Patents by Inventor Wei Min Chan

Wei Min Chan 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: 11417370
    Abstract: A method of operating a memory device is provide. A clock signal is received. Each clock cycle of the clock signal initiates a write operation or a read operation in a memory device. A power nap period is then determined. The power nap period is compare with a clock cycle period to determine that the power nap period is less that the clock cycle period of the clock signal. A header control signal is generated in response to determining that the power nap period is less than the clock cycle period. The header control signal turns off a header of a component of the memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chien-Chen Lin, Wei Min Chan
  • Publication number: 20220254712
    Abstract: Circuit devices, such as integrated circuit devices, are constructed with combination circuits that include two or more cascading transistors, and one or more metal layers disposed over the cascading transistors. The cascading transistors include multiple internal nodes (e.g., common source/drain regions). The multiple internal nodes are not connected to a common metal stripe (the same metal stripe) in the one or more metal layers. The absence of the connections between the internal nodes and a common metal stripe reduce or eliminate the load on the internal nodes. The transistors in the cascading transistors are independent of each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Yuan Chen, Cheng-Hung Lee, Hung-Jen Liao, Hau-Tai Shieh, Kao-Cheng Lin, Wei-Min Chan
  • Publication number: 20220236894
    Abstract: Various embodiments for configurable memory storage systems are disclosed. The configurable memory storages selectively choose an operational voltage signal from among multiple voltage signals to dynamically control various operational parameters. For example, the configurable memory storages selectively choose a maximum voltage signal from among the multiple voltage signals to maximize read/write speed. As another example, the configurable memory storages selectively choose a minimum voltage signal from among the multiple voltage signals to minimize power consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Hao HSU, Cheng Hung LEE, Chen-Lin YANG, Chiting CHENG, Fu-An WU, Hung-Jen LIAO, Jung-Ping YANG, Jonathan Tsung-Yung CHANG, Wei Min CHAN, Yen-Huei CHEN, Yangsyu LIN, Chien-Chen LIN
  • Publication number: 20220130724
    Abstract: Method for forming tungsten gap fill on a structure, including high aspect ratio structures includes depositing a tungsten liner in the structure using a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process with high ionization and an ambient gas of argon or krypton. The PVD process is performed at a temperature of approximately 20 degrees Celsius to approximately 300 degrees Celsius. The method further includes treating the structure with a nitridation process and depositing bulk fill tungsten into the structure using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process to form a seam suppressed boron free tungsten fill. The CVD process is performed at a temperature of approximately 300 degrees Celsius to approximately 500 degrees Celsius and at a pressure of approximately 5 Torr to approximately 300 Torr.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Inventors: Xi CEN, Kai WU, Min HEON, Wei Min CHAN, Tom Ho Wing YU, Peiqi WANG, Ju Ik KANG, Feihu WANG, Nobuyuki SASAKI, Chunming ZHOU
  • Patent number: 11301148
    Abstract: Various embodiments for configurable memory storage systems are disclosed. The configurable memory storages selectively choose an operational voltage signal from among multiple operational voltage signals to dynamically control various operational parameters. For example, the configurable memory storages selectively choose a maximum operational voltage signal from among the multiple operational voltage signals to maximize read/write speed. As another example, the configurable memory storages selectively choose a minimum operational voltage signal from among the multiple operational voltage signals to minimize power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Hao Hsu, Cheng Hung Lee, Chen-Lin Yang, Chiting Cheng, Fu-An Wu, Hung-Jen Liao, Jung-Ping Yang, Jonathan Tsung-Yung Chang, Wei Min Chan, Yen-Huei Chen, Yangsyu Lin, Chien-Chen Lin
  • Patent number: 11264088
    Abstract: A device is disclosed that includes a plurality of first memory cells, a plurality of second memory cells, a power circuit, and a header circuit. The power circuit is configured to provide a first power voltage via a conductive line for the plurality of first memory cells, and to provide a second power voltage, that is independent from the first power voltage, for the plurality of second memory cells. The header circuit is configured to provide, during the write operation, the first voltage smaller than the first power voltage, the second power voltage, or smaller than the first power voltage and the second power voltage, for corresponding memory cells of the plurality of first memory cells via the conductive line and for corresponding memory cells of the plurality of second memory cells. A circuit structure of the power circuit is different from a circuit structure of the header circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Cheng Wu, Chih-Yu Lin, Kao-Cheng Lin, Wei-Min Chan, Yen-Huei Chen
  • Patent number: 11263331
    Abstract: An electronic device for checking a randomness of an identification key device, a random key checker circuit for an electronic device and a method of checking randomness for an electronic device. An electronic device for checking a randomness of an identification key device includes an identification key generator, configured to generate an identification key. A random key checker circuit, configured to receive the identification key from the identification key generator, calculates a randomness value of the identification key according to the identification key for checking a randomness of the identification key and generates an output of the identification key with high randomness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Chen Lin, Hidehiro Fujiwara, Wei-Min Chan, Yen-Huei Chen, Shih-Lien Linus Lu
  • Publication number: 20220051702
    Abstract: A method of operating a memory device is provide. A clock signal is received. Each clock cycle of the clock signal initiates a write operation or a read operation in a memory device. A power nap period is then determined. The power nap period is compare with a clock cycle period to determine that the power nap period is less that the clock cycle period of the clock signal. A header control signal is generated in response to determining that the power nap period is less than the clock cycle period. The header control signal turns off a header of a component of the memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Inventors: Chien-Chen Lin, Wei Min Chan
  • Publication number: 20210383847
    Abstract: Systems and method are provided for a memory circuit that includes a bit cell responsive to a bit line signal line and a bit line bar signal line configured to store a bit of data. A pre-charge circuit is configured to charge one of the bit line and bit line bar signal lines prior to a read operation, where the pre-charge circuit includes a first pre-charge component and a second pre-charge component, the first and second pre-charge components being individually controllable for charging the bit line and bit line bar signal lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Inventors: Wei-Cheng Wu, Kao-Cheng Lin, Chih-Cheng Yu, Pei-Yuan Li, Chien-Chen Lin, Wei Min Chan, Yen-Huei Chen
  • Patent number: 11196574
    Abstract: A physically unclonable function (PUF) generator includes a first sense amplifier that has a first input terminal configured to receive a signal from a first memory cell of a plurality of memory cells, and a second input terminal configured to receive a signal from a second memory cell of the plurality of memory cells. The first sense amplifier is configured to compare accessing speeds of the first and second memory cells of the plurality of memory cells. Based on the comparison of the accessing speeds, the sense amplifier provides a first output signal for generating a PUF signature. A controller is configured to output an enable signal to the first sense amplifier, which has a first input terminal configured to receive a signal from a bit line of the first memory cell and a second input terminal configured to receive a signal from a bit line of the second memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chien-Chen Lin, Wei Min Chan, Chih-Yu Lin, Shih-Lien Linus Lu
  • Publication number: 20210335586
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning a showerhead are provided. For example, the methods includes moving a substrate support including a heater disposed therein from a substrate processing position a first distance away from the showerhead to a cleaning position a second distance away from the showerhead, wherein the second distance is less than the first distance; heating the showerhead using the heater disposed in the substrate support to a predetermined temperature; at least one of supplying at least one cleaning gas to the processing chamber to form a plasma or supplying the plasma from a remote plasma source; and providing a predetermined pressure within an inner volume of the processing chamber and maintaining the plasma within the inner volume of the processing chamber while heating the showerhead to the predetermined temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Tom H. YU, Wei Min CHAN, Peiqi WANG, Kai WU, Adolph Miller ALLEN, Kazuya DAITO
  • Publication number: 20210319160
    Abstract: A system includes a net-identifying module and a false path-eliminating module. The net-identifying module is configured to receive first and second electronic lists associated with a circuit unit, to identify a net of the circuit unit based on the first electronic list, and to provide a net information output that includes information associated with the net. The false path-eliminating module is coupled to the net-identifying module and is configured to select, in the second electronic list, a path of the circuit unit that does not traverse through the net and provide a path information output that includes information associated with the path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Inventors: Chun-Jiun Dai, Hung-Jen Liao, Wei-Min Chan, Yen-Huei Chen
  • Publication number: 20210287740
    Abstract: A static random access memory (SRAM) includes a bit cell including a p-type pass gate, a bit information path connected to the bit cell by the p-type pass gate, and a read multiplexer connected to the bit information path. The read multiplexer includes an n-type transistor configured to selectively couple the bit information path to a sense amplifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Wei-Cheng Wu, Hung-Jen Liao, Ping-Wei Wang, Wei Min Chan, Yen-Huei Chen
  • Publication number: 20210265363
    Abstract: A device is disclosed that includes a fin structure disposed below a first metal layer, extending along a column direction, and corresponding to at least one transistor of a memory bit cell, a word line disposed in the first metal layer and extending along a row direction, a first metal island disposed in the first metal layer separated from the word line, and a first connection metal line disposed in a second metal layer above the first metal layer, extending along the column direction, and configured to couple a power supply through the first metal island to the fin structure. In a layout view, the first connection metal line is separated from the fin structure, and the fin structure crosses over the word line and the first metal island. A method is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hidehiro FUJIWARA, Wei-Min CHAN, Chih-Yu LIN, Yen-Huei CHEN, Hung-Jen LIAO
  • Patent number: 11100964
    Abstract: Systems and method are provided for a memory circuit that includes a bit cell responsive to a bit line signal line and a bit line bar signal line configured to store a bit of data. A pre-charge circuit is configured to charge one of the bit line and bit line bar signal lines prior to a read operation, where the pre-charge circuit includes a first pre-charge component and a second pre-charge component, the first and second pre-charge components being individually controllable for charging the bit line and bit line bar signal lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Wei-Cheng Wu, Kao-Cheng Lin, Chih-Cheng Yu, Pei-Yuan Li, Chien-Chen Lin, Wei Min Chan, Yen-Huei Chen
  • Publication number: 20210249057
    Abstract: Systems and method are provided for a memory circuit that includes a bit cell responsive to a bit line signal line and a bit line bar signal line configured to store a bit of data. A pre-charge circuit is configured to charge one of the bit line and bit line bar signal lines prior to a read operation, where the pre-charge circuit includes a first pre-charge component and a second pre-charge component, the first and second pre-charge components being individually controllable for charging the bit line and bit line bar signal lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Inventors: Wei-Cheng Wu, Kao-Cheng Lin, Chih-Cheng Yu, Pei-Yuan Li, Chien-Chen Lin, Wei Min Chan, Yen-Huei Chen
  • Publication number: 20210241824
    Abstract: A device includes a first power rail for a first power domain and a second power rail for a second power domain. A first circuit block is connected to the first power rail and a second circuit block is connected to the second power rail. The first and second circuit blocks are both connected to a virtual VSS terminal. A footer circuit is connected between the virtual VSS terminal and a ground terminal, and the footer circuit is configured to selectively control a connection between the virtual VSS terminal and the ground terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Inventors: Hidehiro Fujiwara, Kao-Cheng Lin, Wei Min Chan, Yen-Huei Chen
  • Publication number: 20210200452
    Abstract: Various embodiments for configurable memory storage systems are disclosed. The configurable memory storages selectively choose an operational voltage signal from among multiple operational voltage signals to dynamically control various operational parameters. For example, the configurable memory storages selectively choose a maximum operational voltage signal from among the multiple operational voltage signals to maximize read/write speed. As another example, the configurable memory storages selectively choose a minimum operational voltage signal from among the multiple operational voltage signals to minimize power consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Hao HSU, Cheng Hung LEE, Chen-Lin YANG, Chiting CHENG, Fu-An WU, Hung-Jen LIAO, Jung-Ping YANG, Jonathan Tsung-Yung CHANG, Wei Min CHAN, Yen-Huei CHEN, Yangsyu LIN, Chien-Chen LIN
  • Patent number: 11048840
    Abstract: A system includes a net-identifying module and a false path-eliminating module. The net-identifying module is configured to receive first and second electronic lists associated with a circuit unit, to identify a net of the circuit unit based on the first electronic list, and to provide a net information output that includes information associated with the net. The false path-eliminating module is coupled to the net-identifying module and is configured to select, in the second electronic list, a path of the circuit unit that does not traverse through the net and provide a path information output that includes information associated with the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Chun-Jiun Dai, Hung-Jen Liao, Wei-Min Chan, Yen-Huei Chen
  • Patent number: 11043264
    Abstract: A method of performing a write operation on a static random access memory (SRAM) bit cell includes activating the bit cell by supplying a signal to a p-type pass gate of the bit cell, the signal causing the p-type pass gate to be in a conductive state, using a p-type transistor of a write multiplexer to maintain a data line at a logically high voltage, and transferring bit information from the data line to the activated bit cell using the p-type pass gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Cheng Wu, Wei Min Chan, Yen-Huei Chen, Hung-Jen Liao, Ping-Wei Wang