Patents by Inventor Hui-Chi CHEN

Hui-Chi 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: 12635161
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a lower conductive layer is formed in an opening formed in a dielectric layer, and the lower conductive layer is recessed to form a space. A blanket conductive layer is formed over the recessed lower conductive layer in the space, a sidewall of the space and an upper surface of the dielectric layer. Part of the blanket conductive layer formed on the sidewall of the space and the upper surface of the dielectric layer is removed, thereby forming an upper conductive layer on the lower conductive layer, and a cap insulating layer is formed over the upper conductive layer in the space. The blanket conductive layer is formed by physical vapor deposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2026
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: An-Hung Tai, Chia-Wei Chen, Shih-Hang Chiu, Yu-Hong Lu, Hui-Chi Chen, Kuo-Feng Yu, Jian-Hao Chen
  • Patent number: 12575172
    Abstract: A sacrificial layer is formed over a first channel structure of an N-type transistor (NFET) and over a second channel structure of a P-type transistor (PFET). A PFET patterning process is performed at least in part by etching away the sacrificial layer in the PFET while protecting the NFET from being etched. After the PFET patterning process has been performed, a P-type work function (WF) metal layer is deposited in both the NFET and the PFET. An NFET patterning process is performed at least in part by etching away the P-type WF metal layer and the sacrificial layer in the NFET while protecting the PFET from being etched. After the NFET patterning process has been performed, an N-type WF metal layer is deposited in both the NFET and the PFET.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2026
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Jo-Chun Hung, Chih-Wei Lee, Wen-Hung Huang, Hui-Chi Chen, Jian-Hao Chen, Kuo-Feng Yu, Hsin-Han Tsai, Yin-Chuan Chuang, Yu-Ling Cheng, Yu-Xuan Wang, Tefu Yeh
  • Publication number: 20250364457
    Abstract: A chip structure is provided. The chip structure includes a semiconductor substrate. The chip structure includes a first conductive layer over the semiconductor substrate. The chip structure includes a conductive via passing through the first conductive layer and electrically connected to the first conductive layer. The chip structure includes a conductive pad over and connected to the conductive via. The chip structure includes a second conductive layer over and spaced apart from the first conductive layer. The chip structure includes a third conductive layer over the first dielectric layer. The chip structure includes a second dielectric layer covering and connected to the first corner, the second corner, and the third corner of the third conductive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2025
    Publication date: November 27, 2025
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Fan HUANG, Mao-Nan WANG, Hui-Chi CHEN, Dian-Hau CHEN, Yen-Ming CHEN
  • Publication number: 20250366056
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a channel structure and an epitaxial structure beside the channel structure. The semiconductor device structure also includes a metal gate stack over the semiconductor nanostructures. The metal gate stack includes a gate dielectric layer, a first work function layer over the gate dielectric layer, and a metal oxide layer over the first work function layer. The metal oxide layer is thinner than the first work function layer. The metal gate stack also includes a second work function layer over the metal oxide layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2025
    Publication date: November 27, 2025
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Wei CHEN, Jo-Chun HUNG, Chih-Wei LEE, Hui-Chi CHEN, Hsin-Han TSAI, Hsiang-Ju LIAO, Yi-Lun LI, Cheng-Lung HUNG, Chi On CHUI
  • Publication number: 20250359217
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure includes first nanostructures and second nanostructures over a substrate. The semiconductor device structure also includes a first metal gate layer surrounding the first nanostructures. The semiconductor device structure further includes a second metal gate layer surrounding the second nanostructures and over the first metal gate layer. The first metal gate layer comprises N-work-function metal, and the second metal gate layer comprises P-work-function metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2025
    Publication date: November 20, 2025
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Yao YANG, Chia-Wei CHEN, Wei-Cheng HSU, Jo-Chun HUNG, Yung-Hsiang CHAN, Hui-Chi CHEN, Yen-Ta LIN, Te-Fu YEH, Yun-Chen WU, Yen-Ju CHEN, Chih-Ming SUN
  • Publication number: 20250359116
    Abstract: In a method aspect manufacturing a semiconductor device, a lower conductive layer is formed in an opening formed in a dielectric layer, and the lower conductive layer is recessed to form a space. A blanket conductive layer is formed over the recessed lower conductive layer in the space, a sidewall of the space and an upper surface of the dielectric layer. Part of the blanket conductive layer formed on the sidewall of the opening and the upper surface of the dielectric layer is removed, thereby forming a upper conductive layer on the lower conductive layer, and a cap insulating layer is formed over the upper conductive layer in the space. The blanket conductive layer is formed by physical vapor deposition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2025
    Publication date: November 20, 2025
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: An-Hung TAI, Chia-Wen CHEN, Shih-Hang CHIU, Yu-Hong LU, Hui-Chi CHEN, Kuo-Feng YU, Jian-Hao CHEN
  • Patent number: 12477756
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a multi-layer interconnect structure disposed over a substrate, a dielectric layer disposed over the multi-layer interconnect structure, and a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor disposed over the dielectric layer. The MIM capacitor includes a bottom electrode disposed on a top surface of the dielectric layer, a top electrode disposed above the bottom electrode, and an insulating layer interposed between the bottom electrode and the top electrode. The bottom electrode has a slanted sidewall with respect to the top surface of the dielectric layer. The top electrode has a vertical sidewall with respect to the top surface of the dielectric layer. The insulating layer covers the slanted sidewall of the bottom electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2024
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2025
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Fan Huang, Hung-Chao Kao, Yuan-Yang Hsiao, Tsung-Chieh Hsiao, Hsiang-Ku Shen, Hui-Chi Chen, Dian-Hau Chen, Yen-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20250351539
    Abstract: Semiconductor device and the manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. An exemplary semiconductor device comprises a first semiconductor stack and a second semiconductor stack over a substrate, wherein each of the first and second semiconductor stacks includes semiconductor layers stacked up and separated from each other; a dummy spacer between the first and second semiconductor stacks, wherein the dummy spacer contacts a first sidewall of each semiconductor layer of the first and second semiconductor stacks; and a gate structure wrapping a second sidewall, a top surface, and a bottom surface of each semiconductor layer of the first and second semiconductor stacks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2025
    Publication date: November 13, 2025
    Inventors: Chih-Yu Hsu, Jian-Hao Chen, Chia-Wei Chen, Shan-Mei Liao, Hui-Chi Chen, Cheng Hong Yang, Shih-Hao Lin, Kuo-Feng Yu, Feng-Cheng Yang, Yen-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20250351562
    Abstract: A sacrificial layer is formed over a first channel structure of an N-type transistor (NFET) and over a second channel structure of a P-type transistor (PFET). A PFET patterning process is performed at least in part by etching away the sacrificial layer in the PFET while protecting the NFET from being etched. After the PFET patterning process has been performed, a P-type work function (WF) metal layer is deposited in both the NFET and the PFET. An NFET patterning process is performed at least in part by etching away the P-type WF metal layer and the sacrificial layer in the NFET while protecting the PFET from being etched. After the NFET patterning process has been performed, an N-type WF metal layer is deposited in both the NFET and the PFET.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2025
    Publication date: November 13, 2025
    Inventors: Jo-Chun Hung, Chih-Wei Lee, Wen-Hung Huang, Hui-Chi Chen, Jian-Hao Chen, Kuo-Feng Yu, Hsin-Han Tsai, Yin-Chuan Chuang, Yu-Ling Cheng, Yu-Xuan Wang, Tefu Yeh
  • Patent number: 12464773
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure and a formation method are provided. The method includes forming a fin structure over a substrate, and the fin structure has multiple sacrificial layers and multiple semiconductor layers laid out alternately. The method also includes removing the sacrificial layers to release multiple semiconductor nanostructures made up of remaining portions of the semiconductor lavers. The method further includes forming a gate dielectric layer to wrap around the semiconductor nanostructures and forming a first metal-containing layer over the gate dielectric layer to wrap around the semiconductor nanostructures. In addition, the method includes introducing oxygen-containing plasma on the first metal-containing layer to transform an upper portion of the first metal-containing layer into a metal oxide layer. The method includes forming a second metal-containing layer over the metal oxide layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2025
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Wei Chen, Jo-Chun Hung, Chih-Wei Lee, Hui-Chi Chen, Hsin-Han Tsai, Hsiang-Ju Liao, Yi-Lun Li, Cheng-Lung Hung, Chi On Chui
  • Patent number: 12464789
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device structure includes forming first nanostructures and second nanostructures over a substrate. The method also includes forming a first metal gate layer surrounding the first nanostructures and over the first nanostructures and the second nanostructures. The method also includes etching back the first metal gate layer over the first nanostructures and the second nanostructures. The method also includes removing the first metal gate layer over the second nanostructures. The method also includes forming a second metal gate layer surrounding the second nanostructures and over the first nanostructures and the second nanostructures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2025
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Yao Yang, Chia-Wei Chen, Wei-Cheng Hsu, Jo-Chun Hung, Yung-Hsiang Chan, Hui-Chi Chen, Yen-Ta Lin, Te-Fu Yeh, Yun-Chen Wu, Yen-Ju Chen, Chih-Ming Sun
  • Publication number: 20250324672
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a gate space is formed by removing a sacrificial gate electrode formed over a channel region, a first gate dielectric layer is formed over the channel region in the gate space, a second gate dielectric layer is formed over the first gate dielectric layer, one or more conductive layers is formed on the second gate dielectric layer, the second gate dielectric layer and the one or more conductive layers are recessed, an annealing operation is performed to diffuse an element of the second gate dielectric layer into the first gate dielectric layer, and one or more metal layers are formed in the gate space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2025
    Publication date: October 16, 2025
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yung-Hsiang CHAN, An-Hung TAI, Hui-Chi CHEN, Jui Fu CHUEH, Yen-Ta LIN, Ming-Chi HUANG, Cheng-Chieh TU, Jian-Hao CHEN, Kuo-Feng YU
  • Publication number: 20250311307
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes stacks of nano-structures that each extend in a first horizontal direction. The stacks each extend in a vertical direction and are separated from one another in a second horizontal direction. A first gate is disposed over a first subset of the stacks. A second gate is disposed over a second subset of the stacks. A first conductive capping layer is disposed over a substantial entirety of an upper surface of the first gate. A second conductive capping layer is disposed over a substantial entirety of an upper surface of the second gate. A dielectric structure is disposed between the first gate and the second gate in the second horizontal direction. The dielectric structure physically and electrically separates the first gate and the second gate. An upper surface of the dielectric structure is substantially free of having the first or second conductive capping layers disposed thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2025
    Publication date: October 2, 2025
    Inventors: Chia-Wei Chen, Wei Cheng Hsu, Hui-Chi Chen, Jian-Hao Chen, Kuo-Feng Yu, Shih-Hang Chiu, Wei-Cheng Wang, Yen-Ju Chen, Chun-Chih Cheng
  • Patent number: 12433011
    Abstract: Semiconductor device and the manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. An exemplary semiconductor device comprises a first semiconductor stack and a second semiconductor stack over a substrate, wherein each of the first and second semiconductor stacks includes semiconductor layers stacked up and separated from each other; a dummy spacer between the first and second semiconductor stacks, wherein the dummy spacer contacts a first sidewall of each semiconductor layer of the first and second semiconductor stacks; and a gate structure wrapping a second sidewall, a top surface, and a bottom surface of each semiconductor layer of the first and second semiconductor stacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2025
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Yu Hsu, Jian-Hao Chen, Chia-Wei Chen, Shan-Mei Liao, Hui-Chi Chen, Cheng Hong Yang, Shih-Hao Lin, Kuo-Feng Yu, Feng-Cheng Yang, Yen-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 12426309
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a gate space is formed by removing a sacrificial gate electrode formed over a channel region, a first gate dielectric layer is formed over the channel region in the gate space, a second gate dielectric layer is formed over the first gate dielectric layer, one or more conductive layers is formed on the second gate dielectric layer, the second gate dielectric layer and the one or more conductive layers are recessed, an annealing operation is performed to diffuse an element of the second gate dielectric layer into the first gate dielectric layer, and one or more metal layers are formed in the gate space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2025
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yung-Hsiang Chan, An-Hung Tai, Hui-Chi Chen, Jui Fu Chueh, Yen-Ta Lin, Ming-Chi Huang, Cheng-Chieh Tu, Jian-Hao Chen, Kuo-Feng Yu
  • Patent number: 12414329
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes stacks of nano-structures that each extend in a first horizontal direction. The stacks each extend in a vertical direction and are separated from one another in a second horizontal direction. A first gate is disposed over a first subset of the stacks. A second gate is disposed over a second subset of the stacks. A first conductive capping layer is disposed over a substantial entirety of an upper surface of the first gate. A second conductive capping layer is disposed over a substantial entirety of an upper surface of the second gate. A dielectric structure is disposed between the first gate and the second gate in the second horizontal direction. The dielectric structure physically and electrically separates the first gate and the second gate. An upper surface of the dielectric structure is substantially free of having the first or second conductive capping layers disposed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2025
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Wei Chen, Wei Cheng Hsu, Hui-Chi Chen, Jian-Hao Chen, Kuo-Feng Yu, Shih-Hang Chiu, Wei-Cheng Wang, Yen-Ju Chen, Chun-Chih Cheng
  • Patent number: 12406952
    Abstract: A chip structure is provided. The chip structure includes a semiconductor substrate. The chip structure includes a first conductive layer over the first dielectric layer. The chip structure includes a conductive via passing through the first conductive layer and electrically connected to the first conductive layer. The chip structure includes a conductive pad over and in direct contact with the conductive via. The chip structure includes a second conductive layer over and spaced apart from the first conductive layer. The chip structure includes a first dielectric layer conformally covering a second lower portion of a sidewall of the second conductive layer. The chip structure includes a third conductive layer over the first dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2024
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2025
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Fan Huang, Mao-Nan Wang, Hui-Chi Chen, Dian-Hau Chen, Yen-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20250151330
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a substrate. The semiconductor device structure includes a gate stack over the substrate. The semiconductor device structure includes a cap layer over the gate stack. The semiconductor device structure includes a protective layer over the cap layer. A lower portion of the protective layer extends into the cap layer. The semiconductor device structure includes a contact structure passing through the protective layer and the cap layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2025
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Inventors: An-Hung TAI, Jian-Hao CHEN, Hui-Chi CHEN, Kuo-Feng YU
  • Publication number: 20250140722
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices, integrated circuits and methods of forming the same are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes depositing a first dielectric layer over a metal pad disposed over a workpiece, forming a first opening in the first dielectric layer to expose a portion of the metal pad, after the forming of the first opening, forming a second dielectric layer over the exposed portion of the metal pad, depositing a first polymeric material over the second dielectric layer, forming a second opening through the first polymeric material and the second dielectric layer to expose the metal pad, and forming a bump feature over the exposed metal pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2024
    Publication date: May 1, 2025
    Inventors: Chih-Fan Huang, Yen-Ming Chen, Chih-Sheng Li, Hui-Chi Chen, Chih-Hung Lu, Dian-Hau Chen
  • Patent number: 12218213
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a substrate. The semiconductor device structure includes a gate stack over the substrate. The semiconductor device structure includes a cap layer over the gate stack. The semiconductor device structure includes a protective layer over the cap layer, wherein a lower portion of the protective layer extends into the cap layer. The semiconductor device structure includes a contact structure passing through the protective layer and the cap layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2025
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: An-Hung Tai, Jian-Hao Chen, Hui-Chi Chen, Kuo-Feng Yu