Patents by Inventor CHING-NEN PENG

CHING-NEN PENG 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: 20170254849
    Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques or systems for evaluating a tiered semiconductor structure, such as a stacked CMOS structure, for misalignment are provided. In an embodiment, a connectivity test is performed on vias between a first layer and a second layer to determine a via diameter and a via offset that are used to evaluate misalignment. In an embodiment, a connectivity test for vias within a first layer is performed to determine an alignment rotation based upon which vias are connected through a conductive arc within a second layer or which vias are connected to a conductive pattern out of a set of conductive patterns. In this way, the via diameter, the via offset, or the alignment rotation are used to evaluate the tiered semiconductor structure, such as during a stacked CMOS process, for misalignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Inventors: Mill-Jer WANG, Ching-Nen Peng, Hung-Chih Lin, Hao Chen, Mincent Lee
  • Patent number: 9754847
    Abstract: A package component includes a stack-probe unit, which includes a first-type connector, and a second-type connector connected to the first-type connector. The first-type connector and the second-type connector are exposed through a surface of the package component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mill-Jer Wang, Ching-Nen Peng, Hung-Chih Lin, Hao Chen
  • Publication number: 20170248652
    Abstract: A testing holder for a chip unit, a multi site holding frame for plural chip units and a method for testing a die thereof are provided. The proposed multi site holding frame for testing plural chip units simultaneously includes a first holder frame having a plurality of testing holders. Each of the plurality of testing holders includes a holder body containing a specific one of the plural chip units, and a pressure releasing device formed on the holder body to release an insertion pressure when the specific one of the plural chip units is inserted in the holder body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Mill-Jer WANG, Kuo-Chuan LIU, Ching-Nen PENG, Hung-Chih LIN, Hao CHEN
  • Publication number: 20170242071
    Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) includes a first circuit layer that includes a first wireless power transfer (WPT) device, a first chip electrically connected to the first circuit layer, and a first tracking circuit disposed in the first chip. The first WPT device may be configured to extract energy from an electromagnetic signal and provide an output voltage. The first tracking circuit may be powered by the output voltage of the first WPT device and may output tracking data in response to an instruction extracted from the electromagnetic signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Min-Jer WANG, Ching-Nen PENG, Chewn-Pu JOU, Feng Wei KUO, Hao CHEN, Hung-Chih LIN, Huan-Neng CHEN, Kuang-Kai YEN, Ming-Chieh LIU, Tsung-Hsiung LEE
  • Patent number: 9671457
    Abstract: A method comprises connecting a testing setup having a plurality of probes to a device under test having a plurality of vias, wherein a probe is aligned with a corresponding via of the device under test and conducting a plurality of via electrical characteristic tests through a conductive path comprising the vias, the probes and a plurality of conductive devices, each of which connects two adjacent probes, wherein the conductive devices are in the testing setup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mill-Jer Wang, Chih-Chia Chen, Hung-Chih Lin, Ching-Nen Peng, Hao Chen
  • Publication number: 20170154843
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided which comprises a semiconductive substrate and an interconnect on the substrate. The interconnect comprises a dielectric in an upper most level of the interconnect and a plurality of conductive pads where each of the plurality of conductive pads is at least partially exposed from the dielectric. The interconnect further includes a current sensor electrically coupled with at least one of the plurality of conductive pads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Inventors: HAO CHEN, CHEN-HSIANG HSU, HUNG-CHIH LIN, CHING-NEN PENG, MIN-JER WANG
  • Patent number: 9664707
    Abstract: A testing holder for a chip unit, a multi site holding frame for plural chip units and a method for testing a die thereof are provided. The proposed multi site holding frame for testing plural chip units simultaneously includes a first holder frame having a plurality of testing holders. Each of the plurality of testing holders includes a holder body containing a specific one of the plural chip units, and a pressure releasing device formed on the holder body to release an insertion pressure when the specific one of the plural chip units is inserted in the holder body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mill-Jer Wang, Kuo-Chuan Liu, Ching-Nen Peng, Hung-Chih Lin, Hao Chen
  • Patent number: 9658281
    Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques or systems for evaluating a tiered semiconductor structure, such as a stacked CMOS structure, for misalignment are provided. In an embodiment, a connectivity test is performed on vias between a first layer and a second layer to determine a via diameter and a via offset that are used to evaluate misalignment. In an embodiment, a connectivity test for vias within a first layer is performed to determine an alignment rotation based upon which vias are connected through a conductive arc within a second layer or which vias are connected to a conductive pattern out of a set of conductive patterns. In this way, the via diameter, the via offset, or the alignment rotation are used to evaluate the tiered semiconductor structure, such as during a stacked CMOS process, for misalignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Mill-Jer Wang, Ching-Nen Peng, Hung-Chih Lin, Hao Chen, Mincent Lee
  • Patent number: 9653927
    Abstract: A composite integrated circuit (IC) includes a first circuit layer, a second circuit layer having a first chip and a second chip, and a first wireless power transfer (WPT) device in the first chip or the first circuit layer. The first WPT device generates a power supply voltage by extracting energy from an electromagnetic signal. A first tracking circuit in the second chip or the first circuit layer is powered by the power supply voltage from the first WPT device and stores or outputs tracking data in response to an instruction extracted from the electromagnetic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Min-Jer Wang, Ching-Nen Peng, Chewn-Pu Jou, Feng Wei Kuo, Hao Chen, Hung-Chih Lin, Huan-Neng Chen, Kuang-Kai Yen, Ming-Chieh Liu, Tsung-Hsiung Lee
  • Patent number: 9640447
    Abstract: A circuit is disclosed that includes a signal-forcing path, a discharging path, a contact probe, a monitoring probe and a switch module. The signal-forcing path is connected to a signal source. The discharging path is connected to a discharging voltage terminal. The contact probe contacts a pad module of an under-test device. The monitoring probe generates a monitored voltage associated with the pad module. The switch module is operated in a discharging mode to connect the contact probe to the discharging path when the monitored voltage does not reach a threshold voltage such that the under-test device is discharged and is operated in an operation mode to connect the contact probe to the signal-forcing path when the monitored voltage reaches the threshold voltage such that a signal generated by the signal source is forced to the under-test device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mill-Jer Wang, Ching-Nen Peng, Hung-Chih Lin, Hao Chen, Chung-Han Huang
  • Patent number: 9606155
    Abstract: A circuit includes a stacked circuit layer, a plurality of test contact points, and a comparator. The stacked circuit layer includes a plurality of reference capacitors each having a reference capacitance. Each of the test contact points is electrically connecting to an under-test capacitor of an under-test module. The comparator compares the reference capacitance of one of the reference capacitors with an under-test capacitance of the under-test capacitor corresponding to one of the test contact points to measure a range of the under-test capacitance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mill-Jer Wang, Ching-Nen Peng, Hung-Chih Lin, Hao Chen, Chung-Han Huang
  • Patent number: 9568543
    Abstract: A test structure is provided for testing a semiconductor structure having a plurality of tiers. The test structure includes at least one conductive loop. Each respective conductive loop has ends defining at least one opening between the ends, and is embedded inside one or more of the plurality of tiers in the semiconductor structure. The test structure also includes at least two test pads on each respective conductive loop. The at least two test pads are connected with respective ends of each respective conductive loop. The test structure is configured to permit detection of defects within each of the plurality of tiers in the semiconductor structure if the defects exist, using a testing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mill-Jer Wang, Ching-Nen Peng, Hung-Chih Lin, Hao Chen
  • Publication number: 20160370407
    Abstract: A testing holder for a chip unit, a multi site holding frame for plural chip units and a method for testing a die thereof are provided. The proposed multi site holding frame for testing plural chip units simultaneously includes a first holder frame having a plurality of testing holders. Each of the plurality of testing holders includes a holder body containing a specific one of the plural chip units, and a pressure releasing device formed on the holder body to release an insertion pressure when the specific one of the plural chip units is inserted in the holder body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: Mill-Jer WANG, Kuo-Chuan LIU, Ching-Nen PENG, Hung-Chih LIN, Hao CHEN
  • Publication number: 20160313372
    Abstract: A testing apparatus with reduced warping of the probe card and a method of reducing warping of a probe card of a testing apparatus are disclosed. The testing apparatus can include a testing head and a platform opposite the testing head, where the testing head and platform move relative to one another to bring a sample into contact with probing tips of the testing apparatus. The testing head can include a probe card printed circuit board, a stiffener, a discontinuous backer and a plurality of probing tips. The stiffener can be coupled to and reinforcing the probe card. The discontinuous backer can extend from the probe card to the stiffener, and can include at least one unfilled void extending from the stiffener to the probe card. The plurality of probing tips can extend from a distal end of the testing head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mill-Jer WANG, Ching-Nen PENG, Hung-Chih LIN, Wei-Hsun LIN, Sen-Kuei HSU, De-Jian LIU
  • Patent number: 9453877
    Abstract: A testing holder for a chip unit, a multi site holding frame for plural chip units and a method for testing a die thereof are provided. The proposed multi site holding frame for testing plural chip units simultaneously includes a first holder frame having a plurality of testing holders. Each of the plurality of testing holders includes a holder body containing a specific one of the plural chip units, and a pressure releasing device formed on the holder body to release an insertion pressure when the specific one of the plural chip units is inserted in the holder body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Mill-Jer Wang, Kuo-Chuan Liu, Ching-Nen Peng, Hung-Chih Lin, Hao Chen
  • Patent number: 9448285
    Abstract: A system for testing a wafer includes a probe card and a wafer. The probe card includes at least one first probe site and at least one second probe site. The wafer includes a plurality of dies. The at least one first probe site is arranged for a first test, and the at least one second probe site is arranged for a second test. Each of the plurality of dies corresponds to first probe pads and second probe pads. Each of the at least one first probe site is arranged to touch the first probe pads of each of the plurality of dies. Each of the at least one second probe site is arranged to touch the second probe pads of each of the plurality of dies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mill-Jer Wang, Ching-Nen Peng, Hung-Chih Lin, Hao Chen, Shang-Ju Lee
  • Patent number: 9417285
    Abstract: A device for testing a bottom package of an integrated fan-out (InFO) Package-on-Package (PoP) comprises a bottom fixture having a space to accommodate the bottom package during testing and a detachable top cover, configured for conducting at least one test of the bottom package, wherein one or both of the bottom fixture and the top cover have a plurality of probing contacts for testing of the bottom package and wherein the device can be opened for placement of the bottom package under testing, and the cover is attachable to the bottom fixture for conducting the testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mill-Jer Wang, Ching-Nen Peng, Hung-Chih Lin, Hao Chen
  • Publication number: 20160223584
    Abstract: A testing holder for a chip unit, a multi site holding frame for plural chip units and a method for testing a die thereof are provided. The proposed multi site holding frame for testing plural chip units simultaneously includes a first holder frame having a plurality of testing holders. Each of the plurality of testing holders includes a holder body containing a specific one of the plural chip units, and a pressure releasing device formed on the holder body to release an insertion pressure when the specific one of the plural chip units is inserted in the holder body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Mill-Jer WANG, Kuo-Chuan LIU, Ching-Nen PENG, Hung-Chih LIN, Hao CHEN
  • Patent number: 9372227
    Abstract: A system for testing a device under test (DUT) includes a probe card and a test module. The probe card includes probe beds electrically coupled to a circuit board and a first plurality of electrical contacts coupled to the circuit board, which are for engaging respective ones of a plurality of electrical contacts of a test equipment module. Probes are coupled to respective probe beds and are disposed to engage electrical contacts of the DUT. The probe card includes a second plurality of electrical contacts coupled to the circuit board. The first and second pluralities of contacts are mutually exclusive. The test module includes a memory, a processor, and a plurality of electrical contacts electrically coupled to respective ones of the second plurality of electrical contacts of the probe card. The circuit board includes a first electrical path for electrically coupling the test equipment module to the test module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mill-Jer Wang, Ching-Nen Peng, Hung-Chih Lin, Wei-Hsun Lin, Hao Chen, Chung-Han Huang
  • Patent number: 9354254
    Abstract: A testing apparatus with reduced warping of the probe card and a method of reducing warping of a probe card of a testing apparatus are disclosed. The testing apparatus can include a testing head and a platform opposite the testing head, where the testing head and platform move relative to one another to bring a sample into contact with probing tips of the testing apparatus. The testing head can include a probe card printed circuit board, a stiffener, a discontinuous backer and a plurality of probing tips. The stiffener can be coupled to and reinforcing the probe card. The discontinuous backer can extend from the probe card to the stiffener, and can include at least one unfilled void extending from the stiffener to the probe card. The plurality of probing tips can extend from a distal end of the testing head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mill-Jer Wang, Ching-Nen Peng, Hung-Chih Lin, Wei-Hsun Lin, Sen-Kuei Hsu, De-Jian Liu