Four Or More Devices Per Bit Patents (Class 365/188)
  • Patent number: 9595316
    Abstract: Embodiments of design-for-test (DFT) apparatuses and related techniques are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a DFT apparatus may include an SRAM cell, read/write (R/W) circuitry to provide a nominal word line (WL) voltage and a nominal BL voltage for application to the SRAM cell during accesses. The DFT apparatus may also include test circuitry having an activated state and a deactivated state. When the test circuitry is in the activated state, in some embodiments, the WL voltage and/or the BL voltage applied to the SRAM cell may be different from the nominal voltages provided by the R/W/decoder circuitry. The R/W/decoder circuitry may be operated to perform accesses to the SRAM cell while the test circuitry is in the activated state. Other embodiments may be disclosed and/or claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: INTEL IP CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vianney Choserot, Loubna Hannati, Nabil Badereddine, Christophe Chanussot
  • Patent number: 9324780
    Abstract: Embodiments of mechanisms for forming a semiconductor device with metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor structure are provided. The MIM capacitor structure includes a substrate; and a MIM capacitor formed on the substrate. The MIM capacitor includes a bottom electrode formed over the substrate. The bottom electrode is a top metal layer. The MIM capacitor also includes an insulating layer formed on the bottom electrode; and a top electrode formed on the insulating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Chung Jen, Chia-Lun Hsu
  • Patent number: 9001571
    Abstract: A 6T static random access memory cell, array, and memory thereof are provided, in which the memory cell includes a first inverter, a second inverter, a first access transistor, and a second access transistor. The first inverter and second inverter respectively include a first pull-up transistor, a first pull-down transistor, a second pull-up transistor and a second pull-down transistor. The first pull-down and pull-up transistors each have a drain terminal mutually coupled to form a first node. The second pull-down and pull-up transistors each have a drain terminal mutually coupled to form a second node. The first and second access transistors each have a gate terminal respectively coupled to a first word line and a second word line. When the first word line provides on signals to turn on the first access transistor, the second low voltage supply provides a first differential voltage simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: National Tsing Hua University
    Inventors: Meng-Fan Chang, Chien-Fu Chen, Ting-Hao Chang, Hiroyuki Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 8995176
    Abstract: Schematic circuit designs for a dual-port SRAM cell are disclosed, together with various layout schemes for the dual-port SRAM cell. The dual-port SRAM cell comprises a storage unit and a plurality of partial dummy transistors connected to the outputs of the storage unit. Various layout schemes for the dual-port SRAM cell are further disclosed. A gate electrode serves as the gate for a pull-down transistor and a pull-up transistor, a gate of a first partial dummy transistor, and a gate of a second partial dummy transistor. A butt contact connects a long contact to the gate electrode. The long contact further connects to a drain of a pull-down transistor, a drain of a pull-up transistor, a drain of a first pass gate, and a drain of a second pass gate, wherein the first pass gate and the second pass gate share an active region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jhon Jhy Liaw
  • 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: 8964457
    Abstract: A circuit includes a Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) array. An SRAM cell is in the SRAM array and includes a p-well region, a first and a second n-well region on opposite sides of the p-well region, and a first and a second pass-gate FinFET. The first pass-gate FinFET and the second pass-gate FinFET are p-type FinFETs. A CVss line is over the p-well region, wherein the CVss line is parallel to an interface between the p-well region and the first n-well region. A bit-line and a bit-line bar are on opposite sides of the CVss line. A CVdd line crosses over the SRAM cell. A CVss control circuit is connected to the CVss line. The CVss control circuit is configured to provide a first CVss voltage and a second CVss voltage to the CVss line, with the first and the second CVss voltage being different from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jhon-Jhy Liaw
  • Patent number: 8885393
    Abstract: A voltage source controller for a memory array includes an input coupled to a voltage source, an output coupled to one or more memory cells of a memory array, where the output is configured to provide a cell source voltage to the memory cells. The controller also includes a switch circuit configured to: receive a retention enable signal, a write assist enable signal, and a standard mode enable signal; and based on the retention enable signal, write assist enable signal, and standard mode enable signal, selectively set the cell source voltage for one or more of the memory cells to one of: a retention voltage, a write assist voltage, or a standard mode voltage, where the retention voltage and the write assist voltage are less than the standard mode voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ajay Bhatia, Hang Huang
  • Patent number: 8879334
    Abstract: A semiconductor device avoids the disturb problem and the collision between write and read operations in a DP-SRAM cell or a 2P-SRAM cell. The semiconductor device 1 includes a write word line WLA and a read word line WLB each coupled to memory cells 3. A read operation activates the read word line WLB corresponding to the selected memory cell 3. A write operation activates the write word line WLA corresponding to the selected memory cell 3. The selected write word line WLA is activated after activation of the selected read word line WLB in an operation cycle that performs both read and write operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichiro Ishii, Yoshikazu Saito, Shinji Tanaka, Koji Nii
  • Patent number: 8873287
    Abstract: A nonvolatile programmable logic switch according to an embodiment includes first and second cells, each of the first and second cells including: a first memory having a first to third terminals, the third terminal being receiving a control signal; a first transistor connected at one of source/drain to the second terminal; and a second transistor connected at a gate to the other of the source/drain of the first transistor, the third terminal of the first memory in the first cell and the third terminal of the first memory in the second cell being connected in common. When conducting writing into the first memory in the first cell, the third terminal is connected to a write power supply generating a write voltage, the first terminals in the first and second cells are connected to a ground power supply and a write inhibit power supply generating a write inhibit voltage respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Koichiro Zaitsu, Kosuke Tatsumura, Mari Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8867258
    Abstract: A system and method to read and write data at a memory cell that includes multiple non-volatile memories is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a memory device includes a plurality of memory cells. At least one of the memory cells includes a first non-volatile memory including a first resistive memory element and a second multi-port non-volatile memory including a second resistive memory element. Each of the first non-volatile memory and the second non-volatile memory is accessible via multiple ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Hari M. Rao, Jung Pill Kim, Siamack Haghighi
  • Patent number: 8830732
    Abstract: A Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) cell includes a first long boundary and a second long boundary parallel to a first direction, and a first short boundary and a second short boundary parallel to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first and the second long boundaries are longer than, and form a rectangle with, the first and the second short boundaries. A CVss line carrying a VSS power supply voltage crosses the first long boundary and the second long boundary. The CVss line is parallel to the second direction. A bit-line and a bit-line bar are on opposite sides of the CVss line. The bit-line and the bit-line bar are configured to carry complementary bit-line signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jhon-Jhy Liaw
  • 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: 8773944
    Abstract: An N-dimension addressable memory is disclosed. The memory includes an N-dimension array of bit cells and logic configured to address each bit cell using N-Dimension Addressing (NDA), where N is at least two and the array of bit cells is addressable by N orthogonal address spaces. Each bit cell of the N-dimension addressable memory includes a bit storage element, N word lines, and N bit lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Chihtung Chen, Inyup Kang, Viraphol Chaiyakul
  • 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: 8705292
    Abstract: To provide a nonvolatile memory circuit having a novel structure. A first memory circuit, a second memory circuit, a first switch, a second switch, and a phase inverter circuit are included. The first memory circuit includes a first transistor formed using an oxide semiconductor film, a second transistor, a third transistor, and a capacitor. The first transistor formed using an oxide semiconductor film and the capacitor are used to form the nonvolatile memory circuit. Reductions in number of power supply lines and signal lines which are connected to the memory circuit and transistors used in the memory circuit allow a reduction in circuit scale of the nonvolatile memory circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masashi Fujita
  • 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: 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: 8638591
    Abstract: A four transistor (4T) memory device is provided. The device includes a first cell transistor and a second cell transistor, the first and second cell transistors coupled to each other and defining latch circuitry having at least one multi-stable node. The device further includes a first access transistor and a second access transistor, the first and second access transistors coupling the at least one multi-stable node to at least one bit-line. In the device, each of the first and second cell transistors and each of the first and second access transistors is a unidirectional field effect transistor configured for conducting current in a first direction and to be insubstantially incapable of conducting current in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventors: Vinay Saripalli, Dheeraj Mohata, Saurabh Mookherjea, Suman Datta, Vijaykrishnan Narayanan
  • Patent number: 8605516
    Abstract: A random access memory (RAM) cell provides a control section and a storage section coupled to the storage section. The storage section includes complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) transistors and the storage section is read by precharging the control section to a virtual drain voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Christopher D. Moore, Sean J. Keller, Alain J. Martin
  • Patent number: 8576612
    Abstract: A memory cell includes a storage element, a write circuit coupled to the storage element and a read circuit coupled to the storage element. At least a portion of the storage element and at least a portion of the write circuit are fabricated using a thicker functional gate oxide and at least a portion of the read circuit is fabricated using a thinner functional gate oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Manish Garg, Chiaming Chai, Michael ThaiThanh Phan
  • Patent number: 8570791
    Abstract: A word line driver circuit for providing a suppressed word line voltage includes a switch configured to selectively load a word line to a suppressed word line voltage node and a word line charging circuit coupled between a high power supply node and the suppressed word line voltage node. The word line charging circuit includes a first transistor device responsive to a control pulse for charging the suppressed word line voltage node to a suppressed word line voltage and a second transistor device for maintaining the suppressed word line voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jack Liu
  • Patent number: 8570789
    Abstract: A static random access memory (SRAM) test apparatus includes an array of SRAM test cells. The test cells are configured according to a layout with NMOS and PMOS transistors coupleable as inverters and responsive to a first passing gate transistor. At least one of the NMOS and PMOS transistors of a test cell at a predetermined location in the array is coupled to a fixed voltage to force a logic state of an associated inverter. A switching signal coupled to the associated inverter through a second passing gate transistor produces a detectable test current through one of the NMOS and PMOS transistors of the associated inverter of said test cell and through one of the NMOS and PMOS transistors of an associated inverter of an adjacent series-connected test cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Feng-Ming Chang
  • Patent number: 8553448
    Abstract: A static random access memory (SRAM) cell includes a pair of cross-coupled inverters having a first node and a second node. A first transistor is coupled between the first node and a first bit line. A second transistor is coupled between the second node and a second bit line. A third transistor is coupled with the first node. The third transistor has a threshold voltage that is higher than that of a fourth transistor of the pair of cross-coupled inverters by about 10% or more. A fifth transistor is coupled between the third transistor and a third bit line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen Hung Lee, Hung-Jen Liao
  • Patent number: 8531873
    Abstract: An SRAM memory cell with an internal supply feedback loop is provided herein. The memory cell includes a latch that has a storage node Q, a storage node QB, a supply node, and a ground node. The supply node is coupled via a gating device to a supply voltage and ground node is connected to ground. In addition, storage node Q is fed back via feedback loop into a control node of the gating device. In operation, writing into the memory cell may be carried out in a similar manner to dual port SRAM cells, utilizing one or two write circuitries and for writing into storage node Q and storage node QB respectively. Differently from standard SRAM cells, the feedback loop, by controlling the gating device is configured to weaken the write contention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Research and Development Authority
    Inventors: Adam Teman, Lidor Pergament, Omer Cohen, Alexander Fish
  • Patent number: 8514613
    Abstract: Integrated circuits may include configurable-port memory cells. The configurable-port memory cells may be operable in single-port mode and multiport mode. Each configurable-port memory cell may be coupled to first and second pairs of data lines. The configurable-port memory cell may include a first latching circuit having a first data storage node and a second latching circuit having a second data storage node. The first latching circuit may be coupled to the first pair of data lines through a first set of access transistors, whereas the second latching circuit may be coupled to the second pair of data lines through a second set of access transistors. An additional transistor may be coupled between the first and second data storage nodes. The configurable-port memory cell is configured in the single-port mode if the additional transistor is turned off and is configured in the dual-port mode if the additional transistor is turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventor: David Lewis
  • Patent number: 8451654
    Abstract: In two inverters included in a latch in a memory cell, the source or drain of a PMOS load transistor connected to a memory node is cut off, and the source or drain of an NMOS drive transistor connected to another memory node is cut off, whereby internal data is fixed or permanently stored in the memory cell while ensuring a resistance to damage to the gate of the transistor and without impairing the regularity of the layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Koike
  • Patent number: 8385112
    Abstract: A variable resistance memory array, programming a variable resistance memory element and methods of forming the array. A variable resistance memory array is formed with a plurality of word line transistors surrounding each phase change memory element. To program a selected variable resistance memory element, all of the bitlines are grounded or biased at the same voltage. A top electrode select line that is in contact with the selected variable resistance memory element is selected. The word line having the word line transistors surrounding the selected variable resistance memory element are turned on to supply programming current to the element. Current flows from the selected top electrode select line through the variable resistance memory element into the common source/drain region of the surrounding word line transistors, across the transistors to the nearest bitline contacts. The word lines are patterned in various lattice configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Jun Liu
  • Patent number: 8363456
    Abstract: To improve reliability of a semiconductor device having an SRAM. The semiconductor device has a memory cell including six n-channel type transistors and two p-channel type transistors formed over a silicon substrate. Over the silicon substrate, a first p well, a first n well, a second p well, a second n well, and a third p well are arranged in this order when viewed in a row direction. First and second positive-phase access transistors are disposed in the first p well, first and second driver transistors are disposed in the second p well, and first and second negative-phase access transistors are arranged in the third p well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Nii
  • Patent number: 8339893
    Abstract: A static random access memory (SRAM) cell includes a first read port, the first read port having a first beta ratio; and a write port, the write port having a second beta ratio that is substantially lower than the first beta ratio. A static random access memory (SRAM) array includes a plurality of SRAM cells, an SRAM cell including a first read port, the first read port having a first beta ratio; and a write port, the write port having a second beta ratio that is substantially lower than the first beta ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Yuen H. Chan, Louis C. Hsu, Xu Ouyang, Robert C. Wong
  • Patent number: 8315081
    Abstract: A system and method to read and write data at a memory cell that includes multiple non-volatile memories is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a memory device is disclosed that includes a plurality of memory cells, where at least one of the memory cells comprises a first non-volatile memory including a first resistive memory element and a second multi-port non-volatile memory including a second resistive memory element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Hari M. Rao, Jung Pill Kim, Siamack Haghighi
  • Patent number: 8289754
    Abstract: A static random access memory (SRAM) cell includes a pair of cross-coupled inverters having a first node and a second node. A first transistor is coupled between the first node and a first bit line. A second transistor is coupled between the second node and a second bit line. A third transistor is coupled with the first node. The third transistor has a threshold voltage that is higher than that of a fourth transistor of the pair of cross-coupled inverters by about 10% or more. A fifth transistor is coupled between the third transistor and a third bit line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng Hung Lee, Hung-Jen Liao
  • Patent number: 8289755
    Abstract: Memory elements are provided that exhibit immunity to soft error upsets. The memory elements may have cross-coupled inverters. The inverters may be implemented using programmable Schmitt triggers. The memory elements may be locked and unlocked by providing appropriate power supply voltages to the Schmitt trigger. The memory elements may each have four inverter-like transistor pairs that form a bistable element, at least one address transistor, and at least one write enable transistor. The write enable transistor may bridge two of the four nodes. The memory elements may be locked and unlocked by turning the write enable transistor on and off. When a memory element is unlocked, the memory element is less resistant to changes in state, thereby facilitating write operations. When the memory element is locked, the memory element may exhibit enhanced immunity to soft error upsets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Irfan Rahim, Jeffrey T. Watt, Andy L. Lee, Myron Wai Wong, William Bradley Vest
  • Patent number: 8259487
    Abstract: The semiconductor memory device includes an initialization memory cell having a first inverter circuit including a first transistor and a second transistor, and a second inverter circuit whose input portion is connected to an output portion of the first inverter circuit and output portion is connected to an input portion of the first inverter circuit, and including a third transistor and a fourth transistor. An absolute value of a threshold voltage of the third transistor is smaller than that of the first transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masashi Fujita
  • Patent number: 8218353
    Abstract: Integrated circuits with memory elements are provided. The memory elements may be arranged in a memory block. The memory block may include cross-coupled inverters that store data. The stored data may be used to program pass transistors. Transistors in the memory block may be stressed. Depending on the type of stress-inducing layer used, a tensile stress or a compressive stress may be built in into the transistors. Stressed transistors may help improve the routing speed of the memory block. Stressed transistors may be implemented using dual gate-oxide process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Liu, Shankar Sinha, Qi Xiang, Yow-Juang Liu
  • Patent number: 8218372
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a first node is connected to a gate of a second PMOS and a gate of a second NMOS, a second node is connected to a gate of a first PMOS and a gate of a first NMOS, a gate of the first transistor is connected to a first signal line, a source of a first transistor is connected to the first node, and a drain of the first transistor is connected to the second node, a gate of a second transistor is connected to the second node, a source of the second transistor is connected to a third node, and a drain of the second transistor is connected to a second signal line, and a gate of a third transistor is connected to a third signal line, a source of the third transistor is connected to a fourth signal line, and a drain of the third transistor is connected to the third node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Daisaburo Takashima
  • Patent number: 8213211
    Abstract: A method and system for improving reliability of OTP memories, and in particular anti-fuse memories, by storing one bit of data in at least two OTP memory cells. Therefore each bit of data is read out by accessing the at least two OTP memory cells at the same time in a multi-cell per bit mode. By storing one bit of data in at least two OTP memory cells, defective cells or weakly programmable cells are compensated for since the additional cell or cells provide inherent redundancy. Program reliability is ensured by programming the data one bit at a time, and verifying all programmed bits in a single-ended read mode, prior to normal operation where the data is read out in the multi-cell per bit mode. Programming and verification is achieved at high speed and with minimal power consumption using a novel program/verify algorithm for anti-fuse memory. In addition to improved reliability, read margin and read speed are improved over single cell per bit memories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Sidense Corp.
    Inventor: Wlodek Kurjanowicz
  • Patent number: 8203867
    Abstract: An integrated circuit with SRAM cells containing dual passgate transistors and a read buffer, all connected to one word line is disclosed. The read buffer and one passgate transistor may be variously configured to a separate read data line and write data line, or a combined data line, in different embodiments. The read buffer in addressed SRAM cells may be biased during read operations. The read buffer in half-addressed SRAM cells may be biased or floated, depending on the configuration of the read data line and the write data line. The read buffer in addressed and half-addressed SRAM cells may be biased or floated, depending on the configuration of the read data line and the write data line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Theodore W. Houston
  • Patent number: 8189367
    Abstract: A single event upset (SEU) hardened memory cell to be utilized in static random access memories is disclosed. The SEU hardened memory cell includes a first transistor, a second transistor and a first resistor connected between a source of the first transistor and a drain of the second transistor. The SEU hardened memory cell also includes a third transistor, a fourth transistor and a second resistor connected between a source of the third transistor and a drain of the fourth transistor. The first resistor is also connected between a gate of the third transistor and the drain of the second transistor. The second resistor is also connected between a gate of the first transistor and the drain of the fourth transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Lawson, Jason F. Ross
  • Patent number: 8154086
    Abstract: It is intended to achieve a sufficiently-small SRAM cell area and a stable operation margin in an E/R type 4T-SRAM comprising a vertical transistor SGT. In a static type memory cell made up using four MOS transistors and two load resistor elements, each of the MOS transistor constituting the memory cell is formed on a planar silicon layer formed on a buried oxide film, to have a structure where a drain, a gate and a source are arranged in a vertical direction, wherein the gate is formed to surround a pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, and each of the load resistor elements is made of polysilicon and formed on the planar silicon layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Unisantis Electronics Singapore Pte Ltd.
    Inventors: Fujio Masuoka, Shintaro Arai
  • Patent number: 8120989
    Abstract: An N-dimension addressable memory. The memory includes an N-dimension array of bit cells and logic configured to address each bit cell using N-Dimension Addressing (NDA), where N is at least two and the array of bit cells is addressable by N orthogonal address spaces. Each bit cell of the N-dimension addressable memory includes a bit storage element, N word lines, and N bit lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Chihtung Chen, Inyup Kang, Viraphol Chaiyakul
  • Patent number: 8072797
    Abstract: A Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) cell without dedicated access transistors is described. The SRAM cell comprises a plurality of transistors configured to provide at least a pair of storage nodes for storing complementary logic values represented by corresponding voltages. The transistors comprise at least one bitline transistor, at least on wordline transistor and at least two supply transistors. The bitline transistor is configured to selectively couple one of the storage nodes to at least one corresponding bitline, the bitline for being shared by SRAM cells in one of a common row or column. The wordline transistor is configured to selectively couple another of the storage nodes to at least one corresponding wordline, the wordline for being shared by SRAM cells in the other of the common row or column. The supply transistors are configured to selectively couple corresponding ones of the storage nodes to a supply voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Certichip Inc.
    Inventors: Manoj Sachdev, David Rennie
  • Patent number: 8058690
    Abstract: An apparatus including a first diffusion formed on a substrate, the first diffusion including a pair of channels, each of which separates a source from a drain; a second diffusion formed on the substrate, the second diffusion including a channel that separates a source from a drain; a first gate electrode formed on the substrate, wherein the first gate electrode overlaps one of the pair of channels on the first diffusion to form a pass-gate transistor; and a second gate electrode formed on the substrate, wherein the second gate electrode overlaps one of the pair of channels of the first diffusion to form a pull-down transistor and overlaps the channel of the second diffusion to form a pull-up transistor, and wherein the pass-gate, pull-down and pull-up transistors are of at least two different constructions. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Peter L. D. Chang
  • Patent number: 8009461
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a SRAM having a pair of MCSFETs connected as access transistors (pass gates). A design structure embodied or stored in a machine readable medium includes a SRAM having two MCSFETs connected as access transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Xu Ouyang, Louis C. Hsu
  • Patent number: 7995413
    Abstract: A memory device is a provided that includes memory cells situated at the intersection of lines and columns, and a dummy path including a first dummy column having two bit lines to which there are connected dummy memory cells, and a circuit adapted to select at least one of the dummy memory cells to discharge one of the dummy bit lines. The dummy path also includes at least one second dummy column adapted to generate a dummy leakage current (representing a leakage current of a column of the memory device selected in read mode), and a circuit adapted to copy the dummy leakage current to the one dummy bit line, so that the discharge of the one dummy bit line also depends on the dummy leakage current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.A.
    Inventors: Franck Genevaux, Alban Forichon
  • Patent number: 7990760
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device comprises a cell array having a plurality of SRAM cells arranged in a bit line direction and a word line direction orthogonal to said bit line direction in a matrix; and a peripheral circuit arranged adjacent to the cell array in the bit line direction. The cell array includes first P-well regions and first N-well regions shaped in stripes extending in the bit line direction and arranged alternately in the word line direction. The SRAM cell is formed point-symmetrically in the first P-well region and the first N-well regions located on both sides thereof. The peripheral circuit includes second P-well regions and second N-well regions extending in the bit line direction and arranged alternately in the word line direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Guo Fukano
  • Patent number: 7965540
    Abstract: A digital logic storage structure includes cross coupled first and second complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) inverters formed on a semiconductor substrate, the CMOS inverters including a first storage node and a second storage node that is the logical complement of the first storage node; both of the first and second storage nodes each selectively coupled to a deep trench capacitor through a switching transistor, with the switching transistors controlled by a common capacitance switch line coupled to gate conductors thereof; wherein, in a first mode of operation, the switching transistors are rendered nonconductive so as to isolate the deep trench capacitors from the inverter storage nodes and, in a second mode of operation, the switching transistors are rendered conductive so as to couple the deep trench capacitors to their respective storage nodes, thereby providing increased resistance of the storage nodes to single event upsets (SEUs).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ethan H. Cannon, Toshiharu Furukawa, David Horak, Charles W. Koburger, III, Jack A. Mandelman
  • Patent number: 7961499
    Abstract: A memory cell includes a storage element, a write circuit coupled to the storage element and a read circuit coupled to the storage element. At least a portion of the storage element and at least a portion of the write circuit are fabricated using a thicker functional gate oxide and at least a portion of the read circuit is fabricated using a thinner functional gate oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Manish Garg, Chiaming Chai, Michael ThaiThanh Phan
  • Patent number: 7929332
    Abstract: The semiconductor memory device includes an initialization memory cell having a first inverter circuit including a first transistor and a second transistor, and a second inverter circuit whose input portion is connected to an output portion of the first inverter circuit and output portion is connected to an input portion of the first inverter circuit, and including a third transistor and a fourth transistor. An absolute value of a threshold voltage of the third transistor is smaller than that of the first transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masashi Fujita
  • Publication number: 20110058428
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a first node is connected to a gate of a second PMOS and a gate of a second NMOS, a second node is connected to a gate of a first PMOS and a gate of a first NMOS, a gate of the first transistor is connected to a first signal line, a source of a first transistor is connected to the first node, and a drain of the first transistor is connected to the second node, a gate of a second transistor is connected to the second node, a source of the second transistor is connected to a third node, and a drain of the second transistor is connected to a second signal line, and a gate of a third transistor is connected to a third signal line, a source of the third transistor is connected to a fourth signal line, and a drain of the third transistor is connected to the third node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Daisaburo Takashima
  • Patent number: 7885092
    Abstract: A semiconductor storage device includes: a bit line; a first word line; a second word line; a first inverter in which one terminal of a first load transistor is connected to a first driver transistor and their junction point forms a first node; a second inverter in which one terminal of a second load transistor is connected to a second driver transistor and their junction point forms a second node; a first write transistor one terminal of which is connected to the first load transistor and the other terminal of which is connected to a power supply voltage; a second write transistor one terminal of which is connected to the first driver transistor and the other terminal is connected to a reference potential; and an access transistor one terminal of which is connected to the first node and the other terminal of which is connected to the bit line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Masaya Uematsu