Patents by Inventor Robert E. Palmer

Robert E. Palmer 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: 12626740
    Abstract: A first-in-first-out (FIFO) storage structure within an integrated-circuit component is loaded with qualification values corresponding to respective pairs of edges expected within a timing strobe signal transmitted to the integrated-circuit component. The qualification values are sequentially output from the FIFO storage structure during respective cycles of the timing strobe signal and a gate signal is either asserted or deasserted during the respective cycles of the timing strobe signal according to the qualification values output from the FIFO storage structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2024
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2026
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Fuller, Robert E. Palmer, Thomas J. Giovannini, Michael D. Bucher, Thoai Thai Le
  • Publication number: 20260016984
    Abstract: A four-channel by two ranks-per-channel memory module includes four independent memory channels and dual-channel memory devices. The channels of the dual-channel memory module devices may be accessed independently. Thus, the four channels for accessing the memory module may each concurrently access, via a one of the two channels of the memory devices, a respective first rank and a second rank. Data buffer devices on the memory module communicate data between the two ranks and the channels. The data buffer devices multiplex/demultiplex (a.k.a., interleave/deinterleave) communication between the channels and the ranks so that the channels operate at a greater bandwidth (e.g., quad-data rate—QDR) than the memory devices (e.g., double-data rate—DDR). The data buffer devices also retime and/or redistribute data strobe signals communicated between the memory devices and the channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2025
    Publication date: January 15, 2026
    Inventors: Steven C. WOO, Robert E. PALMER, Evan Lawrence ERICKSON
  • Publication number: 20250328181
    Abstract: A memory controller component of a memory system stores memory access requests within a transaction queue until serviced so that, over time, the transaction queue alternates between occupied and empty states. The memory controller transitions the memory system to a low power mode in response to detecting the transaction queue is has remained in the empty state for a predetermined time. In the transition to the low power mode, the memory controller disables oscillation of one or more timing signals required to time data signaling operations within synchronous communication circuits of one or more attached memory devices and also disables one or more power consuming circuits within the synchronous communication circuits of the one or more memory devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2025
    Publication date: October 23, 2025
    Inventors: Frederick A. Ware, Robert E. Palmer, John W. Poulton, Andrew M. Fuller
  • Publication number: 20250224885
    Abstract: A system includes a memory controller and a memory device having a command interface, refresh circuitry, control logic, and a plurality of memory banks, each with a plurality of rows of memory cells. The command interface is operable to receive a refresh command from a memory controller and the refresh circuitry is configured to perform one or more refresh operations to refresh data stored in at least one bank of the plurality of memory banks during a refresh time interval in response to the refresh command from the memory controller. The control logic is to configure the command interface to enter a calibration mode during the refresh time interval, and the command interface is configured to perform a calibration operation in the calibration mode during the refresh time interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2025
    Publication date: July 10, 2025
    Inventors: Frederick A. Ware, Robert E. Palmer, John W. Poulton
  • Patent number: 12314113
    Abstract: A memory controller component of a memory system stores memory access requests within a transaction queue until serviced so that, over time, the transaction queue alternates between occupied and empty states. The memory controller transitions the memory system to a low power mode in response to detecting the transaction queue is has remained in the empty state for a predetermined time. In the transition to the low power mode, the memory controller disables oscillation of one or more timing signals required to time data signaling operations within synchronous communication circuits of one or more attached memory devices and also disables one or more power consuming circuits within the synchronous communication circuits of the one or more memory devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2024
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2025
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick A Ware, Robert E. Palmer, John W. Poulton, Andrew M. Fuller
  • Patent number: 12236111
    Abstract: A system includes a memory controller and a memory device having a command interface, refresh circuitry, control logic, and a plurality of memory banks, each with a plurality of rows of memory cells. The command interface is operable to receive a refresh command from a memory controller and the refresh circuitry is configured to perform one or more refresh operations to refresh data stored in at least one bank of the plurality of memory banks during a refresh time interval in response to the refresh command from the memory controller. The control logic is to configure the command interface to enter a calibration mode during the refresh time interval, and the command interface is configured to perform a calibration operation in the calibration mode during the refresh time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2024
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: RAMBUS INC.
    Inventors: Frederick A. Ware, Robert E. Palmer, John W. Poulton
  • Publication number: 20240428835
    Abstract: A first-in-first-out (FIFO) storage structure within an integrated-circuit component is loaded with qualification values corresponding to respective pairs of edges expected within a timing strobe signal transmitted to the integrated-circuit component. The qualification values are sequentially output from the FIFO storage structure during respective cycles of the timing strobe signal and a gate signal is either asserted or deasserted during the respective cycles of the timing strobe signal according to the qualification values output from the FIFO storage structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2024
    Publication date: December 26, 2024
    Inventors: Andrew M. Fuller, Robert E. Palmer, Thomas J. Giovannini, Michael D. Bucher, Thoai Thai Le
  • Publication number: 20240402788
    Abstract: A memory controller component of a memory system stores memory access requests within a transaction queue until serviced so that, over time, the transaction queue alternates between occupied and empty states. The memory controller transitions the memory system to a low power mode in response to detecting the transaction queue is has remained in the empty state for a predetermined time. In the transition to the low power mode, the memory controller disables oscillation of one or more timing signals required to time data signaling operations within synchronous communication circuits of one or more attached memory devices and also disables one or more power consuming circuits within the synchronous communication circuits of the one or more memory devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2024
    Publication date: December 5, 2024
    Inventors: Frederick A. Ware, Robert E. Palmer, John W. Poulton, Andrew M. Fuller
  • Publication number: 20240311021
    Abstract: A system includes a memory controller and a memory device having a command interface, refresh circuitry, control logic, and a plurality of memory banks, each with a plurality of rows of memory cells. The command interface is operable to receive a refresh command from a memory controller and the refresh circuitry is configured to perform one or more refresh operations to refresh data stored in at least one bank of the plurality of memory banks during a refresh time interval in response to the refresh command from the memory controller. The control logic is to configure the command interface to enter a calibration mode during the refresh time interval, and the command interface is configured to perform a calibration operation in the calibration mode during the refresh time interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2024
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Inventors: Frederick A. Ware, Robert E. Palmer, John W. Poulton
  • Patent number: 12062413
    Abstract: A first-in-first-out (FIFO) storage structure within an integrated-circuit component is loaded with qualification values corresponding to respective pairs of edges expected within a timing strobe signal transmitted to the integrated-circuit component. The qualification values are sequentially output from the FIFO storage structure during respective cycles of the timing strobe signal and a gate signal is either asserted or deasserted during the respective cycles of the timing strobe signal according to the qualification values output from the FIFO storage structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Fuller, Robert E. Palmer, Thomas J. Giovannini, Michael D. Bucher, Thoai Thai Le
  • Patent number: 11960344
    Abstract: A memory controller component of a memory system stores memory access requests within a transaction queue until serviced so that, over time, the transaction queue alternates between occupied and empty states. The memory controller transitions the memory system to a low power mode in response to detecting the transaction queue is has remained in the empty state for a predetermined time. In the transition to the low power mode, the memory controller disables oscillation of one or more timing signals required to time data signaling operations within synchronous communication circuits of one or more attached memory devices and also disables one or more power consuming circuits within the synchronous communication circuits of the one or more memory devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick A. Ware, Robert E. Palmer, John W. Poulton, Andrew M. Fuller
  • Patent number: 11955971
    Abstract: An integrated circuit comprises a signal transmitter and a sampling circuit coupled to the signal transmitter, wherein the sampling circuit is to sample output voltage levels of an output of the signal transmitter at different respective times. The integrated circuit further comprises a measurement circuit coupled to the sampling circuit, wherein the measurement circuit is to compare the output voltage levels of the output of the signal transmitter to corresponding reference voltages to identify a first time when a first output voltage level equals a first reference voltage and a second time when a second output voltage level equals a second reference voltage. A time difference between the first time and the second time is used to configure a slew rate adjustment control of the signal transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Palmer, Andrew Fuller, Hsuan-Jung Su
  • Patent number: 11941256
    Abstract: A system includes a memory controller and a memory device having a command interface, refresh circuitry, control logic, and a plurality of memory banks, each with a plurality of rows of memory cells. The command interface is operable to receive a refresh command from a memory controller and the refresh circuitry is configured to perform one or more refresh operations to refresh data stored in at least one bank of the plurality of memory banks during a refresh time interval in response to the refresh command from the memory controller. The control logic is to configure the command interface to enter a calibration mode during the refresh time interval, and the command interface is configured to perform a calibration operation in the calibration mode during the refresh time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: RAMBUS INC.
    Inventors: Frederick A. Ware, Robert E. Palmer, John W. Poulton
  • Patent number: 11763865
    Abstract: A first-in-first-out (FIFO) storage structure within an integrated-circuit component is loaded with qualification values corresponding to respective pairs of edges expected within a timing strobe signal transmitted to the integrated-circuit component. The qualification values are sequentially output from the FIFO storage structure during respective cycles of the timing strobe signal and a gate signal is either asserted or deasserted during the respective cycles of the timing strobe signal according to the qualification values output from the FIFO storage structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Fuller, Robert E. Palmer, Thomas J. Giovannini, Michael D. Bucher, Thoai Thai Le
  • Publication number: 20230244293
    Abstract: A memory controller component of a memory system stores memory access requests within a transaction queue until serviced so that, over time, the transaction queue alternates between occupied and empty states. The memory controller transitions the memory system to a low power mode in response to detecting the transaction queue is has remained in the empty state for a predetermined time. In the transition to the low power mode, the memory controller disables oscillation of one or more timing signals required to time data signaling operations within synchronous communication circuits of one or more attached memory devices and also disables one or more power consuming circuits within the synchronous communication circuits of the one or more memory devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2022
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventors: Frederick A. Ware, Robert E. Palmer, John W. Poulton, Andrew M. Fuller
  • Patent number: 11677391
    Abstract: A latency controller within an integrated circuit device retimes command-stream-triggered control and timing signals into endpoint timing domains having respective time-varying phase offsets relative to a reference clock by iteratively estimating and logging the phase offsets independently of commands streaming into the integrated circuit device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Palmer, Andrew M. Fuller, William F. Stonecypher
  • Patent number: 11595235
    Abstract: An integrated receiver supports adaptive receive equalization. An incoming bit stream is sampled using edge and data clock signals derived from a reference clock signal. A phase detector determines whether the edge and data clock signals are in phase with the incoming data, while some clock recovery circuitry adjusts the edge and data clock signals as required to match their phases to the incoming data. The receiver employs the edge and data samples used to recover the edge and data clock signals to note the locations of zero crossings for one or more selected data patterns. The pattern or patterns may be selected from among those apt to produce the greatest timing error. Equalization settings may then be adjusted to align the zero crossings of the selected data patterns with the recovered edge clock signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Palmer
  • Patent number: 11556164
    Abstract: A memory controller component of a memory system stores memory access requests within a transaction queue until serviced so that, over time, the transaction queue alternates between occupied and empty states. The memory controller transitions the memory system to a low power mode in response to detecting the transaction queue is has remained in the empty state for a predetermined time. In the transition to the low power mode, the memory controller disables oscillation of one or more timing signals required to time data signaling operations within synchronous communication circuits of one or more attached memory devices and also disables one or more power consuming circuits within the synchronous communication circuits of the one or more memory devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick A. Ware, Robert E. Palmer, John W. Poulton, Andrew M. Fuller
  • Patent number: 11507280
    Abstract: A system includes a memory controller and a memory device having a command interface and a plurality of memory banks, each with a plurality of rows of memory cells. The memory controller transmits an auto-refresh command to the memory device. Responsive to the auto-refresh command, during a first time interval, the memory device performs refresh operations to refresh the memory cells and the command interface of the memory device is placed into a calibration mode for the duration of the first time interval. Concurrently, during at least a portion of the first time interval, the memory controller performs a calibration of a data interface circuit of the memory device. The auto-refresh command may specify an order in which memory banks of the memory device are to be refreshed, such that the memory device sequentially refreshes a respective row in the plurality of memory banks in the specified bank order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: RAMBUS INC.
    Inventors: Frederick A. Ware, Robert E. Palmer, John W. Poulton
  • Publication number: 20220291848
    Abstract: A system includes a memory controller and a memory device having a command interface, refresh circuitry, control logic, and a plurality of memory banks, each with a plurality of rows of memory cells. The command interface is operable to receive a refresh command from a memory controller and the refresh circuitry is configured to perform one or more refresh operations to refresh data stored in at least one bank of the plurality of memory banks during a refresh time interval in response to the refresh command from the memory controller. The control logic is to configure the command interface to enter a calibration mode during the refresh time interval, and the command interface is configured to perform a calibration operation in the calibration mode during the refresh time interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Inventors: Frederick A. Ware, Robert E. Palmer, John W. Poulton