Patents by Inventor Hsi-Wen Tien

Hsi-Wen Tien 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: 20230369099
    Abstract: A semiconductor arrangement is provided. The semiconductor arrangement includes a first dielectric layer over a substrate, a metal layer over the first dielectric layer, a first conductive structure passing through the metal layer and the first dielectric layer, a second conductive structure passing through the metal layer and the first dielectric layer, and a third conductive structure coupling the first conductive structure to the second conductive structure, and overlying a first portion of the metal layer between the first conductive structure and the second conductive structure, wherein an interface exists between the metal layer and at least one of the first conductive structure or the second conductive structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Inventors: Hsi-Wen TIEN, Wei-Hao LIAO, Pin-Ren DAI, Chih Wei LU, Chung-Ju LEE
  • Publication number: 20230369231
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an integrated chip comprising a substrate. A first conductive wire is over the substrate. A second conductive wire is over the substrate and is adjacent to the first conductive wire. A first dielectric cap is laterally between the first conductive wire and the second conductive wire. The first dielectric cap laterally separates the first conductive wire from the second conductive wire. The first dielectric cap includes a first dielectric material. A first cavity is directly below the first dielectric cap and is laterally between the first conductive wire and the second conductive wire. The first cavity is defined by one or more surfaces of the first dielectric cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Inventors: Hsin-Chieh Yao, Chung-Ju Lee, Chih Wei Lu, Hsi-Wen Tien, Wei-Hao Liao, Yu-Teng Dai, Hsin-Yen Huang, Chia-Tien Wu
  • Publication number: 20230369108
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a semiconductor structure including a first conductive wire disposed over a substrate. A dielectric liner is arranged along sidewalls and an upper surface of the first conductive wire and is laterally surrounded by a first dielectric layer. The dielectric liner and the first dielectric layer are different materials. A conductive via is disposed within a second dielectric layer over the first conductive wire. The conductive via has a first lower surface disposed over the first dielectric layer and a second lower surface below the first lower surface and over the first conductive wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Inventors: Wei-Hao Liao, Hsi-Wen Tien, Chih Wei Lu, Yu-Teng Dai, Hsin-Chieh Yao, Chung-Ju Lee
  • Publication number: 20230361029
    Abstract: An interconnect structure includes a dielectric layer, a first conductive feature, a second conductive feature, a third conductive feature, and a dielectric fill. The first conductive feature is disposed in the dielectric layer. The second conductive feature is disposed over the first conductive feature. The second conductive feature includes a first conductive layer disposed over the first conductive feature, a second conductive layer disposed on the first conductive layer, and a third conductive layer disposed on the second conductive layer. The first conductive layer, the second conductive layer and the third conductive layer have substantially the same width. The third conductive feature is disposed over the dielectric layer. The dielectric fill is disposed over the dielectric layer between the second conductive feature and the third conductive feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Wei-Hao Liao, Hsi-Wen Tien, Yu-Teng Dai, Chih Wei Lu, Hsin-Chieh Yao, Chung-Ju Lee
  • Patent number: 11798840
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a semiconductor structure including a first conductive wire disposed over a substrate. A dielectric liner is arranged along sidewalls and an upper surface of the first conductive wire and is laterally surrounded by a first dielectric layer. The dielectric liner and the first dielectric layer are different materials. A conductive via is disposed within a second dielectric layer over the first conductive wire. The conductive via has a first lower surface disposed over the first dielectric layer and a second lower surface below the first lower surface and over the first conductive wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Hao Liao, Hsi-Wen Tien, Chih Wei Lu, Yu-Teng Dai, Hsin-Chieh Yao, Chung-Ju Lee
  • Patent number: 11798910
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a semiconductor structure including an interconnect structure disposed over a semiconductor substrate. A lower metal line is disposed at a first height over the semiconductor substrate and extends through a first interlayer dielectric layer. A second interlayer dielectric layer is disposed at a second height over the semiconductor substrate and comprises a first dielectric material. An upper metal line is disposed at a third height over the semiconductor substrate. A via is disposed at the second height. The via extends between the lower metal line and the upper metal line. A protective dielectric structure is disposed at the second height. The protective dielectric structure comprises a protective dielectric material and is disposed along a first set of opposing sidewalls of the via, the protective dielectric material differing from the first dielectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsin-Chieh Yao, Chung-Ju Lee, Chih Wei Lu, Hsi-Wen Tien, Yu-Teng Dai, Wei-Hao Liao
  • Publication number: 20230335608
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a substrate, a gate structure, source/drain epitaxial structures, a contact structure, a first via structure, a metal line, a hard mask layer, a spacer layer, and a second via structure. The gate structure is formed over the substrate. The source/drain epitaxial structures are formed on opposite sides of the gate structure. The contact structure is formed over one of the source/drain epitaxial structures. The first via structure is formed over the contact structure. The metal line is electrically connected to the first via structure. The hard mask layer is formed over the metal line. The spacer layer is formed over a top surface of the hard mask layer and over a sidewall of metal line. The second via structure is formed over the metal line through the spacer layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Hao LIAO, Hsi-Wen TIEN, Chih-Wei LU, Yu-Teng DAI, Hsin-Chieh YAO, Chung-Ju LEE
  • Publication number: 20230337545
    Abstract: An MRAM device includes a bottom electrode over a substrate, a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) structure on the bottom electrode and a top electrode on the MTJ structure. The MRAM device also includes spacers on sidewalls of the top electrode and the MTJ structure. The MRAM device further includes a first etch stop layer on the spacers. A bottommost surface of the first etch stop layer covers a topmost surface of the spacers. In addition, the MRAM device includes a top electrode via on the top electrode and the first etch stop layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Hao LIAO, Hsi-Wen TIEN, Chih-Wei LU, Pin-Ren DAI, Chung-Ju LEE
  • Patent number: 11776845
    Abstract: A semiconductor arrangement is provided. The semiconductor arrangement includes a first dielectric layer over a substrate, a metal layer over the first dielectric layer, a first conductive structure passing through the metal layer and the first dielectric layer, a second conductive structure passing through the metal layer and the first dielectric layer, and a third conductive structure coupling the first conductive structure to the second conductive structure, and overlying a first portion of the metal layer between the first conductive structure and the second conductive structure, wherein an interface exists between the metal layer and at least one of the first conductive structure or the second conductive structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Hsi-Wen Tien, Wei-Hao Liao, Pin-Ren Dai, Chih Wei Lu, Chung-Ju Lee
  • Patent number: 11756884
    Abstract: An interconnect structure includes dielectric layer, a first conductive feature, a second conductive feature, a third conductive feature, and a dielectric fill. The first conductive feature is disposed in the dielectric layer. The second conductive feature is disposed over the first conductive feature. The second conductive feature includes a first conductive layer disposed over the first conductive feature, a second conductive layer disposed on the first conductive layer, and a third conductive layer disposed on the second conductive layer. The first conductive layer, the second conductive layer and the third conductive layer have substantially the same width. The third conductive feature is disposed over the dielectric layer. The dielectric fill is disposed over the dielectric layer between the second conductive feature and the third conductive feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Hao Liao, Hsi-Wen Tien, Yu-Teng Dai, Chih Wei Lu, Hsin-Chieh Yao, Chung-Ju Lee
  • Publication number: 20230275028
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an integrated chip that includes a first interconnect dielectric layer over a substrate. An interconnect wire extends through the first interconnect dielectric layer, and a dielectric on wire structure is arranged directly over the interconnect wire. Outer sidewalls of the dielectric on wire structure are surrounded by the first interconnect dielectric layer. The integrated chip further includes a second interconnect dielectric layer arranged over the first interconnect dielectric layer, and an interconnect via that extends through the second interconnect dielectric layer and the dielectric on wire structure to contact the interconnect wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventors: Hsin-Chieh Yao, Chung-Ju Lee, Chih Wei Lu, Hsi-Wen Tien, Yu-Teng Dai, Wei-Hao Liao
  • Patent number: 11723282
    Abstract: An MRAM device includes a bottom electrode over a substrate, a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) structure on the bottom electrode, and a top electrode on the MTJ structure. The MRAM device also includes spacers on sidewalls of the top electrode and the MTJ structure, and a first dielectric layer surrounding the spacers. The MRAM device further includes a patterned etch stop layer on the first dielectric layer and the spacers. In addition, the MRAM device includes a second dielectric layer on the patterned etch stop layer, and a top electrode via embedded in the second dielectric layer and in contact with the top electrode and the patterned etch stop layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacuturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Hao Liao, Hsi-Wen Tien, Chih-Wei Lu, Pin-Ren Dai, Chung-Ju Lee
  • Publication number: 20230230881
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure and a method for forming a semiconductor device structure are provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a substrate and a conductive line over the substrate. The semiconductor device structure also includes a catalyst structure over the conductive line and a carbon-containing conductive via directly on the catalyst structure. The semiconductor device structure further includes a dielectric layer surrounding the carbon-containing conductive via.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2022
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Hao LIAO, Hsi-Wen TIEN, Yu-Teng DAI, Chih-Wei LU, Hsin-Chieh YAO, Hwei-Jay CHU
  • Patent number: 11688782
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a gate structure over a substrate. The structure also includes source/drain epitaxial structures formed on opposite sides of the gate structure. The structure also includes a contact structure formed over the source/drain epitaxial structure. The structure also includes a first via structure formed over the contact structure. The structure also includes a metal line electrically connected to the first via structure. The structure also includes a spacer layer formed over the sidewall and over a portion of a top surface of the metal line. The structure also includes a second via structure formed over the metal line through the spacer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Hao Liao, Hsi-Wen Tien, Chih-Wei Lu, Yu-Teng Dai, Hsin-Chieh Yao, Chung-Ju Lee
  • Publication number: 20230178381
    Abstract: An semiconductor device includes a first dielectric layer, an etch stop layer, an interconnect structure, and a second dielectric layer. The etch stop layer is over the first dielectric layer. The interconnect structure includes a conductive via in the first dielectric layer and the etch stop layer, a conductive line over the conductive via, an intermediate conductive layer over the conductive line, and a conductive pillar over the intermediate conductive layer. The interconnect structure is electrically conductive at least from a top of the conductive pillar to a bottom of the conductive via. The second dielectric layer surrounds the conductive line, the intermediate conductive layer, and the conductive pillar, wherein a bottom of the second dielectric layer is lower than a top of the conductive line, and a top of the second dielectric layer is higher than the top of the conductive line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2023
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hsi-Wen TIEN, Wei-Hao LIAO, Chih-Wei LU, Pin-Ren DAI, Chung-Ju LEE
  • Publication number: 20230170254
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of forming metal interconnects uses a direct metal etch approach to form and fill the metal gap. The method may include directly etching a metal layer to form metal patterns. The metal patterns may be spaced apart from one another by recesses. A dielectric spacer may be formed extending along the sidewalls of each of the recesses. The recesses may be filled with a conductive material to form a second set of metal patterns. By directly etching the metal film, the technique allows for reduced line width roughness. The disclosed structure may have the advantages of increased reliability, better RC performance and reduced parasitic capacitance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2023
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsi-Wen Tien, Wei-Hao Liao, Yu-Teng Dai, Hsin-Chieh Yao, Chih-Wei Lu, Chung-Ju Lee
  • Patent number: 11652054
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an integrated chip that includes a first interconnect dielectric layer over a substrate. An interconnect wire extends through the first interconnect dielectric layer, and a dielectric on wire structure is arranged directly over the interconnect wire. Outer sidewalls of the dielectric on wire structure are surrounded by the first interconnect dielectric layer. The integrated chip further includes a second interconnect dielectric layer arranged over the first interconnect dielectric layer, and an interconnect via that extends through the second interconnect dielectric layer and the dielectric on wire structure to contact the interconnect wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsin-Chieh Yao, Chung-Ju Lee, Chih Wei Lu, Hsi-Wen Tien, Yu-Teng Dai, Wei-Hao Liao
  • Publication number: 20230039661
    Abstract: An interconnect structure and methods of forming the same are described. In some embodiments, the structure includes a dielectric layer, a first conductive feature disposed in the dielectric layer, and a second conductive feature disposed over the first conductive feature. The second conductive feature includes a first sidewall, a first bottom, and a first angle between the first sidewall and the first bottom. The structure further includes a third conductive feature disposed over the dielectric layer and adjacent the second conductive feature. The third conductive feature includes a second sidewall, a second bottom, and a second angle between the second sidewall and the second bottom, the second angle is substantially different from the first angle, and the second and third conductive features are partially overlapping in an axis substantially parallel to a major surface of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2022
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventors: Hwei-Jay CHU, Chieh-Han WU, Hsin-Chieh YAO, Wei-Hao LIAO, Yu-Teng DAI, Hsi-Wen TIEN, Chih Wei LU
  • Patent number: 11569127
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of forming metal interconnects uses a direct metal etch approach to form and fill the metal gap. The method may include directly etching a metal layer to form metal patterns. The metal patterns may be spaced apart from one another by recesses. A dielectric spacer may be formed extending along the sidewalls of each of the recesses. The recesses may be filled with a conductive material to form a second set of metal patterns. By directly etching the metal film, the technique allows for reduced line width roughness. The disclosed structure may have the advantages of increased reliability, better RC performance and reduced parasitic capacitance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Hsi-Wen Tien, Wei-Hao Liao, Yu-Teng Dai, Hsin-Chieh Yao, Chih-Wei Lu, Chung-Ju Lee
  • Patent number: 11569096
    Abstract: An semiconductor device includes a first dielectric layer, an etch stop layer, an interconnect structure, and a second dielectric layer. The etch stop layer is over the first dielectric layer. The interconnect structure includes a conductive via in the first dielectric layer and the etch stop layer, a conductive line over the conductive via, an intermediate conductive layer over the conductive line, and a conductive pillar over the intermediate conductive layer. The interconnect structure is electrically conductive at least from a top of the conductive pillar to a bottom of the conductive via. The second dielectric layer surrounds the conductive line, the intermediate conductive layer, and the conductive pillar, wherein a bottom of the second dielectric layer is lower than a top of the conductive line, and a top of the second dielectric layer is higher than the top of the conductive line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hsi-Wen Tien, Wei-Hao Liao, Chih-Wei Lu, Pin-Ren Dai, Chung-Ju Lee