Testing Patents (Class 365/201)
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Patent number: 11835595Abstract: A chip and a chip testing method are provided. The chip includes a sending terminal circuit and a test circuit. The sending terminal circuit includes a signal sending unit and a first signal bump. The first signal bump is coupled to the signal sending unit. The test circuit is coupled to a circuit node between the signal sending unit and the first signal bump. The test circuit includes a first resistor, a unit gain buffer, and an analog-to-digital converter. A first terminal of the first resistor is coupled to the circuit node. A first input terminal of the unit gain buffer is coupled to a second terminal of the first resistor. A second input terminal of the unit gain buffer is coupled to an output terminal of the unit gain buffer. An input terminal of the analog-to-digital converter is coupled to the output terminal of the unit gain buffer.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2022Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: Shanghai Biren Technology Co., LtdInventors: Kai Lei, Yikai Liang, Yudan Deng, Linglan Zhang, Jinfu Ye, Huan Liu
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Patent number: 11837267Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and other implementations to store fuse data in memory devices are described. Some implementations may include an array of memory cells with different portions of cells for storing data. A first portion of the array may store fuse data and may contain a chalcogenide storage element, while a second portion of the array may store user data. Sense circuitry may be coupled with the array, and may determine the value of the fuse data using various signaling techniques. In some cases, the sense circuitry may implement differential storage and differential signaling to determine the value of the fuse data stored in the first portion of the array.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2021Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Mattia Boniardi, Anna Maria Conti, Mattia Robustelli, Innocenzo Tortorelli, Mario Allegra
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Patent number: 11836099Abstract: Memory controllers, devices, modules, systems and associated methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a memory module includes a pin interface for coupling to a bus. The bus has a first width. The module includes at least one storage class memory (SCM) component and at least one DRAM component. The memory module operates in a first mode that utilizes all of the first width, and in a second mode that utilizes less than all of the first width.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2021Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: Rambus Inc.Inventors: Frederick A. Ware, Kenneth L. Wright, John Eric Linstadt, Craig Hampel
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Patent number: 11835572Abstract: Techniques for usage metering by bias temperature instability with differential sensing on pairs of matching transistors are provided. In one aspect, a usage metering device includes: at least one metering circuit on a chip, the at least one metering circuit having a pair of matching transistors, and a differential current sense circuit connected to the pair of matching transistors, wherein the pair of matching transistors includes a reference transistor which is unused during regular operation of the chip, and a stressed transistor that is on continuously during the regular operation of the chip, and wherein the differential current sense circuit determines a Vt difference between the reference transistor and the stressed transistor. A method for usage metering and a method of forming a usage metering device are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2021Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Effendi Leobandung
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Patent number: 11829605Abstract: A memory device includes several normal memory circuits and a redundant memory circuit is disclosed. The several normal memory circuits include several normal memory arrays. The redundant memory circuit includes a redundant memory array. The several normal memory arrays share the redundant memory array. When a first normal memory cell of a first normal memory array of the several normal memory arrays is destructed, a first redundant memory cell of the redundant memory array replaces the first normal memory cell. When a second normal memory cell of a second normal memory array of the several normal memory arrays is destructed, a second redundant memory cell of the redundant memory array replaces the second normal memory cell.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2021Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignees: JIANGSU ADVANCED MEMORY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., SILOAM HOLDINGS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jui-Jen Wu, Toshio Sunaga, Tzu-Hao Yang
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Patent number: 11823888Abstract: A memory device includes a peripheral circuit layer, a first memory layer provided on the peripheral circuit layer, an inter-metal layer provided on the first memory layer, and a second memory layer provided on the inter-metal layer. The peripheral circuit layer includes a first substrate and a peripheral circuit provided on the first substrate. The first memory layer includes a first memory structure electrically connected to the peripheral circuit through metal bonding pads. The inter-metal layer includes intermediate pads electrically connected to the peripheral circuit through metal bonding pads. The second memory layer includes a second memory structure electrically connected with the intermediate pads and a second substrate provided on the second memory structure. The peripheral circuit, the first memory structure, and the second structure are provided between the first substrate and the second substrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2020Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Youn-Yeol Lee, Chanho Kim
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Patent number: 11817174Abstract: A spatial disturbance that occurs when an access is concentrated in a specific memory area in a volatile semiconductor memory like DRAM is properly solved by a memory controller. The memory controller includes a concentration access detection part generating a concentration access detection signal when an address for accessing a specific memory area among memory areas of volatile semiconductor memory is concentratedly received. In the case that the concentration access detection signal is generated, the memory controller includes a controller for easing or preventing corruption of data which memory cells of the specific memory area and/or memory cells of memory areas adjacent to the specific memory area hold.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2021Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Kyo Min Sohn, Dong Su Lee, Young Jin Cho, Hyung Woo Choi
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Patent number: 11815985Abstract: A memory system includes a memory device including a plurality of memory blocks, each including a plurality of memory cells coupled to a plurality of word lines, and a controller configured to determine an operation status regarding a selected memory block among the plurality of memory blocks by performing read test operations to the selected memory block in stages. During the read test operations, the controller adjusts the numbers of word lines selected in each of the stages, based on an error.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2019Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: SK hynix Inc.Inventor: Jong-Min Lee
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Patent number: 11817168Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for environmental condition tracking for a memory system are described. A memory system may include one or more sensors (e.g., temperature sensors) for identifying a temperature of a memory device. For example, the sensor(s) may identify a first temperature of the memory device when performing a write operation on a memory cell and may identify a second temperature of the memory device when performing a read operation on the memory cell. The memory system may determine a performance characteristic of the memory device based on a correlation between the first temperature and the second temperature and may transmit the performance characteristic to a server.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2021Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Olivier Duval
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Patent number: 11816361Abstract: A circuit for transmitting data includes a mode register data processing module, an external data transmission module, and an internal data transmission module provided in a memory array; the mode register data processing module is configured to write initial data into a reserved mode register in a mode register in response to a write enable command; and the external data transmission module is electrically connected to both the reserved mode register and the internal data transmission module, and is configured to write, in response to an enable signal, target data into the memory array via the internal data transmission module according to the initial data and a preset encoding rule, wherein a number of bytes of the target data is greater than a number of bytes of the initial data.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2022Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: CHANGXIN MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventor: Enpeng Gao
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Patent number: 11809743Abstract: A memory controller includes a command queue having a first input for receiving memory access requests, and a memory interface queue having an output for coupling to a memory channel adapted for connecting to at least one dynamic random access memory (DRAM) module. A refresh control circuit monitors activate commands to be sent over the memory channel. In response to an activate command meeting a designated condition, the refresh control circuit identifies a candidate aggressor row associated with the activate command. A command is sent to the DRAM requesting that the candidate aggressor row be queued for mitigation in a future refresh or refresh management event.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2020Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.Inventor: Kevin M. Brandl
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Patent number: 11810615Abstract: A memory cell has first, second, third and fourth transistors forming first and second cross-coupled inverters. The inverters define first and inverted first storage nodes; the first connected to first reference and first supply voltages, second connected to second reference and second supply voltages. A fifth transistor connected between first storage node and first bit line; sixth transistor connected between inverted first node and second bit line; first word line connected to fifth transistor, controlling access of first bit line to first node; second word line connected to sixth transistor, controlling access of second bit line to inverted first node. Relative voltage levels of first word line and first reference voltages, or first supply and first reference voltages, or second word line and second reference voltages, or second supply and second reference voltages, or first and second reference voltages are configured so first/inverted node are read/written independently.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2020Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Inventors: Babak Mohammadi, Berta Morral Escofet, Reza Meraji
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Patent number: 11809740Abstract: A circuit for reading or writing a RAM includes a shift register coupled to the RAM, a test data input, and a test data output. The circuit further includes a control circuit configured to generate a pulse every N clock cycles, each pulse triggering a RAM access operation transferring data between the shift register and the RAM, N being equal to a data width of the RAM divided by a parallel factor, the parallel factor being a number of pins in either the test data input or the test data output configured for parallel data loading.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2022Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventor: Walter Girardi
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Patent number: 11798617Abstract: A method for determining a sense boundary of a sense amplifier includes: writing first data into a memory array; reading the first data in a first memory cell of the memory array, and reversely writing second data into the first memory cell; reading, after a preset row precharge time, the first data in a second memory cell on a bit line where the first memory cell is located; and reversely writing the second data into the second memory cell when the first data is read in the second memory cell.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2022Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: CHANGXIN MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventor: Xikun Chu
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Patent number: 11790999Abstract: A method for erasing a memory cell includes applying a first erase to memory cells to erase the memory cells, wherein first memory cells are in a weakly erased state in response to the first erase, and wherein second memory cells are in a normally erased state in response to the first erase, thereafter applying a first weak program to the memory cells, wherein the second memory cells enter a programmed state and the third memory cells remain in the erased state in response to the first weak program, and thereafter applying a read to the memory cells to identify the second memory cells, and applying a second erase to the second memory cells to thereby erase the second memory cells.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2021Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: CROSSBAR, INC.Inventors: Jeremy Guy, Sung Hyun Jo, Hagop Nazarian, Ruchirkumar Shah, Liang Zhao
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Patent number: 11783880Abstract: Disclosed is an operating method of a memory device communicating with a memory controller, which includes receiving a first command from the memory controller, the first command indicating initiation of synchronization of a data clock signal and defining a clock section corresponding to the synchronization, preparing a toggling of the data clock signal during a preparation time period, processing a first data stream based on the data clock signal toggling at a reference frequency, and processing a second data stream based on the data clock toggling at the reference frequency and extended for a period of the defined first clock section.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2021Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jin-Hoon Jang, Kyungryun Kim, Young Ju Kim, Seung-Jun Lee, Youngbin Lee, Yeonkyu Choi
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Patent number: 11776647Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided, which contains a memory bank including M primary word lines and R replacement word lines, a row/column decoder, and an array of redundancy fuse elements. A sorted primary failed bit count list is generated in a descending order for the bit fail counts per word line. A sorted replacement failed bit count list is generated in an ascending order of the M primary word lines in an ascending order. The primary word lines are replaced with the replacement word lines from top to bottom on the lists until a primary failed bit count equals a replacement failed bit count or until all of the replacement word lines are used up. Optionally, the sorted primary failed bit count list may be re-sorted in an ascending or descending order of the word line address prior to the replacement process.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2022Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company LimitedInventors: Chien-Hao Huang, Cheng-Yi Wu, Katherine H. Chiang, Chung-Te Lin
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Patent number: 11776646Abstract: A TPM with programmable fuses in an SOC includes an on-die RAM storing a blown-fuse count and a TPM state read from off-die NV memory. During initialization, if the blown-fuse count is greater than a TPM state fuse count, a TPM state PIN-attempt-failure count is incremented, thereby thwarting a replay attack. If a PIN satisfies a PIN failure policy, and if a TPM state previously-passed-PIN indicator is set to true, a fuse is blown and the blown-fuse count incremented depending on the PIN being incorrect, but if the TPM state previously-passed-PIN indicator is set to false, a fuse is blown and the blown-fuse count incremented independent of whether the PIN is correct or incorrect. The TPM state fuse count is set equal to the blown-fuse count. If a counter cleared before processing the PIN remains cleared during the next initialization, a fuse voltage cut is detected and a penalty imposed.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2022Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Ling Tony Chen, Felix Domke, Ankur Choudhary, Bradley Joseph Litterell
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Patent number: 11776657Abstract: A memory device includes a page buffer, a voltage generator, and a test controller. The page buffer is connected to a memory cell through a bit line, and is configured to sense a threshold voltage of the memory cell through a potential of a sensing node electrically connected to the bit line. The voltage generator is configured to generate a test voltage to be applied to the sensing node. The test controller is configured to control the voltage generator to apply the test voltage to the sensing node, and detect a defect of the page buffer, based on a leakage current value of the sensing node.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2021Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: SK hynix Inc.Inventors: In Gon Yang, Tae Ho Kim, Jae Hyeon Shin, Sungmook Lim
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Patent number: 11776619Abstract: Techniques to couple a high bandwidth memory device on a silicon substrate and a package substrate are disclosed. Examples include selectively activating input/out (I/O) or command and address (CA) contacts on a bottom side of a logic layer for the high bandwidth device based on a mode of operation. The I/O and CA contacts are for accessing one or more memory devices include in the high bandwidth memory device via one or more data channels.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2023Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: Tahoe Research, Ltd.Inventors: Chong J. Zhao, James A. McCall, Shigeki Tomishima, George Vergis, Kuljit S. Bains
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Patent number: 11768941Abstract: An apparatus to implement an IP independent secure firmware load into an IP agent without a ROM to establish hardware root of trust is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of agents, at least one agent including an isolated memory region accessible only to a trusted entity of the at least one agent and a main memory, and a processor to allocate a section of the isolated memory region of the at least one agent, verify a first stage firmware module, the first stage firmware module comprising instructions to enable the at least one agent to load and verify a second stage firmware module, place the first stage firmware module into memory of the at least one agent without a ROM to establish the hardware root of trust.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2020Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: INTEL CORPORATIONInventors: Vinupama Godavarthi, Andrzej Mialkowski, Kar Leong Wong, Aditya Katragada, Maciej Kusio, Prashant Dewan, Karunakara Kotary
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Patent number: 11769535Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array, first and second pads, an interface circuit connected to the first pad and configured to transmit data input through the first pad to the memory cell array and output data received from the memory cell array through the first pad, a ZQ calibration circuit that is connected to the second pad and executes a ZQ calibration to generate a ZQ calibration value, and a sequencer configured to control the ZQ calibration circuit to apply the ZQ calibration value to the interface circuit. A command set is input through the first pad after reading data from the memory cell array to cause the interface circuit to output the data read from the memory cell array, and the ZQ calibration circuit executes the ZQ calibration after the command set is input and before the data is output through the first pad.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2022Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: Kioxia CorporationInventor: Yasuhiro Hirashima
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Patent number: 11763876Abstract: A memory device includes a memory cell array including a plurality of banks each including a plurality of memory cells connected to a plurality of word lines, and a row decoder block connected to the plurality of banks. In a first operation mode, the row decoder block receives a first row address and a first bank address together with an activation command and activates a word line selected by the first row address from among the plurality of word lines of a bank selected by the first bank address from among the plurality of banks. In a second operation mode, the row decoder block receives a second row address and a second bank address together with the activation command and activates a word line selected by the second row address from among the plurality of word lines of each of at least two banks of the plurality of banks.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2021Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Inventors: Sang-Hyuk Kwon, Nam Sung Kim, Kyomin Sohn, Seongil O, Haesuk Lee
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Patent number: 11749371Abstract: A memory controller includes: a test module for generating a test command, a test address, and test data during a test operation; a refresh control module for receiving the test command and the test address as an active command and an active address, and generating a first target address by sampling the active address according to the active command, during the test operation; a command/address generation module for providing the active address together with the active command, and providing the first target refresh command together with the first target address to a memory device, while determining whether to repair the active address according to a repair control signal; and a repair analysis module for generating the repair control signal based on a comparison result of the test data and read data from the memory device, during the test operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2021Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: SK hynix Inc.Inventor: Woongrae Kim
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Patent number: 11749366Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus that includes a fuse array circuit including a plurality of fuse sets each assigned to a corresponding one of a plurality of fuse addresses and configured to operatively store a fuse data, and a first circuit configured to generate and sequentially update a fuse address to sequentially read the fuse data from the plurality of fuse sets. The first circuit is configured to change a frequency of updating the fuse address based on a first signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2022Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Yasushi Matsubara, Alan Wilson, Minoru Someya
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Patent number: 11740285Abstract: According to one or more embodiments, the semiconductor integrated circuit device includes a pattern generator, a result comparator, and a control circuit. The pattern generator supplies input data to a device-under-test. The result comparator compares output data of the device-under-test with expected value data and outputs a test result signal. The control circuit controls the pattern generator and the result comparator. The device-under-test and the result comparator are commonly connected to a first clock line. The pattern generator and the control circuit are commonly connected to a second clock line different from the first clock line.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2021Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Kioxia CorporationInventor: Yuusuke Takahashi
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Patent number: 11742006Abstract: Various embodiments include a memory device that is capable of performing command address interface training operations, to determine that certain timing conditions are met, with fewer I/O pins relative to prior approaches. Prior approaches for command address interface training involve loading data via a set of input pins, a clock signal, and a clock enable signal that identifies when the input pins should be sampled. Instead, the disclosed memory device generates a data pattern within the memory device that matches the data pattern continuously being transmitted to the memory device by an external memory controller. The memory device compares the generated data pattern with the received data pattern and transmits the result of the comparison on one or more data output pins. The memory controller receives and analyzes the result of the comparison to determine whether the command address interface training passed or failed.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2021Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: NVIDIA CORPORATIONInventors: Robert Bloemer, Gautam Bhatia
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Patent number: 11742045Abstract: A decoder decodes a memory address and selectively drives a select line (such as a word line or mux line) of a memory. An encoding circuit encodes the data on select lines to generate an encoded address. The encoded address and the memory address are compared by a comparison circuit to generate a test result signal which is indicative of whether the decoder is operating properly. To test the comparison circuit for proper operation, a subset of an MBIST scan routine causes the encoded address to be blocked from the comparison circuit and a force signal to be applied in its place. A test signal from the scan routine and the force signal are then compared by the comparison circuit, with the test result signal generated from the comparison being indicative of whether the comparison circuit itself is operating properly.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2021Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: STMicroelectronics International N.V.Inventors: Rohit Bhasin, Shishir Kumar, Tanmoy Roy, Deepak Kumar Bihani
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Patent number: 11742041Abstract: A TPM with programmable fuses in an SOC includes an on-die RAM storing a blown-fuse count and a TPM state read from off-die NV memory. During initialization, if the blown-fuse count is greater than a TPM state fuse count, a TPM state PIN-attempt-failure count is incremented, thereby thwarting a replay attack. If a PIN satisfies a PIN failure policy, and if a TPM state previously-passed-PIN indicator is set to true, a fuse is blown and the blown-fuse count incremented depending on the PIN being incorrect, but if the TPM state previously-passed-PIN indicator is set to false, a fuse is blown and the blown-fuse count incremented independent of whether the PIN is correct or incorrect. The TPM state fuse count is set equal to the blown-fuse count. If a counter cleared before processing the PIN remains cleared during the next initialization, a fuse voltage cut is detected and a penalty imposed.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2022Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Ling Tony Chen, Felix Domke, Ankur Choudhary, Bradley Joseph Litterell
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Patent number: 11733290Abstract: Presented embodiments facilitate efficient and effective flexible implementation of different types of testing procedures in a test system. In one embodiment, a flexible sideband support system comprises a load board, testing electronics coupled to the load board, a controller coupled to the testing electronics. The load board is configured to couple with a plurality of devices under test (DUTs), wherein the load board includes in-band testing ports and sideband testing ports. The testing electronics is configured to test the plurality of DUTs, wherein a portion of testing electronics are organized in sideband resource groups. The controller is configured to direct testing of the DUTs, wherein the controller is coupled to the testing electronics and the controller directs selective allocation of the testing electronics in the sideband resource groups to various testing operations of the DUTs.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2021Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: Advantest CorporationInventors: Srdjan Malisic, Chi Yuan, Seth Craighead
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Patent number: 11733994Abstract: A data processing device for providing data storage services includes memory, persistent storage, and a device manager. The persistent storage stores a code repository. The state manager obtains a code update request for a new state for the device manager; injects state manager code to begin execution of the state manager in response to obtaining the code update request; updates the device manager data using the code repository and a memory region state map to obtain an updated device manager; and extracts the state manager code to resume execution of the updated device manager.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2019Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: EMC IP Holding Company LLCInventors: Jonathan I. Krasner, Li Lang, Avraham Goldin
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Patent number: 11726695Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are provided for electrical mirroring implemented by a storage controller in a non-volatile storage system. In one embodiment, a non-volatile storage system may comprise a plurality of non-volatile storage devices and a storage controller. The storage controller may be configured to perform an electrical mirroring configuration process comprising: determining a system topology of the non-volatile storage system and which targets are in mirrored non-volatile storage devices and setting respective register bits in the storage controller for all targets in all mirrored non-volatile storage devices of the plurality of non-volatile storage devices.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2021Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: Innogrit Technologies Co., Ltd.Inventors: Gang Zhao, Jie Chen, Lin Chen, Wei Jiang
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Patent number: 11727987Abstract: Semiconductor memory is provided wherein a memory cell includes a capacitorless transistor having a floating body configured to store data as charge therein when power is applied to the cell. The cell further includes a nonvolatile memory comprising a resistance change element configured to store data stored in the floating body under any one of a plurality of predetermined conditions. A method of operating semiconductor memory to function as volatile memory, while having the ability to retain stored data when power is discontinued to the semiconductor memory is described.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2022Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: Zeno Semiconductor, Inc.Inventor: Yuniarto Widjaja
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Patent number: 11726670Abstract: In a method of operating a memory controller, a decoding status flag is received from a memory module including a plurality of data chips and at least one parity chip. Each of the plurality of data chips and the at least one parity chip may include an on-die error correction code (ECC) engine. The decoding status flag is generated by the on-die ECC engines. A first number and a second number may be obtained based on the decoding status flag. The first number represents a number of first chips including an uncorrectable error that is uncorrectable by the on-die ECC engine. The second number represents a number of second chips including a correctable error that is correctable by the on-die ECC engine. At least one of a plurality of decoding schemes is selected based on at least one of the first number and the second number. A system ECC engine may perform ECC decoding on at least one of the first chips and the second chips based on the selected decoding scheme.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2022Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Inventors: Sungrae Kim, Sunghye Cho, Kijun Lee, Myungkyu Lee
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Patent number: 11721408Abstract: A memory device includes a memory cell array and a test controller. The memory cell array includes a plurality of memory cells, where the memory cell array is divided into multiple regions. The test controller is configured to perform a parallel bit test (PBT) on the plurality of memory cells, where the test controller selects fail data including a fail data bit among internal data output from the multiple regions during the PBT, and outputs the fail data via a data input/output signal line to the outside of the memory device.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2021Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Daejeong Kim, Namhyung Kim, Dohan Kim, Deokho Seo, Wonjae Shin, Insu Choi
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Patent number: 11716073Abstract: A chip with pad tracking having an input/output buffer (I/O buffer), a pad, and a bias circuit. The I/O buffer is powered by a first power and is coupled to the pad. The pad is coupled to the system power. The bias circuit generates a bias signal to be transferred to the I/O buffer to block a leakage path within the I/O buffer when the system power is on and the first power is off. The bias circuit is a voltage divider which generates a divided voltage as the bias signal. In an example, the bias circuit is powered by a second power that is independent from the first power and is not drawn from the pad. In another example, a power terminal of the bias circuit is coupled to an electrostatic discharging bus, and the pad is coupled to the electrostatic discharging bus through a diode.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2022Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: MEDIATEK INC.Inventors: Hsin-Cheng Hsu, Jui-Ming Chen, Federico Agustin Altolaguirre
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Patent number: 11715542Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor die having a peripheral region surrounding, a defect detection circuit in the peripheral region, the defect detection circuit arranged in an open conduction loop, the defect detection circuit comprising a plurality of latch circuits and a plurality of defect detection conduction paths, each defect detection conduction path of the plurality of defect detection conduction paths connecting two adjacent latch circuits of the plurality of latch circuits, and a test control circuitry configured to perform (a) a test write operation by transferring bits of an input data pattern in a forward direction of the open conduction loop to cause the plurality of latch circuits to store the bits of the input data pattern in the plurality of latch circuits, and (b) a test read operation by transferring bits stored in the plurality of latch circuits in a backward direction of the open conduction loop.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2022Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jongpil Son
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Patent number: 11710534Abstract: Embodiments presented herein are directed to testing and/or debugging a memory device of a memory module (e.g., a dual in-line memory module (DIMM)) without having to remove the DIMM from a corresponding computing device and without having to interrupt operation of the computing device. A particular memory device (e.g., DRAM) may be identified for testing and/or debugging based on a failure message. However, the failure message may not identify a specific location or hardware of the module that caused the failure. Embodiments presented herein provide techniques to obtain data for analysis to determine and/or deliver a cause of the failure while reducing or eliminating downtime of the computing device. Test modes to do so may include a synchronous test mode, an asynchronous test mode, and an analog compare mode. A test mode may be selected based on the failure or a signal/function of the DRAM to be tested or debugged.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2022Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Christian N. Mohr, Scott E. Smith, Manoj Vijay
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Patent number: 11704047Abstract: A system includes a memory array, a thermometer, and control logic, operatively coupled with the memory array and the thermometer, to perform operations including causing the thermometer to obtain a first temperature result, monitoring a time since obtaining the first temperature result, determining whether the time satisfies a threshold time condition, in response to determining that the time satisfies the threshold time condition, causing the thermometer to obtain a second temperature result from an automatic temperature reading, determining a difference between the second temperature result and a previously stored temperature result, and filtering the second temperature result based on the difference to obtain a new stored temperature result.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2021Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Agostino Macerola, Michele Piccardi, Umberto Siciliani, Tommaso Vali, Enrico Favaro
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Patent number: 11699480Abstract: A semiconductor memory device may include a core circuit including a plurality of memory cell arrays electrically connected between a plurality of row lines and a plurality of column lines, and a column path control circuit configured to generate a preliminary column pulse from a command signal irrelevant to a column address signal, to generate a main column pulse in response to an enable time point of the column address signal and an enable time point of the preliminary column pulse, and to enable an access target column line among the plurality of column lines.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2021Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: SK hynix Inc.Inventor: Ji Eun Kim
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Patent number: 11694729Abstract: A pipe latch circuit includes a data latch circuit configured to latch an input data based on an input control signal and output the latched input data as a latch data based on an output control signal, a sense amplification circuit configured to sense and amplify the latch data based on a sum output control signal, and a data driving circuit configured to drive an output data from the latch data based on the sum output control signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2021Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: SK hynix Inc.Inventor: Kwang Soon Kim
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Patent number: 11693582Abstract: An apparatus comprises a plurality of memory cells; a plurality of sense circuits, a sense circuit comprising a sense node selectively coupled to a bitline coupled to a first cell of the plurality of memory cells; and a controller to transpose a value indicative of a voltage of the first cell to the sense node; isolate the sense node from the bitline; and calibrate a parameter for the sense circuit based on outputs of the sense circuit for each of a plurality of different applied values of the parameter.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2020Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Aliasgar S. Madraswala, Ali Khakifirooz, Camila Jaramillo, John Egler, Netra Mahuli, Renjie Chen, Yogesh Wakchaure
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Patent number: 11688475Abstract: Data from a first memory cell of a plurality of memory cells is read, and it is determined whether the data stored at the first memory cell comprises an error. Upon determining that the data stored at the first memory cell comprises the error, it is determined whether an error correction operation on the data stored at the first memory cell is successful. Responsive to determining that the error correction operation on the data stored at the first memory cell is unsuccessful, a second memory cell of the plurality of memory cells is identified and a two-pass programming operation is performed on the second memory cell instead of the first memory cell.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2021Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Yang Zhang
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Patent number: 11688482Abstract: The present invention is related to a digital circuit testing and analysis module system comprising a memory (22). The memory (22) is addressed by numerical values defined by a group of digital signals. A respective memory location associated with a specific numerical value indicates a status of the group of digital signals. The status can for example reflect the validity of the signals in the group of signals when testing a circuit.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2019Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: NUMASCALE ASInventors: Thibaut Palfer-Sollier, Einar Rustad, Steffen Persvold
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Patent number: 11681642Abstract: A device comprising: a control bus; a plurality of requesting circuits each accessible on the control bus, wherein each of the plurality of requesting circuits is operable to dispatch read or write requests to the control bus for delivery to at least one of a plurality of receiving circuits, and the plurality of receiving circuits each accessible on the control bus, and each of which is operable to receive requests from the at least one control bus and service the requests by providing at least one of read or write access to storage associated with the respective receiving circuit, wherein the control bus provides a ring path configured to support, the requests in circulation in the ring path, wherein the control bus is configured to propagate each of at least some of the requests at least until those requests have been serviced by at least one of the receiving circuits.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2021Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: GRAPHCORE LIMITEDInventors: Graham Bernard Cunningham, Daniel John Pelham Wilkinson
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Patent number: 11676678Abstract: A defect detecting method for a Word Line (WL) driving circuit includes: m WLs correspondingly connected to m different WL driving circuits are selected from a memory cell array and corresponding WL driving circuit arrays to serve as m WLs to be tested, one of which is set as a first WL and the remaining m-1 ones are set as second WLs; first potential is written into memory cells correspondingly connected to the m WLs to be tested; second potential is written into memory cells correspondingly connected to the first WL; real-time potentials of the memory cells connected to respective second WLs are sequentially read, and when difference value between the real-time potential of one target memory cell and the first potential is greater than first pre-set value, it is determined that the WL driving circuit connected to the second WL corresponding to the target memory cell has a defect.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2021Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: CHANGXIN MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Wugang Chen, Lung Yang
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Patent number: 11670393Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a flag generation circuit configured to receive region fuse data and used fuse data which are generated from a fuse set selected based on a fuse set selection signal among from fuse sets and generate a bank resource flag to control a repair operation for a bank on which a repair operation has not been performed, based on the region fuse data and the used fuse data. The semiconductor device also includes a repair control circuit configured to control the repair operation for banks sharing the fuse sets based on the bank resource flag.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2021Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: SK hynix Inc.Inventors: Dong Beom Lee, Eun Je Kim, Hyeong Soo Jeong
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Patent number: 11669124Abstract: A memory controller having a data receiver to sample data at a sample timing using a strobe signal, wherein the data and the strobe signal are sent by a memory device in connection with a read operation initiated by the memory controller, and a strobe receiver to receive the strobe signal, wherein a phase of the strobe signal has a drift relative to a reference by an amount. The memory controller further having a monitoring circuit to monitor the strobe signal and determine the amount of the drift, and an adjustment circuit to update the sample timing of the data receiver based on the amount of drift determined by the monitoring signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2022Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: Rambus Inc.Inventors: Scott C. Best, Abhijit M. Abhyankar, Kun-Yung Chang, Frank Lambrecht
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Patent number: 11664066Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a connector into which a first-type semiconductor storage device operating with n types of power supply voltages or a second-type semiconductor storage device operating with m types of power supply voltages less than the n types of power supply voltages is capable of being placed. The apparatus checks whether or not a notch is formed at a predetermined position of a semiconductor storage device placed into the connector, and supplies the m types of power supply voltages to the semiconductor storage device when the notch is formed at the predetermined position.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2021Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Kioxia CorporationInventors: Akihisa Fujimoto, Atsushi Kondo
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Patent number: 11650877Abstract: A method for detecting an address error when reading a bitstream from a memory is proposed, wherein a check is carried out as to whether the bitstream in conjunction with the present read address is a code word of an error code and wherein, should the bitstream in conjunction with the present read address not be a code word of the error code, an address error is subsequently detected provided the error code does not correct an error correctable thereby. Accordingly, an apparatus, a system and a computer program product are specified.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2020Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Thomas Kern, Klaus Oberlaender, Christian Badack, Michael Goessel