Ferroelectric Patents (Class 365/145)
  • Patent number: 11968820
    Abstract: A novel semiconductor device is provided. The semiconductor device includes a driver circuit and a first transistor layer to a third transistor layer. The first transistor layer includes a first memory cell including a first transistor and a first capacitor. The second transistor layer includes a second memory cell including a second transistor and a second capacitor. The third transistor layer includes a switching circuit and an amplifier circuit. The first transistor is electrically connected to a first local bit line. The second transistor is electrically connected to a second local bit line. The switching circuit has a function of selecting the first local bit line or the second local bit line and electrically connecting the selected local bit line to the amplifier circuit. The first transistor layer to the third transistor layer are provided over the silicon substrate. The third transistor layer is provided between the first transistor layer and the second transistor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Onuki, Yuto Yakubo, Seiya Saito
  • Patent number: 11961557
    Abstract: A memory cell is coupled between first and interconnects and includes a variable resistance element and a switching element. The variable resistance element includes first and second ferromagnetic layers and an insulating layer between the first and second ferromagnetic layers. A first circuit is configured to apply a first voltage to the first interconnect. A second circuit is configured to apply a second voltage to the second interconnect. A third circuit is configured to apply a third voltage to the second interconnect. A fourth circuit is configured to apply a fourth voltage to the first interconnect. A sense amplifier circuit is coupled to the first and second interconnects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Kioxia Corporation
    Inventor: Yosuke Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 11955156
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a ferroelectric transistor. The transistor has gate dielectric material configured as a first container, with the first container having a first inner surface. Metal-containing material is configured as a second container nested within said first container. The second container has a second inner surface with an area less than the first inner surface. Ferroelectric material is configured as a third container nested within the second container. The third container has a third inner surface with an area less than the second inner surface. Gate material is within the third container. Some embodiments include memory arrays having ferroelectric transistors as memory cells. Some embodiments include methods of writing/reading relative to memory cells of memory arrays when the memory cells are metal-ferroelectric-metal-insulator-semiconductor (MFMIS) transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Durai Vishak Nirmal Ramaswamy, Wayne Kinney
  • Patent number: 11922984
    Abstract: A memory device includes a substrate including first and second regions, the first region having first wordlines and first bitlines, and the second region having second wordlines and second bitlines, a first memory cell array including first memory cells in the first region, the first memory cell array having volatility, and each of the first memory cells including a cell switch having a first channel region adjacent to a corresponding first wordline of the first wordlines, and a capacitor connected to the cell switch, and a second memory cell array including second memory cells in the second region, the second memory cell array having non-volatility, and each of the second memory cells including a second channel region adjacent to a corresponding second wordline of the second wordlines, and a ferroelectric layer between the corresponding second wordline of the second wordlines and the second channel region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minhee Cho, Woobin Song, Hyunmog Park, Sangkil Lee
  • Patent number: 11908505
    Abstract: An efficient FeFET-based CAM is disclosed which is capable of performing normal read, write but has the ability to match input data with don't-care. More specifically, a Ferroelectric FET Based Ternary Content Addressable Memory is disclosed. The design in some examples utilizes two FeFETs and four MOSFETs per cell. The CAM can be written in columns through multi-phase writes. It can be used a normal memory with indexing read. It also has the ability for ternary content-based search. The don't-care values can be either the input or the stored data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Shih-Lien Linus Lu
  • Patent number: 11900980
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for techniques to mitigate asymmetric long delay stress are described. A memory device may activate a memory cell during a first phase of an access operation cycle. The memory device may write a first state or a second state to the memory cell during the first phase of the access operation cycle. The memory device may maintain the first state or the second state during a second phase of the access operation cycle after the first phase of the access operation cycle. The memory device may write, during a third phase of the access operation cycle after the second phase of the access operation cycle, the second state to the memory cell. The memory device may precharge the memory cell during the third phase of the access operation cycle based on writing the second state to the memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Angelo Visconti
  • Patent number: 11856874
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a substrate; a resistance variable layer disposed over the substrate; a gate structure disposed over the resistance variable layer; a dielectric layer disposed over the resistance variable layer and surrounding the gate structure; a first contact plug disposed over the resistance variable layer and extending through the dielectric layer; and a second contact plug disposed over the resistance variable layer and opposite to the first contact plug and extending through the dielectric layer, wherein the resistance variable layer is semiconductive and ferroelectric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Georgios Vellianitis, Marcus Johannes Henricus Van Dal, Gerben Doornbos
  • Patent number: 11849591
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for power gating in a memory device are described for using one or more memory cells as drivers for load circuits of a memory device. A group of memory cells of the memory device may represent memory cells that include a switching component and that omit a memory storage element. These memory cells may be coupled with respective plate lines that may be coupled with a voltage source having a first supply voltage. Each memory cell of the group may also be coupled with a respective digit line that may be coupled with the load circuits. Respective switching components of the group of memory cells may therefore act as drivers to apply the first supply voltage to one or more load circuits by coupling a digit line with a plate line having the first supply voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Makoto Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 11823724
    Abstract: A device includes a Magnetic Tunnel Junction (MTJ) memory element comprising, a reference layer, a free layer, and a magnetic tunneling layer between the reference layer and the free layer; and a pair of magneto-electric controlling layers, which have in-plane uniaxial anisotropy, wherein the pair of magneto-electric controlling layers are disposed below the free layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Saba Zare, Dimitri Houssameddine, Karthik Yogendra, Heng Wu
  • Patent number: 11823763
    Abstract: A sense amplifier includes: an amplification module, configured to amplify a voltage difference between a bit line and a reference bit line when the sense amplifier is in an amplification phase; a controllable power module, connected to the amplification module and configured to supply a first voltage to the amplification module when the sense amplifier is in a writing phase, and supply a second voltage to the amplification module when the sense amplifier is in a non-writing phase, and the second voltage is greater than the first voltage; and a writing module, connected to the bit line and the reference bit line and configured to pull the voltage difference between the bit line and the reference bit line according to to-be-written data when the sense amplifier is in the writing phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: CHANGXIN MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Hsin-Cheng Su
  • Patent number: 11790977
    Abstract: The present invention provides a memory controller including a plurality of channels. A first channel of the plurality of channels includes a first transmitter, a first pull-up variable resistor and a first pull-down variable resistor, wherein the first transmitter is configured to generate a first data signal to a memory module, the first pull-up variable resistor is coupled between a supply voltage and an output terminal of the first transmitter, and the first pull-down variable resistor is coupled to the output terminal of the first transmitter. The control circuit is coupled to the plurality of channels, and is configured to control the first pull-up variable resistor and/or the first pull-down variable resistor according to a reference voltage used by the memory module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: MEDIATEK INC.
    Inventors: Chung-Hwa Wu, Ming-Hsin Yu
  • Patent number: 11763871
    Abstract: Memory cells are described that include two reference voltages that may store and sense three distinct memory states by compensating for undesired intrinsic charges affecting a memory cell. Although embodiments described herein refer to three memory states, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the memory cell may store or sense more than three charge distributions using the described methods and techniques. In a first memory state, a programming voltage or a sensed voltage may be higher than a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage. In a second memory state, the applied voltage or the sensed voltage may be between the first and the second reference voltages. In a third memory state, the applied voltage or the sensed voltage may be lower than the first and the second reference voltages. As such, the memory cell may store and retrieve three memory states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniele Vimercati
  • Patent number: 11749329
    Abstract: Ferroelectric memory arrays with reduced current leakage is described herein. A ferroelectric memory array may include a number of memory cells including capacitors with ferroelectric material. Providing an intermediary word line voltage to non-selected word lines that are not electrically coupled to a target memory cell during a sensing operation may reduce leakage current from an active data line electrically coupled to the target memory cell to the non-selected word lines. The intermediary word line voltage may be provided using an amplitude between an idle voltage of the data lines and zero volts. The intermediary word line voltage may be reduced closer to zero volts for performing a programming operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Makoto Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 11749168
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a data receiver, including a first capacitor, a second capacitor, a first inverter and a second inverter. The first capacitor has a first terminal and a second terminal, and the first terminal receives a first input signal. The second capacitor has a third terminal and a fourth terminal, and the third terminal receives a second input signal. The first inverter has a first input terminal and a first output terminal. The second inverter has a second input terminal and a second output terminal. The first input terminal and the second output terminal are coupled to the second terminal of the first capacitor, and the second input terminal and the first output terminal are coupled to the fourth terminal of the second capacitor. The first output terminal generates a first output signal with a first output voltage, and the second output terminal generates a second output signal with a second output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Novatek Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Ho-Chun Chang, Che-Wei Yeh, Yu-Hsiang Wang, Keko-Chun Liang
  • Patent number: 11735652
    Abstract: Field effect transistors having a ferroelectric or antiferroelectric gate dielectric structure are described. In an example, an integrated circuit structure includes a semiconductor channel structure includes a monocrystalline material. A gate dielectric is over the semiconductor channel structure. The gate dielectric includes a ferroelectric or antiferroelectric polycrystalline material layer. A gate electrode has a conductive layer on the ferroelectric or antiferroelectric polycrystalline material layer, the conductive layer including a metal. A first source or drain structure is at a first side of the gate electrode. A second source or drain structure is at a second side of the gate electrode opposite the first side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Seiyon Kim, Uygar E. Avci, Joshua M. Howard, Ian A. Young, Daniel H. Morris
  • Patent number: 11735249
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for sensing techniques for differential memory cells are described. A method may include selecting a pair of memory cells that comprise a first memory cell coupled with a first digit line and a second memory cell coupled with a second digit line for a read operation, the pair of memory cells storing one bit of information. The method may further include applying a first voltage to a plate line coupled with the first memory cell and the second memory cell and applying a second voltage to a select line to couple the first digit line and the second digit line with a sense amplifier. The amplifier may sense a logic state of the pair of memory cells based on a difference between a third voltage of the first digit line and a fourth voltage of the second digit line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniele Vimercati
  • Patent number: 11721374
    Abstract: A memory device includes a local input/output circuit and a main input/output circuit. The local input/output circuit is configured to generate a first local write signal based on a first global write signal and a second global write signal, and configured to transmit the first local write signal to a plurality of first bit lines. The main input/output circuit include a first latch and logic elements. The first latch is configured to generate a first bit write mask signal based on a clock signal. The logic elements are configured to generate the first global write signal and the second global write signal based on the clock signal and the first bit write mask signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignees: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD., TSMC NANJING COMPANY LIMITED, TSMC CHINA COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: He-Zhou Wan, Xiu-Li Yang, Pei-Le Li, Ching-Wei Wu
  • Patent number: 11705185
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for apparatus for differential memory cells are described. An apparatus may include a pair of memory cells comprising a first memory cell and a second memory cell, a word line coupled with the pair of memory cells and a plate line coupled with the pair of memory cells. The apparatus may further include a first digit line coupled with the first memory cell and a sense amplifier and a second digit line coupled with the second memory cell and the sense amplifier. The apparatus may include a select line configured to couple the first digit line and the second digit line with the sense amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniele Vimercati
  • Patent number: 11694737
    Abstract: A memory is provided which comprises a capacitor including non-linear polar material. The capacitor may have a first terminal coupled to a node (e.g., a storage node) and a second terminal coupled to a plate-line. The capacitors can be a planar capacitor or non-planar capacitor (also known as pillar capacitor). The memory includes a transistor coupled to the node and a bit-line, wherein the transistor is controllable by a word-line, wherein the plate-line is parallel to the bit-line. The memory includes a refresh circuitry to refresh charge on the capacitor periodically or at a predetermined time. The refresh circuit can utilize one or more of the endurance mechanisms. When the plate-line is parallel to the bit-line, a specific read and write scheme may be used to reduce the disturb voltage for unselected bit-cells. A different scheme is used when the plate-line is parallel to the word-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Kepler Computing Inc.
    Inventors: Rajeev Kumar Dokania, Amrita Mathuriya, Sasikanth Manipatruni
  • Patent number: 11688447
    Abstract: According to various aspects, a memory cell is provided, the memory cell may include a field-effect transistor; a first control node and a second control node, a first capacitor structure including a first electrode connected to the first control node, a second electrode connected to a gate region of the field-effect transistor, and a remanent-polarizable region disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode of the first capacitor structure; and a second capacitor structure including a first electrode connected to the second control node, a second electrode connected to the gate region of the field-effect transistor. In some aspects, the first capacitor structure may have a first capacitance and the second capacitor structure may have a second capacitance different from the first capacitance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Ferroelectric Memory GmbH
    Inventor: Johannes Ocker
  • Patent number: 11670353
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes apparatuses, methods, and systems for current separation for memory sensing. An embodiment includes applying a sensing voltage to a memory cell having a ferroelectric material, and determining a data state of the memory cell by separating a first current output by the memory cell while the sensing voltage is being applied to the memory cell and a second current output by the memory cell while the sensing voltage is being applied to the memory cell, wherein the first current output by the memory cell corresponds to a first polarization state of the ferroelectric material of the memory cell and the second current output by the memory cell corresponds a second polarization state of the ferroelectric material of the memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniele Vimercati
  • Patent number: 11664060
    Abstract: A memory is provided which comprises a capacitor including non-linear polar material. The capacitor may have a first terminal coupled to a node (e.g., a storage node) and a second terminal coupled to a plate-line. The capacitors can be a planar capacitor or non-planar capacitor (also known as pillar capacitor). The memory includes a transistor coupled to the node and a bit-line, wherein the transistor is controllable by a word-line, wherein the plate-line is parallel to the bit-line. The memory includes a refresh circuitry to refresh charge on the capacitor periodically or at a predetermined time. The refresh circuit can utilize one or more of the endurance mechanisms. When the plate-line is parallel to the bit-line, a specific read and write scheme may be used to reduce the disturb voltage for unselected bit-cells. A different scheme is used when the plate-line is parallel to the word-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Kepler Computing Inc.
    Inventors: Rajeev Kumar Dokania, Amrita Mathuriya, Sasikanth Manipatruni
  • Patent number: 11659715
    Abstract: The present technology includes a semiconductor memory device. The semiconductor memory device includes a stack including a conductive pattern and an insulating pattern, a channel structure penetrating the stack, and a memory pattern between the conductive pattern and the channel structure. The memory pattern includes a blocking pattern, a tunnel pattern, a storage pattern, and a ferroelectric pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Kun Young Lee, Sun Young Kim, Jae Gil Lee
  • Patent number: 11651829
    Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device includes a peripheral circuit region and a memory cell region vertically connected with the peripheral circuit region, the peripheral circuit region including at least one first metal pad, and the memory cell region including at least one second metal pad directly connected with the at least one first metal pad. A method of programming the nonvolatile memory device includes: receiving a programming command, data for a plurality of pages, and an address corresponding to a selected word-line; programming the data for one of the pages to an unselected word-line; reading data of a previously programmed page from the selected word-line; and programming the data for the remaining pages and the data of the previously programmed page to the selected word-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyung-Min Kang, Dongku Kang, Su Chang Jeon, Won-Taeck Jung
  • Patent number: 11625302
    Abstract: A method of programming a nonvolatile memory device includes: receiving a programming command, data for a plurality of pages, and an address corresponding to a selected word-line; programming the data for one of the pages to an unselected word-line; reading data of a previously programmed page from the selected word-line; and programming the data for the remaining pages and the data of the previously programmed page to the selected word-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyung-Min Kang, Dongku Kang, Su Chang Jeon, Won-Taeck Jung
  • Patent number: 11624784
    Abstract: A state monitoring circuit is disclosed for monitoring health states of N energy storage capacitors in an energy-storage capacitor device, the energy-storage capacitor device including N channels, and each channel comprising one energy storage capacitor, where the state monitoring circuit is configured to: disconnect first terminals of the N energy storage capacitors from the energy-storage capacitor device one by one; and determine whether each of the N energy storage capacitors is abnormal in accordance with a voltage at the first terminal of a corresponding one of the energy storage capacitors, where N is a positive integer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Silergy Semiconductor Technology (Hangzhou) LTD
    Inventor: Peng Shao
  • Patent number: 11616089
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solid state imaging device including a support substrate; an imaging semiconductor chip having a pixel array disposed on the support substrate; and an image processing semiconductor chip disposed on the support substrate, wherein the imaging semiconductor chip and the image processing semiconductor chip are connected by through-vias, and interconnects formed on the support substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shunichi Sukegawa, Noriyuki Fukushima
  • Patent number: 11610620
    Abstract: A memory is provided which comprises a capacitor including non-linear polar material. The capacitor may have a first terminal coupled to a node (e.g., a storage node) and a second terminal coupled to a plate-line. The capacitors can be a planar capacitor or non-planar capacitor (also known as pillar capacitor). The memory includes a transistor coupled to the node and a bit-line, wherein the transistor is controllable by a word-line, wherein the plate-line is parallel to the bit-line. The memory includes a refresh circuitry to refresh charge on the capacitor periodically or at a predetermined time. The refresh circuit can utilize one or more of the endurance mechanisms. When the plate-line is parallel to the bit-line, a specific read and write scheme may be used to reduce the disturb voltage for unselected bit-cells. A different scheme is used when the plate-line is parallel to the word-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Kepler Computing Inc.
    Inventors: Rajeev Kumar Dokania, Amrita Mathuriya, Sasikanth Manipatruni
  • Patent number: 11610619
    Abstract: A memory is provided which comprises a capacitor including non-linear polar material. The capacitor may have a first terminal coupled to a node (e.g., a storage node) and a second terminal coupled to a plate-line. The capacitors can be a planar capacitor or non-planar capacitor (also known as pillar capacitor). The memory includes a transistor coupled to the node and a bit-line, wherein the transistor is controllable by a word-line, wherein the plate-line is parallel to the bit-line. The memory includes a refresh circuitry to refresh charge on the capacitor periodically or at a predetermined time. The refresh circuit can utilize one or more of the endurance mechanisms. When the plate-line is parallel to the bit-line, a specific read and write scheme may be used to reduce the disturb voltage for unselected bit-cells. A different scheme is used when the plate-line is parallel to the word-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Kepler Computing Inc.
    Inventors: Rajeev Kumar Dokania, Amrita Mathuriya, Sasikanth Manipatruni
  • Patent number: 11605411
    Abstract: A high-density low voltage ferroelectric (or paraelectric) memory bit-cell that includes a planar ferroelectric or paraelectric capacitor. The memory bit-cell comprises 1T1C configuration, where a plate-line is parallel to a word-line, or the plate-line is parallel to a bit-line. The memory bit-cell can be 1TnC, where ā€˜nā€™ is a number. In a 1TnC bit-cell, the capacitors are vertically stacked allowing for multiple values to be stored in a single bit-cell. The memory bit-cell can be multi-element FE gain bit-cell. In a multi-element FE gain bit-cell, data sensing is done with signal amplified by a gain transistor in the bit-cell. As such, higher storage density is realized using multi-element FE gain bit-cells. In some examples, the 1T1C, 1TnC, and multi-element FE gain bit-cells are multi-level bit-cells. To realize multi-level bit-cells, the capacitor is placed in a partially switched polarization state by applying different voltage levels or different time pulse widths at the same voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Kepler Computing Inc.
    Inventors: Rajeev Kumar Dokania, Noriyuki Sato, Tanay Gosavi, Pratyush Pandey, Debo Olaosebikan, Amrita Mathuriya, Sasikanth Manipatruni
  • Patent number: 11605413
    Abstract: A memory is provided which comprises a capacitor including non-linear polar material. The capacitor may have a first terminal coupled to a node (e.g., a storage node) and a second terminal coupled to a plate-line. The capacitors can be a planar capacitor or non-planar capacitor (also known as pillar capacitor). The memory includes a transistor coupled to the node and a bit-line, wherein the transistor is controllable by a word-line, wherein the plate-line is parallel to the bit-line. The memory includes a refresh circuitry to refresh charge on the capacitor periodically or at a predetermined time. The refresh circuit can utilize one or more of the endurance mechanisms. When the plate-line is parallel to the bit-line, a specific read and write scheme may be used to reduce the disturb voltage for unselected bit-cells. A different scheme is used when the plate-line is parallel to the word-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Kepler Computing Inc.
    Inventors: Rajeev Kumar Dokania, Amrita Mathuriya, Sasikanth Manipatruni
  • Patent number: 11594271
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a memory cell arrangement is provided including a memory cell driver and one or more memory cells, wherein one or more control nodes of each of the one or more memory cells are electrically conductively connected to one or more output nodes of the memory cell driver. The memory cell driver may include: a first supply node to receive a first supply voltage and a second supply node to receive a second supply voltage, a plurality of input nodes to receive a plurality of input voltages, one or more output nodes, and a logic circuit connected to the first supply node, the second supply node, the plurality of input nodes, and the one or more output nodes, wherein the logic circuit includes one or more logic gates and is configured to connect via the one or more logic gates either the first supply node or the second supply node to the one or more output nodes in response to the plurality of input voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: FERROELECTRIC MEMORY GMBH
    Inventors: Marko Noack, Rolf JƤhne
  • Patent number: 11594542
    Abstract: According to various aspects, a method of forming one or more remanent-polarizable capacitive structures, the method including forming one or more capacitive structures, each of the one or more capacitive structures includes: one or more electrodes, one or more precursor structures disposed adjacent to the one or more electrodes, wherein each of the one or more precursor structures has a first dimension in a range from about 1 nm to 100 nm and a second dimension in a range from about 1 nm to about 30 nm; and, subsequently, forming one or more remanent-polarizable structures comprising a crystalline remanent-polarizable material based on a crystallization of a precursor material of the one or more precursor structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: FERROELECTRIC MEMORY GMBH
    Inventor: Patrick Polakowski
  • Patent number: 11586885
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a memory device including a first memory element and a second memory element. The memory device includes a substrate and a bottom electrode disposed over the substrate. The first memory element is disposed between the bottom electrode and a top electrode, such that the first memory element has a first area. A second memory element is disposed between the bottom electrode and the top electrode. The second memory element is laterally separated from the first memory element by a non-zero distance. The second memory element has a second area different than the first area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Marcus Johannes Henricus van Dal, Gerben Doornbos, Mauricio Manfrini
  • Patent number: 11587603
    Abstract: A memory device including a reference voltage (VREF) generator and method for operating the same to improve memory sensing margin, and extend operational temperature range and life of the device are disclosed. Generally, the device further includes an array of non-volatile memory cells divided into a plurality of blocks, a sensing circuit coupled to the array to receive and compare memory signals therefrom to the VREF to read data from the cells. The Local reference voltage generator is configured to provide one of a number of reference voltages to the sensing circuit based on which of the blocks is being read. The array can be divided based on row and column addresses of cells in the blocks. Where the cells include 1T1C ferroelectric random access memory (F-RAM) cells, and the reference voltages are selected based on a lowest P-term or highest U-term of the cells in the block being read.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Edwin Kim, Alan DeVilbiss, Kapil Jain, Patrick O'Connell, Franklin Brodsky, Shan Sun, Fan Chu
  • Patent number: 11579770
    Abstract: A Memory Device (MD) for storing temporary data designated for volatile storage by a processor and persistent data designated for non-volatile storage by the processor. An address is associated with a first location in a volatile memory array and with a second location in a Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) array of the MD. Data is written in the first location, and flushed from the first location to the second location. A refresh rate for the first location is reduced after flushing the data from the first location until after data is written again to the first location. In another aspect, a processor designates a memory page in a virtual memory space as volatile or non-volatile based on data allocated to the memory page, and defines the volatility mode for the MD based on whether the memory page is designated as volatile or non-volatile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Viacheslav Dubeyko, Luis Cargnini
  • Patent number: 11562782
    Abstract: Methods for sensing ferroelectric memory devices and apparatuses using the same have been disclosed. One such apparatus includes a ferroelectric memory cell coupled to a data line, a reference capacitance, and a common node coupled between the data line and the reference capacitance. A current mirror circuit is coupled to the data line and the reference capacitance. During a sense operation, the common node is configured to be at a fixed voltage and the current mirror circuit is configured to mirror displacement current from the reference capacitance to the ferroelectric memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11557330
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for deck-level shunting in a memory device are described. A memory device may include memory arrays arranged in a stack of decks over a substrate, and a combination of deck selection circuitry and shunting circuitry may be distributed among the decks to leverage common substrate-based circuitry, such as logic or addressing circuitry. For example, each memory array of a stack may include a set of digit lines and deck selection circuitry, such as deck selection transistors or other switching circuitry, operable to couple the set of digit lines with a column decoder that may be shared among multiple decks. Each memory array of a stack also may include shunting circuitry, such as shunting transistors or other switching circuitry operable to couple the set of digit lines with a plate node, thereby equalizing a voltage across the memory cells of the respective memory array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniele Vimercati
  • Patent number: 11557371
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for imprint recovery for memory cells are described. In some cases, memory cells may become imprinted, which may refer to conditions where a cell becomes predisposed toward storing one logic state over another, resistant to being written to a different logic state, or both. Imprinted memory cells may be recovered using a recovery or repair process that may be initiated according to various conditions, detections, or inferences. In some examples, a system may be configured to perform imprint recovery operations that are scaled or selected according to a characterized severity of imprint, an operational mode, environmental conditions, and other factors. Imprint management techniques may increase the robustness, accuracy, or efficiency with which a memory system, or components thereof, can operate in the presence of conditions associated with memory cell imprinting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Harms, Jonathan J. Strand, Sukneet Singh Basuta, Shashank Bangalore Lakshman
  • Patent number: 11545204
    Abstract: A high-density low voltage ferroelectric (or paraelectric) memory bit-cell that includes a planar ferroelectric or paraelectric capacitor. The memory bit-cell comprises 1T1C configuration, where a plate-line is parallel to a word-line, or the plate-line is parallel to a bit-line. The memory bit-cell can be 1TnC, where ā€˜nā€™ is a number. In a 1TnC bit-cell, the capacitors are vertically stacked allowing for multiple values to be stored in a single bit-cell. The memory bit-cell can be multi-element FE gain bit-cell. In a multi-element FE gain bit-cell, data sensing is done with signal amplified by a gain transistor in the bit-cell. As such, higher storage density is realized using multi-element FE gain bit-cells. In some examples, the 1T1C, 1TnC, and multi-element FE gain bit-cells are multi-level bit-cells. To realize multi-level bit-cells, the capacitor is placed in a partially switched polarization state by applying different voltage levels or different time pulse widths at the same voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Kepler Computing Inc.
    Inventors: Rajeev Kumar Dokania, Noriyuki Sato, Tanay Gosavi, Pratyush Pandey, Debo Olaosebikan, Amrita Mathuriya, Sasikanth Manipatruni
  • Patent number: 11532345
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for self-referencing sensing schemes are described. A cell having two transistors, or other switching components, and one capacitor, such as a ferroelectric capacitor, may be sensed using a reference value that is specific to the cell. The cell may be read and sampled via one access line, and the cell may be used to generate a reference voltage and sampled via another access line. For instance, a first access line of a cell may be connected to one read voltage while a second access line of the cell is isolated from a voltage source; then the second access line may be connected to another read voltage while the first access line is isolate from a voltage source. The resulting voltages on the respective access lines may be compared to each other and a logic value of the cell determined from the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Riccardo Muzzetto
  • Patent number: 11532355
    Abstract: An N-bit non-volatile multi-level memory cell (MLC) can include a lower electrode and an upper electrode spaced above the lower electrode. N ferroelectric material layers can be vertically spaced apart from one another between the lower electrode and the upper electrode, wherein N is at least 2 and at least one dielectric material layer having a thickness of less than 20 nm can be located between the N ferroelectric material layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignees: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME DU LAC
    Inventors: Kai Ni, Suman Datta, Andrew Kummel
  • Patent number: 11532344
    Abstract: A memory is provided which comprises a capacitor including non-linear polar material. The capacitor may have a first terminal coupled to a node (e.g., a storage node) and a second terminal coupled to a plate-line. The capacitors can be a planar capacitor or non-planar capacitor (also known as pillar capacitor). The memory includes a transistor coupled to the node and a bit-line, wherein the transistor is controllable by a word-line, wherein the plate-line is parallel to the bit-line. The memory includes a refresh circuitry to refresh charge on the capacitor periodically or at a predetermined time. The refresh circuit can utilize one or more of the endurance mechanisms. When the plate-line is parallel to the bit-line, a specific read and write scheme may be used to reduce the disturb voltage for unselected bit-cells. A different scheme is used when the plate-line is parallel to the word-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Kepler Computing Inc.
    Inventors: Rajeev Kumar Dokania, Amrita Mathuriya, Sasikanth Manipatruni
  • Patent number: 11521666
    Abstract: A high-density low voltage ferroelectric (or paraelectric) memory bit-cell that includes a planar ferroelectric or paraelectric capacitor. The memory bit-cell comprises 1T1C configuration, where a plate-line is parallel to a word-line, or the plate-line is parallel to a bit-line. The memory bit-cell can be 1TnC, where ā€˜nā€™ is a number. In a 1TnC bit-cell, the capacitors are vertically stacked allowing for multiple values to be stored in a single bit-cell. The memory bit-cell can be multi-element FE gain bit-cell. In a multi-element FE gain bit-cell, data sensing is done with signal amplified by a gain transistor in the bit-cell. As such, higher storage density is realized using multi-element FE gain bit-cells. In some examples, the 1T1C, 1TnC, and multi-element FE gain bit-cells are multi-level bit-cells. To realize multi-level bit-cells, the capacitor is placed in a partially switched polarization state by applying different voltage levels or different time pulse widths at the same voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Kepler Computing Inc.
    Inventors: Rajeev Kumar Dokania, Noriyuki Sato, Tanay Gosavi, Pratyush Pandey, Debo Olaosebikan, Amrita Mathuriya, Sasikanth Manipatruni
  • Patent number: 11515333
    Abstract: Disclosed are: a three-dimensional flash memory in which the degree of integration in a horizontal direction is improved so as to promote integration; and a manufacturing method therefor. A three-dimensional flash memory according to one embodiment comprises: at least one channel layer extending in one direction; at least one ferroelectric film used as a data storage place while being extended in the one direction so as to encompass the at least one channel layer; and a plurality of electrode layers stacked so as to be vertically connected to the at least one ferroelectric film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: IUCF-HYU (INDUSTRY-UNIVERSITY COOPERATION FOUNDATION HANYANG UNIVERSITY)
    Inventors: Yun Heub Song, Chang Wan Choi, Jae Kyeong Jeong
  • Patent number: 11501816
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for low voltage ferroelectric memory cell sensing are described. As part of an access operation for a memory cell, gates of two cascodes may be biased to compensate for associated threshold voltages. An extracted signal corresponding to a charge stored in the memory cell may be transferred through a first cascode to charge a first capacitor. Similarly, a reference signal developed at a dummy digit line may be transferred through a second cascode to charge a second capacitor. By comparing the reference signal developed at the dummy digit line to the extracted signal from the memory cell, the effect of variations in memory cell performance on the sense window may be reduced. Additionally, based on biasing the gates of the cascodes, the difference between the signals compared at the sense component may be low compared to other sensing schemes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniele Vimercati
  • Patent number: 11482609
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods of forming the same are provided. A semiconductor device according to the present disclosure includes a ferroelectric structure including a channel region and a source/drain region, a gate dielectric layer disposed over the channel region of the ferroelectric structure, a gate electrode disposed on the gate dielectric layer, and a source/drain contact disposed on the source/drain region of the ferroelectric structure. The ferroelectric structure includes gallium nitride, indium nitride, or indium gallium nitride. The ferroelectric structure is doped with a dopant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Gerben Doornbos, Marcus Johannes Henricus van Dal, Georgios Vellianitis
  • Patent number: 11476353
    Abstract: The invention relates to heterostructures including a layer of a two-dimensional material placed on a multiferroic layer. An ordered array of differing polarization domains in the multiferroic layer produces corresponding domains having differing properties in the two-dimensional material. When the multiferroic layer is ferroelectric, the ferroelectric polarization domains in the layer produce local electric fields that penetrate the two-dimensional material. The local electric fields modulate the charge carriers and carrier density on a nanometer length scale, resulting in the formation of lateral p-n or p-i-n junctions, and variations thereof appropriate for device functions. Methods for producing the heterostructures are provided. Devices incorporating the heterostructures are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Berend T. Jonker, Connie H. Li, Kathleen M. McCreary, Olaf M. J. van 't Erve
  • Patent number: 11475934
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for operating a ferroelectric memory cell or cells are described. A memory device may maintain a digit line voltage at a ground reference for a duration associated with biasing a ferroelectric capacitor of a memory cell. For example, a digit line that is in electronic communication with a ferroelectric capacitor may be virtually grounded while a voltage is applied to a plate of the ferroelectric capacitor, and the ferroelectric capacitor may be isolated from the virtual ground after a threshold associated with applying the voltage to the plate is reached. A switching component (e.g., a transistor) that is in electronic communication with the digit line and virtual ground may be activated to virtually ground the digit line and deactivated to isolate the digit line from virtual ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher John Kawamura, Scott James Derner
  • Patent number: 11462277
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided that include a memory device having a memory array including a plurality of access lines and data lines. The memory device further includes a circuit coupled to the plurality of access lines and configured to provide consecutive pulses to a selected one of the plurality of access lines. Each pulse of the consecutive pulses includes a first voltage and a second voltage. The first voltage is greater in magnitude than the second voltage, and the first voltage is applied for a shorter duration than the second voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Toru Tanzawa