Patents by Inventor Chih-Yu Lin

Chih-Yu Lin 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).

  • Patent number: 11074966
    Abstract: A memory cell includes a write port and a read port. The write port includes two cross-coupled inverters that form a storage unit. The cross-coupled inverters are connected between a first power source signal line and a second power source signal line. The write port also includes a first local interconnect line in an interconnect layer that is connected to the second power source signal line. The read port includes a transistor that is connected to the storage unit in the write port and to the second power source signal line, and a second local interconnect line in the interconnect layer that is connected to the second power source signal line. The second local interconnect line in the read port is separate from the first local interconnect line in the write port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Inventors: Hidehiro Fujiwara, Hsien-Yu Pan, Chih-Yu Lin, Yen-Huei Chen, Wei-Chang Zhao
  • Publication number: 20210217742
    Abstract: A memory array includes a first memory cell configured to store data, a second memory cell configured to store data and a bit line extending along the first direction, and being over the first memory cell and the second memory cell. The first memory cell and the second memory cell are arranged along a first direction in a first column of memory cells. The bit line includes a first conductor extending in the first direction and being in a first conductive layer, and a second conductor extending in the first direction and being in a second conductive layer different from the first conductive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Hidehiro FUJIWARA, Sahil Preet SINGH, Chih-Yu LIN, Hsien-Yu PAN, Yen-Huei CHEN, Hung-Jen LIAO
  • Patent number: 11062739
    Abstract: A semiconductor chip is provided. The semiconductor chip includes a memory cell and a logic cell disposed aside the memory cell, and includes signal and ground lines with the memory and logic cells located therebetween. The memory cell includes first and second active structures extending along a first direction, and includes a storage transmission gate line, first through third gate lines and a read transmission gate line extending along a second direction. The storage transmission gate line includes first and second line segments, which respectively extends across the active structures. The first through third gate lines continuously extend across the first and second active structures. The read transmission gate line includes third and fourth line segments, which respectively extend across the active structures. The first through third gate lines are located between the storage and read transmission gate lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidehiro Fujiwara, Hsien-Yu Pan, Chih-Yu Lin, Yen-Huei Chen, Wei-Chang Zhao
  • Publication number: 20210201990
    Abstract: A memory device is provided. The memory device includes a memory cell and a bit line connected to the memory cell. A negative voltage generator is connected to the bit line. The negative voltage generator, when enabled, is operative to provide a first write path for the bit line. A control circuit is connected to the negative voltage generator and the bit line. The control circuit is operative to provide a second write path for the bit line when the negative voltage generator is not enabled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventors: Yi-Hsin Nien, Hidehiro Fujiwara, Chih-Yu Lin, Yen-Huei Chen
  • Publication number: 20210201999
    Abstract: A cell structure is disclosed. The cell structure includes a first unit comprising a first group of transistors and a first data latch, a second unit comprising a second group of transistors and a second data latch a read port unit comprising a plurality of p-type transistors, a search line and a complementary search line, the search line and the complementary search line function as input of the cell structure, and a master line, the master line functions as an output of the cell structure, the first unit is coupled to the second unit, both the first and the second units are coupled to the read port unit. According to some embodiments, the first data latch comprises a first and a second p-type transistors, a first and a second n-type transistors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventors: Hidehiro Fujiwara, Hung-Jen Liao, Hsien-Yu Pan, Chih-Yu Lin, Yen-Huei Chen, Chien-Chen Lin
  • Patent number: 11024633
    Abstract: A device is disclosed that includes a memory bit cell coupled to a bit line, a word line, a pair of metal islands and a pair of connection metal lines. The word line is electrically coupled to the memory bit cell and is elongated in a first direction. The pair of metal islands are disposed at opposite sides of the word line and are electrically coupled to a power supply. The pair of connection metal lines are elongated in a second direction, and are configured to electrically couple the pair of metal islands to the memory bit cell, respectively. The pair of connection metal lines are separated from the bit line in a layout view. A method of fabricating the device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hidehiro Fujiwara, Wei-Min Chan, Chih-Yu Lin, Yen-Huei Chen, Hung-Jen Liao
  • Patent number: 11018142
    Abstract: A memory cell includes a first and second pull up transistor, a first and second pass gate transistor and a metal contact. The first pull up transistor has a first active region extending in a first direction. The first pass gate transistor has a second active region extending in the first direction, and being separated from the first active region in a second direction. The second active region is adjacent to the first active region. The second pass gate transistor is coupled to the second pull up transistor. The metal contact extends in the second direction, and extends from the first active region to the second active region. The metal contact couples drains of the first pull up transistor and the first pass gate transistor. The first and second pass gate transistors and the first and second pull up transistors are part of a four transistor memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hidehiro Fujiwara, Hung-Jen Liao, Hsien-Yu Pan, Chih-Yu Lin, Yen-Huei Chen, Yasutoshi Okuno
  • Publication number: 20210103529
    Abstract: A method for performing adaptive locking range management, an associated data storage device and a controller thereof are provided. The method may include: receiving a security command from outside of the data storage device, wherein the security command is related to changing an old locking range into a new locking range; obtaining a start Logical Block Address (LBA) and a length value of the new locking range according to the security command; determining whether the start LBA of the new locking range is less than an end LBA of the old locking range, and determining whether an end LBA of the new locking range is greater than a start LBA of the old locking range; and in response to both determination results being true, performing data trimming on any respective non-overlapped portions of the new locking range and the old locking range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Inventors: Chih-Yu Lin, Hung-Ting Pan, Sung-Ling Hsu
  • Publication number: 20210103377
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a proximity sensor and a proximity sensing method. The proximity sensor includes a sensing element and a sensing circuit. The sensing circuit is coupled to the sensing element and transmits a first driving signal and a second signal to the sensing element, respectively. The sensing element receives the first driving signal and the second driving signal, respectively, and generates a first sensing signal and a second sensing signal, respectively. The sensing circuit generates a proximity signal according to the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal. Therefore, the present invention may improve the accuracy of sensing the proximity of the human body whether near to the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Inventor: CHIH-YU LIN
  • Publication number: 20210098054
    Abstract: A memory macro system may be provided. The memory macro system may comprise a first segment, a second segment, a first WL, and a second WL. The first segment may comprise a first plurality of memory cells. The second segment may comprise a second plurality of memory cells. The first segment may be positioned over the second segment. The first WL may correspond to the first segment and the second WL may correspond to the second segment. The first WL and the second WL may be configured to be activated in one cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: Hidehiro Fujiwara, Hsien-Yu Pan, Chih-Yu Lin, Yen-Huei Chen, Wei-Chang Zhao
  • Patent number: 10964389
    Abstract: A cell structure is disclosed. The cell structure includes a first unit comprising a first group of transistors and a first data latch, a second unit comprising a second group of transistors and a second data latch a read port unit comprising a plurality of p-type transistors, a search line and a complementary search line, the search line and the complementary search line function as input of the cell structure, and a master line, the master line functions as an output of the cell structure, the first unit is coupled to the second unit, both the first and the second units are coupled to the read port unit. According to some embodiments, the first data latch comprises a first and a second p-type transistors, a first and a second n-type transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidehiro Fujiwara, Hung-Jen Liao, Hsien-Yu Pan, Chih-Yu Lin, Yen-Huei Chen, Chien-Chen Lin
  • Patent number: 10964683
    Abstract: A memory array includes a column of cells arranged along a first direction and a bit line extending along the first direction over the column of cells. The column of cells includes a set of memory cells and a set of strap cells. The bit line includes a first conductor in a second conductor. The first conductor extends in the first direction and is in a first conductive layer. The second conductor extends in the first direction and is in a second conductive layer different from the first conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hidehiro Fujiwara, Hung-Jen Liao, Hsien-Yu Pan, Chih-Yu Lin, Yen-Huei Chen, Sahil Preet Singh
  • Patent number: 10950298
    Abstract: A static random access memory (SRAM) device includes a first memory array including a plurality of memory cells, each memory cell including a first pass gate transistor with a first threshold voltage connected to a bit line. The SRAM device further includes a second memory array including a plurality of memory cells, each memory cell including a second pass gate transistor with a second threshold voltage connected to the bit line. The SRAM device further includes a peripheral input-output circuit connected to the bit line. The SRAM device still further includes a column of write current tracking cells, each tracking cell disposed within a row of the first memory array and the second memory array, wherein the first memory array is between the peripheral input-output circuit and the second memory array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Inventors: Wei-Chang Zhao, Hidehiro Fujiwara, Chih-Yu Lin
  • Patent number: 10943667
    Abstract: A memory device is provided. The memory device includes a shift register array having a plurality of shift registers arranged in a matrix of a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. Each of the plurality of rows comprises a first plurality of shift registers and each of the plurality of columns comprises a second plurality of shift registers. Each of the plurality of rows are associated with a read word line and a write word lines. Each of the plurality of rows are associated with a data input line and a data output line. Each of the plurality of shift arrays comprises a static random access memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hidehiro Fujiwara, Hsien-Yu Pan, Chih-Yu Lin, Yen-Huei Chen, Hiroki Noguchi, Wei-Chang Zhao
  • Publication number: 20210064153
    Abstract: An active stylus includes a stylus body and a touch sensor. The stylus body includes a first electrode and a pen body. The first electrode is used to send a signal. The pen body extends along a first direction. The touch sensor is provided on or in the pen body and includes a plurality of column electrodes extending along the first direction. There is a first gap between two adjacent column electrodes. Each column electrode has a first sensing electrode and a second sensing electrode. A first end of the first sensing electrode in the first direction has a recess to define a recess area. A second end of the second sensing electrode in the first direction has a projection extending into the recess area. There is a second gap between the projection and the recess. The second gap is smaller than the first gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: I-Hau YEH, HSIAN-HONG WEI, CHIH-YU LIN
  • Patent number: 10892008
    Abstract: A memory macro system may be provided. The memory macro system may comprise a first segment, a second segment, a first WL, and a second WL. The first segment may comprise a first plurality of memory cells. The second segment may comprise a second plurality of memory cells. The first segment may be positioned over the second segment. The first WL may correspond to the first segment and the second WL may correspond to the second segment. The first WL and the second WL may be configured to be activated in one cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hidehiro Fujiwara, Hsien-Yu Pan, Chih-Yu Lin, Yen-Huei Chen, Wei-Chang Zhao
  • Patent number: 10884527
    Abstract: A touch display device includes a display area and a non-display area and further includes a touch electrode layer; wherein a plurality of sensing electrodes is configured in the electrode layer; wherein each sensing electrode extends from the display area to the non-display area and is coupled to a driver chip via a connection structure; wherein the connection structure locates in the non-display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Sitronix Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Chih-Yu Lin, Tsun-Sen Lin
  • Patent number: 10884954
    Abstract: A method for performing adaptive locking range management, an associated data storage device and a controller thereof are provided. The method may include: receiving a security command from outside of the data storage device, wherein the security command is related to changing an old locking range into a new locking range; obtaining a start Logical Block Address (LBA) and a length value of the new locking range according to the security command; determining whether the start LBA of the new locking range is less than an end LBA of the old locking range, and determining whether an end LBA of the new locking range is greater than a start LBA of the old locking range; and in response to both determination results being true, performing data trimming on any respective non-overlapped portions of the new locking range and the old locking range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Silicon Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Chih-Yu Lin, Hung-Ting Pan, Sung-Ling Hsu
  • Publication number: 20200411084
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes embodiments of a write assist circuit. The 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: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidehiro FUJIWARA, Chih-Yu LIN, Sahil Preet SINGH, Hsien-Yu PAN, Yen-Huei CHEN, Hung-Jen LIAO
  • Publication number: 20200411063
    Abstract: A semiconductor chip is provided. The semiconductor chip includes a memory cell and a logic cell disposed aside the memory cell, and includes signal and ground lines with the memory and logic cells located therebetween. The memory cell includes first and second active structures extending along a first direction, and includes a storage transmission gate line, first through third gate lines and a read transmission gate line extending along a second direction. The storage transmission gate line includes first and second line segments, which respectively extends across the active structures. The first through third gate lines continuously extend across the first and second active structures. The read transmission gate line includes third and fourth line segments, which respectively extend across the active structures. The first through third gate lines are located between the storage and read transmission gate lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidehiro Fujiwara, Hsien-Yu Pan, Chih-Yu Lin, Yen-Huei Chen, Wei-Chang Zhao