Patents by Inventor Mill-Jer Wang

Mill-Jer Wang 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: 9671457
    Abstract: A method comprises connecting a testing setup having a plurality of probes to a device under test having a plurality of vias, wherein a probe is aligned with a corresponding via of the device under test and conducting a plurality of via electrical characteristic tests through a conductive path comprising the vias, the probes and a plurality of conductive devices, each of which connects two adjacent probes, wherein the conductive devices are in the testing setup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mill-Jer Wang, Chih-Chia Chen, Hung-Chih Lin, Ching-Nen Peng, Hao Chen
  • Patent number: 9664707
    Abstract: A testing holder for a chip unit, a multi site holding frame for plural chip units and a method for testing a die thereof are provided. The proposed multi site holding frame for testing plural chip units simultaneously includes a first holder frame having a plurality of testing holders. Each of the plurality of testing holders includes a holder body containing a specific one of the plural chip units, and a pressure releasing device formed on the holder body to release an insertion pressure when the specific one of the plural chip units is inserted in the holder body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mill-Jer Wang, Kuo-Chuan Liu, Ching-Nen Peng, Hung-Chih Lin, Hao Chen
  • Patent number: 9658281
    Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques or systems for evaluating a tiered semiconductor structure, such as a stacked CMOS structure, for misalignment are provided. In an embodiment, a connectivity test is performed on vias between a first layer and a second layer to determine a via diameter and a via offset that are used to evaluate misalignment. In an embodiment, a connectivity test for vias within a first layer is performed to determine an alignment rotation based upon which vias are connected through a conductive arc within a second layer or which vias are connected to a conductive pattern out of a set of conductive patterns. In this way, the via diameter, the via offset, or the alignment rotation are used to evaluate the tiered semiconductor structure, such as during a stacked CMOS process, for misalignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Mill-Jer Wang, Ching-Nen Peng, Hung-Chih Lin, Hao Chen, Mincent Lee
  • Patent number: 9640447
    Abstract: A circuit is disclosed that includes a signal-forcing path, a discharging path, a contact probe, a monitoring probe and a switch module. The signal-forcing path is connected to a signal source. The discharging path is connected to a discharging voltage terminal. The contact probe contacts a pad module of an under-test device. The monitoring probe generates a monitored voltage associated with the pad module. The switch module is operated in a discharging mode to connect the contact probe to the discharging path when the monitored voltage does not reach a threshold voltage such that the under-test device is discharged and is operated in an operation mode to connect the contact probe to the signal-forcing path when the monitored voltage reaches the threshold voltage such that a signal generated by the signal source is forced to the under-test device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mill-Jer Wang, Ching-Nen Peng, Hung-Chih Lin, Hao Chen, Chung-Han Huang
  • Patent number: 9606155
    Abstract: A circuit includes a stacked circuit layer, a plurality of test contact points, and a comparator. The stacked circuit layer includes a plurality of reference capacitors each having a reference capacitance. Each of the test contact points is electrically connecting to an under-test capacitor of an under-test module. The comparator compares the reference capacitance of one of the reference capacitors with an under-test capacitance of the under-test capacitor corresponding to one of the test contact points to measure a range of the under-test capacitance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mill-Jer Wang, Ching-Nen Peng, Hung-Chih Lin, Hao Chen, Chung-Han Huang
  • Patent number: 9568543
    Abstract: A test structure is provided for testing a semiconductor structure having a plurality of tiers. The test structure includes at least one conductive loop. Each respective conductive loop has ends defining at least one opening between the ends, and is embedded inside one or more of the plurality of tiers in the semiconductor structure. The test structure also includes at least two test pads on each respective conductive loop. The at least two test pads are connected with respective ends of each respective conductive loop. The test structure is configured to permit detection of defects within each of the plurality of tiers in the semiconductor structure if the defects exist, using a testing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mill-Jer Wang, Ching-Nen Peng, Hung-Chih Lin, Hao Chen
  • Publication number: 20160370407
    Abstract: A testing holder for a chip unit, a multi site holding frame for plural chip units and a method for testing a die thereof are provided. The proposed multi site holding frame for testing plural chip units simultaneously includes a first holder frame having a plurality of testing holders. Each of the plurality of testing holders includes a holder body containing a specific one of the plural chip units, and a pressure releasing device formed on the holder body to release an insertion pressure when the specific one of the plural chip units is inserted in the holder body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: Mill-Jer WANG, Kuo-Chuan LIU, Ching-Nen PENG, Hung-Chih LIN, Hao CHEN
  • Patent number: 9513332
    Abstract: A method of testing an integrated circuit die comprises partitioning a first probe card partition layout of the integrated circuit die having one or more sections comprising a first quantity of section types into a second probe card partition layout having a greater quantity of sections comprising a second quantity of section types, the second quantity of section types being less than the first quantity of section types. The method also comprises using one or more probe cards to test the sections in the second probe card partition layout, each of the one or more probe cards having a test contact pattern that corresponds with a test contact pattern of one of each section type included in the second probe card partition layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Sandeep Kumar Goel, Mill-Jer Wang
  • Publication number: 20160313372
    Abstract: A testing apparatus with reduced warping of the probe card and a method of reducing warping of a probe card of a testing apparatus are disclosed. The testing apparatus can include a testing head and a platform opposite the testing head, where the testing head and platform move relative to one another to bring a sample into contact with probing tips of the testing apparatus. The testing head can include a probe card printed circuit board, a stiffener, a discontinuous backer and a plurality of probing tips. The stiffener can be coupled to and reinforcing the probe card. The discontinuous backer can extend from the probe card to the stiffener, and can include at least one unfilled void extending from the stiffener to the probe card. The plurality of probing tips can extend from a distal end of the testing head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mill-Jer WANG, Ching-Nen PENG, Hung-Chih LIN, Wei-Hsun LIN, Sen-Kuei HSU, De-Jian LIU
  • Patent number: 9453877
    Abstract: A testing holder for a chip unit, a multi site holding frame for plural chip units and a method for testing a die thereof are provided. The proposed multi site holding frame for testing plural chip units simultaneously includes a first holder frame having a plurality of testing holders. Each of the plurality of testing holders includes a holder body containing a specific one of the plural chip units, and a pressure releasing device formed on the holder body to release an insertion pressure when the specific one of the plural chip units is inserted in the holder body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Mill-Jer Wang, Kuo-Chuan Liu, Ching-Nen Peng, Hung-Chih Lin, Hao Chen
  • Patent number: 9448285
    Abstract: A system for testing a wafer includes a probe card and a wafer. The probe card includes at least one first probe site and at least one second probe site. The wafer includes a plurality of dies. The at least one first probe site is arranged for a first test, and the at least one second probe site is arranged for a second test. Each of the plurality of dies corresponds to first probe pads and second probe pads. Each of the at least one first probe site is arranged to touch the first probe pads of each of the plurality of dies. Each of the at least one second probe site is arranged to touch the second probe pads of each of the plurality of dies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mill-Jer Wang, Ching-Nen Peng, Hung-Chih Lin, Hao Chen, Shang-Ju Lee
  • Patent number: 9417285
    Abstract: A device for testing a bottom package of an integrated fan-out (InFO) Package-on-Package (PoP) comprises a bottom fixture having a space to accommodate the bottom package during testing and a detachable top cover, configured for conducting at least one test of the bottom package, wherein one or both of the bottom fixture and the top cover have a plurality of probing contacts for testing of the bottom package and wherein the device can be opened for placement of the bottom package under testing, and the cover is attachable to the bottom fixture for conducting the testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mill-Jer Wang, Ching-Nen Peng, Hung-Chih Lin, Hao Chen
  • Publication number: 20160223584
    Abstract: A testing holder for a chip unit, a multi site holding frame for plural chip units and a method for testing a die thereof are provided. The proposed multi site holding frame for testing plural chip units simultaneously includes a first holder frame having a plurality of testing holders. Each of the plurality of testing holders includes a holder body containing a specific one of the plural chip units, and a pressure releasing device formed on the holder body to release an insertion pressure when the specific one of the plural chip units is inserted in the holder body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Mill-Jer WANG, Kuo-Chuan LIU, Ching-Nen PENG, Hung-Chih LIN, Hao CHEN
  • Patent number: 9372227
    Abstract: A system for testing a device under test (DUT) includes a probe card and a test module. The probe card includes probe beds electrically coupled to a circuit board and a first plurality of electrical contacts coupled to the circuit board, which are for engaging respective ones of a plurality of electrical contacts of a test equipment module. Probes are coupled to respective probe beds and are disposed to engage electrical contacts of the DUT. The probe card includes a second plurality of electrical contacts coupled to the circuit board. The first and second pluralities of contacts are mutually exclusive. The test module includes a memory, a processor, and a plurality of electrical contacts electrically coupled to respective ones of the second plurality of electrical contacts of the probe card. The circuit board includes a first electrical path for electrically coupling the test equipment module to the test module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mill-Jer Wang, Ching-Nen Peng, Hung-Chih Lin, Wei-Hsun Lin, Hao Chen, Chung-Han Huang
  • Patent number: 9354254
    Abstract: A testing apparatus with reduced warping of the probe card and a method of reducing warping of a probe card of a testing apparatus are disclosed. The testing apparatus can include a testing head and a platform opposite the testing head, where the testing head and platform move relative to one another to bring a sample into contact with probing tips of the testing apparatus. The testing head can include a probe card printed circuit board, a stiffener, a discontinuous backer and a plurality of probing tips. The stiffener can be coupled to and reinforcing the probe card. The discontinuous backer can extend from the probe card to the stiffener, and can include at least one unfilled void extending from the stiffener to the probe card. The plurality of probing tips can extend from a distal end of the testing head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mill-Jer Wang, Ching-Nen Peng, Hung-Chih Lin, Wei-Hsun Lin, Sen-Kuei Hsu, De-Jian Liu
  • Patent number: 9341671
    Abstract: A testing holder for a chip unit, a multi site holding frame for plural chip units and a method for testing a die thereof are provided. The proposed multi site holding frame for testing plural chip units simultaneously includes a first holder frame having a plurality of testing holders. Each of the plurality of testing holders includes a holder body containing a specific one of the plural chip units, and a pressure releasing device formed on the holder body to release an insertion pressure when the specific one of the plural chip units is inserted in the holder body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Mill-Jer Wang, Kuo-Chuan Liu, Ching-Nen Peng, Hung-Chih Lin, Hao Chen
  • Publication number: 20160113099
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for providing electrostatic discharge protection. A probe card assembly is provided which is electrically connected to a plurality of input/output channels. The probe card assembly can be contacted with a secondary assembly having an interposer electrically connected to one or more wafers each wafer having a device under test. Voltage can be forced on ones of the plural input/output channels of the probe card assembly to slowly dissipate charges resident on the wafer to thereby provide electrostatic discharge protection. A socket assembly adaptable to accept a 3DIC package is also provided, the assembly having a loadboard assembly electrically connected to a plurality of input/output channels. Once the 3DIC package is placed within the socket assembly, voltage is forced on ones of the input/output channels to slowly dissipate charges resident on the 3DIC package to thereby provide electrostatic discharge protection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mill-Jer WANG, Ching-Nen PENG, Hung-Chih LIN, Hao CHEN
  • Patent number: 9310437
    Abstract: A method includes testing a first device and a second device identical to each other and comprising integrated circuits. The testing of the first device is performed according to a first test sequence of the first device, wherein the first test sequence includes a plurality of ordered test items, and wherein the first test sequence includes a test item. A test priority of the test item is calculated based on a frequency of fails of the test item in the testing of a plurality of devices having an identical structure as the first device. The first test sequence is then adjusted to generate a second test sequence in response to the test priority of the test item, wherein the second test sequence is different from the first test sequence. The second device is tested according to the second test sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Cheng Chen, Hung-Chih Lin, Mill-Jer Wang, Hao Chen, Ching-Nen Peng
  • Publication number: 20160077147
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of probe testing dies, the method comprising loading a wafer having a first die and a second die into a prober and bringing probes of the prober into contact with first contact pads of the first die according to first probe parameters. A first probe contact test of first values of the contact between the probes and the first contact pads is performed, and a die test of the first die is performed after performing the probe contact test. Results of the die test and results of the probe contact test are saved and second probe parameters are automatically generated based on at least the results of the first probe contact test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: Mill-Jer Wang, Ching-Nen Peng, Hung-Chih Lin, Hao Chen, Mincent Lee, Chen-Hung Tien, Chang Chia How
  • Patent number: 9252593
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for providing electrostatic discharge protection. A probe card assembly is provided which is electrically connected to a plurality of input/output channels. The probe card assembly can be contacted with a secondary assembly having an interposer electrically connected to one or more wafers each wafer having a device under test. Voltage can be forced on ones of the plural input/output channels of the probe card assembly to slowly dissipate charges resident on the wafer to thereby provide electrostatic discharge protection. A socket assembly adaptable to accept a 3DIC package is also provided, the assembly having a loadboard assembly electrically connected to a plurality of input/output channels. Once the 3DIC package is placed within the socket assembly, voltage is forced on ones of the input/output channels to slowly dissipate charges resident on the 3DIC package to thereby provide electrostatic discharge protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mill-Jer Wang, Ching-Nen Peng, Hung-Chih Lin, Hao Chen