Patents by Inventor Umberto Di Vincenzo
Umberto Di Vincenzo 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).
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Publication number: 20190066754Abstract: Techniques, systems, and devices for time-resolved access of memory cells in a memory array are described herein. During a sense portion of a read operation, a selected memory cell may be charged to a predetermined voltage level. A logic state stored on the selected memory cell may be identified based on a duration between the beginning of the charging and when selected memory cell reaches the predetermined voltage level. In some examples, time-varying signals may be used to indicate the logic state based on the duration of the charging. In some examples, the duration of the charging may be based on a polarization state of the selected memory cell, a dielectric charge state of the selected state, or both a polarization state and a dielectric charge state of the selected memory cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2018Publication date: February 28, 2019Inventor: Umberto Di Vincenzo
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Publication number: 20190066755Abstract: Techniques, systems, and devices for time-resolved access of memory cells in a memory array are described herein. During a sense portion of a read operation, a selected memory cell may be charged to a predetermined voltage level. A logic state stored on the selected memory cell may be identified based on a duration between the beginning of the charging and when selected memory cell reaches the predetermined voltage level. In some examples, time-varying signals may be used to indicate the logic state based on the duration of the charging. In some examples, the duration of the charging may be based on a polarization state of the selected memory cell, a dielectric charge state of the selected state, or both a polarization state and a dielectric charge state of the selected memory cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2018Publication date: February 28, 2019Inventor: Umberto Di Vincenzo
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Publication number: 20190035441Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for variable filter capacitance are described. Within a memory device, voltages may be applied to access lines associated with two voltage sources to increase the capacitance provided by the access lines between the two voltage sources. In some cases, the access lines may be in electronic communication with capacitive cells that include a capacitive element and a selection component, and the voltage sources and access lines may be configured to utilize the capacitive elements and the capacitance between the access lines to generate an increase capacitance between the voltage sources. In some cases, decoders may be used to implement certain configurations that generate different capacitance levels. Similarly, sub-decoders may generate different capacitance levels by selecting portions of a capacitive array.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2018Publication date: January 31, 2019Inventors: Ferdinando Bedeschi, Umberto Di Vincenzo
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Publication number: 20190027202Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for operating a memory cell or cells are described. A capacitor coupled with an access line may be precharged and then boosted such that the charge stored in the capacitor is elevated to a higher voltage with respect to a memory cell. The boosted charge in the capacitor may support sensing operations that would otherwise require a relatively higher voltage. Some embodiments may employ charge amplification between an access line and a sense component, which may amplify signals between the memory cell and the sense component, and reduce charge sharing between these components. Some embodiments may employ “sample-and-hold” operations, which may re-use certain components of a sense component to separately generate a signal and a reference, reducing sensitivity to manufacturing and/or operational tolerances. In some embodiments, sensing may be further improved by employing “self-reference” operations that use a memory cell to generate its own reference.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2017Publication date: January 24, 2019Inventors: Ferdinando Bedeschi, Umberto Di Vincenzo
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Patent number: 10163482Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for operating a ferroelectric memory cell or cells are described. A ground reference scheme may be employed in a digit line voltage sensing operation. A positive voltage may be applied to a memory cell; and after a voltage of the digit line of the cell has reached a threshold, a negative voltage may be applied to cause the digit line voltages to center around ground before a read operation. In another example, a first voltage may be applied to a memory cell and then a second voltage that is equal to an inverse of the first voltage may be applied to a reference capacitor that is in electronic communication with a digit line of the memory cell to cause the digit line voltages to center around ground before a read operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2017Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Daniele Vimercati, Scott James Derner, Umberto Di Vincenzo, Christopher John Kawamura, Eric S. Carman
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Publication number: 20180358075Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for time-based access of memory cells in a memory array are described herein. During a sense portion of a read operation, a selected memory cell may be charged to a predetermined voltage level. A logic state stored on the selected memory cell may be identified based on a duration between the beginning of the charging and when selected memory cell reaches the predetermined voltage level. In some examples, time-varying signals may be used to indicate the logic state based on the duration of the charging. The duration of the charging may be based on a polarization state of the selected memory cell, a dielectric charge state of the selected state, or both a polarization state and a dielectric charge state of the selected memory cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventor: Umberto Di Vincenzo
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Publication number: 20180358073Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for time-based access of memory cells in a memory array are described herein. During a sense portion of a read operation, a selected memory cell may be charged to a predetermined voltage level. A logic state stored on the selected memory cell may be identified based on a duration between the beginning of the charging and when selected memory cell reaches the predetermined voltage level. In some examples, time-varying signals may be used to indicate the logic state based on the duration of the charging. The duration of the charging may be based on a polarization state of the selected memory cell, a dielectric charge state of the selected state, or both a polarization state and a dielectric charge state of the selected memory cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventor: Umberto Di Vincenzo
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Publication number: 20180358074Abstract: Techniques, systems, and devices for time-resolved access of memory cells in a memory array are described herein. During a sense portion of a read operation, a selected memory cell may be charged to a predetermined voltage level. A logic state stored on the selected memory cell may be identified based on a duration between the beginning of the charging and when selected memory cell reaches the predetermined voltage level. In some examples, time-varying signals may be used to indicate the logic state based on the duration of the charging. In some examples, the duration of the charging may be based on a polarization state of the selected memory cell, a dielectric charge state of the selected state, or both a polarization state and a dielectric charge state of the selected memory cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventor: Umberto Di Vincenzo
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Patent number: 10153021Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for time-based access of memory cells in a memory array are described herein. During a sense portion of a read operation, a selected memory cell may be charged to a predetermined voltage level. A logic state stored on the selected memory cell may be identified based on a duration between the beginning of the charging and when selected memory cell reaches the predetermined voltage level. In some examples, time-varying signals may be used to indicate the logic state based on the duration of the charging. The duration of the charging may be based on a polarization state of the selected memory cell, a dielectric charge state of the selected state, or both a polarization state and a dielectric charge state of the selected memory cell.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2017Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventor: Umberto Di Vincenzo
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Patent number: 10153022Abstract: Techniques, systems, and devices for time-resolved access of memory cells in a memory array are described herein. During a sense portion of a read operation, a selected memory cell may be charged to a predetermined voltage level. A logic state stored on the selected memory cell may be identified based on a duration between the beginning of the charging and when selected memory cell reaches the predetermined voltage level. In some examples, time-varying signals may be used to indicate the logic state based on the duration of the charging. In some examples, the duration of the charging may be based on a polarization state of the selected memory cell, a dielectric charge state of the selected state, or both a polarization state and a dielectric charge state of the selected memory cell.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2017Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INCInventor: Umberto Di Vincenzo
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Publication number: 20180336941Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for full bias sensing in a memory array are described. Various embodiments of an access operation of a cell in a array may be timed to allow residual charge of a middle electrode between the cell and a selection component to discharge. Access operations may also be timed to allow residual charge of middle electrodes associated with other cells to be discharged. In conjunction with an access operation for a target cell, a residual charge of a middle electrode of another cell may be discharged, and the target cell may then be accessed. A capacitor in electronic communication with a cell may be charged and a logic state of the cell determined based on the charge of the capacitor. The timing for charging the capacitor may be related to the time for discharging a middle electrode of the cell or another cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2018Publication date: November 22, 2018Inventors: Umberto Di Vincenzo, Ferdinando Bedeschi
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Publication number: 20180294025Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for operating a memory array. A first voltage may be applied to a memory cell to activate a selection component of the memory cell prior to applying a second voltage to the memory cell. The second voltage may be applied to facilitate a sensing operation once the selection component is activated. The first voltage may be applied during a first portion of an access operation and may be used in determining a threshold voltage of the selection component. The subsequently applied second voltage may be applied during a second portion of the access operation and may have a magnitude associated with a preferred voltage for accessing a ferroelectric capacitor of the memory cell. In some cases, the second voltage has a greater rate of increase over time (e.g., a greater “ramp”) than the first voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2018Publication date: October 11, 2018Inventors: Ferdinando Bedeschi, Umberto Di Vincenzo
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Patent number: 10049713Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for full bias sensing in a memory array are described. Various embodiments of an access operation of a cell in a array may be timed to allow residual charge of a middle electrode between the cell and a selection component to discharge. Access operations may also be timed to allow residual charge of middle electrodes associated with other cells to be discharged. In conjunction with an access operation for a target cell, a residual charge of a middle electrode of another cell may be discharged, and the target cell may then be accessed. A capacitor in electronic communication with a cell may be charged and a logic state of the cell determined based on the charge of the capacitor. The timing for charging the capacitor may be related to the time for discharging a middle electrode of the cell or another cell.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Umberto Di Vincenzo, Ferdinando Bedeschi
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Patent number: 10032496Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for variable filter capacitance are described. Within a memory device, voltages may be applied to access lines associated with two voltage sources to increase the capacitance provided by the access lines between the two voltage sources. In some cases, the access lines may be in electronic communication with capacitive cells that include a capacitive element and a selection component, and the voltage sources and access lines may be configured to utilize the capacitive elements and the capacitance between the access lines to generate an increase capacitance between the voltage sources. In some cases, decoders may be used to implement certain configurations that generate different capacitance levels. Similarly, sub-decoders may generate different capacitance levels by selecting portions of a capacitive array.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2017Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Ferdinando Bedeschi, Umberto Di Vincenzo
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Publication number: 20180197606Abstract: Subject matter disclosed herein relates to memory devices and, more particularly, to programming a memory cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2018Publication date: July 12, 2018Inventors: Umberto Di Vincenzo, Carlo Lisi
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Publication number: 20180190337Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for operating a ferroelectric memory cell or cells are described. A ground reference scheme may be employed in a digit line voltage sensing operation. A positive voltage may be applied to a memory cell; and after a voltage of the digit line of the cell has reached a threshold, a negative voltage may be applied to cause the digit line voltages to center around ground before a read operation. In another example, a first voltage may be applied to a memory cell and then a second voltage that is equal to an inverse of the first voltage may be applied to a reference capacitor that is in electronic communication with a digit line of the memory cell to cause the digit line voltages to center around ground before a read operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2017Publication date: July 5, 2018Inventors: Daniele Vimercati, Scott James Derner, Umberto Di Vincenzo, Christopher John Kawamura, Eric S. Carman
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Patent number: 9966127Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for operating a memory array. A first voltage may be applied to a memory cell to activate a selection component of the memory cell prior to applying a second voltage to the memory cell. The second voltage may be applied to facilitate a sensing operation once the selection component is activated. The first voltage may be applied during a first portion of an access operation and may be used in determining a threshold voltage of the selection component. The subsequently applied second voltage may be applied during a second portion of the access operation and may have a magnitude associated with a preferred voltage for accessing a ferroelectric capacitor of the memory cell. In some cases, the second voltage has a greater rate of increase over time (e.g., a greater “ramp”) than the first voltage.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2016Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Ferdinando Bedeschi, Umberto Di Vincenzo
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Publication number: 20180102157Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for operating a memory array. A first voltage may be applied to a memory cell to activate a selection component of the memory cell prior to applying a second voltage to the memory cell. The second voltage may be applied to facilitate a sensing operation once the selection component is activated. The first voltage may be applied during a first portion of an access operation and may be used in determining a threshold voltage of the selection component. The subsequently applied second voltage may be applied during a second portion of the access operation and may have a magnitude associated with a preferred voltage for accessing a ferroelectric capacitor of the memory cell. In some cases, the second voltage has a greater rate of increase over time (e.g., a greater “ramp”) than the first voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2016Publication date: April 12, 2018Inventors: Ferdinando Bedeschi, Umberto Di Vincenzo
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Patent number: 9934837Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for operating a ferroelectric memory cell or cells are described. A ground reference scheme may be employed in a digit line voltage sensing operation. A positive voltage may be applied to a memory cell; and after a voltage of the digit line of the cell has reached a threshold, a negative voltage may be applied to cause the digit line voltages to center around ground before a read operation. In another example, a first voltage may be applied to a memory cell and then a second voltage that is equal to an inverse of the first voltage may be applied to a reference capacitor that is in electronic communication with a digit line of the memory cell to cause the digit line voltages to center around ground before a read operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Daniele Vimercati, Scott James Derner, Umberto Di Vincenzo, Christopher John Kawamura, Eric S. Carman
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Publication number: 20180061470Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for full bias sensing in a memory array are described. Various embodiments of an access operation of a cell in a array may be timed to allow residual charge of a middle electrode between the cell and a selection component to discharge. Access operations may also be timed to allow residual charge of middle electrodes associated with other cells to be discharged. In conjunction with an access operation for a target cell, a residual charge of a middle electrode of another cell may be discharged, and the target cell may then be accessed. A capacitor in electronic communication with a cell may be charged and a logic state of the cell determined based on the charge of the capacitor. The timing for charging the capacitor may be related to the time for discharging a middle electrode of the cell or another cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Umberto Di Vincenzo, Ferdinando Bedeschi