02nd week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 26 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120008297 | WIRING BOARD AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A wiring board including a first rigid wiring board including a conductor and having an accommodation portion, the accommodation portion having wall surfaces, a second rigid wiring board accommodated in the accommodation portion and including a conductor electrically connected to the conductor of the first rigid wiring board, the second rigid wiring board having side surfaces, an insulation layer formed on the first rigid wiring board and the second rigid wiring board, and a metal film having a solid pattern formed directly on a boundary portion formed between the wall surfaces of the accommodation portion and the side surfaces of the second rigid wiring board. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008298 | CONNECTOR FOR ELECTRONIC ASSEMBLIES THAT SCREENS AND DOES NOT REQUIRE SOLDERING - A device interconnects two circuit boards each comprising electrical connection pads, and which are respectively placed in two cavities. The device includes intercavity microwave screening means. The device also comprises several electrical conductors that pass through the device from end to end and that are not soldered, the two ends of which conductors are respectively intended to make direct contact with the connection pads of the two circuit boards; and mechanical means for holding the two circuit boards against the device, at either end of the latter. The screening means are provided by a microwave absorber in contact with each conductor and surrounding it over all or some of its length. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008299 | SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR PROTECTING A MOBILE DEVICE - A system and apparatus providing protection and functionally for mobile devices by providing a protective cover, a variable angle stand, and a more convenient user input device. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008300 | MOBILE DEVICE CASE - A removable case for a mobile device is provided, the mobile device having a front face and a side edge, and an input button located on the side edge. The case includes a main body defining a region in which the mobile device can be removably received, and an actuator on the main body having a user interface and a button interface, wherein the actuator translates an input force received on the user interface into a button activating force applied by the button interface in a different direction than the input force. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008301 | Bracket member and a coupling member for supporting a screening device in a window or door frame, a window or door and a screening device - A screening device for mounting in a frame structure, which has at least one pair of opposed frame pieces, has two opposite ends and carries at each end a coupling member for supporting the screening device in the frame structure, wherein at least one of said coupling members has a recess having at least one coupling member engagement side for engaging a bracket member in a frame structure and an electrical terminal in the recess. The electrical terminal is resilient and movable in directions towards and away from a body part of the screening device, and the resilience of the electrical terminal is configured so that retaining of the coupling member on the bracket member may, at least in part, be fulfilled by the resilience of the resilient electrical terminal. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008302 | SHIELDING ASSEMBLY - A shielding assembly comprises a pair of opposite first sidewalls, a pair of opposite second sidewalls, a pair of opposite first covers, a pair of latching portion and a pair of opposite second covers. The first sidewalls and the second sidewalls are connected with each other to collectively form a hollow frame. The first covers are resiliently connected to the first sidewalls, respectively, and suitable to be bent to collectively cover the hollow frame. The pair of latching portions extend the first covers and are bent perpendicular to the first covers, respectively. A pair of gaps are defined respectively on two tail ends of each of the latching portions. The second covers are resiliently connected to the second sidewalls, respectively, and are bent to cover on the first covers and latched in corresponding gaps. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008303 | Communication module - An electromagnetic wave suppression material is fixed to a case of a communication module. The electromagnetic wave suppression material suppresses radiation of electromagnetic waves by coming into contact with a cage that is a module insertion portion of a chassis when the communication module is inserted into the cage. A piezoelectric element is provided on the case, and located between the case and the electromagnetic wave suppression material. When the communication module is inserted into the cage, the controller applies a voltage to the piezoelectric element to stretch it by the applied voltage, thereby increasing contact pressure between the cage and the electromagnetic wave suppression material. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008304 | LIGHT EMITTING APPARATUS - A light emitting apparatus including a circuit board ( | 2012-01-12 |
20120008305 | SOLID STATE LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH OPTIC PROVIDING OCCLUDED REMOTE PHOSPHOR - The present teachings relate to semiconductor-based lighting systems and fixtures which process electromagnetic energy from light emitting diodes or the like. A disclosed exemplary system includes at least one occluded remote phosphor and produces substantially white light of desired characteristics. The remote phosphor extends over at least a portion of a surface of a macro optic at an occluded location such that none of the remote phosphor is directly visible through an optical aperture. The phosphor is responsive to electromagnetic energy from a semiconductor device to emit visible light for the emission through the optical aperture. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008306 | LIGHT EMITTING MODULE AND LAMP UNIT - In a light emitting module | 2012-01-12 |
20120008307 | Method and apparatus for illuminating a wall plate - A wall plate assembly configured to be arranged with a wall mounted switch or electrical outlet is illuminated in a manner at least some light is totally internally reflected. Various lighting effects may be produced by the wall plate assembly. An integral light source, such as LED(s), may be employed. An image may be applied to the wall plate assembly in a static or dynamic manner and be illuminated by the light source directly or by the internally reflected light. The wall plate assembly may include electronics that control the light source or image and may receive data for controlling the light source or image data via a communications interface. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008308 | LIGHTING UNIT AND DISPLAY PROVIDED WITH THE SAME - This lighting unit can control luminance in a plurality of block areas independently, and minimize luminance unevenness caused by discretely arrayed light sources, with a reduced number of parts. The lighting unit comprises: a light guide plate having a first and a second grooves formed therein; a first light source group accommodated in the first groove; and a second light source group accommodated in the second groove; the light guide plate having a first light mixing area, a first light emitting area and a second light mixing area; in the first light mixing area, the thickness of the light guide plate progressively increasing away from the first light source group; in the second light mixing area, the thickness of the light guide plate progressively increasing away from the second light source group; and in the first light emitting area, the light guide plate being flat-plate-like. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008309 | Headlamp and Lantern System - A combination headlamp and lantern adapted to allow multiple uses of the same equipment in a variety of ways. In some aspects, the system performs as a lantern, such as a small lantern which may be used when camping, and which may be used suspended in a tent. In some aspects, the system performs as a headlamp, which may be used worn on the head when walking at night, for example. In some aspects, the lantern is mounted on a tripod. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008310 | Handheld lighting unit - A handheld lighting unit includes a light-emitting device having (i) at least one first surface lighting arrangement which emits a light flux in a first lighting direction, and (ii) a second surface lighting arrangement which emits a light flux in a second lighting direction different from the first lighting direction. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008311 | FLASHLIGHT - A flashlight has a casing extending along an axis, formed with a screwthread, and holding a battery having two poles. A light-emitting diode has a light-emitting head and a first and second integral lead wires. A holder is formed with first and second separate throughgoing holes, a seat into which the holes open and in which the diode head is fitted with the first and second wires extending outward through the respective first and second holes out of contact with each other, a reflector adjacent the seat, and a screwthread. The holder is fitted to the casing with the screwthread of the holder operatively engaged with the screwthread of the casing and the first wire pressed directly against one of the poles of the battery. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008312 | PORTABLE CARD EMERGENCY ILLUMINATING SYSTEM - A portable illuminating system is provided. The portable illuminating system includes an illuminating card providing a light; a cartridge socket retaining the illuminating card; and a battery base electrically connected with the cartridge socket and retaining a battery providing an electric power to the illuminating card. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008313 | LIGHTED MOVING BALL DISPLAY SYSTEM - A lighted moving ball display system configured to provide a visual display, such as in a Christmas tree. The system includes a plurality of light emitting balls. The light emitting balls each include a light emitting device, a ball power module, and a housing configured to secure the light emitting device and the ball power module, therein. The system includes a passive transport medium configured to receive the balls and permit the balls to traverse the medium under gravitational force. The system includes a lifting mechanism functionally coupled to the medium and configured to lift the plurality of light emitting balls to a top portion of the medium. The system includes a power module configured to provide power to the modules and components of the system. The system includes a motivating apparatus configured to actively urge the plurality of light emitting balls to traverse the medium. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008314 | LED LIGHT TUBE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING LED LIGHT TUBE - An LED light tube and method of manufacturing an LED light tube includes the steps of forming an LED light tube housing of a first housing segment joined to a first end cap. One end of a circuit board is inserted through the one housing segment into contact with the first end cap. One or more additional housing segments are slid over the circuit board into engagement with ends of previously mounted housing segments. A second end cap is joined to the engaged ends of the multiple housing segments are fixed together to complete a unitary housing. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008315 | INDEPENDENT MODULES FOR LED FLUORESCENT LIGHT TUBE REPLACEMENT - Disclosed herein are embodiments of a LED fluorescent tube replacement lamp and lighting modules from which the lamp is constructed. One embodiment of a replacement lamp includes a plurality of interchangeable lighting modules that are configured to be electrically connected to adjacent modules. The interchangeable lighting modules can include end modules each having an end cap with pin connectors, at least one of the end modules includes electrical circuitry connected to the pin connectors for powering the modules. The lighting modules can also be center unit modules having LEDs mounted to a circuit board. The replacement lamps can be made from conceivable configurations of the lighting modules, requiring removal of only one module for repair or replacement. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008316 | CIRCUIT BOARD MOUNT FOR LED LIGHT TUBE - Disclosed herein are embodiments of LED-based lights for replacing a conventional fluorescent light bulb in a fluorescent light fixture and embodiments of a circuit board mount for an LED-based light tube having an elongate housing with at least one circuit board spanning the housing. One embodiment disclosed herein of a circuit board mount comprises an end cap configured to fit over an open end of the housing. The end cap comprises an end wall, at least one pin connector extending through the end wall and at least one fitted slot extending from the end wall configured to receive an end of the circuit board, the at least one fitted slot having an elastic member within the at least one fitted slot configured to cushion the circuit board. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008317 | DISPLAY APPARATUS - A display apparatus includes: a plurality of displays in which a plurality of light emitting devices which emit irradiation light of one of an R component, a G component, and a B component are arrayed, wherein with reference to arbitrary 3×3 light emitting devices among the arrayed light emitting devices, the color components of the light emitting devices arrayed in the longitudinal direction are different from each other and the color components of the light emitting devices arrayed in the transverse direction are the same. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008318 | LIGHTING APPARATUS - A lighting apparatus includes a red LED; a green LED; a blue LED; and a white LED made up of a blue light-emitting element and a yellow phosphor, wherein the red LED, the green LED, the blue LED, and the white LED generate 26 to 38%, 35 to 50%, 0 to 2%, and 12 to 33% of light, respectively, and white light obtained by additive color mixing of light from the red, green, blue, and white LEDs has a correlated color temperature of 2800 K or more to less than 3500 K, a deviation of 0.02 or below in absolute value, and a color gamut area ratio of 120% or more to 140% or less. Consequently, the lighting apparatus can radiate an illuminating light which makes colors look vivid. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008319 | LIGHTING APPARATUS WITH ADJUSTABLE LENSES OR FILTERS - A lighting apparatus comprises a light panel having a panel frame, and a plurality of LEDs or other light elements secured to the panel frame. Lenses and/or filters are adjusted in distance from the light elements, by for example moving the lenses/filters into different slot positions of the frame, to alter characteristics of the emitted light. Focal lenses, diffusion lenses, and color filters may be used individually or in combination. A compound lens includes lens elements having different characteristics arranged in a pattern. Through groupwise control of the intensity of the light elements, the different characteristics are emphasized or de-emphasized. The light panel may have an integrated battery, and may be mounted on a stand. The panel may be modular, allowing larger panels to be constructed from smaller panels. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008320 | LED Luminaire Light Redirection Shield - An LED lamp that includes a housing forming an open cavity, a plurality of LEDs configured to produce a light output disposed in the cavity, a lens disposed over the LEDs for focusing and/or diffusing the light output, and a redirection shield disposed in the cavity. The redirection shield includes a base plate with a plurality of apertures formed therein, and a plurality of shielding plates extending from a top surface of the base plate. The LEDs extend through the apertures. The shielding plates block a portion of the light output such that an overall light distribution of the light output from the LED lamp is asymmetric. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008321 | LUMINAIRE HAVING STRUCTURAL WALL WITH SELF-CAPTURING WIRE CHASE - The structural wall of a luminaire has one or more light source retention cavities for holding area light sources such as OLED panels, and a wire chase or chases that extend from one light source cavity to another light source cavity in the structural wall, and/or from a light source cavity to a wire feed point for the structural wall. The wire chase or chases have a wire retaining bottom channel and a constricted wire entry opening at the top of the wire chase that is narrow in relation to the wire retaining bottom channel for capturing the wires therein. In another aspect of the invention, the wire chase or chases can be manufactured as separate parts, which can be inserted into the structural wall of the luminaire. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008322 | LIGHT EMITTING DEVICE PACKAGE - The light emitting device package may include a light emitting device including at least one light emitting diode and a body including at least one lead frame on which a light emitting device is disposed, the body provided a first protrusion formed on a outside of the body, wherein the width of a lower surface of the first protrusion is 0.5 times to 0.9 times the width of a upper surface of the first protrusion. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008323 | Speaker Illumination System and Method Therefor - An illumination system for a speaker of a vehicle is provided. A speaker cone of the speaker has an opening defined by an outer perimeter of the speaker cone. The illumination system includes a housing configured to couple over the speaker cone. A first plurality of point light sources are mounted to the housing. The first plurality of point light sources are oriented towards the speaker cone when the housing is coupled over the speaker cone. A second plurality of point light sources are mounted to the housing. The second plurality of point light sources are oriented towards the speaker cone when the housing is coupled over the speaker cone. A control switch is in electrical communication with the first and second plurality of point light sources. The control switch is configured to selectively illuminate one of the first and second plurality of point light sources. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008324 | SELF-CONTAINED MULTI-FUNCTION RETRO-REFLECTING MIRROR IN LAMP TUBE - A fluorescent lamp is provided that has a plurality of electroded tubes and a plurality of non-electroded tubes. The electroded tubes and the non-electroded tubes each have a proximal end and a distal end. Each proximal end is adjacent a base of the fluorescent lamp. A reflecting mirror is positioned in the proximal end of at least one of the non-electroded tubes or the electroded tubes. The reflecting mirror has a surface reflective of at least some frequencies of visible and ultra-violet light generated by the fluorescent lamp. The electroded tubes can also have a reflecting mirror positioned between the electrode and the end of the tube. In the latter case, an opposite surface of the reflecting mirror can include one or more of an end-of-life composition and/or a runner-up amalgam. A method of placing the reflecting mirror within a tube of a tubular fluorescent lamp is also provided. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008325 | Programmable Light Beam Shape Altering Device Using Separate Programmable Micromirrors for Each Primary Color - Three-digital micromirror devices (“DMD”) are used to alter the shape of light that is projected onto a stage. The DMDs each receive a primary color and selectively reflects some light of that color, thereby shaping the light that is projected onto the stage. The control for the alteration is controlled by an image. That image can be processed, thereby carrying out image processing effects on the shape of the light that is displayed. One preferred application follow the shape of the performer and illuminates the performer using a shape that adaptively follows the performer's image. This results in a shadowless follow spot. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008326 | Lighting Device Capable of Reducing the Phenomenon of Melatonin Suppression - According to research, it found that blue light may cause significant effects on suppressing melatonin. For this reason, a lighting device capable of reducing the phenomenon of melatonin suppression is disclosed in the present invention, the lighting device comprises: a light-emitting device being able to emit a visible light; and a light-filtering device being close to the light-emitting device, wherein when the light-emitting device emits the visible light, the light-filtering device is able to filter a blue light component of the visible light, so as to reduce the blue light component within the visible light emitted by the light-emitting device, then the effects on suppressing the melatonin caused by the visible light are reduced. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008327 | TAILORED SIDE-EMITTER PERIMETER BEACON - An optical element for a side emitting light that emits light from a light source at side directions relative to the horizon is disclosed. The optical element has an internal recess adapted to fit over a light source. The internal recess includes a collimating surface and interior refractive surfaces. An exterior refractive surface corresponding to the interior refractive surfaces is provided. A faceted prismatic reflecting surface corresponding with the collimating surface is provided. Light at a substantially horizontal angle relative to the horizon is emitted through the interior refractive surface through the exterior reflective surface to a side direction and light at a substantially vertical angle relative to the horizon is collimated by the collimating surface and reflected by the reflecting surface in the side direction. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008328 | LIGHT EMITTING DEVICE AND DISPLAY APPARATUS - A light emitting device includes: a light emitting chip arranged on a substrate; and a resin lens formed to cover the light emitting chip, wherein the center of the light emitting chip and the center of the resin lens are offset so that the centers do not match each other. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008329 | LED STREET LAMP - A LED street lamp including a housing, a lighting module, a metal base, and a heat dissipating module. The housing includes a bottom shell and a top shell both with openings. The lighting module is arranged in the housing. The heat dissipating module includes a metal base, a plurality of heat pipes, and a plurality of heat dissipating fins. The metal base includes a first plate and a second plate attached together. The first plate is thermally contacted with the lighting module. The heat pipes each have a heat absorbing section and a heat dissipating section. The heat absorbing section is arranged between the first plate and the second plate. The heat dissipating section is extending away from a side of the metal base. The heat dissipating fins are arranged on the heat dissipating sections. Air in the housing can naturally flow upwardly to effectively dissipate operating heat. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008330 | LAMP AND HEAT SINK THEREOF - A lamp comprises a housing, a heat sink, a fan and a light-emitting element. The housing includes an opening end and a compartment communicating with the opening end. The heat sink is disposed at the opening end and includes a lateral wall, a base, a plurality of first connection members, a plurality of first air channels and at least one second air channel. The base is surrounded by and spaced from the lateral wall. The base is connected to an inner circumferential wall of the lateral wall via the first connection members, wherein each of the first air channels is formed between adjacent two of the first connection members. The at least one second air channel is formed between an outer circumferential wall of the lateral wall and an inner face of the housing. The fan is disposed at one side of the heat sink in the compartment. The light-emitting element is disposed at another side of the heat sink. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008331 | Light Fixtures Comprising an Enclosure and a Heat Sink - Light fixtures including at least an enclosure, a heat sink, and a light-emitting diode. In one embodiment the heat sink has a first portion having fins (that protrudes outside of the enclosure) and a second portion to house and mount the LEDs (that is positioned within the enclosure). Certain embodiments also provide for gaskets and other structure to prevent leakage between the heat sink and the enclosure, such that the light fixture is water-resistant. Thus, embodiments of the light fixture may house LEDs and related electric components inside a water-resistant enclosure and cool those components by transferring thermal energy to the surrounding air. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008332 | LIGHTED EXTERIOR MIRROR ASSEMBLY FOR VEHICLE - A lighted exterior mirror assembly includes a housing that houses a reflectance element, and includes a turn signal indicator disposed at a portion of the housing. The turn signal indicator is fixedly disposed at the housing separate from the reflectance element whereby movement of the reflectance element is independent of the turn signal indicator. The turn signal indicator comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged in a plane that is generally horizontal when the lighted exterior mirror assembly is attached to the side of the vehicle. The plurality of light emitting diodes may be disposed behind a light-transmitting cover and, when the lighted exterior mirror assembly is attached to the side of the vehicle and when the plurality of light emitting diodes is powered, the plurality of light emitting diodes emits light that is viewable at least rearward of the vehicle. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008333 | VEHICLE LAMP UNIT - A vehicle lamp unit has a light emitting device disposed adjacent to a base point on an optical axis extending in a front-rear direction of a vehicle on which the vehicle lamp unit is mounted, and a transparent member disposed in front of the light emitting device. The light emitting device has a light emitting surface arranged to face forward. The transparent member is configured such that light emitted by the light emitting device enters the transparent member and is internally reflected by a front surface of the transparent member, and such that the light reflected by the front surface is internally reflected again by a rear surface of the transparent member and emitted from the front surface of the transparent member. The front surface has a flat surface facing obliquely upward. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008334 | VEHICLE HEADLAMP - A vehicle headlamp includes a light emitting device disposed adjacent to a base point on an optical axis extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle headlamp, and a transparent member disposed in front of the light emitting device. The light emitting device has a light emitting surface arranged to face forward. The transparent member is configured such that light emitted by the light emitting device enters the transparent member and is internally reflected by a front surface of the transparent member, and such that the light reflected by the front surface is internally reflected again by a rear surface of the transparent member and emitted from the front surface of the transparent member. The rear surface of the transparent member is configured to form horizontal and oblique cutoff lines. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008335 | LAMP UNIT - A lamp unit includes: a first board supporting a first LED; a second board supporting a second LED; a first reflector that is disposed so as to reflect, toward a projection lens, light emitted by the first LED; a second reflector that is disposed so as to reflect, toward the projection lens, light emitted by the second LED; and a shade that blocks part of light reflected by the first reflector. The first and second boards support the first and second LEDs so that the first and second LEDs are disposed on opposite sides with respect to an optical axis Ax of the projection lens. The first reflector is disposed on the side opposite to the first LED with respect to the optical axis Ax, and the second reflector is disposed on the side opposite to the second LED with respect to the optical axis Ax. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008336 | Aircraft Lighting System - Described is a novel aircraft lighting system with the potential for achieving increased efficiency, improved thermal management, higher reliability, and longer lifetimes. The proposed approach involves combining solar cells and light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and utilizing the cold temperatures of about −50 degrees centigrade encountered in high-altitude (12,000 m) flight to improve thermal management and efficiency in both components. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008337 | BACKLIGHT UNIT AND DISPLAY DEVICE THEREWITH - A backlight unit includes a bottom cover, a first heat sink portion disposed on the bottom cover, a second heat sink portion extended upward with respect to the first heat sink portion, and at least a portion of a light emission module placed in at least one recess or at least one hole of the first heat sink portion, and the light emission module disposed on the second heat sink portion. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008338 | LIGHT EMITTER - Provided is a surface light emitter that supplies light using a light guide method, and ensures transparency by lowering a haze value in a thickness direction at the time when a light source is turned off, and enables highly efficient light emission by using plate-surface transversal radiant emitted light at the time when the light source is on. A surface light emitter ( | 2012-01-12 |
20120008339 | OPTICAL ASSEMBLY, BACKLIGHT UNIT HAVING THE SAME, AND DISPLAY APPARATUS THEREOF - The backlight unit may include a plurality of optical assemblies, which each include a light emitting module having a substrate, a plurality of light emitting devices on a top surface of the substrate, and a connector provided on a bottom surface of the substrate and electrically connected to a power supply unit. The optical assembly may also include a light guide plate including a first part to receive the light and a second part to output the light through a top surface. The optical assembly may also include a side cover that may fix the light emitting module and a portion of the first part. The side cover may have a plurality of connector holes. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008340 | DISPLAY APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING DISPLAY APPARATUS - A display device ( | 2012-01-12 |
20120008341 | APPARATUS FOR FABRICATING LIGHT GUIDE PANEL AND BACKLIGHT UNIT HAVING THE LIGHT GUIDE PANEL - The present invention relates to an apparatus for fabricating a light guide panel which can improve light efficiency and brightness, and a backlight unit having the light guide panel. The backlight unit includes a light source for generating a light, and a light guide panel for guiding the light incident thereon from the light source, the light guide panel having an upper pattern which is formed on a front side thereof for emitting the light guided thus to upward and a lower pattern which is formed on a backside thereof for reflecting or refracting the light, wherein the lower pattern of the light guide panel is formed in an intaglio pattern having a vertical angle at which two inclined planes meet, and one of the two inclined planes the light from the light source incident thereon has an angle of 45˜55°. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008342 | POWER CONVERSION APPARATUS AND OVER CURRENT PROTECTION METHOD THEREOF - A power conversion apparatus and an over current protection (OCP) method thereof are provided. The OCP method includes generating a pulse-width-modulation (PWM) signal according to a loading status of an electronic device, so as to switch a power switch in the power conversion apparatus and thus making the power conversion apparatus providing an output voltage to the electronic device; generating an OCP reference signal with variable slope according to a feedback signal related to the loading status of the electronic device and a system operation voltage of a PWM controller chip in the power conversion apparatus that is used for generating the PWM signal; and comparing a sensing voltage corresponding to a current following through the power switch on a resistor, and the OCP reference signal with variable slope to determine whether to activate an OCP mechanism to control the PWM controller chip whether to generate the PWM signal. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008343 | High-Voltage Startup Method and Power Management Apparatus - A high-voltage device provides a constant current drained from a high voltage source to charge a filter capacitor, where a voltage level of the higher voltage source is higher than 90 volts. When the operation voltage of the filter capacitor exceeds a first predetermined value, the charging of the filter capacitor by the constant current is stopped. A feedback loop is then used to maintain the operating voltage at substantially a second predetermined value lower than the first one. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008344 | DRIVER FOR DRIVING POWER SWITCH ELEMENT - A driver for driving a driving element includes: a signal source, for providing a square signal; a first modulation circuit, for providing on-pulses and off-pulses according to edges of the square signal; a transformer for coupling output signals of the first modulation circuit to a secondary winding of the transformer to form coupled signals; a second modulation circuit for providing first operating pulses according to coupled on-pulses of the coupled signals, and providing second operating pulses according to coupled off-pulses of the coupled signals; a switch device for turning off the switch device according to the first operating pulses and turning on the switch device according to the second operating pulses, and when the switch device is turned off, coupled on-pulses charge an equivalent capacitor of the driving element to a first driving potential to turn on the driving element, and when the switch device is turned off, the equivalent capacitor discharges to a second driving potential to turn off the driving element, and the width of the on-pulses is less than 1000 ns. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008345 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR OUTPUT VOLTAGE CALIBRATION OF A PRIMARY FEEDBACK FLYBACK POWER MODULE - An apparatus and method for output voltage calibration of a primary feedback flyback power module extract the difference between the output voltage of the power module and a target value, and according thereto, calibrate a reference voltage which is used in regulation of the output voltage, to thereby calibrate the output voltage to be the target value. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008346 | SEMICONDUCTOR INTEGRATED CIRCUIT AND SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM - A control circuit can be provided with a comparator detecting a turning-off of a semiconductor switch from a voltage generated in an auxiliary winding of a transformer and inputted to a zero current detecting terminal, a timer outputting a signal after a specified length of time from the time at which the turning-off of the semiconductor switch is detected, and a comparator detecting from voltages inputted to a current detecting terminal a second voltage signal different from an ordinary first voltage signal inputted when the semiconductor switch is made turned-on. Thus, the second voltage signal supplied from mode switching circuits as an externally inputted mode switching signal can be made also detected by the existing current detecting terminal. By detecting the second voltage signal after the specified length of time from the turning-off of the semiconductor switch, switching of an operation mode becomes possible without newly providing any specialized terminal. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008347 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A DC/DC CONVERTER CIRCUIT CONFIGURATION AND DC/DC CONVERTER CIRCUIT CONFIGURATION - A DC/DC converter circuit configuration contains a rectifier configuration, an inductance and at least one circuit breaker for switching the inductance on its input side. When controlling the circuit configuration, an off time of the circuit breaker is variably changed on the basis of the output power of the circuit configuration and the circuit breaker is respectively switched on in the region of a minimum of a voltage curve across the circuit breaker in order to minimize the switching losses and achieve a high level of efficiency. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008348 | COMMUNICATION WITHIN A POWER INVERTER USING TRANSFORMER VOLTAGE FREQUENCY - A power inverter may include a transformer serving as an isolation barrier. The power inverter may include a first controller on one side of the isolation barrier. The first controller may encode the frequency of an input voltage of the transformer with one or more operating conditions of a direct current power supply electrically coupled to the inverter. As second controller on the other side of the isolation barrier may determine a frequency associated with an output voltage of the transformer. The second controller may decode the frequency associated with the output voltage of the transformer to determine the encoded operating conditions. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008349 | POWER INVERTER SYSTEMS WITH HIGH-ACCURACY REFERENCE SIGNAL GENERATION AND ASSOCIATED METHODS OF CONTROL - Power converter systems with high accuracy signal generation and associated methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for controlling an inverter coupled to a grid includes receiving data representing a voltage signal of the grid, analyzing the received data in frequency domain, and extracting a fundamental frequency component from the analyzed data in frequency domain. The method can also include calculating a waveform based on the fundamental frequency component and controlling an output of the inverter based on the calculated waveform. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008350 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING A PFC STAGE OPERATING IN BOUNDARY CONDUCTION MODE, A PFC STAGE, AND AN SMPS - For many applications an SMPS is designed to operate in boundary conduction mode. As the load decreases the switching frequency increases, and so the concept of valley skipping may be used in which the switching frequency is clamped, by delaying to turn on the time of the active switch, for an integral number of cycles of a resonant circuit in the SMPS. With further reduction of the load, additional valleys may be skipped. However, each change in the number of valleys skipped results in a step in the input current that is drawn, distorting the ideal mains sine wave, thereby increasing unwanted harmonics. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008351 | VOLTAGE-DIVIDING POWER FACTOR CORRECTION CIRCUIT, VOLTAGE-DIVIDING POWER FACTOR CORRECTION APPARATUS AND VOLTAGE-DIVIDING POWER FACTOR CORRECTION METHOD - A circuit include: a first power factor correction circuit that forces current produced by the positive AC voltage to be in phase with the positive AC voltage so that a power factor of electric power is improved; a second power factor correction circuit that forces current produced by the negative AC voltage to be in phase with the negative AC voltage so that a power factor of electric power is improved; and an output circuit including a first capacitor storing first electric power with a power factor improved by the first power factor correction circuit and a second capacitor storing second electric power with a power factor improved by the second power factor correction circuit, the first capacitor and the second capacitor being provided in series, the output circuit outputting the first electric power stored in the first capacitor and the second electric power stored in the second capacitor. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008352 | METHOD AND APPARATUS OF PROVIDING A BIASED CURRENT LIMIT FOR LIMITING MAXIMUM OUTPUT POWER OF POWER CONVERTERS - A biased current-limit circuit for limiting a maximum output power of a power converter includes an oscillator for generating a pulse signal and an oscillation signal. A waveform generator generates a waveform signal in response to the oscillation signal. A sample-hold circuit is used to sample the waveform signal to generate a hold signal in response to a switching signal. The sample-hold circuit further samples the hold signal to generate a current-limit threshold in response to a second-sampling signal. A current comparator is utilized to compare a current-sensing signal with the current-limit threshold to limit a maximum on-time of the switching signal. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008353 | Universal Power Converter - Methods and systems for transforming electric power between two or more portals. Any or all portals can be DC, single phase AC, or multi-phase AC. Conversion is accomplished by a plurality of bi-directional conducting and blocking semiconductor switches which alternately connect an inductor and parallel capacitor between said portals, such that energy is transferred into the inductor from one or more input portals and/or phases, then the energy is transferred out of the inductor to one or more output portals and/or phases, with said parallel capacitor facilitating “soft” turn-off, and with any excess inductor energy being returned back to the input. Soft turn-on and reverse recovery is also facilitated. Said bi-directional switches allow for two power transfers per inductor/capacitor cycle, thereby maximizing inductor/capacitor utilization as well as providing for optimum converter operation with high input/output voltage ratios. Control means coordinate the switches to accomplish the desired power transfers. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008354 | DISCHARGE LOOP FOR POWER SUPPLY CIRCUIT AND ACTIVE CONTROL CIRCUIT THEREOF - Provided is a discharge loop for power supply and the active control circuit thereof for actively regulating the discharging operation of the discharge loop of the power supply. The inventive active control circuit is able to disallow the current to flow through the bleeder resistor of the discharge loop to cause power loss when the input power of the power supply is applying, and provide a fast discharge path for the bleeder resistor to expedite the discharging operation when the input power of the power supply is interrupted. Therefore, the inventive active control circuit is able to reduce the power loss of the power supply and enhance the power efficiency of the power supply. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008355 | PASSIVE THREE PHASE INPUT CURRENT HARMONIC REDUCTION AND POWER FACTOR CORRECTION CIRCUIT FOR POWER SUPPLIES - A harmonic input current reduction and power factor correction circuit for three phase, power supplies. The circuit includes passive elements including a series inductance and capacitor connected between each AC line of a three phase voltage source, and each input phase of the uncorrected power supply. The inductance and capacitor are designed and chosen to meet linearity and volt ampere requirements to achieve total harmonic current levels of less than 10%, and power factors greater than 0.98. This is achieved with less than 1% loss in line operating input voltage range and overall efficiency of greater than 99.5%. Further, the dynamic response of a circuit to power supply load transient demands is limited in voltage overshoot or undershoot effects. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008356 | CURRENT-FED CONVERTER - A converter circuit includes first and second input terminals for receiving input current from a current source, a first capacitor connected between the first and second input terminals, a second capacitor having a first terminal of which is connected to the second input terminal and a second terminal which forms a positive voltage node, and first and third semiconductor components connected in series between the first input terminal and a positive voltage node, where the midpoint between the series connection forms a first node. The converter circuit includes first inductive component connected between the second input terminal and first node, second and fourth semiconductor components connected in series in parallel with the series connection first and third semiconductor components, a second inductive component having a first end which is connected to a second node formed between the second and fourth semiconductor components and a second end which produces a first output terminal, where the second output terminal is formed of the first input terminal. The first and the third semiconductor components are configured to control the voltage between the first and second input terminals. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008357 | Capacitor Module, Power Converter, Vehicle-Mounted Electrical-Mechanical System - A capacitor module in which the structure of a connecting portion is highly resistant against vibration and has a low inductance. The capacitor module includes a plurality of capacitors and a laminate made up of a first wide conductor and a second wide conductor joined in a layered form with an insulation sheet interposed between the first and second wide conductors. The laminate comprises a first flat portion including the plurality of capacitors which are supported thereon and electrically connected thereto, a second flat portion continuously extending from the first flat portion while being bent, and connecting portions formed at ends of the first flat portion and the second flat portion and electrically connected to the exterior. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008358 | ELECTRIC CIRCUIT FOR CONVERTING DIRECT CURRENT INTO ALTERNATING CURRENT - Electric circuit for converting direct into alternating current specially designed for photovoltaic systems connected to the electrical grid without a transformer, and enabling the earthing of one of the input terminals ( | 2012-01-12 |
20120008359 | ASYMMETRIC ZERO-VOLTAGE SWITCHING FULL-BRIDGE POWER CONVERTERS - Disclosed are full-bridge power converters providing DC output power at increased conversion efficiencies, and methods of operating full-bridge power converters providing DC output power at increased conversion efficiencies. In disclosed embodiments, the switches of the full-bridge are operated to reduce conduction losses and to provide for zero-voltage switching. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008360 | MULTI-CHIP PACKAGE AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME - A multi-chip package includes a plurality of memory chips for performing a content addressable memory (CAM) read operation in response to a command signal for the CAM read operation and an address signal for selecting the memory chips and a controller for outputting the command signal and the address signal to the memory chips and controlling the sequence of the CAM read operations for the memory chips. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008361 | SEMICONDUCTOR MEMORY DEVICE - A semiconductor memory device includes cell gate lines arranged in parallel over a semiconductor substrate, gate lines for select transistors disposed over the semiconductor substrate adjacent to the gate lines of the outermost memory cells, from among the gate lines for the memory cells, and metal lines coupled to the select transistors through contacts. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008362 | Magnetic Spin Shift Register Memory - A method for forming a memory device includes forming a cavity having an inner surface with an undulating profile in a substrate, depositing a ferromagnetic material in the cavity, forming a reading element on the substrate proximate to a portion of the ferromagnetic material, and forming a writing element on the substrate proximate to a second portion of the ferromagnetic material. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008363 | Diode-Less Array for One-Time Programmable Memory - A one-time programmable memory array includes a first row conductor extending in a first row direction and disposed at a first elevation, a second row conductor extending in a second row direction and disposed at a second elevation and a column conductor extending in a column direction and disposed adjacent to the first row conductor and adjacent to the second row conductor. The array also includes a dielectric layer covering at least a portion of the column conductor, a fuse link coupled between the dielectric layer on the column conductor and the second row conductor. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008364 | ONE TIME PROGRAMMABLE MEMORY AND THE MANUFACTURING METHOD AND OPERATION METHOD THEREOF - A one time programmable memory having a memory cell formed on a substrate is provided. The memory cell has a transistor and an anti-fuse structure. The anti-fuse structure is consisted of a doping region, and a dielectric layer and a conductive layer is formed in the top edge corner region of an isolation structure. The upper surface of the isolation structure is lower than the surface of the substrate so as to expose the top edge corner region. The conductive layer is formed on the isolation structure and covers the top edge corner region. The dielectric layer is formed on the top edge corner region and between the doping region and the conductive layer. The memory cell stores the digital data depending on whether the dielectric layer breaks down or not. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008365 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A NONVOLATILE SWITCHING DEVICE - A method of flowing a current selectively with a nonvolatile switching device according to the present disclosure includes a step of configuring, in the nonvolatile switching device, any one of a first state in which a current does not flow between the electrode group, a second state in which a current flows selectively between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a third state in which a current flows selectively between the first electrode and the third electrode. When any one of the first state, the second state and the third state is configured, voltages V | 2012-01-12 |
20120008366 | RESTIVE MEMORY USING SiGe MATERIAL - A resistive memory device includes a first electrode; a second electrode having a polycrystalline semiconductor layer that includes silicon; a non-crystalline silicon structure provided between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode, second electrode and non-crystalline silicon structure define a two-terminal resistive memory cell. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008367 | RESISTANCE CHANGE TYPE MEMORY - According to one embodiment, a resistance change type memory includes a memory cell and a capacitor which are provided on a semiconductor substrate. The memory cell includes a resistance change type memory and a select transistor. The resistance change type storage element changes in resistance value in accordance with data to be stored. The select transistor includes a first semiconductor region provided in the semiconductor substrate, and a gate electrode facing the side surface of the first semiconductor region via a gate insulating film. The capacitor includes a second semiconductor region provided in the semiconductor substrate, a capacitor electrode facing the side surface of the second semiconductor region, and a first capacitor insulating film provided between the second semiconductor region and the capacitor electrode. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008368 | Semiconductor device having single-ended sensing amplifier - A semiconductor device includes a bit line, a memory cell coupled to the bit line, the memory cell being configured such that a current flowing there the memory cell is varied in accordance with information stored M the memory cell, a first transistor coupled at a control electrode thereof to the bit line, a second transistor coupled to the bit line and supplied at a control electrode thereof with a first control signal, a global bit line, and a third transistor coupled in series with the first sistor between a node and the global bit line, the third transistor supplied at a control electrode thereof with a second control signal. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008369 | MEMORY ELEMENT AND DRIVE METHOD FOR THE SAME, AND MEMORY DEVICE - A memory element capable of increasing capacity with an improvement of distribution of resistance in the high-resistance state, a drive method therefor, and a memory device are provided. The memory element includes first and second electrodes, and a plurality of resistance change elements electrically connected in series between the first and second electrodes, whose resistance values are reversibly changeable in response to application of a voltage to the first and second electrodes, and changeable to the same resistance state relative to the voltage application. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008370 | MEMORY ELEMENT AND MEMORY DEVICE - A memory element and a memory device with improved controllability over resistance change by applied voltage are provided. The memory element includes a first electrode, a memory layer, and a second electrode in this order. The memory layer includes a resistance change layer provided on the first electrode side, and an ion source layer provided on the second electrode side and is higher in resistance value than the resistance change layer. A resistance value of the resistance change layer is changeable in response to a composition change by applied voltage to the first and second electrodes | 2012-01-12 |
20120008371 | SEMICONDUCTOR STORAGE DEVICE - A semiconductor storage device includes: a memory cell array having memory cells positioned at respective intersections between a plurality of first wirings and a plurality of second wirings, each of the memory cells having a rectifier element and a variable resistance element connected in series; and a control circuit selectively driving the first and second wirings. The plurality of first wirings that are specified and selectively driven at the same time by one of a plurality of address signals are separately arranged with other first wirings interposed therebetween within the memory cell array when a certain potential difference is applied to a selected memory cell positioned at an intersection between the first and second wirings by the control circuit. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008372 | RESISTANCE CHANGE MEMORY DEVICE - A resistance change memory device includes: a memory cell array with memory cells arranged therein, the memory cell having a variable resistance element for storing a rewritable resistance value; a reference cell formed of the same memory cells as those set in a high resistance state in the memory cell array, the reference cell being trimmed with selection of the number of parallel-connected memory cells to have a reference current value used for detecting data in the memory cell array; and a sense amplifier configured to compare a cell current value of a memory cell selected in the memory cell array with the reference current value of the reference cell. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008373 | CAPACITIVE DISCHARGE METHOD FOR WRITING TO NON-VOLATILE MEMORY - A memory system includes a substrate, control circuitry on the substrate, a three dimensional memory array (above the substrate) that includes a plurality of memory cells with reversible resistance-switching elements, and circuits for limiting the SET current for the reversible resistance-switching elements. The circuits for limiting the SET current provide a charge on one or more bit lines that is not sufficient to SET the memory cells, and then discharge the bit lines through the memory cells in order to SET the memory cells. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008374 | Data Storage Using Read-Mask-Write Operation - Method and apparatus for writing data to a storage array, such as but not limited to an STRAM or RRAM memory array, using a read-mask-write operation. In accordance with various embodiments, a first bit pattern stored in a plurality of memory cells is read. A second bit pattern is stored to the plurality of memory cells by applying a mask to selectively write only those cells of said plurality corresponding to different bit values between the first and second bit patterns. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008375 | CMOS IMAGE SENSOR WITH NOISE CANCELLATION - A memory comprises a two dimensional array of memory cells. Each memory cell comprises a first transistor, a second transistor and a capacitor. A multi-bit datum is stored as one of a plurality of voltage signal levels driven over a vertical input signal line and further across a source and a drain of the first transistor to be stored onto a gate of the second transistor. The first transistor is selected by a horizontal WR control line. The gate of the second transistor is connected to a first terminal of the capacitor. A second terminal of the capacitor is connected to a horizontal RD control line. The RD control line is driven to couple the second transistor to drive a signal onto a vertical output signal line during a read of the stored signal on the gate. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008376 | MEMORY WITH REGULATED GROUND NODES - Some embodiments regard a memory array comprising: a plurality of memory cells arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns; wherein a column of the plurality of columns includes a column ground node; at least two voltage sources configured to be selectively coupled to the column ground node; and a plurality of memory cells having a plurality of internal ground nodes electrically coupled together and to the column ground node. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008377 | STATIC RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY WITH DATA CONTROLLED POWER SUPPLY - A static random access memory with data controlled power supply, which comprises a memory cell circuit and at least one Write-assist circuit, for providing power to the memory cell circuit according to data to be written to the memory cell circuit. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008378 | MEMORY DEVICES AND METHODS HAVING MULTIPLE ADDRESS ACCESSES IN SAME CYCLE - A memory device can include a plurality of banks, each bank including memory locations accessible by different access circuits; at least a first address port configured to receive addresses on falling and rising edges of a timing clock, each address corresponding to locations in different banks; and at least two read/write data ports configured to receive write data for storage in one of the banks, and output read data from one of the banks. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008379 | GLOBAL BIT LINE RESTORE BY MOST SIGNIFICANT BIT OF AN ADDRESS LINE - An SRAM circuitry having SRAM cells for storing at least one data word of a length of at least one bit is provided. Each bit of the data words is stored in an assigned SRAM cell, wherein the SRAM circuitry comprises address lines for addressing the at least one data word, a decoding unit for decoding the address signals on the address lines to generate a word line signals on a word line per addressed word, a local bit line to be coupled to SRAM cells of different data words with different addresses, a global bit line to be coupled to the local bit line, and a global bit line restore unit for pre-charging the global bit line. The global bit line restore unit is configured for being triggered by a trigger signal based on the address signal of one of the decoded address lines. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008380 | METHOD FOR WRITING IN A MRAM-BASED MEMORY DEVICE WITH REDUCED POWER CONSUMPTION - A method of writing in a memory device comprising a plurality of MRAM cells, each cell including a magnetic tunnel junction having a resistance that can be varied during a write operation when heated at a high threshold temperature; a plurality of word lines connecting cells along a row; and a plurality of bit lines connecting cells along a column; the method comprising supplying a bit line voltage to one of the bit lines and a word line voltage to one of the word lines for passing a heating current through the magnetic tunnel junction of a selected cell; said word line voltage is a word line overdrive voltage being higher than the core operating voltage of the cells such that the heating current has a magnitude that is high enough for heating the magnetic tunnel junction at the predetermined high threshold temperature. The memory device can be written with low power consumption. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008381 | MAGNETORESISTIVE ELEMENT - A magnetoresistive element which records information by supplying spin-polarized electrons to a magnetic material, includes a first pinned layer which is made of a magnetic material and has a first magnetization directed in a direction perpendicular to a film surface, a free layer which is made of a magnetic material and has a second magnetization directed in the direction perpendicular to the film surface, the direction of the second magnetization reversing by the spin-polarized electrons, and a first nonmagnetic layer which is provided between the first pinned layer and the free layer. A saturation magnetization Ms of the free layer satisfies a relationship 0≦Ms<√{square root over ( )}{Jw/(6πAt)}. Jw is a write current density, t is a thickness of the free layer, A is a constant. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008382 | MAGNETIC RECORDING ELEMENT - A magnetic recording element is disclosed for which current density required for writing is low and structure of the element is simple. It comprises a ferromagnetic fine wire formed on a Si substrate, current electrodes that contact ends of the ferromagnetic fine wire, and voltage electrodes joined to the ferromagnetic fine wire and current electrodes to measure voltage across part of the ferromagnetic fine wire in cooperation with the current electrodes. A magnetic domain wall is induced in the ferromagnetic fine wire when the element is manufactured. A depression is formed in the surface on top of the ferromagnetic fine wire between the voltage electrodes, and between one of the current electrodes and one of the voltage electrodes. Voltage is measured between the two voltage electrodes when reading current is applied, to determine whether the magnetic domain wall is present between the two voltage electrodes, whereby recorded data can be identified. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008383 | MAGNETIC DEVICE WITH OPTIMIZED HEAT CONFINEMENT - The present disclosure concerns a magnetic element to be written using a thermally-assisted switching write operation comprising a magnetic tunnel junction formed from a tunnel barrier being disposed between first and second magnetic layers, said second magnetic layer having a second magnetization which direction can be adjusted during a write operation when the magnetic tunnel junction is heated at a high threshold temperature; an upper current line connected at the upper end of the magnetic tunnel junction; and a strap portion extending laterally and connected to the bottom end of the magnetic tunnel junction; the magnetic device further comprising a bottom thermal insulating layer extending substantially parallel to the strap portion and arranged such that the strap portion is between the magnetic tunnel junction and the bottom thermal insulating layer. The magnetic element allows for reducing heat losses during the write operation and has reduced power consumption. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008384 | Detection of Word-Line Leakage in Memory Arrays - Techniques and corresponding circuitry are presented for the detection of wordline leakage in a memory array. In an exemplary embodiment, a capacitive voltage divider is used to translate the high voltage drop to low voltage drop that can be compared with a reference voltage to determine the voltage drop due to leakage. An on-chip self calibration method can help assure the accuracy of this technique for detecting leakage limit. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008385 | SEMICONDUCTOR MEMORY DEVICE AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME - A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array including cell strings each including a plurality of memory cells, bit lines coupled to the respective cell strings, and page buffers configured to compare a reference current and currents of the respective bit line and output sense data corresponding to a level of a threshold voltage of a selected memory cell based on a result of the comparison, in a sense operation. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008386 | Determining Optimal Reference Voltages For Progressive Reads In Flash Memory Systems - A system including a reference voltage module to select a first reference voltage between a first threshold voltage corresponding to a first state of a memory cell and a second threshold voltage corresponding to a second state of the memory cell, a second reference voltage less than the first reference voltage, and a third reference voltage greater than the first reference voltage. The system includes a read module to perform a first read operation to determine a state of the memory cell based on the first reference voltage, and in response to a first failure to decode data read from the memory cell in the first read operation, perform a second read operation to determine the state based on the second reference voltage and a third read operation to determine the state based on the third reference voltage. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008387 | METHOD OF TWICE PROGRAMMING A NON-VOLATILE FLASH MEMORY WITH A SEQUENCE - A method of twice programming a multi-bit per cell non-volatile memory with a sequence is disclosed. At least one page at a given word line is firstly programmed with program data by a controller of the non-volatile memory, and at least one page at a word line preceding the given word line is secondly programmed with the same program data by the controller. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008388 | NON-VOLATILE MEMORY AND OPERATION METHOD THEREOF - An operation method of a non-volatile memory suitable for a multi-level cell having a first storage position and a second storage position is provided. The operation method includes: setting a main voltage distribution group and a plurality of secondary voltage distribution groups, wherein each of the main voltage distribution group and the secondary voltage distribution groups includes N threshold-voltage distribution curves, and N is an integer greater than 2; selecting a first operation level and a second operation level according to a programming command; programming the first storage position according to the threshold-voltage distribution curve corresponding to the first operation level in the main voltage distribution group; selecting one of the secondary voltage distribution groups according to the first operation level and programming the second storage position according to the threshold-voltage distribution curve corresponding to the second operation level in the selected secondary voltage distribution group. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008389 | NONVOLATILE MEMORY DEVICES, MEMORY SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF PERFORMING READ OPERATIONS - Within a non-volatile memory device, a read operation directed to a nonvolatile memory cell having a positive threshold voltage applies a positive read voltage to a selected word line and a first control signal to a page buffer connected to a selected bit line, but if the memory cell has a negative threshold voltage the read operation applies a negative read voltage to the selected word line and a second control signal to the page buffer different from the first control signal. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008390 | SEMICONDUCTOR MEMORY DEVICE AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME - A semiconductor memory device includes memory blocks each including a plurality of groups of memory cells programmable in multiple levels and a control circuit configured to make a determination of whether a specific memory block treated a bad block, from among the memory blocks, is programmable in a single level and to control the specific memory block according to a result of the determination so that the specific memory block is usable as a single level cell block. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008391 | VOLTAGE SWITCH CIRCUIT AND NONVOLATILE MEMORY DEVICE USING THE SAME - A voltage switch circuit includes a positive voltage supply circuit configured to supply a positive voltage to a control node in response to an enable signal, a negative voltage supply circuit configured to supply a negative voltage to the control node in response to a negative voltage enable signal, a control signal generation circuit configured to generate the negative voltage enable signal in response to the enable signal, and a switch circuit configured to transfer an input voltage with a positive potential or a negative potential to an output node in response to a potential of the control node. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008392 | NONVOLATILE MEMORY DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME - A nonvolatile memory device includes a plurality of memory blocks, a plurality of erasure detection units provided at the plurality of memory blocks, respectively, and configured to each detect erasure of the respective memory blocks, and a control unit configured to determine that a memory block is a bad memory block when a number of erasure operations performed on the memory block as detected by the respective erasure detection unit is greater than a reference value. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008393 | NONVOLATILE MEMORY DEVICE AND OPERATION METHOD THEREOF - An operation method of a nonvolatile memory device includes reading information of an erase target block, and performing an erase operation by using a starting erase bias corresponding to the information. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008394 | NONVOLATILE MEMORY SYSTEM AND REFRESH METHOD - A memory system including non-volatile memory devices and a corresponding refresh method are disclosed. The method groups memory blocks of the non-volatile memory devices into memory groups, determines a refresh sequence for the memory groups, and refreshes the memory groups in accordance with the refresh sequence. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008395 | Nonvolatile Memory Device and Method of Operating the Same - A nonvolatile memory device includes memory cell blocks each configured to comprise memory cells erased by an erase voltage, supplied to a word line, and a bulk voltage supplied to a bulk, a bias voltage generator configured to generate a first erase voltage, having a first pulse width and a first amplitude, in order to perform the erase operation of the memory cells and a second erase voltage, having a second pulse width narrower than the first pulse width and a second amplitude lower than the first amplitude, in order to perform an additional erase operation if an unerased memory cell is detected after the erase operation is performed, and a bulk voltage generator configured to generate the bulk voltage. | 2012-01-12 |
20120008396 | SEMICONDUCTOR MEMORY DEVICE AND METHOD OF ERASING THE SAME - A semiconductor memory device includes memory cell blocks having physical pages coupled to memory cells, peripheral circuits configured to program the memory cells or read data stored in the memory cells, and a controller configured to control the peripheral circuits so that a pre-program is performed to make memory cells in the memory cell blocks have threshold voltages higher than a set voltage by programming memory cells of the selected memory cell block, having threshold voltages lower than the set voltage, in response to an erase command. The set voltage is an intermediate threshold voltage obtained from the threshold voltages of the memory cells of the selected memory cell block. | 2012-01-12 |