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: 11964358
    Abstract: A method includes placing a polisher head on platen, the polisher head including a set of first magnets, and controlling a set of second magnets to rotate the polisher head on the platen, wherein controlling the set of second magnets includes reversing the polarity of at least one second magnet of the set of second magnets to produce a magnetic force on at least one first magnet of the set of first magnets, wherein the set of second magnets are external to the polisher head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shang-Yu Wang, Chun-Hao Kung, Ching-Hsiang Tsai, Kei-Wei Chen, Hui-Chi Huang
  • Patent number: 11942420
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first gate structure extending along a first lateral direction. The semiconductor device includes a first interconnect structure, disposed above the first gate structure, that extends along a second lateral direction perpendicular to the first lateral direction. The first interconnect structure includes a first portion and a second portion electrically isolated from each other by a first dielectric structure. The semiconductor device includes a second interconnect structure, disposed between the first gate structure and the first interconnect structure, that electrically couples the first gate structure to the first portion of the first interconnect structure. The second interconnect structure includes a recessed portion that is substantially aligned with the first gate structure and the dielectric structure along a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Guo-Huei Wu, Hui-Zhong Zhuang, Chih-Liang Chen, Cheng-Chi Chuang, Shang-Wen Chang, Yi-Hsun Chiu
  • Patent number: 11935787
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first gate structure disposed on a substrate and extending in a first direction. The first gate structure includes a first gate electrode, a first cap insulating layer disposed over the first gate electrode, first sidewall spacers disposed on opposing side faces of the first gate electrode and the first cap insulating layer and second sidewall spacers disposed over the first sidewall spacers. The semiconductor device further includes a first protective layer formed over the first cap insulating layer, the first sidewall spacers and the second sidewall spacers. The first protective layer has a ?-shape having a head portion and two leg portions in a cross section along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hui-Chi Chen, Hsiang-Ku Shen, Jeng-Ya Yeh
  • Publication number: 20240087951
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device structure is provided. The method includes forming a first metal layer over a substrate, forming a dielectric layer over the first metal layer. The method includes forming a trench in the dielectric layer, and performing a surface treatment process on a sidewall surface of the trench to form a hydrophobic layer. The hydrophobic layer is formed on a sidewall surface of the dielectric layer. The method further includes depositing a metal material in the trench and over the hydrophobic layer to form a via structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Chun-Hao Kung, Chih-Chieh Chang, Kao-Feng Liao, Hui-Chi Huang, Kei-Wei Chen
  • Patent number: 11923405
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a substrate, an insulating layer disposed on the substrate, a first conductive feature disposed in the insulating layer, and a capacitor structure disposed on the insulating layer. The capacitor structure includes a first electrode, a first dielectric layer, a second electrode, a second dielectric layer, and a third electrode sequentially stacked. The semiconductor device also includes a first via connected to the first electrode and the third electrode, a second via connected to the second electrode, and a third via connected to the first conductive feature. A part of the first via is disposed in the insulating layer. A portion of the first conductive feature is directly under the capacitor structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    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
  • Patent number: 11916077
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes an apparatus with a local interconnect structure. The apparatus can include a first transistor, a second transistor, a first interconnect structure, a second interconnect structure, and a third interconnect structure. The local interconnect structure can be coupled to gate terminals of the first and second transistors and routed at a same interconnect level as reference metal lines coupled to ground and a power supply voltage. The first interconnect structure can be coupled to a source/drain terminal of the first transistor and routed above the local interconnect structure. The second interconnect structure can be coupled to a source/drain terminal of the second transistor and routed above the local interconnect structure. The third interconnect structure can be routed above the local interconnect structure and at a same interconnect level as the first and second interconnect structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Liang Chen, Cheng-Chi Chuang, Chih-Ming Lai, Chia-Tien Wu, Charles Chew-Yuen Young, Hui-Ting Yang, Jiann-Tyng Tzeng, Ru-Gun Liu, Wei-Cheng Lin, Lei-Chun Chou, Wei-An Lai
  • Patent number: 11916126
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate and a gate structure. The gate structure is disposed on the substrate, and the gate structure includes a titanium nitride barrier layer a titanium aluminide layer, and a middle layer. The titanium aluminide layer is disposed on the titanium nitride barrier layer, and the middle layer is disposed between the titanium aluminide layer and the titanium nitride barrier layer. The middle layer is directly connected with the titanium aluminide layer and the titanium nitride barrier layer, and the middle layer includes titanium and nitrogen. A concentration of nitrogen in the middle layer is gradually decreased in a vertical direction towards an interface between the middle layer and the titanium aluminide layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Hui-Hsin Hsu, Huan-Chi Ma, Chien-Wen Yu, Shih-Min Chou, Nien-Ting Ho, Ti-Bin Chen
  • Patent number: 11855022
    Abstract: Semiconductor device packages and method are provided. A semiconductor device package according to the present disclosure includes a substrate including a first region, a passive device disposed over the first region of the substrate, a contact pad disposed over the passive device, a passivation layer disposed over the contact pad, a recess through the passivation layer, and an under-bump metallization (UBM) layer. The recess exposes the contact pad and the UBM layer includes an upper portion disposed over the passivation layer and a lower portion disposed over a sidewall of the recess. A projection of the upper portion of the UBM layer along a direction perpendicular to the substrate falls within an area of the contact pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Fan Huang, Hui-Chi Chen, Kuo-Chin Chang, Chien-Huang Yeh, Hong-Seng Shue, Dian-Hau Chen, Yen-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20230411220
    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 24, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    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: 20230395598
    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: June 4, 2022
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    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: 20230387233
    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: May 24, 2022
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Yung-Hsiang CHAN, An-Hung TAI, Hui-Chi CHEN, J.F. CHUEH, Yen-Ta LIN, Ming-Chi HUANG, Cheng-Chieh TU, Jian-Hao CHEN, Kuo-Feng YU
  • Publication number: 20230389256
    Abstract: A transistor includes a gate structure that has a first gate dielectric layer and a second gate dielectric layer. The first gate dielectric layer is disposed over the substrate. The first gate dielectric layer contains a first type of dielectric material that has a first dielectric constant. The second gate dielectric layer is disposed over the first gate dielectric layer. The second gate dielectric layer contains a second type of dielectric material that has a second dielectric constant. The second dielectric constant is greater than the first dielectric constant. The first dielectric constant and the second dielectric constant are each greater than a dielectric constant of silicon oxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Chih-Yu Hsu, Jian-Hao Chen, Chia-Wei Chen, Shan-Mei Liao, Hui-Chi Chen, Yu-Chia Liang, Shih-Hao Lin, Kuei-Lun Lin, Kuo-Feng Yu, Feng-Cheng Yang, Yen-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20230343857
    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 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: April 22, 2022
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: An-Hung TAI, Chia-Wei CHEN, Shih-Hang CHIU, Yu-Hong LU, Hui-Chi CHEN, Kuo-Feng YU, Jian-Hao CHEN
  • Publication number: 20230317651
    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: June 5, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Chih-Fan Huang, Yen-Ming Chen, Chih-Sheng Li, Hui-Chi Chen, Chih-Hung Lu, Dian-Hau Chen
  • Publication number: 20230290824
    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: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2022
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    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: 20230268408
    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: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Inventors: An-Hung TAI, Jian-Hao CHEN, Hui-Chi CHEN, Kuo-Feng YU
  • Publication number: 20230268409
    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: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    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
  • Patent number: 11735484
    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: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    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: 11728375
    Abstract: A metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor structure and a method for forming the same are provided. The MIM capacitor structure includes a first electrode layer formed over a substrate, and a first spacer formed on a sidewall of the first electrode layer. The MIM capacitor structure also includes a first dielectric layer formed on the first spacers, and an end of the first dielectric layer is in direct contact with the first pacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Fan Huang, Chih-Yang Pai, Yuan-Yang Hsiao, Tsung-Chieh Hsiao, Hui-Chi Chen, Dian-Hau Chen, Yen-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20230215929
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device and a method of forming the same. The semiconductor device includes a first channel members being vertically stacked, a second channel members being vertically stacked, an n-type work function layer wrapping around each of the first channel members, a first p-type work function layer over the n-type work function layer and wrapping around each of the first channel members, a second p-type work function layer wrapping around each of the second channel members, a third p-type work function layer over the second p-type work function layer and wrapping around each of the second channel members, and a gate cap layer over a top surface of the first p-type work function layer and a top surface of the third p-type work function layer such that the gate cap layer electrically couples the first p-type work function layer and the third p-type work function layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2023
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    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