SanDisk Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Won Ho Choi, Pi-Feng Chiu, Martin Lueker-Boden
  • Publication number: 20200311512
    Abstract: Use of a NAND array architecture to realize a binary neural network (BNN) allows for matrix multiplication and accumulation to be performed within the memory array. A unit synapse for storing a weight of a BNN is stored in a pair of series connected memory cells. A binary input is applied as a pattern of voltage values on a pair of word lines connected to the unit synapse to perform the multiplication of the input with the weight by determining whether or not the unit synapse conducts. The results of such multiplications are determined by a sense amplifier, with the results accumulated by a counter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: SanDisk Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Won Ho Choi, Pi-Feng Chiu, Wen Ma, Minghai Qin, Gerrit Jan Hemink, Martin Lueker-Boden
  • Publication number: 20200285391
    Abstract: A memory array controller includes memory media scanning logic to sample a bit error rate of memory blocks of a first memory device. A data management logic may then move data from the first memory device to a second memory device if the bit error rate matches a threshold level. The threshold level is derived from a configurable data retention time parameter for the first memory device. The configurable data retention time parameter may be received from a user or determined utilizing various known machine learning techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: Chao Sun, Pi-Feng Chiu, Dejan Vucinic
  • Publication number: 20200272540
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed having a parity buffer having a plurality of parity pages and one or more dies, each die having a plurality of layers in which data may be written. The apparatus also includes a storage controller configured to write a stripe of data across two or more layers of the one or more dies, the stripe having one or more data values and a parity value. When a first data value of the stripe is written, it is stored a a currant value in a parity page of the parity buffer, the pants page corresponding to the stripe. For each subsequent data value that is written, an XOR operation is performed with the subsequent data value and the current value of the corresponding parity page and the result of the XOR operation is stored as the current value of the corresponding parity page.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Inventors: Chao Sun, Pi-Feng Chiu, Dejan Vucinic
  • Publication number: 20200257936
    Abstract: Exemplary methods and apparatus are disclosed that implement super-sparse image/video compression by storing image dictionary elements within a cross-bar resistive random access memory (ReRAM) array (or other suitable cross-bar NVM array). In illustrative examples, each column of the cross-bar ReRAM array stores the values for one dictionary element (such as one 4×4 dictionary element). Methods and apparatus are described for training (configuring) the cross-bar ReRAM array to generate and store the dictionary elements by sequentially applying patches from training images to the array using an unstructured Hebbian training procedure. Additionally, methods and apparatus are described for compressing an input image by applying patches from the input image to the ReRAM array to read out cross-bar column indices identifying the columns storing the various dictionary elements that best fit the image. This may be done in parallel using a set of ReRAM arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: Wen Ma, Minghai Qin, Won Ho Choi, Pi-Feng Chiu, Martin Lueker-Boden
  • Publication number: 20200192970
    Abstract: An innovative low-bit-width device may include a first digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a second DAC, a plurality of non-volatile memory (NVM) weight arrays, one or more analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), and a neural circuit. The first DAC is configured to convert a digital input signal into an analog input signal. The second DAC is configured to convert a digital previous hidden state (PHS) signal into an analog PHS signal. NVM weight arrays are configured to compute vector matrix multiplication (VMM) arrays based on the analog input signal and the analog PHS signal. The NVM weight arrays are coupled to the first DAC and the second DAC. The one or more ADCs are coupled to the plurality of NVM weight arrays and are configured to convert the VMM arrays into digital VMM values. The neural circuit is configured to process the digital VMM values into a new hidden state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: Wen Ma, Pi-Feng Chiu, Minghai Qin, Won Ho Choi, Martin Lueker-Boden
  • Patent number: 10643119
    Abstract: Use of a non-volatile memory array architecture to realize a neural network (BNN) allows for matrix multiplication and accumulation to be performed within the memory array. A unit synapse for storing a weight of a neural network is formed by a differential memory cell of two individual memory cells, such as a memory cells having a programmable resistance, each connected between a corresponding one of a word line pair and a shared bit line. An input is applied as a pattern of voltage values on word line pairs connected to the unit synapses to perform the multiplication of the input with the weight by determining a voltage level on the shared bit line. The results of such multiplications are determined by a sense amplifier, with the results accumulated by a summation circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Pi-Feng Chiu, Won Ho Choi, Wen Ma, Martin Lueker-Boden
  • Patent number: 10643705
    Abstract: Use of a non-volatile memory array architecture to realize a neural network (BNN) allows for matrix multiplication and accumulation to be performed within the memory array. A unit synapse for storing a weight of a neural network is formed by a differential memory cell of two individual memory cells, such as a memory cells having a programmable resistance, each connected between a corresponding one of a word line pair and a shared bit line. An input is applied as a pattern of voltage values on word line pairs connected to the unit synapses to perform the multiplication of the input with the weight by determining a voltage level on the shared bit line. The results of such multiplications are determined by a sense amplifier, with the results accumulated by a summation circuit. The approach can be extended from binary weights to multi-bit weight values by use of multiple differential memory cells for a weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Won Ho Choi, Pi-Feng Chiu, Wen Ma, Martin Lueker-Boden
  • Publication number: 20200117982
    Abstract: Enhanced techniques and circuitry are presented herein for artificial neural networks. These artificial neural networks are formed from artificial synapses, which in the implementations herein comprise a memory arrays having non-volatile memory elements. In one implementation, an apparatus comprises a plurality of non-volatile memory arrays configured to store weight values for an artificial neural network. Each of the plurality of non-volatile memory arrays can be configured to receive data from a unified buffer shared among the plurality of non-volatile memory arrays, operate on the data, and shift at least portions of the data to another of the plurality of non-volatile memory arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Pi-Feng Chiu, Won Ho Choi, Wen Ma, Martin Lueker-Boden
  • Publication number: 20200035305
    Abstract: Use of a non-volatile memory array architecture to realize a neural network (BNN) allows for matrix multiplication and accumulation to be performed within the memory array. A unit synapse for storing a weight of a neural network is formed by a differential memory cell of two individual memory cells, such as a memory cells having a programmable resistance, each connected between a corresponding one of a word line pair and a shared bit line. An input is applied as a pattern of voltage values on word line pairs connected to the unit synapses to perform the multiplication of the input with the weight by determining a voltage level on the shared bit line. The results of such multiplications are determined by a sense amplifier, with the results accumulated by a summation circuit. The approach can be extended from binary weights to multi-bit weight values by use of multiple differential memory cells for a weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: SanDisk Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Won Ho Choi, Pi-Feng Chiu, Wen Ma, Martin Lueker-Boden
  • Publication number: 20200034686
    Abstract: Use of a non-volatile memory array architecture to realize a neural network (BNN) allows for matrix multiplication and accumulation to be performed within the memory array. A unit synapse for storing a weight of a neural network is formed by a differential memory cell of two individual memory cells, such as a memory cells having a programmable resistance, each connected between a corresponding one of a word line pair and a shared bit line. An input is applied as a pattern of voltage values on word line pairs connected to the unit synapses to perform the multiplication of the input with the weight by determining a voltage level on the shared bit line. The results of such multiplications are determined by a sense amplifier, with the results accumulated by a summation circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: SanDisk Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Pi-Feng Chiu, Won Ho Choi, Wen Ma, Martin Lueker-Boden
  • Publication number: 20200034697
    Abstract: Use of a NAND array architecture to realize a binary neural network (BNN) allows for matrix multiplication and accumulation to be performed within the memory array. A unit synapse for storing a weight of a BNN is stored in a pair of series connected memory cells. A binary input is applied as a pattern of voltage values on a pair of word lines connected to the unit synapse to perform the multiplication of the input with the weight by determining whether or not the unit synapse conducts. The results of such multiplications are determined by a sense amplifier, with the results accumulated by a counter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: SanDisk Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Won Ho Choi, Pi-Feng Chiu, Wen Ma, Minghai Qin, Gerrit Jan Hemink, Martin Lueker-Boden
  • Publication number: 20200012924
    Abstract: Enhanced techniques and circuitry are presented herein for artificial neural networks. These artificial neural networks are formed from artificial neurons, which in the implementations herein comprise a memory array having non-volatile memory elements. Neural connections among the artificial neurons are formed by interconnect circuitry coupled to input control lines and output control lines of the memory array to subdivide the memory array into a plurality of layers of the artificial neural network. Control circuitry is configured to transmit a plurality of iterations of an input value on input control lines of a first layer of the artificial neural network for inference operations by at least one or more additional layers. The control circuitry is also configured to apply an averaging function across output values successively presented on output control lines of a last layer of the artificial neural network from each iteration of the input value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Wen Ma, Minghai Qin, Won Ho Choi, Pi-Feng Chiu, Martin Van Lueker-Boden
  • Patent number: 9086455
    Abstract: A testing and repairing apparatus of through silicon via (TSV) disposed between a first and a second chips is provided. First terminals of a first and a second switches are coupled to a first terminal of the TSV. First terminals of a third and a fourth switches are coupled to a second terminal of the TSV. A first terminal of a first resister is coupled to a first voltage. A first selector is coupled between second terminals of the second switch and the first resister. A second selector is coupled between a second terminal of the fourth switch and a second voltage. A first control circuit detects the second terminal of the second switch, and controls the first switch, the second switch and the first selector. A second control circuit controls the third switch, the fourth switch and the second selector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Hsin-Chi Lai, Chih-Sheng Lin, Pi-Feng Chiu, Zhe-Hui Lin
  • Patent number: 8625361
    Abstract: A circuit and a method for controlling the write timing of a non-volatile memory are provided. The method includes the following steps. First, a resistance state switching of at least one memory cell of the non-volatile memory executing a writing operation is monitored to output a control signal. The memory cell stores data states with different resistance states. A write timing is input to the memory cell through a timing control line. Next, the write timing is generated based on a clock signal and the control signal. The write timing is enabled at the beginning of a cycle of the clock signal, and is disabled when the memory cell finishes the resistance state switching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Pi-Feng Chiu, Shyh-Shyuan Sheu, Wen-Pin Lin, Chih-He Lin
  • Patent number: 8508983
    Abstract: A non-volatile static random access memory (NVSRAM) cell including a static random access circuit, first storage device, a second storage device, and a switch unit is provided. The static random access circuit has a first terminal and a second terminal respectively having a first voltage and a second voltage. Stored data in the first storage device and the second storage device are determined by the first voltage and the second voltage. The first storage device and the second storage device respectively have a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal. The switch unit is respectively coupled to the second connection terminals of the first storage device and the second storage device, and is controlled by a switching signal of a switch line to conduct the first storage device and the second storage device to a same bit line or a same complementary bit line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Min-Chuan Wang, Pi-Feng Chiu, Shyh-Shyuan Sheu
  • Publication number: 20130121058
    Abstract: A circuit and a method for controlling the write timing of a non-volatile memory are provided. The method includes the following steps. First, a resistance state switching of at least one memory cell of the non-volatile memory executing a writing operation is monitored to output a control signal. The memory cell stores data states with different resistance states. A write timing is input to the memory cell through a timing control line. Next, the write timing is generated based on a clock signal and the control signal. The write timing is enabled at the beginning of a cycle of the clock signal, and is disabled when the memory cell finishes the resistance state switching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Pi-Feng Chiu, Shyh-Shyuan Sheu, Wen-Pin Lin, Chih-He Lin
  • Publication number: 20130114325
    Abstract: A non-volatile random access memory (NV-RAM) and an operation method thereof are provided. The NV-RAM includes a latch unit, a switch, and a first to fourth non-volatile memory elements. First terminals of the first and the third non-volatile memory elements respectively couple to a first voltage and a second voltage. A second terminal of the first non-volatile memory element and a first terminal of the second non-volatile memory element are coupled to a first terminal of the latch unit. A second terminal of the third non-volatile memory element and a first terminal of the fourth non-volatile memory element are coupled to a second terminal of the latch unit. Second terminals of the second and the fourth non-volatile memory element are coupled to a first terminal of the switch. A second terminal of the switch is coupled to a third voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Chih-He Lin, Wen-Pin Lin, Pi-Feng Chiu, Shyh-Shyuan Sheu
  • Publication number: 20130093454
    Abstract: A testing and repairing apparatus of through silicon via (TSV) disposed between a first and a second chips is provided. First terminals of a first and a second switches are coupled to a first terminal of the TSV. First terminals of a third and a fourth switches are coupled to a second terminal of the TSV. A first terminal of a first resister is coupled to a first voltage. A first selector is coupled between second terminals of the second switch and the first resister. A second selector is coupled between a second terminal of the fourth switch and a second voltage. A first control circuit detects the second terminal of the second switch, and controls the first switch, the second switch and the first selector. A second control circuit controls the third switch, the fourth switch and the second selector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Hsin-Chi Lai, Chih-Sheng Lin, Pi-Feng Chiu, Zhe-Hui Lin
  • Patent number: 8422295
    Abstract: A non-volatile random access memory (NV-RAM) and an operation method thereof are provided. The NV-RAM includes a latch unit, a switch, and a first to fourth non-volatile memory elements. First terminals of the first and the third non-volatile memory elements respectively couple to a first voltage and a second voltage. A second terminal of the first non-volatile memory element and a first terminal of the second non-volatile memory element are coupled to a first terminal of the latch unit. A second terminal of the third non-volatile memory element and a first terminal of the fourth non-volatile memory element are coupled to a second terminal of the latch unit. Second terminals of the second and the fourth non-volatile memory element are coupled to a first terminal of the switch. A second terminal of the switch is coupled to a third voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chih-He Lin, Wen-Pin Lin, Pi-Feng Chiu, Shyh-Shyuan Sheu