Patents by Inventor Meng-Han LIN
Meng-Han LIN 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).
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Publication number: 20250149453Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes first and second memory units, and first and second staircase vias. The first memory unit includes two first source/bit line portions separated from each other, a first word line surrounding the first source/bit line portions, a first memory film surrounding the first word line, and a first channel region between the first memory film and the first source/bit line portions. The second memory unit is disposed over the first memory unit, and includes two second source/bit line portions separated from each other, a second word line surrounding the second source/bit line portions, a second memory film surrounding the second word line, and a second channel region between the second memory film and the second source/bit line portions. The first and second staircase vias respectively penetrate the first and second memory films, and are respectively and electrically connected to the first and second word lines.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2025Publication date: May 8, 2025Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Meng-Han LIN, Chia-En HUANG
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Publication number: 20250151283Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a stack of alternating insulating layers and first conductive layers disposed over a substrate; a plurality of memory cell strings penetrating the stack over the substrate, each memory cell string comprising a central portion extending through the stack, a semiconductor layer surrounding the central portion, and a ferroelectric layer surrounding the semiconductor layer, and the central portion comprising a channel isolation structure and a second conductive layer and a third conductive layer at two sides of the channel isolation structure; and a plurality of cell isolation structures penetrating the conductive layers and the insulating layers over the substrate and disposed between two memory cell strings, each cell isolation structure comprising a top portion and a bottom portion adjoined to the top portion and different from the top portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2025Publication date: May 8, 2025Inventors: YU-CHIEN CHIU, MENG-HAN LIN, CHUN-FU CHENG, HAN-JONG CHIA, CHUNG-WEI WU, ZHIQIANG WU
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Publication number: 20250142932Abstract: Methods for forming contacts to source/drain regions and gate electrodes in low- and high-voltage devices and devices formed by the same are disclosed. In an embodiment a device includes a first channel region in a substrate adjacent a first source/drain region; a first gate over the first channel region; a second channel region in the substrate adjacent a second source/drain region, a top surface of the second channel region being below a top surface of the first channel region; a second gate over the second channel region; an ILD over the first gate and the second gate; a first contact extending through the ILD and coupled to the first source/drain region; and a second contact extending through the ILD, coupled to the second source/drain region, and having a width greater a width of the first contact and a height greater than a height of the first contact.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2025Publication date: May 1, 2025Inventors: Meng-Han Lin, Sai-Hooi Yeong, Chi On Chui
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Publication number: 20250142832Abstract: A semiconductor structure and method of forming the same are provided. The semiconductor structure includes a circuit structure, an interlayer structure and a memory structure. The circuit structure includes a substrate having semiconductor devices formed thereon; a dielectric structure disposed over the semiconductor devices; and an interconnect layer embedded in the dielectric structure and connected to the semiconductor devices. The interlayer structure is disposed over the circuit structure. The memory structure is disposed over the interlayer structure and physically separated from the circuit structure by the interlayer structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2024Publication date: May 1, 2025Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Sheng-Chen Wang, Meng-Han Lin, Han-Jong Chia, Feng-Cheng Yang
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Patent number: 12289891Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor die includes forming, over a substrate, a stack including insulating layers and sacrificial layers alternatively on top of each other; replacing a portion of first sacrificial layers located in a first portion of the stack to form first gate layers; forming first channel layers extending in a first direction in the first portion; forming first memory layers extending in the first direction in the first portion; replacing a portion of second sacrificial layers located in a second portion of the stack to form second gate layers; forming second channel layers extending in the first direction in the second portion; and forming second memory layers extending in the first direction in the second portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2024Date of Patent: April 29, 2025Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Meng-Han Lin, Chia-En Huang
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Patent number: 12284810Abstract: A memory device including a word line, a source line, a bit line, a memory layer, a channel material layer is described. The word line extends in a first direction, and liner layers disposed on a sidewall of the word line. The memory layer is disposed on the sidewall of the word line between the liner layers and extends along sidewalls of the liner layers in the first direction. The liner layers are spaced apart by the memory layer, and the liner layers are sandwiched between the memory layer and the word line. The channel material layer is disposed on a sidewall of the memory layer. A dielectric layer is disposed on a sidewall of the channel material layer. The source line and the bit line are disposed at opposite sides of the dielectric layer and disposed on the sidewall of the channel material layer. The source line and the bit line extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A material of the liner layers has a dielectric constant lower than that of a material of the memory layer.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2023Date of Patent: April 22, 2025Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Meng-Han Lin, Han-Jong Chia, Feng-Cheng Yang, Bo-Feng Young, Nuo Xu, Sai-Hooi Yeong, Yu-Ming Lin
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Patent number: 12284806Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, the semiconductor device includes a non-volatile memory formed in a memory cell area and a ring structure area surrounding the memory cell area. In the method, a protrusion of a substrate is formed in the ring structure area. The protrusion protrudes from an isolation insulating layer. A high-k dielectric film is formed, thereby covering the protrusion and the isolation insulating layer. A poly silicon film is formed over the high-k dielectric film. The poly silicon film and the high-k dielectric film are patterned. Insulating layers are formed over the patterned poly silicon film and high-k dielectric film, thereby sealing the patterned high-k dielectric film.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2023Date of Patent: April 22, 2025Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Meng-Han Lin, Chih-Ren Hsieh, Ching-Wen Chan
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Patent number: 12268007Abstract: A memory device includes a first etch stop layer, an etch stop pattern, a second etch stop layer, a plurality of stacks and a first conductive pillar. The etch stop pattern is disposed in the first etch stop layer. The second etch stop layer is disposed on the first etch stop layer and the etch stop pattern, wherein a material of the etch stop pattern is different from a material of the first etch stop layer and a material of the second etch stop layer. The stacks are disposed on the second etch stop layer. The first conductive pillar is disposed between the stacks, wherein the first conductive pillar extends along the stacks and the second etch stop layer to be in physical contact with the etch stop pattern.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2022Date of Patent: April 1, 2025Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Meng-Han Lin, Han-Jong Chia, Feng-Cheng Yang
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Patent number: 12261175Abstract: A method for forming an integrated circuit includes following operations. A substrate is received. The substrate includes a first region, a second region and an isolation structure. The isolation structure has a first top surface, a second top surface lower than the first top surface, and a boundary between the first top surface and the second top surface. A first device is formed in the first region, a second device is formed in the second region, and a dummy structure is formed on a portion of the first top surface, a top of the second top surface and the boundary. A dielectric structures is formed over the substrate. Top surfaces of the dielectric structure, the first device, the second device and the dummy structure are aligned with each other. A first metal gate is formed in the first device, and a second metal gate is formed in the second device.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2023Date of Patent: March 25, 2025Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.Inventors: Meng-Han Lin, Te-An Chen
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Patent number: 12262540Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate including, in a first area, a first semiconductor channel coupled to a portion of a first memory layer, and first, second, and third conductive structures. The first and third conductive structures are coupled to end portions of a sidewall of the first semiconductor channel, with the second conductive structure coupled to a middle portion of the sidewall. The semiconductor device includes, in a second area, a second semiconductor channel coupled to a first portion of a second memory layer, and fourth and fifth conductive structures. The fourth and fifth conductive structures are coupled to end portions of a sidewall of the second semiconductor channel, with no vertically extending conductive structure interposed between the fourth and fifth conductive structures.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2021Date of Patent: March 25, 2025Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Meng-Han Lin, Chia-En Huang
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Patent number: 12256550Abstract: A memory cell includes patterning a first trench extending through a first conductive line, depositing a memory film along sidewalls and a bottom surface of the first trench, depositing a channel layer over the memory film, the channel layer extending along the sidewalls and the bottom surface of the first trench, depositing a first dielectric layer over and contacting the channel layer to fill the first trench, patterning a first opening, wherein patterning the first opening comprises etching the first dielectric layer, depositing a gate dielectric layer in the first opening, and depositing a gate electrode over the gate dielectric layer and in the first opening, the gate electrode being surrounded by the gate dielectric layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2023Date of Patent: March 18, 2025Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Bo-Feng Young, Meng-Han Lin, Chih-Yu Chang, Sai-Hooi Yeong, Yu-Ming Lin
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Publication number: 20250089263Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes pairs of metal lines and memory arrays. Each of the memory arrays includes first and second sets of thin film transistors (TFTs), a first switch transistor, and a second switch transistor. The TFTs in the first and second sets are electrically connected to each other in parallel. The first switch transistor is electrically connected in series to one of the TFTs in the first set and one of the metal lines in a corresponding one of the pairs of the metal lines. The second switch transistor is electrically connected in series to one of the TFTs in the second set and the other one of the metal lines in the corresponding one of the pairs of the metal lines.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2024Publication date: March 13, 2025Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Meng-Han LIN, Chia-En HUANG
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Publication number: 20250089264Abstract: A 3D memory array has data storage structures provided at least in part by one or more vertical films that do not extend between vertically adjacent memory cells. The 3D memory array includes conductive strips and dielectric strips, alternately stacked over a substrate. The conductive strips may be laterally indented from the dielectric strips to form recesses. A data storage film may be disposed within these recesses. Any portion of the data storage film deposited outside the recesses may have been effectively removed, whereby the data storage film is essentially discontinuous from tier to tier within the 3D memory array. The data storage film within each tier may have upper and lower boundaries that are the same as those of a corresponding conductive strip. The data storage film may also be made discontinuous between horizontally adjacent memory cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2024Publication date: March 13, 2025Inventors: Sheng-Chen Wang, Feng-Cheng Yang, Meng-Han Lin, Sai-Hooi Yeong, Yu-Ming Lin, Han-Jong Chia
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Patent number: 12250822Abstract: A three-dimensional memory device and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The three-dimensional memory device includes first and second stacking structures, isolation pillars, gate dielectric layers, channel layers and conductive pillars. The stacking structures are laterally spaced apart from each other. The stacking structures respectively comprises alternately stacked insulating layers and conductive layers. The isolation pillars laterally extend between the stacking structures. The isolation pillars further protrude into the stacking structures, and a space between the stacking structures is divided into cell regions. The gate dielectric layers are respectively formed in one of the cell regions, and cover opposing sidewalls of the stacking structures and sidewalls of the isolation pillars. The channel layers respectively cover an inner surface of one of the gate dielectric layers.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2023Date of Patent: March 11, 2025Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Meng-Han Lin, Chun-Fu Cheng, Feng-Cheng Yang, Sheng-Chen Wang, Yu-Chien Chiu, Han-Jong Chia
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Patent number: 12250829Abstract: A memory device includes at least one bit line, at least one word line, at least one memory cell, at least one source line, and a controller electrically coupled to the at least one memory cell via the at least one word line, the at least one bit line, and the at least one source line. The memory cell includes a first transistor, data storage elements, and second transistors corresponding to the data storage elements. The first transistor includes a gate electrically coupled to the word line, and first and second source/drains. Each data storage element and the corresponding second transistor are electrically coupled in series with the first source/drain of the first transistor and the bit line. The controller controllably applies a voltage other than a ground voltage to the at least one source line in an operation of a selected data storage element among the data storage elements.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2023Date of Patent: March 11, 2025Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Meng-Han Lin, Sai-Hooi Yeong, Han-Jong Chia, Chenchen Jacob Wang, Yu-Ming Lin
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Publication number: 20250067976Abstract: A head-mounted eye tracking system including a light-transmitting substrate, an eye tracker, and a signal processor is provided. The eye tracker is configured to sense eyeballs of a wearer. The eye tracker includes a plurality of light-emitting devices and a plurality of sensing devices. The plurality of light-emitting devices are configured to emit a tracking beam. The plurality of sensing devices are configured to receive the tracking beam reflected by the eyeballs of the wearer. The signal processor is electrically connected to the eye tracker. The plurality of sensing devices are embedded in grooves within the light-transmitting substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2024Publication date: February 27, 2025Applicant: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Han-Kuei Fu, Meng-Han Lin, Hsu-Shih Huang, Ming-Hsien Wu, Chia-Hsin Chao, Wei-Hung Kuo
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Publication number: 20250072004Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first memory cell that includes: a first conductor structure extending along a first lateral direction; a first portion of a first memory film wrapping around a first portion of the first conductor structure; a first semiconductor film wrapping around the first portion of the first memory film; a second conductor structure extending along a vertical direction and coupled to a first sidewall of the first semiconductor film, wherein the first sidewall faces toward or away from a second lateral direction perpendicular to the first lateral direction; and a third conductor structure extending along the vertical direction and coupled to a second sidewall of the first semiconductor film, wherein the second sidewall faces toward or away from the second lateral direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2024Publication date: February 27, 2025Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Meng-Han Lin, Chia-En Huang
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Publication number: 20250062223Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a first cell, a second cell, a first bit line, a first source line, a second bit line, and a second source line. The first cell includes a first source structure and a first drain structure. The second cell includes a second source structure and a second drain structure. The first bit line is coupled to the first drain structure, the first source line is coupled to the first source structure, the second bit line is coupled to the second drain structure, and the second source line is coupled to the second source structure. The first source line and the first bit line are alternately arranged, and the second source line and the second bit line are alternately arranged. A distance between the first source line and the first bit line is similar to a distance between the second source line and the second bit line.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2024Publication date: February 20, 2025Inventors: MENG-HAN LIN, SAI-HOOI YEONG, CHENCHEN WANG
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Patent number: 12232326Abstract: A memory device includes a first conductive via, a first conductive line, an etch stop layer, a plurality of stacks and a first conductive pillar. The first conductive line is disposed on and in physical contact with the first conductive via. The etch stop layer is disposed on and in physical contact with the first conductive line. The stacks are disposed on the etch stop layer. The first conductive pillar is disposed between the stacks. The first conductive pillar extends between opposite surfaces of the stacks to be in physical contact with the first conductive line.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2022Date of Patent: February 18, 2025Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Meng-Han Lin, Feng-Cheng Yang
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Patent number: 12232322Abstract: A 3D memory array includes a row of stacks, each stack having alternating gate strips and dielectric strips. Dielectric plugs are disposed between the stacks and define cell areas. A data storage film and a channel film are disposed adjacent the stacks on the sides of the cell areas. The middles of the cell areas are filled with an intracell dielectric. Source lines and drain lines form vias through the intracell dielectric. The source lines and the drain lines are each provided with a bulge toward the interior of the cell area. The bulges increase the areas of the source line and the drain line without reducing the channel lengths. In some of these teachings, the areas of the source lines and the drain lines are increased by restricting the data storage film or the channel layer to the sides of the cell areas adjacent the stacks.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2023Date of Patent: February 18, 2025Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Sheng-Chen Wang, Feng-Cheng Yang, Meng-Han Lin, Han-Jong Chia