Read Mode Signal Only Patents (Class 365/233.17)
  • Patent number: 8422331
    Abstract: A data output control circuit controls a data output in a read operation. A data output control method includes a count shifting mode and a delay mode and can be used in low and high frequency operations, so that a data output can be stably controlled in a broad frequency range. The data output control circuit includes: a low frequency mode controller a high frequency mode controller and a selector selecting any one of first and second command signals through CAS latency information to be output as a data output control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Hyeng Ouk Lee
  • Patent number: 8406080
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device using system clock with a high frequency can maintain a constant operation margin even in the change of operation environments including voltage level, temperature, and process. The semiconductor memory device includes an output control signal generator configured to be responsive to a read pulse that is activated in response to a read command, to generate an odd number of first output source signals corresponding to a rising edge of a system clock and a even number of second output source signals corresponding to a falling edge of the system clock, and an output enable signal generator configured to generate a first rising enable signal and a falling enable signal on the basis of the first output source signal and generate a second rising enable signal on the basis of the second output source signal, according to column address strobe (CAS) latencies, the first rising enable signal being activated earlier than the second rising enable signal by a half cycle of the system clock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Hee-Jin Byun
  • Patent number: 8395946
    Abstract: The data access apparatus comprises a phase locked loop (PLL) and a data receiving circuit. The PLL provides a plurality of internal clocks and selecting a strobe clock from the plurality of internal clocks according to a phase selection signal. The data receiving circuit comprises a latching module, for latching of the data signal according to trigger of the strobe clock and a calibrating circuit, for generating the phase selection signal for matching the data with a predetermined data according to the plurality of internal clocks in a training mode and finally determining the phase selection signal corresponding to a preferred clock used in a normal mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: MStar Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Eer-Wen Tyan, Ming-Chieh Yeh, Yi Ling Chen
  • Patent number: 8385133
    Abstract: A flash memory system for an A/V player, utilizing a two-level round-robin write scheme upon N flash memory planes, enabling the A/V player to be loaded with data at a data throughput essentially N times the write throughput of one of the flash memory planes. The flash chips' memory cores and data registers, and the memory system's write buffers, can be kept fully utilized during data writing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Avnera Corporation
    Inventor: Charles L. Saxe
  • Patent number: 8369181
    Abstract: A semiconductor IC device includes a command decoder that provides internal read and internal write command signals in response to external command signals, and a delay control unit that is connected with the command decoder and provides an internal read command delay signal by controlling an activation timing of the internal read command signal in response to a test mode signal in a read mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Sun Hwa Park
  • Patent number: 8369160
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a data output circuit of a semiconductor memory and related method are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a data output circuit may include a plurality of global lines, a sense amplifier block configured to output a plurality of data to the plurality of global lines at different timings, a pipe latch block configured to latch the plurality of data transmitted through the plurality of global lines at different timings, and a control unit configured to control output timings of the plurality of data from the sense amplifier block and latch timings of the pipe latch block using an address signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Jae IL Kim
  • Patent number: 8351281
    Abstract: A memory device, system and method for allowing an early read operation after one or more write operations is provided according to an embodiment of the present invention. The memory device comprises an interface for providing a first write address, a first write data, and a read address. A memory core is coupled to the interface and includes a first memory section having a first data path and a first address path and a second memory section having a second data path and a second address path. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first data and first address path is independent of the second data and second address path. The first write data is provided on the first data path responsive to the first write address being provided on the first address path while a read data is provided on the second data path responsive to the read address being provided on the second address path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E Perego, Frederick A Ware
  • Patent number: 8325531
    Abstract: Systems (100) and methods (600) for reading data from a memory device (106). The methods involve (606) receiving first read request signals (118, 120, 122, 126, 128) for first data stored in the memory device. In response to the first read request signals, (608) retrieving a first page of data from a cell array (268) of the memory device. The methods also involve (616) receiving second read request signals for second data stored in the memory device. (618) Next, a determination is made as to whether at least a portion of a memory address for the second data is the same as at least a respective portion of a memory address for the first data. (622) If it is determined that the respective portions of the memory addresses are the same, then a read access to the cell array is disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventor: Allan Parker
  • Patent number: 8310889
    Abstract: A semiconductor device including a plurality of memory cells arranged in a matrix pattern, a write amplifier which writes write data to the memory cell in synchronization with a clock, a sense amplifier which reads out the write data written in the memory cell in synchronization with the clock, a plurality of column select switches which connect the plurality of the memory cells with the sense amplifier and the write amplifier, a column address decoder which makes the column select switch corresponding to one column among the plurality of the memory cells a conductive state based on a column address, a row address decoder which activates the memory cell of one row based on a row address, and a test write circuit which writes data corresponding to a logical level of a test signal to the memory cell based on a test mode signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Akihiro Banno
  • Patent number: 8284588
    Abstract: In a non-volatile logic circuit, a first input electrode and a second input electrode are formed on a semiconductor layer and interposed between an electric current source electrode and an output electrode in a plan view. The first input electrode is next to the second input electrode along the a direction orthogonal to the direction between the electric current source electrode and the output electrode. A method of operating the non-volatile logic circuit includes a step of writing one state selected from four states by applying voltages to the first input electrode and the second input electrode, respectively, and a step of measuring current generated by applying the voltage between the electric current power electrode and the output electrode to determine on the basis of the current, which of the high or low resistant state the non-volatile logic circuit has.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Yukihiro Kaneko
  • Patent number: 8274849
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device (e.g., a logic device or a memory device) having a memory cell array which includes (i) a plurality of memory cells, wherein each memory cell is programmable to store one of a plurality of data states, and (ii) a bit line, having a plurality of memory cells coupled thereto. Memory cell control circuitry applies one or more read control signals to perform a read operation wherein, in response to the read control signals, a selected memory cell conducts a current which is representative of the data state stored therein. Sense amplifier circuitry senses the data state stored in the selected memory cell using a signal which is responsive to the current conducted by the selected memory cell. Current regulation circuitry is responsively and electrically coupled to the bit line during a portion of the read operation to sink or source at least a portion of the current provided on the bit line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Philippe Bauser
  • Patent number: 8270227
    Abstract: A method of reading a nonvolatile memory device comprises sensing data stored in memory cells adjacent to selected memory cells to identify adjacent aggressor cells, and performing separate precharge operations on bitlines connected to selected memory cells having adjacent aggressor cells and on bitlines connected to selected memory cells having adjacent non-aggressor cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-Woo Park, Ohsuk Kwon
  • Patent number: 8264886
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to receive an external read command at a control circuit coupled to a memory array. Individual wordline activation may be delayed according to a delay period determined by a read level voltage magnitude associated with a plurality of memory cells included in the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaojun Yu, Jin-man Han
  • Patent number: 8254184
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a latency controller which provides a power-saving effect. The latency controller includes a first-in first-out (FIFO) register. After a read command is applied, when a precharge command or power-down command is applied, the latency controller outputs a latency signal corresponding to the applied read command and blocks application of sampling and transmission clock signals to the FIFO register.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-Soo Sohn, Jeong-Don Lim, Kwang-Il Park
  • Patent number: 8248868
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes methods, and circuits, for operating a memory device. One method embodiment for operating a memory device includes controlling data transfer through a memory interface in an asynchronous mode by writing data to the memory device at least partially in response to a write enable signal on a first interface contact, and reading data from the memory device at least partially in response to a read enable signal on a second interface contact. The method further includes controlling data transfer in a synchronous mode by transferring data at least partially in response to a clock signal on the first interface contact, and providing a bidirectional data strobe signal on an interface contact not utilized in the asynchronous mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean K. Nobunaga, June Lee, Chih Liang Chen
  • Patent number: 8238139
    Abstract: A dynamic RAM which includes a first inverter, a second inverter, a sense amplifier, a first pair of switches, a pair of bit lines, and a dynamic RAM cell. The first inverter receives a first driving signal. A power end of the first inverter is coupled to a first voltage source. The second inverter receives a second driving signal output from the first inverter. A power end of the second inverter is coupled to a second voltage source. The sense amplifier senses and amplifies a voltage difference between a first sensing signal and a second sensing signal. A power end of the sense amplifier is coupled to a third voltage source, wherein a voltage value of the second voltage source is between a voltage value of the first voltage source and a voltage value of the third voltage source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Elite Semiconductor Memory Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Min-Chung Chou
  • Publication number: 20120176856
    Abstract: An interleaved memory circuit includes a memory bank including at least one first memory cell for storing a charge representative of a first datum, the first memory cell being coupled with a first word line and a first bit line. The interleaved memory circuit further includes a local control circuit coupled with the memory bank. The interleaved memory circuit further includes a global control circuit coupled with the local control circuit, an interleaving access including a clock signal having a first cycle and a second cycle for accessing the first memory cell, where the second cycle is capable of enabling the local control circuit to trigger a first transition of a first read column select signal RSSL for accessing the first memory cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Kuoyuan HSU, Ming-Chieh HUANG, Young Suk KIM, Subramani KENGERI
  • Patent number: 8208288
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a hybrid superconducting-magnetic memory cell and array. One embodiment of a memory cell includes a magnetoresistive element and at least one superconducting element wired in parallel with the magnetoresistive element. In a further embodiment, memory cells of the disclosed configuration are arranged to form a memory array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John F. Bulzacchelli, William J. Gallagher, Mark B. Ketchen
  • Patent number: 8199552
    Abstract: A One-Time Programmable (OTP) unit cell and a nonvolatile memory device having the same are disclosed. A unit cell of a nonvolatile memory device includes: an anti-fuse connected between an output terminal and a ground voltage terminal; a first switching unit connected to the output terminal to transfer a write voltage to the output terminal; and a second switching unit connected to the output terminal to transfer a read voltage to the output terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Magnachip Semiconductor, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-Hee Shin, Ki-Seok Cho, Seong-Do Jeon
  • Patent number: 8189381
    Abstract: A memory system includes an array of X memory cells that each includes Y storage regions. The system also includes a read module that receives a first read signal that includes a first read signal data component and a first read signal interference component from a first one of the Y storage regions. The read module also receives a second read signal from a second one of the Y storage regions. The first interference component includes interference from the second one of the Y storage regions. The system also includes a data detection module that recovers the first read signal data component from the first read signal based on the second read signal and one or more of M noiseless signal estimates. M and X are integers greater than or equal to one, and Y is an integer greater than or equal to two.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Xueshi Yang, Zining Wu
  • Patent number: 8164974
    Abstract: An interleaved memory circuit includes a first memory bank having a first memory cell. A first local control circuit is coupled with the first memory bank. A second memory bank includes a second memory cell. A second local control circuit is coupled with the second memory bank. An IO block is coupled with the first memory bank and the second memory bank. A global control circuit is coupled with the first and second local control circuits. An interleaving access includes a clock signal having a first cycle and a second cycle for accessing the first memory cell and the second memory cell, respectively, wherein the second cycle is capable of enabling the first local control circuit to trigger a first transition of a first read column select signal RSSL for accessing the first memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventors: Kuoyuan Hsu, Ming-Chieh Huang, Young Suk Kim, Subramani Kengeri
  • Patent number: 8144530
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device is able to generate an output enable signal in response to a read command and CAS latency information. The semiconductor memory device includes a delay locked loop configured to detect a phase difference of an external clock signal and a feedback clock signal, generate a delay control signal corresponding to the detected phase difference, and generate a DLL clock signal by delaying the external clock signal for a time corresponding to the delay control signal, a delay configured to output an active signal as an output enable reset signal in response to the delay control signal and an output enable signal generator configured to be reset in response to the output enable reset signal and generate an output enable signal in response to a read signal and a CAS latency signal by counting the external clock signal and the DLL clock signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventors: Hyung-Soo Kim, Yong-Ju Kim, Sung-Woo Han, Hee-Woong Song, Ic-Su Oh, Tae-Jin Hwang, Hae-Rang Choi, Ji-Wang Lee, Jae-Min Jang, Chang-Kun Park
  • Patent number: 8125815
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a read-only memory (ROM) bit cell having one each of a PMOS transistor and an NMOS transistor, which has reduced static and dynamic electric power losses, are described. In particular, the bit cell does not require a pre-charge transistor. The sense amplifier for determining the voltages on ROM bit lines may be a digital inverter, address decoding may be simplified since there are no timing requirements with respect to transistor pre-charge, and chips containing a plurality of ROM bit cell may be readily programmed. In one embodiment of the invention, each bit cell includes one PMOS transistor having its source in electrical connection with a voltage source, its drain connected or unconnected to a bit line, and its gate connected to an inverted version of the word line signal; and one NMOS transistor having its source connected to a lower voltage source, its drain connected or disconnected to the bit line, and its gate connected to the word line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: LSI Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Brown, Mark F. Turner
  • Patent number: 8125842
    Abstract: A memory circuit includes a plurality of memory cells and a plurality of bit lines and row lines connected to the memory cells for accessing selected memory cells. The memory circuit includes a programmable voltage source adapted for connection to at least one bit line and operative to precharge the bit line to a prescribed voltage level prior to accessing a selected one of the memory cells coupled to the bit line. A control circuit coupled to the bit line is operative to oppose discharge of the bit line during at least a portion of a given memory read cycle. A tracking circuit connected to the control circuit is operative to control a delay in activation of the control circuit and/or a duration of time the control circuit is active as a function of a parameter affecting signal development time of a data signal on the bit line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Agere Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis E. Dudeck, Donald Albert Evans, Hai Quang Pham, Wayne E. Werner, Ronald James Wozniak
  • Patent number: 8122275
    Abstract: Circuits, methods, and apparatus for memory interfaces that compensate for skew between a clock signal and DQ/DQS signals that may be caused by a fly-by routing topology. The skew is compensated by clocking the DQ/DQS signals with a phase delayed clock signal, where the phase delay has been calibrated. In one example calibration routine, a clock signal is provided to a receiving device. A DQ/DQS signal is also provided and the timing of their reception compared. A delay of the DQ/DQS signal is changed incrementally until the DQ/DQS signal is aligned with the clock signal at the receiving device. This delay is then used during device operation to delay a signal that clocks registers providing the DQ/DQS signals. Each DQ/DQS group can be aligned to the clock, or the DQS and DQ signals in a group may be independently aligned to the clock at the receiving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Yan Chong, Bonnie I. Wang, Chiakang Sung, Joseph Huang, Michael H. M. Chu
  • Patent number: 8081527
    Abstract: A memory controller may implement variable delay elements, on a per-bit basis, in both the read and write paths. The memory controller may include multiple adjustable delay circuits associated with data lines and a strobe line, each of the adjustable delay circuits inserting an adjustable amount of delay into a signal destined to or received from one of the data lines or the strobe line. The memory controller may additionally include control logic to determine the delay amount for each of the adjustable delay circuits, the delay amount being determined to reduce static skew between each of the data lines and the strobe line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Juniper Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Srinivas Venkataraman, Praveen Garapally
  • Patent number: 8081538
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes output enable signal generation means configured to be reset in response to an output enable reset signal, count a DLL clock signal and an external clock signal, and generate an output enable signal in correspondence to a read command and an operating frequency; and activation signal generation means configured to generate an activation signal for inactivating the output enable signal generation means during a write operation interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Young-Kyu Noh
  • Patent number: 8081503
    Abstract: Arrays of memory elements may have data lines and address lines. Each memory element may have five transistors. An address decoder may receive an undecoded address signal and may produce a corresponding decoded address signal. The decoded version of the address signal may be used in addressing the memory elements in the memory array. The memory array may be loaded with configuration data. Loaded memory elements may each provide a static output control signal that configures a programmable logic transistor in programmable logic. The memory elements may be powered with an elevated voltage during normal operation. Boosted address signals may be used when addressing the memory array. The address decoder may contain circuitry that is responsive to a clear control signal and an address output enable signal. The memory element array may be cleared by asserting the clear control signal and address output enable signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Andy Nguyen, Ling Yu
  • Patent number: 8077513
    Abstract: A method of programming a memory device comprising a plurality of memory cells may include verifying a first memory cell targeted to a first level with a first preliminary voltage of a first program phase (PPV1?), programming the first memory cell targeted to the first level in the first program phase, and verifying the first memory cell with a first post program-verify voltage of the first program phase (PV1?) in which the first post program-verify voltage is different from the first preliminary voltage. A corresponding apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsin-Yi Ho, Chia-Ching Li, Chun-Hsiung Hung
  • Patent number: 8078821
    Abstract: An asynchronously pipelined SDRAM has separate pipeline stages that are controlled by asynchronous signals. Rather than using a clock signal to synchronize data at each stage, an asynchronous signal is used to latch data at every stage. The asynchronous control signals are generated within the chip and are optimized to the different latency stages. Longer latency stages require larger delays elements, while shorter latency states require shorter delay elements. The data is synchronized to the clock at the end of the read data path before being read out of the chip. Because the data has been latched at each pipeline stage, it suffers from less skew than would be seen in a conventional wave pipeline architecture. Furthermore, since the stages are independent of the system clock, the read data path can be run at any CAS latency as long as the re-synchronizing output is built to support it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Mosaid Technologies Incorporated
    Inventor: Ian Mes
  • Patent number: 8045357
    Abstract: A memory includes a memory cell array including destructive read-out type memory cells; a decoder selecting a cell; a sense amplifier configured to detect the data; and a read and write controller controlling a read operation and a write operation, wherein the read and write controller outputs a logical value of a write enable signal at the start of the read operation in a first period and makes the write enable signal invalid after the read operation starts during the first period, on the basis of the write enable signal and a restore signal keeping an activated state during the first period, the write enable signal being a signal allowing the write operation, the first period being a period from when the read operation starts to when a restore operation for writing the data back to the memory cell is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Ryu Ogiwara, Daisaburo Takashima
  • Patent number: 8027222
    Abstract: A burst mode control unit includes a burst period signal generation unit for generating a burst period signal which is enabled during a burst mode operation period, a burst pulse generation unit for generating a burst pulse, which is generated at every predetermined number of cycles during the enabled period of the burst period signal, in response to a read command and a write command, and a column access signal generation unit for receiving the burst signal and a clock signal and generating a column access signal which controls input and output of data during the burst mode operation period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Kyong Ha Lee
  • Patent number: 7961499
    Abstract: A memory cell includes a storage element, a write circuit coupled to the storage element and a read circuit coupled to the storage element. At least a portion of the storage element and at least a portion of the write circuit are fabricated using a thicker functional gate oxide and at least a portion of the read circuit is fabricated using a thinner functional gate oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Manish Garg, Chiaming Chai, Michael ThaiThanh Phan
  • Patent number: 7957206
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device (e.g., a logic device or a memory device) having a memory cell array which includes (i) a plurality of memory cells, wherein each memory cell is programmable to store one of a plurality of data states, and (ii) a bit line, having a plurality of memory cells coupled thereto. Memory cell control circuitry applies one or more read control signals to perform a read operation wherein, in response to the read control signals, a selected memory cell conducts a current which is representative of the data state stored therein. Sense amplifier circuitry senses the data state stored in the selected memory cell using a signal which is responsive to the current conducted by the selected memory cell. Current regulation circuitry is responsively and electrically coupled to the bit line during a portion of the read operation to sink or source at least a portion of the current provided on the bit line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Philippe Bauser
  • Patent number: 7936591
    Abstract: A word line voltage is applied to a plurality of word lines. A read/write voltage is applied to a plurality of bit lines. The read/write voltage is applied to a plurality of source lines. A word line selector selects the word line and applies the word line voltage. A driver applies a predetermined voltage to the bit line and the source line, thereby supplying a current to the memory cell. A read circuit reads a first current having flowed through the memory cell, and determines data stored in the memory cell. When performing the read, the driver supplies a second current to second bit lines among other bit lines, which are adjacent to the first bit line through which the first current has flowed. The second current generates a magnetic field in a direction to suppress a write error in the memory cell from which data is to be read.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kiyotaro Itagaki, Yoshihiro Ueda
  • Patent number: 7924637
    Abstract: Timing delays in a double data rate (DDR) dynamic random access memory (DRAM) controller (114, 116) are trained. A left edge of passing receive enable delay values is determined (530). A final value of a receive data strobe delay value and a final value of a transmit data delay value are trained (540). A right edge of passing receive enable delay values is determined using a working value of the receive data strobe delay (550); and a final receive enable delay value intermediate between the left edge of passing receive enable delay values and the right edge of passing receive enable delay values is set (560).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn Searles, Tahsin Askar, Thomas H. Hamilton, Oswin Housty
  • Patent number: 7924651
    Abstract: An exemplary aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is a semiconductor storage device including a power-on reset generator that outputs a first reset signal in accordance with a level of a power supply voltage, a command decoder that moves to a mode set state in accordance with input of an external control pin and outputs mode set information in accordance with a command input from an address pin, an MRS controller that outputs a mode reset signal (MRSPON signal) in accordance with the mode set information, and a reset circuit that outputs a second reset signal initializing each circuit of an operation control section in accordance with the mode reset signal and the first reset signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Susumu Takano
  • Patent number: 7916562
    Abstract: A clock driver device includes a driving controller configured to generate a clock output enable signal enabled in response to an internal read pulse signal and disabled in response to a data output enable signal and an internal clock signal, and a clock driver configured to generate a driving clock signal by driving the internal clock signal in response to the clock output enable signal and a power-down signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Kie Bong Ku
  • Patent number: 7916575
    Abstract: A memory, such as a flash memory, may receive a configuration bit from a memory controller to set the memory in one of two selectable modes. Thus, based on the way the memory controller operates, it can adapt the operation of the memory to suit the memory controller's techniques for entering synchronous burst read mode. In some embodiments, the bit may selectively enable the memory to assume one of two synchronous burst read modes which are based on different arrangements of CLK and ADV# signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventors: Emanuele Confalonieri, Daniele Balluchi, Chris Bueb, Graziano Mirichigni
  • Patent number: 7907472
    Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit (100) fetches read data from DDR-SDRAMs (110, 120) each operating in synchronization with a clock, and transfers the read data. The semiconductor integrated circuit (100) includes read buffers (104, 105) for fetching the read data from the DDR-SDRAMs (110, 120), and transferring the read data, latch timing control circuits (102, 103) for controlling respective latch timings with which the read buffers (104, 105) fetch the read data from the DDR-SDRAMs (110, 120) based on respective data strobe signals from the DDR-SDRAMs (110, 120), and a read timing control circuit (106) for controlling respective read timings with which the read buffers (104, 105) transfer the read data based on the latch timings of the latch timing control circuits (102, 103).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Fukumoto, Toshiya Kogishi
  • Patent number: 7864601
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a preliminary signal generator configured to output a preliminary pipe-in signal enabled when a read command is applied. A delay unit is configured to delay the preliminary pipe-in signal and output the delayed preliminary pipe-in signal to match the timing of output data. A pipe-in signal generator generates a pipe-in signals that are enabled between a predetermined enable point and a next enable point of the delayed preliminary pipe-in signal output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventors: Kyoung-Nam Kim, Ho-Youb Cho
  • Patent number: 7859926
    Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor memory device including a discharge circuit that discharges bit lines to a ground potential, a sense amplifier of a single-ended input configuration, and a charging transistor connected between a power supply and an input node of the sense amplifier. The charging transistor charges a bit line from a side of the input node of the sense amplifier via the selected column select transistor which is set to an on state. When a current path to the ground from the bit line to which a selected memory cell is connected is turned off at a time of reading, the input node of the sense amplifier is charged by the charging transistor, and a potential at the input node of the sense amplifier is thereby raised. Then, after the input node of the sense amplifier has been further charged with the one of the column select transistors turned off, the reading operation is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Shinya Takami
  • Patent number: 7852686
    Abstract: A circuit and method for a sense amplifier for sensing the charge stored when a select signal couples a memory cell to the sense amplifier. A pull up voltage and a pull down voltage are instantaneously supplied to the sense amplifier to sense the small signal differential input on the complementary bit lines and to simultaneously restore the value stored in the memory cell. A differential output signal generator circuit is provided to instantaneously supply the pull up and pull down voltages. In another preferred embodiment the signal generator provides the pull up and pull down voltages at a first level and subsequently increases the pull up voltage to a voltage greater than the positive supply voltage and decreases the pull down voltage. A method of sensing is disclosed wherein the sense and restore actions are performed instantaneously to provide memory cell sensing with greater tolerance of device mismatches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shine Chung, Jonathan Hung
  • Patent number: 7852707
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device using system clock with a high frequency can maintain a constant margin of operation even with a changed operating environment including voltage level, temperature, and process. The semiconductor memory device includes a data output control circuit configured to control data outputted in synchronization with a falling edge of a system clock using a first output source signal corresponding to a rising edge of the system clock, and to control data outputted in synchronization with the rising edge of the system clock using a second output source signal corresponding to a falling edge of the system clock, and a data output circuit configured to output data, the data output circuit being controlled by the data output control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Hee-Jin Byun
  • Patent number: 7843741
    Abstract: A number of read cycles applied to a selected memory location of a memory device, such as a variable-resistance memory device, is monitored. Write data to be written to the selected memory location is received. Selective pre-write verifying and writing of the received write data to the selected memory location occurs based on the monitored number of read cycles. Selectively pre-write verifying and writing of the received write data may include, for example, writing received write data to the selected memory cell region without pre-write verification responsive to the monitored number of read cycles being greater than a predetermined number of read cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong-Sik Jeong, Kwang-Jin Lee, Dae-Won Ha, Gi-Tae Jeong, Jung-Hyuk Lee
  • Patent number: 7808805
    Abstract: A column address control circuit comprises a control unit for outputting a control signal in response to a DDR mode signal and a first signal, and an address counting unit configured to receive a start column address and output a start column address in response to the control signal. The first signal is a burst read single write mode signal. The control signal is activated when the first signal is activated in a DDR mode. The control unit includes a first logic unit for performing an AND operation of the DDR mode signal and the first signal, and a second logic unit for performing an OR operation of an output signal of the first logic unit and a SDR mode signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Bok Rim Ko
  • Patent number: 7773435
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a command buffer that receives an external command and outputs a first command signal, a clock buffer that receives an external clock signal and outputs a first internal clock signal, a delay measurement and initialization unit that receives the first internal clock signal and a fourth internal clock signal and responsively outputs a second internal clock signal and a plurality of delayed signals corresponding to a delay time between when the external clock signal is input and data is output, a delay locked loop that receives the second internal clock signal and outputs a third internal clock signal and the fourth internal clock signal, a latency signal generation unit that delays the first command signal by a delay time between when the second internal clock signal is input to the delay locked loop and when the third internal clock signal is output from the delay locked loop, and then outputs the delayed first command signal as a latency signal, in response to the secon
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-ho Cho
  • Patent number: 7751261
    Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for controlling a read latency of a high-speed DRAM. A memory device may include a delay measurement unit, a delay locked loop, a latency counter and a data output buffer. The delay measurement unit measures a delay time between when an external clock signal is input and when read data is output to generate measurement signals and generates a first internal clock signal delayed from the external clock signal. The delay locked loop (DLL) receives the first internal clock signal and generates a second internal clock signal synchronized with the external clock signal. The latency counter generates a latency signal from an external read command signal in response to the measurement signals, and the data output buffer outputs the read data in response to the latency signal and the second internal clock signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-ho Cho
  • Publication number: 20100157719
    Abstract: A circuit for generating a read end signal includes a clock transferring unit which receives a clock signal, a write/read status signal and an all bank precharge signal and outputs a delayed clock signal, a read signal detecting unit which receives a read pulse signal and the delayed clock signal and generates a read detection signal having a pulse width corresponding to a certain clock, and a read end signal generating unit which receives a first signal, the delayed clock signal and the read detection signal and generates a read end signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Tue Jin King
  • Patent number: 7741892
    Abstract: Disclosed is a data output controller that includes an enable signal controller, which generates a control signal having a predetermined pulse width in response to a DQ off signal and a write signal and generates a clock enable signal in response to a read signal and the control signal in synchronization with the control signal when the read signal is activated, and a clock generator that receives the enable signal and an internal clock signal and generates a data clock signal in synchronization with the internal clock signal during an activation period of the enable signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Tae Jin Kang