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Hai Quang Pham

Hai Quang Pham, Hatfield, PA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080263385Memory Device with Error Correction Based on Automatic Logic Inversion - A memory device comprises a memory array and error correction circuitry coupled to the memory array. The error correction circuitry is configured to identify, in a data word retrieved from the memory array, at least one bit position corresponding to a predetermined defect location in the memory array, and to generate a corrected data word by automatically inverting a logic value at the identified bit position. This automatic logic inversion approach is particularly well suited for use in correcting output data errors associated with via defects and weak bit defects in high-density ROM devices.10-23-2008
20080273361Memory Cell for Content-Addressable Memory - A memory cell for use in a content-addressable memory comprises a first latch and a second latch. The first latch is operative to store a first bit associated with a first stored word, while the second latch is operative to store a second bit associated with a second stored word. The first and second latches collectively comprise a plurality of latch transistors. Each of the latch transistors comprises a respective channel. The channels of the latch transistors are oriented in substantially the same direction, resulting in a very compact memory cell implementation.11-06-2008
20090141580Reduced Leakage Driver Circuit and Memory Device Employing Same - A row line driver circuit for use in a memory array including multiple memory cells and multiple row lines coupled to the memory cells for selectively accessing the memory cells includes an output stage adapted for connection to a corresponding one of the row lines and a control circuit connected to the output stage. The output stage is operative during an active phase of a given memory cycle to drive the corresponding row line to a potential as a function of at least one address signal received by the driver circuit. The control circuit is operative to generate at least one control signal for disabling the output stage at least during an inactive phase of the memory cycle to thereby substantially eliminate a leakage current path in the driver circuit.06-04-2009
20100157707Sense Amplifier with Redundancy - A sense amplifier includes a first sensing element and a second sensing element redundant to the first sensing element. The sense amplifier further comprises a switch circuit configured to switch between the first and second sensing elements when an offset of the sense amplifier is greater than a prescribed amount.06-24-2010
20100220534Memory Device with Reduced Buffer Current During Power-Down Mode - A memory device comprises a memory array, at least one buffer coupled to the memory array, and test circuitry coupled to the buffer. The buffer comprises switching circuitry configured to multiplex first and second inputs of the buffer to a given output of the buffer based at least in part on a control signal generated by the test circuitry. The control signal is generated as a function of both a test signal indicative of a test mode of operation of the memory device and a power-down signal indicative of a power-down mode of operation of the memory device. The buffer further comprises current reduction circuitry responsive to the control signal for reducing an amount of current consumed by the buffer in the power-down mode of operation. The buffer may comprise an input data buffer or an address buffer of the memory device.09-02-2010
20100246293Tracking Circuit for Reducing Faults in a Memory - 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.09-30-2010
20110055660High-Reliability Memory - A memory circuit includes a memory including a plurality of primary memory elements, and an error correction circuit coupled to the memory and operative to detect an error in at least one of the primary memory elements and to provide corrected data corresponding to the primary memory element. The memory circuit further includes at least one spare memory element and a control circuit operative to replace at least one of the primary memory elements with the spare memory element as a function of results generated by the error correction circuit.03-03-2011
20110157964Memory Cell Using Leakage Current Storage Mechanism - A memory cell comprises a storage element including a transistor and an inverter. The inverter has an input coupled to a first source/drain of the transistor at a first node and has an output coupled to a gate of the transistor at a second node. The transistor has a second source/drain coupled to a voltage supply of the memory circuit. The memory cell further includes a switching element coupled to the storage element at the first node and being operative to selectively access the storage element as a function of a control signal supplied to a control input of the switching element. The storage element is operative to store at least first and second data states. The first data state is retained in the storage element by maintaining the first node at a first voltage level by leakage current and by maintaining the second node at a second voltage level by active current. The second data state is retained in the storage element by maintaining the first node at the second voltage level and the second node at the first voltage level by respective active currents.06-30-2011

Patent applications by Hai Quang Pham, Hatfield, PA US

Hai Quang Pham, Montgomery County, PA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100165778Word Line Driver Circuit with Reduced Leakage - A word line driver circuit for use in a memory array including multiple memory cells and multiple word lines coupled to the memory cells for selectively accessing the memory cells includes a driver adapted to generate a word line signal as a function of a first set of address signals received by the word line driver circuit. The circuit further includes a switching circuit having a plurality of output nodes, the output nodes connected to respective ones of the plurality of word lines, and having an input node connected to an output of the driver and adapted to receive the word line signal. The switching circuit is operative to direct the word line signal to a selected one of the word lines during a memory access as a function of at least one control signal. Between a given pair of memory accesses, the output nodes and the input node of the switching circuit are held to a same prescribed voltage level to thereby substantially eliminate a leakage current path in the switching circuit.07-01-2010
20100238751Method and Apparatus for Increasing Yield in a Memory Device - An electronic circuit includes multiple circuit elements arranged into multiple distinct subdivisions, each subdivision having a separate voltage supply connection for conveying power to the subdivision. The electronic circuit further includes a controller including multiple outputs, each of the outputs being connected to a corresponding one of the voltage supply connections. When a given one of the subdivisions does not include a weak circuit element, the controller supplies a first voltage level to the given subdivision via the corresponding voltage supply connection. When the given subdivision includes at least one weak circuit element, the controller is operative to supply at least a second voltage level to the given subdivision via the corresponding voltage supply connection, the second voltage level being greater than the first voltage level.09-23-2010

Hai Quang Pham, Hartfield, PA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100128549Memory Circuit Having Reduced Power Consumption - A memory circuit having reduced power consumption includes a plurality of memory sub-arrays and a shared circuit coupled to each of the memory sub-arrays. Each memory sub-array includes at least one row circuit, at least one column circuit, and a plurality of memory cells operatively coupled to the row and column circuits. The row and column circuits are operative to provide selective access to one or more of the memory cells. The shared circuit includes circuitry, external to the memory sub-arrays, which is operative to control one or more functions of the memory sub-arrays as a function of at least one control signal supplied to the memory circuit. The memory circuit is operative, with at least one of the memory sub-arrays operative, with one or more of the memory sub-arrays powered and concurrently with one or more of the memory sub-arrays unpowered.05-27-2010