Patents by Inventor I-Ching Chen

I-Ching 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).

  • Publication number: 20240113113
    Abstract: Methods of cutting gate structures, and structures formed, are described. In an embodiment, a structure includes first and second gate structures over an active area, and a gate cut-fill structure. The first and second gate structures extend parallel. The active area includes a source/drain region disposed laterally between the first and second gate structures. The gate cut-fill structure has first and second primary portions and an intermediate portion. The first and second primary portions abut the first and second gate structures, respectively. The intermediate portion extends laterally between the first and second primary portions. First and second widths of the first and second primary portions along longitudinal midlines of the first and second gate structures, respectively, are each greater than a third width of the intermediate portion midway between the first and second gate structures and parallel to the longitudinal midline of the first gate structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Chih-Chang Hung, Chia-Jen Chen, Ming-Ching Chang, Shu-Yuan Ku, Yi-Hsuan Hsiao, I-Wei Yang
  • Patent number: 11923413
    Abstract: Semiconductor structures are provided. The semiconductor structure includes a substrate and nanostructures formed over the substrate. The semiconductor structure further includes a gate structure surrounding the nanostructures and a source/drain structure attached to the nanostructures. The semiconductor structure further includes a contact formed over the source/drain structure and extending into the source/drain structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Ta-Chun Lin, Kuo-Hua Pan, Jhon-Jhy Liaw, Chao-Ching Cheng, Hung-Li Chiang, Shih-Syuan Huang, Tzu-Chiang Chen, I-Sheng Chen, Sai-Hooi Yeong
  • Patent number: 11844286
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards a method for forming a flat via top surface for memory, as well as an integrated circuit (IC) resulting from the method. In some embodiments, an etch is performed into a dielectric layer to form an opening. A liner layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and lining the opening. A lower body layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and filling a remainder of the opening over the liner layer. A top surface of the lower body layer and a top surface of the liner layer are recessed to below a top surface of the dielectric layer to partially clear the opening. A homogeneous upper body layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and partially filling the opening. A planarization is performed into the homogeneous upper body layer until the dielectric layer is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsia-Wei Chen, Chih-Yang Chang, Chin-Chieh Yang, Jen-Sheng Yang, Sheng-Hung Shih, Tung-Sheng Hsiao, Wen-Ting Chu, Yu-Wen Liao, I-Ching Chen
  • Patent number: 11751485
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards a method for forming a flat via top surface for memory, as well as an integrated circuit (IC) resulting from the method. In some embodiments, an etch is performed into a dielectric layer to form an opening. A liner layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and lining the opening. A lower body layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and filling a remainder of the opening over the liner layer. A top surface of the lower body layer and a top surface of the liner layer are recessed to below a top surface of the dielectric layer to partially clear the opening. A homogeneous upper body layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and partially filling the opening. A planarization is performed into the homogeneous upper body layer until the dielectric layer is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsia-Wei Chen, Chih-Yang Chang, Chin-Chieh Yang, Jen-Sheng Yang, Sheng-Hung Shih, Tung-Sheng Hsiao, Wen-Ting Chu, Yu-Wen Liao, I-Ching Chen
  • Publication number: 20230205434
    Abstract: A microcontroller and a memory control method for the microcontroller are provided. The microcontroller includes a memory array, multiple memory controllers, and multiple counting controllers. The memory array includes multiple memory segments. The counting controllers count based on a memory clock to generate count values, respectively. When a count value reaches a preset value, a counting controller corresponding to the count value controls a corresponding memory controller to enter a power saving mode. When receiving an operation command, the counting controller resets the count value and controls the corresponding memory controller to enter an operation mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2022
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Applicant: Nuvoton Technology Corporation
    Inventor: I-Ching Chen
  • Publication number: 20220356496
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an isolated strain of Roseburia hominis HGM001, which is deposited at Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen and Zellkulturen GmbH under an accession number DSM 34119. A method for producing butyric acid using the isolated strain of Roseburia hominis HGM001, a fermented culture produced by the method, and a method for alleviating an inflammatory disorder using the fermented culture are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Chien-Hsun Huang, Li-Wen Hsu, Jong-Shian Liou, I-Ching Chen, Sung-Yuan Hsieh, Chien-Chi Chen
  • Publication number: 20220093849
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards a method for forming a flat via top surface for memory, as well as an integrated circuit (IC) resulting from the method. In some embodiments, an etch is performed into a dielectric layer to form an opening. A liner layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and lining the opening. A lower body layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and filling a remainder of the opening over the liner layer. A top surface of the lower body layer and a top surface of the liner layer are recessed to below a top surface of the dielectric layer to partially clear the opening. A homogeneous upper body layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and partially filling the opening. A planarization is performed into the homogeneous upper body layer until the dielectric layer is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventors: Hsia-Wei Chen, Chih-Yang Chang, Chin-Chieh Yang, Jen-Sheng Yang, Sheng-Hung Shih, Tung-Sheng Hsiao, Wen-Ting Chu, Yu-Wen Liao, I-Ching Chen
  • Publication number: 20220085280
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards a method for forming a flat via top surface for memory, as well as an integrated circuit (IC) resulting from the method. In some embodiments, an etch is performed into a dielectric layer to form an opening. A liner layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and lining the opening. A lower body layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and filling a remainder of the opening over the liner layer. A top surface of the lower body layer and a top surface of the liner layer are recessed to below a top surface of the dielectric layer to partially clear the opening. A homogeneous upper body layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and partially filling the opening. A planarization is performed into the homogeneous upper body layer until the dielectric layer is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Hsia-Wei Chen, Chih-Yang Chang, Chin-Chieh Yang, Jen-Sheng Yang, Sheng-Hung Shih, Tung-Sheng Hsiao, Wen-Ting Chu, Yu-Wen Liao, I-Ching Chen
  • Patent number: 11201281
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards a method for forming a flat via top surface for memory, as well as an integrated circuit (IC) resulting from the method. In some embodiments, an etch is performed into a dielectric layer to form an opening. A liner layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and lining the opening. A lower body layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and filling a remainder of the opening over the liner layer. A top surface of the lower body layer and a top surface of the liner layer are recessed to below a top surface of the dielectric layer to partially clear the opening. A homogeneous upper body layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and partially filling the opening. A planarization is performed into the homogeneous upper body layer until the dielectric layer is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsia-Wei Chen, Chih-Yang Chang, Chin-Chieh Yang, Jen-Sheng Yang, Sheng-Hung Shih, Tung-Sheng Hsiao, Wen-Ting Chu, Yu-Wen Liao, I-Ching Chen
  • Publication number: 20210173570
    Abstract: A data protection method for a memory includes: detecting a data tampering event to generate a trigger signal; writing a lock signal into the memory during a first time frame based on the lock signal, in which the lock signal is adapted to prevent the protected data from being read; and erasing the protected data based on the lock signal during a second time frame, in which the first time frame precedes the second time frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Applicant: Nuvoton Technology Corporation
    Inventor: I-Ching Chen
  • Publication number: 20200357981
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards a method for forming a flat via top surface for memory, as well as an integrated circuit (IC) resulting from the method. In some embodiments, an etch is performed into a dielectric layer to form an opening. A liner layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and lining the opening. A lower body layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and filling a remainder of the opening over the liner layer. A top surface of the lower body layer and a top surface of the liner layer are recessed to below a top surface of the dielectric layer to partially clear the opening. A homogeneous upper body layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and partially filling the opening. A planarization is performed into the homogeneous upper body layer until the dielectric layer is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Hsia-Wei Chen, Chih-Yang Chang, Chin-Chieh Yang, Jen-Sheng Yang, Sheng-Hung Shih, Tung-Sheng Hsiao, Wen-Ting Chu, Yu-Wen Liao, I-Ching Chen
  • Patent number: 10763426
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards a method for forming a flat via top surface for memory, as well as an integrated circuit (IC) resulting from the method. In some embodiments, an etch is performed into a dielectric layer to form an opening. A liner layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and lining the opening. A lower body layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and filling a remainder of the opening over the liner layer. A top surface of the lower body layer and a top surface of the liner layer are recessed to below a top surface of the dielectric layer to partially clear the opening. A homogeneous upper body layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and partially filling the opening. A planarization is performed into the homogeneous upper body layer until the dielectric layer is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsia-Wei Chen, Chih-Yang Chang, Chin-Chieh Yang, Jen-Sheng Yang, Sheng-Hung Shih, Tung-Sheng Hsiao, Wen-Ting Chu, Yu-Wen Liao, I-Ching Chen
  • Publication number: 20200147158
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of a liquid fermentate of Sanghuangporus or an extract of Sanghuangporus, compounds identified from the liquid fermentate or the extract, and their novel activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicants: FOOD INDUSTRY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE, NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE
    Inventors: Sue-Fan Wu, Ta-Wei Liu, Ming-Der Wu, I-Ching Chen, Sheng-Hua Wu, Sung-Yuan Hsieh, Hing-Yuen Chan, Gwo-Fang Yuan, Ming-Jen Cheng
  • Patent number: 10566519
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards a method for forming a flat via top surface for memory, as well as an integrated circuit (IC) resulting from the method. In some embodiments, an etch is performed into a dielectric layer to form an opening. A liner layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and lining the opening. A lower body layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and filling a remainder of the opening over the liner layer. A top surface of the lower body layer and a top surface of the liner layer are recessed to below a top surface of the dielectric layer to partially clear the opening. A homogeneous upper body layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and partially filling the opening. A planarization is performed into the homogeneous upper body layer until the dielectric layer is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsia-Wei Chen, Chih-Yang Chang, Chin-Chieh Yang, Jen-Sheng Yang, Sheng-Hung Shih, Tung-Sheng Hsiao, Wen-Ting Chu, Yu-Wen Liao, I-Ching Chen
  • Publication number: 20190386204
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards a method for forming a flat via top surface for memory, as well as an integrated circuit (IC) resulting from the method. In some embodiments, an etch is performed into a dielectric layer to form an opening. A liner layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and lining the opening. A lower body layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and filling a remainder of the opening over the liner layer. A top surface of the lower body layer and a top surface of the liner layer are recessed to below a top surface of the dielectric layer to partially clear the opening. A homogeneous upper body layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and partially filling the opening. A planarization is performed into the homogeneous upper body layer until the dielectric layer is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Inventors: Hsia-Wei Chen, Chih-Yang Chang, Chin-Chieh Yang, Jen-Sheng Yang, Sheng-Hung Shih, Tung-Sheng Hsiao, Wen-Ting Chu, Yu-Wen Liao, I-Ching Chen
  • Publication number: 20190058109
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards a method for forming a flat via top surface for memory, as well as an integrated circuit (IC) resulting from the method. In some embodiments, an etch is performed into a dielectric layer to form an opening. A liner layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and lining the opening. A lower body layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and filling a remainder of the opening over the liner layer. A top surface of the lower body layer and a top surface of the liner layer are recessed to below a top surface of the dielectric layer to partially clear the opening. A homogeneous upper body layer is formed covering the dielectric layer and partially filling the opening. A planarization is performed into the homogeneous upper body layer until the dielectric layer is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Publication date: February 21, 2019
    Inventors: Hsia-Wei Chen, Chih-Yang Chang, Chin-Chieh Yang, Jen-Sheng Yang, Sheng-Hung Shih, Tung-Sheng Hsiao, Wen-Ting Chu, Yu-Wen Liao, I-Ching Chen
  • Patent number: 10158072
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an inter-metal dielectric layer, a memory cell, a transistor and a dielectric layer. The memory cell includes a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) structure over a top surface of the inter-metal dielectric layer. The transistor underlies the inter-metal dielectric layer. The dielectric layer extends over the transistor and along the top surface of the inter-metal dielectric layer. The dielectric layer is separated from the MIM structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jen-Sheng Yang, Wen-Ting Chu, Chih-Yang Chang, Chin-Chieh Yang, Kuo-Chi Tu, Sheng-Hung Shih, Yu-Wen Liao, Hsia-Wei Chen, I-Ching Chen
  • Publication number: 20180351099
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an inter-metal dielectric layer, a memory cell, a transistor and a dielectric layer. The memory cell includes a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) structure over a top surface of the inter-metal dielectric layer. The transistor underlies the inter-metal dielectric layer. The dielectric layer extends over the transistor and along the top surface of the inter-metal dielectric layer. The dielectric layer is separated from the MIM structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jen-Sheng YANG, Wen-Ting CHU, Chih-Yang CHANG, Chin-Chieh YANG, Kuo-Chi TU, Sheng-Hung SHIH, Yu-Wen LIAO, Hsia-Wei CHEN, I-Ching CHEN
  • Patent number: 9842850
    Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) using high-? metal gate (HKMG) technology with an embedded silicon-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon (SONOS) memory cell is provided. A logic device is arranged on a semiconductor substrate and comprises a logic gate. The logic gate is arranged within a high ? dielectric layer. A memory cell is arranged on the semiconductor substrate and comprises a control transistor and a select transistor laterally adjacent to one another. The control and select transistors respectively comprise a control gate and a select gate. The control transistor further comprises a charge trapping layer underlying the control gate. The control and select gates are a first material, and the logic gate is a second material. A high-?-last method for manufacturing the IC is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei Cheng Wu, I-Ching Chen
  • Patent number: 9754955
    Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) using high-? metal gate (HKMG) technology with an embedded metal-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon (MONOS) memory cell is provided. A logic device is arranged on a semiconductor substrate and comprises a logic gate. A memory cell is arranged on the semiconductor substrate and comprises a control transistor and a select transistor laterally adjacent to one another. The control and select transistors respectively comprise a control gate and a select gate, and the control transistor further comprises a charge trapping layer underlying the control gate. The logic gate and one or both of the control and select gates are metal and arranged within respective high ? dielectric layers. A high-?-last method for manufacturing the IC is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei Cheng Wu, I-Ching Chen