Abstract: The invention relates to a writable magnetic element comprising a stack of layers presenting a write magnetic layer, wherein the stack has a central layer of at least one magnetic material presenting a direction of magnetization that is parallel or perpendicular to the plane of the central layer, said central layer being sandwiched between first and second outer layers of non-magnetic materials, the first outer layer comprising a first non-magnetic material and the second outer layer comprising a second non-magnetic material that is different from the first non-magnetic material, at least the second non-magnetic material being electrically conductive, wherein it includes a device for causing current to flow through the second outer layer and the central layer in a current flow direction parallel to the plane of the central layer, and a device for applying a magnetic field having a component along a magnetic field direction that is either parallel or perpendicular to the plane of the central layer and the curr

Abstract: A magnetic memory unit includes a tunneling barrier separating a free magnetic element and a reference magnetic element. A first phonon glass electron crystal layer is disposed on a side opposing the tunneling barrier of either the free magnetic element or the reference magnetic element. A second phonon glass electron crystal layer also be disposed on a side opposing the tunneling barrier of either the free magnetic element or the reference magnetic element to provide a Peltier effect on the free magnetic element and the reference magnetic element.

Abstract: A magnetic tunnel junction having a ferromagnetic free layer and a ferromagnetic pinned reference layer, each having an out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy and an out-of-plane magnetization orientation, the ferromagnetic free layer switchable by spin torque. The magnetic tunnel junction includes a ferromagnetic assist layer proximate the free layer, the assist layer having a low magnetic anisotropy less than 700 Oe and positioned to apply a magnetic field on the free layer.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory storage apparatus having a connector, an energy storage circuit, a power regulator and supply circuit, a non-volatile memory module, a memory controller and a buffer memory is provided. The power regulator and supply circuit is configured for transforming an output voltage from the energy storage circuit into a first voltage used for the non-volatile memory module and a second voltage used for the memory controller and the buffer memory. The memory controller is configured for writing data stored temporarily in the buffer memory into the non-volatile memory module with a special writing mode when receiving a detecting signal indicating that an input voltage is continuously smaller than a predetermined voltage for a predetermined period or receiving a detecting signal indicating that an inactive status of the connector or receiving a suspend mode signal, a warm reset signal or a hot reset signal from a host system.

Abstract: A period (inverted period) in which a high negative potential is applied to a gate of the transistor is provided between a writing period and a retention period. In the inverted period, supply of positive electric charge from the drain of the transistor to the oxide semiconductor layer is promoted. Thus, accumulation of positive electric charge in the oxide semiconductor layer or at the interface between the oxide semiconductor layer and a gate insulating film can converge in a short time. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the positive electric charge in the node electrically connected to the drain of the transistor in the retention period after the inverted period. That is, the temporal change of data stored in the semiconductor device can be suppressed.

Abstract: A system includes a voltage generator and a reference voltage setting module. The voltage generator is configured to generate K voltages to be applied to memory cells. The K voltages are used to determine a reference voltage used to read the memory cells, where K is an integer greater than 1. The reference voltage setting module is configured to selectively set the reference voltage to a value between two adjacent ones of the K voltages or one of the two adjacent ones of the K voltages.

Abstract: Techniques are presented for use in memory devices to improve reliability and endurance by reducing the widening in state distributions, that occurs after multiple write/erase cycles. One set of techniques uses a pre-conditioning operation where a pulse series, which may include program and gentle erase, are applied to one or more wordlines while a voltage differential is applied in the wordline direction, bitline direction, or both. Another set of techniques uses a dual or multi-pulse program process, where an increased wordline-to-wordline differential used in the first pulse of a pair.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a bit-line driver has a first driver having a source terminal coupled to a high-voltage supply bus and a drain terminal coupled to the bit-line, and a second driver having a source terminal coupled to a high-voltage return bus and a drain terminal coupled to the bit line. The bit-line driver also has a first pre-driver coupled to a gate terminal of the first driver and a second pre-driver coupled to a gate terminal of the second driver. The first and second drivers use a first type of transistor, and the first and second pre-drivers use a second type of transistor. The first type of transistor is rated at a higher voltage than the second type of transistor.

Abstract: A set of non-volatile storage elements are subjected to a programming process in order to store data. During the programming process, one or more verification operations are performed to determine whether the non-volatile storage elements have reached their target condition to store the appropriate data. Programming can be stopped when all non-volatile storage elements have reached their target level or when the number of non-volatile storage elements that have not reached their target level is less than a number or memory cells that can be corrected using an error correction process during a read operation (or other operation). The number of non-volatile storage elements that have not reached their target level can be estimated by counting the number of non-volatile storage elements that have not reached a condition that is different (e.g., lower) than the target level.

Abstract: Methods for sensing, memory devices, and memory systems are disclosed. In one such memory device, a local sense circuit provides sensing of an upper group of memory cells while a global sense circuit provides sensing of a lower group of memory cells. Data sensed by the local sense circuit is transferred to the global sense circuit over local data lines or a global transfer line that is multiplexed to the local data lines. An alternate embodiment uses the local sense circuit to sense both upper and lower groups of memory cells.

Abstract: A memory cell array has a number of memory cells which are connected to word lines and bit lines and are arranged in a matrix form, each of the memory cells storing one of n levels (n is a natural number of 2 or more). A control circuit controls the potentials on the word lines and the bit lines in accordance with input data to write data to the memory cells. The control circuit is adapted to, at the write time, first apply a first potential to a well region or substrate in which the memory cells are formed, then set the well region or substrate to a second potential lower than the first potential, and next apply a predetermined voltage to the word lines to thereby perform a write operation.

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory cell is constructed using a floating-gate pFET readout transistor having its source tied to a power source (Vdd) and its drain providing a current, which can be sensed to determine the state of the cell. The gate of the pFET readout transistor provides for charge storage, which can be used to represent information such as binary bits. A control capacitor coupled between a first voltage source and the floating gate and a tunneling capacitor between a second voltage source and the floating gate are fabricated so that the control capacitor has much more capacitance than the tunneling capacitor. Manipulation of the voltages applied to the first voltage source and second voltage source controls an electric field across the capacitor structure and pFET dielectrics and thus Fowler-Nordheim tunneling of electrons on and off the floating gate, controlling the charge on the floating gate and the information stored thereon.

Abstract: An internal voltage generator circuit is disclosed. The internal voltage generator circuit includes a comparator configured to compare a first voltage with a reference voltage and to output a comparison signal. The circuit further includes an internal voltage driver configured to receive an external voltage and the comparison signal and to output an internal voltage at an internal voltage output terminal, based on the comparison signal. The circuit further includes a voltage divider circuit including first and second resistor units and a first voltage output terminal between the first and second resistor units, configured to receive the internal voltage, and configured to output the first voltage based on the resistance values of the first and second resistor units, the first and second resistor units connected in series, and the first voltage being output through the first voltage output terminal.

Abstract: A bitline precharge voltage generator comprises a leakage trimming unit and a bitline precharge voltage providing unit. The leakage trimming unit applies a leakage current to an output node to place a bitline precharge voltage at an edge of a dead zone. The bitline precharge voltage providing unit provides the bitline precharge voltage to the output node, and sets the bitline precharge voltage to a target level. The bitline precharge voltage generator generates the bitline precharge voltage having a distribution including the dead zone.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for maintaining a virtual ground node of an SRAM memory array at a minimum level sufficient for maintaining data retention. A circuit can maintain the virtual ground node at a virtual ground reference voltage of VDD?(1.5*Vth), or maintain 1.5*Vth across the memory cells, where Vth is a threshold voltage of an SRAM memory cell transistor and VDD is a positive supply voltage. By tracking the Vth of the memory cell transistors in the SRAM array, the circuit reduces leakage current while maintaining data integrity. A threshold voltage reference circuit can include one or more memory cell transistors (in parallel), or a specially wired memory cell to track the memory cell transistor threshold voltage. The value of the virtual ground reference voltage can be based on a ratio of feedback chain elements in a multiplier circuit.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a pad, an impedance calibration circuit configured to provide a first code value corresponding to an impedance value coupled to the pad, a PVT sensing control circuit configured to provide a second code value corresponding to a PVT variation, and an output driver configured to receive data and to pull up or pull down the pad in response to the first code value and second code value.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes at least one logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage and at least one memory circuit coupled to the logic circuit and supplied by a second supply voltage. The memory circuit is configured to be read and written responsive to the logic circuit even if the first supply voltage is less than the second supply voltage during use. In another embodiment, a method includes a logic circuit reading a memory cell, the logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage; and the memory cell responding to the read using signals that are referenced to the first supply voltage, wherein the memory cell is supplied with a second supply voltage that is greater than the first supply voltage during use.

Abstract: Techniques for controlling a semiconductor memory device are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for controlling a semiconductor memory device including applying a plurality of voltage potentials to a plurality of memory cells arranged in an array of rows and columns.

Abstract: A faulty address control circuit comprises a variable resistance fuse unit configured to be driven in response to an address signal, a resistance value of the variable resistance fuse unit being determined based on an amount of an applied current; a driving unit configured to output a driving signal based on the resistance value of the variable resistance fuse unit in response to a faulty address control signal; and an address storage and determination unit configured to receive the address signal, be driven by the driving signal to output the address signal or an inverted signal of the address signal.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a main word line shared by a plurality of mats. Each of the mats includes a plurality of sub word lines. A decoding unit is configured to decode a row address bit and output a word line driving signal. A plurality of sub word line driving units are each configured to activate one of the sub word lines according to the word line driving signal. In the semiconductor memory device each neighboring sub word line driving units is connected to a different main word line to remove parasitic coupling capacitance.

Abstract: A multi-chip package includes a plurality of memory chips for performing a content addressable memory (CAM) read operation in response to a command signal for the CAM read operation and an address signal for selecting the memory chips and a controller for outputting the command signal and the address signal to the memory chips and controlling the sequence of the CAM read operations for the memory chips.

Abstract: A method for acquiring three-dimensional seismic data for sub-surface geologic features wherein a seismic source array is moved along a survey pattern having a plurality of source lines of unequal lengths that are substantially parallel to each other and intersect a receiver line. The survey pattern can be repeated in an overlapping and interleaved fashion to survey a larger area.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an acoustic distance measurement system can use a modulation pattern to modulate a carrier wave. The modulated carrier wave may be transmitted to an acoustic transducer. An echo of the transmitted signal can be detected by correlating the received signal with the modulation pattern. Subsequent to detecting sufficient correlation between the received signal and modulation pattern, a distance determination can be made to determine the distance to the object that produced the received echo.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a signal processing apparatus and method for removing a reflected wave generated by a robot platform. The signal processing apparatus includes a transfer function measuring unit for measuring an inter-channel transfer function (IcTF) from signals of a plurality of channels; an impulse response obtaining unit for obtaining an inter-channel impulse response (IcIR) from the IcTF measured by the transfer function measuring unit; and reflected wave removing unit for removing the reflected wave by differentiating a direct wave directly generated by a sound source and the reflected wave with a time delay from the IcIR obtained by the impulse response obtaining unit. The signal processing method of removing a reflected wave includes measuring an IcTF from signals of a plurality of channels; obtaining an IcIR from the measured IcTF; and removing the reflected wave by differentiating a direct wave directly generated by a sound source and a the reflected wave with a time delay from the obtained IcIR.

Abstract: A method of processing ultrasound signals received from a plurality of data channels each associated with a transducer element. A sorted delay data table having sorted delay data is generated that includes a channel identifier, a fractional delay value, and integer delay value. The sorted delay data table clusters together channel groups including a first channel group having data channels with the first fractional delay value and a second channel group with data channels with the second fractional delay value. Control signals are generated based on the sorted delay data that implements data path combining by directing channel data from the first channel group for processing by a first interpolation filter that provides the first fractional delay value and channel data associated with the second channel group for processing by a second interpolation filter that provides the second fractional delay value.

Abstract: A system for acquiring seismic data over sand dune surfaces is provided. The system includes a seismic wave generator for emitting a plurality of seismic signals into the Earth in an area covered by sand dunes. The system also includes a sand streamer for acquiring seismic data over the sand dune surfaces, such that the sand streamer includes a plurality of geophones. The plurality of geophones receive a plurality of wave signals transmitted from a subsurface corresponding to the sand dune surface, in response to emission of the plurality of seismic signals to the area of the sand dune surface by the seismic wave generator. Each geophone of the plurality of geophones is mounted on a panel wherein, one or more sides of the panel are coupled loosely to one or more rigid plates. The one or more rigid plates provide stability and mobility to assembly of panels and the plurality of geophones, thereby enabling the sand streamer to move efficiently over the surface of the sand dune.

Abstract: The invention concerns a mechanism (100) for displaying, on demand, the time in a time zone, on the hands of a timepiece. It is characterized in that it includes: two memory wheels (30), each including a heart-piece (40) that pivots relative to a toothed wheel (31) between indexing positions (34) thereon, with which it cooperates via a finger-piece (41) radially returned to said positions by a spring (43), support means (50), which, between two actions by the user, connectably cooperates with a support surface (45) of a memory wheel (30) and is then disconnected from a support surface (45) of the other memory wheel (30), a differential gear (12) with a first input formed by a motion work wheel set, a second input formed by a crown (12A) of said differential gear (12) with which each memory wheel (30) meshes, and an output consisting of an hour hand (25). The invention concerns a timepiece incorporating a mechanism (100) of this type.

Abstract: A thermally-assisted recording (TAR) disk drive uses “shingled” recording and a rectangular waveguide as a “wide-area” heat source. The waveguide generates a generally elliptically-shaped optical spot that heats an area of the recording layer extending across multiple data tracks. The waveguide core has an aspect ratio (cross-track width to along-the track thickness) that achieves the desired size of the heated area while locating the peak optical intensity close to the trailing edge of the write pole tip where writing occurs. The large cross-track width of the waveguide core increases the volume of recording layer heated by the optical spot, which reduces the rate of cooling. This moves the peak temperature point of the heated area closer to the write pole tip and reduces the temperature drop between the peak temperature and the temperature at the trailing edge of the write pole tip where writing occurs.

Abstract: A near field transducer (NFT) that includes a disk, the disk having a top surface, a side surface, and a center; a peg, the peg positioned adjacent the side surface of the disk; and a heat sink, the heat sink positioned on the top surface of the disk, and the heat sink having an effective center, wherein the NFT has a peg axis, which is defined by the location of the peg adjacent the side surface of the disk, and a non-peg axis, which is perpendicular to the peg axis, and wherein the effective center of the heat sink is positioned at about the center of the disk.

Abstract: Producing a servo pattern on a media involves rotating a master, and during a first revolution of the master, forming a first transition at a first radial position on the master, and forming a first transition at a second radial position. During a second revolution of the master, a second transition at the first radial position is formed, and a second transition at the second radial position is formed. By exposing individual servo burst transitions located at the first and second radial positions, in separate disk revolutions, only one of the magnetic transitions will inherit a particular deflection from a nominal radial position. If there are any mechanical disturbances, each magnetic transition will be randomly displaced from its nominal position, reducing the written-in run-out by ?n, where n is the number of magnetic transitions in a particular servo burst.

Abstract: Improved spatial resolution during TAMR has been achieved by shaping the write pole to have a lower surface that slopes away from the surface of the recording medium, starting at, or near, the pole's leading edge. The approach may be used for simple or compound (stitched) poles.

Abstract: A magnetic head slider includes a near-field light generator, an incorporated heater is activated to thermally-expand the magnetic head slider so that a first protrusion is generated on the air bearing surface, and a second protrusion protruding from the first protrusion is generated by a thermal expansion of the near-field light generator. A standard signal is written to a recording medium with a predetermined magnetization. A relation between a residual magnetization of the standard signal and a power of the heater is obtained by lowering the magnetization of the standard signal by heating the recording medium with the near-field light while light output of laser light is maintained to be constant and the power of the heater is varied. Further, a relation between the first spacing and the residual magnetization is obtained.

Abstract: A servo processor for an optical disk drive is provided that includes: an analog-to-digital converter for converting versions of photodetector output signals into digital signals; and a digital signal processor configured to receive the digital signals, the digital signal processor being further configured to determine a focus error signal (FES) and a tracking error signal (TES) from the digital signals, the digital signal processor being further configured to process TES and FES through servo algorithms to produce tracking and focus control signals.

Abstract: An operation device includes a rotational operation element, an angular velocity detection portion detecting an angular velocity of a rotational operation on the rotational operation element, and a playback speed information computation portion calculating, when the angular velocity detected by the angular velocity detection portion is in a first velocity range including an angular velocity of 0, playback speed information according to the detected angular velocity through a first functional computation and when the angular velocity detected by the angular velocity detection portion is in a second velocity range, which is a range higher than the first velocity range, playback speed information according to the detected angular velocity through a second functional computation, and outputting the calculated playback speed information.

Abstract: The directory information on a file system recorded on an optical disc is cached onto a hard disk as a directory table. When accessing a file on the optical disc, a processor references the directory table so as to obtain information related to a position, on the disc medium, where the file to be accessed is located, without accessing the directory information on the optical disc. A disc I/O controller moves a pickup unit to the location indicated by the positional information on the file to be accessed and reads the data on the file. The pickup unit is used to detect signals from the optical disc.

Abstract: An optical disc drive apparatus includes: a first optical pickup and a second optical pickup which record data on an optical disc and reproduce data recorded on the optical disc; a slide mechanism which has the first and second optical pickups mounted thereon to slide the first and second optical pickups in a radial direction of the optical disc; a seek command receiver which receives a seek command; a first optical pickup controller which causes the first optical pickup to perform a search on the basis of the seek command received by the seek command receiver; a slide mechanism controller which controls the slide mechanism on the basis of the seek command received by the seek command receiver; and a second optical pickup controller which turns off a tracking servo of the second optical pickup when the first and second optical pickups are slid by the slide mechanism.

Abstract: An optical pickup includes an objective lens, a lens holder which holds the objective lens, a focusing coil attached to the lens holder having the winding axis directed at the optical axis of the objective lens, and a magnet provided opposite the side surface of the lens holder. A protruding portion is attached to the side surface of the lens holder at a side apart from the objective lens with respect to the optical axis direction of the objective lens farther than the focusing coil.

Abstract: A reproducing method includes: irradiating a laser spot for servo to which astigmatism making up a generally 45-degree angle in the tangential direction of an information recording track has been applied, and one or more laser spots for reproduction, onto a recording medium where a track group is formed with multiple information recording tracks adjacent with a narrower track pitch than a track pitch equivalent to optical cut-off, and also where a track group pitch is wider than the track pitch equivalent to optical cut-off; and subjecting one or more laser spots for reproduction to on-track control as to one of the information recording tracks by taking a tangential push pull signal obtained from reflected light information of the laser spot for servo as a tracking error signal, and performing tracking servo control using this tracking error signal, and reproducing data from the reflected light information thereof.

Abstract: A method for managing data from a host to an optical disc includes: storing data into a write data queue (WDQ) when the data of sequential write commands from the host are write-address-discontinuous; and transferring specific data from the WDQ to a write buffer when an available memory space in the WDQ is lower than a first threshold value or an available memory space in the write buffer exceeds a second threshold value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a recording apparatus for recording data on a recording medium. The recording apparatus includes an assigning section for assigning a region that is part of a block utilized for a recording unit of the recording medium as a file system information region utilized as a region for file system information for managing the data on the recording medium. The recording apparatus further includes a recording section operable to record file system information for data that has been recorded in all blocks in the file system information region of each block until the file system information region in a block is filled and to record file system information for data in all blocks subsequent to the block having the filled file system information region in the file system information region of each subsequent block after the file system information region in a block has been filled.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a signal processing circuit to reduce signal distortions due to optical aberrations. The signal processing circuit includes a circuit configured to receive an electrical signal corresponding to a light beam reflected by a storage medium and filter the electrical signal to reduce distortions due to, for example, birefringence aberration in the light beam, and an equalizer configured to equalize the filtered electrical signal. In an example, the circuit is a median filter.

Abstract: There is provided a method of calculating the degradation over time of the quality of data recorded on an optical disk in a short time. In the method, when user data is recorded on a data area, a test signal including a component in which the signal level is smaller than a reference value, is recorded on a test area. Then, the test signal is reproduced from the test area when a predetermined time has passed, to calculate the quality degradation of the user data from the evaluation result. Alternatively, every time when the user data is recorded/reproduced on/from the data area, the test signal is recorded/reproduced repeatedly on/from the test area. Then, the test signal is reproduced from the test area at a predetermined timing, to calculate the quality degradation of the user data from the evaluation result.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an optical disk device includes types of semiconductor laser diodes configured to emit laser light of different wavelengths, an output control circuit configured to control light output of each semiconductor laser diode, and a composite power source configured to generate voltages required for driving the types of semiconductor laser diodes and operating the output control circuit from a single power source voltage and to selectively output the generated voltages. The composite power source includes an input port to input an external control signal at a time of voltage selection and is configured to change the output voltage stepwise in response to the control signal.

Abstract: An optical disc drive includes a disc holder, a pickup head, a focus servo, an S-curve identifying unit, a first counter, a second counter, a judging unit, a disc identifying unit, and a system controller. The optical disc drive can detect whether a disc exhibits vertical deviation. Upon detection, the optical disc drive restricts the maximum speed of data reading and writing. The judging unit determines whether the disc exhibits vertical deviation based on a comparison result of the number of the one or more S curves with a first preset value.

Abstract: A data-overwriting technique that facilitates determining whether data is new or old, when reading thereof. A tape recording apparatus includes: a receiving unit for receiving information on overwrite starting position and an overwrite request; a trying unit for trying to determine a beginning position of a data unit based on the information on an overwrite starting position, wherein the data unit is a unit of writing data recorded on a tape medium; an overwrite executing unit for executing overwriting from the determined overwrite starting position in response to a success of the determination by the trying unit; and a type judging unit for judging whether the data unit that is recorded at the overwrite starting position is a null data unit or not in response to a failure of the determination by the trying unit. The trying unit responds to judgment that the data unit is the null data unit by trying to determine a beginning of a data unit following the data unit as the overwrite starting position.

Abstract: A stepping-motor-driving circuit for an optical pickup: includes a control-signal-generating circuit to generate a plurality of control signals for supplying driving currents to driving coils having a plurality of phases during energized periods, with a de-energized period therebetween; a plurality of output circuits to supply the currents to the respective coils, in response to the signals; an induced-voltage-detecting circuit to compare a voltage generated each in the coils with a threshold voltage during the de-energized period; a threshold-voltage-setting circuit; and a determining circuit to determine whether a collision state is present where the pickup reaches an end of a movement range, based on an induced-voltage-detecting-circuit-detection result, the threshold voltage set at a voltage between a voltage generated each in the coils during the de-energized period when the stepping motor stops or rotates in the state, and a voltage generated therein in the de-energized period when no collision state is

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for recording data on an optical recording medium form a mark or a space by using a recording waveform having an erase pattern containing a multi-pulse. The method and the apparatus prevent distortion of the mark or the space and improve a mark shape such that a recording/reproducing characteristic of the optical recording medium is improved.

Abstract: The present invention is related to systems and methods for characterizing circuit operation, and more particularly to systems and methods for modifying a data decoding process.

Abstract: Optically detectable marks readable by a wide range of optical systems are included on an optical storage medium. Among other uses, the marks may be used to determine the type of the optical storage medium in an optical device capable of reading multiple types of optical storage media.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording information in an optical-information recording media by holography includes a signal-light irradiation unit, a reference-light irradiation unit, a reference light angle adjustment unit, and a positioning unit for positioning irradiation positions of the signal light and the reference light. The optical-information recording media is divided into N (N?2) recording regions, M multiplexed information can be recorded in the respective recording regions by the reference light angle adjustment unit which changes the angle of the reference light at M angles (?1, ?2, . . . , and ?M) corresponding to a multiplexing number (M?2), management information for the M multiplexed information is multiplexed and recorded in the same recording region as a-th information (1?a?M) with a reference light angle ?a, and the management information on all the N recording regions are recorded at a common reference light angle.