Patents by Inventor Kuang-Yeu Hsieh

Kuang-Yeu Hsieh 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: 8067762
    Abstract: A bistable resistance random access memory is described for enhancing the data retention in a resistance random access memory member. A dielectric member, e.g. the bottom dielectric member, underlies the resistance random access memory member which improves the SET/RESET window in the retention of information. The deposition of the bottom dielectric member is carried out by a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition or by high-density-plasma chemical vapor deposition. One suitable material for constructing the bottom dielectric member is a silicon oxide. The bistable resistance random access memory includes a bottom dielectric member disposed between a resistance random access member and a bottom electrode or bottom contact plug. Additional layers including a bit line, a top contact plug, and a top electrode disposed over the top surface of the resistance random access memory member. Sides of the top electrode and the resistance random access memory member are substantially aligned with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: ChiaHua Ho, Erh-Kun Lai, Kuang Yeu Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8039392
    Abstract: A memory device has a sidewall insulating member with a sidewall insulating member length according to a first spacer layer thickness. A first electrode formed from a second spacer layer having a first electrode length according to a thickness of a second spacer layer and a second electrode formed from the second spacer layer having a second electrode length according to the thickness of the second spacer layer are formed on sidewalls of the sidewall insulating member. A bridge of memory material having a bridge width extends from a top surface of the first electrode to a top surface of the second electrode across a top surface of the sidewall insulating member, wherein the bridge comprises memory material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Erh-Kun Lai, ChiaHua Ho, Kuang Yeu Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20110250729
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a memory is described. Word lines are provided in a first direction. Bit lines are provided in a second direction. A top electrode is formed connecting to a corresponding word line. A bottom electrode is formed connecting to a corresponding bit line. A resistive layer is formed on the bottom electrode. At least two separate L-shaped liners are formed, wherein each L-shaped liner has variable resistive materials on both ends of the L-shaped liner and each L-shaped liner is coupled between the top electrode and the resistive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Erh-Kun Lai, Chia-Hua Ho, Kuang-Yeu Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20110241100
    Abstract: A stacked non-volatile memory device comprises a plurality of bit line and word line layers stacked on top of each other. The bit line layers comprise a plurality of bit lines that can be formed using advanced processing techniques making fabrication of the device efficient and cost effective. The device can be configured for NAND operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: ERH-KUN LAI, Hang-Ting Lue, Kuang-Yeu Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8026136
    Abstract: Memory cells comprising: a semiconductor substrate having at least two source/drain regions separated by a channel region; a charge-trapping structure disposed above the channel region; and a gate disposed above the charge-trapping structure; wherein the charge-trapping structure comprises a bottom insulating layer, a first charge-trapping layer, and a second charge-trapping layer, wherein an interface between the bottom insulating layer and the substrate has a hydrogen concentration of less than about 3×1011/cm?2, and methods for forming such memory cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: MACRONIX International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yen-Hao Shih, Min-Ta Wu, Shih-Chin Lee, Jung-Yu Hsieh, Erh-Kun Lai, Kuang Yeu Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8022466
    Abstract: Memory cells including a semiconductor layer having at least two source/drain regions disposed below a surface of the semiconductor layer and separated by a channel region; a lower insulating layer disposed above the channel region; a charge storage layer disposed above the lower insulating layer; an upper insulating multi-layer structure disposed above the charge storage layer, wherein the upper insulating multi-layer structure comprises a polysilicon material layer interposed between a first dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer; and a gate disposed above the upper insulating multi-layer structure are described along with arrays thereof and methods of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Erh-Kun Lai, Yen-Hao Shih, Tzu-Hsuan Hsu, Shih-Chih Lee, Jung-Yu Hsieh, Kuang-Yeu Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8022465
    Abstract: Memory cells comprising: a semiconductor substrate having at least two source/drain regions separated by a channel region; a charge-trapping structure disposed above the channel region; and a gate disposed above the charge-trapping structure; wherein the charge-trapping structure comprises a bottom insulating layer, a first charge-trapping layer, and a second charge-trapping layer, wherein an interface between the bottom insulating layer and the substrate has a hydrogen concentration of less than about 3×1011/cm?2, and methods for forming such memory cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Macronrix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yen-Hao Shih, Min-Ta Wu, Shin-Chin Lee, Jung-Yu Hsieh, Erh-Kun Lai, Kuang Yeu Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8022489
    Abstract: An air tunnel floating gate memory cell includes an air tunnel defined over a substrate. A first polysilicon layer (floating gate) is defined over the air tunnel. An oxide layer is disposed over the first polysilicon layer such that the oxide layer caps the first polysilicon layer and defines the sidewalls of the air tunnel. A second polysilicon layer, functioning as a word line, is defined over the oxide layer. A method for making an air tunnel floating gate memory cell is also disclosed. A sacrificial layer is formed over a substrate. A first polysilicon layer is formed over the sacrificial layer. An oxide layer is deposited over the first polysilicon layer such that the oxide layer caps the first polysilicon layer and defines the sidewalls of the sacrificial layer. A hot phosphoric acid (H3PO4) dip is used to etch away the sacrificial layer to form an air tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hang-Ting Lue, Erh-Kun Lai, Kuang Yeu Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7999295
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for stacked, non-volatile memory devices provides a plurality of bitline layers and wordline layers with charge trapping structures. The bitline layers have a plurality of bitlines formed on an insulating layer, such as silicon on insulator technologies. The wordline layers are patterned with respective pluralities of wordlines and charge trapping structures orthogonal to the bitlines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Erh-Kun Lai, Hang-Ting Lue, Kuang-Yeu Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20110189819
    Abstract: A memory device comprises first and second electrodes with a memory element and a buffer layer located between and electrically coupled to them. The memory element comprises one or more metal oxygen compounds. The buffer layer comprises at least one of an oxide and a nitride. Another memory device comprises first and second electrodes with a memory element and a buffer layer, having a thickness of less than 50 ?, located between and electrically coupled to them. The memory comprises one or more metal oxygen compounds. An example of a method of fabricating a memory device includes forming first and second electrodes. A memory, located between and electrically coupled to the first and the second electrodes, is formed; the memory comprises one or more metal oxygen compounds and the buffer layer comprises at least one of an oxide and a nitride.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Chih Chien, Kuo-Pin Chang, Erh-Kun Lai, Kuang Yeu Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7989790
    Abstract: A memory comprises a number of word lines in a first direction, a number of bit lines in a second direction, each coupled to at least one of the word lines, and a number of memory elements, each coupled to one of the word lines and one of the bit lines. Each memory element comprises a top electrode for connecting to a corresponding word line, a bottom electrode for connecting to a corresponding bit line, a resistive layer on the bottom electrode, and at least two separate liners, each liner having resistive materials on both ends of the liner and each liner coupled between the top electrode and the resistive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: MACRONIX International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Erh-Kun Lai, Chiahua Ho, Kuang-Yeu Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7981742
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device is provided. The method comprises: (a) providing a first and a second conductor; (b) providing a conductive layer; (c) forming a part of the conductive layer into a data storage layer by a plasma oxidation process, wherein the data storage layer is positioned between the first and the second conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Macronic International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Chih Chien, Kuo-Pin Chang, Erh-Kun Lai, Kuang-Yeu Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7977735
    Abstract: A stacked non-volatile memory device comprises a plurality of bit line and word line layers stacked on top of each other. The bit line layers comprise a plurality of bit lines that can be formed using advanced processing techniques making fabrication of the device efficient and cost effective. The device can be configured for NAND operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Erh-Kun Lai, Hang-Ting Lue, Kuang Yeu Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7977227
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a non-volatile semiconductor memory device includes forming a sub-gate without an additional mask. A low word-line resistance is formed by a metal silicide layer on a main gate of the memory device. In operation, application of a voltage to the sub-gate forms a transient state inversion layer that serves as a bit-line, so that no implantation is required to form the bit-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chiahua Ho, Yen-Hao Shih, Hang-Ting Lue, Erh-Kun Lai, Kuang Yeu Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7973366
    Abstract: Memory cells which include a semiconductor substrate having a source region and a drain region separated by a channel region; a charge-trapping structure disposed above the channel region of the semiconductor substrate; a first gate disposed above the charge-trapping structure and proximate to the source region; and a second gate disposed above the charge-trapping structure and proximate to the drain region; where the first gate and the second gate are separated by a first nanospace are provided, along with arrays including a plurality of such cells, methods of manufacturing such cells and methods of operating such cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Hua Ho, Hang-Ting Lue, Yen-Hao Shih, Erh-Kun Lai, Kuang-Yeu Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7972893
    Abstract: A method for making a memory device includes providing a dielectric material, having first and second upwardly and inwardly tapering surfaces and a surface segment connecting the first and second surfaces. First and second electrodes are formed over the first and second surfaces. A memory element is formed over the surface segment to electrically connect the first and second electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Erh-Kun Lai, ChiaHua Ho, Kuang-Yeu Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7960224
    Abstract: A method for operating a memory device includes applying a sequence of bias arrangements across a selected metal-oxide memory element to change among resistance states. The sequence of bias arrangements includes a first set of one or more pulses to change the resistance state of the selected metal-oxide memory element from the first resistance state to a third resistance state, and a second set of one or more pulses to change the resistance state of the selected metal-oxide memory element from the third resistance state to the second resistance state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Chih Chien, Kuo-Pin Chang, Yi-Chou Chen, Erh-Kun Lai, Kuang-Yeu Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20110116317
    Abstract: The present invention describes a uniform program method and a uniform erase method of a charge trapping memory by employing a substrate transient hot electron technique for programming, and a substrate transient hot hole technique for erasing, which emulate an FN tunneling method for NAND memory operation. The methods of the present invention are applicable to a wide variety of charge trapping memories including n-channel or p-channel SONOS types of memories and floating gate (FG) type memories. the programming of the charge trapping memory is conducted using a substrate transient hot electron injection in which a body bias voltage Vb has a short pulse width and a gate bias voltage Vg has a pulse width that is sufficient to move electrons from a channel region to a charge trapping structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: TZU HSUAN HSU, Chao-I Wu, Kuang Yeu Hsieh, Ya-Chin King
  • Patent number: 7943920
    Abstract: A memory device comprises first and second electrodes with a memory element and a buffer layer located between and electrically coupled to them. The memory element comprises one or more metal oxygen compounds. The buffer layer comprises at least one of an oxide and a nitride. Another memory device comprises first and second electrodes with a memory element and a buffer layer, having a thickness of less than 50 ?, located between and electrically coupled to them. The memory comprises one or more metal oxygen compounds. An example of a method of fabricating a memory device includes forming first and second electrodes. A memory, located between and electrically coupled to the first and the second electrodes, is formed; the memory comprises one or more metal oxygen compounds and the buffer layer comprises at least one of an oxide and a nitride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Chih Chien, Kuo-Pin Chang, Erh-Kun Lai, Kuang Yeu Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7923285
    Abstract: A non-volatile memory with a self-aligned RRAM element includes a lower electrode element, generally planar in form, having an inner contact surface; an upper electrode element, spaced from the lower electrode element; a containment structure extends between the upper electrode element and the lower electrode element, with a sidewall spacer element having a generally funnel-shaped central cavity with a central aperture; and a spandrel element positioned between the sidewall spacer element and the lower electrode. A RRAM element extends between the lower electrode element and the upper electrode, occupying at least a portion of the sidewall spacer element central cavity and projecting from the sidewall spacer terminal edge toward and making contact with the lower electrode. In this manner, the spandrel element inner surface is spaced from the RRAM element to define a thermal isolation cell adjacent the RRAM element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Macronix International, Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Erh-Kun Lai, ChiaHua Ho, Kuang Yeu Hsieh