Patents by Inventor Kun Lai

Kun Lai 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: 12268010
    Abstract: A memory device includes a substrate, a first conductive stripe disposed on the substrate and extending along a first direction, a second conductive stripe disposed on the first conductive stripe, a first pillar element and a spacer. The second conductive stripe extends along a second direction intersected with the first direction. A thickness of the second conductive stripe is greater than a thickness of the first conductive stripe, and the second conductive stripe is an integral structure. The first pillar element is disposed at an intersection between the first conductive stripe and the second conductive stripe, and extends from a top surface of the first conductive stripe to a bottom surface of the second conductive stripe along a third direction intersected with the first direction and the second direction. The first pillar element includes a switching layer and a memory layer corresponding to a first level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Erh-Kun Lai, Hsiang-Lan Lung, Chih-Hsiang Yang
  • Publication number: 20250089268
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a stack including a plurality of insulating layers and a plurality of word plane conductors alternately arranged, a vertical pillar structure disposed in the stack, and a plurality of outer electrodes. The vertical pillar structure includes a conductive core, an inner electrode on a sidewall of the conductive core, and an ovonic threshold switch (OTS) layer on a sidewall of the inner electrode, in which the inner electrode is disposed between the conductive core and the OTS layer. The outer electrodes are disposed between the OTS layer and the word plane conductors, wherein a resistance of a material of the word plane conductors is less than a resistance of a material of the outer electrodes. A method of forming the semiconductor device is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2023
    Publication date: March 13, 2025
    Inventors: Erh-Kun LAI, Hsiang-Lan LUNG, Wei-Chih CHIEN
  • Publication number: 20250089269
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a stack and a plurality of vertical pillar structures disposed in the stack. The stack includes a plurality of insulating layers and a plurality of conductive layers alternately arranged, each of the conductive layers includes a center portion and a plurality of edge portions at edges of the center portion, wherein a resistance of a material of the edge portions is less than a resistance of a material of the center portion. Each of the vertical pillar structures includes a conductive core, a shell electrode on a sidewall of the conductive core, and an ovonic threshold switch (OTS) layer on a sidewall of the shell electrode. A method of forming the semiconductor device is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2023
    Publication date: March 13, 2025
    Inventors: Erh-Kun LAI, Hsiang-Lan LUNG
  • Publication number: 20250023441
    Abstract: A current sampling circuit for a bridgeless power factor corrector is provided. The current sampling circuit comprises a sampling resistor, a first and second current sampling modules. In the first and second current sampling modules, primary windings of transformers are respectively serially connected to a first and second fast switches of the bridgeless power factor corrector. In a positive half cycle of the AC power, a second sampled current phase switching unit is turned on to form a second sampling circuit, and a first main current freewheeling unit is turned on to form a freewheeling path of a first transformer. In a negative half cycle of the AC power, a first sampled current phase switching unit is turned on to form a first sampling circuit, and a second main current freewheeling unit is turned on to form a freewheeling path of a second transformer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2023
    Publication date: January 16, 2025
    Inventors: Bing-Kun LAI, Cheng-Hsiao LUO, I-Hsiu LO
  • Publication number: 20240371443
    Abstract: An integrated circuit structure includes a substrate, a first memory string, a source line, and a second memory string. The first memory string is over the substrate and comprises first memory cells stacked in a vertical direction. The source line laterally extends over the first memory string. The second memory string is over the source line and comprises second memory cells stacked in the vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2023
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Inventors: Erh-Kun LAI, Feng-Min LEE
  • Publication number: 20240365565
    Abstract: A memory device and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The memory device includes drain pillar structures, source pillar structures, memory structures surrounding the drain pillar structures respectively, a channel structure, and a gate structure surrounding the drain pillar structures, the source pillar structures and the channel structure. The channel structure is divided into arc channel parts by the drain pillar structures and the source pillar structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2023
    Publication date: October 31, 2024
    Inventors: Erh-Kun LAI, Feng-Min LEE
  • Patent number: 12131863
    Abstract: An inductor structure and a manufacturing method for the same are provided. The inductor structure includes conductive layers and conductive elements. The conductive layers overlap in a vertical direction. Each of the conductive elements is coupled between two conductive layers of the conductive layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Erh-Kun Lai, Hsiang-Lan Lung
  • Patent number: 12114514
    Abstract: A memory device and a method for manufacturing the memory device are provided. The memory device includes a stack and a plurality of memory strings. The stack is disposed on the substrate, and the stack includes a plurality of conductive layers and a plurality of insulating layers alternately stacked. The memory strings pass through the stack along a first direction, wherein a first memory string in the memory strings includes a first conductive pillar and a second conductive pillar, a channel layer, and a memory structure. The first conductive pillar and the second conductive pillar respectively extend along the first direction and are separated from each other. The channel layer is disposed between the first conductive pillar and the second conductive pillar. The memory structure surrounds the second conductive pillar, and the memory structure includes a resistive memory material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Feng-Min Lee, Erh-Kun Lai, Dai-Ying Lee, Yu-Hsuan Lin, Po-Hao Tseng, Ming-Hsiu Lee
  • Publication number: 20240332230
    Abstract: A semiconductor device including a semiconductor die, a first conductive pad, a second conductive pad, a first connector structure and a second connector structure is provided. The first conductive pad is disposed on the semiconductor die, wherein the first conductive pad has a first lateral dimension. The second conductive pad is disposed on the semiconductor die, wherein the second conductive pad has a second lateral dimension. The first connector structure is disposed on the first conductive pad, wherein the first connector structure has a third lateral dimension greater than the first lateral dimension. The second connector structure is disposed on the second conductive pad, wherein the second connector structure has a fourth lateral dimension smaller than the second lateral dimension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2024
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Hao Hsu, Yen-Kun Lai, Wei-Hsiang Tu, Hao-Chun Liu, Kuo-Chin Chang, Mirng-Ji Lii
  • Publication number: 20240297137
    Abstract: A semiconductor die includes a semiconductor substrate, an interconnect structure, and a conductive bump. The interconnect structure is disposed on and electrically connected to the semiconductor substrate. The interconnect structure includes stacked interconnect layers. Each of the stacked interconnect layers includes a dielectric layer and an interconnect wiring embedded in the dielectric layer. The interconnect wiring of a first interconnect layer among the stacked interconnect layers further includes a first via and second vias. The first via electrically connected to the interconnect wiring. The second vias connected to the interconnect wiring, and the first via and the second vias are located on a same level height. The conductive bump is disposed on the interconnect structure. The conductive bump includes a base portion and a protruding portion connected to the base portion, and the base portion is between the protruding portion and the first via.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2024
    Publication date: September 5, 2024
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd
    Inventors: Yen-Kun Lai, Chien-Hao Hsu, Wei-Hsiang Tu, Kuo-Chin Chang, Mirng-ji Lii
  • Publication number: 20240244819
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure is provided. The semiconductor structure has a device defining region. The device defining region includes a first portion and a second portion separated from each other. The semiconductor structure includes a stack. The stack includes first conductive layers and first dielectric layers disposed alternately. The stack has an opening through the stack in the device defining region. The semiconductor structure further includes a second conductive layer, a first conductive pillar, a third conductive layer, a second conductive pillar, and a third conductive pillar. The second conductive layer is disposed along a sidewall of the opening. The first conductive pillar is disposed in the opening in the first portion. The third conductive layer is disposed in the opening along an edge of the second portion. The second conductive pillar and the third conductive pillar are disposed in the second portion and separated from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2023
    Publication date: July 18, 2024
    Inventors: Erh-Kun LAI, Feng-Min LEE
  • Patent number: 12040406
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure is provided. The semiconductor structure includes a substrate and a bottom dielectric layer continuously disposed on the substrate. The semiconductor structure further includes a plurality of stacks disposed on the bottom dielectric layer. Each of the stacks includes gate electrodes and semiconductor layers disposed alternately. The semiconductor structure further includes a plurality of source/drain structures disposed on the bottom dielectric layer and between the stacks. The semiconductor structure further includes a plurality of conductors landed on highest gate electrodes of the stacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Erh-Kun Lai
  • Patent number: 12021048
    Abstract: A semiconductor device including a semiconductor die, a first conductive pad, a second conductive pad, a first connector structure and a second connector structure is provided. The first conductive pad is disposed on the semiconductor die, wherein the first conductive pad has a first lateral dimension. The second conductive pad is disposed on the semiconductor die, wherein the second conductive pad has a second lateral dimension. The first connector structure is disposed on the first conductive pad, wherein the first connector structure has a third lateral dimension greater than the first lateral dimension. The second connector structure is disposed on the second conductive pad, wherein the second connector structure has a fourth lateral dimension smaller than the second lateral dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Hao Hsu, Yen-Kun Lai, Wei-Hsiang Tu, Hao-Chun Liu, Kuo-Chin Chang, Mirng-Ji Lii
  • Patent number: 12009327
    Abstract: A semiconductor die includes a semiconductor substrate, an interconnect structure, and a conductive bump. The interconnect structure is disposed on and electrically connected to the semiconductor substrate. The interconnect structure includes stacked interconnect layers. Each of the stacked interconnect layers includes a dielectric layer and an interconnect wiring embedded in the dielectric layer. The interconnect wiring of a first interconnect layer among the stacked interconnect layers further includes a first via and second vias. The first via electrically connected to the interconnect wiring. The second vias connected to the interconnect wiring, and the first via and the second vias are located on a same level height. The conductive bump is disposed on the interconnect structure. The conductive bump includes a base portion and a protruding portion connected to the base portion, and the base portion is between the protruding portion and the first via.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yen-Kun Lai, Chien-Hao Hsu, Wei-Hsiang Tu, Kuo-Chin Chang, Mirng-Ji Lii
  • Publication number: 20240153869
    Abstract: Memory devices are implemented within a vertical memory structure, comprising a stack of alternating layers of insulator material and word line material, with a series of alternating conductive pillars and insulating pillars disposed through stack. Data storage structures are disposed on inside surfaces of the layers of word line material at cross-points of the insulating pillars and the layers of word line material. Semiconductor channel material is disposed between the insulating pillars and the data storage structures at cross-points of the insulating pillars with the layers of word line material. The semiconductor channel material extends around an outside surface of the insulating pillars, contacting the adjacent conductive pillars on both sides to provide source/drain terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2024
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Applicant: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Erh-Kun LAI, Hsiang-Lan LUNG
  • Publication number: 20240145379
    Abstract: Methods and semiconductor devices are provided. A method includes determining a location of a polyimide opening (PIO) corresponding to an under-bump metallization (UBM) feature in a die. The die includes a substrate and an interconnect structure over the substrate. The method also includes determining a location of a stacked via structure in the interconnect structure based on the location of the PIO. The method further includes forming, in the interconnect structure, the stacked via structure comprising at most three stacked contact vias at the location of the PIO.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2023
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Yen-Kun Lai, Wei-Hsiang Tu, Ching-Ho Cheng, Cheng-Nan Lin, Chiang-Jui Chu, Chien Hao Hsu, Kuo-Chin Chang, Mirng-Ji Lii
  • Publication number: 20240090238
    Abstract: A memory device and a method for manufacturing the memory device are provided. The memory device includes a stack and a plurality of memory strings. The stack is disposed on the substrate, and the stack includes a plurality of conductive layers and a plurality of insulating layers alternately stacked. The memory strings pass through the stack along a first direction, wherein a first memory string in the memory strings includes a first conductive pillar and a second conductive pillar, a channel layer, and a memory structure. The first conductive pillar and the second conductive pillar respectively extend along the first direction and are separated from each other. The channel layer is disposed between the first conductive pillar and the second conductive pillar. The memory structure surrounds the second conductive pillar, and the memory structure includes a resistive memory material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Feng-Min LEE, Erh-Kun LAI, Dai-Ying LEE, Yu-Hsuan LIN, Po-Hao TSENG, Ming-Hsiu LEE
  • Patent number: 11916011
    Abstract: Memory devices are implemented within a vertical memory structure, comprising a stack of alternating layers of insulator material and word line material, with a series of alternating conductive pillars and insulating pillars disposed through stack. Data storage structures are disposed on inside surfaces of the layers of word line material at cross-points of the insulating pillars and the layers of word line material. Semiconductor channel material is disposed between the insulating pillars and the data storage structures at cross-points of the insulating pillars with the layers of word line material. The semiconductor channel material extends around an outside surface of the insulating pillars, contacting the adjacent conductive pillars on both sides to provide source/drain terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Erh-Kun Lai, Hsiang-Lan Lung
  • Patent number: 11871588
    Abstract: A memory device includes a stack and a plurality of memory strings. The stack is disposed on the substrate, and the stack includes a plurality of conductive layers and a plurality of insulating layers alternately stacked. The memory strings pass through the stack along a first direction, wherein a first memory string in the memory strings includes a first conductive pillar and a second conductive pillar, a channel layer, and a memory structure. The first conductive pillar and the second conductive pillar respectively extend along the first direction and are separated from each other. The channel layer is disposed between the first conductive pillar and the second conductive pillar. The memory structure surrounds the second conductive pillar, and the memory structure includes a resistive memory material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Feng-Min Lee, Erh-Kun Lai, Dai-Ying Lee, Yu-Hsuan Lin, Po-Hao Tseng, Ming-Hsiu Lee
  • Publication number: 20230361022
    Abstract: An electrical connection structure includes a dielectric layer stack of a plurality of dielectric layers including a first dielectric layer as an uppermost layer, and a second dielectric layer under the first dielectric layer, a plurality of metal layers in the plurality of dielectric layers, a via stack in the plurality of dielectric layers that connects the plurality of metal layers, an upper metal layer on the dielectric layer stack over the via stack, and an upper dielectric layer on the dielectric layer stack and including an upper dielectric layer opening over the upper metal layer and the via stack. A number of first vias in the first dielectric layer, may be less than or equal to a number of second vias in the second dielectric layer, and the number of second vias in the second dielectric layer may be less than or equal to 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2022
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Chien Hao Hsu, Wei-Hsiang Tu, Yen-Kun Lai, Kuo-Chin Chang, Mirng-Ji Lii