Patents Assigned to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
  • Patent number: 11984351
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes a dielectric structure within a metal interconnect over a substrate. The dielectric structure includes a cavity. A first dielectric layer provides a roof for the cavity. A second dielectric layer provides a floor for the cavity. A material distinct from the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer provides a side edge for the cavity. In a central area of the cavity, the cavity has a constant height. The height may be selected to provide a low parasitic capacitance between features above and below the cavity. The roof of the cavity may be flat. A gate dielectric may be formed over the roof. The dielectric structure is particularly useful for reducing parasitic capacitances when employing back-end-of-line (BEOL) transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Li-Shyue Lai, Gao-Ming Wu, Katherine H. Chiang, Chung-Te Lin
  • Patent number: 11984164
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an integrated circuit including multiple magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) cells coupled to a static random access memory (SRAM). In one aspect, the integrated circuit includes a SRAM having a first port and a second port, and a set of pass transistors coupled to the first port of the SRAM. In one aspect, the integrated circuit includes a set of MTJ cells, where each of the set of MTJ cells is coupled between a select line and a corresponding one of the set of pass transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Perng-Fei Yuh, Yih Wang, Ku-Feng Lin, Jui-Che Tsai, Hiroki Noguchi, Fu-An Wu
  • Patent number: 11984375
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a device includes: a first integrated circuit die having a first contact region and a first non-contact region; an encapsulant contacting sides of the first integrated circuit die; a dielectric layer contacting the encapsulant and the first integrated circuit die, the dielectric layer having a first portion over the first contact region, a second portion over the first non-contact region, and a third portion over a portion of the encapsulant; and a metallization pattern including: a first conductive via extending through the first portion of the dielectric layer to contact the first integrated circuit die; and a conductive line extending along the second portion and third portion of the dielectric layer, the conductive line having a straight portion along the second portion of the dielectric layer and a first meandering portion along the third portion of the dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chien-Hsun Chen, Yu-Ling Tsai, Jiun Yi Wu, Chien-Hsun Lee, Chung-Shi Liu
  • Patent number: 11984165
    Abstract: A memory device includes a plurality of word lines (WLs). The memory device includes a plurality of drivers that are each configured to control a corresponding one of the plurality of WLs and each comprise a first transistor having a first conductive type and a second transistor having a second conductive type. The first transistor of a first one of the drivers is formed in a first well of a substrate, and the second transistor of the first driver is formed in a second well of the substrate. The first well is spaced apart from the second well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Ying Lee, Chia-En Huang, Chieh Lee
  • Patent number: 11984353
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in some embodiments, relates to a method of forming a capacitor structure. The method includes forming a capacitor dielectric layer over a lower electrode layer, and forming an upper electrode layer over the capacitor dielectric layer. The upper electrode layer is etched to define an upper electrode and to expose a part of the capacitor dielectric layer. A spacer structure is formed over horizontally extending surfaces of the upper electrode layer and the capacitor dielectric layer and also along sidewalls of the upper electrode. The spacer structure is etched to remove the spacer structure from over the horizontally extending surfaces of the upper electrode layer and the capacitor dielectric layer and to define a spacer. The capacitor dielectric layer and the lower electrode layer are etched according to the spacer to define a capacitor dielectric and a lower electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsuan-Han Tseng, Chun-Yuan Chen, Lu-Sheng Chou, Hsiao-Hui Tseng, Jhy-Jyi Sze
  • Patent number: 11984331
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an equipment front end module (EFEM) teaching element. The EFEM teaching element includes a memory element configured to store data describing an initial position of an EFEM robot within an EFEM chamber. A position measurement device is configured to take measurements describing a new position of the EFEM robot within the EFEM chamber that is different than the initial position of the EFEM robot. A controller is configured to determine a set of new movement commands describing a path of the EFEM robot based upon the data describing the initial position of the EFEM robot and the measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Fa Lee, Hsu-Shui Liu, Jiun-Rong Pai, Shou-Wen Kuo
  • Patent number: 11984365
    Abstract: A high atomic number material is applied to one or more surfaces of a semiconductor structure of a wafer. The one or more surfaces are at a depth different from a depth of a surface of the wafer. An electron beam is scanned over the semiconductor structure to cause a backscattered electron signal to be collected at a collector. A profile scan of the semiconductor structure is generated based on an intensity of the backscattered electron signal, at the collector, resulting from the high atomic number material. The high atomic number material increases the intensity of the backscattered electron signal for the one or more surfaces of the semiconductor structure such that contrast in the profile scan is increased. The increased contrast of the profile scan enables accurate critical dimension measurements of the semiconductor structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Pei-Hsuan Lee, Hung-Ming Chen, Kuang-Shing Chen, Yu-Hsiang Cheng, Xiaomeng Chen
  • Patent number: 11984374
    Abstract: A method includes placing a package component over a carrier. The package component includes a device die. A core frame is placed over the carrier. The core frame forms a ring encircling the package component. The method further includes encapsulating the core frame and the package component in an encapsulant, forming redistribution lines over the core frame and the package component, and forming electrical connectors over and electrically coupling to the package component through the redistribution lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Jiun Yi Wu, Chen-Hua Yu, Chung-Shi Liu
  • Patent number: 11984324
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a sacrificial gate structure is formed over a substrate. The sacrificial gate structure includes a sacrificial gate electrode. A first dielectric layer is formed over the sacrificial gate structure. A second dielectric layer is formed over the first dielectric layer. The second and first dielectric layers are planarized and recessed, and an upper portion of the sacrificial gate structure is exposed while a lower portion of the sacrificial gate structure is embedded in the first dielectric layer. A third dielectric layer is formed over the exposed sacrificial gate structure and over the first dielectric layer. A fourth dielectric layer is formed over the third dielectric layer. The fourth and third dielectric layers are planarized, and the sacrificial gate electrode is exposed and part of the third dielectric layer remains on the recessed first dielectric layer. The sacrificial gate electrode is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Chen Wei, Feng-Inn Wu, Tzi-Yi Shieh
  • Patent number: 11984361
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a plurality of nanosheets, a plurality of source/drain (S/D) features, and a gate stack. The substrate includes a first fin and a second fin. The first fin has a first width less than a second width of the second fin. The plurality of nanosheets is disposed on the first fin and the second fin. The plurality of source/drain (S/D) features are located on the first fin and the second fin and abutting the plurality of nanosheets. A bottom surface of the plurality of source/drain (S/D) features on the first fin is equal to or lower than a bottom surface of the plurality of source/drain (S/D) features on the second fin. The gate stack wraps each of the plurality of nanosheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Lo-Heng Chang, Chih-Hao Wang, Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Jung-Hung Chang, Pei-Hsun Wang
  • Patent number: 11984378
    Abstract: A semiconductor package structure includes an interposer substrate formed over a package substrate. The structure also includes a die disposed over the interposer substrate. The structure also includes a first heat spreader disposed over the package substrate. The structure also includes a second heat spreader disposed over the die and connected to the first heat spreader. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the first heat spreader and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the second heat spreader are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Shu-Shen Yeh, Po-Yao Lin, Chin-Hua Wang, Yu-Sheng Lin, Shin-Puu Jeng
  • Patent number: 11984314
    Abstract: A particle removal method for removing particles on the backside of a reticle is provided. The method includes disposing the reticle on a reticle holder. In addition, the method includes moving a baffle defining an enclosed area that encompasses a particle to be removed on a backside of the reticle. The method further includes spraying, by a solution spraying module of a particle removal device, a solution onto the particle. The method further includes sucking, by a sucking module of the particle removal device, the solution on the reticle with the particle. The method further includes emitting, by the particle removal device, a gas onto the backside of the reticle for drying the backside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Siao-Chian Huang, Po-Chung Cheng, Ching-Juinn Huang, Tzung-Chi Fu, Tsung-Yen Lee
  • Patent number: 11984491
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of fabricating a contact in a semiconductor device. The method includes: receiving a semiconductor structure having an opening into which the contact is to be formed; forming a metal layer in the opening; forming a bottom anti-reflective coating (BARC) layer in the opening; performing implanting operations with a dopant on the BARC layer and the metal layer, the performing implanting operations including controlling an implant energy level and controlling an implant dosage level to form a crust layer with a desired minimum depth on top of the BARC layer; removing unwanted metal layer sections using wet etching operations, wherein the crust layer and BARC layer protect remaining metal layer sections under the BARC layer from metal loss during the wet etching operations; removing the crust layer and the BARC layer; and forming the contact in the opening over the remaining metal layer sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Kuo-Ju Chen, Su-Hao Liu, Huicheng Chang, Yee-Chia Yeo
  • Patent number: 11984410
    Abstract: A method includes forming a reconstructed wafer including encapsulating a device die in an encapsulant, forming a dielectric layer over the device die and the encapsulant, forming a plurality of redistribution lines extending into the dielectric layer to electrically couple to the device die, and forming a metal ring in a common process for forming the plurality of redistribution lines. The metal ring encircles the plurality of redistribution lines, and the metal ring extends into scribe lines of the reconstructed wafer. A die-saw process is performed along scribe lines of the reconstructed wafer to separate a package from the reconstructed wafer. The package includes the device die and at least a portion of the metal ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Wan-Yu Lee, Chiang Lin, Yueh-Ting Lin, Hua-Wei Tseng, Li-Hsien Huang, Yu-Hsiang Hu
  • Patent number: 11984376
    Abstract: A stacked semiconductor device includes a cooling structure to increase the cooling efficiency of the stacked semiconductor device. The cooling structure includes various types of cooling components integrated into the stacked semiconductor device that are configured to remove and/or dissipate heat from dies of the stacked semiconductor device. In this way, the cooling structure reduces device failures and permits the stacked semiconductor device to operate at greater voltages, greater speeds, and/or other increased performance parameters by removing and/or dissipating heat from the stacked semiconductor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jen-Yuan Chang
  • Patent number: 11984419
    Abstract: Package structures and methods for manufacturing the same are provided. The package structure includes a first bump structure formed over a first substrate. The first bump structure includes a first pillar layer formed over the first substrate and a first barrier layer formed over the first pillar layer. In addition, the first barrier layer has a first protruding portion laterally extending outside a first edge of the first pillar layer. The package structure further includes a second bump structure bonded to the first bump structure through a solder joint. In addition, the second bump structure includes a second pillar layer formed over a second substrate and a second barrier layer formed over the second pillar layer. The first protruding portion of the first barrier layer is spaced apart from the solder joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Cheng-Hung Chen, Yu-Nu Hsu, Chun-Chen Liu, Heng-Chi Huang, Chien-Chen Li, Shih-Yen Chen, Cheng-Nan Hsieh, Kuo-Chio Liu, Chen-Shien Chen, Chin-Yu Ku, Te-Hsun Pang, Yuan-Feng Wu, Sen-Chi Chiang
  • Patent number: 11984485
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a gate structure on the substrate, a source/drain (S/D) region and a contact. The S/D region is located in the substrate and on a side of the gate structure. The contact lands on and connected to the S/D region. The contact wraps around the S/D region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Po-Hsien Cheng, Jr-Hung Li, Tai-Chun Huang, Tze-Liang Lee, Chung-Ting Ko, Jr-Yu Chen, Wan-Chen Hsieh
  • Patent number: 11984381
    Abstract: A semiconductor package structure is provided. The semiconductor package structure includes a carrier substrate, an interposer substrate, a semiconductor device, a lid, and a thermal interface material. The interposer substrate is disposed on the carrier substrate. The semiconductor device is disposed on the interposer substrate. The lid is disposed on the carrier substrate to cover the semiconductor device. The thermal interface material is disposed between the lid and the semiconductor device. A first recess is formed on a lower surface of the lid facing the semiconductor device, and the first recess overlaps the semiconductor device in a top view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Po-Chen Lai, Ming-Chih Yew, Po-Yao Lin, Chin-Hua Wang, Shin-Puu Jeng
  • Patent number: 11984444
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same are provided. The semiconductor device includes a first active region extending along a first direction. The semiconductor device also includes a second active region extending along the first direction. The semiconductor device further includes a first gate extending along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first gate has a first segment disposed between the first active region and the second active region. In addition, the semiconductor device includes a first electrical conductor extending along the second direction and across the first active region and the second active region, wherein the first segment of the first gate and the first electrical conductor are partially overlapped to form a first capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Hui Chen, Wan-Te Chen, Tzu Ching Chang, Tsung-Hsin Yu
  • Patent number: 11984405
    Abstract: A package includes a corner, a device die, a plurality of redistribution lines underlying the device die, and a plurality of non-solder electrical connectors underlying and electrically coupled to the plurality of redistribution lines. The plurality of non-solder electrical connectors includes a corner electrical connector. The corner electrical connector is elongated. An electrical connector is farther away from the corner than the corner electrical connector, wherein the electrical connector is non-elongated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chen-Hua Yu, Shin-Puu Jeng, Der-Chyang Yeh, Hsien-Wei Chen