Patents by Inventor Richard E. Fackenthal

Richard E. Fackenthal 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: 20250240971
    Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatuses and methods forming the apparatuses. One of the apparatuses includes a first memory cell including a first transistor including a first channel region and a first charge storage structure, and a second transistor including a second channel region formed over the charge storage structure; a second memory cell adjacent the first memory cell, the second memory cell including a third transistor including a third channel region and a second charge storage structure, and a fourth transistor including a fourth channel region formed over the second charge storage structure; a first access line adjacent a side of the first memory cell; a second access line adjacent a side of the second memory cell; a first dielectric material adjacent the first channel region; a second dielectric material adjacent the third channel region; and a conductive structure between the first and second dielectric materials and adjacent the first and second dielectric materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2025
    Publication date: July 24, 2025
    Inventors: Kamal M. Karda, Richard E Fackenthal, Durai Vishak Nirmal Ramaswamy
  • Publication number: 20250218512
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for source line configurations for a memory device are described. In some cases, a memory cell of the memory device may include a first transistor having a floating gate for storing a logic state of the memory cell and a second transistor coupled with the floating gate of the first transistor. The memory cell may be coupled with a word line, a digit line, and a source line. During a write operation, the source line may be clamped to the digit line using one or more memory cells in the memory device. During a read operation, the source line may be grounded using one or more memory cells in the memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2025
    Publication date: July 3, 2025
    Inventor: Richard E. Fackenthal
  • Publication number: 20250174264
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for structures for word line multiplexing in three-dimensional memory arrays are described. A memory die may include circuitry for access line multiplexing in regions adjacent to or between staircase regions. For example, a multiplexing region may include, for each word line of a stack of word lines, a respective first portion of a semiconductor material and a respective second portion of the semiconductor material, and may also include a gate material operable to modulate a conductivity between the first portions and the second portions. Each word line may be coupled with the respective first portion of the semiconductor material, such that biasing of the gate material may couple the word lines with the respective second portion of the semiconductor material. Such features may support various techniques for multiplexing associated with the stack of word lines, or among multiple stacks of word lines, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2024
    Publication date: May 29, 2025
    Inventors: Fatma Arzum Simsek-Ege, Mingdong Cui, Richard E. Fackenthal
  • Patent number: 12302545
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for thin film transistor random access memory are described. A memory device may include memory cells each having one or more transistors formed above a substrate. For example, a memory cell may include a transistor having a channel portion formed by one or more pillars or other structures formed above a substrate, and a gate portion including a conductor formed above the substrate and configured to activate the channel portion based at least in part on a voltage of the gate portion. A memory cell may include a set of two or more such transistors to support latching circuitry of the memory cell, or other circuitry configured to store a logic state, which may or may not be used in combination with one or more transistors formed at least in part from one or more portions of a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2025
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Fackenthal
  • Patent number: 12277972
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for source line configurations for a memory device are described. In some cases, a memory cell of the memory device may include a first transistor having a floating gate for storing a logic state of the memory cell and a second transistor coupled with the floating gate of the first transistor. The memory cell may be coupled with a word line, a digit line, and a source line. During a write operation, the source line may be clamped to the digit line using one or more memory cells in the memory device. During a read operation, the source line may be grounded using one or more memory cells in the memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Fackenthal
  • Publication number: 20250118341
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for structures for word line multiplexing in three-dimensional memory arrays are described. A memory die may include circuitry for access line multiplexing in regions adjacent to or between staircase regions. For example, a multiplexing region may include, for each word line of a stack of word lines, a respective first portion of a semiconductor material and a respective second portion of the semiconductor material, and may also include one or more gate material portions operable to modulate a conductivity between respective first and second portions. Each word line may be coupled with the respective first portion of the semiconductor material, such that biasing of the gate material portions may couple the word lines with the respective second portion of the semiconductor material. Such features may support various techniques for multiplexing associated with the stack of word lines, or among multiple stacks of word lines, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2024
    Publication date: April 10, 2025
    Inventors: Fatma Arzum Simsek-Ege, Mingdong Cui, Richard E. Fackenthal
  • Patent number: 12219750
    Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatuses and methods of operating such apparatuses. One of such apparatuses includes a data line, a conductive region, and a memory cell including a first transistor and a second transistor. The first transistor includes a first channel region coupled to the data line and the conductive region, a charge storage structure, and a first gate. The second transistor includes a second channel region coupled to the data line and the charge storage structure, and a second gate. The first gate is electrically separated from the second gate and opposite from the second gate in a direction from the first channel region to the second channel region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2025
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric S. Carman, Durai Vishak Nirmal Ramaswamy, Richard E Fackenthal, Kamal M. Karda, Karthik Sarpatwari, Haitao Liu, Duane R. Mills, Christian Caillat
  • Patent number: 12213321
    Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatuses and methods forming the apparatuses. One of the apparatuses includes a first memory cell including a first transistor including a first channel region and a first charge storage structure, and a second transistor including a second channel region formed over the charge storage structure; a second memory cell adjacent the first memory cell, the second memory cell including a third transistor including a third channel region and a second charge storage structure, and a fourth transistor including a fourth channel region formed over the second charge storage structure; a first access line adjacent a side of the first memory cell; a second access line adjacent a side of the second memory cell; a first dielectric material adjacent the first channel region; a second dielectric material adjacent the third channel region; and a conductive structure between the first and second dielectric materials and adjacent the first and second dielectric materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kamal M. Karda, Richard E. Fackenthal, Durai Vishak Nirmal Ramaswamy
  • Patent number: 12176020
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for structures for word line multiplexing in three-dimensional memory arrays are described. A memory die may include circuitry for access line multiplexing in regions adjacent to or between staircase regions. For example, a multiplexing region may include, for each word line of a stack of word lines, a respective first portion of a semiconductor material and a respective second portion of the semiconductor material, and may also include a gate material operable to modulate a conductivity between the first portions and the second portions. Each word line may be coupled with the respective first portion of the semiconductor material, such that biasing of the gate material may couple the word lines with the respective second portion of the semiconductor material. Such features may support various techniques for multiplexing associated with the stack of word lines, or among multiple stacks of word lines, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Fatma Arzum Simsek-Ege, Mingdong Cui, Richard E. Fackenthal
  • Publication number: 20240420750
    Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatuses in which one of such apparatus includes a first memory cell including a first transistor having a first channel region coupled between a data line and a conductive region, and a first charge storage structure located between the first data line and the conductive region, and a second transistor having a second channel region coupled to and located between the first data line and the first charge storage structure; a second memory cell including a third transistor having a third channel region coupled between a second data line and the conductive region, and a second charge storage structure located between the second data line and the conductive region, and a fourth transistor having a fourth channel region coupled to and located between the second data line and the second charge storage structure; a conductive line forming a gate of each of the first, second, third, and fourth transistors; and a conductive structure located between the first and second charge storage stru
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2024
    Publication date: December 19, 2024
    Inventors: Kamal M. Karda, Haitao Liu, Karthik Sarpatwari, Durai Vishak Nirmal Ramaswamy, Alessandro Calderoni, Richard E. Fackenthal, Duane R. Mills
  • Patent number: 12131794
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for structures for word line multiplexing in three-dimensional memory arrays are described. A memory die may include circuitry for access line multiplexing in regions adjacent to or between staircase regions. For example, a multiplexing region may include, for each word line of a stack of word lines, a respective first portion of a semiconductor material and a respective second portion of the semiconductor material, and may also include one or more gate material portions operable to modulate a conductivity between respective first and second portions. Each word line may be coupled with the respective first portion of the semiconductor material, such that biasing of the gate material portions may couple the word lines with the respective second portion of the semiconductor material. Such features may support various techniques for multiplexing associated with the stack of word lines, or among multiple stacks of word lines, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Fatma Arzum Simsek-Ege, Mingdong Cui, Richard E. Fackenthal
  • Patent number: 12080331
    Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatuses in which one of such apparatus includes a first memory cell including a first transistor having a first channel region coupled between a data line and a conductive region, and a first charge storage structure located between the first data line and the conductive region, and a second transistor having a second channel region coupled to and located between the first data line and the first charge storage structure; a second memory cell including a third transistor having a third channel region coupled between a second data line and the conductive region, and a second charge storage structure located between the second data line and the conductive region, and a fourth transistor having a fourth channel region coupled to and located between the second data line and the second charge storage structure; a conductive line forming a gate of each of the first, second, third, and fourth transistors; and a conductive structure located between the first and second charge storage stru
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kamal M. Karda, Haitao Liu, Karthik Sarpatwari, Durai Vishak Nirmal Ramaswamy, Alessandro Calderoni, Richard E Fackenthal, Duane R. Mills
  • Publication number: 20240251563
    Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatuses and methods forming the apparatuses. One of the apparatuses includes a first transistor including a first channel region, and a charge storage structure separated from the first channel region; a second transistor including a second channel region formed over the charge storage structure; and a data line formed over and contacting the first channel region and the second channel region, the data line including a portion adjacent the first channel region and separated from the first channel region by a dielectric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2024
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    Inventors: Kamal M. Karda, Eric S. Carman, Karthik Sarpatwari, Durai Vishak Nirmal Ramaswamy, Richard E. Fackenthal, Haitao Liu
  • Publication number: 20240244820
    Abstract: A microelectronic device includes memory array regions of memory cells each including a vertical stack structure comprising conductive structures vertically spaced from one another and horizontally extending through a vertical stack of memory cells. A staircase region is horizontally between two of the memory array regions horizontally neighboring one another and includes a first staircase structure horizontally extending from the vertical stack structure of a first of the two of the memory array regions and a second staircase structure horizontally extending from the vertical stack structure of a second of the two of the memory array regions. Lateral conductive contacts provide a conductive path between the first steps of the first staircase structure and the second steps of the second staircase structure. Related microelectronic devices, memory devices, and electronic systems are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2023
    Publication date: July 18, 2024
    Inventors: Scott E. Sills, Si-Woo Lee`, Richard E. Fackenthal, Hiroki Fujisawa
  • Publication number: 20240194251
    Abstract: Devices and methods for operating a memory device including multiple memory cells configured to store data and multiple global digit lines configured to carry the data in memory accesses of the memory cells. The memory device also includes multiple local digit lines configured to carry the data between the global digit lines and the memory cells. The memory device further includes multiple digit line selection circuits configured to selectively couple selected local digit lines of the local digit lines to the global digit lines. The memory device also includes a controller configured to select a pattern of selected digit line selection circuits to at least partially cancel capacitive coupling between the selected local digit lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2023
    Publication date: June 13, 2024
    Inventors: Richard E. Fackenthal, Christopher K. Morzano, Daniele Vimercati
  • Patent number: 11950426
    Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatuses and methods forming the apparatuses. One of the apparatuses includes a first transistor including a first channel region, and a charge storage structure separated from the first channel region; a second transistor including a second channel region formed over the charge storage structure; and a data line formed over and contacting the first channel region and the second channel region, the data line including a portion adjacent the first channel region and separated from the first channel region by a dielectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kamal M. Karda, Eric S. Carman, Karthik Sarpatwari, Durai Vishak Nirmal Ramaswamy, Richard E Fackenthal, Haitao Liu
  • Publication number: 20240081036
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for thin film transistor random access memory are described. A memory device may include memory cells each having one or more transistors formed above a substrate. For example, a memory cell may include a transistor having a channel portion formed by one or more pillars or other structures formed above a substrate, and a gate portion including a conductor formed above the substrate and configured to activate the channel portion based at least in part on a voltage of the gate portion. A memory cell may include a set of two or more such transistors to support latching circuitry of the memory cell, or other circuitry configured to store a logic state, which may or may not be used in combination with one or more transistors formed at least in part from one or more portions of a substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventor: Richard E. Fackenthal
  • Publication number: 20240071465
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for structures for word line multiplexing in three-dimensional memory arrays are described. A memory die may include circuitry for access line multiplexing in regions adjacent to or between staircase regions. For example, a multiplexing region may include, for each word line of a stack of word lines, a respective first portion of a semiconductor material and a respective second portion of the semiconductor material, and may also include a gate material operable to modulate a conductivity between the first portions and the second portions. Each word line may be coupled with the respective first portion of the semiconductor material, such that biasing of the gate material may couple the word lines with the respective second portion of the semiconductor material. Such features may support various techniques for multiplexing associated with the stack of word lines, or among multiple stacks of word lines, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Fatma Arzum Simsek-Ege, Mingdong Cui, Richard E. Fackenthal
  • Patent number: 11868220
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for efficient power scheme for redundancy are described. A memory device may include circuitry that stores memory address information related to one or more defective or unreliable memory components and that compares memory address information to memory addresses targeted for memory access operations. The memory device may selectively distribute a targeted memory address to one or more circuits within the circuitry based on whether those circuits store memory address information. Additionally or alternatively, the memory device may selectively power one or more circuits within the circuitry based on whether those circuits store memory address information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Fackenthal, Duane R. Mills
  • Publication number: 20230422471
    Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatuses and methods of operating such apparatuses. One of such apparatuses includes a data line, a conductive region, and a memory cell including a first transistor and a second transistor. The first transistor includes a first channel region coupled to the data line and the conductive region, a charge storage structure, and a first gate. The second transistor includes a second channel region coupled to the data line and the charge storage structure, and a second gate. The first gate is electrically separated from the second gate and opposite from the second gate in a direction from the first channel region to the second channel region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2023
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: Eric S. Carman, Durai Vishak Nirmal Ramaswamy, Richard E Fackenthal, Kamal M. Karda, Karthik Sarpatwari, Haitao Liu, Duane R. Mills, Christian Caillat