Patents by Inventor Roy E. Scheuerlein

Roy E. Scheuerlein 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: 9646688
    Abstract: A three-dimensional array adapted for memory elements that reversibly change a level of electrical conductance in response to a voltage difference being applied across them. Memory elements are formed across a plurality of planes positioned different distances above a semiconductor substrate. Bit lines to which the memory elements of all planes are connected are oriented vertically from the substrate and through the plurality of planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: SanDiskTechnologies LLC
    Inventor: Roy E. Scheuerlein
  • Patent number: 9576660
    Abstract: A three-dimensional array of memory elements that reversibly change a level of electrical conductance in response to a voltage difference being applied across them. The memory elements can be set to a low resistance state and reset to a high resistance state during standard operation by biasing appropriate voltages on the word lines and bit lines. Prior to standard operation, the memory elements undergo a forming operation, during which current through the bit lines is limited. A forming voltage is applied to the memory elements during forming with a polarity such that a higher voltage is applied to anodes and a lower voltage to cathodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Zhida Lan, Roy E. Scheuerlein, Tong Zhang, Kun Hou, Perumal Ratnam
  • Publication number: 20170040381
    Abstract: A vertical switching layer of a 3D memory device serves to switch a set of vertical local bit lines to a corresponding set of global bit lines, the vertical switching layer being a 2D array of TFT channels of vertical thin-film transistors (TFTs) aligned to connect to an array of local bit lines, each TFT switching a local bit line to a corresponding global bit line. The TFTs in the array have a separation of lengths Lx and Ly along the x- and y-axis respectively such that a gate material layer forms a surround gate around each TFT in an x-y plane and has a thickness that merges to form a row select line along the x-axis while maintaining a separation of length Ls between individual row select lines. The surround gate improves the switching capacity of the TFTs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Inventors: Yung-Tin Chen, Steven J. Radigan, Roy E. Scheuerlein, Raul Adrian Cernea
  • Patent number: 9472301
    Abstract: A method of programming a memory cell is provided. The memory cell includes a memory element having a first conductive material layer, a first dielectric material layer above the first conductive material layer, a second conductive material layer above the first dielectric material layer, a second dielectric material layer above the second conductive material layer, and a third conductive material layer above the second dielectric material layer. One or both of the first and second conductive material layers comprises a stack of a metal material layer and a highly doped semiconductor material layer. The memory cell has a first memory state upon fabrication corresponding to a first read current. The method includes applying a first programming pulse to the memory cell with a first current limit. The first programming pulse programs the memory cell to a second memory state that corresponds to a second read current greater than the first read current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Abhijit Bandyopadhyay, Tanmay Kumar, Scott Brad Herner, Christopher J. Petti, Roy E. Scheuerlein
  • Patent number: 9368207
    Abstract: Operating ReRAM memory is disclosed herein. The memory cells may be trained prior to initially programming them. The training may help to establish a percolation path. In some aspects, a transistor limits current of the memory cell when training and programming. A higher current limit is used during training, which conditions the memory cell for better programming. The non-memory may be operated in unipolar mode. The memory cells can store multiple bits per memory cell. A memory cell can be SET directly from its present state to one at least two data states away. A memory cell can be RESET directly to the state having the next highest resistance. Program conditions, such as pulse width and/or magnitude, may depend on the state to which the memory cell is being SET. A higher energy can be used for programming higher current states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Abhijit Bandyopadhyay, Roy E Scheuerlein, Chandrasekhar R Gorla, Brian Le
  • Publication number: 20160133325
    Abstract: A three-dimensional array of memory elements that reversibly change a level of electrical conductance in response to a voltage difference being applied across them. The memory elements can be set to a low resistance state and reset to a high resistance state during standard operation by biasing appropriate voltages on the word lines and bit lines. Prior to standard operation, the memory elements undergo a forming operation, during which current through the bit lines is limited. A forming voltage is applied to the memory elements during forming with a polarity such that a higher voltage is applied to anodes and a lower voltage to cathodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Applicant: SANDISK 3D LLC
    Inventors: Zhida Lan, Roy E. Scheuerlein, Tong Zhang, Kun Hou, Perumal Ratnam
  • Patent number: 9269425
    Abstract: A three-dimensional array of memory elements that reversibly change a level of electrical conductance in response to a voltage difference being applied across them. The memory elements can be set to a low resistance state and reset to a high resistance state during standard operation by biasing appropriate voltages on the word lines and bit lines. Prior to standard operation, the memory elements undergo a forming operation, during which current through the bit lines is limited. A forming voltage is applied to the memory elements during forming with a polarity such that a higher voltage is applied to anodes and a lower voltage to cathodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: SANDISK 3D LLC
    Inventors: Zhida Lan, Roy E. Scheuerlein, Tong Zhang, Kun Hou, Perumal Ratnam
  • Patent number: 9202539
    Abstract: A method is provided for programming a memory cell having a first terminal coupled to a word line and a second terminal coupled to a bit line. During a first predetermined time interval, the word line is switched from a first standby voltage to a first voltage, the bit line is switched from a second standby voltage to a predetermined voltage, and a voltage drop across the first and second terminals is a safe voltage that does not program the memory cell. During a second predetermined time interval, the word line is switched from the first voltage to a second voltage, and a voltage drop across the first and second terminals is a programming voltage that is sufficient to program the memory cell. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: SanDisk 3D LLC
    Inventors: Tyler J. Thorp, Roy E. Scheuerlein
  • Publication number: 20150325310
    Abstract: A method of programming a memory cell is provided. The memory cell includes a memory element having a first conductive material layer, a first dielectric material layer above the first conductive material layer, a second conductive material layer above the first dielectric material layer, a second dielectric material layer above the second conductive material layer, and a third conductive material layer above the second dielectric material layer. One or both of the first and second conductive material layers comprises a stack of a metal material layer and a highly doped semiconductor material layer. The memory cell has a first memory state upon fabrication corresponding to a first read current. The method includes applying a first programming pulse to the memory cell with a first current limit. The first programming pulse programs the memory cell to a second memory state that corresponds to a second read current greater than the first read current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Applicant: SANDISK 3D LLC
    Inventors: Abhijit Bandyopadhyay, Tanmay Kumar, Scott Brad Herner, Christopher J. Petti, Roy E. Scheuerlein
  • Publication number: 20150325292
    Abstract: A three-dimensional array adapted for memory elements that reversibly change a level of electrical conductance in response to a voltage difference being applied across them. Memory elements are formed across a plurality of planes positioned different distances above a semiconductor substrate. Bit lines to which the memory elements of all planes are connected are oriented vertically from the substrate and through the plurality of planes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Applicant: SANDISK 3D LLC
    Inventor: Roy E. Scheuerlein
  • Patent number: 9171584
    Abstract: A three-dimensional array of memory elements reversibly change a level of electrical conductance/resistance in response to one or more voltage differences being applied across them. Memory elements are formed across a plurality of planes positioned different distances above a semiconductor substrate. Local bit lines to which the memory elements of all planes are connected are oriented vertically from the substrate and through the plurality of planes. Vertically oriented select devices are used to connect the local bit lines to global bit lines. A first subset of the vertically oriented select devices are positioned above the vertically oriented bit lines and a second subset of the vertically oriented select devices (interleaved with the first subset of the vertically oriented select devices) are positioned below the vertically oriented bit lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: SanDisk 3D LLC
    Inventors: Roy E. Scheuerlein, Chang Siau
  • Patent number: 9152562
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a solid state non-volatile storage sub-system of a computer is provided. The storage sub-system may include a write-many storage sub-system memory device including write-many memory cells, a write-once storage sub-system memory device including write-once memory cells, and a page-based interface that is adapted to read and write the write-once and write-many storage sub-system memory devices. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: SanDisk 3D LLC
    Inventors: Roy E. Scheuerlein, Randhir Thakur, Christopher Moore
  • Patent number: 9111800
    Abstract: A plurality of integrated circuit features are provided in the context of an array of memory cells including a plurality of word lines and a plurality of bit lines. Each memory cell includes a floating body or is volatile memory. The aforementioned features may include, among others, an option whereby the foregoing bit lines may be situated below a channel region of corresponding memory cells, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: SanDisk 3D LLC
    Inventor: Roy E. Scheuerlein
  • Patent number: 9105576
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a memory array is provided that includes (1) a first memory cell having (a) a first conductive line; (b) a first bipolar storage element formed above the first conductive line; and (c) a second conductive line formed above the first bipolar storage element; and (2) a second memory cell formed above the first memory cell and having (a) a second bipolar storage element formed above the second conductive line; and (b) a third conductive line formed above the second bipolar storage element. The first and second memory cells share the second conductive line; the first bipolar storage element has a first storage element polarity orientation within the first memory cell; the second bipolar storage element has a second storage element polarity orientation within the second memory cell; and the second storage element polarity orientation is opposite the first storage element polarity orientation. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: SanDisk 3D LLC
    Inventors: Yung-Tin Chen, Andrei Mihnea, Roy E. Scheuerlein, Luca Fasoli
  • Patent number: 9076518
    Abstract: A three-dimensional non-volatile memory system is disclosed including a memory array utilizing shared pillar structures for memory cell formation. A shared pillar structure includes two non-volatile storage elements. A first end surface of each pillar contacts one array line from a first set of array lines and a second end surface of each pillar contacts two array lines from a second set of array lines that is vertically separated from the first set of array lines. Each pillar includes a first subset of layers that are divided into portions for the individual storage elements in the pillar. Each pillar includes a second subset of layers that is shared between both non-volatile storage elements formed in the pillar. The individual storage elements each include a steering element and a state change element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: SanDisk 3D LLC
    Inventors: Roy E. Scheuerlein, Eliyahou Harari
  • Patent number: 9065044
    Abstract: A three-dimensional array adapted for memory elements that reversibly change a level of electrical conductance in response to a voltage difference being applied across them. Memory elements are formed across a plurality of planes positioned different distances above a semiconductor substrate. Bit lines to which the memory elements of all planes are connected are oriented vertically from the substrate and through the plurality of planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: SanDisk 3D LLC
    Inventor: Roy E. Scheuerlein
  • Publication number: 20150170742
    Abstract: Operating ReRAM memory is disclosed herein. The memory cells may be trained prior to initially programming them. The training may help to establish a percolation path. In some aspects, a transistor limits current of the memory cell when training and programming. A higher current limit is used during training, which conditions the memory cell for better programming. The non-memory may be operated in unipolar mode. The memory cells can store multiple bits per memory cell. A memory cell can be SET directly from its present state to one at least two data states away. A memory cell can be RESET directly to the state having the next highest resistance. Program conditions, such as pulse width and/or magnitude, may depend on the state to which the memory cell is being SET. A higher energy can be used for programming higher current states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Applicant: SANDISK 3D LLC
    Inventors: Abhijit Bandyopadhyay, Roy E. Scheuerlein, Chandrasekhar R. Gorla, Brian Le
  • Patent number: 9059401
    Abstract: A three-dimensional array adapted for memory elements that reversibly change a level of electrical conductance in response to a voltage difference being applied across them. Memory elements are formed across a plurality of planes positioned different distances above a semiconductor substrate. Bit lines to which the memory elements of all planes are connected are oriented vertically from the substrate and through the plurality of planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: SanDisk 3D LLC
    Inventor: Roy E. Scheuerlein
  • Patent number: 9048422
    Abstract: A three-dimensional array adapted for memory elements that reversibly change a level of electrical conductance in response to a voltage difference being applied across them. Memory elements are formed across a plurality of planes positioned different distances above a semiconductor substrate. Bit lines to which the memory elements of all planes are connected are oriented vertically from the substrate and through the plurality of planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: SanDisk 3D LLC
    Inventor: Roy E. Scheuerlein
  • Patent number: RE46435
    Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device includes a plurality of nonvolatile memory cells arranged in a substantially hexagonal pattern. The nonvolatile memory cells may be pillar shaped non-volatile memory cells which can be patterned using triple or quadruple exposure lithography or by using a self-assembling layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Roy E. Scheuerlein, Christopher J. Petti