公开(公告)号：US20060044891A1

公开(公告)日：2006-03-02

申请号：US10931472

申请日：2004-08-31

申请人： Feng Lin ,  Brent Keeth ,  Brian Johnson ,  Seong-hoon Lee

发明人： Feng Lin ,  Brent Keeth ,  Brian Johnson ,  Seong-hoon Lee

IPC分类号： G11C7/00

CPC分类号： G11C7/109 ,  G11C7/1006 ,  G11C7/1078 ,  G11C7/1087 ,  G11C7/22 ,  G11C7/222

摘要： A memory system couples command, address or write data signals from a memory controller to a memory device and read data signals from the memory device to the memory controller. A respective strobe generator circuit in each of the memory controller and the memory device each generates an in-phase strobe signal and a quadrature strobe signal. Command, address or write data signals stored in respective output latches in the memory controller are clocked by the in-phase signals from the internal strobe generator circuit. These command, address or write data signals are latched into input latches in the memory device by the quadrature strobe signal coupled from the memory controller to the memory device. In substantially the same manner, read data signals are coupled from the memory device to the memory controller using the in-phase and quadrature strobe signals generated by the internal strobe generator circuit.

公开(公告)号：US20060028905A1

公开(公告)日：2006-02-09

申请号：US10910838

申请日：2004-08-04

申请人： James Johnson ,  Brent Keeth ,  Feng (Dan) Lin

发明人： James Johnson ,  Brent Keeth ,  Feng (Dan) Lin

IPC分类号： G11C8/00

CPC分类号： G11C11/4076 ,  G11C7/22 ,  G11C7/222 ,  G11C11/4072 ,  G11C2207/2254 ,  H03L7/0812 ,  H03L7/095

摘要： A method of synchronizing counters in two different clock domains within a memory device is comprised of generating a start signal for initiating production of a running count of clock pulses of a read clock signal in a first counter downstream of a locked loop and delaying the input of the start signal to a second counter upstream of the locked loop to delay the initiation of a running count of control clock pulses by an amount equal to a predetermined delay. Another disclosed method is for controlling the output of data from a memory device comprising deriving from an external clock signal a control clock for operating an array of storage cells and a read clock, both the control clock and the read clock being comprised of clock pulses. A start signal is generated for initiating production of a running count of the read clock pulses in a first counter. The start signal may be produced when a locked loop achieves a lock between the read clock and the control clock. The input of the start signal to a second counter is delayed to delay the initiation of a running count of the control clock pulses. The delay, which may be expressed as an integer number of clock cycles, may be equal to an input/output delay of the memory device. The method may be modified by inputting the start signal to an offset counter before initiating the production of the running count of the read clock pulses in the first counter. The offset counter may be loaded with a value equal to a programmed latency less a synchronization overhead. Once the running counts are initiated, each time a read command is received, a then current value of the running count of control clock pulses from the second counter is latched or held. The held value is compared to the running count of read clock pulses from the first counter, with the read clock signal being used to output data in response to the comparison. Apparatus for implementing the disclosed methods are also disclosed. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used to construe the claims.

公开(公告)号：US06948027B2

公开(公告)日：2005-09-20

申请号：US10815877

申请日：2004-03-30

申请人： Brent Keeth ,  Brian M. Shirley ,  Charles H. Dennison ,  Kevin J. Ryan

发明人： Brent Keeth ,  Brian M. Shirley ,  Charles H. Dennison ,  Kevin J. Ryan

IPC分类号： G11C7/10 ,  G11C11/406 ,  G11C11/409 ,  G11C15/04 ,  G06F12/00

CPC分类号： G06F12/0893 ,  G06F12/0846 ,  G06F12/0897 ,  G11C7/1006 ,  G11C7/1042 ,  G11C11/406 ,  G11C11/409 ,  G11C15/043

摘要： A cache memory system and method includes a DRAM having a plurality of banks, and it also includes 2 SRAMs each having a capacity that is equal to the capacity of each bank of the DRAM. In operation, data read from a bank of the DRAM are stored in one of the SRAMs so that repeated hits to that bank are cached by reading from the SRAM. In the event of a write to a bank that is being refreshed, the write data are stored in one of the SRAMs. After the refresh of the bank has been completed, the data stored in the SRAM are transferred to the DRAM bank. A subsequent read or write to a second DRAM bank undergoing refresh and occurring during the transfer of data from an SRAM to the DRAM is stored in either the second bank or the other SRAM.

公开(公告)号：US06934173B2

公开(公告)日：2005-08-23

申请号：US09893389

申请日：2001-06-28

申请人： Brent Keeth ,  Layne G. Bunker ,  Scott J. Derner

发明人： Brent Keeth ,  Layne G. Bunker ,  Scott J. Derner

IPC分类号： G11C11/401 ,  G11C5/02 ,  G11C5/06 ,  G11C11/407 ,  G11C11/4074 ,  G11C11/4076 ,  G11C11/4097 ,  G11C29/04 ,  G11C29/14 ,  H01L21/8242 ,  H01L27/108

CPC分类号： G11C5/063 ,  G11C5/025 ,  G11C5/145 ,  G11C5/147 ,  G11C11/401 ,  G11C11/4074 ,  G11C11/4076 ,  G11C11/4097 ,  G11C11/4099 ,  G11C29/021 ,  G11C29/028 ,  G11C29/12 ,  G11C29/12005 ,  G11C29/46 ,  G11C29/787 ,  G11C2029/0407 ,  H01L27/10805 ,  H01L2224/4826 ,  H01L2224/73215 ,  H01L2924/1305 ,  H01L2924/13091 ,  H01L2924/00

摘要： A 256 Meg dynamic random access memory is comprised of a plurality of cells organized into individual arrays, with the arrays being organized into 32 Meg array blocks, which are organized into 64 Meg quadrants. Sense amplifiers are positioned between adjacent rows in the individual arrays while row decoders are positioned between adjacent columns in the individual arrays. In certain of the gap cells, multiplexers are provided to transfer signals from I/O lines to data lines. A datapath is provided which, in addition to the foregoing, includes array I/O blocks, responsive to the datalines from each quadrant to output data to a data read mux, data buffers, and data driver pads. The write data path includes a data in buffer and data write muxes for providing data to the array I/O blocks. A power bus is provided which minimizes routing of externally supplied voltages, completely rings each of the array blocks, and provides gridded power distribution within each of the array blocks. A plurality of voltage supplies provide the voltages needed in the array and in the peripheral circuits. The power supplies are organized to match their power output to the power demand and to maintain a desired ratio of power production capability and decoupling capacitance. A powerup sequence circuit is provided to control the powerup of the chip. Redundant rows and columns are provided as is the circuitry necessary to logically replace defective rows and columns with operational rows and columns. Circuitry is also provided on chip to support various types of test modes.

摘要翻译： 一个256兆赫动态随机存取存储器由组成单独阵列的多个单元组成，阵列被组织成32兆赫阵列阵列，它们被组织成64兆象限。 感测放大器位于各个阵列中的相邻行之间，而行解码器位于各个阵列中的相邻列之间。 在某些间隙单元中，提供多路复用器以将信号从I / O线传送到数据线。 提供了一种数据路径，除了上述之外，还包括阵列I / O块，响应于每个象限的数据，将数据输出到数据读取多路复用器，数据缓冲器和数据驱动器焊盘。 写数据路径包括用于向阵列I / O块提供数据的缓冲器和数据写入多路复用器中的数据。 提供电源总线，其最小化外部提供的电压的路由，完全环绕每个阵列块，并且在每个阵列块内提供网格化的功率分配。 多个电压源提供阵列和外围电路中所需的电压。 电源组合以将其功率输出与功率需求相匹配，并保持所需的功率生产能力和去耦电容的比例。 提供上电序列电路以控制芯片的上电。 提供了冗余的行和列，就像使用操作行和列逻辑地替换有缺陷的行和列所需的电路一样。 芯片上还提供电路以支持各种类型的测试模式。

公开(公告)号：US06930955B2

公开(公告)日：2005-08-16

申请号：US10851081

申请日：2004-05-24

申请人： Brian Johnson ,  Brent Keeth ,  Feng Lin

发明人： Brian Johnson ,  Brent Keeth ,  Feng Lin

IPC分类号： G11C7/10 ,  G11C7/22 ,  G11C8/00 ,  G11C11/4076

CPC分类号： G11C7/222 ,  G11C7/1072 ,  G11C11/4076

摘要： A method and apparatus for managing the variable timing of internal clock signals derived from an external clock signal in order to compensate for uncertainty and variations in the amount of read clock back timing relative to data flow to achieve a specified read latency. A reset signal is generated at DRAM initialization and starts an first counter, which counts external clock cycles, and is also passed through the slave delay line of the delay lock loop to start a second counter. The counters run continuously once started and the difference in count values represent the internal delay as an external clock signal passes through the delay lock loop to produce an internal read clock signal. An internal read latency value is used to offset either counter to account for the internal read latency of the DRAM circuit. Once the non-offset counter is equivalent to the offset counter, read data is placed on an output line with a specified read latency and synchronized with the external read clock.

摘要翻译： 一种用于管理从外部时钟信号导出的内部时钟信号的可变定时的方法和装置，以便补偿相对于数据流的读取时钟反馈时序的不确定性和变化，以实现指定的读取等待时间。 在DRAM初始化时产生复位信号，并启动计数外部时钟周期的第一计数器，并且还通过延迟锁定循环的从延迟线来启动第二个计数器。 一旦启动，计数器连续运行，当外部时钟信号通过延迟锁定环路以产生内部读取时钟信号时，计数值的差异代表内部延迟。 内部读延迟值用于抵消DRAM电路的内部读延迟。 一旦非偏移计数器等效于偏移计数器，读取数据将放置在具有指定读延迟并与外部读时钟同步的输出线上。

公开(公告)号：US06850452B2

公开(公告)日：2005-02-01

申请号：US10106558

申请日：2002-03-22

申请人： Brent Keeth ,  Layne G. Bunker

发明人： Brent Keeth ,  Layne G. Bunker

IPC分类号： G11C5/02 ,  G11C5/06 ,  H01L27/108 ,  G11C7/00

CPC分类号： H01L27/10805 ,  G11C5/025 ,  G11C5/063

摘要： A 256 Meg dynamic random access memory is comprised of a plurality of cells organized into individual arrays, with the arrays being organized into 32 Meg array blocks, which are organized into 64 Meg quadrants. Sense amplifiers are positioned between adjacent rows in the individual arrays while row decoders are positioned between adjacent columns in the individual arrays. In certain of the gap cells, multiplexers are provided to transfer signals from I/O lines to data lines. A datapath is provided which, in addition to the foregoing, includes array I/O blocks, responsive to the datalines from each quadrant to output data to a data read mux, data buffers, and data driver pads. The write data path includes a data in buffer and data write muxes for providing data to the array I/O blocks. A power bus is provided which minimizes routing of externally supplied voltages, completely rings each of the array blocks, and provides gridded power distribution within each of the array blocks. A plurality of voltage supplies provide the voltages needed in the array and in the peripheral circuits. The power supplies are organized to match their power output to the power demand and to maintain a desired ratio of power production capability and decoupling capacitance. A powerup sequence circuit is provided to control the powerup of the chip. Redundant rows and columns are provided as is the circuitry necessary to logically replace defective rows and columns with operational rows and columns. Circuitry is also provided on chip to support various types of test modes.

公开(公告)号：US06839265B2

公开(公告)日：2005-01-04

申请号：US10440575

申请日：2003-05-19

申请人： Brent Keeth

发明人： Brent Keeth

IPC分类号： H01L21/8242 ,  H01L23/522 ,  H01L27/108 ,  G11C5/06

CPC分类号： H01L27/10885 ,  H01L23/5225 ,  H01L27/10897 ,  H01L2924/0002 ,  H01L2924/3011 ,  Y10S257/907 ,  Y10S257/908 ,  H01L2924/00

摘要： There is provided a bi-level bit line architecture. Specifically, a DRAM memory cell and cell array are provided that allow for six square feature area (6F2) cell sizes and avoid the signal to noise problems. Uniquely, the digit lines are designed to lie on top of each other like a double-decker overpass road. Additionally, this design allows each digit line to be routed on both conductor layers, for equal lengths of the array, to provide balanced impedance. Now noise will appear as a common mode noise on both lines, and not as differential mode noise that would degrade the sensing operation. Furthermore, digit to digit coupling is nearly eliminated because of the twist design.

摘要翻译： 提供了双级位线架构。 具体地，提供了允许六个正方形特征区域（6F 2）单元尺寸的DRAM存储单元和单元阵列，并且避免了信噪比问题。 独特的是，数字线条设计成像双层天桥路一样躺在彼此之上。 此外，该设计允许每个数字线路在两个导体层上布线，对于阵列的相同长度，以提供平衡阻抗。 现在噪声将作为两条线路上的共模噪声出现，而不是会降低感测操作的差模噪声。 此外，由于扭转设计，数字到数字耦合几乎消除了。

公开(公告)号：US06757200B2

公开(公告)日：2004-06-29

申请号：US10269599

申请日：2002-10-10

申请人： Brent Keeth ,  Charles Dennison

发明人： Brent Keeth ,  Charles Dennison

IPC分类号： G11C700

CPC分类号： G11C11/403 ,  G11C11/406 ,  Y10S257/907

摘要： The present invention is directed to an integrated circuit device having a memory cell for storing a data and refresh circuitry for refreshing that data in the memory cell. In one illustrative embodiment, the device comprises a memory cell having a storage element, a read/write access device, and a refresh access device. A read/write digit line is coupled to the read/write access device, and a refresh digit line is coupled to the refresh access device. A sense amplifier is coupled to the read/write digit line, and input/output circuitry is coupled to the read/write digit line. A refresh sense amplifier is coupled to the refresh digit line. The memory cell is constructed in such a way as to provide a large charge storage capacity in a relatively small, compact area.

摘要翻译： 本发明涉及具有用于存储数据的存储单元的集成电路装置和用于刷新存储单元中的数据的刷新电路。 在一个说明性实施例中，该设备包括具有存储元件，读/写访问设备和刷新访问设备的存储单元。 读/写数字线耦合到读/写访问设备，并且刷新数字线耦合到刷新访问设备。 读出放大器耦合到读/写数字线，并且输入/输出电路耦合到读/写数字线。 刷新读出放大器耦合到刷新数字线。 存储单元被构造成在相对较小，紧凑的区域中提供大的电荷存储容量。

公开(公告)号：US06710631B2

公开(公告)日：2004-03-23

申请号：US09909804

申请日：2001-07-20

申请人： Brent Keeth ,  Layne G. Bunker ,  Scott J. Derner

发明人： Brent Keeth ,  Layne G. Bunker ,  Scott J. Derner

IPC分类号： H03K300

CPC分类号： G11C5/063 ,  G11C5/025 ,  G11C5/145 ,  G11C5/147 ,  G11C11/401 ,  G11C11/4074 ,  G11C11/4076 ,  G11C11/4097 ,  G11C11/4099 ,  G11C29/021 ,  G11C29/028 ,  G11C29/12 ,  G11C29/12005 ,  G11C29/46 ,  G11C29/787 ,  G11C2029/0407 ,  H01L27/10805 ,  H01L2224/4826 ,  H01L2224/73215 ,  H01L2924/1305 ,  H01L2924/13091 ,  H01L2924/00

摘要： A 256 Meg dynamic random access memory is comprised of a plurality of cells organized into individual arrays, with the arrays being organized into 32 Meg array blocks, which are organized into 64 Meg quadrants. Sense amplifiers are positioned between adjacent rows in the individual arrays while row decoders are positioned between adjacent columns in the individual arrays. In certain of the gap cells, multiplexers are provided to transfer signals from I/O lines to data lines. A datapath is provided which, in addition to the foregoing, includes array I/O blocks, responsive to the datalines from each quadrant to output data to a data read mux, data buffers, and data driver pads. The write data path includes a data in buffer and data write muxes for providing data to the array I/O blocks. A power bus is provided which minimizes routing of externally supplied voltages, completely rings each of the array blocks, and provides gridded power distribution within each of the array blocks. A plurality of voltage supplies provide the voltages needed in the array and in the peripheral circuits. The power supplies are organized to match their power output to the power demand and to maintain a desired ratio of power production capability and decoupling capacitance. A powerup sequence circuit is provided to control the powerup of the chip. Redundant rows and columns are provided as is the circuitry necessary to logically replace defective rows and columns with operational rows and columns. Circuitry is also provided on chip to support various types of test modes.

公开(公告)号：US06697297B2

公开(公告)日：2004-02-24

申请号：US10230673

申请日：2002-08-29

申请人： Brent Keeth ,  Brian Johnson

发明人： Brent Keeth ,  Brian Johnson

IPC分类号： G11C800

CPC分类号： G11C7/109 ,  G11C7/1072 ,  G11C7/1078 ,  G11C7/22 ,  G11C11/4076 ,  G11C11/409

摘要： A system and memory including a circuit for setting write latency and a write/valid indicator. Time margin regions are established just after the first or leading edge and just before the second or following edge of the preamble of the clock signal such that a latency setting will be found unacceptable if it causes a write enable signal to transition in either of these regions. A write/valid indicator circuit creates the start and end time margin regions by delaying either the clock signal or the write enable signal and comparing their timing with the timing of the undelayed write enable signal or clock signal respectively.

摘要翻译： 包括用于设置写延迟的电路和写/有效指示符的系统和存储器。 时间裕度区域刚好在第一或前沿之后并且恰好在时钟信号的前导码的第二或后沿之后建立，使得等待时间设置将被发现是不可接受的，如果其引起写入使能信号在这些区域中的任一个中转变 。 写入/有效指示电路通过延迟时钟信号或写入使能信号并分别将它们的定时与未延迟写入使能信号或时钟信号的定时进行比较来创建起始和结束时间余量区域。