Patents by Inventor Ming-Chao Lin

Ming-Chao 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).

  • Publication number: 20240088149
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes: a substrate; a first fin and a second fin disposed on the substrate and spaced apart from each other; a dielectric wall disposed on the substrate and having first and second wall surfaces; a third fin disposed on the substrate to be in direct contact with at least one of the first and second fins; a first device disposed on the first fin and including first channel features extending away from the first wall surface; a second device disposed on the second fin and including second channel features extending away from the second wall surface; at least one third device disposed on the third fin and including third channel features; and an isolation feature disposed on the substrate to permit the third device to be electrically isolated from the first and second devices. A method for manufacturing the semiconductor structure is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Ta-Chun LIN, Ming-Heng TSAI, Huang-Chao CHANG, Chun-Sheng LIANG, Chih-Hao CHANG, Jhon Jhy LIAW
  • Publication number: 20240069618
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a power management method. The power management method is applicable to an electronic device. The electronic device is electrically coupled to an adapter, and includes a system and a battery. The adapter has a feed power. The battery has a discharge power. The power management method of the disclosure includes: reading a power value of the battery; determining a state of the system; and discharging power to the system, when the system is in a power-on state and the power value is greater than a charging stopping value, by using the battery, and controlling, according to the discharge power and the feed power, the adapter to selectively supply power to the system. The disclosure further provides an electronic device using the power management method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Wen Che CHUNG, Hui Chuan LO, Hao-Hsuan LIN, Chun TSAO, Jun-Fu CHEN, Ming-Hung YAO, Jia-Wei ZHANG, Kuan-Lun CHEN, Ting-Chao LIN, Cheng-Yen LIN, Chunyen LAI
  • Patent number: 10650887
    Abstract: A first read operation is performed using a first voltage level to read data from a memory array. An instant bit count corresponding to a number of bits in the data read from the memory array is determined. A recorded bit count corresponding to a number of bits in the data that was written at a time of writing the data to the memory array is accessed. A difference between the instant bit count and the recorded bit count is obtained. Conditioned on determining that the difference is less than or equal to a first threshold value, the data read from the memory array is output using the first read operation. Conditioned on determining that the difference is greater than the first threshold value, a second read operation is performed using a second voltage level that is distinct from the first voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun Hsiung Hung, Han Sung Chen, Ming Chao Lin
  • Publication number: 20180240518
    Abstract: A first read operation is performed using a first voltage level to read data from a memory array. An instant bit count corresponding to a number of bits in the data read from the memory array is determined. A recorded bit count corresponding to a number of bits in the data that was written at a time of writing the data to the memory array is accessed. A difference between the instant bit count and the recorded bit count is obtained. Conditioned on determining that the difference is less than or equal to a first threshold value, the data read from the memory array is output using the first read operation. Conditioned on determining that the difference is greater than the first threshold value, a second read operation is performed using a second voltage level that is distinct from the first voltage level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Applicant: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun Hsiung Hung, Han Sung Chen, Ming Chao Lin
  • Patent number: 9972383
    Abstract: A first read operation is performed using a first voltage level to read data from a memory array. An instant bit count corresponding to a number of bits in the data read from the memory array is determined. A recorded bit count corresponding to a number of bits in the data that was written at a time of writing the data to the memory array is accessed. A difference between the instant bit count and the recorded bit count is obtained. Conditioned on determining that the difference is less than or equal to a first threshold value, the data read from the memory array is output using the first read operation. Conditioned on determining that the difference is greater than the first threshold value, a second read operation is performed using a second voltage level that is distinct from the first voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun Hsiung Hung, Han Sung Chen, Ming Chao Lin
  • Publication number: 20170263310
    Abstract: A first read operation is performed using a first voltage level to read data from a memory array. An instant bit count corresponding to a number of bits in the data read from the memory array is determined. A recorded bit count corresponding to a number of bits in the data that was written at a time of writing the data to the memory array is accessed. A difference between the instant bit count and the recorded bit count is obtained. Conditioned on determining that the difference is less than or equal to a first threshold value, the data read from the memory array is output using the first read operation. Conditioned on determining that the difference is greater than the first threshold value, a second read operation is performed using a second voltage level that is distinct from the first voltage level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Applicant: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun Hsiung Hung, Han Sung Chen, Ming Chao Lin
  • Patent number: 9679653
    Abstract: A method for programming a memory including a plurality of memory cells is provided. The method comprises selecting a cell and executing a program and program verify operation for the cell, including applying a sequence of program pulses and performing program verify steps. The sequence includes a starting pulse having a starting magnitude. The program verify steps use a program verify level. The method also comprises determining the starting magnitude for a next cell as a function of a magnitude of the program pulse in an instance of the program verify step in which the current cell passes verify at the program verify level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ming-Chao Lin, Han-Sung Chen
  • Patent number: 9437264
    Abstract: An integrated circuit with memory can operate with reduced latency between consecutive operations such as read operations. At a first time, a first operation command is finished on a memory array on an integrated circuit. At a second time, a second operation command is begun on the memory array. A regulated output voltage from the charge pump is coupled to word lines in the memory array. From the first time to the second time, a regulated output voltage is maintained at about a word line operation voltage such as a read voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chun-Hsiung Hung, Han-Sung Chen, Ming-Chao Lin
  • Publication number: 20160180903
    Abstract: An integrated circuit with memory can operate with reduced latency between consecutive operations such as read operations. At a first time, a first operation command is finished on a memory array on an integrated circuit. At a second time, a second operation command is begun on the memory array. A regulated output voltage from the charge pump is coupled to word lines in the memory array. From the first time to the second time, a regulated output voltage is maintained at about a word line operation voltage such as a read voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Applicant: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHUN-HSIUNG HUNG, HAN-SUNG CHEN, MING-CHAO LIN
  • Patent number: 9280412
    Abstract: A non-volatile memory array storing data and ECCs includes error correcting logic. A data set can be read by performing iterations including sensing data using a read bias, and producing an indication of errors in the sensed data. A first iteration uses a first read bias. In each iteration, if the indication in a current iteration is less than a threshold, then the data is output from the selected cells sensed in the present iteration. If the indication in the current iteration exceeds the threshold, then another iteration is performed using a moved read bias, unless the indication in the current iteration shows an increase in errors relative to a previous iteration, in which case then sensed data from the previous iteration is output. Double buffering logic can be used to store sensed data during a current and a previous iteration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Feng Hsueh, Ming-Chao Lin
  • Patent number: 9281021
    Abstract: An integrated circuit with memory can operate with reduced latency between consecutive operations such as read operations. At a first time, a first operation command is finished on a memory array on an integrated circuit. At a second time, a second operation command is begun on the memory array. A regulated output voltage from the charge pump is coupled to word lines in the memory array. From the first time to the second time, a regulated output voltage is maintained at about a word line operation voltage such as a read voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Hsiung Hung, Han Sung Chen, Ming Chao Lin
  • Publication number: 20160012899
    Abstract: A method for programming a memory including a plurality of memory cells is provided. The method comprises selecting a cell and executing a program and program verify operation for the cell, including applying a sequence of program pulses and performing program verify steps. The sequence includes a starting pulse having a starting magnitude. The program verify steps use a program verify level. The method also comprises determining the starting magnitude for a next cell as a function of a magnitude of the program pulse in an instance of the program verify step in which the current cell passes verify at the program verify level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ming-Chao LIN, HAN-SUNG CHEN
  • Patent number: 9171628
    Abstract: A method for programming a memory including a plurality of memory cells is provided. The method comprises selecting a current cell and executing a pre-program verify operation at a first program verify level. The method comprises executing a program and program verify operation for the current cell, including applying a sequence of program pulses and performing program verify steps. The sequence includes a starting pulse having a starting magnitude. The program verify steps use a second program verify level. The method also comprises determining the starting magnitude for a next cell as a function of a magnitude of the program pulse in an instance of the program verify step in which the current cell passes verify at the second program verify level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ming-Chao Lin, Han-Sung Chen
  • Publication number: 20150262675
    Abstract: A method for programming a memory including a plurality of memory cells is provided. The method comprises selecting a current cell and executing a pre-program verify operation at a first program verify level. The method comprises executing a program and program verify operation for the current cell, including applying a sequence of program pulses and performing program verify steps. The sequence includes a starting pulse having a starting magnitude. The program verify steps use a second program verify level. The method also comprises determining the starting magnitude for a next cell as a function of a magnitude of the program pulse in an instance of the program verify step in which the current cell passes verify at the second program verify level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ming-Chao LIN, Han-Sung CHEN
  • Publication number: 20140269127
    Abstract: An integrated circuit with memory can operate with reduced latency between consecutive operations such as read operations. At a first time, a first operation command is finished on a memory array on an integrated circuit. At a second time, a second operation command is begun on the memory array. A regulated output voltage from the charge pump is coupled to word lines in the memory array. From the first time to the second time, a regulated output voltage is maintained at about a word line operation voltage such as a read voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Hsiung Hung, Han Sung Chen, Ming Chao Lin
  • Publication number: 20140281803
    Abstract: A non-volatile memory array storing data and ECCs includes error correcting logic. A data set can be read by performing iterations including sensing data using a read bias, and producing an indication of errors in the sensed data. A first iteration uses a first read bias. In each iteration, if the indication in a current iteration is less than a threshold, then the data is output from the selected cells sensed in the present iteration. If the indication in the current iteration exceeds the threshold, then another iteration is performed using a moved read bias, unless the indication in the current iteration shows an increase in errors relative to a previous iteration, in which case then sensed data from the previous iteration is output. Double buffering logic can be used to store sensed data during a current and a previous iteration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: WEN-FENG HSUEH, MING-CHAO LIN
  • Patent number: 8593878
    Abstract: A program method, applied in a flash memory, includes the following steps. Firstly, a first memory sector and a second memory sector are selected, wherein the first and the second memory sectors respectively correspond to a first word line and a second word line. Next, a first operation phase and a second operation phase are determined. Then, the first word line is biased with a first setup voltage, and the second word line is driven in one of a program operation and a program-verification operation, in the first operation phase. After that, the second word line is biased with a second setup voltage, and the first word line is driven in the other one of the program operation and the program-verification operation in the second operation phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Han-Sung Chen, Ming-Chao Lin
  • Publication number: 20130128672
    Abstract: A program method, applied in a flash memory, includes the following steps. Firstly, a first memory sector and a second memory sector are selected, wherein the first and the second memory sectors respectively correspond to a first word line and a second word line. Next, a first operation phase and a second operation phase are determined. Then, the first word line is biased with a first setup voltage, and the second word line is driven in one of a program operation and a program-verification operation, in the first operation phase. After that, the second word line is biased with a second setup voltage, and the first word line is driven in the other one of the program operation and the program-verification operation in the second operation phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Han-Sung Chen, Ming-Chao Lin
  • Patent number: 8076531
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transgenic animal, which comprises in its genome a recombinant polynucleotide encoding one or more reporter proteins and a monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) promoter, wherein the one or more reporter proteins are expressed under the control of the MCP-1 promoter. A method for monitoring endogenous expression of MCP-1 in vivo is also provided, which is useful for identifying a regulator of the expression of MCP-1 or an anti-inflammatory agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: National Health Research Institutes
    Inventor: Kurt Ming-Chao Lin
  • Publication number: 20110126297
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transgenic animal, which comprises in its genome a recombinant polynucleotide encoding one or more reporter proteins and a monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) promoter, wherein the one or more reporter proteins are expressed under the control of the MCP-1 promoter. A method for monitoring endogenous expression of MCP-1 in vivo is also provided, which is useful for identifying a regulator of the expression of MCP-1 or an anti-inflammatory agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: NATIONAL HEALTH RESEARCH INSTITUTES
    Inventor: KURT MING-CHAO LIN