Format Or Disposition Of Elements Patents (Class 365/51)
  • Patent number: 8964440
    Abstract: A stack that includes non-volatile memory devices is disclosed. One of the non-volatile memory devices in the stack is a master device, and the remaining memory device or devices is a slave device(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Conversant Intellectual Property Management Inc.
    Inventor: Jin-Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 8963115
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a memory device includes a first conductive line extending in a first direction, second conductive lines each extending in a second direction intersect with the first direction, a third conductive line extending in a third direction intersect with the first and second directions, an insulating layer disposed between the second conductive lines and the third conductive line, resistance change elements each disposed on one of first and second surfaces of each of the second conductive lines in the third direction, and each connected to the third conductive line, a semiconductor layer connected between the first conductive line and one end of the third conductive line, and a select FET having a select gate electrode, and using the semiconductor layer as a channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Kenichi Murooka
  • Publication number: 20150049534
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of first stacked structures including a plurality of first material layers at ends of which first contact regions are defined, a plurality of second stacked structures including a plurality of second material layers, wherein second contact regions are defined at ends of the second material layers and arranged between the first stacked structures so that the first contact regions and the second contact regions overlap each other, and a plurality of lines coupled in common to the first contact regions and the second contact regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Eun Seok CHOI
  • Publication number: 20150049535
    Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor storage device with which it is possible to write information to individual memory cells in which a storage node is configured with an oxide semiconductor insulated-gate FET source and a terminal of a capacitor element being connected. A storage node is configured by connecting a source of a first transistor to one terminal of a capacitor element. A drain of the first transistor and a source of a second transistor are connected to each other. A drain of the second transistor is a data input terminal. A first control terminal, which is formed by a gate of the first transistor being connected to another terminal of the capacitor element, is connected to a wordline, which extends in the row direction. A second control terminal, which is formed of a gate of the second transistor terminal, is connected to a write control line, which extends in the column direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshimitsu Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 8958227
    Abstract: Multiple integrated circuits (ICs) die, from different wafers, can be picked-and-placed, front-side planarized using a vacuum applied to a planarizing disk, and attached to each other or a substrate. The streets between the IC die can be filled, and certain techniques or fixtures allow application of monolithic semiconductor wafer processing for interconnecting different die. High density I/O connections between different IC die can be obtained using structures and techniques for aligning vias to I/O structures, and programmably routing IC I/O lines to appropriate vias. Existing IC die can be retrofitted for such interconnection to other IC die, such as by using similar techniques or tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: CrossFire Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Atkinson, Clifford H. Boler
  • Patent number: 8958228
    Abstract: A three-dimensional memory is formed as an array of memory elements that are formed across multiple layers of planes positioned at different distances above a semiconductor substrate. The memory elements reversibly change a level of electrical conductance in response to a voltage difference being applied across them. The three-dimensional array includes a two-dimensional array of pillar lines acting as local vertical bit lines through the multiple layers of planes which together with arrays of word lines on each plane are used to access the memory elements. The three-dimensional memory is formed over a CMOS substrate with an intermediate pillar select layer. The pillar select layer is formed with a plurality of pillar select devices which are switching transistors formed outside the CMOS and serve to switch selected rows of pillar lines to corresponding metal lines on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Sandisk 3D LLC
    Inventors: George Samachisa, Johann Alsmeier
  • Patent number: 8953402
    Abstract: In an exemplary aspect, the present invention provides a semiconductor memory device including sense amplifiers that drive bit lines to which memory cells are connected, and driver transistors that supply a power supply to the sense amplifiers, wherein the sense amplifiers are arranged in rows and constitutes a first sense-amplifier row in which transistors of a first conductive type are arranged and a second sense-amplifier row in which transistors of a second conductive type are arranged, and the driver transistors constitutes at least one transistor row including a first driver transistor of the first conductive type corresponding to the first sense-amplifier row and a second driver transistor of the second conductive type corresponding to the second sense-amplifier row between the first sense-amplifier row and the second sense-amplifier row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8953396
    Abstract: A NAND interface having a reduced pin count configuration, in which all command and address functions and operations of the NAND are provided serially on a single serial command and address pin, and data is transmitted over data pins in response to commands and addresses received on the serial command and address pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Ebrahim Abedifard
  • Patent number: 8953394
    Abstract: A logic chip and memory chip stacked over the logic chip, the logic chip having a first surface facing the memory chip and a second surface opposite to the first surface and including: first and second internal input/output circuit units for exchanging signals; first external input/output circuit unit for exchanging signals through first external input/output pads formed according to an external interface standard of a first memory over the second surface; and second external input/output circuit unit for exchanging signals through second external input/output pads formed according to an external interface standard of a second memory over the second surface, wherein semiconductor device operates in one of a first mode in which the first internal input/output circuit unit and the first external input/output circuit unit are enabled and a second mode in which the first and second internal input/output circuit units and the second external input/output circuit unit are enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Seon Kwang Jeon, Sung Soo Ryu, Chang Il Kim, Jang Ryul Kim
  • Publication number: 20150036406
    Abstract: A microcomputer provided on a rectangular semiconductor board has memory interface circuits. The memory interface circuits are separately disposed in such positions as to extend along the peripheries of the semiconductor board on both sides from one corner as a reference position. In this case, limitations to size reduction imposed on the semiconductor board can be reduced compared with a semiconductor board having memory interface circuits only on one side. Respective partial circuits on each of the separated memory interface circuits have equal data units associated with data and data strobe signals. Thus, the microcomputer has simplified line design on a mother board and on a module board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Takafumi BETSUI, Naoto TAOKA, Motoo SUWA, Shigezumi MATSUI, Norihiko SUGITA, Yoshiharu FUKUSHIMA
  • Publication number: 20150036405
    Abstract: Some embodiments include memory devices having a wordline, a bitline, a memory element selectively configurable in one of three or more different resistive states, and a diode configured to allow a current to flow from the wordline through the memory element to the bitline responsive to a voltage being applied across the wordline and the bitline and to decrease the current if the voltage is increased or decreased. Some embodiments include memory devices having a wordline, a bitline, memory element selectively configurable in one of two or more different resistive states, a first diode configured to inhibit a first current from flowing from the bitline to the wordline responsive to a first voltage, and a second diode comprising a dielectric material and configured to allow a second current to flow from the wordline to the bitline responsive to a second voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Chandra Mouli
  • Patent number: 8947908
    Abstract: A non-volatile memory device structure includes first electrodes comprising conductive silicon-containing material, a plurality of resistive switching material stacks comprising first resistive switching material and second resistive switching material overlying the first electrode, wherein the first resistive switching material comprises a first resistance switching voltage and the second resistive switching material comprises a second resistance switching voltage less than the first amplitude, second electrodes comprising metal material overlying and electrically coupled to the plurality of resistive switching material stacks, wherein a plurality of memory elements are formed from the first plurality of electrodes, the plurality of resistive switching material stacks, and the second plurality of electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Crossbar, Inc.
    Inventor: Sung Hyun Jo
  • Publication number: 20150029773
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory cell includes a set of circuit structures, each having column input/output circuits. The semiconductor memory cell further includes a set of replicas corresponding to the column input/output circuits. The set of replicas are non-functional and fills an empty space next to the column input/output circuits and hence, provides context protection for the column input/output circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Lakshmikantha Holla, Thomas ATON, Steve PRINS, Dharaneedharan S.
  • Publication number: 20150029774
    Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatus and methods having dice arranged in a stack. The dice include at least a first die and a second die, and a connection coupled to the dice. The connection may be configured to transfer control information to the first die during an assignment of a first identification to the first die and to transfer the control information from the first die to the second die during an assignment of a second identification to the second die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Brent Keeth
  • Patent number: 8942057
    Abstract: When a measured current of a resistor is less than a preset current value after a device is inserted into a memory slot, a control chip and a storage chip does not receive voltages. When the measured current is not less than the preset current value and a count time reaches a preset time value, the control chip and the storage chip receive voltages, to read or write data. When measured current of the resistor is not less than the preset current value after the device is removed from the memory slot, the control chip and the storage chip receive voltages, to backup data. When the measured current is less than the preset current value and the count time reaches the preset time value, the control chip and the storage chip do not receive voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: ScienBiziP Consulting (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gui-Fu Xiao, Cheng-Fei Weng
  • Patent number: 8942021
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: an I/O circuit configured to input/output a data signal; a plurality of internal circuits configured to transmit and receive the data signal to/from the I/O circuit; and a path provider configured to select one of a direct path to a target internal circuit or an indirect path to the target internal circuit that is longer than the direct path in response to one or more path control signals and use the selected path when the data signal is transmitted between the I/O circuit and the plurality of internal circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Tae-Kyun Kim
  • Patent number: 8937829
    Abstract: The embodiments herein relates to a hybrid non-volatile memory cell system and architecture for designing integrated circuits. The system comprises CMOS access transistor connected to a memristor which stores a data based on a resistance. The system has a word line for accessing the hybrid memory and two bit lines carrying data of mutually opposite values for transferring a data from the memory. The two terminals of the transistor are connected respectively to a first terminal of the memristor and to a first bit line. The gate terminals of the transistors are coupled together to form a word line. The access transistors control the two bit lines during a read and write operation. A control logic performs a read and write operation with the hybrid memory cells. The memory architecture prevents a power leakage during data storage and controls a drift in a state during a read process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Khalifa University of Science, Technology & Research (KUSTAR)
    Inventors: Baker Shehadad Mohammad, Dirar Al-Homouz
  • Publication number: 20150016172
    Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) package includes a stacked-die memory device. The stacked-die memory device includes a set of one or more stacked memory dies implementing memory cell circuitry. The stacked-die memory device further includes a set of one or more logic dies electrically coupled to the memory cell circuitry. The set of one or more logic dies includes a query controller and a memory controller. The memory controller is coupleable to at least one device external to the stacked-die memory device. The query controller is to perform a query operation on data stored in the memory cell circuitry responsive to a query command received from the external device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Gabriel H. Loh, Nuwan S. Jayasena, James M. O'Connor, Yasuko Eckert
  • Patent number: 8934300
    Abstract: A memory array structure is provided. The memory array structure comprises a ring-shaped electrical pattern comprising a plurality of word lines, an array area comprising a first array, a second array and a plurality of bit lines, and a contact area comprising a plurality of contact points. The first array comprises one part of the word lines, and a first ground select line and a first string select line disposed on both sides of the word lines. The second array comprises another part of the word lines, and a second ground select line and a second string select line disposed on both sides of the word lines. The bit lines are disposed on the first array and the second array, and cross both of the first array and the second array. The word lines electrically contact with an external circuit through the contact points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shih-Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 8934283
    Abstract: In a case where a DRAM and a ReRAM are mounted together, a manufacturing cost thereof is reduced while maintaining performance of a capacitance element and a variable resistance element. A semiconductor memory device includes a variable resistance element and a capacitance element. The variable resistance element has a cylinder type MIM structure with a first depth, and is designed for a variable resistance type memory. The capacitance element has a cylinder type MIM structure with a second depth deeper than the first depth, and is designed for a DRAM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Masaharu Matsudaira, Masayuki Terai
  • Publication number: 20150009737
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments related to stacked memory devices, such as DRAMs, SRAMs, EEPROMs, and CAMs. For example, stack position identifiers (SPIDs) are assigned or otherwise determined, and are used by each memory device to make a number of adjustments. In one embodiment, a self-refresh rate of a DRAM is adjusted based on the SPID of that device. In another embodiment, a latency of a DRAM or SRAM is adjusted based on the SPID. In another embodiment, internal regulation signals are shared with other devices via TSVs. In another embodiment, adjustments to internally regulated signals are made based on the SPID of a particular device. In another embodiment, serially connected signals can be controlled based on a chip SPID (e.g., an even or odd stack position), and whether the signal is an upstream or a downstream type of signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Michael C. Stephens, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150009738
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments related to stacked memory devices, such as DRAMs, SRAMs, EEPROMs, and CAMs. For example, stack position identifiers (SPIDs) are assigned or otherwise determined, and are used by each memory device to make a number of adjustments. In one embodiment, a self-refresh rate of a DRAM is adjusted based on the SPID of that device. In another embodiment, a latency of a DRAM or SRAM is adjusted based on the SPID. In another embodiment, internal regulation signals are shared with other devices via TSVs. In another embodiment, adjustments to internally regulated signals are made based on the SPID of a particular device. In another embodiment, serially connected signals can be controlled based on a chip SPID (e.g., an even or odd stack position), and whether the signal is an upstream or a downstream type of signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Michael C. Stephens, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150009739
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments related to stacked memory devices, such as DRAMs, SRAMs, EEPROMs, and CAMs. For example, stack position identifiers (SPIDs) are assigned or otherwise determined, and are used by each memory device to make a number of adjustments. In one embodiment, a self-refresh rate of a DRAM is adjusted based on the SPID of that device. In another embodiment, a latency of a DRAM or SRAM is adjusted based on the SPID. In another embodiment, internal regulation signals are shared with other devices via TSVs. In another embodiment, adjustments to internally regulated signals are made based on the SPID of a particular device. In another embodiment, serially connected signals can be controlled based on a chip SPID (e.g., an even or odd stack position), and whether the signal is an upstream or a downstream type of signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Michael C. Stephens, JR.
  • Patent number: 8929120
    Abstract: Memory devices, memory arrays, and methods of operation of memory arrays with segmentation. Segmentation elements can scale with the memory cells, and may be uni-directional or bi-directional diodes. Biasing lines in the array allow biasing of selected and unselected select devices and segmentation elements with any desired bias, and may use biasing devices of the same construction as the segmentation elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron Yip
  • Patent number: 8929117
    Abstract: A multi-chip package includes a first group of memory chips that includes a first memory chip and a second memory chip, a second group of memory chips that includes at least one memory chip, a first internal wiring system that couples the first memory chip and the second memory chip to a first terminal configured to receive a chip-enable signal, a second internal wiring system that couples the at least one memory chip to a second terminal configured to receive the chip-enable signal. The first memory chip and the second memory chip each include a chip address memory region configured to store an address associated with the memory chip, and an address rewrite module configured to rewrite the address associated with the memory chip and stored in the chip address memory region in response to an external operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Naoki Matsunaga
  • Patent number: 8929118
    Abstract: A stacked semiconductor memory device is provided which includes a first memory chip including a first transmission line, a second transmission line, and a logic circuit configured to execute a logic operation on a first signal of the first transmission line and a second signal of the second transmission line. The stacked semiconductor memory device further includes a second memory chip stacked over the first memory chip, an inter-chip connection unit electrically coupled between the second memory chip and the first transmission line of the first memory chip, and a dummy inter-chip connection unit electrically coupled to the second transmission line of the first memory chip and electrically isolated from the second memory chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Sung Oh, Jin-Ho Kim, Ho-Cheol Lee, Uk-Song Kang, Hoon Lee
  • Publication number: 20150003139
    Abstract: A memory storage device, a memory control circuit unit, and a clock adjusting circuit disposed on a plurality of layers are provided. The clock adjusting circuit includes a detection circuit, a control voltage generating circuit, and a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO). The detection circuit detects a signal characteristic difference between an input signal and an output signal to generate a first signal. The control voltage generating circuit is coupled to the detection circuit and generates a control voltage according to the first signal. The VCO is coupled to the control voltage generating circuit and includes an inductor and a capacitor. The VCO receives the control voltage and starts oscillating according to an impedance characteristic of the inductor and the capacitor to generate the output signal. The inductor is disposed on a pad layer among the layers. Thereby, the manufacturing cost is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Phison Electronics Corp.
    Inventors: Wei-Yung Chen, Yan-An Lin
  • Publication number: 20150003140
    Abstract: A semiconductor device enabling expansion of a noise margin. For example, in a memory area in which each memory cell MC is coupled to a word line WLA for a first port and a word line WLB for a second port, and a plurality of memory cells MC are disposed in a matrix shape, each word line is disposed in the order of WLA0, WLB0, WLB1, WLA1, WLA2. Further, a pitch d2 between WLA-WLA and between WLB-WLB is made smaller than a pitch d1 between WLA-WLB. As such, the word lines of an identical port are disposed at the pitch d2 on one of both sides of a certain word line and the word lines of different ports are disposed at the pitch d1 on the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Kiyotada FUNANE, Ken SHIBATA, Yasuhisa SHIMAZAKI
  • Patent number: 8923081
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory system configured to exchange signals through channels may include a memory control device configured to have a plurality of channels, a plurality of memory devices configured to be connected to each of the plurality of channels, wherein the plurality of channels share at least one of the plurality of memory devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Chun-Seok Jeong, Jae-Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 8923058
    Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device is provided. The device may include a plurality of cell strings that are configured to share a bit line, word lines, and selection lines. Each of the cell strings may include a plurality of memory cells connected in series to each other and a string selection device controlling connections between the memory cells and the bit line, and the string selection device may include a first string selection element with a first threshold voltage and a second string selection element connected in series to the first string selection element and having a second threshold voltage different from the first threshold voltage. At least one of the first and second string selection elements may include a plurality of switching elements connected in series to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Changyun Lee, Yoocheol Shin, Jungdal Choi
  • Patent number: 8923057
    Abstract: A three-dimensional semiconductor device comprises active patterns arranged two-dimensionally on a substrate, electrodes arranged three-dimensionally between the active patterns, and memory regions arranged three-dimensionally at intersecting points defined by the active patterns and the electrodes. Each of the active patterns is used as a common current path for an electrical connection to two different memory regions that are formed at the same height from the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong-Hoon Son, Myoung Bum Lee, Ki Hyun Hwang, Seung Jae Baik
  • Publication number: 20140376295
    Abstract: A memory device includes a plurality of first dies stacked on a substrate, and a second die configured to perform an error correction operation on data written in the first dies and data read out from the first dies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: SK HYNIX INC.
    Inventors: Jong Hoon OH, Suk Joo MYUNG, June Hyung AHN
  • Patent number: 8917567
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a global bit line and a local bit line, and a switch coupled therebetween. Upon performing a precharge operation, a precharge voltage is supplied to the global bit line with turning the switch ON, so that the local bit line receives the precharge voltage through the global bit line and the switch, and after a lapse of a predetermined time, a precharge voltage is further supplied to the local bit line without an intervention of the global bit line and the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: PS4 Luxco S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Shinichi Takayama, Kazuhiko Kajigaya
  • Patent number: 8917564
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device having a 3D stacked structure includes: a first semiconductor area with a stacked structure of a first layer having first data and a second layer having second data; a first line for delivering an access signal for accessing the first semiconductor area; and a second line for outputting the first and/or second data from the first semiconductor area, wherein access timings of accessing the first and second layers are controlled so that a first time delay from the delivery of the access signal to the first layer to the output of the first data is substantially identical to a second time delay from the delivery of the access signal to the second layer to the output of the second data, thereby compensating for skew according to an inter-layer timing delay and thus performing a normal operation. Accordingly, the advantage of high-integration according to a stacked structure can be maximized by satisfying data input/output within a predetermined standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hak-Soo Yu, Sang-Bo Lee, Hong-Sun Hwang, Dong-Hyun Sohn
  • Patent number: 8917531
    Abstract: A thermally assisted magnetoresistive random access memory cell, a corresponding array, and a method for fabricating the array. An example cell includes a first metal layer, a second metal layer, an interlayer, a first magnetic stack, and a first non-magnetic via. The first metal layer includes a pad and a first metal line, with the pad not in direct contact with the first metal line. The second metal layer includes a second metal line and a metal strap. The second metal line is perpendicular to the first metal line and not in contact with the metal strap. The interlayer is located between the first and second metal layers. The first metal line is not in direct contact with the interlayer. The first magnetic stack is in direct contact with the interlayer and the metal strap. The first non-magnetic via is in direct contact with the pad and the metal strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony J. Annunziata, John K. DeBrosse
  • Patent number: 8913413
    Abstract: The system includes multiple sets of local data lines in one or more routing metal layers below the three-dimensional memory array and multiple sets of global data lines in one or more top metal layers above the three-dimensional memory array. Each set of one or more blocks include one set of the local data lines. Each bay includes one set of global data lines that connect to the group of sense amplifiers associated with the blocks of the respective bay. Each block includes a subset of first selection circuits for selectively coupling a subset of array lines of the first type to respective local data lines. Each block includes a subset of second selection circuits for selectively coupling a subset of the respective local data lines to global data lines associated with a respective bay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: SanDisk 3D LLC
    Inventors: Tianhong Yan, Luca Fasoli
  • Publication number: 20140362629
    Abstract: A microelectronic package can include a support element having first and second surfaces and substrate contacts at the first or second surface, zeroth and first stacked microelectronic elements electrically coupled with the substrate contacts, and terminals at the second surface electrically coupled with the microelectronic elements. The second surface can have a southwest region encompassing entire lengths of south and west edges of the second surface and extending in orthogonal directions from the south and west edges one-third of each distance toward north and east edges of the second surface, respectively. The terminals can include first terminals at a southwest region of the second surface, the first terminals configured to carry address information usable by circuitry within the microelectronic package to determine an addressable memory location from among all the available addressable memory locations of the memory storage arrays of at least one of the zeroth or first microelectronic elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: Invensas Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Dewitt Crisp, Yong Chen, Belgacem Haba, Wael Zohni, Zhuowen Sun
  • Patent number: 8908450
    Abstract: A double density memory device including two synchronous dynamic random access memory chips, each having multiple data (DQ) signals, multiple address signals and multiple control signals. The chips are mounted in a package that provides interconnection terminals for conducting electrical signals to and from the memory chips. An interconnecting network is contained within the package to provide paths for electrically connecting the chip contact pad on each chip corresponding to a specific control or address signal to one interconnection terminal for that signal for both chips so that the control and address signals for the two chips are tied together. For each DQ signal, the chip contact pad on each chip corresponding to that DQ signal is connected by the interconnecting network to a separate interconnection terminal. The trace length between a chip contact pad and the interconnection terminal to which it connects for each signal is substantially the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: I'M Intelligent Memory Limited
    Inventors: Thorsten Helmut Wronski, Klaus Julius Schwarz, Joseph Chun-Kong Chan
  • Patent number: 8908411
    Abstract: In a semiconductor device of a stacked structure type having a control chip and a plurality of controlled chips, wherein the control chip allocates different I/O sets to the respective controlled chips and processes the I/O sets within the same access cycle, the controlled chip close to the control chip and positioned to a lower position in the stacked structure has I/O penetrating through substrate vias connected to penetrating through interconnections. The penetrating through interconnections are extended to an upper one of the controlled chips that not use the penetrating through interconnections and, as a result, all of the penetrating through interconnections have the same lengths as each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: PS4 Luxco S.a.r.l.
    Inventor: Yoshiro Riho
  • Patent number: 8908458
    Abstract: A sense amplifier circuit for a nonvolatile memory that includes a first amplifier to perform a switching operation to output a first signal on a sense amplifier based logic (SABL) node depending on the state of a sensing enable signal, a second amplifier to perform a switching operation to output a second signal on the SABL node depending on the state of the sensing enable signal, a current mirror that sinks current on the SABL node depending on the sensing enable signal and a bit line signal, and an inverter arranged to output the signal on the SABL node as a data signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Dongbu HiTek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong Seop Lee
  • Patent number: 8908384
    Abstract: A computing device has a motherboard circuit substrate having at least one layer of electrical interconnects and a socket arranged to receive a main processor for the computing device, the socket electrically coupled to at least a portion of the layer of electrical interconnects, wherein the circuit substrate has no memory interconnects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Morgan/Weiss Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Morgan Johnson, Frederick G. Weiss
  • Patent number: 8908419
    Abstract: A semiconductor storage device includes a memory cell array, a plurality of word lines, a plurality of bit lines, a first gate wiring element 3a, 3b, a second gate wiring element 3c, 3d, a first connector 5a, 5b, and a second connector 5c, 5d. Each memory cell 10 has first and second sets having a driver transistor 11, a load transistor 12, and an access transistor 13. The word lines are arranged in parallel to each other along a first direction. The bit lines are arranged in parallel to each other along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first gate wiring element comprises a gate electrode of the first driver transistor and the first load transistor, and has a rectangular shape having straight line on opposite sides. The second gate wiring element comprises a gate electrode of the access transistor and has a rectangular shape having straight line on opposite sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Hidemoto Tomita, Shigeki Ohbayashi, Yoshiyuki Ishigaki
  • Patent number: 8908410
    Abstract: This nonvolatile semiconductor memory device comprises a memory cell array configured having a plurality of memory mats arranged therein, each of the memory mats having a memory cell disposed therein at an intersection of a first line and a second line, the memory cell including a first variable resistance element. A third line extends through a plurality of the memory mats. A second variable resistance element is connected between the third line and the second line of each of the plurality of memory mats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Masayuki Ichige
  • Patent number: 8908435
    Abstract: An erase process for a 3D stacked memory device controls a drain-side select gate (SGD) and a source-side select gate (SGS) of a NAND string. In one approach, SGD and SGS are driven to provide a predictable drain-to-gate voltage across the select gates while an erase voltage is applied to a bit line or source line. A more consistent gate-induced drain leakage (GIDL) at the select gates can be generated to charge up the body of the NAND string. Further, the select gate voltage can be stepped up with the erase voltage to avoid an excessive drain-to-gate voltage across the select gates which causes degradation. The step up in the select gate voltage can begin with the first erase-verify iteration of an erase operation, or at a predetermined or adaptively determined erase-verify iteration, such as based on a number of program-erase cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Haibo Li, Xiying Costa, Chenfeng Zhang
  • Patent number: 8908378
    Abstract: A solid state drive is disclosed. The solid state drive includes a circuit board having opposing first and second surfaces. A plurality of semiconductor chips are attached to the first surface of the circuit board of the solid state drive, and the plurality of semiconductor chips of the solid state drive include at least one memory chip that is at least substantially encapsulated in a resin. An in-line memory module-type form factor circuit board is also disclosed. The in-line memory module-type form factor circuit board has opposing first and second surfaces. A plurality of semiconductor chips are attached to the first surface of the in-line memory module-type form factor circuit board, and these semiconductor chips include at least one memory chip that is at least substantially encapsulated in a resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Conversant Intellectual Property Management Inc.
    Inventor: Jin-Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 8902663
    Abstract: A method of maintaining a memory state of a 3D memory, wherein the memory includes at least a first cell and a second cell overlying the first cell, the method including: applying a back-bias to the first cell and the second cell without interrupting data access to the memory, and generating at least two stable floating body charge levels of the memory state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Monolithic 3D Inc.
    Inventors: Zvi Or-Bach, Yuniarto Widjaja
  • Patent number: 8902625
    Abstract: An integrated circuit including a plurality of memory circuits and a plurality of logic circuits. The plurality of memory circuits is arranged on a die along a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. Each memory circuit includes a plurality of memory cells. The plurality of logic circuits is arranged on the die between the plurality of memory circuits along the plurality of rows and the plurality of columns. The plurality of logic circuits is configured to communicate with one or more of the memory circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Marvell World Trade Ltd.
    Inventors: Joseph Holt, Roy Mader, Brandon Greiner, Scott B. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8901747
    Abstract: A chip layout for a high speed semiconductor device is disclosed. The chip layout isolates Rx terminals and Rx ports from Tx terminals and Tx ports. A serial interface is centrally located to reduce latency, power and propagation delays. Stacked die that contain one or more devices with the chip layout are characterized by having improved latency, bandwidth, power consumption, and propagation delays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: MoSys, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Miller, Mark Baumann, Richard S. Roy
  • Patent number: 8902661
    Abstract: Memory hole diameter in a three dimensional memory array may be calculated from characteristics that are observed during programming. Suitable operating parameters may be selected for operating a block based on memory hole diameters. Hot counts of blocks may be adjusted according to memory hole size so that blocks that are expected to fail earlier because of small memory holes are more lightly used than blocks with larger memory holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Deepak Raghu, Gautam A. Dusija, Chris Avila, Yingda Dong, Man Mui, Alexander Kwok-Tung Mak, Pao-Ling Koh
  • Patent number: 8902680
    Abstract: Various embodiments comprise apparatuses to assign unique device identifier values to addressable devices in a stacked package. In one embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed including a stacked package with at least two addressable devices. Each of the addressable devices includes data input and switch path circuitry, a shift register coupled to the data input and switch path circuitry, and a single through-substrate via (TSV) through which the unique device identifier values can be assigned. The single TSV is coupled to the data input and switch path circuitry and between adjacent ones of the at least two addressable devices. Additional apparatuses, systems, and methods are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Tadashi Yamamoto