Patents by Inventor Edward Shue-Ching Hui

Edward Shue-Ching Hui 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).

  • Non-volatile memory array architecture with joined word lines
    Patent number: 7684245
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a non-volatile memory array wherein narrow word lines, as small as the minimum feature size width F, in separate strings, are extended outwardly from a non-volatile memory array and joined by wider connector segments. The joined word lines provide new opportunities. First, metal straps that can be formed to overlie the word lines can be joined by metal connector segments to the word lines. The connector segments can serve as an interface between the polysilicon word lines and the metal straps. Two adjacent word lines in the same string share a single metal strap using these segments thereby reducing the overall number of segments and contacts in the array. Increased width of the polysilicon joinder segments joining word lines in different strings, provides the opportunity for widening the connection beyond the minimum feature size so that contact may be readily made between the metal straps and the polysilicon word lines. Second, the joined word lines require fewer row decoder circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Atmel Corporation
    Inventors: Steve Schumann, Massimiliano Frulio, Simone Bartoli, Lorenzo Bedarida, Edward Shue-Ching Hui
  • NON-VOLATILE MEMORY ARRAY ARCHITECTURE WITH JOINED WORD LINES
    Publication number: 20090109754
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a non-volatile memory array wherein narrow word lines, as small as the minimum feature size width F, in separate strings, are extended outwardly from a non-volatile memory array and joined by wider connector segments. The joined word lines provide new opportunities. First, metal straps that can be formed to overlie the word lines can be joined by metal connector segments to the word lines. The connector segments can serve as an interface between the polysilicon word lines and the metal straps. Two adjacent word lines in the same string share a single metal strap using these segments thereby reducing the overall number of segments and contacts in the array. Increased width of the polysilicon joinder segments joining word lines in different strings, provides the opportunity for widening the connection beyond the minimum feature size so that contact may be readily made between the metal straps and the polysilicon word lines. Second, the joined word lines require fewer row decoder circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: ATMEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steve Schumann, Massimiliano Frulio, Simone Bartoli, Lorenzo Bedarida, Edward Shue Ching Hui