Patents by Inventor Allen Timothy Chang

Allen Timothy Chang has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10866209
    Abstract: A microfluidic system includes a semiconductor substrate having a first surface and an opposite, parallel second surface, a first bioFET sensor and a second bioFET sensor. An isolation layer is disposed on the second surface of the semiconductor substrate and has a first opening over the first bioFET sensor and a second opening over the second bioFET sensor. An interface layer is disposed in at least each of the first opening and the second opening. The system includes a readout circuit having a differential amplifier designed to measure a difference between signals associated with the first bioFET sensor and the second bioFET sensor. The system also includes a microfluidic network designed to deliver fluid to the interface layer disposed in each of the first opening and the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Inventors: Allen Timothy Chang, Jui-Cheng Huang, Tung-Tsun Chen, Yu-Jie Huang, Penny Hsiao
  • Patent number: 10865443
    Abstract: An integrated semiconductor device for manipulating and processing bio-entity samples and methods are described. The device includes a lower substrate, at least one optical signal conduit disposed on the lower substrate, at least one cap bonding pad disposed on the lower substrate, a cap configured to form a capped area, and disposed on the at least one cap bonding pad, a fluidic channel, wherein a first side of the fluidic channel is formed on the lower substrate and a second side of the fluidic channel is formed on the cap, a photosensor array coupled to sensor control circuitry, and logic circuitry coupled to the fluidic control circuitry, and the sensor control circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Allen Timothy Chang, Yi-Hsien Chang, Chun-Ren Cheng
  • Publication number: 20200116668
    Abstract: A microfluidic system includes a semiconductor substrate having a first surface and an opposite, parallel second surface, a first bioFET sensor and a second bioFET sensor. An isolation layer is disposed on the second surface of the semiconductor substrate and has a first opening over the first bioFET sensor and a second opening over the second bioFET sensor. An interface layer is disposed in at least each of the first opening and the second opening. The system includes a readout circuit having a differential amplifier designed to measure a difference between signals associated with the first bioFET sensor and the second bioFET sensor. The system also includes a microfluidic network designed to deliver fluid to the interface layer disposed in each of the first opening and the second opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Allen Timothy CHANG, Jui-Cheng HUANG, Tung-Tsun CHEN, Yu-Jie HUANG, Penny HSIAO
  • Publication number: 20200041445
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a device includes: an electrode configured to change a contact angle of a liquid droplet above the electrode when a first voltage is applied to the electrode; a sensing film overlaying the electrode, wherein the electrode is configured for assessment of a state of the liquid droplet based on a second voltage sensed at the electrode; a reference electrode above the electrode, the reference electrode configured to provide a reference voltage; and a microfluidic channel between the electrode and the reference electrode, wherein the microfluidic channel is configured to manipulate the liquid droplet using the electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Tsung-Tsun CHEN, Allen Timothy CHANG, Jui-Cheng HUANG
  • Publication number: 20200042057
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a circuit includes: an error amplifier; a temperature sensor, wherein the temperature sensor is coupled to the error amplifier; a discrete time controller coupled to the error amplifier, wherein the discrete time controller comprises digital circuitry; a multiple bits quantizer coupled to the discrete time controller, wherein the multiple bits quantizer produces a digital code output; and a heating array coupled to the multiple bits quantizer, wherein the heating array is configured to generate heat based on the digital code output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Jui-Cheng HUANG, Yi-Hsing HSIAO, Yu-Jie HUANG, Tsung-Tsun CHEN, Allen Timothy CHANG
  • Publication number: 20200041447
    Abstract: A sensor with a nanowire heater may be provided. The sensor may be patterned in a device layer of a Silicon on Insulation (SOI) wafer comprising a backside layer and a Buried Oxide (BOX) layer and the nanowire heater may be patterned in the device layer of the SOI wafer adjacent to the sensor. Next, metal routing may be created for the SOI wafer and a bond carrier wafer may be provided on a metal routing side of the SOI wafer. The backside layer may then be ground until the BOX layer is exposed. Then the device layer may be patterned through the BOX layer to expose the sensor and the nanowire heater. A dielectric may be deposited covering at least one of the following: the sensor; and the nanowire heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Allen Timothy Chang, Tung-Tsun Chen, Jui-Cheng Huang, Yu-Jie Huang, Yi-Hsing Hsiao
  • Patent number: 10502707
    Abstract: A microfluidic system includes a semiconductor substrate having a first surface and an opposite, parallel second surface, a first bioFET sensor and a second bioFET sensor. An isolation layer is disposed on the second surface of the semiconductor substrate and has a first opening over the first bioFET sensor and a second opening over the second bioFET sensor. An interface layer is disposed in at least each of the first opening and the second opening. The system includes a readout circuit having a differential amplifier designed to measure a difference between signals associated with the first bioFET sensor and the second bioFET sensor. The system also includes a microfluidic network designed to deliver fluid to the interface layer disposed in each of the first opening and the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Allen Timothy Chang, Jui-Cheng Huang, Tung-Tsun Chen, Yu-Jie Huang, Penny Hsiao
  • Publication number: 20190369044
    Abstract: A microfluidic system includes a semiconductor substrate having a first surface and an opposite, parallel second surface, a first bioFET sensor and a second bioFET sensor. An isolation layer is disposed on the second surface of the semiconductor substrate and has a first opening over the first bioFET sensor and a second opening over the second bioFET sensor. An interface layer is disposed in at least each of the first opening and the second opening. The system includes a readout circuit having a differential amplifier designed to measure a difference between signals associated with the first bioFET sensor and the second bioFET sensor. The system also includes a microfluidic network designed to deliver fluid to the interface layer disposed in each of the first opening and the second opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Allen Timothy Chang, Jui-Cheng Huang, Tung-Tsun Chen, Yu-Jie Huang, Penny Hsiao
  • Publication number: 20190256910
    Abstract: An integrated semiconductor device for manipulating and processing bio-entity samples and methods are described. The device includes a lower substrate, at least one optical signal conduit disposed on the lower substrate, at least one cap bonding pad disposed on the lower substrate, a cap configured to form a capped area, and disposed on the at least one cap bonding pad, a fluidic channel, wherein a first side of the fluidic channel is formed on the lower substrate and a second side of the fluidic channel is formed on the cap, a photosensor array coupled to sensor control circuitry, and logic circuitry coupled to the fluidic control circuitry, and the sensor control circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: Allen Timothy Chang, Yi-Hsien Chang, Chun-Ren Cheng
  • Patent number: 10280456
    Abstract: An integrated semiconductor device for manipulating and processing bio-entity samples and methods are described. The device includes a lower substrate, at least one optical signal conduit disposed on the lower substrate, at least one cap bonding pad disposed on the lower substrate, a cap configured to form a capped area, and disposed on the at least one cap bonding pad, a fluidic channel, wherein a first side of the fluidic channel is formed on the lower substrate and a second side of the fluidic channel is formed on the cap, a photosensor array coupled to sensor control circuitry, and logic circuitry coupled to the fluidic control circuitry, and the sensor control circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Allen Timothy Chang, Yi-Hsien Chang, Chun-Ren Cheng
  • Publication number: 20190101531
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides biochips and methods of fabricating biochips. The method includes combining three portions: a transparent substrate, a first substrate with microfluidic channels therein, and a second substrate. Through-holes for inlet and outlet are formed in the transparent substrate or the second substrate. Various non-organic landings with support medium for bio-materials to attach are formed on the first substrate and the second substrate before they are combined. In other embodiments, the microfluidic channel is formed of an adhesion layer between a transparent substrate and a second substrate with landings on the substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Inventors: Chia-Hua Chu, Allen Timothy Chang, Ching-Ray Chen, Yi-Hsien Chang, Yi-Shao Liu, Chun-Ren Cheng, Chun-Wen Cheng
  • Patent number: 10145847
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides biochips and methods of fabricating biochips. The method includes combining three portions: a transparent substrate, a first substrate with microfluidic channels therein, and a second substrate. Through-holes for inlet and outlet are formed in the transparent substrate or the second substrate. Various non-organic landings with support medium for bio-materials to attach are formed on the first substrate and the second substrate before they are combined. In other embodiments, the microfluidic channel is formed of an adhesion layer between a transparent substrate and a second substrate with landings on the substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Hua Chu, Allen Timothy Chang, Ching-Ray Chen, Yi-Hsien Chang, Yi-Shao Liu, Chun-Ren Cheng, Chun-Wen Cheng
  • Patent number: 10131540
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wafer level chip scale package (WLCSP) with a stress absorbing cap substrate. The cap substrate is bonded to a die through a bond ring and a bond pad arranged on an upper surface of the cap substrate. A through substrate via (TSV) extends from the bond pad, through the cap substrate, to a lower surface of the cap substrate. Further, recesses in the upper surface extend around the bond pad and along sidewalls of the bond ring. The recesses absorb induced stress, thereby mitigating any device offset in the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shao-Chi Yu, Chia-Ming Hung, Hsin-Ting Huang, Hsiang-Fu Chen, Allen Timothy Chang, Wen-Chuan Tai
  • Patent number: 9968927
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an integrated chip having an integrated optical bio-sensor, and an associated method of fabrication. In some embodiments, the integrated optical bio-sensor has a sensing device arranged within a semiconductor substrate. An optical waveguide structure is located over a first side of the semiconductor substrate at a position over the sensing device. A dielectric structure is disposed onto the optical waveguide structure at a position that separates the optical waveguide structure from a sample retention area configured to receive a sample solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi-Shao Liu, Emerson Cheng, Yi-Hsien Chang, Chun-Ren Cheng, Ching-Ray Chen, Alex Kalnitsky, Allen Timothy Chang
  • Patent number: 9856139
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of forming a micro-electro mechanical system (MEMs) structure. In some embodiments, the method may be performed by providing a device substrate having a first MEMS device and a second MEMS device, and by providing a capping structure having a first cavity and a second cavity. The capping structure is bonded to the device substrate, such that the first cavity is arranged over the first MEMS device and the second cavity is arranged over the second MEMS device. A first pressure is established within the first cavity and the second cavity. A vent is selectively etched within the capping structure to change the first pressure within the second cavity to a second pressure, which is different from the first pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Maunfacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsin-Ting Huang, Hsiang-Fu Chen, Wen-Chuan Tai, Shao-Chi Yu, Chia-Ming Hung, Allen Timothy Chang, Bruce C. S. Chou, Chin-Min Lin
  • Patent number: 9845236
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a monolithic MEMS (micro-electromechanical system) platform having a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor and a gas sensor, and an associated method of formation. In some embodiments, the MEMS platform includes a semiconductor substrate having one or more transistor devices and a temperature sensor. A dielectric layer is disposed over the semiconductor substrate. A cavity is disposed within an upper surface of the dielectric layer. A MEMS substrate is arranged onto the upper surface of the dielectric layer and has a first section and a second section. A pressure sensor has a first pressure sensor electrode that is vertically separated by the cavity from a second pressure sensor electrode within the first section of a MEMS substrate. A gas sensor has a polymer disposed between a first gas sensor electrode within the second section of a MEMS substrate and a second gas sensor electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shao-Chi Yu, Chia-Ming Hung, Hsin-Ting Huang, Hsiang-Fu Chen, Allen Timothy Chang, Wen-Chuan Tai
  • Publication number: 20170233249
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of forming a micro-electro mechanical system (MEMs) structure. In some embodiments, the method may be performed by providing a device substrate having a first MEMS device and a second MEMS device, and by providing a capping structure having a first cavity and a second cavity. The capping structure is bonded to the device substrate, such that the first cavity is arranged over the first MEMS device and the second cavity is arranged over the second MEMS device. A first pressure is established within the first cavity and the second cavity. A vent is selectively etched within the capping structure to change the first pressure within the second cavity to a second pressure, which is different from the first pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Hsin-Ting Huang, Hsiang-Fu Chen, Wen-Chuan Tai, Shao-Chi Yu, Chia-Ming Hung, Allen Timothy Chang, Bruce C.S. Chou, Chin-Min Lin
  • Patent number: 9656857
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to multiple MEMS devices that are integrated together on a single substrate. A device substrate comprising first and second micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) devices is bonded to a capping structure. The capping structure comprises a first cavity arranged over the first MEMS device and a second cavity arranged over the second MEMS device. The first cavity is filled with a first gas at a first gas pressure. The second cavity is filled with a second gas at a second gas pressure, which is different from the first gas pressure. A recess is arranged within a lower surface of the capping structure. The recess abuts the second cavity. A vent is arranged within the capping structure. The vent extends from a top of the recess to the upper surface of the capping structure. A lid is arranged within the vent and configured to seal the second cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsin-Ting Huang, Hsiang-Fu Chen, Wen-Chuan Tai, Shao-Chi Yu, Chia-Ming Hung, Allen Timothy Chang, Bruce C. S. Chou, Chin-Min Lin
  • Publication number: 20160341656
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an integrated chip having an integrated optical bio-sensor, and an associated method of fabrication. In some embodiments, the integrated optical bio-sensor has a sensing device arranged within a semiconductor substrate. An optical waveguide structure is located over a first side of the semiconductor substrate at a position over the sensing device. A dielectric structure is disposed onto the optical waveguide structure at a position that separates the optical waveguide structure from a sample retention area configured to receive a sample solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Yi-Shao Liu, Emerson Cheng, Yi-Hsien Chang, Chun-Ren Cheng, Ching-Ray Chen, Alex Kalnitsky, Allen Timothy Chang
  • Patent number: 9493347
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes depositing a light reflecting layer over a substrate. The method also includes forming a protection layer over the light reflecting layer. The method further includes forming an anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer over the protection layer. The method additionally includes forming an opening in the ARC layer, the protection layer and the light reflecting layer exposing the substrate. The method also includes removing the ARC layer in a wet solution comprising H2O2, the ARC layer being exposed to the H2O2 at a flow rate greater than about 10 standard cubic centimeters per minute (sccm).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yi-Hsien Chang, Chun-Ren Cheng, Yi-Shao Liu, Allen Timothy Chang, Ching-Ray Chen, Yeh-Tseng Li, Wen-Hsiang Lin