Patents by Inventor Tien-Yen Wang

Tien-Yen 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: 12002536
    Abstract: A sensing module, a memory device, and a sensing method are provided to perform a read operation so that the un-programmed/programmed state of a memory cell is identified. The sensing module includes a sensing amplifier and a current sink, and both are electrically connected to the memory cell. The sensing amplifier generates a sensing current and identifies the un-programmed/programmed state of the memory cell accordingly. The current sink receives a reference current being equivalent to the summation of the sensing current and a cell current flowing through the memory cell. The reference current is constant, and the sensing current is changed with the cell current. The cell current is generated based on a high read voltage and a low read voltage applied to the memory cell. The sensing current is higher if the memory cell is un-programmed, and the sensing current is lower if the memory cell is programmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yun-Chen Chou, Tien-Yen Wang, Chun-Hsiung Hung
  • Patent number: 11948635
    Abstract: A memory device includes a memory array including a plurality of memory cells arranged in rows and columns. A closed loop bias generator is configured to output a column select signal to the memory array. A current limiter receives an output of the closed loop bias generator. The current limiter is coupled to a plurality of the columns of the memory array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Cheng Chou, Tien-Yen Wang
  • Patent number: 11842769
    Abstract: At least one embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a memory circuit having a leakage current blocking mechanism and a memory device having the memory circuit. In an aspect, one embodiment of the disclosure describes a memory circuit which includes not limited to a memory array which includes a first memory cell connected to a first bit line and a second memory cell connected to a second bit line, a pre-charge circuit which is connected to the memory array and includes a first pre-charge device, and a programming circuit which is connected to the pre-charge circuit and comprises a programming transistor which has a higher drive capability than the first pre-charge device so as to drive the first bit line to a ground voltage in response to the first write operation, wherein in response to a first write operation on the first memory cell, a current flow exists between the programming circuit and the first pre-charge device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tien-Yen Wang, Yun-Chen Chou, Chun-Hsiung Hung
  • Publication number: 20230396161
    Abstract: A system includes a charge pump system having a plurality of enable signal input terminals and an output terminal, the charge pump system configured to provide an output voltage at the output terminal; and a detection circuit connected to the enable terminals and the output terminal of the charge pump system, the detection circuit configured to compare the charge pump system output voltage to a plurality of predefined input detection voltage levels, and to selectively output a plurality of enable signals to the charge pump system enable signal input terminals in response to the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2023
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Chung-Cheng Chou, Tien-Yen Wang
  • Publication number: 20230335187
    Abstract: At least one embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a memory circuit having a leakage current blocking mechanism and a memory device having the memory circuit. In an aspect, one embodiment of the disclosure describes a memory circuit which includes not limited to a memory array which includes a first memory cell connected to a first bit line and a second memory cell connected to a second bit line, a pre-charge circuit which is connected to the memory array and includes a first pre-charge device, and a programming circuit which is connected to the pre-charge circuit and comprises a programming transistor which has a higher drive capability than the first pre-charge device so as to drive the first bit line to a ground voltage in response to the first write operation, wherein in response to a first write operation on the first memory cell, a current flow exists between the programming circuit and the first pre-charge device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Applicant: MACRONIX International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tien-Yen Wang, Yun-Chen Chou, Chun-Hsiung Hung
  • Publication number: 20230307014
    Abstract: A sensing module, a memory device, and a sensing method are provided to perform a read operation so that the un-programmed/programmed state of a memory cell is identified. The sensing module includes a sensing amplifier and a current sink, and both are electrically connected to the memory cell. The sensing amplifier generates a sensing current and identifies the un-programmed/programmed state of the memory cell accordingly. The current sink receives a reference current being equivalent to the summation of the sensing current and a cell current flowing through the memory cell. The reference current is constant, and the sensing current is changed with the cell current. The cell current is generated based on a high read voltage and a low read voltage applied to the memory cell. The sensing current is higher if the memory cell is un-programmed, and the sensing current is lower if the memory cell is programmed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2022
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Yun-Chen CHOU, Tien-Yen WANG, Chun-Hsiung HUNG
  • Patent number: 11757356
    Abstract: A system includes a charge pump system having a plurality of enable signal input terminals and an output terminal, the charge pump system configured to provide an output voltage at the output terminal; and a detection circuit connected to the enable terminals and the output terminal of the charge pump system, the detection circuit configured to compare the charge pump system output voltage to a plurality of predefined input detection voltage levels, and to selectively output a plurality of enable signals to the charge pump system enable signal input terminals in response to the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Cheng Chou, Tien-Yen Wang
  • Publication number: 20220366980
    Abstract: A memory device includes a memory array including a plurality of memory cells arranged in rows and columns. A closed loop bias generator is configured to output a column select signal to the memory array. A current limiter receives an output of the closed loop bias generator. The current limiter is coupled to a plurality of the columns of the memory array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Chung-Cheng Chou, Tien-Yen Wang
  • Patent number: 11437099
    Abstract: A memory device includes a memory array including a plurality of memory cells arranged in rows and columns. A closed loop bias generator is configured to output a column select signal to the memory array. A current limiter receives an output of the closed loop bias generator. The current limiter is coupled to a plurality of the columns of the memory array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Cheng Chou, Tien-Yen Wang
  • Publication number: 20220263409
    Abstract: A system includes a charge pump system having a plurality of enable signal input terminals and an output terminal, the charge pump system configured to provide an output voltage at the output terminal; and a detection circuit connected to the enable terminals and the output terminal of the charge pump system, the detection circuit configured to compare the charge pump system output voltage to a plurality of predefined input detection voltage levels, and to selectively output a plurality of enable signals to the charge pump system enable signal input terminals in response to the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Inventors: Chung-Cheng Chou, Tien-Yen Wang
  • Patent number: 11336174
    Abstract: A system includes a charge pump system having a plurality of enable signal input terminals and an output terminal, the charge pump system configured to provide an output voltage at the output terminal; and a detection circuit connected to the enable terminals and the output terminal of the charge pump system, the detection circuit configured to compare the charge pump system output voltage to a plurality of predefined input detection voltage levels, and to selectively output a plurality of enable signals to the charge pump system enable signal input terminals in response to the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Cheng Chou, Tien-Yen Wang
  • Publication number: 20210249075
    Abstract: A memory device includes a memory array including a plurality of memory cells arranged in rows and columns. A closed loop bias generator is configured to output a column select signal to the memory array. A current limiter receives an output of the closed loop bias generator. The current limiter is coupled to a plurality of the columns of the memory array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Inventors: Chung-Cheng Chou, Tien-Yen Wang
  • Patent number: 10991426
    Abstract: A memory device includes a memory array including a plurality of memory cells arranged in rows and columns. A closed loop bias generator is configured to output a column select signal to the memory array. A current limiter receives an output of the closed loop bias generator. The current limiter is coupled to a plurality of the columns of the memory array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Cheng Chou, Tien-Yen Wang
  • Publication number: 20210119531
    Abstract: A system includes a charge pump system having a plurality of enable signal input terminals and an output terminal, the charge pump system configured to provide an output voltage at the output terminal; and a detection circuit connected to the enable terminals and the output terminal of the charge pump system, the detection circuit configured to compare the charge pump system output voltage to a plurality of predefined input detection voltage levels, and to selectively output a plurality of enable signals to the charge pump system enable signal input terminals in response to the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Inventors: Chung-Cheng Chou, Tien-Yen Wang
  • Publication number: 20200243135
    Abstract: A memory device includes a memory array including a plurality of memory cells arranged in rows and columns. A closed loop bias generator is configured to output a column select signal to the memory array. A current limiter receives an output of the closed loop bias generator. The current limiter is coupled to a plurality of the columns of the memory array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventors: Chung-Cheng Chou, Tien-Yen Wang
  • Publication number: 20170206960
    Abstract: A memory device and an operating method for a resistive memory cell are provided. The memory device includes the resistive memory cell. The resistive memory cell includes a first electrode, a second electrode and a memory film between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode includes a bottom electrode portion and a sidewall electrode portion extending upwardly from the bottom electrode portion and between the memory film and the bottom electrode portion. A width of the sidewall electrode portion and a width of the memory film are smaller than a width of the bottom electrode portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: Chao-I Wu, Dai-Ying Lee, Ming-Hsiu Lee, Tien-Yen Wang
  • Patent number: 9711217
    Abstract: A memory device and an operating method for a resistive memory cell are provided. The memory device includes the resistive memory cell. The resistive memory cell includes a first electrode, a second electrode and a memory film between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode includes a bottom electrode portion and a sidewall electrode portion extending upwardly from the bottom electrode portion and between the memory film and the bottom electrode portion. A width of the sidewall electrode portion and a width of the memory film are smaller than a width of the bottom electrode portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chao-I Wu, Dai-Ying Lee, Ming-Hsiu Lee, Tien-Yen Wang
  • Patent number: 9685228
    Abstract: A sensing method for a memory is provided. The memory includes: a memory cell; a reference circuit generating a reference voltage and a clamp voltage; and a current supplying circuit receiving the clamp voltage to develop a cell current passing through the memory cell to form a cell voltage, wherein the cell voltage is used for incorporating with the reference voltage to determine the information stored in the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tien-Yen Wang, Chun-Hsiung Hung, Chia-Jung Chen
  • Patent number: 9627058
    Abstract: An operating method, an operating system and a resistance random access memory (ReRAM) are provided. The operating method includes the following steps. A write voltage and a write current are set at a first predetermined voltage value and a first predetermined current value respectively. The write voltage and the write current are applied to a memory cell of the ReRAM for writing. Whether the write current reaches a second predetermined current value is verified, if a read current of the memory cell is not within a predetermined current range. The write current is increased, if the write current does not reach the second predetermined current value. Whether the write voltage reaches a second predetermined voltage value is verified, if the write current reaches the second predetermined current value. The write voltage is increased, if the write voltage does not reach the second predetermined voltage value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chao-I Wu, Tien-Yen Wang
  • Patent number: 9558818
    Abstract: A method for managing memory includes setting a state of a first memory cell to a first state representing a first data and setting a state of a second memory cell to a second state representing the first data. If the state of the second memory cell has changed to a third state representing a second data different from the first data, the method also includes changing the state of the second memory cell back to the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsin Yi Ho, Ming-Hsiu Lee, Chun Hsiung Hung, Hsiang-Lan Lung, Tien-Yen Wang