Patents by Inventor Ming-Ching Chang

Ming-Ching 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: 20210313450
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a fin extending from a substrate, a gate stack over and along a sidewall of the fin, a spacer along a first sidewall of the gate stack and the sidewall of the fin, a dummy gate material along the sidewall of the fin, wherein the dummy gate material is between the spacer and the gate stack, and a first epitaxial source/drain region in the fin and adjacent the gate stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Chih-Han Lin, Ming-Ching Chang, Chao-Cheng Chen
  • Patent number: 11133307
    Abstract: Example embodiments relating to forming gate structures, e.g., for Fin Field Effect Transistors (FinFETs), are described. In an embodiment, a structure includes first and second device regions comprising first and second FinFETs, respectively, on a substrate. A distance between neighboring gate structures of the first FinFETs is less than a distance between neighboring gate structures of the second FinFETs. A gate structure of at least one of the first FinFETs has a first and second width at a level of and below, respectively, a top surface of a first fin. The first width is greater than the second width. A second gate structure of at least one of the second FinFETs has a third and fourth width at a level of and below, respectively a top surface of a second fin. A difference between the first and second widths is greater than a difference between the third and fourth widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Han Lin, Kuei-Yu Kao, Shih-Yao Lin, Ming-Ching Chang, Chao-Cheng Chen, Syun-Ming Jang
  • Publication number: 20210296181
    Abstract: The first and second fins extend upwardly from a semiconductor substrate. The shallow trench isolation structure laterally surrounds lower portions of the first and second fins. The first gate structure extends across an upper portion of the first fin. The second gate structure extends across an upper portion of the second fin. The first source/drain epitaxial structures are on the first fin and on opposite sides of the first gate structure. The second source/drain epitaxial structures are on the second fin and on opposite sides of the second gate structure. The separation plug interposes the first and second gate structures and extends along a lengthwise direction of the first fin. The isolation material cups an underside of a portion of the separation plug between one of the first source/drain epitaxial structures and one of the second source/drain epitaxial structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Chang HUNG, Shu-Yuan KU, I-Wei YANG, Yi-Hsuan HSIAO, Ming-Ching CHANG, Ryan Chia-Jen CHEN
  • Publication number: 20210296484
    Abstract: A first FinFET device includes first fin structures that extend in a first direction in a top view. A second FinFET device includes second fin structures that extend in the first direction in the top view. The first FinFET device and the second FinFET device are different types of FinFET devices. A plurality of gate structures extend in a second direction in the top view. The second direction is different from the first direction. Each of the gate structures partially wraps around the first fin structures and the second fin structures. A dielectric structure is disposed between the first FinFET device and the second FinFET device. The dielectric structure cuts each of the gate structures into a first segment for the first FinFET device and a second segment for the second FinFET device. The dielectric structure is located closer to the first FinFET device than to the second FinFET device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: Chang-Yun Chang, Ming-Ching Chang, Shu-Yuan Ku
  • Patent number: 11127741
    Abstract: Example embodiments relating to forming gate structures, e.g., for Fin Field Effect Transistors (FinFETs), are described. In an embodiment, a structure includes first and second device regions comprising first and second FinFETs, respectively, on a substrate. A distance between neighboring gate structures of the first FinFETs is less than a distance between neighboring gate structures of the second FinFETs. A gate structure of at least one of the first FinFETs has a first and second width at a level of and below, respectively, a top surface of a first fin. The first width is greater than the second width. A second gate structure of at least one of the second FinFETs has a third and fourth width at a level of and below, respectively a top surface of a second fin. A difference between the first and second widths is greater than a difference between the third and fourth widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Han Lin, Kuei-Yu Kao, Shih-Yao Lin, Ming-Ching Chang, Chao-Cheng Chen, Syun-Ming Jang
  • Publication number: 20210280695
    Abstract: Methods of cutting fins, and structures formed thereby, are described. In an embodiment, a structure includes a first fin and a second fin on a substrate, and a fin cut-fill structure disposed between the first fin and the second fin. The first fin and the second fin are longitudinally aligned. The fin cut-fill structure includes a liner on a first sidewall of the first fin, and an insulating fill material on a sidewall of the liner and on a second sidewall of the first fin. The liner is further on a surface of the first fin between the first sidewall of the first fin and the second sidewall of the first fin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventors: Ryan Chia-Jen Chen, Li-Wei Yin, Tzu-Wen Pan, Cheng-Chung Chang, Shao-Hua Hsu, Yi-Chun Chen, Yu-Hsien Lin, Ming-Ching Chang
  • Patent number: 11114549
    Abstract: Methods of cutting fins, and structures formed thereby, are described. In an embodiment, a structure includes a first fin and a second fin on a substrate, and a fin cut-fill structure disposed between the first fin and the second fin. The first fin and the second fin are longitudinally aligned. The fin cut-fill structure includes a liner on a first sidewall of the first fin, and an insulating fill material on a sidewall of the liner and on a second sidewall of the first fin. The liner is further on a surface of the first fin between the first sidewall of the first fin and the second sidewall of the first fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryan Chia-Jen Chen, Ming-Ching Chang, Yi-Chun Chen, Yu-Hsien Lin, Li-Wei Yin, Tzu-Wen Pan, Cheng-Chung Chang, Shao-Hua Hsu
  • Publication number: 20210273072
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods of forming are described herein. The methods include depositing a dummy gate material layer over a fin etched into a substrate. A gate mask is then formed over the dummy gate material layer in a channel region of the fin. A dummy gate electrode is etched into the dummy gate material using the gate mask. A top spacer is then deposited over the gate mask and along sidewalls of a top portion of the dummy gate electrode. An opening is then etched through the remainder of the dummy gate material and through the fin. A bottom spacer is then formed along a sidewall of the opening and separates a bottom portion of the dummy gate electrode from the opening. A source/drain region is then formed in the opening and the dummy gate electrode is replaced with a metal gate stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2020
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Inventors: Shih-Yao Lin, Kuei-Yu Kao, Chen-Ping Chen, Chih-Han Lin, Ming-Ching Chang, Chao-Cheng Chen
  • Publication number: 20210242192
    Abstract: Methods for cutting (e.g., dividing) metal gate structures in semiconductor device structures are provided. A dual layer structure can form sub-metal gate structures in a replacement gate manufacturing processes, in some examples. In an example, a semiconductor device includes a plurality of metal gate structures disposed in an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer disposed on a substrate, an isolation structure disposed between the metal gate structures, wherein the ILD layer circumscribes a perimeter of the isolation structure, and a dielectric structure disposed between the ILD layer and the isolation structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Inventors: Shiang-Bau Wang, Ryan Chia-Jen Chen, Shu-Yuan Ku, Ming-Ching Chang
  • Patent number: 11056478
    Abstract: Methods for cutting (e.g., dividing) metal gate structures in semiconductor device structures are provided. A dual layer structure can form sub-metal gate structures in a replacement gate manufacturing processes, in some examples. In an example, a semiconductor device includes a plurality of metal gate structures disposed in an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer disposed on a substrate, an isolation structure disposed between the metal gate structures, wherein the ILD layer circumscribes a perimeter of the isolation structure, and a dielectric structure disposed between the ILD layer and the isolation structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shiang-Bau Wang, Ryan Chia-Jen Chen, Shu-Yuan Ku, Ming-Ching Chang
  • Publication number: 20210193528
    Abstract: Metal gate cutting techniques for fin-like field effect transistors (FinFETs) are disclosed herein. An exemplary method includes receiving an integrated circuit (IC) device structure that includes a substrate, one or more fins disposed over the substrate, a plurality of gate structures disposed over the fins, a dielectric layer disposed between and adjacent to the gate structures, and a patterning layer disposed over the gate structures. The gate structures traverses the fins and includes first and second gate structures. The method further includes: forming an opening in the patterning layer to expose a portion of the first gate structure, a portion of the second gate structure, and a portion of the dielectric layer; and removing the exposed portion of the first gate structure, the exposed portion of the second gate structure, and the exposed portion of the dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Ya-Yi Tsai, Yi-Hsuan Hsiao, Shu-Yuan Ku, Ryan Chia-Jen Chen, Ming-Ching Chang
  • Patent number: 11043576
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a fin extending from a substrate, a gate stack over and along a sidewall of the fin, a spacer along a first sidewall of the gate stack and the sidewall of the fin, a dummy gate material along the sidewall of the fin, wherein the dummy gate material is between the spacer and the gate stack, and a first epitaxial source/drain region in the fin and adjacent the gate stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Han Lin, Ming-Ching Chang, Chao-Cheng Chen
  • Patent number: 11031501
    Abstract: A first FinFET device includes first fin structures that extend in a first direction in a top view. A second FinFET device includes second fin structures that extend in the first direction in the top view. The first FinFET device and the second FinFET device are different types of FinFET devices. A plurality of gate structures extend in a second direction in the top view. The second direction is different from the first direction. Each of the gate structures partially wraps around the first fin structures and the second fin structures. A dielectric structure is disposed between the first FinFET device and the second FinFET device. The dielectric structure cuts each of the gate structures into a first segment for the first FinFET device and a second segment for the second FinFET device. The dielectric structure is located closer to the first FinFET device than to the second FinFET device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chang-Yun Chang, Ming-Ching Chang, Shu-Yuan Ku
  • Patent number: 11031290
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure with cutting depth control and method for fabricating the same are provided. In the method for fabricating the semiconductor device, at first, fins protruding from a substrate are formed. Next, source/drain devices are grown on both ends of the fins. Then, an inter-layer dielectric layer crossing the fins and enclosing the source/drain devices is deposited. A metal gate structure enclosed by the inter-layer dielectric layer is formed between the source/drain devices. And then, a replacement operation is performed to replace a portion of the inter-layer dielectric layer with an isolation material, thereby forming an isolation portion that adjoins the metal gate structure and is located between the adjacent source/drain devices. Thereafter, a metal gate cut operation is performed, thereby forming an opening in the metal gate structure and an opening in the isolation portion, and an insulating material is deposited in the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Chang Hung, Shu-Yuan Ku, I-Wei Yang, Yi-Hsuan Hsiao, Ming-Ching Chang, Ryan Chia-Jen Chen
  • Publication number: 20210134982
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes: forming a fin protruding above a substrate; forming isolation regions on opposing sides of the fin; forming a dummy gate electrode over the fin; removing lower portions of the dummy gate electrode proximate to the isolation regions, where after removing the lower portions, there is a gap between the isolation regions and a lower surface of the dummy gate electrode facing the isolation regions; filling the gap with a gate fill material; after filling the gap, forming gate spacers along sidewalls of the dummy gate electrode and along sidewalls of the gate fill material; and replacing the dummy gate electrode and the gate fill material with a metal gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Shih-Yao Lin, Kuei-Yu Kao, Chih-Han Lin, Ming-Ching Chang, Chao-Cheng Chen
  • Publication number: 20210125833
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes: forming a fin protruding above a substrate; forming isolation regions on opposing sides of the fin; forming a dummy gate over the fin; reducing a thickness of a lower portion of the dummy gate proximate to the isolation regions, where after reducing the thickness, a distance between opposing sidewalls of the lower portion of the dummy gate decreases as the dummy gate extends toward the isolation regions; after reducing the thickness, forming a gate fill material along at least the opposing sidewalls of the lower portion of the dummy gate; forming gate spacers along sidewalls of the dummy gate and along sidewalls of the gate fill material; and replacing the dummy gate with a metal gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Inventors: Shih-Yao Lin, Kuei-Yu Kao, Chih-Han Lin, Ming-Ching Chang, Chao-Cheng Chen
  • Publication number: 20210111280
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and method of forming thereof includes a first fin and a second fin each extending from a substrate. A first gate segment is disposed over the first fin and a second gate segment is disposed over the second fin. An interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer is adjacent the first gate segment and the second gate segment. A cut region (e.g., opening or gap between first gate structure and the second gate structure) extends between the first and second gate segments. The cut region has a first portion has a first width and a second portion has a second width, the second width is greater than the first width. The second portion interposes the first and second gate segments and the first portion is defined within the ILD layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Inventors: I-Wei YANG, Chih-Chang HUNG, Shu-Yuan KU, Ryan Chia-Jen CHEN, Ming-Ching CHANG
  • Publication number: 20210083087
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to integrated circuit fabrication, and more particularly to a metal gate electrode. An exemplary structure for a semiconductor device comprises a substrate comprising a major surface; a first gate electrode on the major surface comprising a first layer of multi-layer material; a first dielectric material adjacent to one side of the first gate electrode; and a second dielectric material adjacent to the other 3 sides of the first gate electrode, wherein the first dielectric material and the second dielectric material collectively surround the first gate electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Inventors: Jr-Jung Lin, Chih-Han Lin, Jin-Aun Ng, Ming-Ching Chang, Chao-Cheng Chen
  • Patent number: 10943828
    Abstract: Metal gate cutting techniques for fin-like field effect transistors (FinFETs) are disclosed herein. An exemplary method includes receiving an integrated circuit (IC) device structure that includes a substrate, one or more fins disposed over the substrate, a plurality of gate structures disposed over the fins, a dielectric layer disposed between and adjacent to the gate structures, and a patterning layer disposed over the gate structures. The gate structures traverses the fins and includes first and second gate structures. The method further includes: forming an opening in the patterning layer to expose a portion of the first gate structure, a portion of the second gate structure, and a portion of the dielectric layer; and removing the exposed portion of the first gate structure, the exposed portion of the second gate structure, and the exposed portion of the dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ya-Yi Tsai, Yi-Hsuan Hsiao, Shu-Yuan Ku, Ryan Chia-Jen Chen, Ming-Ching Chang
  • Publication number: 20210057545
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a fin extending from a substrate, a gate stack over and along a sidewall of the fin, a spacer along a first sidewall of the gate stack and the sidewall of the fin, a dummy gate material along the sidewall of the fin, wherein the dummy gate material is between the spacer and the gate stack, and a first epitaxial source/drain region in the fin and adjacent the gate stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2019
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventors: Chih-Han Lin, Ming-Ching Chang, Chao-Cheng Chen