Patents by Inventor Scott J. Derner

Scott J. Derner 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: 11901005
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for memory including ferroelectric memory cells and dielectric memory cells are disclosed. The apparatus includes a first memory cell including first and second ferroelectric capacitors configured to store charges representing complementary logical values, a second memory cell including first and second dielectric capacitors configured to store charges representing complementary logical values, a first bit line selectably coupled to the first ferroelectric capacitor of the first memory cell and to the first dielectric capacitor of the second memory cell, a second bit line selectably coupled to the second ferroelectric capacitor of the first memory cell and to the second dielectric capacitor of the second memory cell, and a sense amplifier coupled to the first and second bit lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Michael A. Shore
  • Patent number: 11705186
    Abstract: An example apparatus includes a sense amplifier, a plurality of storage memory cells coupled to the sense amplifier via a first digit line, and a plurality of offset memory cells coupled to the sense amplifier via a second digit line. The plurality of storage memory cells and the plurality of offset memory cells can comprise an array of memory cells. Each of the storage memory cells and the offset memory cells can include a respective capacitor having a particular capacitance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott J. Derner
  • Patent number: 11636890
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for memory array bit inversion are described. A memory cell (e.g., a ferroelectric memory cell) may be written with a charge associated with a logic state that may be the inverse of the intended logic state of the cell. That is, the actual logic state of one or more memory cells may be inverted, but the intended logic state of the memory cells may remain unchanged. Different sets of transistors may be configured around a sense component of a cell to enable reading and writing of intended and inverted logic states from or to the cell. For instance, a first set of transistors may be used to read the logic state currently stored at a memory cell, while a second set of transistors may be used to read a logic state inverted from the currently stored logic state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Ingalls, Scott J. Derner
  • Patent number: 11574668
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed that include ferroelectric memory and for operating ferroelectric memory. An example apparatus includes a capacitor having a first plate, a second plate, and a ferroelectric dielectric material. The apparatus further includes a first digit line and a first selection component configured to couple the first plate to the first digit line, and also includes a second digit line and a second selection component configured to couple the second plate to the second digit line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Christopher J. Kawamura
  • Publication number: 20220384448
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an integrated assembly having first conductive lines which extend along a first direction, and having second conductive lines over the first conductive lines and which extend along a second direction that crosses the first direction. Capacitors are over the second conductive lines. The second conductive lines are operatively proximate active structures to gatedly couple a first set of the capacitors to the first conductive lines through the active structures. Shield structures are between the first conductive lines and extend along the first direction. A voltage source is electrically coupled to the shield structures through a second set of the capacitors. Some embodiments include assemblies having two or more decks stacked one atop another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiyun Li, Scott J. Derner
  • Publication number: 20220384452
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an integrated assembly having an access transistor. The access transistor has a first source/drain region gatedly coupled with a second source/drain region. A digit line is coupled with the first source/drain region. A charge-storage device is coupled with the second source/drain region through an interconnect. The interconnect includes a length of a semiconductor material. A protective transistor gates a portion of the length of the semiconductor material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Charles L. Ingalls
  • Publication number: 20220367465
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an integrated assembly having a primary access transistor. The primary access transistor has a first source/drain region and a second source/drain region. The first and second source/drain regions are coupled to one another when the primary access transistor is in an ON mode, and are not coupled to one another when the primary access transistor is in an OFF mode. A charge-storage device is coupled with the first source/drain region. A digit line is coupled with the second source/drain region through a secondary access device. The secondary access device has an ON mode and an OFF mode. The digit line is coupled with the charge-storage device only when both the primary access transistor and the secondary access device are in their respective ON modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Charles L. Ingalls
  • Patent number: 11450740
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an integrated assembly having an access transistor. The access transistor has a first source/drain region gatedly coupled with a second source/drain region. A digit line is coupled with the first source/drain region. A charge-storage device is coupled with the second source/drain region through an interconnect. The interconnect includes a length of a semiconductor material. A protective transistor gates a portion of the length of the semiconductor material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Charles L. Ingalls
  • Patent number: 11450668
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an integrated assembly having a primary access transistor. The primary access transistor has a first source/drain region and a second source/drain region. The first and second source/drain regions are coupled to one another when the primary access transistor is in an ON mode, and are not coupled to one another when the primary access transistor is in an OFF mode. A charge-storage device is coupled with the first source/drain region. A digit line is coupled with the second source/drain region through a secondary access device. The secondary access device has an ON mode and an OFF mode. The digit line is coupled with the charge-storage device only when both the primary access transistor and the secondary access device are in their respective ON modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Charles L. Ingalls
  • Patent number: 11437381
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an integrated assembly having first conductive lines which extend along a first direction, and having second conductive lines over the first conductive lines and which extend along a second direction that crosses the first direction. Capacitors are over the second conductive lines. The second conductive lines are operatively proximate active structures to gatedly couple a first set of the capacitors to the first conductive lines through the active structures. Shield structures are between the first conductive lines and extend along the first direction. A voltage source is electrically coupled to the shield structures through a second set of the capacitors. Some embodiments include assemblies having two or more decks stacked one atop another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiyun Li, Scott J. Derner
  • Patent number: 11380388
    Abstract: In the examples disclosed herein, a memory array can have a first group of memory cells coupled to a first digit line at a first level and a second group of memory cells coupled to a second digit line at the first level. A third digit line can be at a second level and can be coupled to a main sense amplifier. A first vertical thin film transistor (TFT) can be at a third level between the first and second levels can be coupled between the first digit line and the third digit line. A second vertical TFT can be at the third level and can be coupled between the second digit line and the third digit line. A local sense amplifier can be coupled to the first and second digit lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Charles L. Ingalls
  • Publication number: 20220157836
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an integrated assembly. The integrated assembly has a first transistor with a horizontally-extending channel region between a first source/drain region and a second source/drain region; has a second transistor with a vertically-extending channel region between a third source/drain region and a fourth source/drain region; and has a capacitor between the first and second transistors. The capacitor has a first electrode, a second electrode, and an insulative material between the first and second electrodes. The first electrode is electrically connected with the first source/drain region, and the second electrode is electrically connected with the third source/drain region. A digit line is electrically connected with the second source/drain region. A conductive structure is electrically connected with the fourth source/drain region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Charles L. Ingalls
  • Publication number: 20220131003
    Abstract: An apparatus, such as a memory array, can have a memory cell coupled to a first digit line (e.g., a local digit line) at a first level. A second digit line (e.g., hierarchical digit line) at a second level can be coupled to a main sense amplifier. A charge sharing device at a third level between the first and second levels can be coupled to the first digit line and to a connector. A vertical transistor at the third level can be coupled between the first digit line and the connector. A contact can be coupled between the connector and the second digit line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2022
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Inventors: Fatma Arzum Simsek-Ege, Steve V. Cole, Scott J. Derner, Toby D. Robbs
  • Patent number: 11264394
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an integrated assembly. The integrated assembly has a first transistor with a horizontally-extending channel region between a first source/drain region and a second source/drain region; has a second transistor with a vertically-extending channel region between a third source/drain region and a fourth source/drain region; and has a capacitor between the first and second transistors. The capacitor has a first electrode, a second electrode, and an insulative material between the first and second electrodes. The first electrode is electrically connected with the first source/drain region, and the second electrode is electrically connected with the third source/drain region. A digit line is electrically connected with the second source/drain region. A conductive structure is electrically connected with the fourth source/drain region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Charles L. Ingalls
  • Patent number: 11250900
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for operating a ferroelectric memory cell or cells are described. A memory array may be operated in a half density mode, in which a subset of the memory cells is designated as reference memory cells. Each reference memory cell may be paired to an active memory cell and may act as a reference signal when sensing the active memory cell. Each pair of active and reference memory cells may be connected to a single access line. Sense components (e.g., sense amplifiers) associated with reference memory cells may be deactivated in half density mode. The entire memory array may be operated in half density mode, or a portion of the array may operate in half density mode and the remainder of the array may operate in full density mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Charles L. Ingalls
  • Publication number: 20220036936
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed that include ferroelectric memory and for operating ferroelectric memory. An example apparatus includes a capacitor having a first plate, a second plate, and a ferroelectric dielectric material. The apparatus further includes a first digit line and a first selection component configured to couple the first plate to the first digit line, and also includes a second digit line and a second selection component configured to couple the second plate to the second digit line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: SCOTT J. DERNER, CHRISTOPHER J. KAWAMURA
  • Publication number: 20220028447
    Abstract: An example apparatus includes a sense amplifier, a plurality of storage memory cells coupled to the sense amplifier via a first digit line, and a plurality of offset memory cells coupled to the sense amplifier via a second digit line. The plurality of storage memory cells and the plurality of offset memory cells can comprise an array of memory cells. Each of the storage memory cells and the offset memory cells can include a respective capacitor having a particular capacitance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Inventor: Scott J. Derner
  • Patent number: 11232828
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an integrated memory assembly having a first memory array deck over a second memory array deck. A first series of conductive lines extends across the first memory array deck, and a second series of conductive lines extends across the second memory array deck. A first conductive line of the first series and a first conductive line of the second series are coupled with a first component through a first conductive path. A second conductive line of the first series and a second conductive line of the second series are coupled with a second component through a second conductive path. The first and second conductive lines of the first series extend through first isolation circuitry to the first and second conductive paths, respectively; and the first and second conductive lines of the second series extend through second isolation circuitry to the first and second conductive paths, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Charles L. Ingalls
  • Patent number: 11227861
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an integrated assembly having a base comprising sense-amplifier-circuitry, a first deck over the base, and a second deck over the first deck. The first deck includes a first portion of a first array of first memory cells, and includes a first portion of a second array of second memory cells. The second deck includes a second portion of the first array of the first memory cells, and includes a second portion of the second array of the second memory cells. A first digit line is associated with the first array, and a second digit line is associated with the second array. The first and second digit lines are comparatively coupled with one another through the sense-amplifier-circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroki Fujisawa, Charles L. Ingalls, Richard J. Hill, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Scott J. Derner
  • Patent number: 11222975
    Abstract: An apparatus, such as a memory array, can have a memory cell coupled to a first digit line (e.g., a local digit line) at a first level. A second digit line (e.g., hierarchical digit line) at a second level can be coupled to a main sense amplifier. A charge sharing device at a third level between the first and second levels can be coupled to the first digit line and to a connector. A vertical transistor at the third level can be coupled between the first digit line and the connector. A contact can be coupled between the connector and the second digit line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Fatma Arzum Simsek-Ege, Steve V. Cole, Scott J. Derner, Toby D. Robbs