Patents by Inventor Hsiao-Tzu Lu

Hsiao-Tzu Lu 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: 9852251
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and computer-implemented method for manipulating a parameterized cell device into a custom layout design. The method begins by receiving at least one parameterized cell representing a physical circuit from, for example, a database or configuration file. The parameterized cell has a plurality of configurable attributes. The method continues by adjusting one of the configurable attributes of the parameterized cell according to a capability associated with the one attribute. The attributes may include one or more of a parameter mapping capability, a port mapping capability, an abutment capability, a directional extension capability, a channel width capability, and a boundary layer capability. The method then calculates a new configuration for the parameterized cell based upon the adjustment, and applies the new configuration for the parameterized cell to a layout of the represented physical circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: SYNOPSYS, INC.
    Inventors: Hsiao-Tzu Lu, Duncan Robert McDonald, Chih-Wei Yuan, Wen-Lung Kang
  • Patent number: 8969922
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and method for fabricating a semiconductor device is disclosed. An exemplary semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate including a first device disposed in a first device region, the first device including a first gate structure, first gate spacers formed on the sidewalls of the first gate structure, and first source and drain features and a second device disposed in a second device region, the second device including a second gate structure, second gate spacers formed on the sidewalls of the second gate structure, and second source and drain features. The semiconductor device further includes a contact etch stop layer (CESL) disposed on the first and second gate spacers and interconnect structures disposed on the first and second source and drain features. The interconnect structures are in electrical contact with the first and second source and drain features and in contact with the CESL.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Chu Liu, Kuei Shun Chen, Mu-Chi Chiang, Yao-Kwang Wu, Bi-Fen Wu, Huan-Just Lin, Hsiao-Tzu Lu, Hui-Chi Huang
  • Patent number: 8893069
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed for layout pattern or layout constraint reuse by identifying sub-circuits with identical or similar schematic structure based on a topology comparison strategy. The selected sub-circuit is transformed into a topology representing the relative positions among the instances of the selected sub-circuit. Based on the topology, one or more sub-circuits with identical or similar topologies in a predefined scope of a schematic are recognized and identified. Accordingly, the layout or the layout constraint of the selected sub-circuit is copied and associated to each of the identified sub-circuits. Furthermore, once the sub-circuits are identified, they can be listed on a user interface with notations to allow users to confirm each of the identified sub-circuits respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignees: Synopsys, Inc., Synopsys Taiwan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Chi Su, Ming-I Lai, Hsiao-Tzu Lu
  • Publication number: 20140304671
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and computer-implemented method for manipulating a parameterized cell device into a custom layout design. The method begins by receiving at least one parameterized cell representing a physical circuit from, for example, a database or configuration file. The parameterized cell has a plurality of configurable attributes. The method continues by adjusting one of the configurable attributes of the parameterized cell according to a capability associated with the one attribute. The attributes may include one or more of a parameter mapping capability, a port mapping capability, an abutment capability, a directional extension capability, a channel width capability, and a boundary layer capability. The method then calculates a new configuration for the parameterized cell based upon the adjustment, and applies the new configuration for the parameterized cell to a layout of the represented physical circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventors: Hsiao-Tzu LU, Duncan Robert McDONALD, Chih-Wei YUAN, Wen-Lung KANG
  • Patent number: 8815496
    Abstract: The method of patterning a photosensitive layer includes providing a substrate including a first layer formed thereon, treating the substrate including the first layer with cations, forming a first photosensitive layer over the first layer, patterning the first photosensitive layer to form a first pattern, treating the first pattern with cations, forming a second photosensitive layer over the treated first pattern, patterning the second photosensitive layer to form a second pattern, and processing the first layer using the first and second patterns as a mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsiao-Tzu Lu, Kuei Shun Chen, Tsiao-Chen Wu, Vencent Chang, George Liu
  • Patent number: 8707226
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and computer-implemented method for manipulating a parameterized cell device into a custom layout design. The method begins by receiving at least one parameterized cell representing a physical circuit from, for example, a database or configuration file. The parameterized cell has a plurality of configurable attributes. The method continues by adjusting one of the configurable attributes of the parameterized cell according to a capability associated with the one attribute. The attributes may include one or more of a parameter mapping capability, a port mapping capability, an abutment capability, a directional extension capability, a channel width capability, and a boundary layer capability. The method then calculates a new configuration for the parameterized cell based upon the adjustment, and applies the new configuration for the parameterized cell to a layout of the represented physical circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventors: Hsiao-Tzu Lu, Duncan Robert McDonald, Chih-Wei Yuan, Wen-Lung Kang
  • Publication number: 20130200461
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and method for fabricating a semiconductor device is disclosed. An exemplary semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate including a first device disposed in a first device region, the first device including a first gate structure, first gate spacers formed on the sidewalls of the first gate structure, and first source and drain features and a second device disposed in a second device region, the second device including a second gate structure, second gate spacers formed on the sidewalls of the second gate structure, and second source and drain features. The semiconductor device further includes a contact etch stop layer (CESL) disposed on the first and second gate spacers and interconnect structures disposed on the first and second source and drain features. The interconnect structures are in electrical contact with the first and second source and drain features and in contact with the CESL.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Chu Liu, Kuei Shun Chen, Mu-Chi Chiang, Yao-Kwang Wu, Bi-Fen Wu, Huan-Just Lin, Hsiao-Tzu Lu, Hui-Chi Huang
  • Publication number: 20130091481
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed for layout pattern or layout constraint reuse by identifying sub-circuits with identical or similar schematic structure based on a topology comparison strategy. The selected sub-circuit is transformed into a topology representing the relative positions among the instances of the selected sub-circuit. Based on the topology, one or more sub-circuits with identical or similar topologies in a predefined scope of a schematic are recognized and identified. Accordingly, the layout or the layout constraint of the selected sub-circuit is copied and associated to each of the identified sub-circuits. Furthermore, once the sub-circuits are identified, they can be listed on a user interface with notations to allow users to confirm each of the identified sub-circuits respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventors: Yu-Chi Su, Ming-I Lai, Hsiao-Tzu Lu
  • Patent number: 8394576
    Abstract: The method of patterning a photosensitive layer includes providing a substrate including a first layer formed thereon, treating the substrate including the first layer with cations, forming a first photosensitive layer over the first layer, patterning the first photosensitive layer to form a first pattern, treating the first pattern with cations, forming a second photosensitive layer over the treated first pattern, patterning the second photosensitive layer to form a second pattern, and processing the first layer using the first and second patterns as a mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsiao-Tzu Lu, Kuei Shun Chen, Tsiao-Chen Wu, Vencent Chang, George Liu
  • Publication number: 20120293782
    Abstract: Methods and systems for lithographically exposing a substrate based on a curvature profile of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hsiao-Tzu Lu, Hung Chang Hsieh, Kuei Shun Chen, Hsueh-Hung Fu, Ching-Hua Hsieh, Shau-Lin Shue
  • Patent number: 8236579
    Abstract: Methods and systems for lithographically exposing a substrate based on a curvature profile of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsiao-Tzu Lu, Hung Chang Hsieh, Kuei Shun Chen, Hsueh-Hung Fu, Ching-Hua Hsieh, Shau-Lin Shue
  • Publication number: 20120114872
    Abstract: The method of patterning a photosensitive layer includes providing a substrate including a first layer formed thereon, treating the substrate including the first layer with cations, forming a first photosensitive layer over the first layer, patterning the first photosensitive layer to form a first pattern, treating the first pattern with cations, forming a second photosensitive layer over the treated first pattern, patterning the second photosensitive layer to form a second pattern, and processing the first layer using the first and second patterns as a mask.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hsiao-Tzu Lu, Keui Shun Chen, Tsiao-Chen Wu, Vencent Chang, George Liu
  • Patent number: 8124323
    Abstract: The method of patterning a photosensitive layer includes providing a substrate including a first layer formed thereon, treating the substrate including the first layer with cations, forming a first photosensitive layer over the first layer, patterning the first photosensitive layer to form a first pattern, treating the first pattern with cations, forming a second photosensitive layer over the treated first pattern, patterning the second photosensitive layer to form a second pattern, and processing the first layer using the first and second patterns as a mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsiao-Tzu Lu, Keui Shun Chen, Tsiao-Chen Wu, Vencent Chang, George Liu
  • Patent number: 8119992
    Abstract: Provided is a system for overlay measurement in semiconductor manufacturing that includes a generator for exposing an overlay target to radiation and a detector for detecting reflected beams of the overlay target. The reflected beams are for overlay measurement and include at least two different beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsiao-Tzu Lu, Chin-Hsiang Lin, Hua-Shu Wu, Chia-Hsiang Lin, Kuei Shun Chen
  • Publication number: 20110307854
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and computer-implemented method for manipulating a parameterized cell device into a custom layout design. The method begins by receiving at least one parameterized cell representing a physical circuit from, for example, a database or configuration file. The parameterized cell has a plurality of configurable attributes. The method continues by adjusting one of the configurable attributes of the parameterized cell according to a capability associated with the one attribute. The attributes may include one or more of a parameter mapping capability, a port mapping capability, an abutment capability, a directional extension capability, a channel width capability, and a boundary layer capability. The method then calculates a new configuration for the parameterized cell based upon the adjustment, and applies the new configuration for the parameterized cell to a layout of the represented physical circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: HSIAO-TZU LU, Duncan Robert McDonald, Chih-Wei Yuan, Wen-Lung Kang
  • Patent number: 7723014
    Abstract: A method for photolithography in semiconductor manufacturing includes providing a substrate for a wafer and providing a mask for exposing the wafer. The wafer is exposed by utilizing a combination of high angle illumination and focus drift exposure methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuei Shun Chen, Chin-Hsiang Lin, Tsai-Cheng Gau, Chun-Kung Chen, Hsiao-Tzu Lu, Fu-Jye Liang
  • Publication number: 20090294685
    Abstract: Provided is a system for overlay measurement in semiconductor manufacturing that includes a generator for exposing an overlay target to radiation and a detector for detecting reflected beams of the overlay target. The reflected beams are for overlay measurement and include at least two different beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hsiao-Tzu Lu, Chin-Hsiang Lin, Hua-Shu Wu, Chia-Hsiang Lin, Kuei Shun Chen
  • Patent number: 7601466
    Abstract: A method for photolithography in semiconductor manufacturing includes providing a mask with first and second focus planes for a wafer. The wafer includes corresponding first and second wafer regions. The first wafer region receives a first image during a first exposure utilizing the first focus plane. The second wafer region receives a second image during a second exposure utilizing the second focus plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yung-Sung Yen, Kuei Shun Chen, Chia-Sui Hsu, Yuh-Sen Chang, Hsiao-Tzu Lu
  • Patent number: 7582538
    Abstract: A method for semiconductor manufacturing includes forming an overlay target having a pattern formed by a first mask layer and an adjacent layer. The overlay target is exposed to radiation. As a result, reflective beams can be detected from the pattern and the adjacent layer and the location of the pattern can be identified based on the reflective beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsiao-Tzu Lu, Chin-Hsiang Lin, Hua-Shu Wu, Chia-Hsiang Lin, Kuei Shun Chen
  • Publication number: 20090081591
    Abstract: The method of patterning a photosensitive layer includes providing a substrate including a first layer formed thereon, treating the substrate including the first layer with cations, forming a first photosensitive layer over the first layer, patterning the first photosensitive layer to form a first pattern, treating the first pattern with cations, forming a second photosensitive layer over the treated first pattern, patterning the second photosensitive layer to form a second pattern, and processing the first layer using the first and second patterns as a mask.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hsiao-Tzu Lu, Keui Shun Chen, Tsiao-Chen Wu, Vencent Chang, George Liu