Abstract: The present invention relates to a semiconductor device, including memory blocks suitable for storing data, peripheral circuits suitable for refreshing the memory blocks, and a control circuit suitable for controlling the peripheral circuits to change data stored in a first memory block among the memory blocks and refresh the first memory block with changed data, and an operating method thereof.

Abstract: A method of driving a nonvolatile memory device, includes; forward shifting threshold voltages of nonvolatile memory cells by executing a first program loop with respect to the nonvolatile memory cells, and thereafter, reverse shifting the threshold voltages of the nonvolatile memory cells, and again forward shifting the threshold voltages of the nonvolatile memory cells by executing a second program loop with respect to the nonvolatile memory cells.

Abstract: A bit flip count is determined for each bin in a plurality of bins, including by: (1) performing a first read on a group of solid state storage cells at a first threshold that corresponds to a lower bound for a given bin and (2) performing a second read on the group of solid state storage cells at a second threshold that corresponds to an upper bound for the given bin. A minimum is determined using the bit flip counts corresponding to the plurality of bins and the minimum is used to estimate an optimal threshold.

Abstract: A method of protecting data of a flash memory is provided. The method includes detecting primary power applied to the flash memory, and applying secondary power converted from the primary power to the flash memory. The primary power is compared to first and second values, and a writing-protection pin of the flash memory is enabled when the detected primary power reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a string of memory cell transistors that are connected to each other in series. A selection transistor is connected between one end of the string of the memory cell transistors and one of a source line and a bit line. A line is selectively connected to a gate electrode of the selection transistor, a driver, or a node that supplies an unselected voltage, or is set to be in a floating state.

Abstract: Technologies and implementations for reusing bad blocks in a solid state drive are generally disclosed.

Abstract: When programming a set of non-volatile storage elements using a multi-stage programming process, a series of programming pulses are used for each stage. The magnitude of the initial program pulse for the current stage being performed is dynamically set as a function of the number of program pulses used for the same stage of the multi-stage programming process when programming non-volatile storage elements connected to on one or more previously programmed word lines.

Abstract: A three-dimensional integrated circuit non-volatile memory array includes a memory array of vertical channel NAND flash strings connected between a substrate source line and upper layer connection lines which each include n-type drain regions and p-type body line contact regions alternately disposed on each side of undoped or lightly doped string body regions so that each NAND flash string includes a vertical string body portion connected to a horizontal string body portion formed from the string body regions of the upper body connection lines.

Abstract: A semiconductor storage device including a memory cell array including a memory cell and a circuit element including first wirings and a selection element, the first wirings having a wiring width smaller than a resolution limit of an exposure apparatus. The first wirings extend in a first direction and are aligned in a second direction crossing with the first direction. A second wiring, being one of the first wirings, is cut by at least one cut region. The first wiring adjacent to the second wiring in the second direction extends continuously in the first direction in a portion adjacent to the cut region in the second direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is an in-memory computing device including a memory array with non-volatile memory cells arranged in rows and columns; a multiple row decoder to activate at least two cells in a column of the memory array at the same time to generate a parametric change in a bit line connected to at least one cell in the column; and circuitry to write data associated with the parametric change into the memory array. Additionally disclosed is a method of computing inside a memory array including non-volatile memory cells arranged in rows and columns, the method includes activating at least two cells in a column of the memory array at the same time to generate a parametric change in a bit line connected to at least one cell in the column; and writing data associated with the parametric change into the memory array.

Abstract: In a nonvolatile memory device (4) provided in a semiconductor device, when data is erased based on a band-to-band tunneling scheme, supply of a boosted voltage to a memory cell (MC) to be erased is ended when a condition that an output voltage (VUCP) of a charge pump circuit (52) has recovered to a predetermined reference voltage is satisfied and additionally a condition that a predetermined reference time has elapsed since start of supply of the boosted voltage (VUCP) to the memory cell (MC) to be erased is satisfied.

Abstract: Provided is a flash memory device capable of efficiently performing a refresh operation. The flash memory device includes a normal memory array including a plurality of normal memory cells arranged in a matrix of word lines and bit lines, wherein the plurality of normal memory cells are divided into a plurality of memory blocks and are programmable and erasable; a refresh address generation unit configured to generate a refresh block address, wherein the refresh block address is sequentially increased in response to activation of a refresh driving signal; and a refresh driving unit driven to refresh a memory block specified by the refresh block address among the memory blocks of the normal memory array in a unit refresh frame, and generate the refresh driving signal. In the flash memory device, a refresh operation may be efficiently performed to fix a data disturbance.

Abstract: A data writing method, a memory storage device, and a memory controlling circuit unit are provided. The writing method includes: grouping logical erasing units into a first region and an second region; determining if a first logical erasing unit which a host system intends to write belongs to the first region or the second region; if the first logical erasing unit belongs to the first region, writing data to a spare physical programming unit, wherein the physical erasing unit to which the spare physical programming belongs further stores data belonging to another logical erasing unit; if the first logical erasing unit belongs to the second region, writing data to a physical erasing unit in which all the valid data belong to the first logical erasing unit. Accordingly, a speed of sequential writing is guaranteed to be greater than a target value.

Abstract: A logic embedded nonvolatile memory device is provided which includes a first erase gate line for erasing a plurality of first memory cells; a second erase gate line electrically separated from the first erase gate line and for erasing a plurality of second memory cells; a global erase gate line supplied with an erase voltage; and an erase gate selection switch formed between the first memory cells and the second memory cells, wherein the erase gate selection switch connects the global erase gate line to the first erase gate line or the second erase gate line according to an erase control signal.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein describe technologies for using the memory modules in different modes of operation, such as in a standard multi-drop mode or as in a dynamic point-to-point (DPP) mode (also referred to herein as an enhanced mode). The memory modules can also be inserted in the sockets of the memory system in different configurations.

Abstract: The semiconductor device includes a temperature sensor controlled so that temperature measurement is made once at each of a plurality of different reference temperatures at an interval of a preset number of times of refresh operations and a plurality of latch circuits holding the results of temperature measurement. A refresh period is set from outputs of the latch circuits inclusive of the result of temperature measurement carried out last time for each of a plurality of different reference temperatures. After start of measurement, temperature measurements are repeated every wait time corresponding to circulation of the refresh operations. The refresh period is set such that the high-temperature side results of temperature measurement are prioritized (FIG. 2).

Abstract: The present disclosure includes apparatuses and methods related to performing compare and/or report operations using sensing circuitry. An example method can include charging an input/output (IO) line of a memory array to a voltage. The method can include determining whether data stored in the memory array matches a compare value. The determination of whether data stored matches a compare value can include activating a number of access lines of the memory array. The determination can include sensing a number of memory cells coupled to the number of access lines. The determination can include sensing whether the voltage of the IO line changes in response to activation of selected decode lines corresponding to the number of memory cells.

Abstract: A circuit includes a write driver, a data circuit, a memory cell, a tracking write buffer, a tracking write driver, and a tracking cell. The circuit is configured that, during a write operation of the memory cell based on a clock signal, the write driver circuit is configured to generate a write control signal to control the memory cell; the data circuit is configured to provide write data to the memory cell; the tracking write buffer is configured to generate a tracking write control signal; and the tracking write driver is configured to generate a tracking write data signal to be transferred to the tracking cell. The tracking cell is configured to adjust a signal at a first node of the tracking cell based on a logical value of the tracking write data signal in response to the tracking write control signal.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a memory having bit cells; and a frequency detector outputting a switching signal to switch a test mode from first to second test modes. Further, the memory includes an internal clock generator generating an internal clock in synchronization with the external clock; a writing part writing data into the bit cells based on the internal clock; a delayed clock generator generating a delayed clock by adding a designated delay to the internal clock; a first selector inputting the internal clock and the delayed clock, and, when the frequency of the high-speed clock is less than a designated frequency, selecting the delayed clock based on the switching signal; and a reading part reading the data of the bit cells based on the delayed clock.

Abstract: A method of repairing a memory device including a boot memory region, a normal memory region, and a redundant memory region, the redundant memory region including a plurality of repair memory units, includes repairing the boot memory region by performing at least one of excluding first fault memory units of the boot memory region from use as storage and replacing the first fault memory units with boot repair memory units of the repair memory units, each of the first fault memory units having at least one fault memory cell; and after the repairing the boot memory region, repairing the normal memory region by performing at least one of excluding second fault memory units from use as storage and replacing the second fault memory units with normal repair memory units of the repair memory units.

Abstract: A memory assist apparatus includes a detection circuit and a compensation circuit. The detection circuit is configured to provide a detection signal indicating whether a bit line configured to provide read access to a data bit stored at a memory bit cell has a voltage below a predetermined threshold. The compensation circuit is configured to pull down the voltage of the bit line if the detection signal indicates that the voltage of the bit line is below the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method for triggering an adjustment operation in a dynamic random access memory device, the method including receiving a refresh command, generating an execute signal, counting the execute signal to provide a count value, refreshing a memory array based on the count value and triggering the adjustment operation when the count value reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor integrated circuit includes forming switches configured to suspend, on a way-specific basis, power supply to ways allocated to one or more RAM macros.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, each memory chip included in a memory package includes a first storage unit that stores therein first information that is n-bit information and is a comparison target of a chip address, and is used for identifying its own memory chip, a second storage unit that stores therein second information for determining an effective bit of the n-bit first information, and a control unit that determines an effective bit of the n-bit first information and an effective bit of the chip address based on the second information.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to components of a memory system that support timing-drift calibration. In specific embodiments, this memory system contains a memory device (or multiple devices) which includes a clock distribution circuit and an oscillator circuit which can generate a frequency, wherein a change in the frequency is indicative of a timing drift of the clock distribution circuit. The memory device also includes a measurement circuit which is configured to measure the frequency of the oscillator circuit. Additionally, the memory system contains a memory controller which can transmit a request to the memory device to trigger the memory device to measure the frequency of the oscillator circuit. The memory controller is also configured to receive the measured frequency from the memory device and uses the measured frequency to determine the timing drift in the memory device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the temperature of a solid-state screw extruder may include providing an extrusion screw that incorporates one or more screw shaft channels. The shaft channels may be configured to conduct a flow of a heat conducting medium along a length of the shaft. The shaft channels may be incorporated into an exterior surface or within the body of the screw shaft. The extruder may include extrusion screw elements in mechanical communication with the shaft. Each of the elements may further include one or more element channels also configured to conduct a flow of the medium. The shaft channels and the element channels may be disposed to permit a flow of the medium therebetween. The temperature of the extrusion screws and/or screw elements may be controlled by circulating the medium from a source, through the shaft and element channels, and back to the source.

Abstract: A two-shaft continuous kneading machine is disclosed wherein airtightness in a housing is assured by a simple means without using a mechanical seal. A magnetic coupling mechanism is formed between the mechanism in the housing (2) including shafts (3) of the kneading machine (1) and a carrier (5) arranged outside the housing (2). The magnetic coupling mechanism includes gear portions (3c) formed on the shafts (3), a ring gear (4) rotatably supported in the housing (2) on the outer periphery of the axial ends of both shafts (3), and a carrier (5) rotatably supported coaxially with the ring gear (4) in the outside of the housing (2). When the carrier (5) is driven, the ring gear (4) rotates because of the magnetic action between magnet portions (4b, 5b), and the shafts (3) rotates because of the meshing of the gear portions (3c, 4a). Since the inside of the housing can be sealed, airtightness can be assured.

Abstract: A device for the controlled transport of viscous compounds and pastes in at least one process space (8) by at least one shaft (2), on which transport bars (4) are arranged and which rotates about a shaft axis (A), wherein centre axes (B) of the transport bars (4) run at an angle (7) with respect to the shaft axis (A), the centre axes (B) of transport bars (4.1, 4.2, 4.3) which follow one another in the direction of the shaft axis (A) should run offset in the circumferential direction with respect to one another and with respect to the shaft axis (A).

Abstract: A beverage shaker for mixing ingredients, cooling the beverage, and, shaving ice and simultaneously producing shavings of flavoring ingredients and/or ice to enhance the flavor, appearance, and refreshment of the desired beverage. The beverage shaker has a tumbler, a top or cap, and a shaving tool incorporated within one of the tumbler or top of the beverage shaker. The shaving tool typically has circumferential ridges, spiral threads, or other protrusions and a pointed end to bruise any fruit added to the beverage being mixed and to create shavings from included flavor ingredients and ice. The shaving tool may be removably disposed in either the tumbler or the top. The shaving tool may have a liquid-filled hollow portion. More than one shaving tool may be commonly connected to the tumbler or top.

Abstract: A substrate liquid processing apparatus includes a tank; a circulation line; a processing unit connected to the circulation line through a branch line and configured to perform a liquid processing on a substrate using a processing liquid flowing through the circulation line; a processing liquid producing mechanism configured to produce the processing liquid by mixing at least two kinds of raw material liquids supplied from respective raw material liquid sources at a controlled mixing ratio; a concentration measuring device configured to measure a concentration of the processing liquid flowing through the circulation line and a concentration of the processing liquid flowing through the processing liquid supply line; and a control device configured to control the processing liquid producing mechanism based on the measured concentrations of the processing liquid.

Abstract: A laboratory mixer for mixing a sample and a diluent in a bag. An enclosure defines a mixing chamber, and at least one movable mixing element is retained for mixing the sample and the diluent within the bag. At least one liquid detector is retained relative to the enclosure for detecting liquid leaked from the bag. The sensor can be a capacitive, inductive, or optical sensor. The sensor can be a conductivity sensor with two electrodes shaped like combs and a gap less than or equal to a diameter of a drip of diluent solution. A ledge with a low point can be retained by an access door. The sensor or sensors can be disposed adjacent to the access door, on a mixing element, in direct contact with the bag, or on a tank. An alarm and cessation of operation can be triggered upon a detection of leaked liquid.

Abstract: A mixing process and system for mixing fluid such as a latex can include a first fluid and a second fluid that are combined to form, for example, a latex precursor. A plurality of magnetic particles are dispensed within the precursor. The precursor is dispensed within a mixing zone that may include a mixing tube. Two or more opposing electromagnets are activated out of phase (i.e., out of sync) to affect a travel path of the magnetic particles to form a turbulence within the precursor to provide an effective mixing of the precursor to form a material such as latex. The magnetic particles may be removed from the material, for example by filtering, or may remain within the material during use.

Abstract: An apparatus for entraining a powder in a process fluid is provided. The apparatus (2?) has a process passage (22) having a passage inlet (24) connectable to a source of process fluid, and a passage outlet (26). A nozzle (30) opens into the process passage (22) intermediate the passage inlet (24) and passage outlet (26). The nozzle (30) has a nozzle inlet (32), a nozzle outlet (36) and a nozzle throat (34) intermediate the nozzle inlet (32) and nozzle outlet (36), where the nozzle throat (34) has a cross sectional area which is less than that of the nozzle inlet (32) and nozzle outlet (36). At least one first port (42?) opens into the process passage (22) adjacent the nozzle outlet (36), and an entrainment fluid supply chamber (38) is in fluid communication with the nozzle 30. A first powder supply chamber (44?) is connected to the first port (42?) by a first powder supply passage (46), wherein the powder supply chamber (44?), powder supply passage (46) and first port (42?) are coaxial.

Abstract: Provided are an agitator and an agitating hook provided therein. The agitator includes a rotary shaft rotatably installed in a reactor, rotor blades installed at an outer circumference of the rotary shaft and rotated with the rotary shaft to agitate a material therein, and an agitating hook constituted by a pair of members spaced apart from each other at an inner wall of the reactor and through which the rotor blades pass. Here, a gap between the agitating hook is larger at an outlet port through which the rotor blade leaves than at an inlet port through which the rotor blade enters. Since a pressure is uniformly applied from the inlet port through which the rotor blade enters to the outlet port through which the rotor blade leaves, a torsional moment applied to the agitating hook is minimized. Therefore, it is possible to improve durability of the agitating hook and increase reliability of products.

Abstract: Provided are a laser-induced ultrasound generator and a method of manufacturing the laser-induced ultrasound generator. The laser-induced ultrasound generator includes: a substrate including a plurality of nanostructures provided on a first surface of the substrate; and a thermoelastic layer provided on the first surface of the substrate, the thermoelastic layer being configured to generate an ultrasound by absorbing a laser beam incident onto a second surface of the substrate, the second surface facing the first surface. The nanostructures may be cylinder-shaped nano-pillars.

Abstract: The Monte-Carlo method of generating Popcorn shooting patterns starts with the number and sizes of the guns available and the length in time of the desired Popcorn pattern. The firing times and order of the guns will be randomly perturbed and a large number of Popcorn patterns built. Candidate Popcorn patterns will then be tested against a set of criteria to identify acceptable or the best patterns. These criteria may include limits on maximum peak strength, distinctiveness compared to the other patterns, and the size of the notches and peaks in the spectra.

Abstract: A method of signal processing includes providing at least a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor spaced in a drilling system and using an algorithm to separate the downwardly propagating waves from the upwardly propagating waves. In one or more examples, an algorithm may include determining a velocity of pressure signals in a wellbore, time-shifting and stacking pressure signals from at least the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor to determine a downwardly propagating noise signal, and subtracting the downwardly propagating noise signal from at least the signal from the first pressure sensor.

Abstract: Security events, such as gunshots may be determined using hybrid sensors. The hybrid sensors have at least two different elements that are sensitive to the security event, such as conventional microphone and a fiber optic microphone, which, in the case of a gunshot, permits a better scanning of the report of the gunshot to better determine its direction, signature features, and time of arrival. Additionally, sensor can be employed having multiple elements that are sensitive to a security event where at least one of the elements is not coplanar with the rest. This displacement along an orthogonal axis may be used to improve the ability of a network of such sensors to determine the direction and origin of a security event in a three dimensional system.

Abstract: A watch including a case in which there is arranged a control system, which includes a time base and is arranged to be able to perform several functions, the watch further including at least two analogue display elements and a digital display controlled independently by the control system, the watch further including a control acting on the control system. The watch is arranged in a first, normal operating mode to provide the user with a time indication by the analogue display elements driven by the control system fitted with the time base, and the watch is arranged in a second, special operating mode to allow the user to select a function via the control, to display on the digital display a value associated with the selected function, and to move an analogue display element opposite the value associated with the selected function.

Abstract: The invention concerns a timepiece comprising a timepiece movement cooperating with a display device, the timepiece movement comprising a mechanical energy source and a system of energy transmission from the energy source to at least one resonator including a first distribution device controlled by the at least one resonator. According to the invention, the timepiece also comprises a counting system mounted between the at least one resonator and the display device, and including a second distribution device controlled by the at least one resonator and cooperating with the display device to uncouple the energy transmission means from the counting means.

Abstract: Escapement device of a timepiece movement includes an escapement wheel, a first mobile having means of locking with the escapement wheel and of mechanical transmission with the escapement wheel, a second mobile and the balance roller. The second mobile has means of locking with the escapement wheel and means of mechanical transmission with the escapement wheel and the first mobile. The mobiles are driven by the escapement wheel tangentially.

Abstract: A waveguide is configured to couple light from a light source at a fundamental transverse electric (TE) mode. A mode converter outputs the light to an output region of the waveguide at a higher-order TE mode. A plasmonic transducer receives the light at the higher order TE mode and generates surface plasmons that heat a recording medium. The plasmonic transducer includes: an input end proximate the output region of the waveguide and comprising a first convex curved edge; an output end proximate a surface that faces the recording medium, the output end comprising a second convex curved edge and a peg; and linear edges between the first and second convex curved edges.

Abstract: A magnetic device including a magnetic writer; and an overcoat positioned over at least the magnetic writer, the overcoat including oxides of yttrium, oxides of scandium, oxides of lanthanoids, oxides of actionoids, oxides of zinc, or combinations thereof

Abstract: Near field transducers (NFTs) and devices that include a peg having an air bearing region and an opposing back region, the back region including a sacrificial structure, a disc having a first surface in contact with the peg, and a barrier structure, the barrier structure positioned between the opposing back region of the peg and the first surface of the disc.

Abstract: Devices that include a near field transducer (NFT), the NFT having at least one external surface; and at least one adhesion layer positioned on at least a portion of the at least one external surface, the adhesion layer including oxides of yttrium, oxides of scandium, oxides of lanthanoids, oxides of actionoids, oxides of zinc, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Devices that include a near field transducer (NFT), the NFT having at least one external surface; and at least one adhesion layer positioned on at least a portion of the at least one external surface, the adhesion layer including arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), tellurium (Te), polonium (Po), bismuth (Bi), sulfur (S), or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An optical recording device that records to a multi-layer disk having multiple recording layers includes a controller which sets a data area in which user data is recorded, and a calibration area including a main calibration area and at least one sub-calibration area which are used to calibrate the intensity of laser light for recording, with the same layout among the plurality of recording layers, conducts first calibration for performing initial recording in the data area by using the main calibration area, records dummy data in the remainder of the main calibration area, and conducts second calibration for performing additional recording in the data area by using the sub-calibration area.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical disc apparatus including: an optical pickup radiating light having a first wavelength provided for an optical disc medium of a first type and light having a second wavelength which is smaller than the first wavelength and provided for another optical disc medium of a second type; a signal outputting section outputting a signal according to light reflected by the optical disc medium to reflect light radiated by the optical pickup; and a type determination section requesting the optical pickup to radiate light having the first wavelength to an object optical disc medium to acquire the signal output by the signal outputting section and determining the type of the object optical disc medium in accordance with the number of peaks appearing in the acquired output signal output by the signal outputting section while moving the optical pickup in a direction to the object optical disc medium.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical disc apparatus capable of reading out information stored in an optical disc medium, the optical disc apparatus including: a light emitting device radiating light; an object lens converging light radiated by the light emitting device on the optical disc medium; and a control section carrying out control to shift the center position of the object lens with respect to the optical-axis position of light radiated by the light emitting device in an operation to read out information from the optical disc medium.

Abstract: An optical disc device that reads information recorded in an optical disc medium includes an objective lens that focuses light on the optical disc medium, a spherical aberration correction mechanism that changes an amount of spherical aberration of the objective lens according to a setting value of a predetermined parameter, and an evaluation value measurement section that measures an evaluation value indicating the accuracy of reading of information from the optical disc medium. The optical disc device further includes a control section that executes adjustment processing in which the control section carries out plural times of measurement of the evaluation value by the evaluation value measurement section concurrently with changing the amount of spherical aberration of the objective lens by the spherical aberration correction mechanism and calculates an optimum setting value of the parameter based on plural evaluation values obtained by the plural times of measurement.