Patents Issued in November 6, 2018
  • Patent number: 10121503
    Abstract: A suspension board with circuit having an opening with an electronic element inserted therein includes an insulating layer disposed at the edge of the opening, a first terminal disposed at one surface of the insulating layer and connected to a magnetic head, and a second terminal disposed at the other surface thereof and connected to the electronic element. The insulating layer includes a first portion in which the first terminal is disposed and a second portion that extends from the first portion toward the opening and is overlapped with a slider. The second portion is thinner than the first portion and is overlapped with the second terminal. The slider has a first surface facing the second portion. The first surface is disposed between the first terminal and the second terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuu Sugimoto, Hiroyuki Tanabe
  • Patent number: 10121504
    Abstract: A tape head having offset transducer spans between adjacent modules of the tape head that serves to maintain the balance between debris removal and reduced magnetic layer/recording device spacing on the one hand and reduced tape/tape head friction on the other hand. In one aspect, opposite edges of each module are relatively sharper adjacent the transducer span and relatively rounded (e.g., less sharp) away from the transducer span. The sharp edges reduce magnetic spacing loss and scrape debris off of the tape while the rounded edges reduce or eliminate contact between the tape and the head in regions where no transducer spans are present and thus where no tape writing or reading would be taking place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Oracle International Corporation
    Inventors: Anand V. Lakshmikumaran, Joseph E. Torline
  • Patent number: 10121505
    Abstract: A hard disk device comprises a scanning mechanism that simultaneously scans a first recording medium surface with a first recording head and a second recording medium surface with a second recording head, a table storing band relative position information for a first band on the first recording medium surface and a second band on the second recording medium surface, and a processor. The processor calculates an inter-plane relative trajectory error between the first and second recording heads, determines a data access order performed by the first recording head on the first band and the second recording head on the second band, based on the band relative position information and the inter-plane relative trajectory error, and causes the first recording head to access a track and the second recording head to access a track in the data access order determined by the determining unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA ELECTRONIC DEVICES & STORAGE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuto Kashiwagi
  • Patent number: 10121506
    Abstract: A magnetic-recording medium includes a hydrogen and nitrogen implanted carbon overcoat (HNICOC) on a magnetic-recording layer. The HNICOC includes nitrogen implanted in a top-surface layer of the HNICOC such that a percentage ratio of a concentration of the implanted nitrogen to a concentration of carbon is between about 30 percent (%) to about 10% within a depth from about 2 ?ngstrom (?) to about 5 ? from the top surface of the HNICOC. An amount of hydrogen implanted in the top-surface layer is between about 1% to about 12% within a distance less than about 5 ? from the top surface. A data storage device that incorporates the magnetic-recording medium within a magnetic-recording disk, and a method for making the magnetic-recording medium are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: WD Media, LLC
    Inventors: Ge Xu, Xiaofeng Yao, Wei Kah Tan
  • Patent number: 10121507
    Abstract: On each of a plurality of recording layers of a write-once optical disc, two tracks constituted of adjacent land and groove are formed in a spiral shape. A writing method of data includes: a step of receiving data and a writing instruction of the data; and a step of recording management information, wherein the management information includes: virtual sequential recording range information that manages a last recorded address of the data as a virtual physical sector number; defect list that indicates a replacement correspondence relationship between the virtual physical sector number and an actually recorded physical sector number; and real next writable address information that indicates a real next writable address that is actually recordable subsequently to the physical sector number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Motoshi Ito, Yoshihisa Takahashi
  • Patent number: 10121508
    Abstract: A multitrack recorder includes a display unit and a control unit. The control unit displays on the display unit a level meter image indicating information on a corresponding track with respect to each of a predetermined number of tracks, and also first number images indicating the respective numbers of some of the tracks so as to be associated with the corresponding respective level meter images irrespective of the states of the some tracks, and, when a focused track is generated among the tracks displayed, temporarily displays a second number image indicating the number of the focused track so as to be associated with the corresponding level meter image. The second number image is displayed in a manner such that at least one of a size, a position, and a color is different from that of the first number image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: TEAC Corporation
    Inventor: Dai Sato
  • Patent number: 10121509
    Abstract: Authentication of discs occurs by the use of interferometric authentication data. Such authentication data of a data disc is generated based on an interference pattern associated with thickness variations of a material layer on the disc. The interference pattern represents a unique fingerprint that can be used for authentication of individual discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Alan Bruce Hamersley, John Matthew Town, Holger Hofmann
  • Patent number: 10121510
    Abstract: Data can be encoded in physical medium and represented by shapes having many various physical attributes. In various examples, data points are encoded and represented by the physical shape, color, size, and/or structure of objects. In one embodiment, holes in memory surface substrates represent data. Various attributes of such holes, including depth, profile size, profile shape, and/or angle can represent data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Inventor: Michael Hugh Harrington
  • Patent number: 10121511
    Abstract: Systems and methods for forward corrupted track detection and by-pass are described. In one embodiment, a storage system comprising a storage controller performs a read operation for a target track of a shingled magnetic recording (SMR) disk drive and detects a read operation failure of the read operation for the target track. The storage controller also performs a boundary track read operation on one or more tracks including or adjacent to the target track and detect a forward corruption area based on the boundary track read operation. In another embodiment, a method is provided that includes detecting a read operation failure of a read operation for a track of a disk drive and performing a boundary track read operation on one or more tracks including or adjacent to the target track. The method also includes detecting a forward corruption area based on the boundary track read operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Junghwan Shin, Jae Ik Song, Dong Hyuck Shin, Eun Yeong Hong
  • Patent number: 10121512
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for generating a coordinated presentation. Content selected by a user is curated, and a plurality of images are captured for inclusion. A first data stream for the curated content and a second data stream for the captured images are received. A portion of a subject within each second data stream image is defined. An appearance of movement is tracked, and at least some of the plurality of images in the second data stream is modified. The respective content associated with the two data streams is integrated, including the modified at least some of the plurality of images, to generate the coordinated presentation that is capable of transmission to and receipt by one or more remote devices, and wherein the coordinated presentation is configured to enable interaction with at least a portion of the curated content at each of the one or more remote devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: TOUCHCAST LLC
    Inventors: Edo Segal, Dmytro Panin
  • Patent number: 10121513
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamic image content overlaying are disclosed. In embodiments, a computer-implemented method comprises analyzing one or more digital image frames for the presence of a placeholder, wherein the placeholder overlays a dynamic image space on a display object and includes a content identifier and a contour mesh; determining the content identifier; retrieving select image content based on the content identifier; determining an orientation of the dynamic image space; transforming the select image content to produce transformed image content that matches the contour mesh and the orientation of the dynamic image space; and replacing the placeholder with the transformed image content to produce a set of one or more embedded image frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anthony E. Martinez, Vanessa V. Michelini, Vishwa Persaud
  • Patent number: 10121514
    Abstract: A first video preview corresponding to a first video program is played back. When it is time to transition from playing back the first video preview to playing back a second video preview corresponding to a second video program, the transition is made from playing back the first video preview to playing back the second video preview. The transition can be made by sliding the first video preview off a display while sliding the second video preview onto the display. Additionally, metadata associated with the first video program can be displayed for an amount of time before playback of the first video preview ceases, and metadata associated with the second video program can be displayed for an amount of time after playback of the second video preview begins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Mark D. Schwesinger, John Elsbree, David R. Fulmer, Evan J. Lerer, Stephane Joseph Comeau, Spencer I. A. N. Hurd
  • Patent number: 10121515
    Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for interactively identifying same individuals or objects present in video recordings is disclosed. When a thumbnail in a set of thumbnails is selected, new information is obtained. The new information may be that an individual or object is present in the portion of the video recording associated with the thumbnail. A search can be carried out for the individual or object based on the new information. The search generates new match likelihoods for each of displayed thumbnails within a user interface page. The displayed thumbnails are re-ordered based on the new match likelihoods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Avigilon Corporation
    Inventors: Moussa Doumbouya, Mahesh Saptharishi, Eric Sjue, Hannah Valbonesi
  • Patent number: 10121516
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a device includes an instruction unit which records in a recording medium, event-related data of when an event is detected and monitoring data of when the event occurs, and a display data output unit which outputs from the recording medium and plays as display data, the event-related data and a part of the monitoring data corresponding to the event-related data. If there is a specification input to the displayed event-related data, the monitoring data corresponding to the event-related data is played.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Visual Solutions Corporation
    Inventors: Reiko Kawachi, Hidehito Izawa, Kunio Honsawa, Hiroyuki Nomoto
  • Patent number: 10121517
    Abstract: Systems and methods for creating and distributing presentations and determining on an individual or aggregate basis the extent to which the presentations are viewed by the intended recipients. Speech recognition software may be used to provide a detailed analysis of presentation playback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Videolicious, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Benjamin Singer
  • Patent number: 10121518
    Abstract: A hermetically-sealed container for one or more data storage devices may include a base having grooves, and corresponding sidewalls disposed within each groove, with an adhesive disposed within each groove and bonding each sidewall to the base, and with gap spacing mechanisms positioned within each groove between the corresponding sidewall and the base, thereby ensuring a gap for sufficient flow of the adhesive between each sidewall and the base. The adhesive may be a liquid-based epoxy adhesive, and whereby the spacing mechanisms enable sufficient capillary action to wet all the surfaces to form a sound hermetic bond or seal between the sidewalls and the base. The container may, then, be filled with a lighter-than-air gas such as helium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Vipin Ayanoor-Vitikkate, Toshiki Hirano, Neale M. Jones
  • Patent number: 10121519
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a connector configured for connection to a host, a power circuit supplied with a first voltage from the host via the connector, the power circuit including first and second channels configured to generate second and third voltages, respectively, from the first voltage, a semiconductor memory supplied with the second voltage via the first channel, and a controller for the semiconductor memory, supplied with the third voltage via the second channel. When the first voltage is less than a first threshold, the power circuit turns off the first channel and the second channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MEMORY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toyokazu Eguchi, Hajime Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 10121520
    Abstract: A memory array includes a first column of memory cells, a second column of memory cells, a first pre-charge circuit, a second pre-charge circuit and a set of input output circuits. The first column of memory cells includes a first bit line, a first word line and a first bit line bar. The second column of memory cells includes the first bit line bar, a second word line and a second bit line. The first pre-charge circuit is coupled to the first bit line. The second pre-charge circuit is coupled to the first bit line bar. The first column of memory cells and the second column of memory cells are configured to share the first bit line bar. The first bit line and the first bit line bar are in a first plane. At least a portion of the first word line and at least a portion of the second word line are in a second plane intersecting the first plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Hao Hu, Yi-Tzu Chen, Hao-I Yang, Cheng-Jen Chang, Geng-Cing Lin
  • Patent number: 10121521
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for read threshold voltage selection are provided. One example method can include setting a first soft read threshold voltage and a second soft read threshold voltage based on a difference between a first number of memory cells that are read as being programmed to a first state when read using a first threshold voltage and a second number of memory that are read as being programmed to the first state when read using another threshold voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Chandra C. Varanasi
  • Patent number: 10121522
    Abstract: A sense circuit is provided in which the threshold voltage of a memory cell is sensed relative to two different levels using a single control gate voltage on the memory cell. These two levels can be higher and lower verify voltages of a data state in a programming operation, or two read levels of a read operation. Two sense nodes which are connected in a cascade configuration such that a first sense node discharges into the bit line initially, and a second sense node may or may not discharge into the bit line, depending on the level to which the first node has discharged. First and second bits of data can be output from the sense circuit based on the levels of the first and second sense nodes to indicate the threshold voltage of the memory cell relative to the higher and lower verify voltages, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Tai-Yuan Tseng, Anirudh Amarnath, Yan Li
  • Patent number: 10121523
    Abstract: A memory array contains a plurality of banks coupled to each other by a plurality of data lines. Each of the data lines is divided into a plurality of segments within the array. Respective bidirectional buffers couple read data from one of the segments to another in a first direction, and to couple write data from one of the segments to another in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. The data lines may be local data read/write lines that couple different banks of memory cells to each other and to respective data terminals, digit lines that couple memory cells in a respective column to respective sense amplifiers, word lines that activate memory cells in a respective row, or some other signal line within the array. The memory array also includes precharge circuits for precharging the segments of respective data lines to a precharge voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Aidan Shori, Sumit Chopra
  • Patent number: 10121524
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a command input circuit and an internal command generation circuit. The command input circuit is synchronized with a clock signal to generate an input command which is enabled if an external command is inputted to the command input circuit. The internal command generation circuit delays the input command by a predetermined period according to a latency information signal to generate an internal command, in synchronization with a first division clock signal and a second division clock signal generated by division of a frequency of the clock signal. The predetermined period is set to be equal to a sum of a first delay amount corresponding to ā€œNā€ times a cycle time of the second division clock signal and a second delay amount corresponding to ā€œMā€ times a cycle time of the clock signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Chang Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 10121525
    Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device includes memory banks and write block circuits. Each of the memory banks includes an array of memory cells. Each of the memory cells is disposed in a region of the memory banks in which bit lines and word lines intersect. The write block circuits are connected to the memory banks. Each of the write block circuits includes write drivers, that are each connected to the bit lines. The write block circuits provide a write current of the memory cells to the bit lines. A total number of write block circuits is used to determine the number of memory banks that are simultaneously provided with a write command from a host. A total number of write drivers that are activated is based on a predetermined reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yong Jun Lee
  • Patent number: 10121526
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for redundancy in a memory array are described. A memory array may include some memory cells that are redundant to other memory cells of the array. Such redundant memory cells may be used if a another memory cell is discovered to be defective in some way; for example, after the array is fabricated and before deployment, defects in portions of the array that affect certain memory cells may be identified. Memory cells may be designated as redundant cells for numerous other memory cells of the array so that a total number of redundant cells in the array is relatively small fraction of the total number of cells of the array. A configuration of switching components may allow redundant cells to be operated in a manner that supports redundancy for numerous other cells and may limit or disturbances to neighboring cells when accessing redundancy cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC
    Inventors: Daniele Vimercati, Xinwei Guo
  • Patent number: 10121527
    Abstract: A memory device may be provided. The memory device may include an active control section configured to output a row active signal in response to a refresh signal when an active signal is activated. The memory device may include a refresh management section configured to control the refresh signal to skip a refresh operation for an unused row address in response to a refresh command signal and a refresh skip signal, and output an active row address for controlling the refresh operation. The memory device may include a memory section configured to perform a refresh operation for only an area of a cell array corresponding to a used row address in response to the row active signal and the active row address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Chang Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 10121528
    Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms for providing termination for a plurality of chips of a memory device. In an embodiment, a memory device is an integrated circuit (IC) package which includes a command and address bus and a plurality of memory chips each coupled thereto. Of the plurality of memory chips, only a first memory chip is operable to selectively provide termination to the command and address bus. Of the respective on-die termination control circuits of the plurality of memory chips, only the on-die termination control circuit of the first memory chip is coupled via any termination control signal line to any input/output (I/O) contact of the IC package. In another embodiment, the plurality of memory chips are configured in a series with one another, and wherein the first memory chip is located at an end of the series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: George Vergis, Kuljit S. Bains, James A. McCall, Ge Chang
  • Patent number: 10121529
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device and an operating method thereof. The semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array, a peripheral circuit and a control logic. The memory cell array includes a plurality of memory cells. The peripheral circuit performs a program operation for the plurality of memory cells in the memory cell array. The control logic controls the peripheral circuit and the memory cell array such that, during the program operation for the plurality of memory cells, pre-bias voltages are applied to a plurality of word lines coupled to the plurality of memory cells to precharge channel regions of the plurality of memory cells. Furthermore, different pre-bias voltages are applied to the plurality of word lines depending on the relative positions of the word lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Hee Youl Lee
  • Patent number: 10121530
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing Electronic Fuse (eFuse) visual security of stored data using embedded dynamic random access memory (EDRAM), and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. The circuit includes EDRAM and eFuse circuitry having an initial state of a logical 0. The outputs of the eFuse and an EDRAM are connected through an exclusive OR (XOR) gate, enabling EDRAM random data to be known at wafer test and programming of the eFuse to provide any desired logical value out of the XORed data combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Todd A. Christensen, Karl R. Erickson, Phil C. Paone, David P. Paulsen, John E. Sheets, II, Gregory J. Uhlmann
  • Patent number: 10121531
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory includes jƗk first memory cells, j upper bit lines, (½)j sense amplifiers, jƗk lower first bit lines, k first word lines, k pairs of plate lines, each pair having first and second plate lines, each being connected to odd-numbered and even-numbered first memory cells of one of the k columns, a pair of discharge signal lines having a first discharge signal line and a second discharge signal line respectively connecting two of the j upper lines in each sense amplifier to a prescribed potential, jƗm second memory cells, j lower second bit lines, m second word lines, m third plate lines each connected to the j second memory cells of one of the m columns, and j shield lines each provided at positions respectively corresponding to the j upper bit lines, which are parallel to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: LAPIS Semiconductor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Yamada
  • Patent number: 10121532
    Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms to provide write access to a memory device. In an embodiment, a memory controller sends commands to a memory device which comprises multiple memory banks. The memory controller further sends a signal specifying that the commands include back-to-back write commands each to access the same memory bank. In response to the signal, the memory device buffers first data of a first write command, wherein the first data is buffered at least until the memory device receives second data of a second write command. Error correction information is calculated for a combination of the first data and second data, and the combination is written to the memory bank. In another embodiment, buffering of the first data and combining of the first data with the second data is performed, based on the signal from the memory controller, in lieu of read-modify-write processing of the first data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Kuljit S. Bains, John B. Halbert
  • Patent number: 10121533
    Abstract: Volatile memory is described, comprising: (i) a first inverter comprising a first p-type field effect transistor (FET) connected to a first n-type FET; (ii) a second inverter comprising a second p-type FET connected to a second n-type FET; (iii) a third p-type FET; (iv) a fourth p-type FET; and (v) a floating line connecting (i) a source of the third p-type FET, and (ii) a source of the fourth p-type FET, wherein: (a) the first data line is connected to: a gate of the second p-type FET, a gate of the second n-type FET, a drain of the third p-type FET, and a gate of the fourth p-type FET, and (b) the second data line is connected to: a gate of the first p-type FET, a gate of the first n-type FET, a drain of the fourth p-type FET, and a gate of the third p-type FET.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: NANO-RETINA, INC.
    Inventor: Tuvia Liran
  • Patent number: 10121534
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes a pass gate circuit and a memory element circuit. The pass gate circuit receives a user signal that toggles between a high voltage level and a low voltage level. The memory element circuit outputs a control signal to control the pass gate circuit. The control signal may be asserted to be greater than the high voltage level when activating the pass gate circuit or the control signal may be deasserted to be less than the low voltage level when deactivating the pass gate circuit. In addition to that, a method on how to operate the pass gate circuit is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventor: Andy L. Lee
  • Patent number: 10121535
    Abstract: The memory cell of static random access memory based on resistance-capacitance reinforcement, which comprises a latch circuit and a bit selection circuit, the latch circuit consists of two PMOS transistors P1 and P2, two NMOS transistors N1 and N2, a first resistance-capacitance network and a second resistance-capacitance network; the bit selection circuit consists of NMOS transistors N5 and N6; the latch circuit forms four storage nodes X1, X1B, X2, X2B, among which a coupling capacitor C is provided between a pair of complementary data storage nodes. Compared to the conventional memory cell of 6T structure, a resistance-capacitance network and a coupling capacitor are added, so that without changing the original read operation circuit and without obviously increasing complexity, the memory cell is prevented from having single event upset merely at a cost of increasing a small amount of area, thus ensuring correctness of data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Institute of Automation Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Jingqiu Wang, Liang Chen, Li Liu
  • Patent number: 10121536
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a first memory cell array including a first memory cell that is capable of holding two or more bits of data including at least a first bit and a second bit, a second memory cell array including a second memory cell that is capable of holding two or more bits of data including at least a first bit and a second bit, a first word line electrically connected to a gate of the first memory cell, and a second word line electrically connected to a gate of the second memory cell. In a read operation, at least first, second, and third voltages are applied successively to both the first word line and the second word line to read a first page including the first bit of the first memory cell and a second page including the second bit of the second memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Memory Corporation
    Inventors: Weihan Wang, Toshifumi Hashimoto, Noboru Shibata
  • Patent number: 10121537
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a semiconductor memory that includes: resistive storage cells; a reference resistance cell; a comparison block electrically coupled to the resistive storage cells and the reference resistance cell through first and second input terminals, to compare a cell current flowing through the first input terminal and a reference current flowing through the second input terminal; a first clamp part to control a maximum current amount of the cell current depending on a voltage level of a first node; a second clamp part to control a maximum current amount of the reference current depending on the voltage level of the first node; a voltage stabilization block to stabilize a voltage of the first node during a charging or a discharging period; and a switching part electrically coupled with the first node and the voltage stabilization block in the charging period or the discharging period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Kwang-Myoung Rho
  • Patent number: 10121538
    Abstract: Provided are, among others, memory circuits or devices and their applications in electronic devices or systems and various implementations of an electronic device which includes a semiconductor memory unit comprising one or more columns and a date line and a data line bar connected with a column selected among the one or more columns. Each of the one or more columns includes a plurality of storage cells each configured to store 1-bit data, each storage cell including a first and second variable resistance elements; a bit line and a source line connected to the first variable resistance element; connected to the other end of the first variable resistance element; a bit line bar and a source line bar connected to the second variable resistance element; and a driving block configured to latch data of the data line and the data line bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Dong-Keun Kim
  • Patent number: 10121539
    Abstract: Memory systems and memory programming methods are described. According to one aspect, a memory system includes program circuitry configured to provide a program signal to a memory cell to program the memory cell from a first memory state to a second memory state, detection circuitry configured to detect the memory cell changing from the first memory state to the second memory state during the provision of the program signal to the memory cell to program the memory cell, and wherein the program circuitry is configured to alter the program signal as a result of the detection and to provide the altered program signal to the memory cell to continue to program the memory cell from the first memory state to the second memory state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Makoto Kitagawa, Yogesh Luthra
  • Patent number: 10121540
    Abstract: Solid-state memory having a non-linear current-voltage (I-V) response is provided. By way of example, the solid-state memory can be a selector device. The selector device can be formed in series with a non-volatile memory device via a monolithic fabrication process. Further, the selector device can provide a substantially non-linear I-V response suitable to mitigate leakage current for the non-volatile memory device. In various disclosed embodiments, the series combination of the selector device and the non-volatile memory device can serve as one of a set of memory cells in a 1-transistor, many-resistor resistive memory cell array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: CROSSBAR, INC.
    Inventor: Sung Hyun Jo
  • Patent number: 10121541
    Abstract: The present invention makes it possible to form a circuit configuration that is capable of executing a keyword search at an increased speed while suppressing an increase in the memory capacity of a content-addressable memory. A semiconductor device according to an aspect of the present invention searches an input data string for a predesignated keyword, and includes a first content-addressable memory that stores a partial keyword corresponding to a predetermined number of data beginning with the first data of the keyword, a second content-addressable memory that stores the entirety of the keyword, and a control circuit that is coupled to the first content-addressable memory and to the second content-addressable memory. When a portion matching the partial keyword is detected in the input data string by a search in the first content-addressable memory, the second content-addressable memory executes a search on search data extracted from the input data string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Futoshi Igaue, Kenji Yoshinaga, Naoya Watanabe, Mihoko Akiyama
  • Patent number: 10121542
    Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device includes a memory cell array and a row decoder circuit. The row decoder circuit turns on memory cells of a plurality of cell strings of a selected memory block after applying a first prepulse to a first dummy word line connected to first dummy memory cells after applying a second prepulse to a second dummy word line connected to second dummy memory cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-Wan Nam, Daeseok Byeon, Chiweon Yoon
  • Patent number: 10121543
    Abstract: A storage device includes a nonvolatile memory device including a plurality of memory cells, the memory cells divided into a plurality of pages, and a controller configured to control the nonvolatile memory device. The storage device is configured to collect two or more write data groups to be written to two or more pages, to simultaneously perform a common write operation with the two or more pages based on the two or more write data groups, and to sequentially perform an individual write operation with each of the two or more pages based on the two or more write data groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eun Chu Oh, Jun Jin Kong, Hong Rak Son, Pilsang Yoon
  • Patent number: 10121544
    Abstract: Programming methods include applying a voltage to a selected access line commonly connected to a plurality of memory cells, and, while the voltage applied to the selected access line remains at a program voltage without being discharged, electrically connecting a subset of the plurality of memory cells to one data line so that only one memory cell of the subset of the plurality of memory cells is electrically connected to the one data line at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Qiang Tang, Ramin Ghodsi, Toru Tanzawa
  • Patent number: 10121545
    Abstract: An operating method of a semiconductor memory device including a plurality of memory cells each having one of ā€œnā€ number of program statuses as a target program status, the operating method comprising: setting a first group of the memory cells, which have a first group of the program statuses as the target program status, to a program permit mode; setting a second group of the memory cells, which have a second group of the program statuses as the target program status, to a program inhibit mode; performing a program operation and a program verification operation to an i-th one of the ā€œnā€ program statuses in ascending order of level of the program statuses; and changing one or more of the memory cells of the first group of the memory cells having the i-th program status from the program permit mode to the program inhibit mode, and one or more of the memory cells of the second group of the memory cells having an (i+k)th program status to from the program inhibit mode to the program permit mode, upon success of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Hae Soon Oh
  • Patent number: 10121546
    Abstract: When a control circuit has received a first erase command, the control circuit controls performing a first pre-write process to allow a first storage device and a second storage device to have threshold voltages, respectively, both increased, and the control circuit thereafter controls performing an erase process to allow the first storage device and the second storage device to have their respective threshold voltages both decreased to be smaller than a prescribed erase verify level. When the control circuit has received a second erase command, the control circuit controls performing a second pre-write process to allow one of the first storage device and the second storage device to have its threshold voltage increased, and control circuit subsequently controls performing the erase process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Kunio Tani
  • Patent number: 10121547
    Abstract: Provided herein is a semiconductor memory device including a memory cell array including a drain select transistor and a plurality of memory cells, a voltage generator configured to apply a program voltage, first and second pass voltages, and a drain control voltage to the memory cell array, a control logic configured to control the voltage generator so that during a program operation, after the program voltage is applied to a selected one of the plurality of memory cells, the program voltage applied to the selected memory cell is discharged while the first pass voltage or the second pass voltage is applied to memory cells adjacent to the selected memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Hee Youl Lee
  • Patent number: 10121548
    Abstract: A nonvolatile memory includes a first array bank coupled to a first bit-line, a second array bank coupled to a second bit-line, a pre-charging circuit, a first selection circuit, a second selection circuit, and a sense amplifier. An address enable signal sent to the first selection circuit controls whether the pre-charging circuit needs to pre-charge the first bit-line and the second bit-line. The sense amplifier is configured to compare a first voltage from the first output terminal of the pre-charging circuit with a second voltage from the second output terminal of the pre-charging circuit to obtain a result indicating data information stored in the first array bank or in the second array bank. The second selection circuit is configured to connect a reference current to the first input terminal or the second input terminal of the sense amplifier based on a first word-line signal and a second word-line signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignees: SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING INTERNATIONAL (SHANGHAI) CORPORATION, SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING INTERNATIONAL (BEIJING) CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yao Zhou, Hao Ni
  • Patent number: 10121549
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a first circuit configured to process data received from and transmitted to an external controller, a second circuit configured to execute calibration on the first circuit, and a control circuit configured to control the second circuit to execute the calibration on the first circuit in response to a calibration command received from the external controller. In response to a first calibration command, the control circuit controls the second circuit to execute the calibration on the first circuit. In response to a second calibration command that is received after the first calibration command, the control circuit controls the second circuit to execute the calibration on the first circuit if a first condition is met and to not execute the calibration on the first circuit if the first condition is not met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MEMORY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kosuke Yanagidaira
  • Patent number: 10121550
    Abstract: A power switch circuit includes a first transistor, a second transistor and a current source. A first source/drain terminal and a gate terminal of the first transistor receive a first supply voltage and a second supply voltage, respectively. A second source/drain terminal and a body terminal of the first transistor are connected with a node z. An output signal is outputted from the node z. A first source/drain terminal and a gate terminal of the second transistor receive the second supply voltage and the first supply voltage, respectively. A second source/drain terminal and a body terminal of the second transistor are connected with the node z. The current source is connected between a bias voltage and the node z. The first supply voltage, the second supply voltage or the bias voltage is selected as the output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: EMEMORY TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Chih-Yang Huang, Wei-Ming Ku
  • Patent number: 10121551
    Abstract: Devices and techniques for detecting power loss in NAND memory devices are disclosed herein. A memory controller may calibrate a first read level for a first physical page of a number of physical pages from an initial first read level position to a calibrated first read level position. The first read level may be between a first threshold voltage distribution corresponding to a first logical state of the at least four logical states and a second threshold voltage distribution corresponding to a second logical state of the at least four logical states. Also, the first threshold voltage distribution may be a highest threshold voltage distribution for the first physical page. The memory controller may calibrate a second read level for the first physical page that is lower than the first read level from an initial second read level position to a calibrated first read level position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Miller, Kishore Kumar Muchherla, Harish Singidi, Ting Luo, Ashutosh Malshe, Preston Thomson, Jianmin Huang
  • Patent number: 10121552
    Abstract: A memory device and associated techniques to reduce charge loss of memory cells. In one aspect, a charge loss countermeasure is performed if a word line selected for programming is adjacent to a dummy word line. The countermeasure can involve programming the dummy memory cells through injection disturb. In one approach, the timing is adjusted for the voltages on the selected word line and the dummy word line at the end of a program voltage. The selected word line voltage can be decreased more quickly, or the dummy word line voltage can be decreased more slowly. The decrease of the dummy word line voltage can also be delayed. Another approach involves elevating the bit line voltage during the decrease of the selected word line voltage. The bit line voltage can be a function of the assigned data state of a selected cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Ashish Baraskar, Liang Pang, Yingda Dong, Ching-Huang Lu, Nan Lu, Hong-Yan Chen