Patents by Inventor Chen-Chin Liu

Chen-Chin Liu 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).

  • Publication number: 20240147718
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present application are directed towards an integrated circuit (IC). The integrated circuit includes a semiconductor substrate including a logic region and a memory cell region. A logic device is arranged on the logic region. A memory device is arranged on the memory cell region. An isolation structure extends into a top surface of the semiconductor substrate, and laterally separates the logic region from the memory cell region. The isolation structure includes dielectric material and has an uppermost surface and a slanted upper surface extending from the uppermost surface to an edge of the isolation structure proximate to memory cell region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2024
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Meng-Han Lin, Chih-Ren Hsieh, Chen-Chin Liu, Chih-Pin Huang
  • Patent number: 11895836
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present application are directed towards an integrated circuit (IC). The integrated circuit includes a semiconductor substrate having a peripheral region and a memory cell region separated by an isolation structure. The isolation structure extends into a top surface of the semiconductor substrate and comprises dielectric material. A logic device is arranged on the peripheral region. A memory device is arranged on the memory region. The memory device includes a gate electrode and a memory hardmask over the gate electrode. An anti-dishing structure is disposed on the isolation structure. An upper surface of the anti-dishing structure and an upper surface of the memory hardmask have equal heights as measured from the top surface of the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Meng-Han Lin, Chih-Ren Hsieh, Chen-Chin Liu, Chih-Pin Huang
  • Publication number: 20220359552
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a memory cell structure covered by a protective layer is formed in a memory cell area of a substrate. A mask pattern is formed. The mask pattern has an opening over a first circuit area, while the memory cell area and a second circuit area are covered by the mask pattern. The substrate in the first circuit area is recessed, while the memory cell area and the second circuit area are protected. A first field effect transistor (FET) having a first gate dielectric layer is formed in the first circuit area over the recessed substrate and a second FET having a second gate dielectric layer is formed in the second circuit area over the substrate as viewed in cross section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Chen-Chin LIU, Wei Cheng WU, Yi Hsien LU, Yu-Hsiung WANG, Juo-Li YANG
  • Patent number: 11430799
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a memory cell structure covered by a protective layer is formed in a memory cell area of a substrate. A mask pattern is formed. The mask pattern has an opening over a first circuit area, while the memory cell area and a second circuit area are covered by the mask pattern. The substrate in the first circuit area is recessed, while the memory cell area and the second circuit area are protected. A first field effect transistor (FET) having a first gate dielectric layer is formed in the first circuit area over the recessed substrate and a second FET having a second gate dielectric layer is formed in the second circuit area over the substrate as viewed in cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chen-Chin Liu, Wei Cheng Wu, Yi Hsien Lu, Yu-Hsiung Wang, Juo-Li Yang
  • Patent number: 11264292
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed to an integrated circuit (IC) comprising a floating gate test device with a cell-like top layout, as well as a method for forming the IC. In some embodiments, the IC comprises a semiconductor substrate and the floating gate test device. The floating gate test device is on the semiconductor substrate, and comprises a floating gate electrode and a control gate electrode overlying the floating gate electrode. The floating gate electrode and the control gate electrode partially define an array of islands, and further partially define a plurality of bridges interconnecting the islands. The islands and the bridges define the cell-like top layout and may, for example, prevent process-induced damage to the floating gate test device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Meng-Han Lin, Chih-Ren Hsieh, Ya-Chen Kao, Chen-Chin Liu, Chih-Pin Huang
  • Patent number: 11195834
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes first and second voltage device regions and a deep well common to the first and second voltage device regions. An operation voltage of electronic devices in the second voltage device region is higher than that of electronic devices in the first voltage device region. The deep well has a first conductivity type. The first voltage device region includes a first well having the second conductivity type and a second well having the first conductivity type. The second voltage region includes a third well having a second conductivity type and a fourth well having the first conductivity type. A second deep well having the second conductivity type is formed below the fourth well. The first, second and third wells are in contact with the first deep well, and the fourth well is separated by the second deep well from the first deep well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Meng-Han Lin, Chih-Ren Hsieh, Chen-Chin Liu
  • Patent number: 11088040
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed to an integrated circuit (IC) comprising a floating gate test device with a cell-like top layout, as well as a method for forming the IC. In some embodiments, the IC comprises a semiconductor substrate and the floating gate test device. The floating gate test device is on the semiconductor substrate, and comprises a floating gate electrode and a control gate electrode overlying the floating gate electrode. The floating gate electrode and the control gate electrode partially define an array of islands, and further partially define a plurality of bridges interconnecting the islands. The islands and the bridges define the cell-like top layout and may, for example, prevent process-induced damage to the floating gate test device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Meng-Han Lin, Chih-Ren Hsieh, Ya-Chen Kao, Chen-Chin Liu, Chih-Pin Huang
  • Patent number: 11031294
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, an isolation region is formed in a substrate, such that the isolation region surrounds an active region of the substrate in plan view. A first dielectric layer is formed over the active region. A mask layer is formed on a gate region of the first dielectric layer. The gate region includes a region where a gate electrode is to be formed. The mask layer covers the gate region, but does not entirely cover the first dielectric layer. The first dielectric layer not covered by the mask layer is removed such that a source-drain region of the active region is exposed. After that, the mask layer is removed. A second dielectric layer is formed so that a gate dielectric layer is formed. The gate electrode is formed over the gate dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Meng-Han Lin, Chih-Ren Hsieh, Chen-Chin Liu
  • Publication number: 20200411534
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present application are directed towards an integrated circuit (IC). The integrated circuit includes a semiconductor substrate having a peripheral region and a memory cell region separated by an isolation structure. The isolation structure extends into a top surface of the semiconductor substrate and comprises dielectric material. A logic device is arranged on the peripheral region. A memory device is arranged on the memory region. The memory device includes a gate electrode and a memory hardmask over the gate electrode. An anti-dishing structure is disposed on the isolation structure. An upper surface of the anti-dishing structure and an upper surface of the memory hardmask have equal heights as measured from the top surface of the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Meng-Han Lin, Chih-Ren Hsieh, Chen-Chin Liu, Chih-Pin Huang
  • Publication number: 20200373317
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a memory cell structure covered by a protective layer is formed in a memory cell area of a substrate. A mask pattern is formed. The mask pattern has an opening over a first circuit area, while the memory cell area and a second circuit area are covered by the mask pattern. The substrate in the first circuit area is recessed, while the memory cell area and the second circuit area are protected. A first field effect transistor (FET) having a first gate dielectric layer is formed in the first circuit area over the recessed substrate and a second FET having a second gate dielectric layer is formed in the second circuit area over the substrate as viewed in cross section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Inventors: Chen-Chin LIU, Wei Cheng WU, Yi Hsien LU, Yu-Hsiung WANG, Juo-Li YANG
  • Patent number: 10804281
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present application are directed towards an integrated circuit (IC). The integrated circuit includes a semiconductor substrate having a peripheral region and a memory cell region separated by an isolation structure. The isolation structure extends into a top surface of the semiconductor substrate and comprises dielectric material. A logic device is arranged on the peripheral region. A memory device is arranged on the memory region. The memory device includes a gate electrode and a memory hardmask over the gate electrode. An anti-dishing structure is disposed on the isolation structure. An upper surface of the anti-dishing structure and an upper surface of the memory hardmask have equal heights as measured from the top surface of the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Meng-Han Lin, Chih-Ren Hsieh, Chen-Chin Liu, Chih-Pin Huang
  • Publication number: 20200266196
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes first and second voltage device regions and a deep well common to the first and second voltage device regions. An operation voltage of electronic devices in the second voltage device region is higher than that of electronic devices in the first voltage device region. The deep well has a first conductivity type. The first voltage device region includes a first well having the second conductivity type and a second well having the first conductivity type. The second voltage region includes a third well having a second conductivity type and a fourth well having the first conductivity type. A second deep well having the second conductivity type is formed below the fourth well. The first, second and third wells are in contact with the first deep well, and the fourth well is separated by the second deep well from the first deep well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventors: Meng-Han LIN, Chih-Ren HSIEH, Chen-Chin LIU
  • Patent number: 10741569
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a memory cell structure covered by a protective layer is formed in a memory cell area of a substrate. A mask pattern is formed. The mask pattern has an opening over a first circuit area, while the memory cell area and a second circuit area are covered by the mask pattern. The substrate in the first circuit area is recessed, while the memory cell area and the second circuit area are protected. A first field effect transistor (FET) having a first gate dielectric layer is formed in the first circuit area over the recessed substrate and a second FET having a second gate dielectric layer is formed in the second circuit area over the substrate as viewed in cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chen-Chin Liu, Wei Cheng Wu, Yi Hsien Lu, Yu-Hsiung Wang, Juo-Li Yang
  • Patent number: 10672778
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a memory cell structure covered by a protective layer is formed in a memory cell area of a substrate. A mask pattern is formed. The mask pattern has an opening over a first circuit area, while the memory cell area and a second circuit area are covered by the mask pattern. The substrate in the first circuit area is recessed, while the memory cell area and the second circuit area are protected. A first field effect transistor (FET) having a first gate dielectric layer is formed in the first circuit area over the recessed substrate and a second FET having a second gate dielectric layer is formed in the second circuit area over the substrate as viewed in cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chen-Chin Liu, Wei Cheng Wu, Yi Hsien Lu, Yu-Hsiung Wang, Juo-Li Yang
  • Patent number: 10644000
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes first and second voltage device regions and a deep well common to the first and second voltage device regions. An operation voltage of electronic devices in the second voltage device region is higher than that of electronic devices in the first voltage device region. The deep well has a first conductivity type. The first voltage device region includes a first well having the second conductivity type and a second well having the first conductivity type. The second voltage region includes a third well having a second conductivity type and a fourth well having the first conductivity type. A second deep well having the second conductivity type is formed below the fourth well. The first, second and third wells are in contact with the first deep well, and the fourth well is separated by the second deep well from the first deep well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Meng-Han Lin, Chih-Ren Hsieh, Chen-Chin Liu
  • Publication number: 20200105777
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present application are directed towards an integrated circuit (IC). The integrated circuit includes a semiconductor substrate having a peripheral region and a memory cell region separated by an isolation structure. The isolation structure extends into a top surface of the semiconductor substrate and comprises dielectric material. A logic device is arranged on the peripheral region. A memory device is arranged on the memory region. The memory device includes a gate electrode and a memory hardmask over the gate electrode. An anti-dishing structure is disposed on the isolation structure. An upper surface of the anti-dishing structure and an upper surface of the memory hardmask have equal heights as measured from the top surface of the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Meng-Han Lin, Chih-Ren Hsieh, Chen-Chin Liu, Chih-Pin Huang
  • Publication number: 20200083126
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed to an integrated circuit (IC) comprising a floating gate test device with a cell-like top layout, as well as a method for forming the IC. In some embodiments, the IC comprises a semiconductor substrate and the floating gate test device. The floating gate test device is on the semiconductor substrate, and comprises a floating gate electrode and a control gate electrode overlying the floating gate electrode. The floating gate electrode and the control gate electrode partially define an array of islands, and further partially define a plurality of bridges interconnecting the islands. The islands and the bridges define the cell-like top layout and may, for example, prevent process-induced damage to the floating gate test device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Meng-Han Lin, Chih-Ren Hsieh, Ya-Chen Kao, Chen-Chin Liu, Chih-Pin Huang
  • Publication number: 20200027889
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a memory cell structure covered by a protective layer is formed in a memory cell area of a substrate. A mask pattern is formed. The mask pattern has an opening over a first circuit area, while the memory cell area and a second circuit area are covered by the mask pattern. The substrate in the first circuit area is recessed, while the memory cell area and the second circuit area are protected. A first field effect transistor (FET) having a first gate dielectric layer is formed in the first circuit area over the recessed substrate and a second FET having a second gate dielectric layer is formed in the second circuit area over the substrate as viewed in cross section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Inventors: Chen-Chin LIU, Wei Cheng WU, Yi Hsien LU, Yu-Hsiung WANG, Juo-Li YANG
  • Publication number: 20200020601
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed to an integrated circuit (IC) comprising a floating gate test device with a cell-like top layout, as well as a method for forming the IC. In some embodiments, the IC comprises a semiconductor substrate and the floating gate test device. The floating gate test device is on the semiconductor substrate, and comprises a floating gate electrode and a control gate electrode overlying the floating gate electrode. The floating gate electrode and the control gate electrode partially define an array of islands, and further partially define a plurality of bridges interconnecting the islands. The islands and the bridges define the cell-like top layout and may, for example, prevent process-induced damage to the floating gate test device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2019
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Inventors: Meng-Han Lin, Chih-Ren Hsieh, Ya-Chen Kao, Chen-Chin Liu, Chih-Pin Huang
  • Patent number: 10535574
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed to an integrated circuit (IC) comprising a floating gate test device with a cell-like top layout, as well as a method for forming the IC. In some embodiments, the IC comprises a semiconductor substrate and the floating gate test device. The floating gate test device is on the semiconductor substrate, and comprises a floating gate electrode and a control gate electrode overlying the floating gate electrode. The floating gate electrode and the control gate electrode partially define an array of islands, and further partially define a plurality of bridges interconnecting the islands. The islands and the bridges define the cell-like top layout and may, for example, prevent process-induced damage to the floating gate test device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Meng-Han Lin, Chih-Ren Hsieh, Ya-Chen Kao, Chen-Chin Liu, Chih-Pin Huang