Patents by Inventor Meng-Fan Chang

Meng-Fan Chang 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: 20230360717
    Abstract: A control circuit, a memory system and a control method are provided. The control circuit is configured to control a plurality of memory cells of a memory array. The control circuit comprises a program controller. The program is configured to program a first electrical characteristic distribution and a second electrical characteristic distribution of the memory cells according to error tolerance of a first bit of a data type. A first overlapping area between the first electrical characteristic distribution and the second electrical characteristic distribution is smaller than a first predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Win-San Khwa, Jen-Chieh Liu, Meng-Fan Chang, Tung-Ying Lee, Jin Cai
  • Publication number: 20230326525
    Abstract: A memory array, a memory structure and an operation method of a memory array are provided. The memory array includes memory cells, floating gate transistors, bit lines and word lines. The memory cells each comprise a capacitor and an electrically programmable non-volatile memory (NVM) serially connected to the capacitor, and further comprise a write transistor with a first source/drain terminal coupled to a common node of the capacitor and the electrically programmable NVM. The floating gate transistors respectively have a gate terminal electrically floated and coupled to the capacitors of a column of the memory cells. The bit lines respectively coupled to the electrically programmable NVMs of a row of the memory cells. The word lines respectively coupled to gate terminals of the write transistors in a row of the memory cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2022
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kerem Akarvardar, Win-San Khwa, Rawan Naous, Jin Cai, Meng-Fan Chang, Hon-Sum Philip Wong
  • Publication number: 20230326518
    Abstract: A memory device and an operation method thereof are provided. The memory device includes memory cells, each having a static random access memory (SRAM) cell and a non-volatile memory cell. The SRAM cell is configured to store complementary data at first and second storage nodes. The non-volatile memory cell is configured to replicate and retain the complementary data before the SRAM cell loses power supply, and to rewrite the replicated data to the first and second storage nodes of the SRAM cell after the power supply of the SRAM cell is restored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2022
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jer-Fu Wang, Hung-Li Chiang, Yi-Tse Hung, Tzu-Chiang Chen, Meng-Fan Chang
  • Publication number: 20230317132
    Abstract: A device includes a write bit line and a read bit line extending in a first direction, and a write word line and a read word line extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The device further includes a memory cell including a write transistor and a read transistor. The write transistor includes a first gate connected to the write word line, a first source/drain connected to the write bit line, and a second source/drain connected to a data storage node. The read transistor includes a second gate connected to the data storage node, a third source/drain connected to the read bit line, and a fourth source/drain connected to the read word line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Jen-Chieh Liu, Jui-Jen Wu, Win-San Khwa, Yi-Lun Lu, Meng-Fan Chang
  • Publication number: 20230317124
    Abstract: Memory systems and operating method of a memory system are provided. The memory system utilized for performing a computing-in-memory (CiM) operation comprises a memory array and a processing circuit. The memory array comprises a plurality of memory cells. The processing circuit is coupled to the memory array and comprises a programming circuit and a control circuit. The programming circuit is coupled to the memory array and configured to perform a write operation for programming electrical characteristics of the memory cells. The control circuit is coupled to the programming circuit and configured to: receive a plurality of weight data corresponding to a plurality of weight values; and control the write operation performed by the programming circuit, so the electrical characteristics of the memory cells are programmed following a sequential order of the weight values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2022
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Win-San KHWA, Ping-Chun WU, Tung Ying LEE, Meng-Fan CHANG
  • Publication number: 20230306245
    Abstract: A programming circuit includes a time difference converter circuit and a pulse generator circuit. The converter circuit is configured to receive a first pulse from a first neuron device and a second pulse from a second neuron device, and to output a time difference signal corresponding to a time difference between the first pulse and the second pulse. The pulse generator circuit includes an input coupled to the output of the time difference converter circuit to receive the time difference signal, and an output at which the pulse generator circuit is configured to output a program voltage corresponding to the time difference signal. The output of the pulse generator circuit is configured to be coupled to a synapse device coupled between the first neuron device and the second neuron device to program a weight value in the synapse device with the program voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2022
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Jen-Chieh LIU, Win-San KHWA, Jui-Jen WU, Meng-Fan CHANG
  • Publication number: 20230309285
    Abstract: A static random-access memory (SRAM) cell including a transistor is introduced. The transistor includes substrate and gate stack structure disposed over the substrate, in which the gate stack structure includes a gate oxide layer, a ferroelectric layer, and a conductive layer. The gate oxide layer is disposed over the substrate; the ferroelectric layer is disposed over the gate oxide layer, wherein the ferroelectric layer has a negative capacitance effect; and the first conductive layer, disposed over the ferroelectric layer. A method of adjusting a threshold voltage of a transistor in the SRAM is also introduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2022
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-Li Chiang, Jer-Fu Wang, Tzu-Chiang Chen, Meng-Fan Chang
  • Publication number: 20230298651
    Abstract: A data processing method, a data processing circuit, and a computing apparatus are provided. In the method, data is obtained. A first value of a bit of the data is switched into a. second value according to data distribution and an accessing property of memory. The second value of the bit is stored in the memory in response to switching the bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2022
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-Li Chiang, Jer-Fu Wang, Tzu-Chiang Chen, Meng-Fan Chang
  • Patent number: 11763162
    Abstract: A dynamic gradient calibration method for a computing-in-memory neural network is performed to update a plurality of weights in a computing-in-memory circuit according to a plurality of inputs corresponding to a correct answer. A forward operating step includes performing a bit wise multiply-accumulate operation on a plurality of divided inputs and a plurality of divided weights to generate a plurality of multiply-accumulate values, and performing a clamping function on the multiply-accumulate values to generate a plurality of clamped multiply-accumulate values according to a predetermined upper bound value, and comparing the clamped multiply-accumulate values with the correct answer to generate a plurality of loss values. A backward operating step includes performing a partial differential operation on the loss values relative to the weights to generate a weight-based gradient. The weights are updated according to the weight-based gradient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: NATIONAL TSING HUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Meng-Fan Chang, Wei-Hsing Huang, Ta-Wei Liu
  • Publication number: 20230290402
    Abstract: A memory device that includes a memory array and a pre-charge selecting circuit is introduced. The memory array includes a plurality of memory cells that are coupled to a plurality of bit lines and a plurality of word lines, wherein the plurality of word lines are configured to receive an input vector. The pre-charge selecting circuit is configured to selectively pre-charge a selected bit line according to a value of the input vector. The pre-charge selecting circuit is configured to determine whether the value of the input vector is less than a predefined threshold, and generate a gated pre-charge signal to skip pre-charging the selected bit line in response to determining that the value of the input vector is less than the predefined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2022
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Win-San Khwa, Yen-Cheng Chiu, Je-Min Hung, Yi-Lun Lu, Jui-Jen Wu, Meng-Fan Chang
  • Patent number: 11756645
    Abstract: A control circuit, a memory system and a control method are provided. The control circuit is configured to control a plurality of memory cells of a memory array. The control circuit comprises a program controller. The program is configured to program a first electrical characteristic distribution and a second electrical characteristic distribution of the memory cells according to error tolerance of a first bit of a data type. A first overlapping area between the first electrical characteristic distribution and the second electrical characteristic distribution is smaller than a first predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Win-San Khwa, Jen-Chieh Liu, Meng-Fan Chang, Tung-Ying Lee, Jin Cai
  • Publication number: 20230280976
    Abstract: Embodiments include monitoring a partial sum of a multiply accumulate calculation for certain conditions. When the certain conditions are met, a reduced read energy is used to read out memory contents instead of the regular read energy used. The reduced read energy may be obtained by reducing a pre-charge voltage, withholding a pre-charge voltage or providing a ground signal, and/or by reducing voltage hold times (i.e., reducing the time a pre-charge voltage is provided and/or discharged).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2022
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Win-San Khwa, Ping-Chun Wu, Yi-Lun Lu, Jui-Jen Wu, Meng-Fan Chang
  • Publication number: 20230282263
    Abstract: Memory circuits that read the bit state of memory cells are disclosed. In some embodiments, a memory circuit, includes a memory cell configured to store a bit. A reference line is configured to receive a reference signal and a data line is configured to receive a data signal. The data line is configured to be selectively coupled to the memory cell. A charge voltage select unit is configured to charge the reference line and the data line in response to a select signal being in a first select state and discharge the reference line and the data line in response to the select signal being in a second select state. A sense amplifier is configured to compare the data signal and the reference signal to sense a bit state of the bit stored by the memory cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Yen-Cheng CHIU, Win-San KHWA, Meng-Fan CHANG
  • Publication number: 20230267970
    Abstract: A circuit includes a reference voltage node, first and second data lines, a sense amplifier, first and second switching devices coupled between the first and second data lines and first and second input terminals of the sense amplifier, third and fourth switching devices coupled between the first and second data lined and first and second nodes, fifth and sixth switching devices coupled between the first and second nodes and the reference voltage node, and first and second capacitive devices coupled between the first and second nodes and second and first input terminals. Each of the first through fourth switching devices is switched on and each of the fifth and sixth switching devices is switched off in a first operational mode, and each of the first through fourth switching devices is switched off and each of the fifth and sixth switching devices is switched on in a second operational mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Inventors: Jui-Jen WU, Win-San KWHA, Jen-Chieh LIU, Meng-Fan CHANG
  • Publication number: 20230259331
    Abstract: A dynamic differential-reference time-to-digital converter for computing-in-memory applications is controlled by a bias reference and a predetermined setting parameter, and includes a configurable main-reference selector and a plurality of time-to-digital converters. The configurable main-reference selector is configured to receive a plurality of edge-output signals, select one of the edge-output signals as a main reference and select others of the edge-output signals as a plurality of edge selected signals according to the predetermined setting parameter. One of the time-to-digital converters is configured to compare the bias reference with the main reference to output a bias multiplication-and-accumulation value, and others of the time-to-digital converters are configured to compare the main reference with the edge selected signals to output a plurality of differential multiplication-and-accumulation values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2022
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Inventors: Meng-Fan CHANG, Ping-Chun WU, Jin-Sheng REN, Li-Yang HONG, Ho-Yu CHEN
  • Publication number: 20230263078
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a memory device, a method for configuring a first memory cell in an N-bit memory unit of a memory array, and a memory array. The memory device includes a memory array including an N-bit memory unit, wherein N is a positive integer. The N-bit memory unit includes a first memory cell, used to characterize at least two first bits of a plurality of least significant bits of the N-bit memory unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2022
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-Li Chiang, Jer-Fu Wang, Tzu-Chiang Chen, Meng-Fan Chang
  • Publication number: 20230260575
    Abstract: A memory device includes a current source and a memory array. The current source is configured to provide a current to a first node. The memory array is coupled to the current source at the first node. The memory array includes memory cells. First terminals of the memory cells are coupled to the first node. Each of the memory cells has a first resistance in response to having a first data value, and has a second resistance in response to having a second data value. The second data value is N times the first data value. The second resistance is approximately one-Nth of the first resistance, for N being a positive integer larger than one. A method of operating a memory device is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2022
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Applicants: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD., NATIONAL TSING HUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yen-Cheng CHIU, Win-San KHWA, Meng-Fan CHANG
  • Publication number: 20230240078
    Abstract: A memory device including a plurality of memory cells, at least one of the plurality of memory cells includes a first transistor, a second transistor, and a third transistor. The first transistor includes a first drain/source path and a first gate structure electrically coupled to a write word line. The second transistor includes a second drain/source path and a second gate structure electrically coupled to the first drain/source path of the first transistor. The third transistor includes a third drain/source path electrically coupled to the second drain/source path of the second transistor and a third gate structure electrically coupled to a read word line. Where, the first transistor, and/or the second transistor, and/or the third transistor is a ferroelectric field effect transistor or a negative capacitance field effect transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Hung-Li Chiang, Jer-Fu Wang, Tzu-Chiang Chen, Meng-Fan Chang
  • Publication number: 20230238047
    Abstract: A memory unit with time domain edge delay accumulation for computing-in-memory applications is controlled by a first word line and a second word line. The memory unit includes at least one memory cell, at least one edge-delay cell multiplexor and at least one edge-delay cell. The at least one edge-delay cell includes a weight reader and a driver. The weight reader is configured to receive a weight and a multi-bit analog input voltage and generate a multi-bit voltage according to the weight and the multi-bit analog input voltage. The driver is connected to the weight reader and configured to receive an edge-input signal. The driver is configured to generate an edge-output signal having a delay time according to the edge-input signal and the multi-bit voltage. The delay time of the edge-output signal is positively correlated with the multi-bit analog input voltage multiplied by the weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2022
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Meng-Fan CHANG, Ping-Chun WU, Li-Yang HONG, Jin-Sheng REN, Jian-Wei SU
  • Publication number: 20230225132
    Abstract: A memory structure includes a substrate. The memory structure further includes a first transistor, wherein the first transistor is a first distance from the substrate. The memory structure further includes a second transistor, wherein the second transistor is a second distance from the substrate, and the first distance is different from the second distance, and a first source/drain (S/D) region of the first transistor is connected to a second S/D region of the second transistor. The memory structure further includes a plurality of storage elements electrically connected to both the first transistor and the second transistor, wherein each of the plurality of storage elements is a third distance from the substrate, and the third distance is different from both the first distance and the second distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2022
    Publication date: July 13, 2023
    Inventors: Hung-Li CHIANG, Jer-Fu WANG, Yi-Tse HUNG, Tzu-Chiang CHEN, Meng-Fan CHANG, Hon-Sum Philip WONG