Patents by Inventor Scott E. Smith

Scott E. Smith 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: 20230367709
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for write command timing enhancement are described. A host device may transmit (e.g., issue), to a memory device, an activation command and an associated write command according to a delay that is different (e.g., shorter) than a row access to column access delay associated with read commands. In some examples, the delay between the activation command and the associated write command may be a function of the row access to column access delay associated with read commands and one or more additional parameters, such as a timing constraint or a speed parameter of the memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Inventors: Sujeet V. Ayyapureddi, Scott E. Smith, Matthew A. Prather, Erik V. Pohlmann
  • Patent number: 11803501
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to a bi-directional data path (DQ) symbol map generated based on error correction operations. A device may include sub-wordline drivers and bi-directional data paths (DQs) that couple between the sub-wordline drivers and input/output (I/O) interface circuitry based on assignments indicated by the DQ symbol map. The assignments may be generated based on error correction operations performed on data of the memory bank. In particular, the DQ symbol map may be generated to avoid some conditions that, if occurring, may render one or more data errors uncorrectable. These systems and methods may reduce a likelihood of a data error associated with a DQ being uncorrectable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. Smith, Randy Brian Drake, Brian Ladner, Thanh Kim Mai, Sujeet Ayyapureddi, Matthew Alan Prather
  • Publication number: 20230307033
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems related to operations for managing the quality of an input signal received by a device and for providing feedback in real-time. A controller can provide a reference signal to the device for the input quality check. The memory can implement the input quality check by counting the number of transitions of the reference signal for a set time period and store the resulting count value(s). The memory can use the count value(s) to determine a condition or a quality for the reference signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2022
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: John E. Riley, Scott E. Smith, Jennifer E. Taylor, Gary L. Howe
  • Patent number: 11710534
    Abstract: Embodiments presented herein are directed to testing and/or debugging a memory device of a memory module (e.g., a dual in-line memory module (DIMM)) without having to remove the DIMM from a corresponding computing device and without having to interrupt operation of the computing device. A particular memory device (e.g., DRAM) may be identified for testing and/or debugging based on a failure message. However, the failure message may not identify a specific location or hardware of the module that caused the failure. Embodiments presented herein provide techniques to obtain data for analysis to determine and/or deliver a cause of the failure while reducing or eliminating downtime of the computing device. Test modes to do so may include a synchronous test mode, an asynchronous test mode, and an analog compare mode. A test mode may be selected based on the failure or a signal/function of the DRAM to be tested or debugged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian N. Mohr, Scott E. Smith, Manoj Vijay
  • Publication number: 20230229348
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for metadata implementation for memory devices are described. A memory device may read metadata, transfer the metadata to a buffer, and read information. For example, the memory device may receive a read command from a host device to read information. The memory device may execute a first internal read command to read the metadata associated with the information. Upon reading the metadata, the memory device may store the metadata in the buffer (e.g., one or more latches). Upon determining that a duration has elapsed, the memory device may execute a second internal read command to read the information associated with the metadata. The memory device transmits the information and the metadata to the host device. In some other cases, the memory device may write information, store metadata in a buffer, and write the metadata (e.g., a different order than for read operations).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2022
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Inventors: Sujeet V. Ayyapureddi, Scott E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20230206986
    Abstract: An exemplary semiconductor device includes an internal clock circuit configured to intermittently enable and disable a clock signal while in a Maximum Power Savings Mode. The duty cycle of the enablement and disablement of the clock signal may be based on susceptibility to negative-bias temperature instability of a component of the semiconductor device. The clock signal may be enabled and disabled via a synchronizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2022
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Noriaki Mochida, Takayuki Miyamoto, Kallol Mazumder, Scott E. Smith
  • Patent number: 11687403
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which a host device may access a group of memory cells (e.g., portion of an array configurable to store ECC parity bits) otherwise reserved for ECC functionality of a memory device. The memory device may include a register to indicate whether its ECC functionality is enabled or disabled. When the register indicates the ECC functionality is disabled, the memory device may increase a storage capacity available to the host device by making the group of memory cells available for user-accessible data. Additionally or alternatively, the memory device may store metadata associated with various operational aspects of the memory device in the group of memory cells. Moreover, the memory device may modify a burst length to accommodate additional information to be stored in or read from the group of memory cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Jannusch, Brett K. Dodds, Debra M. Bell, Joshua E. Alzheimer, Scott E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20230146544
    Abstract: Memory with DQS pulse control circuitry is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a memory device comprises a DQS terminal and circuitry operably coupled to the DQS terminal. The DQS terminal is configured to receive an external DQS signal including a first pulse having a first width. In turn, the circuitry is configured to generate a second pulse based at least in part on the first pulse and output an internal DQS signal including the second pulse. The second pulse can have a second width greater than the first width. In some embodiments, the external DQS signal can further include a third pulse having a third width greater than the second width. In such embodiments, the circuitry can be further configured to generate and output a fourth pulse based at least in part on the third pulse that has a fourth width equivalent to the third width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Inventors: Mijo Kim, Scott E. Smith, Si Hong Kim
  • Publication number: 20230121163
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to a bi-directional data path (DQ) symbol map generated based on error correction operations. A device may include sub-wordline drivers and bi-directional data paths (DQs) that couple between the sub-wordline drivers and input/output (I/O) interface circuitry based on assignments indicated by the DQ symbol map. The assignments may be generated based on error correction operations performed on data of the memory bank. In particular, the DQ symbol map may be generated to avoid some conditions that, if occurring, may render one or more data errors uncorrectable. These systems and methods may reduce a likelihood of a data error associated with a DQ being uncorrectable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: Scott E. Smith, Randy Brian Drake, Brian Ladner, Thanh Kim Mai, Sujeet Ayyapureddi, Matthew Alan Prather
  • Publication number: 20230037349
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices having through-stack interconnects for facilitating connectivity testing, and associated systems and methods, are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a stack of semiconductor dies and a plurality of through-stack interconnects extending through the stack to electrically couple the semiconductor dies. The interconnects include functional interconnects and at least one test interconnect. The test interconnect is positioned in a portion of the stack more prone to connectivity defects than the functional interconnects. Accordingly, testing the connectivity of the test interconnect can provide an indication of the connectivity of the functional interconnects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2022
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventors: Christian N. Mohr, Scott E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20220375507
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which memory devices are configured to provide row clear features. In some embodiments, the memory device may receive a command from a host device directed to a row of a memory array included in the memory device. The memory device may determine that the command is directed to two or more columns associated with the row, where each column is coupled with a group of memory cells. The memory device may activate the row to write the two or more columns using a set of predetermined data stored in a register of the memory device. Subsequently, the memory device may deactivate the word line based on writing the set of predetermined data to the two or more columns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2022
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Inventors: Miles S. Wiscombe, Scott E. Smith, Gary L. Howe, Brian W. Huber, Tony M. Brewer
  • Patent number: 11495577
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices having through-stack interconnects for facilitating connectivity testing, and associated systems and methods, are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a stack of semiconductor dies and a plurality of through-stack interconnects extending through the stack to electrically couple the semiconductor dies. The interconnects include functional interconnects and at least one test interconnect. The test interconnect is positioned in a portion of the stack more prone to connectivity defects than the functional interconnects. Accordingly, testing the connectivity of the test interconnect can provide an indication of the connectivity of the functional interconnects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian N. Mohr, Scott E. Smith
  • Patent number: 11487610
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described, in which a parity error alert timing interlock is provided by first waiting for a timer to count a configured parity error pulse width value and then waiting for any in-progress memory operations to complete before deasserting a parity error alert signal that was asserted in response to the detection of a parity error in a command or address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Waldrop, Vijayakrishna J. Vankayala, Scott E. Smith
  • Patent number: 11430504
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which memory devices are configured to provide row clear features. In some embodiments, the memory device may receive a command from a host device directed to a row of a memory array included in the memory device. The memory device may determine that the command is directed to two or more columns associated with the row, where each column is coupled with a group of memory cells. The memory device may activate the row to write the two or more columns using a set of predetermined data stored in a register of the memory device. Subsequently, the memory device may deactivate the word line based on writing the set of predetermined data to the two or more columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Miles S. Wiscombe, Scott E. Smith, Gary L. Howe, Brian W. Huber, Tony M. Brewer
  • Publication number: 20220068349
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which memory devices are configured to provide row clear features. In some embodiments, the memory device may receive a command from a host device directed to a row of a memory array included in the memory device. The memory device may determine that the command is directed to two or more columns associated with the row, where each column is coupled with a group of memory cells. The memory device may activate the row to write the two or more columns using a set of predetermined data stored in a register of the memory device. Subsequently, the memory device may deactivate the word line based on writing the set of predetermined data to the two or more columns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Miles S. Wiscombe, Scott E. Smith, Gary L. Howe, Brian W. Huber, Tony M. Brewer
  • Publication number: 20210311822
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which a host device may access a group of memory cells (e.g., portion of an array configurable to store ECC parity bits) otherwise reserved for ECC functionality of a memory device. The memory device may include a register to indicate whether its ECC functionality is enabled or disabled. When the register indicates the ECC functionality is disabled, the memory device may increase a storage capacity available to the host device by making the group of memory cells available for user-accessible data. Additionally or alternatively, the memory device may store metadata associated with various operational aspects of the memory device in the group of memory cells. Moreover, the memory device may modify a burst length to accommodate additional information to be stored in or read from the group of memory cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Aaron Jannusch, Brett K. Dodds, Debra M. Bell, Joshua E. Alzheimer, Scott E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20210295917
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for decoding addresses for memory are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a memory cell array and a row decoder. The memory cell array includes a bank of memory including a plurality of groups of memory. Each of the groups of memory includes sections of memory, and each of the sections of memory including memory cells arranged in rows and columns of memory. The row decoder decodes addresses to access a first group of memory to include rows of prime memory from a first block of memory and to include rows of prime memory from a second block of memory. The row decoder decodes the addresses to access a second group of memory to include rows of prime memory from the second block of memory and to include rows of redundant memory. The rows of redundant memory are shared with the first and second blocks of memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Gary L. Howe, Scott E. Smith
  • Patent number: 11042436
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which a host device may access a group of memory cells (e.g., portion of an array configurable to store ECC parity bits) otherwise reserved for ECC functionality of a memory device. The memory device may include a register to indicate whether its ECC functionality is enabled or disabled. When the register indicates the ECC functionality is disabled, the memory device may increase a storage capacity available to the host device by making the group of memory cells available for user-accessible data. Additionally or alternatively, the memory device may store metadata associated with various operational aspects of the memory device in the group of memory cells. Moreover, the memory device may modify a burst length to accommodate additional information to be stored in or read from the group of memory cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Jannusch, Brett K. Dodds, Debra M. Bell, Joshua E. Alzheimer, Scott E. Smith
  • Patent number: 11031083
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for decoding addresses for memory are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a memory cell array and a row decoder. The memory cell array includes a bank of memory including a plurality of groups of memory. Each of the groups of memory includes sections of memory, and each of the sections of memory including memory cells arranged in rows and columns of memory. The row decoder decodes addresses to access a first group of memory to include rows of prime memory from a first block of memory and to include rows of prime memory from a second block of memory. The row decoder decodes the addresses to access a second group of memory to include rows of prime memory from the second block of memory and to include rows of redundant memory. The rows of redundant memory are shared with the first and second blocks of memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary L. Howe, Scott E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20210064460
    Abstract: Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices are described, in which a host device may access a group of memory cells (e.g., portion of an array configurable to store ECC parity bits) otherwise reserved for ECC functionality of a memory device. The memory device may include a register to indicate whether its ECC functionality is enabled or disabled. When the register indicates the ECC functionality is disabled, the memory device may increase a storage capacity available to the host device by making the group of memory cells available for user-accessible data. Additionally or alternatively, the memory device may store metadata associated with various operational aspects of the memory device in the group of memory cells. Moreover, the memory device may modify a burst length to accommodate additional information to be stored in or read from the group of memory cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Aaron Jannusch, Brett K. Dodds, Debra M. Bell, Joshua M. Alzheimer, Scott E. Smith