Patents by Inventor Hui Zhong

Hui Zhong 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: 20220359508
    Abstract: A method of making an integrated circuit includes steps of selecting a first cell and a second cell for an integrated circuit layout from a cell library in an electronic design automation (EDA) system, the first and second cells each having a cell active area, a cell gate electrode, at least one fin of a first set of fins, and a cell border region, each cell also having the active area at an exposed side, and placing the first exposed side against the second exposed side at a cell border. The method also includes operations of aligning at least one fin of the first set of fins with at least one fin of the second set of fins across a cell border.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Pin-Dai SUE, Ting-Wei CHIANG, Hui-Zhong ZHUANG, Ya-Chi CHOU, Chi-Yu LU
  • Publication number: 20220359651
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a substrate and a first capacitor. The substrate includes an active region. The first capacitor is over the substrate and free from overlapping the active region from a top view perspective.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: CHE-YUAN CHANG, HUI-ZHONG ZHUANG, CHIH-LIANG CHEN
  • Publication number: 20220359512
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments for an exemplary dual transmission gate and various exemplary integrated circuit layouts for the exemplary dual transmission gate are disclosed. These exemplary integrated circuit layouts represent double-height, also referred to as double rule, integrated circuit layouts. These double rule integrated circuit layouts include a first group of rows from among multiple rows of an electronic device design real estate and a second group of rows from among the multiple rows of the electronic device design real estate to accommodate a first metal layer of a semiconductor stack. The first group of rows can include a first pair of complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect (CMOS) transistors, such as a first p-type metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect (PMOS) transistor and a first n-type metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect (NMOS) transistor, and the second group of rows can include a second pair of CMOS transistors, such as a second PMOS transistor and a second NMOS transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Wei PENG, Hui-Zhong ZHUANG, Jiann-Tyng TZENG, Li-Chun TIEN, Pin-Dai SUE, Wei-Cheng LIN
  • Patent number: 11494543
    Abstract: A layout method comprises selecting a first and a second layout devices in a layout of an integrated circuit. The second layout device abuts the first layout device at a boundary therebetween. The layout method also comprises disposing a first and a second conductive paths across the boundary, and respectively disposing a first and a second cut layers on the first and second conductive paths nearby the boundary. The layout method also comprises disconnecting the first layout device from the second layout device by cutting the first conductive path into two conductive portions according to a first position of the first cut layer and cutting the second conductive path into two conductive portions a second position of the second cut layer. The layout method also comprises moving the first cut layer to align with the second cut layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Cheok-Kei Lei, Yu-Chi Li, Chia-Wei Tseng, Zhe-Wei Jiang, Chi-Lin Liu, Jerry Chang-Jui Kao, Jung-Chan Yang, Chi-Yu Lu, Hui-Zhong Zhuang
  • Publication number: 20220352166
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes a first power rail, a first active area extending in a first direction, and a plurality of gates contacting the first active area and extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A first transistor includes the first active area and a first one of the gates. The first transistor has a first threshold voltage (VT). A second transistor includes the first active area and a second one of the gates. The second transistor has a second VT different than the first VT. A tie-off transistor is positioned between the first transistor and the second transistor, and includes the first active area and a third one of the gates, wherein the third gate is connected to the first power rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2022
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shao-Lun Chien, Ting-Wei Chiang, Hui-Zhong Zhuang, Pin-Dai Sue
  • Publication number: 20220343051
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a first and a set of conductive traces, and a first conductive feature. The second set of conductive traces includes a first conductive trace of the second set of conductive traces corresponding to a gate terminal of a first p-type transistor, and a second conductive trace of the second set of conductive traces corresponding to a gate terminal of a first n-type transistor. The first conductive feature corresponds to at least a first contact of a first dummy transistor. The first conductive trace of the second set of conductive traces is electrically coupled to the second conductive trace of the second set of conductive traces by at least the first conductive feature. The first n-type transistor being part of a first transmission gate. The first p-type transistor being part of a second transmission gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: Ting-Wei CHIANG, Hui-Zhong ZHUANG, Li-Chun TIEN
  • Publication number: 20220345116
    Abstract: An integrated circuit provided here includes a N-bit flip-flop and a first clock cell. The N-bit flip-flop includes first cell of a first bit and a second cell of a second bit. An output signal from the first cell is inputted into the second cell in response to a first clock signal. The first and second cells have different widths and are arranged in a first row of multiple first cell rows and a first row of multiple second cell rows respectively. The first cell rows and the second cell rows have different row heights. The first clock cell outputs the first clock signal and is arranged in the first row of the second cell rows to abut the first cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Po-Chun WANG, Hui-Zhong ZHUANG, Chih-Liang CHEN, Jerry Chang-Jui KAO, Tzu-Ying LIN
  • Publication number: 20220336325
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate and a first transistor on a first side of the substrate. The semiconductor device further includes a first electrode contacting a first region of the first transistor. The semiconductor device further includes a spacer extending along a sidewall of the first transistor. The semiconductor device further includes a self-aligned interconnect structure (SIS) separated from at least a portion of the first electrode by the spacer, wherein the SIS extends through the substrate. The semiconductor device further includes a second electrode contacting a surface of the first electrode farthest from the substrate, wherein the second electrode directly contacts the SIS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Inventors: Chih-Yu LAI, Chih-Liang CHEN, Chi-Yu LU, Shang-Syuan CIOU, Hui-Zhong ZHUANG, Ching-Wei TSAI, Shang-Wen CHANG
  • Patent number: 11476250
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments for an exemplary dual transmission gate and various exemplary integrated circuit layouts for the exemplary dual transmission gate are disclosed. These exemplary integrated circuit layouts represent double-height, also referred to as double rule, integrated circuit layouts. These double rule integrated circuit layouts include a first group of rows from among multiple rows of an electronic device design real estate and a second group of rows from among the multiple rows of the electronic device design real estate to accommodate a first metal layer of a semiconductor stack. The first group of rows can include a first pair of complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect (CMOS) transistors, such as a first p-type metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect (PMOS) transistor and a first n-type metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect (NMOS) transistor, and the second group of rows can include a second pair of CMOS transistors, such as a second PMOS transistor and a second NMOS transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Inventors: Shih-Wei Peng, Hui-Zhong Zhuang, Jiann-Tyng Tzeng, Li-Chun Tien, Pin-Dai Sue, Wei-Cheng Lin
  • Publication number: 20220327277
    Abstract: A layout method and a semiconductor device are disclosed. The layout method includes: generating a design layout by placing a cell, wherein the cell includes: a first conductive segment overlapping a source/drain region and disposed immediately adjacent to a first power rail, wherein the first conductive segment has a length substantially equal to a cell length; a second conductive segment; and a third conductive segment between the first and second conductive segments. The layout method further includes: providing a fourth conductive segment and a fifth conductive segment to the design layout, wherein the fourth and fifth conductive segments are aligned in a first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2021
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: ANURAG VERMA, MENG-KAI HSU, CHIH-WEI CHANG, SANG-CHI HUANG, WEI-LING CHANG, HUI-ZHONG ZHUANG
  • Publication number: 20220328410
    Abstract: A cell on an integrated circuit is provided. The cell includes: a fin structure; an intermediate fin structure connection metal track disposed in an intermediate fin structure connection metal layer above the fin structure, the intermediate fin structure connection metal track being connected to the fin structure; and a first intermediate gate connection metal track disposed in an intermediate gate connection metal layer above the intermediate fin structure connection metal layer, the first intermediate gate connection metal track being connected to the intermediate fin structure connection metal track. A first power supply terminal is connected to the first intermediate gate connection metal track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Li-Chun Tien, Chih-Liang Chen, Hui-Zhong Zhuang, Shun Li Chen, Ting Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 11461528
    Abstract: An integrated circuit structure includes a first, a second and a third set of conductive structures and a first and a second set of vias. The first set of conductive structures extend in a first direction, and is located at a first level. The second set of conductive structures extends in a second direction, overlaps the first set of conductive structures, and is located at a second level. The first set of vias is between, and electrically couples the first and the second set of conductive structures. The third set of conductive structures extends in the first direction, overlaps the second set of conductive structures, covers a portion of the first set of conductive structures, and is located at a third level. The second set of vias is between, and electrically couples the second and the third set of conductive structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Jung-Chan Yang, Ting-Wei Chiang, Jerry Chang-Jui Kao, Hui-Zhong Zhuang, Lee-Chung Lu, Li-Chun Tien, Meng-Hung Shen, Shang-Chih Hsieh, Chi-Yu Lu
  • Publication number: 20220310591
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate and a first active region on a first side of the substrate. The semiconductor device further includes a first gate structure surrounding a first portion of the first active region. The semiconductor device further includes a second active region on a second side of the substrate, wherein the second side is opposite the first side. The semiconductor device further includes a second gate structure surrounding a first portion of the second active region. The semiconductor device further includes a gate via extending through the substrate, wherein the gate via directly connects to the first gate structure, and the gate via directly connects to the second gate structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Inventors: Chih-Yu LAI, Chih-Liang CHEN, Chi-Yu LU, Shang-Syuan CIOU, Hui-Zhong ZHUANG, Ching-Wei TSAI, Shang-Wen CHANG
  • Publication number: 20220302027
    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: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Guo-Huei Wu, Hui-Zhong Zhuang, Chih-Liang Chen, Cheng-Chi Chuang, Shang-Wen Chang, Yi-Hsun Chiu
  • Publication number: 20220302111
    Abstract: A method is provided and includes operations below: forming a multilayer stack, wherein the multilayer stack includes multiple first semiconductor layers and multiple second semiconductor layers that are alternately stacked; forming a first source region and a first drain region on opposing sides of a first portion of the multilayer stack and forming a second source region and a second drain region on opposing sides of a second portion of the multilayer stack; removing the second semiconductor layers in the multilayer stack; forming a first gate region, corresponding to a first transistor, over the first portion of the multilayer stack; forming a first insulating layer above the first gate region; and forming a second gate region, corresponding to a second transistor, above the first insulating layer and over the second portion of the multilayer stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Guo-Huei WU, Po-Chun WANG, Hui-Zhong ZHUANG, Chih-Liang CHEN, Li-Chun TIEN
  • Publication number: 20220302026
    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: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Guo-Huei Wu, Hui-Zhong Zhuang, Chih-Liang Chen, Cheng-Chi Chuang, Shang-Wen Chang, Yi-Hsun Chiu
  • Publication number: 20220293469
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes several first cell row an several second cell rows. The first cell rows extend in a first direction. Each of the first cell rows has a first row height. A first row of the first cell rows is configured for a first cell to be arranged. The second cell rows extend in the first direction. Each of the second cell rows has a second row height that is different from the first row height. At least one row of the second cell rows includes a portion for at least one second cell to be arranged. The portion has a third row height that is different from the first row height and the second row height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jerry Chang-Jui KAO, Hui-Zhong ZHUANG, Li-Chung HSU, Sung-Yen YEH, Yung-Chen CHIEN, Jung-Chan YANG, Tzu-Ying LIN
  • Publication number: 20220292244
    Abstract: One aspect of this description relates to a method for operating an integrated circuit (IC) manufacturing system. The method includes placing a first nano-sheet structure within a IC layout diagram. The first nano-sheet structure has a first width. The method includes abutting a second nano-sheet structure with the first nano-sheet structure. The second nano-sheet structure has a second width. The second width is less than the first width. The method includes generating and storing the IC layout diagram in a storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Wei-An Lai, Wei-Cheng Lin, Yan-Hao Chen, Jiann-Tyng Tzeng, Lipen Yuan, Hui-Zhong Zhuang, Yu-Xuan Huang
  • Publication number: 20220293470
    Abstract: A system includes a non-transitory storage medium encoded with a set of instructions and a processor. The processor is configured to execute the set of instructions. The set of instructions is configured to cause the processor to: obtain, based on a netlist of a circuit, values each corresponding to one of transistors included in the circuit; compare the values with a threshold value; in response to a comparison, generate an adjusted netlist of the circuit by adding redundant transistors; and determine, based on the adjusted netlist, one of layout configurations for the circuit. The layout configurations include first cell rows each having a first row height and second cell rows each having a second row height different from the first row height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jerry Chang-Jui KAO, Hui-Zhong ZHUANG, Li-Chung HSU, Sung-Yen YEH, Yung-Chen CHIEN, Jung-Chan YANG, Tzu-Ying LIN
  • Publication number: 20220293638
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a first transistor, a second transistor, a first dummy source/drain, a third transistor, a fourth transistor, and a second dummy source/drain. The first transistor and a second transistor adjacent to the first transistor are at a first elevation. The first dummy source/drain is disposed at the first elevation. The third transistor and a fourth transistor adjacent to the third transistor, are at a second elevation different from the first elevation. The second dummy source/drain is disposed at the second elevation. The second transistor is vertically aligned with the third transistor. The first dummy source/drain is vertically aligned with a source/drain of the fourth transistor. The second dummy source/drain is vertically aligned with a source/drain of the first transistor. The gate structure between the second dummy source/drain and a source/drain of the third transistor is absent. A method for manufacturing a semiconductor structure is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Inventors: POCHUN WANG, GUO-HUEI WU, HUI-ZHONG ZHUANG, CHIH-LIANG CHEN, LI-CHUN TIEN