Semiconductive Patents (Class 365/174)
  • Patent number: 9019759
    Abstract: Techniques for providing a semiconductor memory device are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a semiconductor memory device including a plurality of memory cells arranged in an array of rows and columns. Each memory cell including a first region, a second region, and a body region capacitively coupled to at least one word line and disposed between the first region and the second region. Each memory cell also including a third region, wherein the third region may be doped differently than the first region, the second region, and the body region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Srinivasa R. Banna, Michael A. Van Buskirk, Timothy Thurgate
  • Patent number: 9013918
    Abstract: A two-terminal memory cell includes a first P-type semiconductor layer, a first N-type semiconductor layer, a second P-type semiconductor layer, and a second N-type semiconductor layer arranged in sequence. A first data state may be stored in the memory cell by applying a forward bias, which is larger than a punch-through voltage VBO, between the first P-type semiconductor layer and the second N-type semiconductor layer. A second data state may be stored in the memory cell by applying a reverse bias, which is approaching to the reverse breakdown region of the memory cell, between the first P-type semiconductor layer and the second N-type semiconductor layer. In this way, the memory cell may be effectively used for data storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Qingqing Liang, Xiaodong Tong, Huicai Zhong, Huilong Zhu
  • Publication number: 20150092484
    Abstract: A plurality of memory blocks; and a control block configured to independently operate a part of the plurality of memory banks as a first sub-channel and a remainder of the plurality of memory banks as a second sub-channel according to whether a sub-channel is set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Dong Uk LEE, Kyung Whan KIM, Dae Suk KIM
  • Patent number: 8994086
    Abstract: The invention provides a semiconductor device which is non-volatile, easily manufactured, and can be additionally written. A semiconductor device of the invention includes a plurality of transistors, a conductive layer which functions as a source wiring or a drain wiring of the transistors, and a memory element which overlaps one of the plurality of transistors, and a conductive layer which functions as an antenna. The memory element includes a first conductive layer, an organic compound layer and a phase change layer, and a second conductive layer stacked in this order. The conductive layer which functions as an antenna and a conductive layer which functions as a source wiring or a drain wiring of the plurality of transistors are provided on the same layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Hiroko Abe, Yukie Nemoto, Ryoji Nomura, Mikio Yukawa
  • Patent number: 8995165
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a resistive memory cell, including a unipolar type RRAM and a MOS transistor as a selection transistor serially connected to the unipolar type RRAM, wherein the MOS transistor is fabricated over a partial depletion SOI substrate and provides a large current for program and erase of the RRAM by using an intrinsic floating effect of the SOI substrate. The present invention utilizes a floating effect of a SOI device, in which under the same width/length ratio, a MOS transistor over a SOI substrate can provide larger source/drain current than a MOS transistor over a bulk silicon, so that the area occupied by the selection transistor is reduced, which is advantageous to the integration of the RRAM array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Peking University
    Inventors: Yimao Cai, Zhenni Wan, Ru Huang
  • Patent number: 8982639
    Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device includes a plurality of memory blocks, and a pass transistor array transmitting a plurality of drive signals to a selected memory block among the plurality of memory blocks in response to a block select signal. The pass transistor array includes high voltage transistors including one common drain and two sources formed in one active region and one of the plurality of drive signals transmitted to the common drain is transmitted to different memory blocks through the two sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-Young Kim, Myung-Hoon Choi
  • Patent number: 8976601
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory apparatus includes a boundary circuit unit positioned between a low voltage page buffer and a high voltage page buffer and having circuits configured to electrically couple the low voltage page buffer and the high voltage page buffer. The boundary circuit unit includes: a first boundary circuit unit having first and second transistors configured to receive data of a corresponding memory cell area through a signal transmission line selected from a plurality of signal transmission lines extended and arranged along a first direction for each column; a second boundary circuit unit disposed adjacent in the first direction from the first boundary circuit unit and having the plurality of signal transmission lines extended and arranged thereon; and an active region where the first transistor is formed and an active region where the second transistor is formed are isolated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Sung Lae Oh, Byung Sub Nam, Go Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 8971108
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a first semiconductor chip including a first pad group configured to input/output first data and a second pad group configured to input/output second data; and a second semiconductor chip in a stack with the first semiconductor chip and configured to be electrically connected to the first semiconductor chip by at least one chip through via, wherein the second semiconductor chip includes a first unit bank group including at least one first upper bank group and at least one first lower bank group, a second unit bank group including at least one second upper bank group and at least one second lower bank group, and a data path selector configured to electrically connect one among the first and second upper bank groups and the first and second lower bank groups with the chip through via.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Heat-Bit Park
  • Patent number: 8964453
    Abstract: Roughly described, the cell layout in an SRAM array is re-arranged such that the gate electrodes for transistors for which flexibility to use one channel length is desired, are formed along a different track from those for transistors for which flexibility to use a different channel length is desired. Not only does such a re-arrangement permit optimization of device ratios, but also in certain implementations can also reduce, rather than increase, cell area. Specific example layouts are described. The invention also involves layout files, macrocells, lithographic masks and integrated circuit devices incorporating these principles, as well as fabrication methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventors: Xi-Wei Lin, Victor Moroz
  • Patent number: 8953357
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device according to an embodiment includes a memory cell array including memory cells each formed from a transistor formed over an active area of a well and disposed at intersections of a word line and a bit line group, the memory cell having different connection states including a state in which a source or a drain of the transistor is not electrically connected to any one of bit lines belonging to the bit line group and states in which the source or the drain is electrically connected only to a specific one of the bit lines, and an active area serving as a gate of the transistor being continuously formed in arrangement areas of the bit lines of the bit line group and spaces between the bit lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Toshiaki Dozaka
  • Patent number: 8953358
    Abstract: A memory device in which one memory cell can operate in both a single-level cell mode and a multi-level cell mode includes a signal transmission path for a multi-level cell mode in which a multi-bit digital signal representing any of three or more states input to the memory circuit is converted by a D/A converter and stored in the memory cell and the stored data is read by converting a signal output from the memory cell into a multi-bit digital signal with an A/D converter and the multi-bit digital signal is output from the memory circuit, and a signal transmission path for a single-level cell mode in which a single-bit digital signal representing any of two states input to the memory circuit is directly stored in the memory cell and the signal stored in the memory cell is directly output from the memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuji Nishijima, Hiroyuki Miyake
  • Patent number: 8948215
    Abstract: A deserializer circuit includes demultiplexer circuitry configured to receive serial data from an input and output a plurality of divided data outputs, and multiplexer circuitry configured to receive a first logic level at a first input of said multiplexer circuitry, and receive a second logic level at a second input of said multiplexer circuitry and receive one of said divided data outputs at a control input of said multiplexer circuitry. The outputs of the multiplexer circuitry produce the received serial data in a parallel form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignees: STMicroelectronics SA, STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Mounir Zid, Alberto Scandurra, Carmelo Pistritto, Rached Tourki
  • Patent number: 8934282
    Abstract: A method of forming a circuitry includes providing a substrate comprising a plurality of die. Each die includes a plurality of resistive random access memory (RRAM) storage cells. The method further includes concurrently initializing substantially all of the RRAM storage cells on the same wafer. Initializing can include applying a voltage potential across the RRAM storage cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Kuhn, Feng Zhou
  • Patent number: 8934294
    Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit device, a method of manufacturing the same, and a method of driving the same are provided. The device includes a semiconductor substrate, an upper electrode extending from a surface of the semiconductor substrate; a plurality of switching structures extending from both sidewalls of the upper electrode in a direction parallel to the surface of the semiconductor substrate, and a phase-change material layer disposed between the plurality of switching structures and the upper electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Myoung Sub Kim, Soo Gil Kim, Nam Kyun Park, Sung Cheoul Kim, Gap Sok Do, Joon Seop Sim, Hyun Jeong Lee
  • Patent number: 8923058
    Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device is provided. The device may include a plurality of cell strings that are configured to share a bit line, word lines, and selection lines. Each of the cell strings may include a plurality of memory cells connected in series to each other and a string selection device controlling connections between the memory cells and the bit line, and the string selection device may include a first string selection element with a first threshold voltage and a second string selection element connected in series to the first string selection element and having a second threshold voltage different from the first threshold voltage. At least one of the first and second string selection elements may include a plurality of switching elements connected in series to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Changyun Lee, Yoocheol Shin, Jungdal Choi
  • Patent number: 8923062
    Abstract: A next read threshold is determined by determining a first number of solid state storage cells having a stored voltage which falls into a first voltage range and determining a second number of solid state storage cells having a stored voltage which falls into a second voltage range. A gradient is determine by taking a difference between the first number of solid state storage cells and the second number of solid state storage cells. The next read threshold is determined based at least in part on the gradient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: SK hynix memory solutions inc.
    Inventors: Frederick K. H. Lee, Jason Bellorado, Arunkumar Subramanian, Lingqi Zeng, Xiangyu Tang, Ameen Aslam
  • Patent number: 8917546
    Abstract: A method of writing to a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) of a magnetic memory array includes an access transistor coupled to the MTJ for reading of and writing to the MTJ, where when the MTJ is written to, at times, by switching its magnetic orientation from an anti-parallel to a parallel magnetic orientation, a bit line that is coupled to one end of the MTJ is raised to Vcc and a voltage that is the sum of Vcc and Vx is applied to the gate of the access transistor, with Vx being approximately the voltage at an opposite end of the MTJ. Further, the voltage of a Source Line (SL), which is coupled to the MTJ using a first transistor of a write driver that is also coupled to the SL, is regulated such that SL remains sufficiently above 0 volts to avoid violation of Vgs exceeding Vcc where Vgs is the gate to source voltage of the access transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Avalanche Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Ebrahim Abedifard
  • Patent number: 8891322
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that may include a first layer comprising a first redundant memory element, an input/output interface, a first layer fuse box, and a fuse blowing control. These systems and methods also may include a second layer coupled to the first layer through a first connection comprising a second layer memory element and a second layer fuse box coupled to the first redundant memory element. In addition, these systems and methods may further include a redundancy register coupled to the first layer, wherein upon the failure of part of the second layer memory element, the redundancy register provides information to the fuse blowing control that allocates part of the first redundant memory element to provide redundancy for the failed part of the second layer memory element by blowing elements in the first layer fuse box and the second layer fuse box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Conversant Intellectual Property Management Inc.
    Inventor: Hong Beom Pyeon
  • Patent number: 8891279
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided in a data processing system for enhancing wiring structure for a cache supporting an auxiliary data output. The mechanism splits the data cache into a first data portion and a second data portion. The first data portion provides a first set of data elements and the second data portion provides a second set of data elements. The mechanism connects a first data path to provide the first set of data elements to a primary output and connects a second data path to provide the second set of data elements to the primary output. The mechanism feeds the first data path back into the second data path and feeds the second data path back into the first data path. The mechanism connects a secondary output to the second data path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Christian Habermann, Walter Lipponer, Martin Recktenwald, Hans-Werner Tast
  • Patent number: 8873282
    Abstract: A memory device includes a die package including a plurality of memory dies, an interface including an interface circuit, and a memory controller to control the interface with control data received from at least one die. The interface is to divide and multiplex an IO channel between the package and the controller into more than one channel using the data received from the at least one die. The interface includes a control input buffer to receive an enable signal through a control pad, a first input buffer to receive first data through a first IO pad in response to a first state of the enable signal, and a second input buffer to receive second data through a second IO pad in response to a second state of the enable signal. The interface further includes an input multiplexer to multiplex the first data and the second data to provide input data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Oh Seung Min
  • Patent number: 8873280
    Abstract: A spin transfer torque random access memory includes a substance unit, a source line unit, an insulation unit, a transistor unit, a MTJ unit, and a bit line unit. The substance unit includes a substance layer. The source line unit includes a plurality of source lines formed inside the substance layer. The transistor unit includes a plurality of transistors respectively disposed on the source lines. Each transistor includes a source region formed on each corresponding source line, a drain region formed above the source region, a channel region formed between the source region and the drain region, and a surrounding gate region surrounding the source region, the drain region, and the channel region. The MTJ unit includes a plurality of MTJ structures respectively disposed on the transistors. The bit line unit includes at least one bit line disposed on the MTJ unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Inotera Memories, Inc.
    Inventors: Tzung Han Lee, Chung-Lin Huang, Ron Fu Chu
  • Publication number: 20140307500
    Abstract: A device (e.g., an integrated circuit memory device such as a static random access memory device) includes word line drivers. Each of the word line drivers includes a pull-up device that is coupled to a node via a shared line. A precharge device is coupled between a power supply and the node. The precharge device and a pull-up device for a selected word line driver are controlled to allow the power supply to charge the node and then to allow the charge stored in the node to flow into a word line corresponding to the selected word line driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Applied Micro Circuits Corporation
    Inventors: Jason T SU, Jitendra KHARE
  • Publication number: 20140269047
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for a memory cell having a floating body. A memory cell may include a transistor over an insulation layer, the transistor including a source, and a drain. The memory cell may also include a floating body including a first region positioned between the source and the drain, a second region positioned remote from each of the source and drain, and a passage extending through the insulation layer and coupling the first region to the second region. Additionally, the memory cell may include a bias gate at least partially surrounding the second region and configured for operably coupling to a bias voltage. Furthermore, the memory cell may include a plurality of dielectric layers, wherein each outer vertical surface of the second region has a dielectric layer of the plurality adjacent thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanh D. Tang, Mike N. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8837203
    Abstract: The data in a volatile memory may conventionally be lost even in case of a very short time power down or supply voltage drop such as an outage or sag. In view of the foregoing, an object is to extend data retention time even with a volatile memory for high-speed data processing. Data retention time can be extended by backing up the data content stored in the volatile memory in a memory including a capacitor and an oxide semiconductor transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Shionoiri, Hidetomo Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8837247
    Abstract: An exemplary semiconductor memory cell is provided to include: a floating body region configured to be charged to a level indicative of a state of the memory cell; a first region in electrical contact with the floating body region; a second region in electrical contact with the floating body region and spaced apart from the first region; a gate positioned between the first and second regions; a buried layer region in electrical contact with the floating body region, below the first and second regions, spaced apart from the first and second regions; and a substrate region configured to inject charge into the floating body region to maintain the state of the memory cell; wherein an amount of charge injected into the floating body region is a function of a charge stored in the floating body region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Zeno Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: Yuniarto Widjaja
  • Patent number: 8837201
    Abstract: Subject matter disclosed herein relates to a memory device, and more particularly to programming a non-volatile memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ferdinando Bedeschi, Innocenzo Tortorelli
  • Patent number: 8817514
    Abstract: A three-dimensional array read/write (R/W) memory elements is formed across multiple layers of planes positioned at different distances above a semiconductor substrate. It is preferable to operate the R/W elements with low current and high resistive states. The resistance of these resistive states depends also on the dimension of the R/W elements and is predetermined by the process technology. A sheet electrode in series with the R/W element and a method of forming it provide another degree of freedom to adjust the resistance of the R/W memory element. The thickness of the sheet electrode is adjusted to obtain a reduced cross-sectional contact in the circuit path from the word line to the bit line. This allows the R/W memory element to have a much increased resistance and therefore to operate with much reduced currents. The sheet electrode is formed with little increase in cell size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: SanDisk 3D LLC
    Inventors: George Samachisa, Johann Alsmeier
  • Patent number: 8804404
    Abstract: A semiconductor device that can transmit and receive data without contact is popular partly as some railway passes, electronic money cards, and the like; however, it has been a prime task to provide an inexpensive semiconductor device for further popularization. In view of the above current conditions, a semiconductor device of the present invention includes a memory with a simple structure for providing an inexpensive semiconductor device and a manufacturing method thereof. A memory element included in the memory includes a layer containing an organic compound, and a source electrode or a drain electrode of a TFT provided in the memory element portion is used as a conductive layer which forms a bit line of the memory element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Asami, Tamae Takano, Masayuki Sakakura, Ryoji Nomura, Shunpei Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8797785
    Abstract: Provided is a memory device in which memory capacity per unit area is increased without making the manufacturing process complicated. The memory device includes a plurality of memory cells, a plurality of word lines, and a plurality of bit lines. Each of the plurality of memory cells includes a switching element and a capacitor including a first electrode and a second electrode. In at least one of the plurality of memory cells, in accordance with a potential applied to one of the plurality of word lines, the switching element controls a connection between one of the plurality of bit lines and the first electrode, and the second electrode is connected to another one of the plurality of word lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshihiko Saito
  • Publication number: 20140211558
    Abstract: It is an object to provide a signal processing circuit for which a complex manufacturing process is not necessary and whose power consumption can be suppressed. In particular, it is an object to provide a signal processing circuit whose power consumption can be suppressed by stopping the power supply for a short time. The signal processing circuit includes a control circuit, an arithmetic unit, and a buffer memory device. The buffer memory device stores data sent from the main memory device or the arithmetic unit in accordance with an instruction from the control unit; the buffer memory device comprises a plurality of memory cells; and the memory cells each include a transistor including an oxide semiconductor in a channel formation region and a memory element to which charge whose amount depends on a value of the data is supplied via the transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 8787074
    Abstract: A static random access memory (SRAM) test structure includes a p-type source/drain implant region comprising contacts (CAs), wherein the CAs in the p-type source/drain implant region comprise a first plurality of bit line, ground, and node CAs, and wherein the CAs in the p-type source/drain implant region are grounded during an inspection of the SRAM test structure; and an ungrounded region, the ungrounded region being distinct from the p-type source/drain implant region and being ungrounded during the inspection of the SRAM test structure, the ungrounded region comprising contacts (CAs) and rectangular contacts (CArecs) comprising a second plurality of bit line, ground, and node CAs, and further comprising a first plurality of Vdd CAs and rectangular contacts (CArecs), and wherein a CA or CArec in the ungrounded region is grounded during the inspection in the event of a short to a CA in the p-type source/drain implant region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Oliver D. Patterson, Jin Zheng Wallner, Thomas A. Wallner, Shenzhi Yang
  • Patent number: 8767457
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for a memory cell having a floating body. A memory cell may include a transistor over an insulation layer, the transistor including a source, and a drain. The memory cell may also include a floating body including a first region positioned between the source and the drain, a second region positioned remote from each of the source and drain, and a passage extending through the insulation layer and coupling the first region to the second region. Additionally, the memory cell may include a bias gate at least partially surrounding the second region and configured for operably coupling to a bias voltage. Furthermore, the memory cell may include a plurality of dielectric layers, wherein each outer vertical surface of the second region has a dielectric layer of the plurality adjacent thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanh D. Tang, Mike N. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20140177330
    Abstract: Some aspects of this disclosure relate to a memory device. The memory device includes a collector region having a first conductivity type and which is coupled to a source line of the memory device. A base region is formed over the collector region and has a second conductivity type. A gate structure is coupled to the base region and acts as a shared word line for first and second neighboring memory cells of the memory device. First and second emitter regions are formed over the base region and have the first conductivity type. The first and second emitter regions are arranged on opposite sides of the gate structure. First and second contacts extend upwardly from the first and second emitter regions, respectively, and couple the first and second emitter regions to first and second data storage elements, respectively, of the first and second neighboring memory cells, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Wei Ting, Chun-Yang Tsai, Kuo-Ching Huang
  • Patent number: 8760954
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device (20, 60) includes a plurality of memory cells (22), which are configured to store data. Multiple P-N junctions (24) are arranged so that a single, respective P-N junction is disposed in proximity to each memory cell and is configured to emit optical radiation during readout from the memory cell with a wavelength matching an emission wavelength of the memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Cisco Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Lior Amarilio, Uri Bear, Reuven Elbaum, Yigal Shapiro, Chaim D. Shen-Orr, Yonatan Shlomovich, Zvi Shkedy
  • Patent number: 8755223
    Abstract: A three-dimensional array adapted for memory elements that reversibly change a level of electrical conductance in response to a voltage difference being applied across them. Memory elements are formed across a plurality of planes positioned different distances above a semiconductor substrate. Bit lines to which the memory elements of all planes are connected are oriented vertically from the substrate and through the plurality of planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Sandisk 3D LLC
    Inventor: Roy E. Scheuerlein
  • Patent number: 8748934
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a vertical selection transistor, a memory cell having the vertical selection transistor, a three-dimensional memory array structure and a method for fabricating the three-dimensional memory array structure. The vertical selection transistor comprises: an upper electrode; a lower electrode; a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer, a third semiconductor layer and a fourth semiconductor layer vertically stacked between the lower electrode and the upper electrode; and a gate stack formed on a side of the second semiconductor layer, in which the first semiconductor layer and the third semiconductor layer are first type doped layers, the second semiconductor layer and the fourth semiconductor layer are second type doped layers, and a doping concentration of the second semiconductor layer is lower than that of the first semiconductor layer or that of the third semiconductor layer respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Tsinghua University
    Inventors: Liyang Pan, Fang Yuan
  • Patent number: 8750025
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices, among which is a device that includes a first semiconductor fin having a first gate, a second semiconductor fin adjacent the first semiconductor fin and having a second gate, and a third gate extending between the first semiconductor fin and the second semiconductor fin. In some embodiments, the third gate may not be electrically connected to the first gate or the second gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Werner Juengling
  • Patent number: 8737123
    Abstract: A system includes a control chip and a plurality of command terminals receiving a plurality of command signals, respectively; a command decoder coupled to the command terminals, the command decoder being configured to output an internal command in response to the command signals; and a layer address buffer configured to output a layer address each time the command decoder outputs a row command as the internal command and outputs a column command as the internal command; and a plurality of core chips stacked with one another, each of the core chips being configured to receive the, row command and the layer address output together with the row command, to receive the column command and the layer address output together with the column command, and to free from receiving the command signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Akira Ide
  • Patent number: 8730720
    Abstract: A memory cell is provided that includes a first conductor, a second conductor, and a semiconductor junction diode between the first and second conductors. The semiconductor junction diode is not in contact with a material having a lattice mismatch of less than 12 percent with the semiconductor junction diode. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: SanDisk 3D LLC
    Inventors: Scott Brad Herner, Abhijit Bandyopadhyay
  • Patent number: 8717807
    Abstract: The present invention provides an IG 7T FinFET SRAM, which adopts independently-controlled-gate super-high-VT FinFETs to achieve a stacking-like property, whereby to eliminate the read disturb and half-select disturb. Further, the present invention uses keeper circuits and read control voltage to reduce leakage current of the bit lines during read. Furthermore, the present invention can effectively overcome the problem of the conventional 6T SRAM that is likely to have read errors at low operation voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: National Chiao Tung University
    Inventors: Ching-Te Chuang, Yin-Nien Chen, Chien-Yu Hsieh, Ming-Long Fan, Pi-Ho Hu, Pin Su
  • Patent number: 8687416
    Abstract: It is an object to provide a signal processing circuit for which a complex manufacturing process is not necessary and whose power consumption can be suppressed. In particular, it is an object to provide a signal processing circuit whose power consumption can be suppressed by stopping the power supply for a short time. The signal processing circuit includes a control circuit, an arithmetic unit, and a buffer memory device. The buffer memory device stores data sent from the main memory device or the arithmetic unit in accordance with an instruction from the control unit; the buffer memory device comprises a plurality of memory cells; and the memory cells each include a transistor including an oxide semiconductor in a channel formation region and a memory element to which charge whose amount depends on a value of the data is supplied via the transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 8687399
    Abstract: An Integrated device comprising a first monocrystalline layer comprising logic circuit regions and a second monocrystalline layer comprising memory regions constructed above first monocrystalline layer, wherein the memory regions comprise second transistors, wherein said second transistors comprise drain and source that are horizontally oriented with respect to the second monocrystalline layer, and a multiplicity of vias through the second monocrystalline layer providing connections between the memory regions and the logic circuit regions, wherein at least one of the multiplicity of vias have a radius of less than 100 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Monolithic 3D Inc.
    Inventors: Deepak C Sekar, Zvi Or-Bach, Paul Lim
  • Patent number: 8687401
    Abstract: The invention provides a Ferro-RRAM, a method of operating the Ferro-RRAM, and a method of fabricating the Ferro-RRAM, and pertains to the technical field of memory. The Ferro-RRAM comprises an upper electrode, a lower electrode, and a ferroelectric semiconducting thin-film layer provided between the upper electrode and the lower electrode and serving as a storage function layer; wherein the ferroelectric semiconducting thin-film layer is operable to generate a diode conduction characteristic by ferroelectric domain reorientation, and is operable to modulate the diode conduction characteristic by variation of the ferroelectric domain orientation; the Ferro-RRAM stores information according to variation of modulation of the diode conduction characteristic. The Ferro-RRAM has such characteristics of being simple in structure and fabrication, non-destructive readout and nonvolatile storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Fudan University
    Inventors: Anquan Jiang, Xiaobing Liu
  • Patent number: 8681533
    Abstract: A signal processing circuit using a nonvolatile memory circuit with a novel structure is provided. The nonvolatile memory circuit is formed using a transistor including an oxide semiconductor and a capacitor connected to one of a source electrode and a drain electrode of the transistor. A high-level potential is written to the memory circuit in advance, and this state is kept in the case where data to be saved has a high-level potential, whereas a low-level potential is written to the memory circuit in the case where data to be saved has a low-level potential. Thus, a signal processing circuit with improved writing speed can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masashi Fujita
  • Patent number: 8675381
    Abstract: A memory device comprises an array of memory cells each capable of storing multiple bits of data. The memory cells are arranged in memory strings that are connected to a common source line. Each memory cell includes a programmable transistor connected in series with a resistance. The transistor includes a gate dielectric that is switchable between a plurality of different resistance values. The threshold voltage of the transistor changes according to the resistance value of the gate dielectric. Memory states of the memory cells can thus be associated with respective resistance values of the dielectric layer of the transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hang-Ting Lue, Kuo-Pin Chang
  • Patent number: 8659928
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments related to stacked memory devices, such as DRAMs, SRAMs, EEPROMs, ReRAMs, and CAMs. For example, stack position identifiers (SPIDs) are assigned or otherwise determined, and are used by each memory device to make a number of adjustments. In one embodiment, a self-refresh rate of a DRAM is adjusted based on the SPID of that device. In another embodiment, a latency of a DRAM or SRAM is adjusted based on the SPID. In another embodiment, internal regulation signals are shared with other devices via TSVs. In another embodiment, adjustments to internally regulated signals are made based on the SPID of a particular device. In another embodiment, serially connected signals can be controlled based on a chip SPID (e.g., an even or odd stack position), and whether the signal is an upstream or a downstream type of signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Michael C. Stephens, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8659949
    Abstract: A three-dimensional memory structure is provided, comprising plural stacked structures vertically formed on a substrate, each stacked structure comprising a bottom gate, wherein the bottom gates of the stacked structures are electrically connected; plural gates and gate insulators alternately stacked on the bottom gate; and two selection lines formed above the gates and spaced apart form each other and the selection lines being independently controlled, wherein the gate insulator fills between the selection lines, between the gate and the selection lines and forms on top of the selection lines for insulation. The 3D memory structure further comprises plural charge trapping multilayers formed outsides of the stacked structures and extending to the bottom gates; plural ultra-thin channels formed outsides of the charge trapping multilayers and lined between the adjacent stacked structures; and a dielectric layer formed between the ultra-thin channels and between the stacked structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shih-Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 8659941
    Abstract: A nonvolatile memory includes a memory cell including a first transistor and a second transistor. The first transistor includes a first channel, a first gate electrode, a first source electrode, and a first drain electrode. The second transistor includes a second channel made of oxide semiconductor material, a second gate electrode, a second source electrode, and a second drain electrode. One of the second source electrode and the second drain electrode is electrically connected to the first gate electrode. Data writing in the memory cell is done by raising the potential of a node between one of the second source electrode and the second drain electrode and the first gate electrode. Data erasure in the memory cell is done by irradiating the second channel with ultraviolet light and lowering the potential of the node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichiro Kamata, Yusuke Sekine
  • Patent number: 8637845
    Abstract: Optimized electrodes for ReRAM memory cells and methods for forming the same are discloses. One aspect comprises forming a first electrode, forming a state change element in contact with the first electrode, treating the state change element, and forming a second electrode. Treating the state change element increases the barrier height at the interface between the second electrode and the state change element. Another aspect comprises forming a first electrode in a manner to deliberately establish a certain degree of amorphization in the first electrode, forming a state change element in contact with the first electrode. The degree of amorphization of the first electrode is either at least as great as the degree of amorphization of the state change element or no more than 5 percent less than the degree of amorphization of the state change element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: SanDisk 3D LLC
    Inventors: Deepak C. Sekar, April Schricker, Xiying Chen, Klaus Schuegraf
  • Patent number: 8634224
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method of operating a memory cell includes using different electrodes to change a programmed state of the memory cell than are used to read the programmed state of the memory cell. In one aspect, a memory cell includes first and second opposing electrodes having material received there-between. The material has first and second lateral regions of different composition relative one another. One of the first and second lateral regions is received along one of two laterally opposing edges of the material. Another of the first and second lateral regions is received along the other of said two laterally opposing edges of the material. At least one of the first and second lateral regions is capable of being repeatedly programmed to at least two different resistance states. Other aspects and implementations are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhaskar Srinivasan, Gurtej S. Sandhu