Patents Assigned to Taiwan Semiconductor
  • Publication number: 20240178228
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and a logic device formed of the semiconductor device are provided. The semiconductor device includes a first field effect transistor (FET), disposed on a semiconductor substrate, and including vertically separated first channel structures formed as thin sheets each having opposite major planar surfaces facing toward and away from the semiconductor substrate; and a second FET, disposed on the semiconductor substrate and overlapped with the first FET. A conductive type of the second FET is complementary to a conductive type of the first FET. Second channel structures of the second FET are separately arranged along a lateral direction, and formed as thin walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2023
    Publication date: May 30, 2024
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-Li Chiang, Jer-Fu Wang, Iuliana Radu
  • Publication number: 20240178173
    Abstract: A chip structure is provided. The chip structure includes a substrate. The chip structure includes an interconnect layer over the substrate. The chip structure includes a conductive pad over the interconnect layer. The chip structure includes a conductive bump over the conductive pad. The conductive bump has a first portion, a second portion, and a neck portion between the first portion and the second portion, the first portion is between the neck portion and the conductive pad, and the neck portion is narrower than both of the first portion and the second portion. The chip structure includes a support layer over the second portion of the conductive bump. A first composition of the support layer is different from a second composition of the conductive bump. The chip structure includes a solder structure over the support layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2024
    Publication date: May 30, 2024
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chien-Cheng CHEN, Pei-Haw TSAO
  • Publication number: 20240178215
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a first transistor, a second transistor, a first power line, and a second power line. The first transistor has a first active region and a first gate structure, in which the first active region has a source region and a drain region on opposite sides of the first gate structure. The second transistor is below the first transistor, and has a second active region and a second gate structure, in which the second active region has a source region and a drain region on opposite sides of the second gate structure. The first power line is above the first transistor, in which the first power line is electrically connected to the source region of first active region. The second power line is below the second transistor, in which the second power line is electrically connected to the source region of second active region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2024
    Publication date: May 30, 2024
    Applicants: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD., TSMC China Company Limited
    Inventors: Xin-Yong WANG, Li-Chun TIEN, Chih-Liang CHEN
  • Patent number: 11994534
    Abstract: A testing device for testing an integrated circuit package is provided, including a printed circuit board, a testing socket, a conductive fastener, a cover, and a conductive element assembly. The printed circuit board includes a first metal layer formed on the bottom surface thereof. The testing socket is disposed above the printed circuit board. The conductive fastener is configured to secure the testing socket to the printed circuit board, wherein the conductive fastener is electrically connected to the first metal layer and the testing socket. The cover is disposed above the testing socket to form a space for accommodating the integrated circuit package between the cover and the testing socket, wherein the cover makes electrical contact with the integrated circuit package. The conductive element assembly is disposed between and electrically connected to the cover and the testing socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Shao-Chun Chiu, Wen-Feng Liao, Hao Chen, Chun-Hsing Chen
  • Patent number: 11993854
    Abstract: In an etch process chamber, oscillators are positioned a predetermined distance away from an outer wall and coupled to a microwave generator. An inner wall of the process chamber on which particulates such as polymers adhere from the etch process is vibrated via operations of the oscillators. A gas flows into the cavity defined by the inner wall to collect the displaced particulates, which is then pumped out of the cavity to clean the process chamber. A controller identifies the polymer recipe used during the etch process and selects an oscillation program from memory. A microwave generator, controlled by the controller, is directed to generate microwaves at preselected frequencies determined from the program. The microwave frequencies are communicated to the oscillators, which then vibrate the inner wall at such received frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Po-Hsun Tseng, Yan-Hong Liu
  • Patent number: 11995388
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a first active region of a first set of transistors of a first type, a second active region of a second set of transistors of the first type, a third active region of a third set of transistors of the first type, a fourth active region of a fourth set of transistors of the first type and a fifth active region of a fifth set of transistors of a second type. The first, second, fourth and fifth active region have a first width in a second direction, and are on a first level. The third active region is on the first level, and has a second width different from the first width. The second active region is adjacent to the first boundary, and is separated from the first active region in the second direction. The fourth active region is adjacent to the second boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Po-Sheng Wang, Chao Yuan Cheng, Chien-Chi Tien, Yangsyu Lin
  • Patent number: 11996297
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming an underlying structure in a first area and a second area over a substrate. A first layer is formed over the underlying structure. The first layer is removed from the second area while protecting the first layer in the first area. A second layer is formed over the first area and the second area, wherein the second layer has a smaller light transparency than the first layer. The second layer is removed from the first area, and first resist pattern is formed over the first layer in the first area and a second resist pattern over the second layer in the second area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chin-Ta Chen, Han-Wei Wu, Yuan-Hsiang Lung, Hua-Tai Lin
  • Patent number: 11996293
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a first semiconductor fin and a second semiconductor fin protruding from the substrate, an isolation feature disposed on the substrate and on sidewalls of the first and second semiconductor fins, a gate structure disposed on the isolation feature. The semiconductor device also includes a dielectric fin disposed on the isolation feature and sandwiched between the first and second semiconductor fins. A middle portion of the dielectric fin separates the gate structure into a first gate structure segment engaging the first semiconductor fin and a second gate structure segment engaging the second semiconductor fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Pei-Yu Wang, Zhi-Chang Lin, Ching-Wei Tsai, Kuan-Lun Cheng
  • Patent number: 11994796
    Abstract: A mask layout containing a non-Manhattan pattern is received. The received mask layout is processed. An edge of the non-Manhattan pattern is identified. A plurality of two-dimensional kernels is generated based on processed pre-selected mask layout samples. The two-dimensional kernels each have a respective rotational symmetry. The two-dimensional kernels are applied to the edge of the non-Manhattan pattern to obtain a correction field for the non-Manhattan pattern. A thin mask model is applied to the non-Manhattan pattern. The thin mask model contains a binary modeling of the non-Manhattan pattern. A near field of the non-Manhattan pattern is determined by applying the correction field to the non-Manhattan pattern having the thin mask model applied thereon. An optical model is applied to the near field to obtain an aerial image on a wafer. A resist model is applied to the aerial image to obtain a final resist image on the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chien-Jen Lai, Xin Zhou, Danping Peng
  • Patent number: 11993510
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) structure including a composite spring. A first substrate underlies a second substrate. A third substrate overlies the second substrate. The first, second, and third substrates at least partially define a cavity. The second substrate comprises a moveable mass in the cavity and between the first and third substrates. The composite spring extends from a peripheral region of the second substrate to the moveable mass. The composite spring is configured to suspend the moveable mass in the cavity. The composite spring includes a first spring layer comprising a first crystal orientation, and a second spring layer comprising a second crystal orientation different than the first crystal orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuei-Sung Chang, Shang-Ying Tsai, Wei-Jhih Mao
  • Patent number: 11996308
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method. The method includes generating a first beam of radiation toward a first slot of a workpiece carrier. The first beam of radiation has a first beam area that is greater than or equal to an area of an opening of the first slot. The method further includes measuring a reflected portion of the first beam of radiation that is reflected toward, and impinges on, a radiation sensor. The method further includes determining if the first slot of the workpiece carrier is holding a workpiece based on the measured reflected portion of the first beam of radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Lee-Chuan Tseng
  • Patent number: 11993512
    Abstract: A micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) includes a circuit substrate, a first MEMS structure disposed over the circuit substrate, and a second MEMS structure disposed over the first MEMS structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yang-Che Chen, Victor Chiang Liang, Chen-Hua Lin, Chwen-Ming Liu, Huang-Wen Tseng, Yi-Chuan Teng
  • Patent number: 11996283
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for forming an integrated circuit (IC) structure. The method includes providing a metal gate (MG), an etch stop layer (ESL) formed on the MG, and a dielectric layer formed on the ESL. The method further includes etching the ESL and the dielectric layer to form a trench. A surface of the MG exposed in the trench is oxidized to form a first oxide layer on the MG. The method further includes removing the first oxide layer using a H3PO4 solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Shich-Chang Suen, Li-Chieh Wu, Chi-Jen Liu, He Hui Peng, Liang-Guang Chen, Yung-Chung Chen
  • Patent number: 11994713
    Abstract: An optical circuit includes one or more input waveguides, a plurality of output waveguides, and a reflector structure. At least a portion of the reflector structure forms an interface with the one or more input waveguides. The portion of the reflector structure has a smaller refractive index than the one or more input waveguides. An electrical circuit is electrically coupled to the optical circuit. The electrical circuit generates and sends different electrical signals to the reflector structure. In response to the reflector structure receiving the different electrical signals, a carrier concentration level at or near the interface or a temperature at or near the interface changes, such that incident radiation received from the one or more input waveguides is tunably reflected by the reflector structure into a targeted output waveguide of the plurality of output waveguides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Hao Chen, Hui Yu Lee, Jui-Feng Kuan, Chien-Te Wu
  • Patent number: 11994805
    Abstract: A method of operating a semiconductor apparatus includes generating an air flow that flows from a covering structure; causing a photomask to move over the covering structure such that particles attached to the photomask are blown away from the photomask by the air flow; and irradiating the photomask with light through a light transmission region of the covering structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shih-Ming Chang, Chiu-Hsiang Chen, Ru-Gun Liu
  • Patent number: 11994555
    Abstract: A probe card includes a circuit board, a fixing member, and a plurality of probes. The fixing member is fixed on the circuit board and has a through opening therein. The fixing member has opposite first and second sidewalls defining the through opening. Each of the probes includes an arm portion and a tip portion. One end of the arm portion is connected to the circuit board. The tip portion extends from the arm portion. The arm portions of the probes extend in substantially a same direction inclined to a direction perpendicular to the first sidewall of the fixing member in a top view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuan-Chun Wu, Chang-Chun Xu, Ni Shen
  • Patent number: 11994809
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an exhaust system for discharging from semiconductor manufacturing equipment a hazardous gas. The exhaust system includes: a main exhaust pipe positioned above the semiconductor manufacturing equipment and having a top surface and a bottom surface extending parallel to the top surface; a first branch pipe including an upstream end coupled to a source of a gas mixture and a downstream end connected to the main exhaust pipe through the top surface; a second branch pipe including an upstream end and a downstream end connected to the main exhaust pipe through the bottom surface; and a detector configured to detect presence of the hazardous gas in the second branch pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Fu Lin, Shih-Chang Shih, Chia-Chen Chen
  • Patent number: 11995390
    Abstract: A circuit includes a first transistor, a second type-one transistor, a first type-two transistor, a third type-one transistor, a fourth type-one transistor, and a fifth type-one transistor. The first type-one transistor has a gate configured to have a first supply voltage of a first power supply. The first type-two transistor has a gate configured to have a second supply voltage of the first power supply. The third type-one transistor has a first active-region conductively connected with an active-region of the first type-one transistor. Third type-one transistor has a second active-region and a gate conductively connected to each other. The fifth type-one transistor has a first active-region conductively connected with the gate of the third type-one transistor and has a second active-region configured to have a first supply voltage of a second power supply. The fifth type-one transistor is configured to be at a conducting state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chi-Yu Lu, Ting-Wei Chiang, Hui-Zhong Zhuang, Jerry Chang Jui Kao, Pin-Dai Sue, Jiun-Jia Huang, Yu-Ti Su, Wei-Hsiang Ma
  • Patent number: 11994717
    Abstract: A method includes: determining a first material and a second material of a photonic waveguide for propagating light, the photonic waveguide having a first section and a second section arranged in a first layer and a second layer, respectively, of the photonic waveguide; determining a spacing between the first layer and the second layer; determining a parameter set of a crosstalk reduction structure, according to the spacing, the first material and a wavelength of the light, to cause insertion losses of the first section and the second section to be lower than a predetermined threshold; and forming the first and second sections with the first and second materials, respectively, the first section having the crosstalk reduction structure overlapping the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Ming Yang Chung, Chewn-Pu Jou, Stefan Rusu, Cheng-Tse Tang
  • Patent number: 11993066
    Abstract: A lamination chuck for lamination of film materials includes a support layer and a top layer. The top layer is disposed on the support layer. The top layer includes a polymeric material having a Shore A hardness lower than a Shore hardness of a material of the support layer. The top layer and the support layer have at least one vacuum channel formed therethrough, vertically extending from a top surface of the top layer to a bottom surface of the support layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Jie Huang, Yu-Ching Lo, Ching-Pin Yuan, Wen-Chih Lin, Cheng-Yu Kuo, Yi-Yang Lei, Ching-Hua Hsieh