Patents Assigned to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
  • Patent number: 11955554
    Abstract: A method of fabrication of a multi-gate semiconductor device that includes providing a fin having a plurality of a first type of epitaxial layers and a plurality of a second type of epitaxial layers. The plurality of the second type of epitaxial layers is oxidized in the source/drain region. A first portion of a first layer of the second type of epitaxial layers is removed in a channel region of the fin to form an opening between a first layer of the first type of epitaxial layer and a second layer of the first type of epitaxial layer. A portion of a gate structure is then formed in the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Huan-Sheng Wei, Hung-Li Chiang, Chia-Wen Liu, Yi-Ming Sheu, Zhiqiang Wu, Chung-Cheng Wu, Ying-Keung Leung
  • Patent number: 11948835
    Abstract: A device comprises a first metal structure, a dielectric structure, a dielectric residue, and a second metal structure. The dielectric structure is over the first metal structure. The dielectric structure has a stepped sidewall structure. The stepped sidewall structure comprises a lower sidewall and an upper sidewall laterally set back from the lower sidewall. The dielectric residue is embedded in a recessed region in the lower sidewall of the stepped sidewall structure of the dielectric structure. The second metal structure extends through the dielectric structure to the first metal structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Che-Cheng Chang, Chih-Han Lin
  • Patent number: 11948800
    Abstract: A device includes a pair of gate spacers on a substrate, and a gate structure on the substrate and between the gate spacers. The gate structure includes an interfacial layer, a metal oxide layer, a nitride-containing layer, a tungsten-containing layer, and a metal compound layer. The interfacial layer is over the substrate. The metal oxide layer is over the interfacial layer. The nitride-containing layer is over the metal oxide layer. The tungsten-containing layer is over the nitride-containing layer. The metal compound layer is over the tungsten-containing layer. The metal compound layer has a different material than a material of the tungsten-containing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yen-Yu Chen, Yu-Chi Lu, Chih-Pin Tsao, Shih-Hsun Chang
  • Patent number: 11948834
    Abstract: Integrated circuit devices and methods of forming the same are provided. A method according to the present disclosure includes providing a workpiece including a semiconductor substrate, a first ILD layer over the semiconductor substrate, and a first metal feature in the first ILD layer; depositing a second metal feature over the workpiece such that the second metal feature is electrically coupled to the first metal feature; patterning the second metal feature to form a first trench adjacent to the first metal feature; depositing a blocking layer over the workpiece, wherein the blocking layer selectively attaches to the first ILD layer; depositing a barrier layer over the workpiece, wherein the barrier layer selectively forms over the second metal feature relative to the first ILD layer; and depositing a second ILD layer over the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hsin-Yen Huang, Hai-Ching Chen, Shau-Lin Shue
  • Patent number: 11949001
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes channel members disposed over a substrate, a gate structure engaging the channel members, and an epitaxial feature adjacent the channel members. At least one of the channel members has an end portion in physical contact with an outer portion of the epitaxial feature. The end portion of the at least one of the channel members includes a first dopant of a first concentration. The outer portion of the epitaxial feature includes a second dopant of a second concentration. The first concentration is higher than the second concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Ching Wang, Chung-I Yang, Jon-Hsu Ho, Wen-Hsing Hsieh, Kuan-Lun Cheng, Chung-Wei Wu, Zhiqiang Wu
  • Patent number: 11948839
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method to reduce power consumption in a fin structure. For example, the method includes forming a first and a second semiconductor fins on a substrate with different heights. The method also includes forming insulating fins between and adjacent to the first and the second semiconductor fins. Further, the method includes forming a first and second epitaxial stacks with different heights on each of the first and second semiconductor fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Ching, Chih-Hao Wang, Kuan-Lun Cheng
  • Patent number: 11948829
    Abstract: A method includes receiving a structure that includes a substrate including a first well region having a first dopant type and a second well region having a second dopant type that is opposite to the first dopant type; and fins extending above the substrate. The method further includes forming a patterned etch mask on the structure, wherein the patterned etch mask provides an opening that is directly above a first fin of the fins, wherein the first fin is directly above the first well region. The method further includes etching the structure through the patterned etch mask, wherein the etching removes the first fin and forms a recess in the substrate that spans from the first well region into the second well region; and forming a dielectric material between remaining portions of the fins and within the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Chuan Yang, Chang-Ta Yang
  • Patent number: 11948840
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes forming a first fin and a second fin within an insulation material over a substrate, the first fin and the second fin includes different materials, the insulation material being interposed between the first fin and the second fin, the first fin having a first width and the second fin having a second width; forming a first capping layer over the first fin; and forming a second capping layer over the second fin, the first capping layer having a first thickness, the second capping layer having a second thickness different from the first thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-Yao Chen, Pin-Chu Liang, Hsueh-Chang Sung, Pei-Ren Jeng, Yee-Chia Yeo
  • Patent number: 11950401
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a substrate and an array of two-port (TP) SRAM cells. Each TP SRAM cell includes a write port and a read port. The array includes first and second TP SRAM cells. The write ports of the first and second TP SRAM cells abut each other. The write port of the first TP SRAM cell includes a first write pull-down (W_PD) transistor. The write port of the second TP SRAM cell includes a second W_PD transistor. The array of TP SRAM cells further includes a first source/drain contact landing on both a source/drain electrode of the first W_PD transistor and another source/drain electrode of the second W_PD transistor. The first TP SRAM cell includes a first Vss conductor located at a first metal layer. The first Vss conductor is directly above the first source/drain contact and connected to the first source/drain contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jhon Jhy Liaw
  • Patent number: 11948627
    Abstract: A write assist circuit can include a control circuit and a voltage generator. The control circuit can be configured to receive memory address information associated with a memory write operation for memory cells. The voltage generator can be configured to provide a reference voltage to one or more bitlines coupled to the memory cells. The voltage generator can include two capacitive elements, where during the memory write operation, (i) one of the capacitive elements can be configured to couple the reference voltage to a first negative voltage, and (ii) based on the memory address information, both capacitive elements can be configured to cumulatively couple the reference voltage to a second negative voltage that is lower than the first negative voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidehiro Fujiwara, Chih-Yu Lin, Sahil Preet Singh, Hsien-Yu Pan, Yen-Huei Chen, Hung-Jen Liao
  • Patent number: 11948987
    Abstract: A semiconductor device according to the present disclosure includes a source feature and a drain feature, a plurality of semiconductor nanostructures extending between the source feature and the drain feature, a gate structure wrapping around each of the plurality of semiconductor nanostructures, a bottom dielectric layer over the gate structure and the drain feature, a backside power rail disposed over the bottom dielectric layer, and a backside source contact disposed between the source feature and the backside power rail. The backside source contact extends through the bottom dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lung-Kun Chu, Mao-Lin Huang, Chung-Wei Hsu, Jia-Ni Yu, Kuo-Cheng Chiang, Kuan-Lun Cheng, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Patent number: 11947173
    Abstract: A package includes a photonic layer on a substrate, the photonic layer including a silicon waveguide coupled to a grating coupler; an interconnect structure over the photonic layer; an electronic die and a first dielectric layer over the interconnect structure, where the electronic die is connected to the interconnect structure; a first substrate bonded to the electronic die and the first dielectric layer; a socket attached to a top surface of the first substrate; and a fiber holder coupled to the first substrate through the socket, where the fiber holder includes a prism that re-orients an optical path of an optical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Ming Weng, Chen-Hua Yu, Chung-Shi Liu, Hao-Yi Tsai, Cheng-Chieh Hsieh, Hung-Yi Kuo, Tsung-Yuan Yu, Hua-Kuei Lin, Che-Hsiang Hsu
  • Patent number: 11948842
    Abstract: A device includes a substrate; semiconductor fins extending from the substrate; a liner layer on sidewalls of the semiconductor fins; an etch stop layer over the substrate and extending laterally from a first portion of the liner layer on a first one of the semiconductor fins to a second portion of the line layer on a second one of the semiconductor fins; an isolation structure over the etch stop layer, wherein the etch stop layer and the isolation structure include different materials; a gate dielectric layer over a top surface of the isolation structure; and a dielectric feature extending through the gate dielectric layer and into the isolation structure, wherein the isolation structure and the dielectric feature collectively extend laterally from the first portion of the liner layer to the second portion of the line layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ming-Chang Wen, Chang-Yun Chang, Hsien-Chin Lin, Hung-Kai Chen
  • Patent number: 11948930
    Abstract: A method includes forming a set of through-vias in a substrate, the set of through-vias partially penetrating a thickness of the substrate. First connectors are formed over the set of through-vias on a first side of the substrate. The first side of the substrate is attached to a carrier. The substrate is thinned from the second side to expose the set of through-vias. Second connectors are formed over the set of through-vias on the second side of the substrate. A device die is bonded to the second connectors. The substrate is singulated into multiple packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chin-Chuan Chang, Szu-Wei Lu, Chen-Hua Yu
  • Patent number: 11948999
    Abstract: A device includes a first semiconductor fin, a second semiconductor fin, a source/drain epitaxial structure, a semiconductive cap, and a contact. The first semiconductor fin and the second semiconductor fin are over a substrate. The source/drain epitaxial structure is connected to the first semiconductor fin and the second semiconductor fin. The source/drain epitaxial structure includes a first protruding portion and a second protruding portion aligned with the first semiconductor fin and the second semiconductor fin, respectively. The semiconductive cap is on and in contact with the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion. A top surface of the semiconductive cap is lower than a top surface of the first protruding portion of the source/drain epitaxial structure. The contact is electrically connected to the source/drain epitaxial structure and covers the semiconductive cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yen-Ru Lee, Chii-Horng Li, Chien-I Kuo, Heng-Wen Ting, Jung-Chi Tai, Lilly Su, Yang-Tai Hsiao
  • Patent number: 11948936
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a fin disposed in a first region of the semiconductor device, channel members disposed in a second region of the semiconductor device and stacked in a vertical direction, first and second metal gates disposed on a top surface of the fin, a third metal gate wrapping around each of the channel members, a first implant region in the fin with a first conductivity type, and a second implant region in the fin with a second conductivity opposite the first conductivity type. The fin includes first and second type epitaxial layers alternatingly disposed in the vertical direction. The first and second type epitaxial layers have different material compositions. The first type epitaxial layers and the channel members have the same material composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Hung Wang, Chih Chieh Yeh, Zi-Ang Su, Chia-Ju Chou, Ming-Shuan Li
  • Patent number: 11949000
    Abstract: A method includes forming a dummy gate stack over a fin protruding from a semiconductor substrate, forming gate spacers on sidewalls of the dummy gate stack, forming source/features over portions of the fin, forming a gate trench between the gate spacers, which includes trimming top portions of the gate spacers to form a funnel-like opening in the gate trench, and forming a metal gate structure in the gate trench. A semiconductor structure includes a fin protruding from a substrate, a metal gate structure disposed over the fin, gate spacers disposed on sidewalls of the metal gate structure, where a top surface of each gate spacer is angled toward the semiconductor fin, a dielectric layer disposed over the top surface of each gate spacer, and a conductive feature disposed between the gate spacers to contact the metal gate structure, where sidewalls of the conductive feature contact the dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ru-Shang Hsiao, Ching-Hwanq Su, Pin Chia Su, Ying Hsin Lu, I-Shan Huang
  • Patent number: 11948972
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods for the formation of high-voltage nano-sheet transistors and low-voltage gate-all-around transistors on a common substrate. The method includes forming a fin structure with first and second nano-sheet layers on the substrate. The method also includes forming a gate structure having a first dielectric and a first gate electrode on the fin structure and removing portions of the fin structure not covered by the gate structure. The method further includes partially etching exposed surfaces of the first nano-sheet layers to form recessed portions of the first nano-sheet layers in the fin structure and forming a spacer structure on the recessed portions. In addition, the method includes replacing the first gate electrode with a second dielectric and a second gate electrode, and forming an epitaxial structure abutting the fin structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Xuan Huang, Chia-En Huang, Ching-Wei Tsai, Kuan-Lun Cheng, Yih Wang
  • Patent number: 11948974
    Abstract: A semiconductor device including vertical transistors with a back side power structure, and methods of making the same are described. In one example, a described semiconductor structure includes: a gate structure including a gate pad and a gate contact on the gate pad; a first source region disposed below the gate pad; a first drain region disposed on the gate pad, wherein the first source region, the first drain region and the gate structure form a first transistor; a second source region disposed below the gate pad; a second drain region disposed on the gate pad, wherein the second source region, the second drain region and the gate structure form a second transistor; and at least one metal line that is below the first source region and the second source region, and is electrically connected to at least one power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Wei Peng, Te-Hsin Chiu, Jiann-Tyng Tzeng
  • Patent number: 11949799
    Abstract: Disclosed is an input/output circuit for a physical unclonable function generator circuit. In one embodiment, a physical unclonable function (PUF) generator includes: a PUF cell array comprising a plurality of bit cells configured in a plurality of columns and at least one row, and at least one input/output (I/O) circuit each coupled to at least two neighboring columns of the PUF cell array, wherein the at least one I/O circuit each comprises a sense amplifier (SA) with no cross-coupled pair of transistors, wherein the SA comprises two cross-coupled inverters with no access transistor and a SA enable transistor, and wherein the at least one I/O circuit each is configured to access and determine logical states of at least two bit cells in the at least two neighboring columns; and based on the determined logical states of the plurality of bit cells, to generate a PUF signature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jui-Che Tsai, Shih-Lien Linus Lu, Cheng Hung Lee, Chia-En Huang