Patents by Inventor Chi-Ming Tsai

Chi-Ming 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: 20180284595
    Abstract: A mask includes a transparent substrate, a first pattern, a second pattern, and a sub-resolution auxiliary feature. The first pattern and the second pattern are over the transparent substrate. The first pattern has an area of 0.16 ?m2 to 60000 ?m2. The second pattern has an area of 0.16 ?m2 to 60000 ?m2. The sub-resolution auxiliary feature is over the transparent substrate and connects the first pattern and the second pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ching-Hung Lai, Chih-Chung Huang, Chih-Chiang Tu, Chung-Hung Lin, Chi-Ming Tsai, Ming-Ho Tsai
  • Patent number: 10062645
    Abstract: An interconnect and a method of forming an interconnect for a semiconductor device is provided. The interconnect is formed by treating an upper surface of a dielectric layer to create a high density layer. The treatment may include, for example, creating a high density monolayer using hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS), trimethylsilydiethylamine (TMSDEA) or trimethylsilylacetate (OTMSA). After treating, the dielectric layer may be patterned to create openings, which are subsequently filled with a conductive material. Excess conductive material may be removed using, for example, a chemical mechanical polishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Han-Hsin Kuo, Chung-Chi Ko, Neng-Jye Yang, Fu-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Tsai, Liang-Guang Chen
  • Patent number: 10025175
    Abstract: A system and method that includes receiving a layout of an integrated circuit (IC) device. A template library is provided having a plurality of parameterized shape elements. A curvilinear feature of layout is classified by selecting at least one of the parameterized shape elements that defines the curvilinear feature. A template index is associated with the layout is formed that includes the selected parameterized shape element. The template index and the layout can be delivered to a mask writer, which uses the template index and the layout to fabricate a pattern on a photomask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Ming Tsai, Chih-Chiang Tu, Wen-Hao Cheng, Ru-Gun Liu, Shuo-Yen Chou
  • Publication number: 20180004079
    Abstract: A method, of seeding an optical proximity correction (OPC) process, includes: receiving, at an input device of a computer, a subject pre-OPC design-signature for a subject pre-OPC design package; selecting, by the processor and via interaction with an OPC database operatively connected to the computer, one amongst archived post-OPC design packages based on relatedness between the subject pre-OPC design-signature and archived post-OPC design-signatures corresponding to the archived post-OPC design packages, and thereby retrieving the selected archived post-OPC design packages; and generating one or more seeds for the OPC process based on the selected archived post-OPC design package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Yin-Chuan CHEN, Chi-Ming TSAI, Shin-Huang CHEN
  • Publication number: 20170278785
    Abstract: An interconnect and a method of forming an interconnect for a semiconductor device is provided. The interconnect is formed by treating an upper surface of a dielectric layer to create a high density layer. The treatment may include, for example, creating a high density monolayer using hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS), trimethylsilydiethylamine (TMSDEA) or trimethylsilylacetate (OTMSA). After treating, the dielectric layer may be patterned to create openings, which are subsequently filled with a conductive material. Excess conductive material may be removed using, for example, a chemical mechanical polishing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: Han-Hsin Kuo, Chung-Chi Ko, Neng-Jye Yang, Fu-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Tsai, Liang-Guang Chen
  • Patent number: 9723915
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a brush includes inducing a static charge on a surface of a first plate, wherein the first plate comprises at least one of silicon nitride (SixNy) or silicon oxide (SiaOb), wherein a, b, x and y are integers. The method further includes rotating the brush in contact with the surface of the first plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Fu-Ming Huang, Liang-Guang Chen, Han-Hsin Kuo, Chi-Ming Tsai, He Hui Peng
  • Publication number: 20170194217
    Abstract: A method includes performing Chemical Mechanical Polish (CMP) on a wafer, placing the wafer on a chuck, performing a post-CMP cleaning on the wafer, and determining cleanness of the wafer when the wafer is located on the chuck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Yu-Ting Yen, Chi-Ming Tsai, Hui-Chi Huang
  • Patent number: 9679848
    Abstract: An interconnect and a method of forming an interconnect for a semiconductor device is provided. The interconnect is formed by treating an upper surface of a dielectric layer to create a high density layer. The treatment may include, for example, creating a high density monolayer using hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS), trimethylsilydiethylamine (TMSDEA) or trimethylsilylacetate (OTMSA). After treating, the dielectric layer may be patterned to create openings, which are subsequently filled with a conductive material. Excess conductive material may be removed using, for example, a chemical mechanical polishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Han-Hsin Kuo, Chung-Chi Ko, Neng-Jye Yang, Fu-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Tsai, Liang-Guang Chen
  • Patent number: 9630295
    Abstract: Embodiments of mechanisms for performing a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process are provided. A method for performing a CMP process includes polishing a wafer by using a polishing pad. The method also includes applying a cleaning liquid jet on the polishing pad to condition the polishing pad. A CMP system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: He-Hui Peng, Fu-Ming Huang, Shich-Chang Suen, Han-Hsin Kuo, Chi-Ming Tsai, Liang-Guang Chen
  • Publication number: 20170018496
    Abstract: An interconnect and a method of forming an interconnect for a semiconductor device is provided. The interconnect is formed by treating an upper surface of a dielectric layer to create a high density layer. The treatment may include, for example, creating a high density monolayer using hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS), trimethylsilydiethylamine (TMSDEA) or trimethylsilylacetate (OTMSA). After treating, the dielectric layer may be patterned to create openings, which are subsequently filled with a conductive material. Excess conductive material may be removed using, for example, a chemical mechanical polishing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Han-Hsin Kuo, Chung-Chi Ko, Neng-Jye Yang, Fu-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Tsai, Liang-Guang Chen
  • Publication number: 20160325175
    Abstract: A prize suspending device of a crane game includes a seat including a channel and an opening at a first end of the channel; a crossbar pivotably secured to the seat, the crossbar including a recess; and a trigger pivotably disposed in the seat, the trigger including a hook complimentarily engaging the recess. The crossbar is configured to block the opening in an inoperative position or unblock the opening in response to a force exerted upon a top end of the trigger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventors: Chi-Ming Tsai, I-Chiang Yang
  • Patent number: 9460997
    Abstract: An interconnect and a method of forming an interconnect for a semiconductor device is provided. The interconnect is formed by treating an upper surface of a dielectric layer to create a high density layer. The treatment may include, for example, creating a high density monolayer using hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS), trimethylsilydiethylamine (TMSDEA) or trimethylsilylacetate (OTMSA). After treating, the dielectric layer may be patterned to create openings, which are subsequently filled with a conductive material. Excess conductive material may be removed using, for example, a chemical mechanical polishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Han-Hsin Kuo, Chung-Chi Ko, Neng-Jye Yang, Fu-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Tsai, Liang-Guang Chen
  • Patent number: 9367661
    Abstract: A method of preparing mask data, the method begins with performing a logic operation to a design layout, and an optical proximity correction (OPC) is performed to the design layout to form an OPC feature. The OPC feature has a first jog and a second jog on a line, and the first jog is larger than the second jog in width. The OPC feature is resized to form a resized first jog and a resized second jog on the line if a width ratio of the first jog to the second jog being smaller than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jia-Guei Jou, Yi-Chiuan Luo, Chih-Chung Huang, Chi-Ming Tsai, Chih-Chiang Tu
  • Publication number: 20160132627
    Abstract: A system and method that includes receiving a layout of an integrated circuit (IC) device. A template library is provided having a plurality of parameterized shape elements. A curvilinear feature of layout is classified by selecting at least one of the parameterized shape elements that defines the curvilinear feature. A template index is associated with the layout is formed that includes the selected parameterized shape element. The template index and the layout can be delivered to a mask writer, which uses the template index and the layout to fabricate a pattern on a photomask.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Chi-Ming Tsai, Chih-Chiang Tu, Wen-Hao Cheng, Ru-Gun Liu, Shuo-Yen Chou
  • Patent number: 9305880
    Abstract: A semiconductor substructure with improved performance and a method of forming the same is described. The method includes providing a semiconductor dielectric layer having a recess formed therein; forming an interconnect structure with a metal liner and a conductive fill within the recess; and applying an electron beam treatment to the substructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fu-Ming Huang, Han-Hsin Kuo, Chi-Ming Tsai, Liang-Guang Chen
  • Publication number: 20160070843
    Abstract: A method of preparing mask data, the method begins with performing a logic operation to a design layout, and an optical proximity correction (OPC) is performed to the design layout to form an OPC feature. The OPC feature has a first jog and a second jog on a line, and the first jog is larger than the second jog in width. The OPC feature is resized to form a resized first jog and a resized second jog on the line if a width ratio of the first jog to the second jog being smaller than a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Jia-Guei JOU, Yi-Chiuan Luo, Chih-Chung Huang, Chi-Ming Tsai, Chih-Chiang Tu
  • Patent number: 9252060
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a substrate and an interconnect structure disposed over the substrate. The interconnect structure includes a plurality of interconnect layers. One of the interconnect layers contains: a plurality of metal via slots and a bulk metal component disposed over the plurality of metal via slots. The present disclosure also provides a method. The method includes providing a wafer, and forming a first layer over the wafer. The method includes forming an interconnect structure over the first layer. The forming the interconnect structure includes forming a second interconnect layer over the first layer, and forming a third interconnect layer over the second interconnect layer. The second interconnect layer is formed to contain a plurality of metal via slots and a bulk metal component formed over the plurality of metal via slots. The third interconnect layer contains one or more metal trenches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Ming Tsai, Liang-Guang Chen, Han-Hsin Kuo, Fu-Ming Huang, Hao-Jen Liao, Ming-Chung Liang
  • Publication number: 20150335146
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a brush includes inducing a static charge on a surface of a first plate, wherein the first plate comprises at least one of silicon nitride (SixNy) or silicon oxide (SiaOb), wherein a, b, x and y are integers. The method further includes rotating the brush in contact with the surface of the first plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Fu-Ming HUANG, Liang-Guang CHEN, Han-Hsin KUO, Chi-Ming TSAI, He Hui PENG
  • Patent number: 9119464
    Abstract: A brush cleaning system comprising: a plate comprising at least one of silicon nitride (SixNy) or silicon oxide (SiaOb), wherein the plate has a static charge on a surface thereof; and a machine configured to rotate a brush in contact with the static charged surface of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Fu-Ming Huang, Liang-Guang Chen, Han-Hsin Kuo, Chi-Ming Tsai, He Hui Peng
  • Patent number: D805134
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Feiloli Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Ming Tsai, I-Chiang Yang