Patents by Inventor Ming-Chien Tsai

Ming-Chien Tsai 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: 20230342272
    Abstract: An exemplary testing environment can operate in a testing mode of operation to test whether a memory device or other electronic devices communicatively coupled to the memory device operate as expected or unexpectedly as a result of one or more manufacturing faults. The testing mode of operation includes a shift mode of operation, a capture mode of operation, and/or a scan mode of operation. In the shift mode of operation and the scan mode of operation, the exemplary testing environment delivers a serial input sequence of data to the memory device. In the capture mode of operation, the exemplary testing environment delivers a parallel input sequence of data to the memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Hung CHANG, Atul KATOCH, Chia-En HUANG, Ching-Wei WU, Donald G. MIKAN, JR., Hao-I YANG, Kao-Cheng LIN, Ming-Chien TSAI, Saman M.I. ADHAM, Tsung-Yung CHANG, Uppu Sharath CHANDRA
  • Patent number: 11734142
    Abstract: An exemplary testing environment can operate in a testing mode of operation to test whether a memory device or other electronic devices communicatively coupled to the memory device operate as expected or unexpectedly as a result of one or more manufacturing faults. The testing mode of operation includes a shift mode of operation, a capture mode of operation, and/or a scan mode of operation. In the shift mode of operation and the scan mode of operation, the exemplary testing environment delivers a serial input sequence of data to the memory device. In the capture mode of operation, the exemplary testing environment delivers a parallel input sequence of data to the memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Hung Chang, Atul Katoch, Chia-En Huang, Ching-Wei Wu, Donald G. Mikan, Jr., Hao-I Yang, Kao-Cheng Lin, Ming-Chien Tsai, Saman M. I. Adham, Tsung-Yung Chang, Uppu Sharath Chandra
  • Publication number: 20220171688
    Abstract: An exemplary testing environment can operate in a testing mode of operation to test whether a memory device or other electronic devices communicatively coupled to the memory device operate as expected or unexpectedly as a result of one or more manufacturing faults. The testing mode of operation includes a shift mode of operation, a capture mode of operation, and/or a scan mode of operation. In the shift mode of operation and the scan mode of operation, the exemplary testing environment delivers a serial input sequence of data to the memory device. In the capture mode of operation, the exemplary testing environment delivers a parallel input sequence of data to the memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Hung CHANG, Atul KATOCH, Chia-En HUANG, Ching-Wei WU, Donald G. MIKAN, JR., Hao-I YANG, Kao-Cheng LIN, Ming-Chien TSAI, Saman M.I. ADHAM, Tsung-Yung CHANG, Uppu Sharath CHANDRA
  • Patent number: 11256588
    Abstract: An exemplary testing environment can operate in a testing mode of operation to test whether a memory device or other electronic devices communicatively coupled to the memory device operate as expected or unexpectedly as a result of one or more manufacturing faults. The testing mode of operation includes a shift mode of operation, a capture mode of operation, and/or a scan mode of operation. In the shift mode of operation and the scan mode of operation, the exemplary testing environment delivers a serial input sequence of data to the memory device. In the capture mode of operation, the exemplary testing environment delivers a parallel input sequence of data to the memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Hung Chang, Atul Katoch, Chia-En Huang, Ching-Wei Wu, Donald G. Mikan, Jr., Hao-I Yang, Kao-Cheng Lin, Ming-Chien Tsai, Saman M. I. Adham, Tsung-Yung Chang, Uppu Sharath Chandra
  • Publication number: 20200293417
    Abstract: An exemplary testing environment can operate in a testing mode of operation to test whether a memory device or other electronic devices communicatively coupled to the memory device operate as expected or unexpectedly as a result of one or more manufacturing faults. The testing mode of operation includes a shift mode of operation, a capture mode of operation, and/or a scan mode of operation. In the shift mode of operation and the scan mode of operation, the exemplary testing environment delivers a serial input sequence of data to the memory device. In the capture mode of operation, the exemplary testing environment delivers a parallel input sequence of data to the memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Hung CHANG, Atul KATOCH, Chia-En HUANG, Ching-Wei WU, Donald G. MIKAN, JR., Hao-I YANG, Kao-Cheng LIN, Ming-Chien TSAI, Saman M.I. ADHAM, Tsung-Yung CHANG, Uppu Sharath CHANDRA
  • Patent number: 10705934
    Abstract: An exemplary testing environment can operate in a testing mode of operation to test whether a memory device or other electronic devices communicatively coupled to the memory device operate as expected or unexpectedly as a result of one or more manufacturing faults. The testing mode of operation includes a shift mode of operation, a capture mode of operation, and/or a scan mode of operation. In the shift mode of operation and the scan mode of operation, the exemplary testing environment delivers a serial input sequence of data to the memory device. In the capture mode of operation, the exemplary testing environment delivers a parallel input sequence of data to the memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Hung Chang, Atul Katoch, Chia-En Huang, Ching-Wei Wu, Donald G. Mikan, Jr., Hao-I Yang, Kao-Cheng Lin, Ming-Chien Tsai, Saman M. I. Adham, Tsung-Yung Chang, Uppu Sharath Chandra
  • Publication number: 20190004915
    Abstract: An exemplary testing environment can operate in a testing mode of operation to test whether a memory device or other electronic devices communicatively coupled to the memory device operate as expected or unexpectedly as a result of one or more manufacturing faults. The testing mode of operation includes a shift mode of operation, a capture mode of operation, and/or a scan mode of operation. In the shift mode of operation and the scan mode of operation, the exemplary testing environment delivers a serial input sequence of data to the memory device. In the capture mode of operation, the exemplary testing environment delivers a parallel input sequence of data to the memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Hung CHANG, Atul KATOCH, Chia-En HUANG, Ching-Wei WU, Donald G. MIKAN, JR., Hao-I YANG, Kao-Cheng LIN, Ming-Chien TSAI, Saman M.I ADHAM, Tsung-Yung CHANG, Uppu Sharath CHANDRA
  • Patent number: 9978443
    Abstract: A method includes: during a read operation of a first storage node and a second storage node formed by cross-coupled inverters, based on data stored in the first storage node and the second storage node, causing a first auxiliary branch or a second auxiliary branch to assist a corresponding one of the cross-coupled inverters in holding data; and during a write operation of the first storage node and the second storage node, based on data to be written to the first storage node and the second storage node, causing the first auxiliary branch or the second auxiliary branch to assist a corresponding one of the cross-coupled inverters in flipping data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Chen-Lin Yang, Ming-Chien Tsai, Chung-Yi Wu, Cheng Hung Lee
  • Patent number: 9389786
    Abstract: A memory device includes storage layers each comprising memory cells arranged in a plurality of rows, bit lines coupled to the memory cells in the corresponding rows, tracking cells arranged in at least one row, at least one tracking bit line coupled to the tracking cells, and at least one sense amplifier coupled to the bit lines. The sense amplifier is configured to detect data stored in the memory cells, and has an enabling terminal coupled to the at least one tracking bit line. The memory device further comprises word lines and tracking word lines extending through the storage layers. The word lines are coupled to the corresponding memory cells in the storage layers. The tracking word lines are coupled to the corresponding tracking cells in the storage layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Ming-Chien Tsai, Yu-Hao Hsu, Chih-Yu Lin, Chen-Lin Yang, Cheng Hung Lee
  • Publication number: 20160125934
    Abstract: A method includes: during a read operation of a first storage node and a second storage node formed by cross-coupled inverters, based on data stored in the first storage node and the second storage node, causing a first auxiliary branch or a second auxiliary branch to assist a corresponding one of the cross-coupled inverters in holding data; and during a write operation of the first storage node and the second storage node, based on data to be written to the first storage node and the second storage node, causing the first auxiliary branch or the second auxiliary branch to assist a corresponding one of the cross-coupled inverters in flipping data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Chen-Lin Yang, Ming-Chien Tsai, Chung-Yi Wu, Cheng Hung Lee
  • Patent number: 9263122
    Abstract: A circuit includes a first inverter, a second inverter, a first auxiliary branch and a second auxiliary branch. The first and second inverters are cross-coupled to form a first storage node and a second storage node. The first auxiliary branch is coupled to the first storage node and configured to assist the first inverter in holding data based on data stored at the second storage node during a read operation, and assist the first inverter in flipping data based on data to be written to the first storage node during a write operation. The second auxiliary branch is coupled to the second storage node and configured to assist the second inverter in holding data based on data stored in the first storage node during the read operation, and assist the second inverter in flipping data based on data to be written to the second storage node during the write operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Chen-Lin Yang, Ming-Chien Tsai, Chung-Yi Wu, Cheng Hung Lee
  • Publication number: 20150277770
    Abstract: A memory device includes storage layers each comprising memory cells arranged in a plurality of rows, bit lines coupled to the memory cells in the corresponding rows, tracking cells arranged in at least one row, at least one tracking bit line coupled to the tracking cells, and at least one sense amplifier coupled to the bit lines. The sense amplifier is configured to detect data stored in the memory cells, and has an enabling terminal coupled to the at least one tracking bit line. The memory device further comprises word lines and tracking word lines extending through the storage layers. The word lines are coupled to the corresponding memory cells in the storage layers. The tracking word lines are coupled to the corresponding tracking cells in the storage layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Ming-Chien TSAI, Yu-Hao HSU, Chih-Yu LIN, Chen-Lin YANG, Cheng Hung LEE
  • Patent number: 9111595
    Abstract: A memory includes a clock generator for providing a first clock signal responsive to a second clock signal and a feedback signal. A feedback loop provides the feedback signal and includes a tracking wordline, a tracking bitline, a tracking bit cell, and a tracking wordline driver for driving the tracking wordline responsive to the first clock signal. The memory includes a tracking wordline level tuner for reducing a voltage level of a tracking wordline signal on the tracking wordline responsive to a weak bit control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Hao Hsu, Ming-Chien Tsai, Chen-Lin Yang
  • Publication number: 20150109852
    Abstract: A circuit includes a first inverter, a second inverter, a first auxiliary branch and a second auxiliary branch. The first and second inverters are cross-coupled to form a first storage node and a second storage node. The first auxiliary branch is coupled to the first storage node and configured to assist the first inverter in holding data based on data stored at the second storage node during a read operation, and assist the first inverter in flipping data based on data to be written to the first storage node during a write operation. The second auxiliary branch is coupled to the second storage node and configured to assist the second inverter in holding data based on data stored in the first storage node during the read operation, and assist the second inverter in flipping data based on data to be written to the second storage node during the write operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: CHEN-LIN YANG, MING-CHIEN TSAI, CHUNG-YI WU, CHENG HUNG LEE
  • Publication number: 20140269141
    Abstract: A memory includes a clock generator for providing a first clock signal responsive to a second clock signal and a feedback signal. A feedback loop provides the feedback signal and includes a tracking wordline, a tracking bitline, a tracking bit cell, and a tracking wordline driver for driving the tracking wordline responsive to the first clock signal. The memory includes a tracking wordline level tuner for reducing a voltage level of a tracking wordline signal on the tracking wordline responsive to a weak bit control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Yu-Hao HSU, Ming-Chien TSAI, Chen-Lin YANG
  • Patent number: 8804445
    Abstract: The present invention provides an oscillator which is based on a 6T SRAM for measuring the Bias Temperature Instability. The oscillator includes a first control unit, a first inverter, a second control unit, and a second inverter. The first control unit is coupled with the first inverter. The second control unit is coupled with the second inverter. The first control unit and the second control unit is used to control the first inverter and the second inverter being selected, biased, and connected respectively, so that the NBTI and the PBTI of the SRAM can be measured separately, and the real time stability of the SRAM can be monitored immediately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: National Chiao Tung University
    Inventors: Ching-Te Chuang, Shyh-Jye Jou, Wei Hwang, Ming-Chien Tsai, Yi-Wei Lin, Hao-I Yang, Ming-Hsien Tu, Wei-Chiang Shih, Nan-Chun Lien, Kuen-Di Lee
  • Publication number: 20130301343
    Abstract: A threshold voltage measurement device is disclosed. The device is coupled to a 6T SRAM. The SRAM comprises two inverters each coupled to a FET. Power terminals of one inverter are in a floating state; the drain and source of the FET coupled to the inverter are short-circuited. Two voltage selectors, a resistor, an amplifier and the SRAM are connected in a negative feedback way. Different bias voltages are applied to the SRAM for measuring threshold voltages of two FETs of the other inverter and the FET coupled to the other inverter. The present invention uses a single circuit to measure the threshold voltages of the three FETs without changing the physical structure of the SRAM. Thereby is accelerated the measurement and decreased the cost of the fabrication process and measurement instruments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Ching-Te Chuang, Shyh-Jye Jou, Geng-Cing Lin, Shao-Cheng Wang, Yi-Wei Lin, Ming-Chien Tsai, Wei-Chiang Shih, Nan-Chun Lien, Kuen-Di Lee, Jyun-Kai Chu
  • Patent number: 8582378
    Abstract: A threshold voltage measurement device is disclosed. The device is coupled to a 6T SRAM. The SRAM comprises two inverters each coupled to a FET. Power terminals of one inverter are in a floating state; the drain and source of the FET coupled to the inverter are short-circuited. Two voltage selectors, a resistor, an amplifier and the SRAM are connected in a negative feedback way. Different bias voltages are applied to the SRAM for measuring threshold voltages of two FETs of the other inverter and the FET coupled to the other inverter. The present invention uses a single circuit to measure the threshold voltages of the three FETs without changing the physical structure of the SRAM. Thereby is accelerated the measurement and decreased the cost of the fabrication process and measurement instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: National Chiao Tung University
    Inventors: Ching-Te Chuang, Shyh-Jye Jou, Geng-Cing Lin, Shao-Cheng Wang, Yi-Wei Lin, Ming-Chien Tsai, Wei-Chiang Shih, Nan-Chun Lien, Kuen-Di Lee, Jyun-Kai Chu
  • Publication number: 20130223136
    Abstract: The present invention provides a 6T SRAM including a first inverter, a second inverter, a first pass-gate transistor, and a second pass-gate transistor. The first inverter zs a first pull-up transistor and a first pull-down transistor. The second inverter includes a second pull-up transistor and a second pull-down transistor. The gate of the second pull-up transistor is coupled with the gate of the second pull-down transistor, and the drain of the second pull-up transistor is coupled with the drain of the second pull-down transistor. The SRAM can measure the trip voltage, the read disturb voltage, and the write margin by controlling the first bit line, the second bit line, the GND, the first word line, and the voltage source without changing of the physic parameter of the SRAM.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: National Chiao Tung University
    Inventors: Ching-Te CHUANG, Shyh-Jye Jou, Wei Hwang, Yi-Wei Lin, Ming-Chien Tsai, Hao-I Yang, Ming-Hsien Tu, Wei-Chiang Shih, Nan-Chun Lien, Kuen-Di Lee
  • Publication number: 20130222071
    Abstract: The present invention provides an oscillator which is based on a 6T SRAM for measuring the Bias Temperature Instability. The oscillator includes a first control unit, a first inverter, a second control unit, and a second inverter. The first control unit is coupled with the first inverter. The second control unit is coupled with the second inverter. The first control unit and the second control unit is used to control the first inverter and the second inverter being selected, biased, and connected respectively, so that the NBTI and the PBTI of the SRAM can be measured separately, and the real time stability of the SRAM can be monitored immediately.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: National Chiao Tung University
    Inventors: Ching-Te Chuang, Shyh-Jye Jou, Wei Hwang, Ming-Chien Tsai, Yi-Wei Lin, Hao-I Yang, Ming-Hsien Tu, Wei-Chiang Shih, Nan-Chun Lien, Kuen-Di Lee