The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 17, 2008
Filed:
Feb. 25, 2005
Theodore Zhu, Maple Grove, MN (US);
Gary Kirchner, Maple Grove, MN (US);
Richard W. Swanson, Zimmerman, MN (US);
Yong LU, Plymouth, MN (US);
Theodore Zhu, Maple Grove, MN (US);
Gary Kirchner, Maple Grove, MN (US);
Richard W. Swanson, Zimmerman, MN (US);
Yong Lu, Plymouth, MN (US);
Micron Technology, Inc., Boise, ID (US);
Abstract
A redundancy scheme for a memory is disclosed that is programmable both before and after the memory device is packaged and/or installed in a system. This is preferably accomplished by using programmable non-volatile memory elements to control the replacement circuitry. Because the programmable memory elements are non-volatile, the desired replacement configuration is not lost during shipping, or if power is lost in a system. By allowing post-packaging replacement of defective memory elements, the overall yield of the device may be improved. By allowing post system installation replacement of defective memory elements, the reliability of many systems may be improved. In addition, the disclosed redundancy scheme allows two or more defective memory elements from different rows or columns to be replaced with memory elements from a single redundant low or column. This provides added flexibility during the replacement process.