Patents by Inventor Cheng-Yuan Tsai

Cheng-Yuan Tsai 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: 20200006408
    Abstract: A system and method for forming pixels in an image sensor is provided. In an embodiment, a semiconductor device includes an image sensor including a first pixel region and a second pixel region in a substrate, the first pixel region being adjacent to the second pixel region. A first anti-reflection coating is over the first pixel region, the first anti-reflection coating reducing reflection for a first wavelength range of incident light. A second anti-reflection coating is over the second pixel region, the second anti-reflection coating reducing reflection for a second wavelength range of incident light that is different from the first wavelength range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: Yen-Chang Chu, Yeur-Luen Tu, Cheng-Yuan Tsai
  • Publication number: 20200006638
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a memory device. The memory device includes a magnetoresistive random-access memory (MRAM) cell disposed on a substrate, the MRAM cell comprises a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) disposed between a lower electrode and an upper electrode. A sidewall spacer arranged along opposite sidewalls of the MRAM cell. An upper interconnect wire directly contacting an upper surface of the upper electrode along an interface continuously extending from a first outer edge of the sidewall spacer to a second outer edge of the sidewall spacer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: Sheng-Chau Chen, Cheng-Tai Hsiao, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Hsun-Chung Kuang
  • Patent number: 10522647
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) which includes a heterojunction structure arranged over a semiconductor substrate. The heterojunction structure includes a first III/V semiconductor layer, and a second III/V semiconductor layer arranged over the first III/V semiconductor layer. Source and drain regions are arranged over the second III/V semiconductor layer and are spaced apart laterally from one another. A gate structure is arranged over the heterojunction structure and is arranged between the source and drain regions. The gate structure is made of a third III-nitride material. A first passivation layer is disposed about sidewalls of the gate structure and is made of a fourth III-nitride material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Han-Chin Chiu, Chi-Ming Chen, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Fu-Wei Yao
  • Patent number: 10522487
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor structure. The semiconductor structure comprises a semiconductive substrate and an interconnect structure over the semiconductive substrate. The semiconductor structure also comprises a bond pad in the semiconductive substrate and coupled to the metal layer. The bond pad comprises two conductive layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sheng-Chau Chen, Shih-Pei Chou, Ming-Che Lee, Kuo-Ming Wu, Cheng-Hsien Chou, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Yeur-Luen Tu
  • Patent number: 10522645
    Abstract: A method includes forming a first III-V compound layer over a substrate; forming a second III-V compound layer over the first III-V compound layer, wherein the first and second III-V compound layers include different materials; forming a first crystalline oxide layer over the second III-V compound layer; and forming a first crystalline interfacial layer over the first crystalline oxide layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Han-Chin Chiu, Cheng-Yuan Tsai
  • Patent number: 10510723
    Abstract: A structure includes first and second substrates, first and second stress buffer layers, and a post-passivation interconnect (PPI) structure. The first and second substrates include first and second semiconductor substrates and first and second interconnect structures on the first and second semiconductor substrates, respectively. The second interconnect structure is on a first side of the second semiconductor substrate. The first substrate is bonded to the second substrate at a bonding interface. A via extends at least through the second semiconductor substrate into the second interconnect structure. The first stress buffer layer is on a second side of the second semiconductor substrate opposite from the first side of the second semiconductor substrate. The PPI structure is on the first stress buffer layer and is electrically coupled to the via. The second stress buffer layer is on the PPI structure and the first stress buffer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen-Fa Lu, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Yeur-Luen Tu, Chia-Shiung Tsai
  • Publication number: 20190378806
    Abstract: A bump structure with a barrier layer, and a method for manufacturing the bump structure, are provided. In some embodiments, the bump structure comprises a conductive pad, a conductive bump, and a barrier layer. The conductive pad comprises a pad material. The conductive bump overlies the conductive pad, and comprises a lower bump layer and an upper bump layer covering the lower bump layer. The barrier layer is configured to block movement of the pad material from the conductive pad to the upper bump layer along sidewalls of the lower bump layer. In some embodiments, the barrier layer is a spacer lining the sidewalls of the lower bump layer. In other embodiments, the barrier layer is between the barrier layer and the conductive pad, and spaces the sidewalls of the lower bump layer from the conductive pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2019
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    Inventors: Yao-Wen Chang, Chern-Yow Hsu, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Kong-Beng Thei
  • Patent number: 10505107
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in some embodiments, relates to a resistive random access memory (RRAM) device. The RRAM device includes a lower electrode over a conductive interconnect, and an upper electrode over the lower electrode. A data storage structure is disposed between the lower electrode and the upper electrode. The data storage structure includes a plurality of metal oxide layers having one or more metals from a first group of metals. A concentration of the one or more metals from the first group of metals changes as a distance from the lower electrode increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hai-Dang Trinh, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Hsing-Lien Lin, Wen-Ting Chu
  • Publication number: 20190371999
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in some embodiments, relates to a resistive random access memory (RRAM) cell. The RRAM cell has a bottom electrode over a substrate. A data storage layer is over the bottom electrode and has a first thickness. A capping layer is over the data storage layer. The capping layer has a second thickness that is in a range of between approximately 1.9 and approximately 3 times thicker than the first thickness. A top electrode is over the capping layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Inventors: Trinh Hai Dang, Hsing-Lien Lin, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Chin-Chieh Yang, Yu-Wen Liao, Wen-Ting Chu, Chia-Shiung Tsai
  • Patent number: 10497773
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of forming a MIM (metal-insulator-metal) capacitor using a post capacitor bottom metal (CBM) treatment process to reduce a roughness of a top surface of a capacitor bottom metal layer, and an associated apparatus. In some embodiments, the method is performed by forming a capacitor bottom metal layer having a first metal material over a semiconductor substrate. A top surface of the capacitor bottom metal layer is exposed to one or more post CBM treatment agents having oxygen. The one or more post CBM treatment agents reduce a roughness of the top surface and form an interface layer having the first metal material and oxygen onto and in direct contact with the top surface of the capacitor bottom metal layer. A capacitor dielectric layer is formed over the interface layer and a capacitor top metal layer is formed over the capacitor dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yao-Wen Chang, Hsing-Lien Lin, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Chia-Shiung Tsai
  • Publication number: 20190284695
    Abstract: A film forming apparatus includes a reaction chamber, a pedestal disposed inside the reaction chamber and configured to support a substrate, and a gas shower head over the pedestal. The gas shower head includes a plurality of first holes and a plurality of second hole disposed between a circumference of the gas shower head and the first holes. The first holes are arranged to form a first pattern and configured to form a first portion of a material film on the substrate. The second holes are arranged to form a second pattern and configured to form a second portion of the material film on the substrate. A hole density of the second pattern is greater than a hole density of the second pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: CHIH-HUI HUANG, SHENG-CHAN LI, CHENG-HSIEN CHOU, CHENG-YUAN TSAI
  • Publication number: 20190273118
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor structure. The semiconductor structure includes a bottom electrode via (BEVA) in a dielectric layer, a recap layer on the BEVA, a bottom electrode on the recap layer, and a magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) layer over the recap layer and vertically aligning with the BEVA. The BEVA includes a lining layer over a bottom and a sidewall of a trench of the BEVA and a copper layer over the lining layer, filling the trench of the BEVA. The copper layer has a dimpled structure with a top surface lower than a top surface of the dielectric layer. The recap layer overlaps a top surface of the lining layer, an entire top surface of the copper layer, and a portion of the dielectric stack adjacent to the lining layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Inventors: HARRY-HAK-LAY CHUANG, KUEI-HUNG SHEN, HSUN-CHUNG KUANG, CHENG-YUAN TSAI, RU-LIANG LEE
  • Publication number: 20190259848
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and a fabrication method thereof are provided. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor structure, a dielectric layer, a metal-semiconductor compound film and a cover layer. The semiconductor structure has an upper surface and a lateral surface. The dielectric layer encloses the lateral surface of the semiconductor structure and exposes the upper surface of the semiconductor structure. The metal-semiconductor compound film is on the semiconductor structure, wherein the dielectric layer exposes a portion of a surface of the metal-semiconductor compound film. The cover layer encloses the portion of the surface of the metal-semiconductor compound film exposed by the dielectric layer, and exposes the dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: Chun-Han TSAO, Chi-Ming CHEN, Han-Yu CHEN, Szu-Yu WANG, Lan-Lin CHAO, Cheng-Yuan TSAI
  • Publication number: 20190259797
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in some embodiments, relates to an image sensor integrated chip. The image sensor integrated chip includes an image sensing element arranged within a substrate. One or more isolation structures are arranged within one or more trenches disposed on opposing sides of the image sensing element. The one or more isolation structures extend from a first surface of the substrate to within the substrate. The one or more isolation structures respectively include a reflective element configured to reflect electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: Sheng-Chan Li, Cheng-Hsien Chou, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Keng-Yu Chou, Yeur-Luen Tu
  • Patent number: 10388865
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in some embodiments, relates to a resistive random access memory (RRAM) cell. The RRAM cell has a bottom electrode disposed over a lower interconnect layer and a data storage layer having a first thickness over the bottom electrode. A capping layer is disposed over the data storage layer. The capping layer has a second thickness that is in a range of between approximately 2 and approximately 3 times thicker than the first thickness. A top electrode is disposed over the capping layer and an upper interconnect layer is disposed over the top electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Trinh Hai Dang, Hsing-Lien Lin, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Chin-Chieh Yang, Yu-Wen Liao, Wen-Ting Chu, Chia-Shiung Tsai
  • Publication number: 20190252317
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor structure having an ultra thick metal (UTM). The semiconductor structure includes a substrate, a metal layer over the substrate, and an UTM over the metal layer. An area density of the UTM is greater than 40% and a thickness of the UTM is equal to or greater than 6 micrometer. The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor structure having a UTM. The method includes patterning a dielectric layer with a plurality of trenches by a first mask, patterning a photoresist positioning on a mesa between adjacent trenches by a second mask, and selectively plating conductive materials in the plurality of trenches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: CHEN-FA LU, CHENG-YUAN TSAI, CHING-CHUNG HSU, CHUNG-LONG CHANG
  • Patent number: 10319768
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an image sensor integrated chip having a deep trench isolation (DTI) structure having a reflective element. In some embodiments, the image sensor integrated chip includes an image sensing element arranged within a substrate. A plurality of protrusions are arranged along a first side of the substrate over the image sensing element and one or more absorption enhancement layers are arranged over and between the plurality of protrusions. A plurality of DTI structures are arranged within trenches disposed on opposing sides of the image sensing element and extend from the first side of the substrate to within the substrate. The plurality of DTI structures respectively include a reflective element having one or more reflective regions configured to reflect electromagnetic radiation. By reflecting electromagnetic radiation using the reflective elements, cross-talk between adjacent pixel regions is reduced, thereby improving performance of the image sensor integrated chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sheng-Chan Li, Cheng-Hsien Chou, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Keng-Yu Chou, Yeur-Luen Tu
  • Publication number: 20190165266
    Abstract: A structure and formation method of a semiconductor device structure is provided. The method includes forming a lower electrode layer over a semiconductor substrate and forming a data storage layer over the lower electrode layer. The method also includes forming an ion diffusion barrier layer over the data storage layer and forming a capping layer over the ion diffusion barrier layer. The ion diffusion barrier layer is a metal material doped with nitrogen, carbon, or a combination thereof. The capping layer is made of a metal material. The method further includes forming an upper electrode layer over the capping layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2017
    Publication date: May 30, 2019
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hai-Dang TRINH, Hsing-Lien LIN, Cheng-Yuan TSAI
  • Patent number: 10304903
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor structure. The semiconductor structure includes a bottom electrode via (BEVA), a recap layer on the BEVA, and a magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) layer over the recap layer. The BEVA includes a lining layer over a bottom and a sidewall of a trench of the BEVA, and electroplated copper over the lining layer, filling the trench of the BEVA. The recap layer overlaps a top surface of the lining layer and a top surface of the electroplated copper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Harry-Hak-Lay Chuang, Kuei-Hung Shen, Hsun-Chung Kuang, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Ru-Liang Lee
  • Publication number: 20190157099
    Abstract: A memory cell with an etch stop layer is provided. The memory cell comprises a bottom electrode disposed over a substrate. A switching dielectric is disposed over the bottom electrode and having a variable resistance. A top electrode is disposed over the switching dielectric. A sidewall spacer layer extends upwardly along sidewalls of the bottom electrode, the switching dielectric, and the top electrode. A lower etch stop layer is disposed over the lower dielectric layer and lining an outer sidewall of the sidewall spacer layer. The lower etch stop layer is made of a material different from the sidewall spacer layer and protects the top electrode from damaging during manufacturing processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Sheng-Chau Chen, Cheng-Tai Hsiao, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Hsun-Chung Kuang, Yao-Wen Chang