Bidirectional Bus Patents (Class 365/189.18)
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Patent number: 11481127Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 23, 2019Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: SK hynix Inc.Inventor: Kang-Sub Kwak
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Patent number: 11107546Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 24, 2019Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: SK hynix Inc.Inventors: Mi-Hyun Hwang, Jong-Chern Lee
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Patent number: 10991405Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 6, 2020Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: SK hynix Inc.Inventors: Woongrae Kim, Geun Ho Choi, Kyung Mook Kim
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Patent number: 10872668Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 22, 2019Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: TOSHIBA MEMORY CORPORATIONInventors: Mai Shimizu, Koji Kato, Yoshihiko Kamata, Mario Sako
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Patent number: 10658024Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 26, 2019Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Scott J. Derner, Tae H. Kim, Charles L. Ingalls
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Patent number: 10593400Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 17, 2018Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventor: Antonino Conte
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Patent number: 9946586Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 31, 2017Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.Inventor: Jun-Seo Lee
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Patent number: 9741447Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 9, 2015Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Hiroshi Akamatsu
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Patent number: 9741398Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 21, 2014Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Mark Leinwander
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Patent number: 9711195Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 16, 2016Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: SK hynix Inc.Inventors: Chang Hyun Kim, Min Chang Kim, Do Yun Lee, Jae Jin Lee, Hun Sam Jung
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Patent number: 9472258Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 16, 2015Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Seung-Jun Shin, Sung-Min Yim
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Patent number: 9401197Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 3, 2015Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Young-Jin Jeon
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Patent number: 9030895Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 28, 2009Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Seiji Miura, Yoshinori Haraguchi, Kazuhiko Abe, Shoji Kaneko, Akira Yabu
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Patent number: 8982609Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 13, 2012Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Jung-Ping Yang, Hong-Chen Cheng, Chih-Chieh Chiu, Chia-En Huang, Cheng Hung Lee
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Patent number: 8964495Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 19, 2014Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Edgar R. Cordero, Timothy J. Dell, Girisankar Paulraj, Saravanan Sethuraman
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Semiconductor device capable of operating in both a wide input/output mode and a high-bandwidth mode
Patent number: 8953394Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 4, 2013Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.Inventors: Seon Kwang Jeon, Sung Soo Ryu, Chang Il Kim, Jang Ryul Kim -
Patent number: 8923074Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 28, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Masahiro Yoshihara, Naofumi Abiko, Katsumi Abe
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Patent number: 8879341Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 12, 2012Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Weixin Wang, Hee-Chang Cho, Il-Su Han
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Patent number: 8873282Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 18, 2011Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Oh Seung Min
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Patent number: 8861250Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 31, 2013Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: eMemory Technology Inc.Inventors: Meng-Yi Wu, Chih-Hao Huang, Kuan-Ming Huang
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Patent number: 8856464Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 11, 2009Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Virident Systems, Inc.Inventors: Vijay Karamcheti, Kumar Ganapathy
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Patent number: 8854900Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 26, 2012Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: SanDisk Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Dana Lee, Yi-Chieh Chen, Farookh Moogat
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Patent number: 8848470Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 29, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Edgar R. Cordero, Timothy J. Dell, Girisankar Paulraj, Saravanan Sethuraman
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Patent number: 8773925Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 1, 2010Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Rambus Inc.Inventors: Yoshihito Koya, Brent Haukness
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Publication number: 20140160836Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2012Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: SangBum Kim, Chung H. Lam
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Publication number: 20140160838Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2013Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: SangBum Kim, Chung H. Lam
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Patent number: 8750014Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 9, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Greg King
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Patent number: 8743627Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 18, 2012Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: United Microelectronics CorporationInventors: Shi-Wen Chen, Tsan-Tang Chen, Chi-Chang Shuai
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Patent number: 8724406Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 15, 2012Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.Inventors: Chien-Chang Tseng, Kuang-Hsiang Liu, Yu-Hsin Ting
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Patent number: 8717828Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 17, 2011Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hyun-Joong Kim, Dongyang Lee
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Patent number: 8692573Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 9, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Rambus Inc.Inventors: Kyung Suk Oh, Woopoung Kim, Huy M. Nguyen, Eugene C. Ho
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Patent number: 8687435Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 19, 2013Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Scott N. Gatzemeier, Wallace E. Fister, Adam D. Johnson, Benjamin S. Louie
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Patent number: 8634258Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 4, 2013Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Poorna Kale
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Publication number: 20140016401Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: Renesas Electronics CorporationInventors: Masayasu Komyo, Yoichi Iizuka
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Patent number: 8630128Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 14, 2012Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chun-Hsiung Hung, Kuen-Long Chang, Chia-He Liu
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Publication number: 20140003169Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2012Publication date: January 2, 2014Inventors: Md Altaf Hossain, Kevin J. Doran, Nagi Aboulenein
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Patent number: 8593902Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 5, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Mediatek Inc.Inventors: Chih-Hsin Lin, Tsung-Huang Chen, Bing-Shiun Wang, Jen-Pin Su
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Patent number: 8593885Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 2, 2012Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Rambus Inc.Inventor: Frederick A. Ware
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Patent number: 8593889Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 21, 2012Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Dean K. Nobunaga, June Lee, Chih Liang Chen
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Patent number: 8576643Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 8, 2012Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Renesas Electronics CorporationInventors: Yutaka Shinagawa, Takeshi Kataoka, Eiichi Ishikawa, Toshihiro Tanaka, Kazumasa Yanagisawa, Kazufumi Suzukawa
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Patent number: 8514638Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 11, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor LimitedInventors: Tsuyoshi Koyashiki, Jun Nagayama, Masahito Isoda, Tomoharu Awaya
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Publication number: 20130141980Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2013Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Micron Technology, Inc.
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Patent number: 8446789Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 23, 2010Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.Inventor: Chun-Seok Jeong
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Patent number: 8447920Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 29, 2010Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Mei-Man L. Syu
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Patent number: 8446781Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 2, 2012Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Suresh Natarajan Rajan, Michael John Sebastian Smith
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Patent number: 8422314Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 27, 2011Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Inventor: Seong Jae Lee
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Patent number: 8421630Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 28, 2012Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Tego Inc.Inventors: Timothy P. Butler, Javier Berrios
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Patent number: 8400844Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 21, 2011Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Scott Gatzemeier, Wallace Fister, Adam Johnson, Ben Louie
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Patent number: 8368541Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 26, 2012Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Tego Inc.Inventors: Larry Moore, Steve Beckhardt, David Puleston, Robert W. Hamlin, Leonid Mats
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Patent number: 8369171Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 29, 2011Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Poorna Kale