Patents by Inventor Wei Lu CHU

Wei Lu CHU 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: 11393511
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for limiting regulator overshoot during power up are described. In some examples, a memory device may generate a first voltage at a first input node of an amplifier of a memory device based on an application, by an external supply, of a second voltage to a terminal of the memory device. The memory device may generate a third voltage at a second node of the amplifier at an amplifier at an offset to the first voltage, where the second node is coupled with a first gate of a first cascode transistor and a second gate of a second cascode transistor. The memory device may activate the amplifier based on generating the third voltage at the second node of the amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Fei Xu, Dong Pan, Wei Lu Chu
  • Publication number: 20220200538
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for operating an amplifier with a controllable pull-down capability are described. A memory device may include a memory array and a power circuit that generates an internal signal for components in the memory array. The power circuit may include an amplifier and a power transistor that is coupled with the amplifier. A pull-down capability of the amplifier may be controllable using an external signal that is based on a difference between a reference signal and the internal signal. The power circuit may also include a comparator that is coupled with the amplifier and configured to compare the reference signal and the internal signal. Components of the comparator may be integrated with components of the amplifier, may share a bias circuit, and may use nodes within the amplifier to control the comparator. A signal output by the comparator may control the pull-down capability of the amplifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Inventors: Wei Lu Chu, Zhi Qi Huang, Dong Pan
  • Patent number: 11362627
    Abstract: Systems and devices are provided for tracking pullup current generated by power amplifiers regardless of variations in PVT conditions. An apparatus may include one or more power amplifiers that powers components of the apparatus, a tracking circuit, and a pulse generation circuit. The tracking circuit may include an amplifier. Further, the tracking circuit may include pullup current tracking circuitry that is coupled to the amplifier and generates a first current that tracks pullup current generated by the one or more power amplifiers. Furthermore, the pulse generation circuit may include pullup current generator circuitry that generates a second current that mirrors the first current. In addition, the pulse generation circuit may also include pulse generator circuitry that is coupled to the pullup current generator circuitry and that generates a pulse to control operation of the one or more power amplifiers based at least in part on the second current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Lu Chu, Dong Pan
  • Publication number: 20220180909
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for limiting regulator overshoot during power up are described. In some examples, a memory device may generate a first voltage at a first input node of an amplifier of a memory device based on an application, by an external supply, of a second voltage to a terminal of the memory device. The memory device may generate a third voltage at a second node of the amplifier at an amplifier at an offset to the first voltage, where the second node is coupled with a first gate of a first cascode transistor and a second gate of a second cascode transistor. The memory device may activate the amplifier based on generating the third voltage at the second node of the amplifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: Fei Xu, Dong Pan, Wei Lu Chu
  • Publication number: 20220157365
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for timing signal delay for a memory device are described. In some memory devices, operations for accessing memory cells may be performed with timing that is asynchronous relative to an input signal. To support asynchronous timing, a memory device may include delay components that support generating a timing signal having aspects that are delayed relative to an input signal. A memory device may include delay components having a configurable impedance based at least in part on one or more fabrication characteristics of the memory device, one or more operating conditions of the memory device, one or more bias voltages, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Inventors: Zhi Qi Huang, Wei Lu Chu, Dong Pan
  • Publication number: 20220157368
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for voltage drop mitigation techniques for memory devices are described. A memory device may include an array of memory cells, a conductive line, a pull-up circuit, and an output circuit. The conductive line may be configured to convey a first voltage for performing an operation with the array of memory cells. The pull-up circuit may be configured to couple the conductive line with a voltage source during at least a portion of a duration in which the operation is performed based on a first signal that enables applying a current to the array of memory cells as part of the operation. The output circuit may be configured to output a second signal to deactivate the pull-up circuit before the operation is complete. Outputting the second signal may be based on the first signal and a difference between the first voltage and a reference voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Inventors: Wei Lu Chu, Dong Pan
  • Patent number: 11335396
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for timing signal delay for a memory device are described. In some memory devices, operations for accessing memory cells may be performed with timing that is asynchronous relative to an input signal. To support asynchronous timing, a memory device may include delay components that support generating a timing signal having aspects that are delayed relative to an input signal. A memory device may include delay components having a configurable impedance based at least in part on one or more fabrication characteristics of the memory device, one or more operating conditions of the memory device, one or more bias voltages, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhi Qi Huang, Wei Lu Chu, Dong Pan
  • Patent number: 11315627
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for voltage drop mitigation techniques for memory devices are described. A memory device may include an array of memory cells, a conductive line, a pull-up circuit, and an output circuit. The conductive line may be configured to convey a first voltage for performing an operation with the array of memory cells. The pull-up circuit may be configured to couple the conductive line with a voltage source during at least a portion of a duration in which the operation is performed based on a first signal that enables applying a current to the array of memory cells as part of the operation. The output circuit may be configured to output a second signal to deactivate the pull-up circuit before the operation is complete. Outputting the second signal may be based on the first signal and a difference between the first voltage and a reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Lu Chu, Dong Pan
  • Publication number: 20220076720
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for timing signal delay compensation in a memory device are described. In some memory devices, operations for accessing memory cells may be performed with timing that is asynchronous relative to an input signal. To support asynchronous timing, a memory device may include delay components that support generating a timing signal having aspects that are delayed relative to an input signal. In accordance with examples as disclosed herein, a memory device may include delay components having a variable and configurable impedance, where the configurable impedance may be based at least in part on a configuration signal generated at the memory device. A configuration signal may be generated based on fabrication characteristics of the memory device, or based on operating conditions of the memory device, or various combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Inventors: Zhi Qi Huang, Wei Lu Chu, Dong Pan
  • Publication number: 20220068345
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for compensating for kickback noise are described. A regulator may include an input circuit, a bias circuit, and an enable circuit. The regulator may be configured so that the enable circuit is positioned between the input circuit and the bias circuit. A balance resistor may be included in a path between an input of the regulator and a gate of a bias transistor included in the bias transistor. A size of the balance resistor may be based on an amount of charge drawn by the bias transistor during an activation event. Dimensions of the bias transistor may be modified based on an amount of charge drawn by the bias transistor during an activation event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Wei Lu Chu, Dong Pan
  • Patent number: 11262783
    Abstract: A semiconductor device may include a bandgap circuit that outputs a reference voltage. The semiconductor device may also include a startup circuit coupled to the bandgap circuit. The startup circuit may connect a voltage source to a node that corresponds to an output of the bandgap circuit in response to the bandgap circuit being initialized. The startup circuit may also disconnect the voltage source from the node in response to the reference voltage being greater than a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Wei Lu Chu
  • Patent number: 11257558
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for protecting components in memory from overvoltage are described. A memory system may include a voltage regulator coupled with a first voltage source and a reference circuit that is configured to output a reference signal for the voltage regulator. The reference circuit may include a transistor that is used to generate the reference signal. The memory system may also include a protection circuit that is configured to maintain a voltage between a gate of the transistor and a second node of the transistor below an upper voltage limit. The protection circuit may include a comparator that is configured to compare a difference between a voltage of the reference signal output by the reference circuit and a voltage of the first voltage source with a reference voltage. The comparator may control a pull-down circuit coupled with the output of the reference circuit based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Lu Chu, Dong Pan
  • Publication number: 20220044749
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for protecting components in memory from overvoltage are described. A memory system may include a voltage regulator coupled with a first voltage source and a reference circuit that is configured to output a reference signal for the voltage regulator. The reference circuit may include a transistor that is used to generate the reference signal. The memory system may also include a protection circuit that is configured to maintain a voltage between a gate of the transistor and a second node of the transistor below an upper voltage limit. The protection circuit may include a comparator that is configured to compare a difference between a voltage of the reference signal output by the reference circuit and a voltage of the first voltage source with a reference voltage. The comparator may control a pull-down circuit coupled with the output of the reference circuit based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Inventors: Wei Lu Chu, Dong Pan
  • Patent number: 11227650
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a first input that receives an input signal when the electronic device is in operation, a long L gate comprising a long L transistor, a first activation transistor coupled to a gate of the long L transistor, and a second activation transistor coupled to the gate of the long L transistor. The electronic device also includes a switch directly coupled to a second input of the long L gate, a path directly coupled to a first output of the long L gate, a capacitor coupled to the path, and a second output that when in operation transmits an output signal as a delayed signal with respect to the input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhi Qi Huang, Wei Lu Chu, Dong Pan
  • Patent number: 11217294
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for techniques for adjusting current based on operating parameters are described. An apparatus may include an amplifier, a feedback component, and first and second current generators. The amplifier may include an input for receiving a first voltage and an output for outputting a second voltage. The first current generator may be coupled with the output of the amplifier and generate a first current based at least in part on the second voltage. The feedback component may be coupled with the first current generator to modify the first current based at least in part on an operating temperature associated with a memory device. The first current may be proportional to the operating temperature. The second current generator may be coupled with the first current generator to generate a second current based at least in part on the first current modified by the feedback component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Lu Chu, Dong Pan
  • Patent number: 11200927
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for timing signal delay compensation in a memory device are described. In some memory devices, operations for accessing memory cells may be performed with timing that is asynchronous relative to an input signal. To support asynchronous timing, a memory device may include delay components that support generating a timing signal having aspects that are delayed relative to an input signal. In accordance with examples as disclosed herein, a memory device may include delay components having a variable and configurable impedance, where the configurable impedance may be based at least in part on a configuration signal generated at the memory device. A configuration signal may be generated based on fabrication characteristics of the memory device, or based on operating conditions of the memory device, or various combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhi Qi Huang, Wei Lu Chu, Dong Pan
  • Publication number: 20210327488
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for techniques for adjusting current based on operating parameters are described. An apparatus may include an amplifier, a feedback component, and first and second current generators. The amplifier may include an input for receiving a first voltage and an output for outputting a second voltage. The first current generator may be coupled with the output of the amplifier and generate a first current based at least in part on the second voltage. The feedback component may be coupled with the first current generator to modify the first current based at least in part on an operating temperature associated with a memory device. The first current may be proportional to the operating temperature. The second current generator may be coupled with the first current generator to generate a second current based at least in part on the first current modified by the feedback component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: Wei Lu Chu, Dong Pan
  • Publication number: 20210319816
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for timing signal delay compensation in a memory device are described. In some memory devices, operations for accessing memory cells may be performed with timing that is asynchronous relative to an input signal. To support asynchronous timing, a memory device may include delay components that support generating a timing signal having aspects that are delayed relative to an input signal. In accordance with examples as disclosed herein, a memory device may include delay components having a variable and configurable impedance, where the configurable impedance may be based at least in part on a configuration signal generated at the memory device. A configuration signal may be generated based on fabrication characteristics of the memory device, or based on operating conditions of the memory device, or various combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Inventors: Zhi Qi Huang, Wei Lu Chu, Dong Pan
  • Publication number: 20210264997
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses relating to interlocking transistor active regions are disclosed. An apparatus includes a gate including electrically conductive material and an active material including a doped semiconductor material. A portion of the active material overlapped by the gate has an at least substantially triangular shape. An apparatus includes a plurality of active materials. Each active material of includes tapered ends and a plurality of gates. The plurality of active materials is arranged in an interlocking pattern with at least some tapered ends of the active materials interlocking with at least some others of the tapered ends. The plurality of gates overlaps the interlocked tapered ends of the plurality of active materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Inventors: Wei Lu Chu, Jing Wang, Zhiwei Liang, Raghu Sreeramaneni
  • Publication number: 20210232171
    Abstract: A semiconductor device may include a bandgap circuit that outputs a reference voltage. The semiconductor device may also include a startup circuit coupled to the bandgap circuit. The startup circuit may connect a voltage source to a node that corresponds to an output of the bandgap circuit in response to the bandgap circuit being initialized. The startup circuit may also disconnect the voltage source from the node in response to the reference voltage being greater than a threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventor: Wei Lu Chu