Patents by Inventor Chii-Ping Chen

Chii-Ping Chen 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: 12660582
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of forming an interconnect structure. The method includes forming a metal layer over a substrate, the metal layer including a first metal; forming a capping layer on the metal layer; patterning the capping layer and the metal layer, thereby forming trenches in the metal layer; depositing a first dielectric layer in the trenches; removing the capping layer, resulting in the first dielectric layer protruding from a top surface of the metal layer; depositing a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer and the metal layer; forming an opening in the second dielectric layer, thereby partially exposing the top surface of the metal layer; and forming a conductive feature in the opening and in electrical coupling with the metal layer, the conductive feature including a second metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2026
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Cai-Ling Wu, Hsiu-Wen Hsueh, Chii-Ping Chen, Po-Hsiang Huang, Chi-Feng Lin, Neng-Jye Yang
  • Publication number: 20260136931
    Abstract: A method includes forming a transistor over a substrate; forming a front-side interconnect structure over the transistor, wherein the front-side interconnect structure comprises a high resistance (HiR) resistor, and the HiR resistor is made of titanium nitride (TiN) or tantalum nitride (TaN); bonding a carrier substrate to the front-side interconnect structure through a metal-containing material; and forming a backside interconnect structure over a backside of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2026
    Publication date: May 14, 2026
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wen-Sheh HUANG, Yung-Shih CHENG, Jiing-Feng YANG, Yu-Hsiang CHEN, Chii-Ping CHEN
  • Patent number: 12550721
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards an integrated circuit (IC) in which cavities separate wires of an interconnect structure. For example, a conductive feature overlies a substrate, and an intermetal dielectric (IMD) layer overlies the conductive feature. A first wire and a second wire neighbor in the IMD layer and respectively have a first sidewall and a second sidewall that face each other while being separated from each other by the IMD layer. Further, the first wire overlies and borders the conductive feature. A first cavity and a second cavity further separate the first and second sidewalls from each other. The first cavity separates the first sidewall from the IMD layer, and the second cavity separates the second sidewall from the IMD layer. The cavities reduce parasitic capacitance between the first and second wires and hence resistance-capacitance (RC) delay that degrades IC performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2026
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsiu-Wen Hsueh, Jiing-Feng Yang, Chii-Ping Chen, Po-Hsiang Huang, Chang-Wen Chen, Cai-Ling Wu
  • Patent number: 12543566
    Abstract: A method includes forming a transistor over a front side of a substrate, in which the transistor comprises a channel region, a gate region over the channel region, and source/drain regions on opposite sides of the gate region; forming a front-side interconnect structure over the transistor, wherein the front-side interconnect structure includes a dielectric layer and conductive features; and bonding the front-side interconnect structure to a carrier substrate via a bonding layer, in which the bonding layer is between the front-side interconnect structure and the carrier substrate, and the bonding layer has a higher thermal conductivity than the dielectric layer of the front-side interconnect structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2026
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wen-Sheh Huang, Yung-Shih Cheng, Jiing-Feng Yang, Yu-Hsiang Chen, Chii-Ping Chen
  • Patent number: 12512363
    Abstract: A method includes forming a first conductive feature over a substrate, forming an etch-stop layer (ESL) stack over the first conductive feature, forming a first interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer over the ESL stack, forming a patterned ESL having a first opening over the first ILD layer, forming a second ILD layer over the patterned ESL, thereby filling the first opening, forming a patterned HM having a second opening over the second ILD layer, where a width of the second opening is greater than a width of the first opening, performing an etching process to form a first trench in the second ILD layer and a second trench in the first ILD layer, where the second trench exposes the first conductive feature, and subsequently depositing a conductive layer in the first trench and the second trench, thereby forming a second conductive feature interconnecting a third conductive to the first conductive feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2025
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hsiu-Wen Hsueh, Cai-Ling Wu, Chii-Ping Chen, Chien-Chih Chiu
  • Publication number: 20250364328
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes forming a first conductive feature in a first inter-metal dielectric (IMD) layer; depositing a blocking film over and physically contacting the first conductive feature; depositing a first dielectric layer over and physically contacting the first IMD layer; depositing a second dielectric layer over and physically contacting the first dielectric layer; removing the blocking film; depositing an etch stop layer over any physically contacting the first conductive feature and the second dielectric layer; forming a second IMD layer over the etch stop layer; etching an opening in the second IMD layer and the etch stop layer to expose the first conductive feature; and forming a second conductive feature in the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2025
    Publication date: November 27, 2025
    Inventors: Cai-Ling Wu, Hsiu-Wen Hsueh, Wei-Ren Wang, Po-Hsiang Huang, Chii-Ping Chen, Jen Hung Wang
  • Patent number: 12476146
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes forming a first conductive feature in a first inter-metal dielectric (IMD) layer; depositing a blocking film over and physically contacting the first conductive feature; depositing a first dielectric layer over and physically contacting the first IMD layer; depositing a second dielectric layer over and physically contacting the first dielectric layer; removing the blocking film; depositing an etch stop layer over any physically contacting the first conductive feature and the second dielectric layer; forming a second IMD layer over the etch stop layer; etching an opening in the second IMD layer and the etch stop layer to expose the first conductive feature; and forming a second conductive feature in the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2025
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cai-Ling Wu, Hsiu-Wen Hsueh, Wei-Ren Wang, Po-Hsiang Huang, Chii-Ping Chen, Jen Hung Wang
  • Publication number: 20250343095
    Abstract: A device includes a device layer comprising a first transistor; a first interconnect structure on a front-side of the device layer; and a second interconnect structure on a backside of the device layer. The second interconnect structure includes a first dielectric layer on the backside of the device layer; a contact extending through the first dielectric layer to a source/drain region of the first transistor; a conductive line electrically connected to the source/drain region of the first transistor through the contact; and a thermal dissipation path thermally connected to the device layer, the thermal dissipation path extending to a surface of the second interconnect structure opposite the device layer. The thermal dissipation path comprises a dummy via.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2025
    Publication date: November 6, 2025
    Inventors: Wen-Sheh Huang, Yu-Hsiang Chen, Chii-Ping Chen
  • Publication number: 20250329584
    Abstract: Semiconductor device and the manufacturing method thereof are disclosed herein. An exemplary semiconductor device comprises an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer disposed over a substrate; a first conductive feature at least partially embedded in the ILD layer; a dielectric layer disposed over and aligned with the ILD layer, wherein a top surface of the dielectric layer is above a top surface of the first conductive feature; an etch stop layer (ESL) disposed over the dielectric layer and over the first conductive feature; and a second conductive feature disposed on the first conductive feature, wherein the second conductive feature includes a first portion having a first bottom surface contacting a top surface of the first conductive feature and a second portion having a second bottom surface contacting a top surface of the dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2025
    Publication date: October 23, 2025
    Inventors: Hsiu-Wen Hsueh, Cai-Ling Wu, Ya-Ching Tseng, Chii-Ping Chen, Neng-Jye Yang
  • Patent number: 12451401
    Abstract: A device includes a device layer comprising a first transistor; a first interconnect structure on a front-side of the device layer; and a second interconnect structure on a backside of the device layer. The second interconnect structure includes a first dielectric layer on the backside of the device layer; a contact extending through the first dielectric layer to a source/drain region of the first transistor; a conductive line electrically connected to the source/drain region of the first transistor through the contact; and a thermal dissipation path thermally connected to the device layer, the thermal dissipation path extending to a surface of the second interconnect structure opposite the device layer. The thermal dissipation path comprises a dummy via.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2024
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2025
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Sheh Huang, Yu-Hsiang Chen, Chii-Ping Chen
  • Publication number: 20250323164
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a dielectric layer. The semiconductor device structure includes a barrier layer in the dielectric layer. The barrier layer is doped with manganese, the barrier layer has a central portion and a first peripheral portion, the first peripheral portion is between the dielectric layer and the central portion, and a first manganese concentration of the central portion is greater than a second manganese concentration of the first peripheral portion. The semiconductor device structure includes a conductive layer in the barrier layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2025
    Publication date: October 16, 2025
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Cai-Ling WU, Hsiu-Wen HSUEH, Chii-Ping CHEN, Po-Hsiang HUANG, Chi-Feng LIN
  • Publication number: 20250316531
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards an integrated circuit (IC) in which cavities separate wires of an interconnect structure. For example, a conductive feature overlies a substrate, and an intermetal dielectric (IMD) layer overlies the conductive feature. A first wire and a second wire neighbor in the IMD layer and respectively have a first sidewall and a second sidewall that face each other while being separated from each other by the IMD layer. Further, the first wire overlies and borders the conductive feature. A first cavity and a second cavity further separate the first and second sidewalls from each other. The first cavity separates the first sidewall from the IMD layer, and the second cavity separates the second sidewall from the IMD layer. The cavities reduce parasitic capacitance between the first and second wires and hence resistance-capacitance (RC) delay that degrades IC performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2025
    Publication date: October 9, 2025
    Inventors: Hsiu-Wen Hsueh, Jiing-Feng Yang, Chii-Ping Chen, Po-Hsiang Huang, Chang-Wen Chen, Cai-Ling Wu
  • Publication number: 20250300011
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an integrated chip. The integrated chip includes a first interconnect disposed between first sidewalls of an inter-level dielectric (ILD) structure over a substrate. The first interconnect has a top surface extending between opposing outermost sidewalls of the first interconnect that contact the first sidewalls of the ILD structure. A barrier layer is disposed between second sidewalls of the ILD structure that are above the first sidewalls. A second interconnect is disposed on the barrier layer and extends through the barrier layer to the first interconnect. The second interconnect completely covers the top surface of the first interconnect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2025
    Publication date: September 25, 2025
    Inventors: Hsiu-Wen Hsueh, Chii-Ping Chen, Po-Hsiang Huang, Ya-Ching Tseng
  • Patent number: 12387977
    Abstract: Semiconductor device and the manufacturing method thereof are disclosed herein. An exemplary semiconductor device comprises an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer disposed over a substrate; a first conductive feature at least partially embedded in the ILD layer; a dielectric layer disposed over and aligned with the ILD layer, wherein a top surface of the dielectric layer is above a top surface of the first conductive feature; an etch stop layer (ESL) disposed over the dielectric layer and over the first conductive feature; and a second conductive feature disposed on the first conductive feature, wherein the second conductive feature includes a first portion having a first bottom surface contacting a top surface of the first conductive feature and a second portion having a second bottom surface contacting a top surface of the dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2025
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hsiu-Wen Hsueh, Cai-Ling Wu, Ya-Ching Tseng, Chii-Ping Chen, Neng-Jye Yang
  • Patent number: 12368103
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a semiconductor structure including a dielectric layer over a substrate. A conductive body is disposed within the dielectric layer. The conductive body has a bottom surface continuously extending between opposing sidewalls. A first liner layer is disposed between the conductive body and the dielectric layer. The first liner layer extends along the opposing sidewalls of the conductive body. The first liner layer is laterally offset from a central region of the bottom surface of the conductive body by a non-zero distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2025
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsiu-Wen Hsueh, Chii-Ping Chen, Neng-Jye Yang, Ya-Lien Lee, An-Jiao Fu, Ya-Ching Tseng
  • Patent number: 12362235
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates a method of forming an integrated chip. The method includes forming a first interconnect within a first inter-level dielectric (ILD) layer over a substrate, and forming a second ILD layer over the first ILD layer. The second ILD layer is patterned to form an interconnect opening that exposes the first interconnect. A blocking layer is formed onto the first interconnect. A barrier layer is formed within the interconnect opening and the blocking layer is removed to expose the first interconnect. A second interconnect is formed within the interconnect opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2025
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsiu-Wen Hsueh, Chii-Ping Chen, Po-Hsiang Huang, Ya-Ching Tseng
  • Patent number: 12341101
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device structure is provided. The method includes removing a portion of a dielectric layer to form a trench in the dielectric layer. The method includes forming a barrier layer in the trench. The method includes forming a seed layer in the trench and over the barrier layer. The seed layer is doped with manganese. The method includes annealing the seed layer in a first process gas including a first hydrogen gas. A volume ratio of the first hydrogen gas to the first process gas ranges from about 50% to about 100%, and the manganese diffuses from the seed layer to the barrier layer during the annealing of the seed layer in the first process gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2025
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Cai-Ling Wu, Hsiu-Wen Hsueh, Chii-Ping Chen, Po-Hsiang Huang, Chi-Feng Lin
  • Patent number: 12165947
    Abstract: A method includes forming a transistor over a front side of a substrate, in which the transistor comprises a channel region, a gate region over the channel region, and source/drain regions on opposite sides of the gate region; forming a front-side interconnect structure over the transistor, wherein the front-side interconnect structure includes a dielectric layer and conductive features; and bonding the front-side interconnect structure to a carrier substrate via a bonding layer, in which the bonding layer is between the front-side interconnect structure and the carrier substrate, and the bonding layer has a higher thermal conductivity than the dielectric layer of the front-side interconnect structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wen-Sheh Huang, Yung-Shih Cheng, Jiing-Feng Yang, Yu-Hsiang Chen, Chii-Ping Chen
  • Publication number: 20240404953
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a semiconductor structure including a dielectric layer over a substrate. A conductive body is disposed within the dielectric layer. The conductive body has a bottom surface continuously extending between opposing sidewalls. A first liner layer is disposed between the conductive body and the dielectric layer. The first liner layer extends along the opposing sidewalls of the conductive body. The first liner layer is laterally offset from a central region of the bottom surface of the conductive body by a non-zero distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2024
    Publication date: December 5, 2024
    Inventors: Hsiu-Wen Hsueh, Chii-Ping Chen, Neng-Jye Yang, Ya-Lien Lee, An-Jiao Fu, Ya-Ching Tseng
  • Publication number: 20240379436
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an exemplary semiconductor structure that includes a substrate having a conductive feature disposed in a top portion of the substrate, a metal line above the substrate and in electrical coupling with the conductive feature, a dielectric feature disposed on a sidewall of the metal line, an etch stop layer disposed on the dielectric feature and the meta line, and a via extending through the etch stop layer and in physical contact with top surfaces of the dielectric feature and the metal line. The metal line has a first metal, and the via has a second metal different from the first metal. The top surface of the dielectric feature is higher than the top surface of the metal line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2024
    Publication date: November 14, 2024
    Inventors: Cai-Ling Wu, Hsiu-Wen Hsueh, Chii-Ping Chen, Po-Hsiang Huang, Chi-Feng Lin, Neng-Jye Yang