Patents by Inventor Bruce C. S. Chou

Bruce C. S. Chou 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).

  • Publication number: 20170069593
    Abstract: A package component includes a surface dielectric layer including a planar top surface, a metal pad in the surface dielectric layer and including a second planar top surface level with the planar top surface, and an air trench on a side of the metal pad. The sidewall of the metal pad is exposed to the air trench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Bruce C.S. Chou, Chen-Jong Wang, Ping-Yin Liu, Jung-Kuo Tu, Tsung-Te Chou, Xin-Hua Huang, Hsun-Chung Kuang, Lan-Lin Chao, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Xiaomeng Chen
  • Patent number: 9502396
    Abstract: A package component includes a surface dielectric layer including a planar top surface, a metal pad in the surface dielectric layer and including a second planar top surface level with the planar top surface, and an air trench on a side of the metal pad. The sidewall of the metal pad is exposed to the air trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bruce C. S. Chou, Chen-Jong Wang, Ping-Yin Liu, Jung-Kuo Tu, Tsung-Te Chou, Xin-Hua Huang, Hsun-Chung Kuang, Lan-Lin Chao, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Xiaomeng Chen
  • Patent number: 9443796
    Abstract: A package component includes a surface dielectric layer including a planar top surface, a metal pad in the surface dielectric layer and including a second planar top surface level with the planar top surface, and an air trench on a side of the metal pad. The sidewall of the metal pad is exposed to the air trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bruce C. S. Chou, Chen-Jong Wang, Ping-Yin Liu, Jung-Kuo Tu, Tsung-Te Chou, Xin-Hua Huang, Xin-Chung Kuang, Lan-Lin Chao, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Xiaomeng Chen
  • Patent number: 9422155
    Abstract: A device includes a semiconductor substrate, and a capacitive sensor having a back-plate, wherein the back-plate forms a first capacitor plate of the capacitive sensor. The back-plate is a portion of the semiconductor substrate. A conductive membrane is spaced apart from the semiconductor substrate by an air-gap. A capacitance of the capacitive sensor is configured to change in response to a movement of the polysilicon membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bruce C. S. Chou, Jung-Kuo Tu, Chen-Chih Fan
  • Publication number: 20160233347
    Abstract: A system and method for blocking heat from reaching an image sensor in a three dimensional stack with a semiconductor device. In an embodiment a heat sink is formed in a back end of line process either on the semiconductor device or else on the image sensor itself when the image sensor is in a backside illuminated configuration. The heat sink may be a grid in either a single layer or in two layers, a zig-zag pattern, or in an interleaved fingers configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Kuo-Chin Huang, Tzu-Jui Wang, Szu-Ying Chen, Dun-Nian Yaung, Jen-Cheng Liu, Bruce C.S. Chou, Jung-Kuo Tu, Cheng-Chieh Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20160163684
    Abstract: A package component includes a surface dielectric layer including a planar top surface, a metal pad in the surface dielectric layer and including a second planar top surface level with the planar top surface, and an air trench on a side of the metal pad. The sidewall of the metal pad is exposed to the air trench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventors: Bruce C.S. Chou, Chen-Jong Wang, Ping-Yin Liu, Jung-Kuo Tu, Tsung-Te Chou, Xin-Hua Huang, Hsun-Chung Kuang, Lan-Lin Chao, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Xiaomeng Chen
  • Patent number: 9346666
    Abstract: A composite wafer semiconductor device includes a first wafer and a second wafer. The first wafer has a first side and a second side, and the second side is substantially opposite the first side. The composite wafer semiconductor device also includes an isolation set is formed on the first side of the first wafer and a free space is etched in the isolation set. The second wafer is bonded to the isolation set. A floating structure, such as an inertia sensing device, is formed in the second wafer over the free space. In an embodiment, a surface mount pad is formed on the second side of the first wafer. Then, the floating structure is electrically coupled to the surface mount pad using a through silicon via (TSV) conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Bruce C. S. Chou
  • Publication number: 20160130137
    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: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    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: 9322862
    Abstract: A capacitive sensing array device of an electronic apparatus includes sensing electrodes, a shielding conductor layer, a coupling signal source, a constant voltage source and switch modules. The coupling signal source provides a coupling signal coupled to an object. The constant voltage source provides a constant voltage to the shielding conductor layer to form a stable vertical parasitic capacitor between the shielding conductor layer and each sensing electrode. Each switch module is electrically connected to the constant voltage source via the corresponding sensing electrode. When one sensing electrode is selected to perform sensing, the corresponding switch module is configured as an open-circuited state such that the selected sensing electrode is disconnected from the constant voltage source, while the other sensing electrodes are electrically connected to the constant voltage source to form a stable horizontal parasitic capacitor between the selected sensing electrode and the other sensing electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: J-METRICS TECHOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Bruce C.S. Chou
  • Patent number: 9318528
    Abstract: A system and method for blocking heat from reaching an image sensor in a three dimensional stack with a semiconductor device. In an embodiment a heat sink is formed in a back end of line process either on the semiconductor device or else on the image sensor itself when the image sensor is in a backside illuminated configuration. The heat sink may be a grid in either a single layer or in two layers, a zig-zag pattern, or in an interleaved fingers configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Chin Huang, Tzu-Jui Wang, Szu-Ying Chen, Dun-Nian Yaung, Jen-Cheng Liu, Bruce C. S. Chou, Jung-Kuo Tu, Cheng-Chieh Hsieh
  • Patent number: 9298317
    Abstract: A stray-light-coupled biometrics sensing module includes a light-transparent body, a display unit and an optical module. The light-transparent body has a front side and a backside. The front side is configured to support an organic object thereon. The display unit attached to the backside of the light-transparent body displays a frame. The optical module is attached to the backside of the light-transparent body through an adhesive, and is disposed adjacent to the display unit. First light rays of the frame emitted from an eye-viewing screen couple into the organic object through the light-transparent body. After travelling a short distance in the organic object, the first light rays couple out of the organic object and re-enter the light-transparent body as second light rays entering the optical module. The optical module senses the second light rays to generate a biometrics image signal. An electronic apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: J-Metrics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bruce C. S. Chou
  • Patent number: 9254999
    Abstract: Embodiments of mechanisms for forming a micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) device are provided. The MEMS device includes a substrate and a MEMS sensor over the substrate. The MEMS sensor includes a floating heater disposed over the substrate. The MEMS sensor further includes a heat sink disposed over the substrate and at a side of the floating heater, and the heat sink has an air gap with the floating heater. The MEMS sensor further includes a first plurality of vias formed through the heat sink and thermally connected to the first substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD
    Inventors: Bruce C. S. Chou, Yang-Che Chen, Chen-Chih Fan
  • Publication number: 20160035771
    Abstract: A system and method for blocking heat from reaching an image sensor in a three dimensional stack with a semiconductor device. In an embodiment a heat sink is formed in a back end of line process either on the semiconductor device or else on the image sensor itself when the image sensor is in a backside illuminated configuration. The heat sink may be a grid in either a single layer or in two layers, a zig-zag pattern, or in an interleaved fingers configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Kuo-Chin Huang, Tzu-Jui Wang, Szu-Ying Chen, Dun-Nian Yaung, Jen-Cheng Liu, Bruce C.S. Chou, Jung-Kuo Tu, Cheng-Chieh Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20160009551
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device may include a MEMS structure above a first substrate. The MEMS structure comprising a central static element, a movable element, and an outer static element. A portion of bonding material between the central static element and the first substrate. A second substrate above the MEMS structure, with a portion of a dielectric layer between the central static element and the second substrate. A supporting post comprises the portion of bonding material, the central static element, and the portion of dielectric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Chang-Chia Chang, Chen-Chih Fan, Bruce C.S. Chou
  • Publication number: 20150344297
    Abstract: A device includes a semiconductor substrate, and a capacitive sensor having a back-plate, wherein the back-plate forms a first capacitor plate of the capacitive sensor. The back-plate is a portion of the semiconductor substrate. A conductive membrane is spaced apart from the semiconductor substrate by an air-gap. A capacitance of the capacitive sensor is configured to change in response to a movement of the polysilicon membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Inventors: Bruce C.S. Chou, Jung-Kuo Tu, Chen-Chih Fan
  • Publication number: 20150298969
    Abstract: A method includes placing a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device over a carrier, wire bonding the MEMS device to a bond pad on the carrier with a bond wire, and spray coating a buffer layer over the MEMS device and enclosing the bond wire. A Young's modulus value of the buffer layer is less than a Young's modulus value of the MEMS device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventors: Bruce C. S. CHOU, Chen-Chih FAN
  • Patent number: 9159852
    Abstract: A system and method for blocking heat from reaching an image sensor in a three dimensional stack with a semiconductor device. In an embodiment a heat sink is formed in a back end of line process either on the semiconductor device or else on the image sensor itself when the image sensor is in a backside illuminated configuration. The heat sink may be a grid in either a single layer or in two layers, a zig-zag pattern, or in an interleaved fingers configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Chin Huang, Tzu-Jui Wang, Szu-Ying Chen, Dun-Nian Yaung, Jen-Cheng Liu, Bruce C. S. Chou, Jung-Kuo Tu, Cheng-Chieh Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20150269407
    Abstract: An all-flat sensor includes a coupling substrate; a sensing chip, which is disposed on the coupling substrate, has first electrodes arranged in an array and a first dielectric layer covering over the first electrodes, and is electrically connected to the coupling substrate; and a second dielectric layer covering over the sensing chip and providing an outlook color. An electronic device using the all-flat sensor is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Inventor: Bruce C.S. CHOU
  • Patent number: 9139420
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device may include a MEMS structure above a first substrate. The MEMS structure comprising a central static element, a movable element, and an outer static element. A portion of bonding material between the central static element and the first substrate. A second substrate above the MEMS structure, with a portion of a dielectric layer between the central static element and the second substrate. A supporting post comprises the portion of bonding material, the central static element, and the portion of dielectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-Chia Chang, Chen-Chih Fan, Bruce C. S. Chou
  • Publication number: 20150262958
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a semiconductor device and methods of forming a semiconductor device. An embodiment is a method of forming a semiconductor device, the method comprising forming a conductive pad in a first substrate, forming an interconnecting structure over the conductive pad and the first substrate, the interconnecting structure comprising a plurality of metal layers disposed in a plurality of dielectric layers, bonding a die to a first side of the interconnecting structure, and etching the first substrate from a second side of the interconnecting structure, the etching exposing a portion of the conductive pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: Shang-Yun Hou, Sao-Ling Chiu, Ping-Kang Huang, Wen Hsin Wei, Wen-Chih Chiou, Shin-Puu Jeng, Bruce C.S. Chou