Patents by Inventor Kian-Long Lim

Kian-Long Lim 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: 20240172409
    Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a memory device. The device includes a substrate having a first region and a second region adjacent the first region. A first SRAM cell is disposed within the first region, the first SRAM cell having first active regions extending lengthwise along a first direction on the substrate. A second SRAM cell is disposed within the second region, the second SRAM cell having second active regions extending lengthwise along the first direction on the substrate. Frontside metal lines are disposed over the first and second active regions, the frontside metal lines including a first bit line and a first bit line bar within the first region. And backside metal lines are under the first and second active regions, the backside metal lines having a second bit line and a second bit line bar within the second region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2023
    Publication date: May 23, 2024
    Inventors: Chia-Hao Pao, Kian-Long Lim
  • Patent number: 11984400
    Abstract: An SRAM device and method of forming include pass gate (PG), pull-down (PD), and pull-up (PU) transistors. A first gate line of the PG and a second gate line of the PD and the PU extend in a first direction. A common source/drain of the PG, PD, and PU transistors interposes the first and second gate lines and another source/drain of the PG transistor. A first contact extends from the common source/drain and a second contact extends from the another source/drain. A third contact is disposed above the second contact with a first width in the first direction and a first length in a second direction, first length being greater than the first width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chao-Yuan Chang, Jui-Lin Chen, Kian-Long Lim, Feng-Ming Chang
  • Patent number: 11942145
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for memory cell placement. The method can include placing a memory cell region in a layout area and placing a well pick-up region and a first power supply routing region along a first side of the memory cell region. The method also includes placing a second power supply routing region and a bitline jumper routing region along a second side of the memory cell region, where the second side is on an opposite side to that of the first side. The method further includes placing a device region along the second side of the memory cell region, where the bitline jumper routing region is between the second power supply routing region and the device region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Chuan Yang, Jui-Wen Chang, Feng-Ming Chang, Kian-Long Lim, Kuo-Hsiu Hsu, Lien Jung Hung, Ping-Wei Wang
  • Patent number: 11942169
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a first word line formed over a first active region. In some embodiments, a first metal line is disposed over and perpendicular to the first word line, where the first metal line is electrically connected to the first word line using a first conductive via, and where the first conductive via is disposed over the first active region. In some examples, the semiconductor memory device further includes a second metal line and a third metal line both parallel to the first metal line and disposed on opposing sides of the first metal line, where the second metal line is electrically connected to a source/drain region of the first active region using a second conductive via, and where the third metal line is electrically connected to the source/drain region of the first active region using a third conductive via.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hsin-Wen Su, Kian-Long Lim, Wen-Chun Keng, Chang-Ta Yang, Shih-Hao Lin
  • Patent number: 11937416
    Abstract: A substrate includes a first doped region having a first type dopant, and a second doped region having a second type dopant and adjacent to the first doped region. A stack is formed that includes first layers and second layers alternating with each other. The first and second layers each have a first and second semiconductor material, respectively. The second semiconductor material is different than the first semiconductor material. A mask element is formed that has an opening in a channel region over the second doped region. A top portion of the stack not covered by the mask element is recessed. The stack is then processed to form a first and a second transistors. The first transistor has a first number of first layers. The second transistor has a second number of first layers. The first number is greater than the second number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD
    Inventors: Shih-Hao Lin, Kian-Long Lim, Chih-Chuan Yang, Chia-Hao Pao, Jing-Yi Lin
  • Publication number: 20240064950
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first source/drain feature on a front side of a substrate. The device includes a first backside metal line under the first source/drain feature and extending lengthwise along a first direction. The device includes a first backside via disposed between the first source/drain feature and the first backside metal line. The first backside metal line is a first bit line of a first static random access memory (SRAM) cell and is connected to the first source/drain feature through the first backside via. The first backside metal line includes a first portion and a second portion each extending widthwise along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first portion is wider than the second portion, and the first portion partially lands on the first backside via. The first and the second portions are substantially aligned on one side along the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2022
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Inventors: Jui-Lin Chen, Kian-Long Lim, Feng-Ming Chang, Yi-Feng Ting, Hsin-Wen Su, Lien-Jung Hung, Ping-Wei Wang
  • Patent number: 11869581
    Abstract: Memory systems are provided. In an embodiment, a memory device includes a word line driver coupled to a plurality of word lines, a recycle multiplexer coupled to a plurality of bit lines and a plurality of bit line bars, a memory cell array, and a compensation word line driver. The memory cell array includes a first end adjacent the word line driver, a second end away from the word line driver, and a plurality of memory cells. The compensation word line driver is disposed adjacent the second end of the memory cell array and coupled to the plurality of word lines. The recycle multiplexer is configured to selectively couple one or more of the plurality of bit lines or one or more of the plurality of bit line bars to the compensation word line driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD
    Inventors: Chia-Hao Pao, Shih-Hao Lin, Kian-Long Lim
  • Publication number: 20230411216
    Abstract: A method includes providing a substrate, a dummy fin, and a stack of semiconductor channel layers; forming an interfacial layer wrapping around each of the semiconductor channel layers; depositing a high-k dielectric layer, wherein a first portion of the high-k dielectric layer over the interfacial layer is spaced away from a second portion of the high-k dielectric layer on sidewalls of the dummy fin by a first distance; depositing a first dielectric layer over the dummy fin and over the semiconductor channel layers, wherein a merge-critical-dimension of the first dielectric layer is greater than the first distance thereby causing the first dielectric layer to be deposited in a space between the dummy fin and a topmost layer of the stack of semiconductor channel layers, thereby providing air gaps between adjacent layers of the stack of semiconductor channel layers and between the dummy fin and the stack of semiconductor channel layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Chia-Hao Pao, Chih-Chuan Yang, Shih-Hao Lin, Kian-Long Lim, Chih-Wei Lee, Chien-Yuan Chen, Jo-Chun Hung, Yung-Hsiang Chan, Yu-Kuan Lin, Lien-Jung Hung
  • Publication number: 20230371225
    Abstract: A memory device includes a memory array having a plurality of memory cells. Each memory cell of the plurality of memory cells is connected to a word line to apply a first signal to select the memory cell to read data from or write the data to the memory cell and a bit line to read the data from the memory cell or provide the data to write to the memory cell upon selecting the memory cell by the word line. A first bit line portion of the bit line connected to a first memory cell of the plurality of memory cells abuts a second bit line portion of the bit line connected to a second memory cell of the plurality of memory cells. The first memory cell is adjacent to the second memory cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Ping-Wei Wang, Lien-Jung Hung, Kuo-Hsiu Hsu, Kian-Long Lim, Yu-Kuan LIN, Chia-Hao Pao, Chih-Chuan Yang, Shih-Hao Lin, Choh Fei Yeap
  • Publication number: 20230335184
    Abstract: The current disclosure is directed to a SRAM bit cell having a reduced coupling capacitance. In a vertical direction, a wordline “WL” and a bitline “BL” of the SRAM cell are stacked further away from one another to reduce the coupling capacitance between the WL and the BL. In an embodiment, the WL is vertically spaced apart from the BL with one or more metallization level that none of the WL or the BL is formed from. Connection island structures or jumper structures are provided to connect the upper one of the WL or the BL to the transistors of the SRAM cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Chao-Yuan CHANG, Feng-Ming CHANG, Jui-Lin CHEN, Kian-Long LIM
  • Patent number: 11791214
    Abstract: A method includes providing a substrate, a dummy fin, and a stack of semiconductor channel layers; forming an interfacial layer wrapping around each of the semiconductor channel layers; depositing a high-k dielectric layer, wherein a first portion of the high-k dielectric layer over the interfacial layer is spaced away from a second portion of the high-k dielectric layer on sidewalls of the dummy fin by a first distance; depositing a first dielectric layer over the dummy fin and over the semiconductor channel layers, wherein a merge-critical-dimension of the first dielectric layer is greater than the first distance thereby causing the first dielectric layer to be deposited in a space between the dummy fin and a topmost layer of the stack of semiconductor channel layers, thereby providing air gaps between adjacent layers of the stack of semiconductor channel layers and between the dummy fin and the stack of semiconductor channel layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Hao Pao, Chih-Chuan Yang, Shih-Hao Lin, Kian-Long Lim, Chih-Wei Lee, Chien-Yuan Chen, Jo-Chun Hung, Yung-Hsiang Chan, Yu-Kuan Lin, Lien Jung Hung
  • Publication number: 20230215496
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes embodiments of a write assist circuit. The write assist circuit can include a boost circuit configured to output a first negative voltage at a first output terminal, and an adjustment circuit configured to couple the first negative voltage to a second negative voltage higher than the first negative voltage. The adjustment circuit can include a transistor, and a second output terminal electrically connected to the first output terminal. The transistor can include a first source/drain terminal, a second source/drain terminal, and a gate terminal. The first source/drain terminal can be electrically coupled to the second output terminal. The second source/drain terminal can be electrically connected to a voltage source. The gate terminal can be electrically connected to a ground voltage supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2023
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kian-Long LIM, Chia-Hao PAO
  • Publication number: 20230217640
    Abstract: Semiconductor structures and methods are provided. A method according to the present disclosure includes forming a first channel member, a second channel member directly over the first channel member, and a third channel member directly over the second channel member, depositing a first metal layer around each of the first channel member, the second channel member, and the third channel member, removing the first metal layer from around the second channel member and the third channel member while the first channel member remains wrapped around by the first metal layer, after the removing of the first metal layer, depositing a second metal layer around the second channel member and the third channel member, removing the second metal layer from around the third channel member, and after the removing of the second metal layer, depositing a third metal layer around the third channel member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2023
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventors: Shih-Hao Lin, Kian-Long Lim, Chia-Hao Pao, Chih-Chuan Yang, Chia-Wei Chen, Chien-Chih Lin
  • Patent number: 11682451
    Abstract: The current disclosure is directed to a SRAM bit cell having a reduced coupling capacitance. In a vertical direction, a wordline “WL” and a bitline “BL” of the SRAM cell are stacked further away from one another to reduce the coupling capacitance between the WL and the BL. In an embodiment, the WL is vertically spaced apart from the BL with one or more metallization level that none of the WL or the BL is formed from. Connection island structures or jumper structures are provided to connect the upper one of the WL or the BL to the transistors of the SRAM cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Yuan Chang, Kian-Long Lim, Jui-Lin Chen, Feng-Ming Chang
  • Publication number: 20230105495
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes an SRAM cell that includes first and second pull-up (PU) transistors, first and second pull-down (PD) transistors, and first and second pass-gate (PG) transistors. A source, a drain, and a channel of the first PU transistor and a source, a drain, and a channel of the second PU transistor are collinear. A source, a drain, and a channel of the first PD transistor, a source, a drain, and a channel of the second PD transistor, a source, a drain, and a channel of the first PG transistor, and a source, a drain, and a channel of the second PG transistor are collinear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2022
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Inventors: Kuo-Hsiu Hsu, Feng-Ming Chang, Kian-Long Lim, Ping-Wei Wang, Lien Jung Hung, Ruey-Wen Chang
  • Patent number: 11605423
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes embodiments of a write assist circuit. The write assist circuit can include a boost circuit configured to output a first negative voltage at a first output terminal, and an adjustment circuit configured to couple the first negative voltage to a second negative voltage higher than the first negative voltage. The adjustment circuit can include a transistor, and a second output terminal electrically connected to the first output terminal. The transistor can include a first source/drain terminal, a second source/drain terminal, and a gate terminal. The first source/drain terminal can be electrically coupled to the second output terminal. The second source/drain terminal can be electrically connected to a voltage source. The gate terminal can be electrically connected to a ground voltage supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kian-Long Lim, Chia-Hao Pao
  • Patent number: 11605638
    Abstract: Semiconductor structures and methods are provided. A method according to the present disclosure includes forming a first channel member, a second channel member directly over the first channel member, and a third channel member directly over the second channel member, depositing a first metal layer around each of the first channel member, the second channel member, and the third channel member, removing the first metal layer from around the second channel member and the third channel member while the first channel member remains wrapped around by the first metal layer, after the removing of the first metal layer, depositing a second metal layer around the second channel member and the third channel member, removing the second metal layer from around the third channel member, and after the removing of the second metal layer, depositing a third metal layer around the third channel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Shih-Hao Lin, Kian-Long Lim, Chia-Hao Pao, Chih-Chuan Yang, Chia-Wei Chen, Chien-Chih Lin
  • Publication number: 20230046028
    Abstract: SRAM designs based on GAA transistors are disclosed that provide flexibility for increasing channel widths of transistors at scaled IC technology nodes and relax limits on SRAM performance optimization imposed by FinFET-based SRAMs. GAA-based SRAM cells described have active region layouts with active regions shared by pull-down GAA transistors and pass-gate GAA transistors. A width of shared active regions that correspond with the pull-down GAA transistors are enlarged with respect to widths of the shared active regions that correspond with the pass-gate GAA transistors. A ratio of the widths is tuned to obtain ratios of pull-down transistor effective channel width to pass-gate effective channel width greater than 1, increase an on-current of pull-down GAA transistors relative to an on-current of pass-gate GAA transistors, decrease a threshold voltage of pull-down GAA transistors relative to a threshold voltage of pass-gate GAA transistors, and/or increases a ? ratio of an SRAM cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventors: Chia-Hao Pao, Chih-Chuan Yang, Shih-Hao Lin, Chih-Hsuan Chen, Kian-Long Lim, Chao-Yuan Chang, Feng-Ming Chang, Lien Jung Hung, Ping-Wei Wang
  • Publication number: 20230013651
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes embodiments of a memory system with a memory cell power supply. The memory system can include a circuit with a first voltage supply, a second voltage supply, pull-up devices, pull-down devices, and pass devices. The first voltage supply is configured to provide a first voltage. The first voltage supply is configured to apply the first voltage to gate terminals of the pass devices. The second voltage supply is electrically coupled to S/D terminals of the pull-up devices and is configured to transition from the first voltage to the second voltage for a read operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Hao PAO, Kian-Long Lim
  • Publication number: 20230012621
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for memory cell placement. The method can include placing a memory cell region in a layout area and placing a well pick-up region and a first power supply routing region along a first side of the memory cell region. The method also includes placing a second power supply routing region and a bitline jumper routing region along a second side of the memory cell region, where the second side is on an opposite side to that of the first side. The method further includes placing a device region along the second side of the memory cell region, where the bitline jumper routing region is between the second power supply routing region and the device region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Chuan YANG, Ruey-Wen CHANG, Feng-Ming CHANG, Kian-Long LIM, Kuo-Hsiu HSU, Lien Jung HUNG, Ping-Wei WANG