Patents by Inventor Will Li

Will Li 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: 20250378886
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to techniques aimed at managing interference in a 3D NAND memory with a split or multiple channel configuration. Specially, it addresses the issue of program interference, where a programmed memory cell experiences disturbance from another cell within a closely configured environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2024
    Publication date: December 11, 2025
    Applicant: Sandisk Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Will Li, Liang Li, Vincent Yin
  • Patent number: 12462883
    Abstract: The memory device includes an array of split-gate cells with first memory cells and second memory cells that can operate independently of one another and are arranged in first side-strings and second-side strings respectively. Control circuitry is configured to perform a sensing operation on a selected first memory cell to detect its threshold voltage. During the sensing operation, the control circuitry applies a reference voltage to the selected first memory cell, applies a first positive voltage to the second memory cells of a plurality of unselected word lines to partially turn on the second memory cells of the unselected word lines, and applies at least one pass voltage to the first memory cells of the unselected word lines to turn on the first memory cells of the unselected word lines. The control circuitry then conducts a current through the selected first memory cell to detect its threshold voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2025
    Assignee: Sandisk Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Will Li
  • Publication number: 20250157551
    Abstract: The memory device includes an array of split-gate cells with first memory cells and second memory cells that can operate independently of one another and are arranged in first side-strings and second-side strings respectively. Control circuitry is configured to perform a sensing operation on a selected first memory cell to detect its threshold voltage. During the sensing operation, the control circuitry applies a reference voltage to the selected first memory cell, applies a first positive voltage to the second memory cells of a plurality of unselected word lines to partially turn on the second memory cells of the unselected word lines, and applies at least one pass voltage to the first memory cells of the unselected word lines to turn on the first memory cells of the unselected word lines. The control circuitry then conducts a current through the selected first memory cell to detect its threshold voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2023
    Publication date: May 15, 2025
    Inventor: Will Li
  • Publication number: 20240385766
    Abstract: A memory device includes memory blocks and control circuitry configured to perform an erase operation to selectively erase selected memory cells of the memory blocks, selectively perform an erase verify operation during or subsequent to the erase operation, and perform an erase verify skip operation in which one or more of the erase verify operations are skipped during the erase operation. To perform the erase verify skip operation, the control circuitry is configured to supply a first erase voltage pulse and supply a second erase voltage pulse subsequent to the first erase voltage pulse, the second erase voltage pulse has a greater magnitude than the first erase voltage pulse, and supplying the second erase voltage pulse includes transitioning from the first erase voltage pulse to the second erase voltage pulse without ramping downward between the first erase voltage pulse and the second erase voltage pulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2023
    Publication date: November 21, 2024
    Applicant: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ke Zhang, Liang Li, Will Li, Linnan Chen
  • Patent number: 11587621
    Abstract: Apparatuses and techniques are described for programming memory cells with a reduced number of program pulses. A program operation includes a first, foggy program pass followed by a second, fine program pass. The number of program loops in the foggy program pass is minimized while providing relatively narrow Vth distributions for the foggy states. The program loops include one or more checkpoint program loops in which a program speed of the memory cells is determined through a read operation. In a next program loop, the fast-programming memory cells are inhibited from programming while the slow-programming memory cells are programmed with a reduced speed by applying a program speed-reducing bit line voltage. This brings the threshold voltage of the slow-programming memory cells into alignment with the threshold voltage of the fast-programming memory cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ming Wang, Liang Li, Bruce Li, Will Li, Yichen Wang
  • Publication number: 20230043349
    Abstract: Apparatuses and techniques are described for programming memory cells with a reduced number of program pulses. A program operation includes a first, foggy program pass followed by a second, fine program pass. The number of program loops in the foggy program pass is minimized while providing relatively narrow Vth distributions for the foggy states. The program loops include one or more checkpoint program loops in which a program speed of the memory cells is determined through a read operation. In a next program loop, the fast-programming memory cells are inhibited from programming while the slow-programming memory cells are programmed with a reduced speed by applying a program speed-reducing bit line voltage. This brings the threshold voltage of the slow-programming memory cells into alignment with the threshold voltage of the fast-programming memory cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Applicant: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ming Wang, Liang Li, Bruce Li, Will Li, Yichen Wang
  • Patent number: 10583691
    Abstract: Polymer compositions having improved electromagnetic (EMI) shielding properties under high temperature are disclosed. The polymer compositions comprise a thermoplastic polymer, stainless steel fiber, and optionally one or more of glass fiber, a conductive filler, a second polymer, and other additives. The disclosed compositions maintain heat resistance and other mechanical properties under high temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: SABIC Global Technologies B.V.
    Inventors: Tong Wu, Will Li, David Zou
  • Publication number: 20130221282
    Abstract: Polymer compositions having improved EMI retention after annealing at high temperatures are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Tong Wu, Will Li, David Zou