Patents by Inventor Hung-Jen Liao

Hung-Jen Liao 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: 11301148
    Abstract: Various embodiments for configurable memory storage systems are disclosed. The configurable memory storages selectively choose an operational voltage signal from among multiple operational voltage signals to dynamically control various operational parameters. For example, the configurable memory storages selectively choose a maximum operational voltage signal from among the multiple operational voltage signals to maximize read/write speed. As another example, the configurable memory storages selectively choose a minimum operational voltage signal from among the multiple operational voltage signals to minimize power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Hao Hsu, Cheng Hung Lee, Chen-Lin Yang, Chiting Cheng, Fu-An Wu, Hung-Jen Liao, Jung-Ping Yang, Jonathan Tsung-Yung Chang, Wei Min Chan, Yen-Huei Chen, Yangsyu Lin, Chien-Chen Lin
  • Publication number: 20220083089
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are related to an integrated circuit to regulate a supply voltage. In one aspect, the integrated circuit includes a metal rail including a first point, at which a first functional circuit is connected, and a second point, at which a second functional circuit is connected. In one aspect, the integrate circuit includes a voltage regulator coupled between the first point of the metal rail and the second point of the metal rail. In one aspect, the voltage regulator senses a voltage at the second point of the metal rail and adjusts a supply voltage at the first point of the metal rail, according to the sensed voltage at the second point of the metal rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruki Mori, Hidehiro Fujiwara, Zhi-Hao Chang, Yangsyu Lin, Yu-Hao Hsu, Yen-Huei Chen, Hung-Jen Liao, Chiting Cheng
  • Publication number: 20220068355
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a memory circuit, an electronic device, and a method of operating the memory circuit. According to an exemplary embodiment, the disclosure is directed to a memory circuit which includes not limited to a voltage equalizing circuit configured to equalize and pre-charge a first data line and a second data line to a reference voltage, a sense amplifier circuit configured to sense a binary data based on a relative voltage between the first data line and the second data line, a read-out latch circuit configured to receive the binary data which is to be transmitted to an external controller, and a write circuit configured to receive a first signal of the first data line and a second signal of the second data line so as to write the first signal to a first bit line and the second signal to a second bit line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2020
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hua-Hsin Yu, Cheng-Hung Lee, Hung-Jen Liao, Hau-Tai Shieh
  • Patent number: 11264081
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a memory circuit, an electronic device, and a method of operating the memory circuit. According to an exemplary embodiment, the disclosure is directed to a memory circuit which includes not limited to a voltage equalizing circuit configured to equalize and pre-charge a first data line and a second data line to a reference voltage, a sense amplifier circuit configured to sense a binary data based on a relative voltage between the first data line and the second data line, a read-out latch circuit configured to receive the binary data which is to be transmitted to an external controller, and a write circuit configured to receive a first signal of the first data line and a second signal of the second data line so as to write the first signal to a first bit line and the second signal to a second bit line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manfacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hua-Hsin Yu, Cheng-Hung Lee, Hung-Jen Liao, Hau-Tai Shieh
  • Patent number: 11200946
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a bit-cell are presented. The bit-cell comprises a read-port circuit and a write-port circuit. The read-port circuit comprises four transistors, wherein the read-port circuit is activated by a first threshold voltage. The write-port circuit comprises eight transistors, wherein the write-port circuit is activated by a second threshold voltage. The write-port circuit is coupled to the read-port circuit. The first threshold voltage and the second threshold voltage may be different and may be provided by a single supply voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Mahmut Sinangil, Hung-Jen Liao, Jonathan Tsung-Yung Chang, Yen-Huei Chen, Yen-Ting Lin
  • Patent number: 11199866
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are related to an integrated circuit to regulate a supply voltage. In one aspect, the integrated circuit includes a metal rail including a first point, at which a first functional circuit is connected, and a second point, at which a second functional circuit is connected. In one aspect, the integrate circuit includes a voltage regulator coupled between the first point of the metal rail and the second point of the metal rail. In one aspect, the voltage regulator senses a voltage at the second point of the metal rail and adjusts a supply voltage at the first point of the metal rail, according to the sensed voltage at the second point of the metal rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Haruki Mori, Hidehiro Fujiwara, Zhi-Hao Chang, Yangsyu Lin, Yu-Hao Hsu, Yen-Huei Chen, Hung-Jen Liao, Chiting Cheng
  • Patent number: 11176997
    Abstract: A cell structure is disclosed. The cell structure includes a first unit comprising a first group of transistors and a first data latch, a second unit comprising a second group of transistors and a second data latch a read port unit comprising a plurality of p-type transistors, a search line and a complementary search line, the search line and the complementary search line function as input of the cell structure, and a master line, the master line functions as an output of the cell structure, the first unit is coupled to the second unit, both the first and the second units are coupled to the read port unit. According to some embodiments, the first data latch comprises a first and a second p-type transistors, a first and a second n-type transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidehiro Fujiwara, Hung-Jen Liao, Hsien-Yu Pan, Chih-Yu Lin, Yen-Huei Chen, Chien-Chen Lin
  • Publication number: 20210336609
    Abstract: A level shifter includes: a first inverter configured to receive an input signal in a low voltage domain and shift the input signal from the low voltage domain to a first output signal at a first output terminal in a high voltage domain higher than the low voltage domain in response to a logical high state of a first clock signal in the low voltage domain; a second inverter configured to receive a complement of the input signal and shift the complement of the input signal from the low voltage domain to a second output signal at a second output terminal in the high voltage domain in response to the logical high state; a first NMOS sensing transistor and a second NMOS sensing transistor; a PMOS transistor configured to equalize the first output signal and the second output signal in response to a logical low state of the first clock signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Chien-Yuan Chen, Cheng Hung Lee, Hung-Jen Liao, Hau-Tai Shieh
  • Patent number: 11152301
    Abstract: A method of designing a memory circuit is provided that includes generating a layout of a first memory cell using an integrated circuit design system. The layout of the first memory cell is generated by routing a first word line in a first layer on a first level, and routing a second word line in the first layer. Also, the method includes generating a layout of a second memory cell using the integrated circuit design system. The layout of the second memory cell is generated by routing a third word line in the first layer, the second word line being between the first word line and the third word line, and routing a fourth word line in the first layer, the third word line being between the second word line and the fourth word line. Moreover, the method includes assigning a first color scheme to the first word line and to the third word line, and assigning a second color scheme to the second word line and to the fourth word line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hidehiro Fujiwara, Li-Wen Wang, Yen-Huei Chen, Hung-Jen Liao
  • Publication number: 20210319160
    Abstract: A system includes a net-identifying module and a false path-eliminating module. The net-identifying module is configured to receive first and second electronic lists associated with a circuit unit, to identify a net of the circuit unit based on the first electronic list, and to provide a net information output that includes information associated with the net. The false path-eliminating module is coupled to the net-identifying module and is configured to select, in the second electronic list, a path of the circuit unit that does not traverse through the net and provide a path information output that includes information associated with the path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Inventors: Chun-Jiun Dai, Hung-Jen Liao, Wei-Min Chan, Yen-Huei Chen
  • Publication number: 20210287726
    Abstract: A memory macro includes a first memory cell array, a first tracking circuit, a first and a second transistor. The first memory cell array includes rows of memory cells and columns of memory cells. The first tracking circuit includes a first set of memory cells configured as a first set of loading cells responsive to a first control signal, a second set of memory cells configured as a first set of pull-down cells responsive to a second control signal, and a first tracking bit line coupled to the first and second set of memory cells. The first set of pull-down cells or loading cells is configured to track a memory cell of the first memory cell array. The first and second transistor are coupled to the first tracking bit line, and configured to charge the first tracking bit line to a pre-charge voltage level responsive to a tracking enable signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Chien-Kuo SU, Chiting CHENG, Pankaj AGGARWAL, Yen-Huei CHEN, Cheng Hung LEE, Hung-Jen LIAO, Jonathan Tsung-Yung CHANG, Jhon Jhy LIAW
  • Publication number: 20210287740
    Abstract: A static random access memory (SRAM) includes a bit cell including a p-type pass gate, a bit information path connected to the bit cell by the p-type pass gate, and a read multiplexer connected to the bit information path. The read multiplexer includes an n-type transistor configured to selectively couple the bit information path to a sense amplifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Wei-Cheng Wu, Hung-Jen Liao, Ping-Wei Wang, Wei Min Chan, Yen-Huei Chen
  • Patent number: 11120868
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device comprising a plurality of memory cells configured to store digital data and an input multiplexer configured to enable the selection of a particular memory cell from the plurality of memory cells. The semiconductor memory device further comprises a read/write driver circuit configured to read data from the selected memory cell and write data to the selected memory cell, and a write logic block configured to provide logical control to the read/write driver circuit for writing data to the selected of memory cell. The read/write driver circuit may be coupled to the read/write input multiplexer by a data line and an inverted data line and the read and the write operations to the selected memory cell occur over the same data line and inverted data line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Chien-Yuan Chen, Che-Ju Yeh, Hau-Tai Shieh, Cheng Hung Lee, Hung-Jen Liao, Sahil Preet Singh, Manish Arora, Hemant Patel, Li-Wen Wang
  • Publication number: 20210280437
    Abstract: A method of fabricating (a distributed write driving arrangement for a semiconductor memory device) includes: forming bit cells and a local write driver in a first device layer; forming a local write bit (LWB) line and a local write bit_bar (LWB_bar) line in a first metallization layer; connecting each of the bit cells correspondingly between the LWB and LWB_bar lines; connecting the local write driver to the LWB line and the LWB_bar line; forming a global write bit (GWB) line and a global write bit_bar (GWBL_bar) line in a second metallization layer; connecting the GWB line to the LWB line; connecting the GWB line and the GWBL_bar line to the corresponding LWB line and LWB_bar line; forming a global write driver in a second device layer; and connecting the global write driver to the GWB line and the GWBL_bar line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventors: Hidehiro FUJIWARA, Hung-Jen LIAO, Li-Wen WANG, Jonathan Tsung-Yung CHANG, Yen-Huei CHEN
  • Publication number: 20210272967
    Abstract: A method of forming a memory circuit includes generating a layout design of the memory circuit, and manufacturing the memory circuit based on the layout design. The memory circuit is a four transistor memory cell that includes at least the first pass gate transistor and the first pull up transistor. The generating of the layout design includes generating a first active region layout pattern corresponding to fabricating a first active region of a first pull up transistor, generating a second active region layout pattern corresponding to fabricating a second active region of a first pass gate transistor, and generating a first metal contact layout pattern corresponding to fabricating a first metal contact is electrically coupled to a source of the first pull up transistor. The first metal contact layout pattern extends in a second direction, overlaps a cell boundary of the memory circuit and the first active region layout pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Inventors: Hidehiro FUJIWARA, Chih-Yu LIN, Hsien-Yu PAN, Yasutoshi OKUNO, Yen-Huei CHEN, Hung-Jen LIAO
  • Publication number: 20210272968
    Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor device includes forming a first memory device, connecting a first word line to the first memory device, forming at least a first via, forming a second memory device, connecting a second word line to the second memory device, connecting a bit line to the first memory device and connecting the bit line to the second memory device by the first via. The first and second memory devices are separated by an inter-layer dielectric, and the first via connects the first memory device and the second memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Inventors: Tsung-Hsien HUANG, Hong-Chen CHENG, Hung-Jen LIAO, Cheng Hung LEE
  • Publication number: 20210265363
    Abstract: A device is disclosed that includes a fin structure disposed below a first metal layer, extending along a column direction, and corresponding to at least one transistor of a memory bit cell, a word line disposed in the first metal layer and extending along a row direction, a first metal island disposed in the first metal layer separated from the word line, and a first connection metal line disposed in a second metal layer above the first metal layer, extending along the column direction, and configured to couple a power supply through the first metal island to the fin structure. In a layout view, the first connection metal line is separated from the fin structure, and the fin structure crosses over the word line and the first metal island. A method is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hidehiro FUJIWARA, Wei-Min CHAN, Chih-Yu LIN, Yen-Huei CHEN, Hung-Jen LIAO
  • Publication number: 20210263672
    Abstract: A charge sharing scheme is used to mitigate the variations in cell currents in order to achieve higher accuracy for CIM computing. In some embodiments, a capacitor is associated with each SRAM cell, and the capacitors associated with all SRAM cells in a column are included in averaging the RBL current. In some embodiments, a memory unit associated to an RBL in a CIM device includes a storage element adapted to store a weight, a first switch device connected to the storage element and adapted to be controlled by an input signal and generate a product signal having a magnitude indicative of the product of the input signal and the stored weight. The memory unit further includes a capacitor adapted to receive the product signal and store an amount of charge corresponding to the magnitude of the product signal. The memory unit further include a second switch device adapted to transfer the charge on the capacitor to the RBL.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Inventors: Jonathan Tsung-Yung Chang, Hidehiro Fujiwara, Hung-Jen Liao, Yen-Huei Chen, Yih Wang, Haruki Mori
  • Publication number: 20210257029
    Abstract: A write line circuit includes a power supply node configured to carry a power supply voltage level, a reference node configured to carry a reference voltage level, an output node, first and second switching devices coupled in series between the output node and the power supply node, and a third switching device directly coupled to each of the output node and the reference node. The first switching device is configured to selectively couple the output node to the second switching device responsive to a first data signal, the second switching device is configured to selectively couple the first switching device to the power supply node responsive to a second data signal, and the third switching device is configured to selectively couple the output node to the reference node responsive to the first data signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventors: Manish ARORA, Yen-Huei CHEN, Hung-Jen LIAO, Nikhil PURI, Yu-Hao HSU
  • Publication number: 20210232168
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are related to an integrated circuit to regulate a supply voltage. In one aspect, the integrated circuit includes a metal rail including a first point, at which a first functional circuit is connected, and a second point, at which a second functional circuit is connected. In one aspect, the integrate circuit includes a voltage regulator coupled between the first point of the metal rail and the second point of the metal rail. In one aspect, the voltage regulator senses a voltage at the second point of the metal rail and adjusts a supply voltage at the first point of the metal rail, according to the sensed voltage at the second point of the metal rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: Haruki Mori, Hidehiro Fujiwara, Zhi-Hao Chang, Yangsyu Lin, Yu-Hao Hsu, Yen-Huei Chen, Hung-Jen Liao, Chiting Cheng