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: 11688759
    Abstract: A metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor structure includes a bottom electrode, a first oxide layer adjacent the bottom electrode, and a first high-k dielectric layer over the bottom electrode and the first oxide layer. A middle electrode is over the first high-k dielectric layer and a second oxide layer is adjacent the middle electrode. A second high-k dielectric layer may be over the middle electrode and the second oxide layer, a top electrode may be over the second high-k dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsiang-Ku Shen, Ming-Hong Kao, Hui-Chi Chen, Dian-Hau Chen, Yen-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 11670608
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Fan Huang, Hui-Chi Chen, Chih-Sheng Li, Chih-Hung Lu, Dian-Hau Chen, Yen-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20230111553
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, first and second gate structures are formed. The first (second) gate structure includes a first (second) gate electrode layer and first (second) sidewall spacers disposed on both side faces of the first (second) gate electrode layer. The first and second gate electrode layers are recessed and the first and second sidewall spacers are recessed, thereby forming a first space and a second space over the recessed first and second gate electrode layers and first and second sidewall spacers, respectively. First and second protective layers are formed in the first and second spaces, respectively. First and second etch-stop layers are formed on the first and second protective layers, respectively. A first depth of the first space above the first sidewall spacers is different from a second depth of the first space above the first gate electrode layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Inventors: Hsiang-Ku SHEN, Chih Wei Lu, Hui-Chi Chen, Jeng-Ya David Yeh
  • Patent number: 11605720
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    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
  • Publication number: 20230063857
    Abstract: A device includes a semiconductor substrate, a fin structure on the semiconductor substrate, a gate structure on the fin structure, and a pair of source/drain features on both sides of the gate structure. The gate structure includes an interfacial layer on the fin structure, a gate dielectric layer on the interfacial layer, and a gate electrode layer of a conductive material on and directly contacting the gate dielectric layer. The gate dielectric layer includes nitrogen element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Chia-Wei Chen, Chih-Yu Hsu, Hui-Chi Chen, Shan-Mei Liao, Jian-Hao Chen, Cheng-Hao Hou, Huang-Chin Chen, Cheng Hong Yang, Shih-Hao Lin, Tsung-Da Lin, Da-Yuan Lee, Kuo-Feng Yu, Feng-Cheng Yang, Chi On Chui, Yen-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20230010952
    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: May 5, 2022
    Publication date: January 12, 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, Chun-Chih Cheng
  • Patent number: 11521970
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, first and second gate structures are formed. The first (second) gate structure includes a first (second) gate electrode layer and first (second) sidewall spacers disposed on both side faces of the first (second) gate electrode layer. The first and second gate electrode layers are recessed and the first and second sidewall spacers are recessed, thereby forming a first space and a second space over the recessed first and second gate electrode layers and first and second sidewall spacers, respectively. First and second protective layers are formed in the first and second spaces, respectively. First and second etch-stop layers are formed on the first and second protective layers, respectively. A first depth of the first space above the first sidewall spacers is different from a second depth of the first space above the first gate electrode layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hsiang-Ku Shen, Chih Wei Lu, Hui-Chi Chen, Jeng-Ya David Yeh
  • Publication number: 20220384454
    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, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    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: 20220384260
    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: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Inventors: Hui-Chi CHEN, Hsiang-Ku SHEN, Jeng-Ya YEH
  • Publication number: 20220359438
    Abstract: A method for forming a chip structure is provided. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate, a first conductive line, and a first dielectric layer. The method includes forming a first conductive layer over the first dielectric layer. The method includes forming a second conductive layer over the first conductive layer. The method includes forming a second dielectric layer over the second conductive layer and the first conductive layer. The method includes forming a first through hole passing through the second dielectric layer, the first conductive layer, and the first dielectric layer. The method includes forming a first conductive structure in and over the first through hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Fan HUANG, Mao-Nan WANG, Hui-Chi CHEN, Dian-Hau CHEN, Yen-Ming CHEN
  • Publication number: 20220328440
    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: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Chih-Fan Huang, Hui-Chi Chen, Kuo-Chin Chang, Chien-Huang Yeh, Hong-Seng Shue, Dian-Hau Chen, Yen-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20220320265
    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: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2022
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Inventors: Chih-Fan HUANG, Chih-Yang PAI, Yuan-Yang HSIAO, Tsung-Chieh HSIAO, Hui-Chi CHEN, Dian-Hau CHEN, Yen-Ming CHEN
  • Patent number: 11443984
    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 n-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 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hui-Chi Chen, Hsiang-Ku Shen, Jeng-Ya Yeh
  • Publication number: 20220285514
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a plurality of active region structures that each protrude upwards in a vertical direction. The active region structures each extend in a first horizontal direction. The active region structures are separated from one another in a second horizontal direction different from the first horizontal direction. A gate structure is disposed over the active region structures. The gate structure extends in the second horizontal direction. The gate structure partially wraps around each of the active region structures. A conductive capping layer is disposed over the gate structure. A gate via is disposed over the conductive capping layer. A dimension of the conductive capping layer measured in the second horizontal direction is substantially greater than a maximum dimension of the gate via measured in the second horizontal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2021
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventors: Chia-Wei Chen, Wei Cheng Hsu, Hui-Chi Chen, Jian-Hao Chen, Kuo-Feng Yu, Shih-Hang Chiu, Wei-Cheng Wang, Kuan-Ting Liu, Yen-Ju Chen, Chun-Chih Cheng, Wei-Chen Hsiao
  • Publication number: 20220285479
    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: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    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: 11437331
    Abstract: A chip structure is provided. The chip structure includes a semiconductor substrate. The chip structure includes a first dielectric layer over the semiconductor substrate. The chip structure includes a first conductive layer over the first dielectric layer. The chip structure includes a second dielectric layer over the first conductive layer and the first dielectric layer. The chip structure includes a first conductive via passing through the second dielectric layer, the first conductive layer, and the first dielectric layer and electrically connected to the first conductive layer. The chip structure includes a second conductive via passing through the second dielectric layer and the first dielectric layer. The chip structure includes a first conductive pad over and in direct contact with the first conductive via. The chip structure includes a second conductive pad over and in direct contact with the second conductive via.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Fan Huang, Mao-Nan Wang, Hui-Chi Chen, Dian-Hau Chen, Yen-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20220278218
    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: February 26, 2021
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    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
  • Patent number: 11404558
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first field effect transistor (FET) including a first gate dielectric layer and a first gate electrode. The first gate electrode includes a first lower metal layer and a first upper metal layer. The first lower metal layer includes a first underlying metal layer in contact with the first gate dielectric layer and a first bulk metal layer. A bottom of the first upper metal layer is in contact with an upper surface of the first underlying metal layer and an upper surface of the first bulk metal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yao-De Chiou, Hui-Chi Chen, Jeng-Ya Yeh
  • Patent number: 11380639
    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: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    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
  • Patent number: 11362170
    Abstract: A metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor structure and a method for forming the same are provided. The MIM capacitor structure includes a substrate, and the substrate includes a capacitor region and a non-capacitor region. The MIM capacitor structure includes a first electrode layer formed over the substrate, and a first spacer formed on a sidewall of the first electrode layer. The MIM capacitor structure includes a second electrode layer formed over the first electrode layer, and a second spacer formed on a sidewall of the second electrode layer. The second spacer is in direct contact with an interface between the second electrode layer and a first dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    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