Patents by Inventor Kai-Ming Liu

Kai-Ming Liu 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: 9747409
    Abstract: A method performed by at least one processor comprises the steps of: generating a layout data of a chip comprising transistors; determining heat-related parameters for the transistors based on the locations thereof in the layout data; generating a netlist data comprising the heat-related parameters; performing a post-layout simulation based on the netlist data; and verifying whether the post-layout simulation meets a design specification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Yang Lin, Kai-Ming Liu
  • Publication number: 20170242954
    Abstract: A method includes the operation below. Groups, indicating layout patterns of interconnection layers, are assigned to a circuit, to determine layout constraints of the circuit. Layout patterns are extracted from a layout design for the circuit. The layout patterns are compared with the layout constraints. Data, indicating the layout design, for fabrication of the circuit are generated in a condition that the layout patterns meet the layout constraints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Yao-Jen HSIEH, Kai-Ming LIU
  • Publication number: 20170091371
    Abstract: A method performed by at least one processor comprises the steps of: generating a layout data of a chip comprising transistors; determining heat-related parameters for the transistors based on the locations thereof in the layout data; generating a netlist data comprising the heat-related parameters; performing a post-layout simulation based on the netlist data; and verifying whether the post-layout simulation meets a design specification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: WEI-YANG LIN, KAI-MING LIU
  • Patent number: 9582630
    Abstract: One or more systems and methods for a cell based hybrid resistance and capacitance (RC) extraction are provided. The method includes generating a layout for a semiconductor arrangement, performing a three-dimensional (3D) RC extraction on a target unit cell to obtain a 3D RC result including a coupling capacitance between unit cells, generating a 3D RC netlist based upon the 3D RC result, performing a 2.5 dimensional (2.5D) RC extraction on a peripheral cell to obtain a 2.5D RC netlist, and combining the 3D RC netlist with the 2.5D RC netlist to create a hybrid RC netlist for the layout. In some embodiments, the hybrid RC netlist is generated by stitching the coupling capacitance for at least one of the target unit cell, a repeating unit cell, or the peripheral cell together. In some embodiments, the 3D RC result for the target unit cell is stitched to the repeating unit cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Ze-Ming Wu, Shih Hsin Chen, Chien-Chih Kuo, Kai-Ming Liu, Hsien-Hsin Sean Lee
  • Patent number: 9495506
    Abstract: Methods for verifying the layout for standard cells using finFET standard cell structures with polysilicon on cell edges. Standard cells are defined using finFET transistors. Polysilicon dummy structures are formed on the edges of the active areas of the standard cells. Where two standard cells abut a single polysilicon dummy structure is formed. In a design flow, a pre-layout netlist schematic for the standard cells is formed that does not include devices corresponding to the polysilicon dummy structures. After an automated place and route process forms a device layout using the standard cells, a post layout netlist schematic is extracted including MOS devices corresponding to the polysilicon dummy structures. A layout versus schematic comparison is then performed, but during the comparison MOS devices corresponding to the polysilicon dummy structures are filtered from the post-layout netlist and are not compared. Additional methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih Hsin Chen, Kai-Ming Liu
  • Patent number: 9342647
    Abstract: An integrated circuit design method comprises extracting parallel-connected parameters associated with circuit components of an integrated circuit (IC) based on a determination that the circuit components are connected in parallel. The method also comprises generating a parallel netlist that describes the circuit components, the parallel netlist comprising the parallel-connected parameters. The parallel-connected parameters are taken into consideration by a simulation that determines the performance capabilities of the IC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Shih Hsin Chen, Kai-Ming Liu
  • Patent number: 9331066
    Abstract: A method of detecting a parasitic transistor detecting is provided. The method includes extracting several diodes from a selected area, selecting at least one diode pair from the diodes in accordance with signals connected to the diodes, and filtering the at least one diode pair in accordance with a threshold distance to determine whether at least one parasitic transistor is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Ming-Huei Tsai, Yao-Jen Hsieh, Kai-Ming Liu
  • Publication number: 20160063165
    Abstract: One or more systems and methods for a cell based hybrid resistance and capacitance (RC) extraction are provided. The method includes generating a layout for a semiconductor arrangement, performing a 3D RC extraction on a target unit cell to obtain a 3D RC result including a coupling capacitance between unit cells, generating a 3D RC netlist based upon the 3D RC result, performing a 2.5D RC extraction on a peripheral cell to obtain a 2.5D RC netlist, and combining the 3D RC netlist with the 2.5D RC netlist to create a hybrid RC netlist for the layout. In some embodiments, the hybrid RC netlist is generated by stitching the coupling capacitance for at least one of the target unit cell, a repeating unit cell, or the peripheral cell together. In some embodiments, the 3D RC result for the target unit cell is stitched to the repeating unit cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Ze-Ming Wu, Shih Hsin Chen, Chien-Chih Kuo, Kai-Ming Liu, Hsien-Hsin Sean Lee
  • Publication number: 20150302136
    Abstract: Methods for verifying the layout for standard cells using finFET standard cell structures with polysilicon on cell edges. Standard cells are defined using finFET transistors. Polysilicon dummy structures are formed on the edges of the active areas of the standard cells. Where two standard cells abut a single polysilicon dummy structure is formed. In a design flow, a pre-layout netlist schematic for the standard cells is formed that does not include devices corresponding to the polysilicon dummy structures. After an automated place and route process forms a device layout using the standard cells, a post layout netlist schematic is extracted including MOS devices corresponding to the polysilicon dummy structures. A layout versus schematic comparison is then performed, but during the comparison MOS devices corresponding to the polysilicon dummy structures are filtered from the post-layout netlist and are not compared. Additional methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventors: Shih Hsin Chen, Kai-Ming Liu
  • Publication number: 20150269305
    Abstract: An integrated circuit design method comprises extracting parallel-connected parameters associated with circuit components of an integrated circuit (IC) based on a determination that the circuit components are connected in parallel. The method also comprises generating a parallel netlist that describes the circuit components, the parallel netlist comprising the parallel-connected parameters. The parallel-connected parameters are taken into consideration by a simulation that determines the performance capabilities of the IC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Shih Hsin CHEN, Kai-Ming LIU
  • Publication number: 20150212134
    Abstract: A method of detecting a parasitic transistor detecting is provided. The method includes extracting several diodes from a selected area, selecting at least one diode pair from the diodes in accordance with signals connected to the diodes, and filtering the at least one diode pair in accordance with a threshold distance to determine whether at least one parasitic transistor is obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: MING-HUEI TSAI, YAO-JEN HSIEH, KAI-MING LIU
  • Patent number: 9053288
    Abstract: A method includes extracting multiple-patterning group assignment information of one or more layout patterns from a layout design. The layout design corresponds to a circuit design, and the one or more layout patterns corresponding to a node of the circuit design. Whether the extracted multiple-patterning group assignment information is consistent with a set of multiple-patterning group assignment constraints of the node is determined by a hardware processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yao-Jen Hsieh, Kai-Ming Liu
  • Patent number: 9053283
    Abstract: Methods for verifying the layout for standard cells using finFET standard cell structures with polysilicon on cell edges. Standard cells are defined using finFET transistors. Polysilicon dummy structures are formed on the edges of the active areas of the standard cells. Where two standard cells abut a single polysilicon dummy structure is formed. In a design flow, a pre-layout netlist schematic for the standard cells is formed that does not include devices corresponding to the polysilicon dummy structures. After an automated place and route process forms a device layout using the standard cells, a post layout netlist schematic is extracted including MOS devices corresponding to the polysilicon dummy structures. A layout versus schematic comparison is then performed, but during the comparison MOS devices corresponding to the polysilicon dummy structures are filtered from the post-layout netlist and are not compared. Additional methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih Hsin Chen, Kai-Ming Liu
  • Publication number: 20150154339
    Abstract: Methods for verifying the layout for standard cells using finFET standard cell structures with polysilicon on cell edges. Standard cells are defined using finFET transistors. Polysilicon dummy structures are formed on the edges of the active areas of the standard cells. Where two standard cells abut a single polysilicon dummy structure is formed. In a design flow, a pre-layout netlist schematic for the standard cells is formed that does not include devices corresponding to the polysilicon dummy structures. After an automated place and route process forms a device layout using the standard cells, a post layout netlist schematic is extracted including MOS devices corresponding to the polysilicon dummy structures. A layout versus schematic comparison is then performed, but during the comparison MOS devices corresponding to the polysilicon dummy structures are filtered from the post-layout netlist and are not compared. Additional methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih Hsin Chen, Kai-Ming Liu
  • Patent number: 8972916
    Abstract: A method for checking the inter-chip connectivity of a three-dimensional (3D) integrated circuit (IC) generally comprises receiving a design file for each of a plurality of chips of the 3D IC and generating a plurality of inter-layer ports to be shared between at least two of the of chips based on the design files for each of the chips. A layout without the share ports for each of the chips based on the design files for each of the chips is generated and a layout versus schematic (LVS) check is conducted for each of the generated layouts by using the identified inter-layer ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yao-Jen Hsieh, Kai-Ming Liu
  • Patent number: 8943455
    Abstract: Methods for standard cells using finFET standard cell structures with polysilicon on OD edges. Standard cells are defined using finFET transistors and having gate structures forming a transistor at an intersection with a semiconductor fin. Polysilicon dummy structures are formed on the edges of the active areas or OD areas of the standard cells. In a design flow, a pre-layout netlist schematic for the standard cells includes a three terminal MOS device corresponding to the polysilicon dummy structure on the edges of the standard cell. After an automated place and route process forms a device layout using the standard cells, a post layout netlist is extracted. Where two standard cells abut one another, a single polysilicon dummy structure is formed on the common boundary. A layout versus schematic comparison is then performed comparing the pre-layout netlist and the post-layout netlist to verify the layout obtained. Additional methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih Hsin Chen, Kai-Ming Liu
  • Publication number: 20140282325
    Abstract: Methods for verifying the layout for standard cells using finFET standard cell structures with polysilicon on cell edges. Standard cells are defined using finFET transistors. Polysilicon dummy structures are formed on the edges of the active areas of the standard cells. Where two standard cells abut a single polysilicon dummy structure is formed. In a design flow, a pre-layout netlist schematic for the standard cells is formed that does not include devices corresponding to the polysilicon dummy structures. After an automated place and route process forms a device layout using the standard cells, a post layout netlist schematic is extracted including MOS devices corresponding to the polysilicon dummy structures. A layout versus schematic comparison is then performed, but during the comparison MOS devices corresponding to the polysilicon dummy structures are filtered from the post-layout netlist and are not compared. Additional methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih Hsin Chen, Kai-Ming Liu
  • Publication number: 20140282326
    Abstract: Methods for standard cells using finFET standard cell structures with polysilicon on OD edges. Standard cells are defined using finFET transistors and having gate structures forming a transistor at an intersection with a semiconductor fin. Polysilicon dummy structures are formed on the edges of the active areas or OD areas of the standard cells. In a design flow, a pre-layout netlist schematic for the standard cells includes a three terminal MOS device corresponding to the polysilicon dummy structure on the edges of the standard cell. After an automated place and route process forms a device layout using the standard cells, a post layout netlist is extracted. Where two standard cells abut one another, a single polysilicon dummy structure is formed on the common boundary. A layout versus schematic comparison is then performed comparing the pre-layout netlist and the post-layout netlist to verify the layout obtained. Additional methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih Hsin Chen, Kai-Ming Liu
  • Patent number: 8743085
    Abstract: A touch input device for switching driving signals includes a touch panel and a panel driving circuit for driving the touch panel. The panel driving circuit includes a selecting circuit, a driving signal generating circuit, and a touch sensing circuit. The driving signal generating circuit transmits a driving signal to the touch panel. The selecting circuit includes a multiplexer, which controls sensing lines that do not comprise either an X directional measuring channel or a Y directional measuring channel to be grounded or floating in accordance with the driving signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Raydium Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Kai Ming Liu, Shih Tzung Chou, Ya Ling Lu
  • Patent number: D730966
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: D-LINK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kai-Ming Liu