Ken Oowada

Title: Ken Oowada: Innovating for Extended Non-Volatile Memory Life

Introduction:

Ken Oowada is a distinguished inventor and innovator hailing from Fujisawa, Japan. With an exceptional number of 64 patents to his name, Oowada has made significant contributions in the field of non-volatile memory technology. His latest patents, focusing on reducing program disturbs in non-selected NAND strings and extending the useful life of memory blocks, highlight Oowada's commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and reliability. He currently works at SanDisk Technologies Inc., a prominent company in the memory storage industry.

Latest Patents:

Oowada's recent patents showcase his expertise in developing advanced methodologies for non-volatile memory:

1. Non-volatile memory with sub-block based self-boosting scheme:

To address program disturbs in non-selected NAND strings, Oowada introduces a sub-block based boosting scheme. This technique employs dummy word lines in the joint region of a three-dimensional NAND memory structure, allowing boosting at the sub-block level during reverse order programming of the lower block. This innovative approach helps enhance the performance and reliability of non-volatile memory.

2. Reliability compensation for uneven NAND block degradation:

Oowada tackles the challenge of uneven wear in memory blocks by modifying operating parameters in susceptible physical regions. By adjusting variables such as program voltage step sizes or storage capacity, the useful life of specific regions can be extended, ultimately extending the overall lifespan of the memory block itself. This technology presents a significant advancement in memory longevity.

Career Highlights:

Ken Oowada has had a remarkable journey throughout his career. His extensive list of 64 patents is a testament to his passion for innovation and his dedication to advancing non-volatile memory technologies. Oowada's expertise in memory-related research and development has allowed him to contribute significantly to the field, solving complex challenges and improving the performance and reliability of memory devices.

Collaborations:

Oowada has had the privilege of working alongside esteemed colleagues in his pursuit of groundbreaking inventions. Some of his notable collaborators include Gerrit Jan Hemink and Yingda Dong. Together, they have likely synergized their knowledge and skills to create cutting-edge solutions, augmenting the overall impact of their work.

Conclusion:

Ken Oowada's contributions to the field of non-volatile memory technologies through his numerous patents exemplify his remarkable talent and dedication. His innovation and expertise continue to shape the industry, leading to more reliable and advanced memory solutions. With a strong career at Sandisk Technologies Inc., Oowada remains at the forefront of memory research, poised to make further breakthroughs in the field.