Disk drive system including a DRAM array and associated method f

Details Disk drive system including a DRAM array and associated method f Disk drive system including a DRAM array and associated method f

1992-06-23

1996-05-14

Gossage, Glenn

Static information storage and retrieval

Magnetic bubbles

Guide structure

39518204, 395432, 395439, 365 95, 365149, 365178, 365200, 36518524, 364DIG2, 3649442, 3649542, 3649521, 3642492, 3642685, G06F 1300, G11C 1712

Patent

active

055176348

ABSTRACT:
An array of dynamic memory cells and method for programming that array with initial information, as well as a disk drive system incorporating such an array, are disclosed. The array includes dynamic memory cells formed on an integrated circuit substrate. The array is modified by a programming step to contain nonvolatile initial information which may be retrieved immediately following a reset sequence. The array includes storage cells arranged as a matrix of bit line columns and row selects, each cell including a pass transistor having a predetermined threshold voltage characteristic Vth and being associated with a storage capacitor. Predetermined ones of the pass transistors are modified by a programming step, either during or following fabrication, so as to have a different predetermined threshold voltage characteristic Vthm, so that the array is comprised of unmodified cells and modified cells in a manner defining nonvolatile initial information in the array. The array is divided into sections, and the initial information is programmed into each of the sections. During a reset sequence, a control circuit applies control voltages to the cells to charge the storage capacitors and selectively discharge the capacitors of either the unmodified cells or the modified cells in a manner which writes the initial information into the array. After the reset sequence, the initial information can be retrieved by reading the array. The array is thereafter available for overwriting of the initial information with other information. The array also includes a section of spare storage cells. A single memory chip implementation of the array is used to store both control firmware and transitory data blocks in a small form-factor rigid disk drive.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4287571 (1981-09-01), Chakravarti et al.
patent: 4396996 (1983-08-01), Oldham
patent: 4400799 (1983-08-01), Gudger
patent: 4418401 (1983-11-01), Bansal
patent: 4439843 (1984-03-01), Takamatsu
patent: 4525810 (1985-06-01), Cochran et al.
patent: 4570237 (1986-02-01), Nagayoshi et al.
patent: 4584669 (1986-04-01), Moynihan et al.
patent: 4587629 (1986-05-01), Dill et al.
patent: 4594688 (1986-06-01), Uno
patent: 4609999 (1986-09-01), Rosini
patent: 4730321 (1988-03-01), Machado
patent: 4760556 (1988-07-01), Deguchi et al.
patent: 4827448 (1989-05-01), Kuo
patent: 5018102 (1991-05-01), Houston
patent: 5241546 (1993-08-01), Peterson et al.
patent: 5331188 (1994-07-01), Acovic et al.
Chung, Ko Hu, "A Model for Hot-Electron-Induced MOSFET Linear-Current Degradation Based on Mobility Reduction Due to Interface-State Generation" IEEE Trans. on Electron Devices, vol. 38, No. 6, Jun. 1991, pp. 1362-1370.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Disk drive system including a DRAM array and associated method f does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Disk drive system including a DRAM array and associated method f, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Disk drive system including a DRAM array and associated method f will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1904195