Bidirectional Bus Patents (Class 365/189.18)
  • Patent number: 11481127
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a memory region from which first data and second data are sequentially read, and a data output circuit suitable for selectively performing a reset operation on a data pad according to a logical relationship between the first and second data during an output disable period between a first output enable period corresponding to first output data and a second output enable period corresponding to second output data, when sequentially outputting the first and second output data corresponding to the first and second data through the data pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Kang-Sub Kwak
  • Patent number: 11107546
    Abstract: Disclosed are a memory device and an operating method thereof, and the memory device includes a plurality of first data lines, a plurality of second data lines, a common redundant memory region coupled to at least one repair line of the second data lines, a plurality of normal memory regions coupled to the first data lines in common, and coupled in common to the remaining the second data lines excluding the repair line, and a repair circuit coupled to the first and second data lines, and suitable for replacing at least one defective memory cell in the normal memory regions with at least one redundant memory cell in the common redundant memory region by shifting some or all of the first data lines to some or all of the second data lines, based on a row address, a column address and a region address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Mi-Hyun Hwang, Jong-Chern Lee
  • Patent number: 10991405
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a flag shifting circuit and an auto-pre-charge control circuit. The flag shifting circuit generates a first shifted flag signal by shifting a first flag signal by a second latency period, the first flag signal generated based on a first operation clock signal, and configured to generate a second shifted flag signal by shifting a second flag signal by a first latency period, the second flag signal generated based on a second operation clock signal. The auto-pre-charge control circuit generates an auto-pre-charge signal by shifting the first shifted flag signal and the second shifted flag signal by a recovery period based on the first operation clock signal and the second operation clock signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Woongrae Kim, Geun Ho Choi, Kyung Mook Kim
  • Patent number: 10872668
    Abstract: A semiconductor storage device includes a first memory cell electrically connected to a first bit line and a first word line, a second memory cell electrically connected to a second bit line and the first word line, and a first circuit configured to supply voltages to the first word line. During a reading operation to read a page of memory cells including the first memory cell and the second memory cell, the first circuit supplies a first voltage to the first word line while the first memory cell is selected as a read target during a first time period, and supplies a second voltage greater than the first voltage to the first word line while the second memory cell is selected as a read target during a second time period that is different from the first time period, and directly thereafter, supplies the first voltage to the first word line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MEMORY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mai Shimizu, Koji Kato, Yoshihiko Kamata, Mario Sako
  • Patent number: 10658024
    Abstract: A memory device is provided. The memory device includes a memory array having at least one memory cell. The memory device further includes a sense amplifier circuit configured to read data from the at least one memory cell, write data to the at least one memory cell, or a combination thereof. The memory device additionally includes a first bus configured to provide a first electric power to the sense amplifier circuit, and a second bus configured to provide a second electric power to a second circuit, wherein the first bus and the second bus are configured to be electrically coupled to each other to provide for the first electric power and the second electric power to the at least one memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Tae H. Kim, Charles L. Ingalls
  • Patent number: 10593400
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a non-volatile memory device includes a memory array divided into a plurality of tiles, and a row decoder that includes main row decoding units associated to a respective group of tiles. The row decoded further includes local row decoding units, each associated to a respective tile for carrying out selection and biasing of corresponding word lines based on decoded address signals and biasing signals. Each local row decoding unit has logic-combination modules coupled to a set of word lines and include, for each word line, a pull-down stage for selecting a word line, and a pull-up stage. The pull-up stage is dynamically biased, alternatively, in a strong-biasing condition towards a tile-supply voltage when the word line is not selected, or in a weak-biasing condition when the word line is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventor: Antonino Conte
  • Patent number: 9946586
    Abstract: A memory system includes: a nonvolatile memory device; and a controller operatively coupled to the nonvolatile memory device and to a host, the controller including first and second interfaces suitable for inputting and/or outputting data from or to the host, wherein the controller is suitable for selecting any one of the first and second interfaces depending on a result of a durability check of the nonvolatile memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Jun-Seo Lee
  • Patent number: 9741398
    Abstract: Memory devices connected in a chain topology to a host controller that communicate using Low Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS) and out-of-band signaling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Leinwander
  • Patent number: 9741447
    Abstract: Disclosed here is a semiconductor device that comprises a plurality of input nodes configured to be supplied with input signals, a decoder coupled to the input nodes, the decoder configured to decode the input signals and output decoded signals, and a plurality of fuse circuits provided correspondingly with the decoded signals and configured to be programmed responsive to the decoded signals, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Akamatsu
  • Patent number: 9711195
    Abstract: A semiconductor device may be provided. The semiconductor device may include a first chip and a second chip. The second chip may be configured to receive signals from the first chip to generate a latch address based on the received signals from the first chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Chang Hyun Kim, Min Chang Kim, Do Yun Lee, Jae Jin Lee, Hun Sam Jung
  • Patent number: 9472258
    Abstract: A method of operating a memory device comprises receiving a first row address corresponding to a first word line in the first sub bank array and corresponding to a first word line in the second sub bank array, determining whether at least one of the first word lines has been replaced with a spare word line, (a) when neither of the first word lines has been replaced, receiving a first number of row addresses for refresh operations in order to refresh adjacent word lines to the first word lines, and (b) when at least one of the first word lines has been replaced with a spare word line, receiving a second number of row addresses for refresh operations in order to refresh adjacent word lines to any non-replaced first word and any spare word lines, wherein the second number is greater than the first number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung-Jun Shin, Sung-Min Yim
  • Patent number: 9401197
    Abstract: During a command/address calibration mode, a memory controller may transmit multiple cycles of test patterns as signals to a memory device. Each cycle of test pattern signals may be transmitted at an adjusted relative phase with respect to a clock also transmitted to the memory device. The memory device may input the test pattern signals at a timing determined by the clock, such as rising and/or falling edges of the clock. The test pattern as input by the memory device may be sent to the memory controller to determine if the test pattern was successfully transmitted to the memory device during the cycle. Multiple cycles of test pattern transmissions are evaluated to determine a relative phase of command/address signals with respect to the clock for transmission during operation of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Young-Jin Jeon
  • Patent number: 9030895
    Abstract: A random access memory includes a data signal line, a data-synchronization signal line for a data synchronization signal which provides a synchronization signal when data is transmitted to the data signal line, and a setting module. The setting module determines whether the data signal line is set to be a data signal line for common input/output use, a data signal line for output-only use, or a data signal line for input-only use, and further determines whether the data-synchronization signal line is set to be a data-synchronization signal line for common input/output use, a data-synchronization signal line for output-only use, or a data-synchronization signal line for input-only use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Seiji Miura, Yoshinori Haraguchi, Kazuhiko Abe, Shoji Kaneko, Akira Yabu
  • Patent number: 8982609
    Abstract: A memory includes a first bit line, a memory cell coupled to the first bit line, and a read assist device coupled to the first bit line. The read assist device is configured to pull a first voltage on the first bit line toward a predetermined voltage in response to a first datum being read out from the memory cell. The read assist device includes a first circuit configured to establish a first current path between the first bit line and a node of the predetermined voltage during a first stage. The read assist device further includes a second circuit configured to establish a second current path between the first bit line and the node of the predetermined voltage during a second, subsequent stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-Ping Yang, Hong-Chen Cheng, Chih-Chieh Chiu, Chia-En Huang, Cheng Hung Lee
  • Patent number: 8964495
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for continued operation of a memory module, including a first and second memory device, when one of memory devices has failed. The method includes receiving a write operation request to write a data word, having first and second sections, by a first memory module. The memory module may have a first memory device and a second memory device, for respectively storing the first and second sections of the data word. A determination if one of the first and second memory devices is inoperable is made. If one of the first and second memory devices is inoperable, a write operation is performed by writing the first and second sections of the data word to the operable one of the first and second memory devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Edgar R. Cordero, Timothy J. Dell, Girisankar Paulraj, Saravanan Sethuraman
  • Patent number: 8953394
    Abstract: A logic chip and memory chip stacked over the logic chip, the logic chip having a first surface facing the memory chip and a second surface opposite to the first surface and including: first and second internal input/output circuit units for exchanging signals; first external input/output circuit unit for exchanging signals through first external input/output pads formed according to an external interface standard of a first memory over the second surface; and second external input/output circuit unit for exchanging signals through second external input/output pads formed according to an external interface standard of a second memory over the second surface, wherein semiconductor device operates in one of a first mode in which the first internal input/output circuit unit and the first external input/output circuit unit are enabled and a second mode in which the first and second internal input/output circuit units and the second external input/output circuit unit are enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Seon Kwang Jeon, Sung Soo Ryu, Chang Il Kim, Jang Ryul Kim
  • Patent number: 8923074
    Abstract: A sense amplifier circuit is connected to a bit-line and senses and amplifies a signal read from a memory cell. A first data latch is connected to a sense amplifier via a first bus. A second data latch is connected to a second bus. A plurality of circuit groups are repeatedly provided in a first direction, each circuit group including one sense amplifier circuit and one first data latch. The second data latch is provided between the circuit groups and an input/output buffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Masahiro Yoshihara, Naofumi Abiko, Katsumi Abe
  • Patent number: 8879341
    Abstract: A method for operating a memory system includes providing a memory system including a memory controller, and first and second memory devices constituting a ring topology. The memory controller is connected to the first memory device through first and second links. The second memory device is disposed on the first link. The first memory device starts a first operation. The first link is used as a communication path between the first memory device and the memory controller. The second memory device starts a second operation before the first memory device completes the first operation. The communication path between the first memory device and the memory controller is changed into the second link. The first link is used as a communication path between the second memory device and the memory controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Weixin Wang, Hee-Chang Cho, Il-Su Han
  • 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: 8861250
    Abstract: A novel mask read-only memory is provided. After the mask read-only memory leaves the factory, the mask read-only memory has two types of cell structures. The first type cell structure records a first storing state (e.g. the logic state “1”), and the second type cell structure records a second storing state (the logic state “0”).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: eMemory Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Meng-Yi Wu, Chih-Hao Huang, Kuan-Ming Huang
  • Patent number: 8856464
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a system is disclosed including a master memory controller and a plurality of memory modules coupled to the master memory controller. Each memory module includes a plurality of read-writeable non-volatile memory devices in a plurality of memory slices to form a two-dimensional array of memory. Each memory slice in each memory module includes a slave memory controller coupled to the master memory controller. When the master memory controller issues a memory module request, it is partitioned into a slice request for each memory slice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Virident Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Vijay Karamcheti, Kumar Ganapathy
  • Patent number: 8854900
    Abstract: A non-volatile memory with multiple memory dice manages simultaneous operations so as to not exceed a system power capacity. A load signal bus is pulled up with a strength proportional to the system power capacity. Each die has a driver to pull down the bus by an amount corresponding to its degree of power need as estimated by a state machine of the die. The bus therefore provides a load signal that serves as arbitration between the system power capacity and the cumulative loads of the individual dice. The load signal is therefore at a high state when the system power capacity is not exceeded; otherwise it is at a low state. When a die wishes to perform an operation and requests a certain amount of power, it drives the bus accordingly and its state machine either proceeds with the operation or not, depending on the load signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dana Lee, Yi-Chieh Chen, Farookh Moogat
  • Patent number: 8848470
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for continued operation of a memory module, including a first and second memory device, when one of memory devices has failed. The method includes receiving a write operation request to write a data word, having first and second sections, by a first memory module. The memory module may have a first memory device and a second memory device, for respectively storing the first and second sections of the data word. A determination if one of the first and second memory devices is inoperable is made. If one of the first and second memory devices is inoperable, a write operation is performed by writing the first and second sections of the data word to the operable one of the first and second memory devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Edgar R. Cordero, Timothy J. Dell, Girisankar Paulraj, Saravanan Sethuraman
  • Patent number: 8773925
    Abstract: A multi-level dynamic random-access memory (MLDRAM) represents an original bit combination of more than one bit using a cell voltage stored in a single memory cell. The cell voltage is in one of a number of discrete analog voltage ranges each corresponding to a respective one of the possible values of the bit combination. In reading a selected memory cell, stored charge is conveyed via a local bitline to a preamplifier. The preamplifier amplifies the signal on the local bitline and drives a global bitline with an analog signal representative of the stored voltage. A digitizer converts the analog signal on the global bitline into a read bit combination. The read bit combination is then moved to a data cache over the global bitline. The data cache writes an analog voltage back to the memory cell to write a new value or restore data destroyed in reading the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshihito Koya, Brent Haukness
  • Publication number: 20140160838
    Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for operating a three-dimensional memory array. An example array includes access transistors with first, second and gate terminals. Bit lines are coupled to the first terminals, word lines coupled to the gate terminals, and vertical lines are coupled to the second terminals. The bit, word, and vertical lines are perpendicular to one another. Memory cells are positioned along the vertical lines, including a bidirectional access device coupled in series with a memory element. The memory element is programmable to first and second states by application of first and second write voltages, opposite in polarity to one another. The array includes conductive plates parallel to the word and bit lines, and perpendicular to the vertical lines. The conductive plates are coupled to memory cells of the same height and separated by insulating layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: SangBum Kim, Chung H. Lam
  • Publication number: 20140160836
    Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for operating a three-dimensional memory array. An example array includes access transistors with first, second and gate terminals. Bit lines are coupled to the first terminals, word lines coupled to the gate terminals, and vertical lines are coupled to the second terminals. The bit, word, and vertical lines are perpendicular to one another. Memory cells are positioned along the vertical lines, including a bidirectional access device coupled in series with a memory element. The memory element is programmable to first and second states by application of first and second write voltages, opposite in polarity to one another. The array includes conductive plates parallel to the word and bit lines, and perpendicular to the vertical lines. The conductive plates are coupled to memory cells of the same height and separated by insulating layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: SangBum Kim, Chung H. Lam
  • Patent number: 8750014
    Abstract: Memories, driver circuits, and methods for generating an output signal in response to an input signal. One such driver circuit includes an input stage and an output stage. The input stage receives the input signal and provides a delayed input signal having a delay relative to the input signal. The output stage receives the delayed input signal and further receives the complement of the input signal. The output stage couples an output node to a first voltage in response to a complement of the input signal having a first logic level and couples the output to a second voltage in response to the complement of the input signal having a second logic level. The output stage further decouples the output from the first or second voltage in response to receiving the delayed input signal to provide a high-impedance at the output node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Greg King
  • Patent number: 8743627
    Abstract: A memory device comprises a memory cell array, a first and a second pre-charging switch circuits, a selecting circuit, an auxiliary memory cell array, a dynamic voltage controller and a sense amplifier. The auxiliary memory cell array comprises an auxiliary read bit line and a plurality of memory cells arranged in a column and electrically connected to the auxiliary read bit line. The second pre-charging switch circuit determines whether or not to supply a reference voltage to each of the aforementioned memory cells according to a pre-charging control signal. The dynamic voltage controller determines whether or not to supply a voltage to the auxiliary read bit line according to the voltage level of the output signal of the selecting circuit. The sense amplifier compares the voltage levels of the output signal of the selecting circuit and the voltage on the auxiliary read bit line to output a sensing result accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corporation
    Inventors: Shi-Wen Chen, Tsan-Tang Chen, Chi-Chang Shuai
  • Patent number: 8724406
    Abstract: A bidirectional shift register includes a first register circuit and a second register circuit. The first register circuit includes a first register stage and a first output buffer stage with n numbers of scanning signal output ends. The first register stage is electrically coupled to a third voltage source. The first output buffer stage is electrically coupled to a second voltage source and a first voltage source. The second register circuit has a similar circuit structure to the first register circuit; wherein the first register circuit and the second register circuit each use n+1 numbers clock signal lines, and the n is a positive integer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.
    Inventors: Chien-Chang Tseng, Kuang-Hsiang Liu, Yu-Hsin Ting
  • Patent number: 8717828
    Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor memory device that includes a plurality of channel memories mounted within a package and is capable of minimizing or reducing the number of through-silicon vias. With the semiconductor memory device, a row command or a row address on two or more channels is applied through a shared bus. The semiconductor memory device is capable of reducing an overhead of a die size by reducing the number of through-silicon vias. A method of driving a multi-channel semiconductor memory device including a plurality of memories, using a shared bus, is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun-Joong Kim, Dongyang Lee
  • Patent number: 8692573
    Abstract: Embodiments of a memory controller are described. This memory controller communicates signals to a memory device via a signal line, which can be a data signal line or a command/address signal line. Termination of the signal line is divided between an external impedance outside of the memory controller and an internal impedance within the memory controller. The memory controller does not activate the external impedance prior to communicating the signals and, therefore, does not deactivate the external impedance after communicating the signals. The internal impedance of the memory controller can be enabled or disabled in order to reduce interface power consumption. Moreover, the internal impedance may be implemented using a passive component, an active component or both. For example, the internal impedance may include either or both an on-die termination and at least one driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Kyung Suk Oh, Woopoung Kim, Huy M. Nguyen, Eugene C. Ho
  • Patent number: 8687435
    Abstract: Methods, memory devices and systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a non-volatile memory device receives command signals through the same input/output terminals that receive address signals and write data signals and transmit read data signals. The input/output terminals are connected to a multiplexer, which is responsive to a received mode control signal to couple the input/output terminals to either a command bus or an input/output bus. A latch in the memory device latches the command signals when the mode control signal causes the input/output terminals to be coupled to the input/output bus. As a result, the command signals continue to be applied to the command bus. When the mode control signal causes the input/output terminals to be coupled to the input/output bus, write data signals are clocked into the memory device and read data signals are clocked out of the memory device responsive to a received clock signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott N. Gatzemeier, Wallace E. Fister, Adam D. Johnson, Benjamin S. Louie
  • Patent number: 8634258
    Abstract: A memory has a serial interface. The serial interface is programmable to either use separate dedicated input and output pads, or to use one bidirectional pad. When one bidirectional pad is used, the interface signal count is reduced by one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Poorna Kale
  • Publication number: 20140016401
    Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor integrated circuit according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention including first and second transmitter-receivers that execute transmission and reception of data through a signal line. The first transmitter-receiver includes a first termination circuit that includes a first resistor and a first switch, the first resistor being provided between a first power supply terminal and the signal line, the first switch controlling a current flowing through the first resistor to be turned on and off, and a control circuit that outputs a first control signal to the first termination circuit so that the first switch is turned on when the first transmitter-receiver receives data, the first switch is turned off when the first transmitter-receiver transmits the data, and the first switch is continuously on during a first predetermined period after receiving the data when the first transmitter-receiver further receives another data after receiving the data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Masayasu Komyo, Yoichi Iizuka
  • Patent number: 8630128
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a serial peripheral interface memory device. In an embodiment, the memory device includes a clock signal, a plurality of pins, and a configuration register. In an embodiment, the configuration register includes a wait cycle count. The method includes transmitting a read address to the memory device using a first input/output pin and a second input/output pin concurrently. In an embodiment, the read address includes at least a first address bit and a second address bit, the first address bit being transmitted using the first input/output pin, and the second address bit being transmitted using the second input/output pin. The method includes accessing the memory device for data associated with the address and waiting a predetermined number clock cycles associated with the wait cycle count. The method includes transferring the data from the memory device using the first input/output pin and the second input/output pin concurrently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Hsiung Hung, Kuen-Long Chang, Chia-He Liu
  • Publication number: 20140003169
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments may include a circuit having a plurality of data terminals, no more than two pairs of differential data strobe terminals associated with the plurality of data terminals, and digital logic circuitry. The digital logic circuitry may be coupled to the data terminals and configured to use the no more than two pairs of differential data strobe terminals concurrently with the plurality of data terminals to transfer data. Other embodiments may be disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Md Altaf Hossain, Kevin J. Doran, Nagi Aboulenein
  • Patent number: 8593902
    Abstract: A controller for a DDR PSRAM is provided. The controller includes a single rate processing unit, a double rate processing unit and a selector. The signal rate processing unit obtains a single data rate data according to a first data and a first clock. The double rate processing unit obtains a double data rate data according to a second data and a second clock that is two times the frequency of the first clock. The selector selectively provides any of the single data rate data and the double data rate data to the DDR PSRAM via a common bus according to a control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Mediatek Inc.
    Inventors: Chih-Hsin Lin, Tsung-Huang Chen, Bing-Shiun Wang, Jen-Pin Su
  • Patent number: 8593889
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes methods, and circuits, for operating a memory device. One method embodiment for operating a memory device includes controlling data transfer through a memory interface in an asynchronous mode by writing data to the memory device at least partially in response to a write enable signal on a first interface contact, and reading data from the memory device at least partially in response to a read enable signal on a second interface contact. The method further includes controlling data transfer in a synchronous mode by transferring data at least partially in response to a clock signal on the first interface contact, and providing a bidirectional data strobe signal on an interface contact not utilized in the asynchronous mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean K. Nobunaga, June Lee, Chih Liang Chen
  • Patent number: 8593885
    Abstract: A memory integrated circuit comprises first and second memory arrays and first and second interfaces. The first interface receives a signal for accessing a memory location in one of the first and the second memory arrays during a first time interval. The second interface receives a signal for accessing a memory location in one of the first and the second memory arrays during the first time interval. The first interface receives signals for accessing memory locations in the first and the second memory arrays, and the second interface is disabled from accessing the first and the second memory arrays during the second time interval. A signaling rate of a signal received by the second interface, a supply voltage of the second interface, an on-chip termination impedance of the second interface, or a voltage amplitude of a signal received by the second interface is adjusted during the second time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick A. Ware
  • Patent number: 8576643
    Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit has a central processing unit and a rewritable nonvolatile memory area disposed in an address space of the central processing unit. The nonvolatile memory area has a first nonvolatile memory area and a second nonvolatile memory area, which memorize information depending on the difference of threshold voltages. The first nonvolatile memory area has a maximum variation width of a threshold voltage for memorizing an information set larger than that of the second nonvolatile memory area. The first nonvolatile memory area can be prioritized to expedite a read speed of the memory information, and the second nonvolatile memory area can be prioritized to guarantee the number of times of rewrite operation of memory information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaka Shinagawa, Takeshi Kataoka, Eiichi Ishikawa, Toshihiro Tanaka, Kazumasa Yanagisawa, Kazufumi Suzukawa
  • Patent number: 8514638
    Abstract: In a semiconductor device and a write control circuit, a voltage detection unit detects a write voltage supplied to a storage element (electrical fuse element) in which only single writing is electrically performed and, when the write voltage is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold voltage, allows the write control unit to stop writing to the electrical fuse element regardless of the write signal. The above processing permits the write control circuit to suppress false writing caused by the fact that abnormality occurs in a write voltage and it becomes an overvoltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Koyashiki, Jun Nagayama, Masahito Isoda, Tomoharu Awaya
  • Publication number: 20130141980
    Abstract: A memory has a serial interface. The serial interface is programmable to either use separate dedicated input and output pads, or to use one bidirectional pad. When one bidirectional pad is used, the interface signal count is reduced by one.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Micron Technology, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8446789
    Abstract: A global line sharing circuit of a semiconductor memory device includes: a ZQ calibration unit configured to adjust an impedance of a DQ output driver; a test unit configured to control a test operation; and a shared global line coupled to and used in common by the ZQ calibration unit and the test unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Chun-Seok Jeong
  • Patent number: 8446781
    Abstract: A system is provided for multi-rank, partial-width memory modules. A memory controller is provided. Additionally, a memory bus is provided. Further, a memory module with a plurality of ranks of memory circuits is provided, the memory module including a first number of data pins that is less than a second number of data pins of the memory bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Suresh Natarajan Rajan, Michael John Sebastian Smith
  • Patent number: 8447920
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for improving access to non-volatile solid-state storage systems. Embodiments described herein provide a physical chunk number (PCN), or a physical page number (PPN), by which a controller can access the next available chunks (or pages) in a programming sequence optimized by concurrency. By incrementing the PCN, the controller can program consecutive chunks in the optimized programming sequence. In one embodiment, the programming sequence is determined at the time of initial configuration and the sequence seeks to synchronize data programming and data sending operations in subcomponents of the storage system to minimize contention and wait time. In one embodiment, the PCN includes an index portion to a superblock table with entries that reference specific blocks within the subcomponents in a sequence that mirrors the optimized programming sequence, and a local address portion that references a particular chunk to be programmed or read.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Mei-Man L. Syu
  • Patent number: 8422314
    Abstract: A method is provided for achieving SRAM output characteristics from DRAMs, in which a plurality of DRAMs are arranged connected in parallel to a controller in such a way as to be able to obtain SRAM output characteristics using the DRAMs, comprising a process in which data is output to an external device when a control signal for data reading has been input from the external device, by sequentially repeating a step in which the controller sends a data output state control signal to one DRAM and sends a refresh standby state control signal to the other DRAMs, the data is read and sent to the external device from the DRAM in the output state, and a refresh standby state control signal is sent to the DRAM which was in the output state while an output state control signal is sent to another DRAM and data is read out from the DRAM in the output state, and a step in which the controller sends a control signal for changing the output state to the refresh standby state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Seong Jae Lee
  • Patent number: 8421630
    Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a Radio Frequency ID (RFID) tag that contains multiple Radio Frequency (RF) network nodes that provide enhanced memory capabilities, redundant functionality, and multiple frequency capabilities to the RFID tag using an inter-RF network node communication connection. The inter-RF network node communication may allow the coordination of RFID tag memory and functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Tego Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy P. Butler, Javier Berrios
  • Patent number: 8400844
    Abstract: Methods, memory devices and systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a non-volatile memory device receives command signals through the same input/output terminals that receive address signals and write data signals and transmit read data signals. The input/output terminals are connected to a multiplexer, which is responsive to a received mode control signal to couple the input/output terminals to either a command bus or an input/output bus. A latch in the memory device latches the command signals when the mode control signal causes the input/output terminals to be coupled to the input/output bus. As a result, the command signals continue to be applied to the command bus. When the mode control signal causes the input/output terminals to be coupled to the input/output bus, write data signals are clocked into the memory device and read data signals are clocked out of the memory device responsive to a received clock signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Gatzemeier, Wallace Fister, Adam Johnson, Ben Louie
  • Patent number: 8368541
    Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a method of memory mapping disparate memories on a composite radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, where the RFID tag includes a plurality of individual RFID devices each having a memory store with a physical memory address range and mounted to a common substrate, where at least one of the individual RFID devices comprises memory configuration information, and where a memory addressing facility maps the physical memory address ranges of each of the individual RFID devices to a single logical addressing space and presents the address space as a single memory, where the memory addressing facility is included on a computing facility separate from the composite RFID tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Tego Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Moore, Steve Beckhardt, David Puleston, Robert W. Hamlin, Leonid Mats
  • Patent number: 8369171
    Abstract: A memory has a serial interface. The serial interface is programmable to either use separate dedicated input and output pads, or to use one bidirectional pad. When one bidirectional pad is used, the interface signal count is reduced by one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Poorna Kale