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: 10153281
    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: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Michael Amiel Shore
  • Patent number: 10153018
    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: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Christopher J. Kawamura
  • Publication number: 20180350420
    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: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Charles L. Ingalls, Scott J. Derner
  • Patent number: 10127965
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed that include ferroelectric memory and for accessing ferroelectric memory. An example method includes increasing a voltage of a first cell plate of a capacitor to change the voltage of a second cell plate of the capacitor, a second digit line, and a second sense node. The voltage of the second cell plate and the second digit line is decreased to change the voltage of the first cell plate, a first digit line, and a first sense node. The first node is driven to a first voltage and the second node is driven to a second voltage responsive to the voltage of the first node being greater than the second node. The first node is driven to the second voltage and the second node is driven to the first voltage responsive to the voltage of the first node being less than the second node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Kawamura, Scott J. Derner
  • Patent number: 10127972
    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 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Kawamura, Scott J. Derner
  • Patent number: 10127971
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for implementing an array rest 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: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Huy T. Vo, Patrick Mullarkey, Jeffrey P. Wright, Michael A. Shore
  • Publication number: 20180315466
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for implementing an array rest 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: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Huy T. Vo, Patrick Mullarkey, Jeffrey P. Wright, Michael A. Shore
  • Publication number: 20180315467
    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: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher J. Kawamura, Charles L. Ingalls, Scott J. Derner
  • Patent number: 10115438
    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: August 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Ingalls, Scott J. Derner
  • Publication number: 20180308853
    Abstract: Some embodiments include memory cells having four transistors supported by a base, and vertically offset from the base. The four transistors are incorporated into first and second inverters having first and second inverter outputs, respectively. A first access transistor gatedly couples the first inverter output to a first comparative bitline, and second access transistor gatedly couples the second inverter output to a second comparative bitline. The first and second access transistors have first and second gates coupled to one another through a wordline. The four transistors are along a first side of the wordline, and are vertically displaced from the wordline. The first and second comparative bitlines are laterally adjacent to one another along a second side of the wordline, and are vertically displaced from the wordline. Some embodiments include memory arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Debra M. Bell, Scott J. Derner
  • Publication number: 20180294015
    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: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Ingalls, Scott J. Derner
  • Patent number: 10074414
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed that in 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: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Christopher J. Kawamura
  • Patent number: 10043566
    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 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Charles L. Ingalls, Scott J. Derner
  • Publication number: 20180218765
    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: October 30, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Charles L. Ingalls
  • Publication number: 20180122452
    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: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Charles L. Ingalls
  • Publication number: 20180061835
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a memory cell having first and second transistors, and a capacitor vertically displaced relative to the first and second transistors. The capacitor has a first node electrically coupled with a source/drain region of the first transistor, a second node electrically coupled with a source/drain region of the second transistor, and capacitor dielectric material between the first and second nodes. Some embodiments include a memory cell having first and second transistors vertically displaced relative to one another, and a capacitor between the first and second transistors. The capacitor has a first node electrically coupled with a source/drain region of the first transistor, a second node electrically coupled with a source/drain region of the second transistor, and capacitor dielectric material between the first and second nodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Gloria Yang, Suraj J. Mathew, Raghunath Singanamalla, Vinay Nair, Scott J. Derner, Michael Amiel Shore, Brent Keeth, Fatma Arzum Simsek-Ege, Diem Thy N. Tran
  • Publication number: 20180061460
    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: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Charles L. Ingalls, Scott J. Derner
  • Publication number: 20180061834
    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: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Michael Amiel Shore
  • Publication number: 20180061481
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a memory array having a series of bitlines. Each of the bitlines has a first comparative bitline component and a second comparative bitline component. The bitlines define columns of the memory array. Memory cells are along the columns of the memory array. Capacitive units are along the columns of the memory array and are interspersed amongst the memory cells. The capacitive units are not utilized for data storage during operation of the memory array, but rather are utilized for reducing parasitic capacitance between adjacent bitlines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher J. Kawamura, Scott J. Derner
  • Publication number: 20180061468
    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: August 16, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Christopher J. Kawamura