Patents by Inventor Xiaoyong Liu

Xiaoyong Liu 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: 11430470
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to magnetic recording heads of magnetic recording devices. A magnetic read head includes a first pinning layer magnetically oriented in a first direction, and a second pinning layer formed above the first pinning layer and magnetically oriented in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction. The magnetic read head includes a rear hard bias disposed outwardly of one or more of the first pinning layer relative or the second pinning layer. The rear hard bias is magnetically oriented to generate a magnetic field in a bias direction. The bias direction points in the same direction as the first direction or the second direction. The magnetic read head does not include an antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer between a lower shield and an upper shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoyong Liu, Ji Li, Changhe Shang, Daniele Mauri, Yukimasa Okada
  • Patent number: 11410690
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally related to a two dimensional magnetic recording (TDMR) read head having a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ). Both the upper reader and the lower reader have a dual free layer (DFL) MTJ structure between two shields. A synthetic antiferromagnetic (SAF) soft bias structure bounds the MTJ, and a rear hard bias (RHB) structure is disposed behind the MTJ. The DFL MTJ decreases the distance between the upper and lower reader and hence, improves the area density capacity (ADC). Additionally, the SAF soft bias structures and the rear head bias structure cause the dual free layer MTJ to have a scissor state magnetic moment at the media facing surface (MFS).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Chih-Ching Hu, Yung-Hung Wang, Ming Mao, Guanxiong Li, Daniele Mauri, Xiaoyong Liu, Yukimasa Okada, Anup Roy, Chen-Jung Chien, Hongxue Liu
  • Patent number: 11393516
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes an array including m rows and n columns of nodes. Each column of nodes is coupled to one of n first conductive lines, and each row of nodes is coupled to one of m second conductive lines. Each node of the m rows and n columns of nodes includes a spin orbit torque-based spin torque oscillator circuit configured to oscillate at a corresponding intrinsic frequency. The spin orbit torque-based spin torque oscillator circuits are configured to generate m output signals at the m second conductive lines upon application of n input signals to corresponding n first conductive lines. The n input signals correspond to an n-element input vector, and each input signal includes a corresponding input signal frequency. Each of the m output signals include frequency domain components at the input signal frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thao A. Nguyen, Michael Ho, Xiaoyong Liu, Zhigang Bai, Zhanjie Li, Quang Le, Yongchul Ahn, Hongquan Jiang
  • Patent number: 11394865
    Abstract: Computing devices, such as mobile computing devices, have access to one or more image sensors that can capture images with multiple subjects. Some of these subjects may be known to the user capturing an image with the image sensor. The user may prefer to have the captured image data be optimized around the known subjects. Low-power, fast-response machine learning logic can be configured to allow for the generation of a plurality of inference data. This inference data can be utilized along with other sensor data, such as a motion sensor, for the generation of one or more image sensor configuration changes that may be implemented to optimize the subsequent capture of image data. This cycle of image data analysis, image sensor optimization, and subsequent capture can continue multiple times until a threshold of optimization or time is met. The captured image data optimized around the known subjects is then stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Quang Le, Rajeev Nagabhirava, Kuok San Ho, Daniel Bai, Xiaoyong Liu
  • Publication number: 20220122647
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes an array including m rows and n columns of nodes. Each column of nodes is coupled to one of n first conductive lines, and each row of nodes is coupled to one of m second conductive lines. Each node of the m rows and n columns of nodes includes a spin orbit torque-based spin torque oscillator circuit configured to oscillate at a corresponding intrinsic frequency. The spin orbit torque-based spin torque oscillator circuits are configured to generate m output signals at the m second conductive lines upon application of n input signals to corresponding n first conductive lines. The n input signals correspond to an n-element input vector, and each input signal includes a corresponding input signal frequency. Each of the m output signals include frequency domain components at the input signal frequencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Applicant: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thao A. Nguyen, Michael Ho, Xiaoyong Liu, Zhigang Bai, Zhanjie Li, Quang Le, Yongchul Ahn, Hongquan Jiang
  • Patent number: 11283008
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a magnetic tunnel junction, a magnetic assist layer coupled to the magnetic tunnel junction, a non-magnetic layer disposed between the free layer and the magnetic assist layer, and a spin Hall effect layer coupled to the magnetic assist layer. The magnetic tunnel junction includes a free layer in a plane, the free layer including a switchable magnetization direction perpendicular to the plane. The magnetic assist layer includes a magnetization direction parallel to the plane and free to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thao A. Nguyen, Michael Ho, Zhigang Bai, Xiaoyong Liu, Zhanjie Li, Yongchul Ahn, Hongquan Jiang, Quang Le
  • Patent number: 11275130
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to sensor device, such as a magnetic sensor bridge, that utilizes a dual free layer (DFL) structure. The device includes a plurality of resistors that each includes the same DFL structure. Adjacent the DFL structure is a magnetic structure that can include a permanent magnet, an antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer having a synthetic AFM (SAF) structure thereon, a permanent magnetic having a SAF structure thereon, or an AFM layer having a ferromagnetic layer thereon. The DFL structures are aligned with different layers of the magnetic structures to differentiate the resistors. The different alignment and/or different magnetic structures result in a decrease in production time due to reduced complexity and, thus, reduces costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Xiaoyong Liu, Quang Le, Zhigang Bai, Daniele Mauri, Zhanjie Li, Kuok San Ho, Thao A. Nguyen, Rajeev Nagabhirava
  • Patent number: 11277565
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to optical devices and related methods that facilitate independent control of movement of lenses and image sensors in camera systems. In one example, an image sensor is movable independently of and relative to a lens, and the lens is movable independently of the image sensor. In one example, an optical device includes a lens, and an image sensor disposed below the lens. The image sensor is movable relative to the lens. The optical device includes a plurality of magnets disposed about the lens, a plurality of vertical coil structures coiled in one or more vertical planes, and one or more horizontal coil structures coiled in one or more horizontal planes. The plurality of vertical coil structures are configured to, when powered, move the image sensor relative to the lens. The one or more horizontal coil structures are configured to, when powered, move the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Quang Le, Zhigang Bai, Xiaoyong Liu, Zhanjie Li, Kuok San Ho, Rajeev Nagabhirava
  • Patent number: 11277566
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to optical devices and related methods that facilitate independent control of movement of lenses and image sensors in camera systems. In one example, an image sensor is movable independently of and relative to a lens, and the lens is movable independently of the image sensor. In one example, an optical device includes a lens, and an image sensor disposed below the lens. The image sensor is movable relative to the lens. The optical device includes a plurality of magnets disposed about the lens, a plurality of vertical coil structures coiled in one or more vertical planes, and one or more horizontal coil structures coiled in one or more horizontal planes. The plurality of vertical coil structures are configured to, when powered, move the image sensor relative to the lens. The one or more horizontal coil structures are configured to, when powered, move the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Quang Le, Zhigang Bai, Xiaoyong Liu, Zhanjie Li, Kuok San Ho, Rajeev Nagabhirava
  • Publication number: 20220078348
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to optical devices and related methods that facilitate tilt in camera systems, such as tilt of a lens. In one example, an optical device includes a lens, an image sensor disposed below the lens, a plurality of magnets disposed about the lens, and a plurality of: (1) vertical coil structures coiled in one or more vertical planes and (2) horizontal coil structures coiled in one or more horizontal planes. When power is applied, the coil structures can generate magnetic fields that, in the presence of the magnets, cause relative movement of the coil structures and associated structures. The plurality of vertical coil structures are configured to horizontally move the lens. The plurality of horizontal coil structures are configured to tilt the lens when differing electrical power is applied to at least two of the plurality of horizontal coil structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Applicant: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Quang LE, Rajeev NAGABHIRAVA, Kuok San HO, Zhigang BAI, Zhanjie LI, Xiaoyong LIU, Daniele MAURI
  • Publication number: 20220069202
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a magnetic tunnel junction, a magnetic assist layer coupled to the magnetic tunnel junction, a non-magnetic layer disposed between the free layer and the magnetic assist layer, and a spin Hall effect layer coupled to the magnetic assist layer. The magnetic tunnel junction includes a free layer in a plane, the free layer including a switchable magnetization direction perpendicular to the plane. The magnetic assist layer includes a magnetization direction parallel to the plane and free to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Applicant: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thao A. Nguyen, Michael Ho, Zhigang Bai, Xiaoyong Liu, Zhanjie Li, Yongchul Ahn, Hongquan Jiang, Quang Le
  • Publication number: 20220044103
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes an array including n rows and m columns of nodes, each row of nodes coupled to one of n first conductive lines, each column of nodes coupled to one of m second conductive lines, each node of the n rows and m columns of nodes including a spin orbit torque MRAM non-volatile memory cell configured to store a corresponding weight of an n×m array of weights each having a first weight value or a second weight value, and a control circuit configured to apply n input voltages each having a first input value or a second input value to corresponding n first conductive lines, the n input voltages corresponding to an n-element input vector. The spin orbit torque MRAM non-volatile memory cells are configured to generate m output currents at the m second conductive lines upon application of the n input voltages. The m output currents corresponding to a result of multiplying the input vector by the n×m array of weights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Applicant: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thao A. Nguyen, Michael Ho, Zhigang Bai, Xiaoyong Liu, Zhanjie Li, Yongchul Ahn, Hongquan Jiang, Quang Le
  • Publication number: 20220028418
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a read head of a data storage device. The read head includes a read sensor sandwiched between two shields. The shields can have different materials as well as a different number of layers. Furthermore the shields can be fabricated by different processes and have different heights and thicknesses. The ratio of the thickness to the height for the shields are substantially identical to ensure that the saturation field are substantially identical and balanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Applicant: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoyong LIU, Goncalo BAIAO DE ALBUQUERQUE, Daniele MAURI, Yukimasa OKADA
  • Publication number: 20220013139
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to spin-orbital torque (SOT) differential reader designs. The SOT differential reader is a multi-terminal device that comprises a first shield, a first spin hall layer, a first free layer, a gap layer, a second spin hall layer, a second free layer, and a second shield. The gap layer functions as an electrode and is disposed between the first spin hall layer and the second spin hall layer. Electrical lead connections are located about the first spin hall layer, the second spin hall layer, the gap layer, the first shield, and/or the second shield. The electrical lead connections facilitate the flow of current and/or voltage from a negative lead to a positive lead. The positioning of the electrical lead connections and the positioning of the SOT differential layers improves reader resolution without decreasing the shield-to-shield spacing (i.e., read-gap).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Applicant: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Quang LE, Xiaoyong LIU, Zhigang BAI, Zhanjie LI, Kuok San HO, Hisashi TAKANO
  • Publication number: 20220013138
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to spin-orbital torque (SOT) differential reader designs. The SOT differential reader is a multi-terminal device comprising a first seed layer, a first spin hall effect (SHE) layer, a first interlayer, a first free layer, a gap layer, a second seed layer, a second SHE layer, a second free layer, and a second interlayer. The gap layer is disposed between the first SHE layer and the second SHE layer. The materials and dimensions used for the first and second seed layers, the first and second interlayers, and the first and second SHE layers affect the resulting spin hall voltage converted from spin current injected from the first free layer and the second free layer, as well as the ability to tune the first and second SHE layers. Moreover, the SOT differential reader improves reader resolution without decreasing the shield-to-shield spacing (i.e., read-gap).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Applicant: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Cherngye HWANG, Xiaoyong LIU, Quang LE, Kuok San HO, Hisashi TAKANO, Brian R. YORK
  • Patent number: 11222656
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to spin-orbital torque (SOT) differential reader designs. The SOT differential reader is a multi-terminal device that comprises a first shield, a first spin hall layer, a first free layer, a gap layer, a second spin hall layer, a second free layer, and a second shield. The gap layer functions as an electrode and is disposed between the first spin hall layer and the second spin hall layer. Electrical lead connections are located about the first spin hall layer, the second spin hall layer, the gap layer, the first shield, and/or the second shield. The electrical lead connections facilitate the flow of current and/or voltage from a negative lead to a positive lead. The positioning of the electrical lead connections and the positioning of the SOT differential layers improves reader resolution without decreasing the shield-to-shield spacing (i.e., read-gap).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Quang Le, Xiaoyong Liu, Zhigang Bai, Zhanjie Li, Kuok San Ho, Hisashi Takano
  • Publication number: 20220005498
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to spin-orbital torque (SOT) differential reader designs. The SOT differential reader is a multi-terminal device that comprises a first shield, a first spin hall effect layer, a first free layer, a gap layer, a second spin hall effect layer, a second free layer, and a second shield. The gap layer is disposed between the first spin hall effect layer and the second spin hall effect layer. Electrical lead connections are located about the first spin hall effect layer, the second spin hall effect layer, the gap layer, the first shield, and/or the second shield. The electrical lead connections facilitate the flow of current and/or voltage from a negative lead to a positive lead. The positioning of the electrical lead connections and the positioning of the SOT differential layers improves reader resolution without decreasing the shield-to-shield spacing (i.e., read-gap).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Applicant: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Quang LE, Xiaoyong LIU, Zhigang BAI, Zhanjie LI, Kuok San HO, Hisashi TAKANO
  • Publication number: 20220005501
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to magnetic recording heads of magnetic recording devices. A magnetic read head includes a first pinning layer magnetically oriented in a first direction, and a second pinning layer formed above the first pinning layer and magnetically oriented in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction. The magnetic read head includes a rear hard bias disposed outwardly of one or more of the first pinning layer relative or the second pinning layer. The rear hard bias is magnetically oriented to generate a magnetic field in a bias direction. The bias direction points in the same direction as the first direction or the second direction. The magnetic read head does not include an antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer between a lower shield and an upper shield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Applicant: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoyong LIU, Ji LI, Changhe SHANG, Daniele MAURI, Yukimasa OKADA
  • Publication number: 20210405131
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to sensor device, such as a magnetic sensor bridge, that utilizes a dual free layer (DFL) structure. The device includes a plurality of resistors that each includes the same DFL structure. Adjacent the DFL structure is a magnetic structure that can include a permanent magnet, an antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer having a synthetic AFM (SAF) structure thereon, a permanent magnetic having a SAF structure thereon, or an AFM layer having a ferromagnetic layer thereon. The DFL structures are aligned with different layers of the magnetic structures to differentiate the resistors. The different alignment and/or different magnetic structures result in a decrease in production time due to reduced complexity and, thus, reduces costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Inventors: Xiaoyong LIU, Quang LE, Zhigang BAI, Daniele MAURI, Zhanjie LI, Kuok San HO, Thao A. NGUYEN, Rajeev NAGABHIRAVA
  • Publication number: 20210409601
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to optical devices and related methods that facilitate independent control of movement of lenses and image sensors in camera systems. In one example, an image sensor is movable independently of and relative to a lens, and the lens is movable independently of the image sensor. In one example, an optical device includes a lens, and an image sensor disposed below the lens. The image sensor is movable relative to the lens. The optical device includes a plurality of magnets disposed about the lens, a plurality of vertical coil structures coiled in one or more vertical planes, and one or more horizontal coil structures coiled in one or more horizontal planes. The plurality of vertical coil structures are configured to, when powered, move the image sensor relative to the lens. The one or more horizontal coil structures are configured to, when powered, move the lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Inventors: Quang LE, Zhigang BAI, Xiaoyong LIU, Zhanjie LI, Kuok San HO, Rajeev NAGABHIRAVA