Patents by Inventor Chin-Chieh YANG

Chin-Chieh YANG 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: 11889705
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in some embodiments, relates to an integrated chip. The integrated chip includes a first interconnect within a first inter-level dielectric (ILD) layer over a substrate. A memory device is disposed over the first interconnect and is surrounded by a second ILD layer. A sidewall spacer is arranged along opposing sides of the memory device and an etch stop layer is arranged on the sidewall spacer. The sidewall spacer and the etch stop layer have upper surfaces that are vertically offset from one another by a non-zero distance. A second interconnect extends from a top of the second ILD layer to an upper surface of the memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsia-Wei Chen, Chih-Yang Chang, Chin-Chieh Yang, Jen-Sheng Yang, Kuo-Chi Tu, Wen-Ting Chu, Yu-Wen Liao
  • Patent number: 11856797
    Abstract: A resistive random access memory (RRAM) structure includes a resistive memory element formed on a semiconductor substrate. The resistive element includes a top electrode, a bottom electrode, and a resistive material layer positioned between the top electrode and the bottom electrode. The RRAM structure further includes a field effect transistor (FET) formed on the semiconductor substrate, the FET having a source and a drain. The drain has a zero-tilt doping profile and the source has a tilted doping profile. The resistive memory element is coupled with the drain via a portion of an interconnect structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chin-Chieh Yang, Hsia-Wei Chen, Chih-Yang Chang, Kuo-Chi Tu, Wen-Ting Chu, Yu-Wen Liao
  • Patent number: 11844286
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards a method for forming a flat via top surface for memory, as well as an integrated circuit (IC) resulting from the method. In some embodiments, an etch is performed into a dielectric layer to form an opening. A liner layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and lining the opening. A lower body layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and filling a remainder of the opening over the liner layer. A top surface of the lower body layer and a top surface of the liner layer are recessed to below a top surface of the dielectric layer to partially clear the opening. A homogeneous upper body layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and partially filling the opening. A planarization is performed into the homogeneous upper body layer until the dielectric layer is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsia-Wei Chen, Chih-Yang Chang, Chin-Chieh Yang, Jen-Sheng Yang, Sheng-Hung Shih, Tung-Sheng Hsiao, Wen-Ting Chu, Yu-Wen Liao, I-Ching Chen
  • Publication number: 20230380190
    Abstract: A method for fabricating an integrated circuit is provided. The method includes depositing a dielectric layer over a conductive feature; etching an opening in the dielectric layer to expose the conductive feature, such that the dielectric layer has a tapered sidewall surrounding the opening; depositing a bottom electrode layer into the opening in the dielectric layer; depositing a resistance switch layer over the bottom electrode layer; patterning the resistance switch layer and the bottom electrode layer respectively into a resistance switch element and a bottom electrode, in which a sidewall of the bottom electrode is landing on the tapered sidewall of the dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chieh-Fei CHIU, Wen-Ting CHU, Yong-Shiuan TSAIR, Yu-Wen LIAO, Chih-Yang CHANG, Chin-Chieh YANG
  • Publication number: 20230354618
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in some embodiments, relates to an integrated chip. The integrated chip includes a first resistive random access memory (RRAM) element and a second RRAM element over a substrate. A conductive element is arranged below the first RRAM element and the second RRAM element. The conductive element electrically couples the first RRAM element to the second RRAM element. An upper insulating layer continuously extends over the first RRAM element and the second RRAM element. An upper inter-level dielectric (ILD) structure laterally surrounds the first RRAM element and the second RRAM element. The upper insulating layer separates the first RRAM element and the second RRAM element from the upper ILD structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Chin-Chieh Yang, Chih-Yang Chang, Wen-Ting Chu, Yu-Wen Liao
  • Patent number: 11751405
    Abstract: A method for fabricating an integrated circuit is provided. The method includes depositing a dielectric layer over a conductive feature; etching an opening in the dielectric layer to expose the conductive feature, such that the dielectric layer has a tapered sidewall surrounding the opening; depositing a bottom electrode layer into the opening in the dielectric layer; depositing a resistance switch layer over the bottom electrode layer; patterning the resistance switch layer and the bottom electrode layer respectively into a resistance switch element and a bottom electrode, in which a sidewall of the bottom electrode is landing on the tapered sidewall of the dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chieh-Fei Chiu, Wen-Ting Chu, Yong-Shiuan Tsair, Yu-Wen Liao, Chih-Yang Chang, Chin-Chieh Yang
  • Patent number: 11751485
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards a method for forming a flat via top surface for memory, as well as an integrated circuit (IC) resulting from the method. In some embodiments, an etch is performed into a dielectric layer to form an opening. A liner layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and lining the opening. A lower body layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and filling a remainder of the opening over the liner layer. A top surface of the lower body layer and a top surface of the liner layer are recessed to below a top surface of the dielectric layer to partially clear the opening. A homogeneous upper body layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and partially filling the opening. A planarization is performed into the homogeneous upper body layer until the dielectric layer is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsia-Wei Chen, Chih-Yang Chang, Chin-Chieh Yang, Jen-Sheng Yang, Sheng-Hung Shih, Tung-Sheng Hsiao, Wen-Ting Chu, Yu-Wen Liao, I-Ching Chen
  • Patent number: 11737290
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in some embodiments, relates to an integrated chip. The integrated chip includes a first resistive random access memory (RRAM) element over a substrate. The first RRAM element has a first terminal and a second terminal. A second RRAM element is arranged over the substrate and has a third terminal and a fourth terminal. The third terminal is electrically coupled to the first terminal of the first RRAM element. A reading circuit is coupled to the second terminal and the fourth terminal. The reading circuit is configured to read a single data state from both a first non-zero read current received from the first RRAM element and a second non-zero read current received from the second RRAM element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chin-Chieh Yang, Chih-Yang Chang, Wen-Ting Chu, Yu-Wen Liao
  • Patent number: 11723292
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in some embodiments, relates to a memory device. The memory device includes a dielectric protection layer having sidewalls defining an opening over a conductive interconnect within an inter-level dielectric (ILD) layer. A bottom electrode structure extends from within the opening to directly over the dielectric protection layer. A variable resistance layer is over the bottom electrode structure and a top electrode is over the variable resistance layer. A top electrode via is disposed on the top electrode and directly over the dielectric protection layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Yang Chang, Wen-Ting Chu, Kuo-Chi Tu, Yu-Wen Liao, Hsia-Wei Chen, Chin-Chieh Yang, Sheng-Hung Shih, Wen-Chun You
  • Patent number: 11637239
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Trinh Hai Dang, Hsing-Lien Lin, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Chin-Chieh Yang, Yu-Wen Liao, Wen-Ting Chu, Chia-Shiung Tsai
  • Patent number: 11387411
    Abstract: A memory cell and method including a first electrode formed through a first opening in a first dielectric layer, a resistive layer formed on the first electrode, a spacing layer formed on the resistive layer, a second electrode formed on the resistive layer, and a second dielectric layer formed on the second electrode, the second dielectric layer including a second opening. The first dielectric layer formed on a substrate including a first metal layer. The first electrode and the resistive layer collectively include a first lip region that extends a first distance beyond the first opening. The second electrode and the second dielectric layer collectively include a second lip region that extends a second distance beyond the first opening. The spacing layer extends from the second distance to the first distance. The second electrode is coupled to a second metal layer using a via that extends through the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Yang Chang, Hsia-Wei Chen, Chin-Chieh Yang, Kuo-Chi Tu, Wen-Ting Chu, Yu-Wen Liao
  • Publication number: 20220157889
    Abstract: A resistive random access memory (RRAM) structure includes a resistive memory element formed on a semiconductor substrate. The resistive element includes a top electrode, a bottom electrode, and a resistive material layer positioned between the top electrode and the bottom electrode. The RRAM structure further includes a field effect transistor (FET) formed on the semiconductor substrate, the FET having a source and a drain. The drain has a zero-tilt doping profile and the source has a tilted doping profile. The resistive memory element is coupled with the drain via a portion of an interconnect structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Inventors: Chin-Chieh Yang, Hsia-Wei Chen, Chih-Yang Chang, Kuo-Chi Tu, Wen-Ting Chu, Yu-Wen Liao
  • Publication number: 20220102428
    Abstract: A method for fabricating an integrated circuit is provided. The method includes depositing a dielectric layer over a conductive feature; etching an opening in the dielectric layer to expose the conductive feature, such that the dielectric layer has a tapered sidewall surrounding the opening; depositing a bottom electrode layer into the opening in the dielectric layer; depositing a resistance switch layer over the bottom electrode layer; patterning the resistance switch layer and the bottom electrode layer respectively into a resistance switch element and a bottom electrode, in which a sidewall of the bottom electrode is landing on the tapered sidewall of the dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chieh-Fei CHIU, Wen-Ting CHU, Yong-Shiuan TSAIR, Yu-Wen LIAO, Chih-Yang CHANG, Chin-Chieh YANG
  • Publication number: 20220093687
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in some embodiments, relates to an integrated chip. The integrated chip includes a first resistive random access memory (RRAM) element over a substrate. The first RRAM element has a first terminal and a second terminal. A second RRAM element is arranged over the substrate and has a third terminal and a fourth terminal. The third terminal is electrically coupled to the first terminal of the first RRAM element. A reading circuit is coupled to the second terminal and the fourth terminal. The reading circuit is configured to read a single data state from both a first non-zero read current received from the first RRAM element and a second non-zero read current received from the second RRAM element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventors: Chin-Chieh Yang, Chih-Yang Chang, Wen-Ting Chu, Yu-Wen Liao
  • Publication number: 20220093849
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards a method for forming a flat via top surface for memory, as well as an integrated circuit (IC) resulting from the method. In some embodiments, an etch is performed into a dielectric layer to form an opening. A liner layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and lining the opening. A lower body layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and filling a remainder of the opening over the liner layer. A top surface of the lower body layer and a top surface of the liner layer are recessed to below a top surface of the dielectric layer to partially clear the opening. A homogeneous upper body layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and partially filling the opening. A planarization is performed into the homogeneous upper body layer until the dielectric layer is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventors: Hsia-Wei Chen, Chih-Yang Chang, Chin-Chieh Yang, Jen-Sheng Yang, Sheng-Hung Shih, Tung-Sheng Hsiao, Wen-Ting Chu, Yu-Wen Liao, I-Ching Chen
  • Publication number: 20220085280
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards a method for forming a flat via top surface for memory, as well as an integrated circuit (IC) resulting from the method. In some embodiments, an etch is performed into a dielectric layer to form an opening. A liner layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and lining the opening. A lower body layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and filling a remainder of the opening over the liner layer. A top surface of the lower body layer and a top surface of the liner layer are recessed to below a top surface of the dielectric layer to partially clear the opening. A homogeneous upper body layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and partially filling the opening. A planarization is performed into the homogeneous upper body layer until the dielectric layer is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Hsia-Wei Chen, Chih-Yang Chang, Chin-Chieh Yang, Jen-Sheng Yang, Sheng-Hung Shih, Tung-Sheng Hsiao, Wen-Ting Chu, Yu-Wen Liao, I-Ching Chen
  • Patent number: 11239279
    Abstract: A resistive random access memory (RRAM) structure includes a resistive memory element formed on a semiconductor substrate. The resistive element includes a top electrode, a bottom electrode, and a resistive material layer positioned between the top electrode and the bottom electrode. The RRAM structure further includes a field effect transistor (FET) formed on the semiconductor substrate, the FET having a source and a drain. The drain has a zero-tilt doping profile and the source has a tilted doping profile. The resistive memory element is coupled with the drain via a portion of an interconnect structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chin-Chieh Yang, Hsia-Wei Chen, Chih-Yang Chang, Kuo-Chi Tu, Wen-Ting Chu, Yu-Wen Liao
  • Patent number: 11201281
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards a method for forming a flat via top surface for memory, as well as an integrated circuit (IC) resulting from the method. In some embodiments, an etch is performed into a dielectric layer to form an opening. A liner layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and lining the opening. A lower body layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and filling a remainder of the opening over the liner layer. A top surface of the lower body layer and a top surface of the liner layer are recessed to below a top surface of the dielectric layer to partially clear the opening. A homogeneous upper body layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and partially filling the opening. A planarization is performed into the homogeneous upper body layer until the dielectric layer is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsia-Wei Chen, Chih-Yang Chang, Chin-Chieh Yang, Jen-Sheng Yang, Sheng-Hung Shih, Tung-Sheng Hsiao, Wen-Ting Chu, Yu-Wen Liao, I-Ching Chen
  • Patent number: 11201190
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in some embodiments, relates to an integrated chip. The integrated chip includes a conductive element disposed within a dielectric structure over the substrate. The conductive element has a top surface extend between outermost sidewalls of the conductive element. A first resistive random access memory (RRAM) element is arranged within the dielectric structure and has a first data storage layer directly contacting the top surface of the conductive element. A second RRAM element is arranged within the dielectric structure and has a second data storage layer directly contacting the top surface of the conductive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chin-Chieh Yang, Chih-Yang Chang, Wen-Ting Chu, Yu-Wen Liao
  • Publication number: 20210366988
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in some embodiments, relates to an integrated chip. The integrated chip includes a first interconnect within a first inter-level dielectric (ILD) layer over a substrate. A memory device is disposed over the first interconnect and is surrounded by a second ILD layer. A sidewall spacer is arranged along opposing sides of the memory device and an etch stop layer is arranged on the sidewall spacer. The sidewall spacer and the etch stop layer have upper surfaces that are vertically offset from one another by a non-zero distance. A second interconnect extends from a top of the second ILD layer to an upper surface of the memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Hsia-Wei Chen, Chih-Yang Chang, Chin-Chieh Yang, Jen-Sheng Yang, Kuo-Chi Tu, Wen-Ting Chu, Yu-Wen Liao