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).

  • Publication number: 20200357454
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed that include ferroelectric memory cells. An example ferroelectric memory cell includes two transistors and two capacitors. Another example ferroelectric memory cell includes three transistors and two capacitors. Another example ferroelectric memory cell includes four transistors and two capacitors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: SCOTT J. DERNER, CHRISTOPHER J. KAWAMURA
  • Patent number: 10818342
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed that include two transistor-one capacitor memory and for accessing such memory. An example apparatus includes a capacitor coupled to first and second selection components. The apparatus further includes a first digit line and the first selection component configured to couple a first plate of the capacitor to the first digit line, and also includes a second digit line and the second selection component configured to couple the second plate to the second digit line. A sense amplifier is coupled to the second digit line and is configured to amplify a voltage difference between a voltage coupled to the second digit line and the reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Kawamura, Scott J. Derner
  • Patent number: 10811083
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an integrated assembly having a first memory array which includes a first column of first memory cells. A first digit line extends along the first column and is utilized to address the first memory cells of the first column. A second memory array is proximate to the first memory array and includes a second column of second memory cells. A second digit line extends along the second column and is utilized to address the second memory cells of the second column. A primary-sense-amplifier comparatively couples the first digit line with the second digit line. A first secondary-sense-amplifier is along the first digit line, and a second secondary-sense-amplifier is along the second digit line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Charles L. Ingalls
  • Publication number: 20200328220
    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: April 9, 2019
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Charles L. Ingalls
  • Patent number: 10783949
    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: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Charles L. Ingalls
  • Patent number: 10783951
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed that include two transistor-one capacitor memory and for accessing such memory. An example apparatus includes a capacitor coupled to first and second selection components. The apparatus further includes a first digit line and the first selection component configured to couple a first plate of the capacitor to the first digit line, and also includes a second digit line and the second selection component configured to couple the second plate to the second digit line. A sense amplifier is coupled to the second digit line and is configured to amplify a voltage difference between a voltage coupled to the second digit line and the reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Kawamura, Scott J. Derner
  • Patent number: 10783948
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed that include ferroelectric memory cells. An example ferroelectric memory cell includes two transistors and two capacitors. Another example ferroelectric memory cell includes three transistors and two capacitors. Another example ferroelectric memory cell includes four transistors and two capacitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Christopher J. Kawamura
  • Patent number: 10748596
    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: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Ingalls, Scott J. Derner
  • Patent number: 10726907
    Abstract: An electronic device includes: a memory cell configured to store electric charge for representing a data value, wherein the memory cell is configured to store two or more levels of the electric charge corresponding to different data values; a preamplifier operably coupled to the memory cell, the preamplifier having a common source and configured to generate an amplified signal based on amplifying a difference in the two or more levels of the stored electric charge; and a sense amplifier operably coupled to the preamplifier, the sense amplifier configured to further process the amplified signal for determining the data value stored in the memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Charles L. Ingalls
  • Publication number: 20200234754
    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: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Charles L. Ingalls
  • Patent number: 10658024
    Abstract: A memory device is provided. The memory device includes a memory array having at least one memory cell. The memory device further includes a sense amplifier circuit configured to read data from the at least one memory cell, write data to the at least one memory cell, or a combination thereof. The memory device additionally includes a first bus configured to provide a first electric power to the sense amplifier circuit, and a second bus configured to provide a second electric power to a second circuit, wherein the first bus and the second bus are configured to be electrically coupled to each other to provide for the first electric power and the second electric power to the at least one memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Tae H. Kim, Charles L. Ingalls
  • Patent number: 10622057
    Abstract: A sensing system can read from a memory cell configured to store a data bit and to produce a differential signal indicating a data state of the memory cell. The data state can be selected from three data states. An example of the system can include a pair of bit lines, a pair of sense amplifiers (SAs), and a data output circuit. The bit lines are coupled to the memory cell to receive the differential signal. The SAs are each independently coupled to the bit lines through an isolation circuit. The data output circuit can receive outputs from the SAs and indicate the data state of the memory cell based on the outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Kawamura, Charles L. Ingalls, Scott J. Derner
  • Patent number: 10614874
    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: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Charles L. Ingalls
  • Patent number: 10607994
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a memory cell having first and second transistors and first and second capacitors. The first capacitor is vertically displaced relative to the first transistor. The first capacitor has a first node electrically coupled with a source/drain region of the first transistor, a second node electrically coupled with a common plate structure, and a first capacitor dielectric material between the first and second nodes. The second capacitor is vertically displaced relative to the second transistor. The second capacitor has a third node electrically coupled with a source/drain region of the second transistor, a fourth node electrically coupled with the common plate structure, and a second capacitor dielectric material between the first and second nodes. Some embodiments include memory arrays having 2T-2C memory cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Michael Amiel Shore
  • Patent number: 10600472
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for implementing an array reset mode. An example system includes at least one mode register configured to enable an array reset mode, a memory cell array including one or more sense amplifiers, and control logic. Each of the one or more sense amplifier may include at least a first terminal coupled to a first bit line and a second terminal coupled to a second bit line. The control logic may be coupled to the memory cell array, and in communication with the at least one mode register. The control logic may be configured to drive, in response to array reset mode being enabled, each of the first and second terminals of the sense amplifier to a bit-line precharge voltage that corresponds to a bit value to be written to respective memory cells associated with each of the first and second bit lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Huy T. Vo, Patrick Mullarkey, Jeffrey P. Wright, Michael A. Shore
  • Publication number: 20200082870
    Abstract: An electronic device includes: a memory cell configured to store electric charge for representing a data value, wherein the memory cell is configured to store two or more levels of the electric charge corresponding to different data values; a preamplifier operably coupled to the memory cell, the preamplifier having a common source and configured to generate an amplified signal based on amplifying a difference in the two or more levels of the stored electric charge; and a sense amplifier operably coupled to the preamplifier, the sense amplifier configured to further process the amplified signal for determining the data value stored in the memory cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Charles L. Ingalls
  • Publication number: 20200075082
    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: August 16, 2019
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Inventor: Scott J. Derner
  • Patent number: 10580464
    Abstract: A sense amplifier construction comprises a first n-type transistor and a second n-type transistor above the first n-type transistor. A third p-type transistor is included and a fourth p-type transistor is above the third p-type transistor. A lower voltage activation line is electrically coupled to n-type source/drain regions that are elevationally between respective gates of the first and second n-type transistors. A higher voltage activation line is electrically coupled to p-type source/drain regions that are elevationally between respective gates of the third and fourth p-type transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Ingalls, Scott J. Derner
  • Publication number: 20200066327
    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: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Charles L. Ingalls
  • Publication number: 20200052070
    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: July 17, 2019
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Charles L. Ingalls