Patents by Inventor Kan Cheng

Kan Cheng 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: 8972919
    Abstract: A method for analyzing an IC design, comprises: using a computer implemented electronic design automation tool to perform a parasitic RC extraction for a layout of the IC design, the parasitic RC extraction outputting for each of a plurality of routing paths, a nominal capacitive coupling, a minimum capacitive coupling and a maximum capacitive coupling, where the minimum and maximum capacitive couplings correspond to circuit patterning in the presence of double patterning mask misalignments; and performing one of a setup time analysis or a hold time analysis of the IC design using a computer implemented static timing analysis tool. For a given flip-flop having a launch path and a capture path, the setup or hold time analyses is performed using the minimum capacitive coupling for one of the launch and capture paths and the maximum capacitive coupling for the other of the launch and capture paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Hao Chen, Yi-Kan Cheng
  • Publication number: 20150052493
    Abstract: A method of generating a simulation model of a predefined fabrication process according to a sample conductive feature includes receiving a geometry configuration and layout design of the conductive feature. A circuit-level simulation model of the sample conductive feature based on the geometry configuration of the sample conductive feature is generated. A hardware processor converts the circuit-level simulation model of the sample conductive feature into at least a first layout bias rule corresponding to a first set of predetermined criteria of the layout design and a second layout bias rule, different from the first layout bias rule, corresponding to a second set of predetermined criteria of the layout design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Chia-Ming HO, Ke-Ying SU, Hsiao-Shu CHAO, Yi-Kan CHENG
  • Publication number: 20150012895
    Abstract: One or more techniques or systems for determining double patterning technology (DPT) layout routing compliance are provided herein. For example, a layout routing component of a system is configured to assign a pin loop value to a pin loop. In some embodiments, the pin loop value is assigned based on a mask assignment of a pin of the pin loop. In some embodiments, the pin loop value is assigned based on a number of nodes associated with the pin loop. DPT compliance or a DPT violation is determined for the pin loop based on the pin loop value. In this manner, odd loop detection associated with DPT layout routing is provided because a DPT violation results in generation of an additional instance of a net, for example. Detecting an odd loop allows a design to be redesigned before fabrication, where the odd loop would present undesired issues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Huang-Yu Chen, Fang-Yu Fan, Yuan-Te Hou, Wen-Hao Chen, Chung-Hsing Wang, Yi-Kan Cheng
  • Patent number: 8907441
    Abstract: A semiconductor chip includes a row of cells, with each of the cells including a VDD line and a VSS line. All VDD lines of the cells are connected as a single VDD line, and all VSS lines of the cells are connected as a single VSS line. No double-patterning full trace having an even number of G0 paths exists in the row of cells, or no double-patterning full trace having an odd number of G0 paths exists in the row of cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Huang-Yu Chen, Yuan-Te Hou, Fung Song Lee, Wen-Ju Yang, Gwan Sin Chang, Yi-Kan Cheng, Li-Chun Tien, Lee-Chung Lu
  • Patent number: 8904337
    Abstract: A semiconductor device design system comprising at least one processor is configured to define a resistance-capacitance (RC) extraction tool for determining a distance between first and second through-semiconductor-vias extracted from a layout of a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device has a semiconductor substrate and the first and second through-semiconductor-vias in the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor device design system comprising the at least one processor is also configured to extract parasitic parameters of a coupling in the semiconductor substrate based on the distance determined by the RC extraction tool and a model of the coupling included in a simulation tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ching-Shun Yang, Ze-Ming Wu, Hsiao-Chu Chao, Yi-Kan Cheng
  • Patent number: 8893066
    Abstract: A method for circuit design includes a parasitic aware library embedded with one or more parameterized cells. The parasitic aware library is used to insert nets representing some but not all parasitic effects of a circuit into a circuit schematic enabling a single circuit schematic to be used for simulation of the circuit, parasitic verification of the circuit and LVS (Layout Versus Schematic) check. Only the single circuit schematic is required for the circuit design process and to form a mask set. Critical paths of the single circuit schematic are identified and parasitic effects are extracted and inserted into the schematic, enabling a pre-estimation of parasitic verification to be carried out and the LVS check to be carried out using a circuit schematic with some parasitic effects prior to the post-layout simulation in which all parasitic components of the layout are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chin-Sheng Chen, Tsun-Yu Yang, Wei-Yi Hu, Tao Wen Chung, Jui-Feng Kuan, Yi-Kan Cheng
  • Patent number: 8887106
    Abstract: A method of generating a bias-adjusted layout design of a conductive feature includes receiving a layout design of the conductive feature. If a geometry configuration of the layout design is within a first set of predetermined criteria, the bias-adjusted layout design of the conductive feature is generated according to a first layout bias rule. If the geometry configuration of the layout design is within a second set of predetermined criteria, the bias-adjusted layout design of the conductive feature is generated according to a second layout bias rule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Ming Ho, Ke-Ying Su, Hsiao-Shu Chao, Yi-Kan Cheng
  • Publication number: 20140304670
    Abstract: A method includes selecting a process corner, determining model parameters for forming an integrated circuit, and generating a file using the model parameters for the process corner. The generating the file is performed using a computer. The file includes at least two of a first capacitance table, a second capacitance table, and a third capacitance table. The first capacitance table stores greatest parasitic capacitances between layout patterns of the integrated circuit when lithography masks including the layout patterns shift relative to each other. The second capacitance table stores smallest parasitic capacitances between the layout patterns when the lithography masks shift relative to each other. The third capacitance table stores nominal parasitic capacitances between the layout patterns when the lithography masks do not shift relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: Ke-Ying Su, Hsiao-Shu Chao, Yi-Kan Cheng
  • Patent number: 8856696
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed of modifying an integrated circuit (IC) design that utilizes multiple patterning technology (MPT). The methods include configuring a first layout of an integrated circuit, having at least one layer with features to be formed utilizing fabrication by at least two masks. The at least one layer includes a plurality of active cells and a plurality of spare cells. A second layout is configured to re-route the spare cells and active cells, wherein the re-routing utilizes at least a portion of the plurality of spare cells. Fewer than all of the at least two masks are replaced to configure the second layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Hao Chen, Yuan-Te Hou, Yi-Kan Cheng
  • Patent number: 8856701
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method to generate a device library, along with layout versus schematic (LVS) and parasitic extraction set-up files for connecting with official tools of a design window supported by a process design kit (PDK). The device library comprises passive devices which can be utilized at any point in an end-to-end design flow from pre-layout verification to post-layout verification of an integrated circuit design. The device library allows for a single schematic view for pre-layout verification but also post-layout verification, thus allowing for pole or pin comparison, and prevents double-counting of parasitic effects from passive design elements by directly instantiating a device from the device library for a verification step. An LVS and parasitic extraction graphical user interface (GUI) allows for incorporation of the generated device library into a pre-existing PDK without any modification to the PDK. Other devices and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chin-Sheng Chen, Tsun-Yu Yang, Wei-Yi Hu, Tao Wen Chung, Hui Yu Lee, Jui-Feng Kuan, Yi-Kan Cheng
  • Publication number: 20140298284
    Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems for performing design layout are provided. In an example, a design layout corresponds to a layout of a standard cell whose connectivity is described by a netlist. For example, the netlist specifies net types for respective vias of the standard cell. One or more connectivity rings are formed within the design layout to provide connectivity for one or more vias of the design layout. For example, a first connectivity ring is generated, such as from mandrel, to connect one or more ring one vias. A second connectivity ring is generated, such as from passive pattern, to connect one or more ring two vias. One or more cuts are generated within the design layout to isolate vias having different net types. In this way, the design layout is self-aligned double patterning (SADP) compliant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Chin-Hsiung Hsu, Huang-Yu Chen, Li-Chun Tien, Lee-Chung Lu, Hui-Zhong Zhuang, Cheng-I Huang, Chung-Hsing Wang, Yi-Kan Cheng
  • Patent number: 8850368
    Abstract: One or more techniques or systems for determining double patterning technology (DPT) layout routing compliance are provided herein. For example, a layout routing component of a system is configured to assign a pin loop value to a pin loop. In some embodiments, the pin loop value is assigned based on a mask assignment of a pin of the pin loop. In some embodiments, the pin loop value is assigned based on a number of nodes associated with the pin loop. DPT compliance or a DPT violation is determined for the pin loop based on the pin loop value. In this manner, odd loop detection associated with DPT layout routing is provided because a DPT violation results in generation of an additional instance of a net, for example. Detecting an odd loop allows a design to be redesigned before fabrication, where the odd loop would present undesired issues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Huang-Yu Chen, Fang-Yu Fan, Yuan-Te Hou, Wen-Hao Chen, Chung-Hsing Wang, Yi-Kan Cheng
  • Publication number: 20140282308
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method to generate a device library, along with layout versus schematic (LVS) and parasitic extraction set-up files for connecting with official tools of a design window supported by a process design kit (PDK). The device library comprises passive devices which can be utilized at any point in an end-to-end design flow from pre-layout verification to post-layout verification of an integrated circuit design. The device library allows for a single schematic view for pre-layout verification but also post-layout verification, thus allowing for pole or pin comparison, and prevents double-counting of parasitic effects from passive design elements by directly instantiating a device from the device library for a verification step. An LVS and parasitic extraction graphical user interface (GUI) allows for incorporation of the generated device library into a pre-existing PDK without any modification to the PDK. Other devices and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Chin-Sheng Chen, Tsun-Yu Yang, Wei-Yi Hu, Tao Wen Chung, Hui Yu Lee, Jui-Feng Kuan, Yi-Kan Cheng
  • Publication number: 20140258962
    Abstract: A method includes generating a three-dimensional table. The table cells of the three-dimensional table comprise normalized parasitic capacitance values selected from the group consisting essentially of normalized poly-to-fin parasitic capacitance values and normalized poly-to-metal-contact parasitic capacitance values of Fin Field-Effect Transistors (FinFETs). The three-dimensional table is indexed by poly-to-metal-contact spacings of the FinFETs, fin-to-fin spacings of the FinFETs, and metal-contact-to-second-poly spacings of the FinFETs. The step of generating the three-dimensional table is performed using a computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Ming Ho, Ke-Ying Su, Hsiao-Shu Chao, Yi-Kan Cheng, Ze-Ming Wu, Hsien-Hsin Sean Lee
  • Patent number: 8826213
    Abstract: A method includes generating a three-dimensional table. The table cells of the three-dimensional table comprise normalized parasitic capacitance values selected from the group consisting essentially of normalized poly-to-fin parasitic capacitance values and normalized poly-to-metal-contact parasitic capacitance values of Fin Field-Effect Transistors (FinFETs). The three-dimensional table is indexed by poly-to-metal-contact spacings of the FinFETs, fin-to-fin spacings of the FinFETs, and metal-contact-to-second-poly spacings of the FinFETs. The step of generating the three-dimensional table is performed using a computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Ming Ho, Ke-Ying Su, Hsiao-Shu Chao, Yi-Kan Cheng, Ze-Ming Wu, Hsien-Hsin Sean Lee
  • Publication number: 20140245251
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a computer program product for providing an adjusted electronic representation of an integrated circuit layout. The computer program product has a medium with a computer program embodied thereon. Further, the computer program comprises computer program code for providing full node cells from a full node netlist, computer program code for scaling the full node cells to provide shrink node cells, computer program code for providing a timing performance of the full node cells and the shrink node cells, computer program code for comparing the timing performance of the full node cells to the timing performance of the shrink node cells, and computer program code for providing a first netlist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Lee-Chung Lu, Yi-Kan Cheng, Chung-Hsing Wang, Chen-Fu Huang, Hsiao-Shu Chao, Chin-Yu Chiang, Ho Che Yu, Chih Sheng Tsai, Shu Yi Ying
  • Patent number: 8813016
    Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems for performing design layout are provided. In an example, a design layout corresponds to a layout of a standard cell whose connectivity is described by a netlist. For example, the netlist specifies net types for respective vias of the standard cell. One or more connectivity rings are formed within the design layout to provide connectivity for one or more vias of the design layout. For example, a first connectivity ring is generated, such as from mandrel, to connect one or more ring one vias. A second connectivity ring is generated, such as from passive pattern, to connect one or more ring two vias. One or more cuts are generated within the design layout to isolate vias having different net types. In this way, the design layout is self-aligned double patterning (SADP) compliant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Chin-Hsiung Hsu, Huang-Yu Chen, Li-Chun Tien, Lee-Chung Lu, Hui-Zhong Zhuang, Cheng-I Huang, Chung-Hsing Wang, Yi-Kan Cheng
  • Publication number: 20140209934
    Abstract: A white light-emitting diode (LED) package containing plural blue LED chips is disclosed. The white LED package includes a transparent plate, plural blue LED chips bonded on a front surface of the transparent plate, a front fluorescent glue layer covering the plural blue LED chips, and a rear transparent glue layer covering a rear surface of the transparent plate and located at a position aligned with the front fluorescent glue layer. The edge of the rear transparent glue layer has an inclined lateral surface or a curved inclined lateral surface. Therefore, the light can be extracted from both front and rear surfaces, and the light extraction efficiency of the rear surface of the transparent plate is increased. The rear transparent glue layer can be replaced by a rear fluorescent glue layer to reduce the color temperature difference between the lights extracted from the front surface and the rear surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Harvatek Corporation
    Inventors: Tsung-Kan CHENG, Chia-Chin CHEN, Chia-Pin CHANG
  • Patent number: 8775977
    Abstract: Provided is a system and method for assessing a design layout for a semiconductor device level and for determining and designating different features of the design layout to be formed by different photomasks by decomposing the design layout. The features are designated by markings that associate the various device features with the multiple photomasks upon which they will be formed and then produced on a semiconductor device level using double patterning lithography, DPL, techniques. The markings are done at the device level and are included on the electronic file provided by the design house to the photomask foundry. In addition to overlay and critical dimension considerations for the design layout being decomposed, various other device criteria, design criteria processing criteria and their interrelation are taken into account, as well as device environment and the other device layers, when determining and marking the various device features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Chin-Chang Hsu, Wen-Ju Yang, Hsiao-Shu Chao, Yi-Kan Cheng, Lee-Chung Lu
  • Publication number: 20140189623
    Abstract: A method for circuit design includes a parasitic aware library embedded with one or more parameterized cells. The parasitic aware library is used to insert nets representing some but not all parasitic effects of a circuit into a circuit schematic enabling a single circuit schematic to be used for simulation of the circuit, parasitic verification of the circuit and LVS (Layout Versus Schematic) check. Only the single circuit schematic is required for the circuit design process and to form a mask set. Critical paths of the single circuit schematic are identified and parasitic effects are extracted and inserted into the schematic, enabling a pre-estimation of parasitic verification to be carried out and the LVS check to be carried out using a circuit schematic with some parasitic effects prior to the post-layout simulation in which all parasitic components of the layout are included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chin-Sheng CHEN, Tsun-Yu YANG, Wei-Yi HU, Tao Wen CHUNG, Jui-Feng KUAN, Yi-Kan CHENG