Patents by Inventor Li-Chun Tien

Li-Chun Tien 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: 20230195991
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: M*1st conductors in a first layer of metallization (M*1st layer) and being aligned correspondingly along different corresponding ones of alpha tracks and representing corresponding inputs of a cell region in the semiconductor device; and M*2nd conductors in a second layer of metallization (M*2nd layer) aligned correspondingly along beta tracks, and the M*2nd conductors including at least one power grid (PG) segment and one or more of an output pin or a routing segment; and each of first and second ones of the input pins having a length sufficient to accommodate at most two access points; each of the access points of the first and second input pins being aligned to a corresponding different one of first to fourth beta tracks; and the PG segment being aligned with one of the first to fourth beta tracks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Pin-Dai SUE, Po-Hsiang HUANG, Fong-Yuan CHANG, Chi-Yu LU, Sheng-Hsiung CHEN, Chin-Chou LIU, Lee-Chung LU, Yen-Hung LIN, Li-Chun TIEN, Yi-Kan CHENG
  • Publication number: 20230197723
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a first diffusion area for a first type transistor. The first type transistor includes a first drain region and a first source region. A second diffusion area for a second type transistor is separated from the first diffusion area. The second type transistor includes a second drain region and a second source region. A gate electrode continuously extends across the first diffusion area and the second diffusion area in a routing direction. A first metallic structure is electrically coupled with the first source region. A second metallic structure is electrically coupled with the second drain region. A third metallic structure is disposed over and electrically coupled with the first and second metallic structures. A width of the first metallic structure is substantially equal to or larger than a width of the third metallic structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Ali KESHAVARZI, Ta-Pen GUO, Shu-Hui SUNG, Hsiang-Jen TSENG, Shyue-Shyh LIN, Lee-Chung LU, Chung-Cheng WU, Li-Chun TIEN, Jung-Chan YANG, Ting Yu CHEN, Min CAO, Yung-Chin HOU
  • Patent number: 11676896
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a gate structure, source/drain structures, a backside via, and a power rail. The gate structure extends along a first direction parallel with a front-side surface of the substrate. The backside via extends along a second direction parallel with the front-side surface of the substrate but perpendicular to the first direction, the backside via has a first portion aligned with one of the source/drain structures along the first direction and a second portion aligned with the gate structure along the first direction, the first portion of the backside via has a first width along the first direction, and the second portion of the backside via has a second width along the first direction, in which the first width is greater than the second width. The power rail is on a backside surface of the substrate and in contact with the backside via.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Liang Chen, Li-Chun Tien
  • Patent number: 11675961
    Abstract: A semiconductor cell structure includes four pairs of conductive segments, a first gate-strip, and a second gate-strip. A first conductive segment is configured to have a first supply voltage, and a second conductive segment is configured to have a second supply voltage. Each of the first gate-strip and the second gate-strip intersects an active zone over a channel region of a transistor. The first gate-strip is conductively connected to the second conductive segment. The semiconductor cell structure also includes a first dummy gate-strip and a second dummy gate-strip. The first dummy gate-strip separates from the first gate-strip by one CPP. The second dummy gate-strip separates from the second gate-strip by one CPP. The first gate-strip and the second gate-strip are separated from each other by two CPPs. The dummy gate-strip and the second dummy gate-strip are separated from each other by four CPPs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Shun Li Chen, Li-Chun Tien, Ting Yu Chen, Wei-Ling Chang
  • Patent number: 11664383
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure is disclosed. The semiconductor structure includes: a first standard cell; and a second standard cell; wherein a cell width of the first standard cell along a first direction is substantially the same as a cell width of the second standard cell along the first direction, and a cell height of the first standard cell along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is substantially greater than a cell height of the second standard cell along the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Hsueh-Chih Chou, Chia Hao Tu, Sang Hoo Dhong, Lee-Chung Lu, Li-Chun Tien, Ting-Wei Chiang, Hui-Zhong Zhuang
  • Publication number: 20230154917
    Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable medium contains thereon a cell library. The cell library includes a plurality of cells configured to be placed in a layout diagram of an integrated circuit (IC). Each cell among the plurality of cells includes a first active region inside a boundary of the cell. The first active region extends along a first direction. At least one gate region is inside the boundary. The at least one gate region extends across the first active region along a second direction transverse to the first direction. A first conductive region overlaps the first active region and a first edge of the boundary. The first conductive region is configured to form an electrical connection to the first active region. The plurality of cells includes at least one cell a width of which in the first direction is equal to one gate region pitch between adjacent gate regions of the IC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2023
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Chih-Liang CHEN, Shun Li CHEN, Li-Chun TIEN, Ting Yu CHEN, Hui-Zhong ZHUANG
  • Patent number: 11652041
    Abstract: A device includes gates and a first conductive segment. A first distance is present between a first gate of the gates and the first conductive segment. A second distance is present between a second gate of the gates and the first conductive segment. The first distance is greater than the second distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Te Lin, Ting-Wei Chiang, Hui-Zhong Zhuang, Li-Chun Tien, Pin-Dai Sue
  • Patent number: 11636248
    Abstract: An IC layout diagram generation system includes a processor and a non-transitory, computer readable storage medium including computer program code for one or more programs. The non-transitory, computer readable storage medium and the computer program code are configured to, with the processor, cause the system to align a border segment of a cell at a predetermined location relative to a plurality of second metal layer tracks, position the cell relative to a first metal layer cut region alignment pattern based on the plurality of second metal layer tracks, overlap the cell with a first metal layer cut region based on the first metal layer cut region alignment pattern, and generate an IC layout diagram of an IC device based on the cell and the first metal layer cut region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Jung-Chan Yang, Ting Yu Chen, Li-Chun Tien, Fong-Yuan Chang
  • Patent number: 11636249
    Abstract: Placement methods described in this disclosure provide placement and routing rules where a system implementing the automatic placement and routing (APR) method arranges standard cell structures in a vertical direction that is perpendicular to the fins but parallel to the cell height. Layout methods described in this disclosure also improve device density and further reduce cell height by incorporating vertical power supply lines into standard cell structures. Pin connections can be used to electrically connect the power supply lines to standard cell structures, thus improving device density and performance. The APR process is also configured to rotate standard cells to optimize device layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sheng-Hsiung Chen, Chung-Te Lin, Fong-Yuan Chang, Ho Che Yu, Li-Chun Tien
  • Patent number: 11631661
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a first gate electrode structure extending in a first direction and having a first portion and a second portion separated from each other. The integrated circuit further includes a second gate electrode structure extending in the first direction and separated in a second direction from the first gate electrode structure. The integrated circuit further includes a conductive feature. The conductive feature includes a first section electrically connected to the second portion, wherein the first section extends in the second direction. The conductive feature further includes a second section electrically connected to the second gate electrode structure, wherein the second section extends in the second direction. The conductive feature further includes a third section electrically connecting the first section and the second section, wherein the third section extends in a third direction angled with respect to both the first direction and the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Tung-Heng Hsieh, Ting-Wei Chiang, Chung-Te Lin, Hui-Zhong Zhuang, Li-Chun Tien, Sheng-Hsiung Wang
  • Publication number: 20230113014
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an IC structure includes forming a first plurality of fins extending in a first direction on a substrate, a second plurality of fins extending adjacent to the first plurality of fins, a third plurality of fins extending adjacent to the second plurality of fins, and a fourth plurality of fins extending adjacent to the third plurality of fins. Each fin of the first and fourth pluralities of fins includes one of an n-type or p-type fin, each fin of the second and third pluralities of fins includes the other of the n-type or p-type fin, each of the first and third pluralities of fins includes a first total number of fins, and each of the second and fourth pluralities of fins includes a second total number of fins fewer than the first total number of fins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Inventors: Po-Hsiang HUANG, Fong-Yuan CHANG, Clement Hsingjen WANN, Chih-Hsin KO, Sheng-Hsiung CHEN, Li-Chun TIEN, Chia-Ming HSU
  • Publication number: 20230114558
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a first power rail, a conductive structure, a first active region of a first set of transistors and a second active region of a second set of transistors. The first power rail is on a back-side of a substrate, extends in a first direction, and is configured to supply a first supply voltage. The first active region extends in the first direction, and is on a first level of a front-side of the substrate opposite from the back-side. The second active region extends in the first direction, is on the first level of the front-side of the substrate, and is separated from the first active region in a second direction different from the first direction. The conductive structure is on the back-side of the substrate, extends in the first direction, and is electrically coupled to the first active region and the second active region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Inventors: Guo-Huei WU, Pochun WANG, Wei-Hsin TSAI, Chih-Liang CHEN, Li-Chun TIEN
  • Patent number: 11621703
    Abstract: A semiconductor standard cell of a flip-flop circuit includes semiconductor fins extending substantially parallel to each other along a first direction, electrically conductive wirings disposed on a first level and extending substantially parallel to each other along the first direction, and gate electrode layers extending substantially parallel to a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and formed on a second level different from the first level. The flip-flop circuit includes transistors made of the semiconductor fins and the gate electrode layers, receives a data input signal, stores the data input signal, and outputs a data output signal indicative of the stored data in response to a clock signal, the clock signal is the only clock signal received by the semiconductor standard cell, and the data input signal, the clock signal, and the data output signal are transmitted among the transistors through at least the electrically conductive wirings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ta-Pen Guo, Chi-Lin Liu, Shang-Chih Hsieh, Jerry Chang-Jui Kao, Li-Chun Tien, Lee-Chung Lu
  • Publication number: 20230072698
    Abstract: A device includes a single standard cell. The single standard cell includes a first transistor region including a first extended active region extending between a first side cell boundary and a second side cell boundary opposite the first side cell boundary, and includes a plurality of source regions and one drain region. The single standard cell further includes a second transistor region including a second extended active region extending between the first side cell boundary and the second side cell boundary, and includes a source region and a single drain region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Lee-Chung LU, Li-Chun TIEN, Hui-Zhong ZHUANG, Chang-Yu WU
  • Publication number: 20230067311
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes a first-type active-region semiconductor structure, a second-type active-region semiconductor structure stacked with the first-type active-region semiconductor structure, a front-side power rail in a front-side conductive layer, and a back-side power rail in a back-side conductive layer. The integrated circuit device also includes a source conductive segment intersecting the first-type active-region semiconductor structure at a source region of a transistor, a back-side power node in the back-side conductive layer, and a top-to-bottom via-connector. The source conductive segment is conductively connected to the front-side power rail through a front-side terminal via-connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Chih-Yu LAI, Chih-Liang CHEN, Li-Chun TIEN
  • Publication number: 20230062140
    Abstract: A circuit structure includes a substrate that includes a first transistor stack over the substrate that includes: a first transistor where the first transistor is a first conductivity type; and a second transistor, above the first transistor, where the second transistor is a second conductivity type different from the first conductivity type. The structure also includes a plurality of first conductive lines in a first metal layer above the first transistor stack, the plurality of first conductive lines electrically connected to the first transistor stack. The structure also includes a plurality of second conductive lines in a second metal layer below the substrate and underneath the first transistor stack, the plurality of second conductive lines electrically connected to the first transistor stack. The plurality of first conductive lines are configured asymmetrically with respect to the plurality of second conductive lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Chih-Yu LAI, Hui-Zhong ZHUANG, Chih-Liang CHEN, Li-Chun TIEN
  • Publication number: 20230067952
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a base isolation layer, a first transistor with a first source electrode at a first side of the base isolation layer. A bridge pillar extends through the base isolation layer, and a metal electrode electrically connects the bridge pillar to the first source electrode. The metal electrode and the first source electrode are at the same side of the base isolation layer. A second metal electrode at an opposite side of the base isolation layer electrically connects to the bridge pillar and to a conductive line at the second side of the base isolation layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Chih-Yu LAI, Chih-Liang CHEN, Ching-Wei TSAI, Shang-Wen CHANG, Li-Chun TIEN
  • Patent number: 11581314
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a first diffusion area for a first type transistor. The first type transistor includes a first drain region and a first source region. A second diffusion area for a second type transistor is separated from the first diffusion area. The second type transistor includes a second drain region and a second source region. A gate electrode continuously extends across the first diffusion area and the second diffusion area in a routing direction. A first metallic structure is electrically coupled with the first source region. A second metallic structure is electrically coupled with the second drain region. A third metallic structure is disposed over and electrically coupled with the first and second metallic structures. A width of the first metallic structure is substantially equal to or larger than a width of the third metallic structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ali Keshavarzi, Ta-Pen Guo, Shu-Hui Sung, Hsiang-Jen Tseng, Shyue-Shyh Lin, Lee-Chung Lu, Chung-Cheng Wu, Li-Chun Tien, Jung-Chan Yang, Ting Yu Chen, Min Cao, Yung-Chin Hou
  • Publication number: 20230045167
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a first-voltage power rail and a second-voltage power rail in a first connection layer, and includes a first-voltage underlayer power rail and a second-voltage underlayer power rail below the first connection layer. Each of the first-voltage and second-voltage power rails extends in a second direction that is perpendicular to a first direction. Each of the first-voltage and second-voltage underlayer power rails extends in the first direction. The integrated circuit includes a first via-connector connecting the first-voltage power rail with the first-voltage underlayer power rail, and a second via-connector connecting the second-voltage power rail with the second-voltage underlayer power rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventors: Guo-Huei WU, Shih-Wei PENG, Wei-Cheng LIN, Hui-Zhong ZHUANG, Chih-Liang CHEN, Li-Chun TIEN, Lee-Chung LU
  • Patent number: 11574107
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a transistor layer with an M*1st layer that overlays the transistor layer with one or more first conductors that extend in a first direction. Forming an M*2nd layer that overlays the M*1st layer with one or more second conductors which extend in a second direction. Forming a first pin in the M*2nd layer representing an output pin of a cell region. Forming a long axis of the first pin substantially along a selected one of the one or more second conductors. Forming a majority of the total number of pins in the M*1st layer, the forming including: forming second, third, fourth and fifth pins in the M*1st layer representing corresponding input pins of the circuit; and forming long axes of the second to fifth pins substantially along corresponding ones of the one or more first conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Pin-Dai Sue, Po-Hsiang Huang, Fong-Yuan Chang, Chi-Yu Lu, Sheng-Hsiung Chen, Chin-Chou Liu, Lee-Chung Lu, Yen-Hung Lin, Li-Chun Tien, Yi-Kan Cheng