Patents by Inventor Ming-Hsiu Lee

Ming-Hsiu Lee 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: 20160225445
    Abstract: A writing method and a reading method of a phase change memory (PCM) are provided. The PCM has a plurality of memory cells. The writing method comprises the following steps. At least one stress pulse is applied for aging at least one of the memory cells. A starting pulse is applied to all of the memory cells of the PCM for increasing a resistance of each of the memory cells. A detection pulse is applied to all of the memory cells of the PCM for decreasing the resistance of each of the memory cells and detecting the resistance changing speed of each of the memory cells. A set pulse is applied to the aged memory cells. A reset pulse is applied to the non-aged memory cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Chao-I Wu, Ming-Hsiu Lee
  • Patent number: 9396793
    Abstract: A phase change memory (PCM), a writing method thereof and a reading method thereof are provided. The PCM has a plurality of memory cells. The writing method comprises the following steps. At least one stress pulse is applied for aging at least one of the memory cells. A starting pulse is applied to all of the memory cells of the PCM for decreasing a resistance of each memory cell. A detection pulse is applied to all of the memory cells of the PCM for detecting the resistance of each memory cell. A set pulse is applied to the aged memory cells. A reset pulse is applied to the non-aged memory cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chao-I Wu, Ming-Hsiu Lee
  • Patent number: 9373382
    Abstract: A method for healing phase-change memory device includes steps as follows: At least one memory cell comprising a phase-change material with a shifted current-resistance characteristic function (shifted I-R function) is firstly provided. A healing stress is then applied to the phase-change material to transform the shifted I-R function into an initial current-resistance characteristic function (initial I-R function), wherein the shifted I-R function is a translation function of the initial I-R function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chao-I Wu, Win-San Khwa, Ming-Hsiu Lee
  • Patent number: 9336867
    Abstract: An integrated circuit phase change memory can be pre-coded by inducing a first resistance state in some cells and the memory, and a second resistance state and some other cells in the memory to represent a data set. The integrated circuit phase change memory is mounted on a substrate after coding the data set. After mounting the integrated circuit phase change memory, the data set is read by sensing the first and second resistance states, and changing cells in the first resistance state to a third resistance state and changing cells in the second resistance state to a fourth resistance state. The first and second resistance states maintain a sensing margin after solder bonding or other thermal cycling process. The third and fourth resistance states are characterized by the ability to cause a transition using higher speed and lower power, suitable for a mission function of a circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hsiang-Lan Lung, Ming-Hsiu Lee, Yen-Hao Shih, Tien-Yen Wang, Chao-I Wu
  • Patent number: 9276090
    Abstract: A self-rectified device is provided, comprising a bottom electrode, a patterned dielectric layer with a contact hole formed on the bottom electrode, a memory formed at the bottom electrode and substantially aligned with the contact hole, and a top electrode formed on the bottom electrode and filling into the contact hole to contact with the memory, wherein the top electrode comprises a N+ type semiconductor material or a P+ type semiconductor material, and the memory and the top electrode produce a self-rectified property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Chih Chien, Dai-Ying Lee, Erh-Kun Lai, Ming-Hsiu Lee
  • Patent number: 9224468
    Abstract: A resistive memory includes a resistive memory cell, a main transistor and an auxiliary transistor. The drain of the main transistor and the drain of the auxiliary transistor are coupled to one end of the resistive memory cell. When the resistive memory cell is programmed, the main transistor is turned on and the auxiliary transistor is turned off. When the resistive memory cell is erased, the main transistor and the auxiliary transistor are turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ming-Hsiu Lee
  • Publication number: 20150357562
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure, a resistive random access memory unit structure, and a manufacturing method of the semiconductor structure are provided. The semiconductor structure includes an insulating structure, a stop layer, a metal oxide layer, a resistance structure, and an electrode material layer. The insulating structure has a via, and the stop layer is formed in the via. The metal oxide layer is formed on the stop layer. The resistance structure is formed at a bottom of an outer wall of the metal oxide layer. The electrode material layer is formed on the metal oxide layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventors: Yu-Yu Lin, Feng-Min Lee, Ming-Hsiu Lee
  • Patent number: 9196361
    Abstract: Provided is an operation method applicable to a resistive memory cell including a transistor and a resistive memory element. The operation method includes: in a programming operation, generating a programming current flowing through the transistor and the resistive memory element so that a resistance state of the resistive memory element changes from a first resistance state into a second resistance state; and in an erase operation, generating an erase current from a well region of the transistor to the resistive memory element but keeping the erase current from flowing through the transistor, so that the resistance state of the resistive memory element changes from the second resistance state into the first resistance state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ming-Hsiu Lee, Feng-Min Lee, Yu-Yu Lin
  • Patent number: 9196828
    Abstract: A resistive memory and a fabricating method thereof are provided. The resistive memory includes first and second electrodes, a variable resistance material layer, a first dielectric layer, and a second dielectric layer. The first electrode includes a first portion and a second portion. The second electrode is disposed opposite to the first electrode. The variable resistance material layer includes a sidewall and first and second surfaces opposite to each other, wherein the first surface is connected with the first portion of the first electrode and the second surface is electrically connected with the second electrode. The second portion surrounds the sidewall of the variable resistance material layer and is connected with the first portion. The first dielectric layer is disposed between the first and the second electrodes. The second dielectric layer is disposed between the variable resistance material layer and the second portion of the first electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: MACRONIX International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Hsiu Lee, Wei-Chih Chien
  • Patent number: 9190612
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure, a resistive random access memory unit structure, and a manufacturing method of the semiconductor structure are provided. The semiconductor structure includes an insulating structure, a stop layer, a metal oxide layer, a resistance structure, and an electrode material layer. The insulating structure has a via, and the stop layer is formed in the via. The metal oxide layer is formed on the stop layer. The resistance structure is formed at a bottom of an outer wall of the metal oxide layer. The electrode material layer is formed on the metal oxide layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Yu Lin, Feng-Min Lee, Ming-Hsiu Lee
  • Publication number: 20150325294
    Abstract: A resistive memory includes a resistive memory cell, a main transistor and an auxiliary transistor. The drain of the main transistor and the drain of the auxiliary transistor are coupled to one end of the resistive memory cell. When the resistive memory cell is programmed, the main transistor is turned on and the auxiliary transistor is turned off. When the resistive memory cell is erased, the main transistor and the auxiliary transistor are turned on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Applicant: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Hsiu Lee
  • Patent number: 9070860
    Abstract: A resistance memory cell is provided and includes a first electrode, a tungsten metal layer, a metal oxide layer, and a second electrode. The tungsten metal layer is disposed on the first electrode. The metal oxide layer is disposed on the tungsten metal layer. The second electrode includes a first connection pad, a second connection pad, and a bridge portion electrically connected between the first connection pad and the second connection pad. The bridge portion is disposed on the metal oxide layer or surrounds the metal oxide layer. The resistance memory cell adjusts a resistivity of the metal oxide layer through a first current path, passing through the metal oxide layer and the tungsten metal layer, or a second current path extending from the first connection pad to the second connection pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: MACRONIX International Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Chih Chien, Ming-Hsiu Lee
  • Publication number: 20150138871
    Abstract: Provided is an operation method applicable to a resistive memory cell including a transistor and a resistive memory element. The operation method includes: in a programming operation, generating a programming current flowing through the transistor and the resistive memory element so that a resistance state of the resistive memory element changes from a first resistance state into a second resistance state; and in an erase operation, generating an erase current from a well region of the transistor to the resistive memory element but keeping the erase current from flowing through the transistor, so that the resistance state of the resistive memory element changes from the second resistance state into the first resistance state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ming-Hsiu Lee, Feng-Min Lee, Yu-Yu Lin
  • Patent number: 9035275
    Abstract: A self-aligning stacked memory cell array structure and method for fabricating such structure. The memory cell array includes a stack of memory cells disposed adjacent to opposing sides of a conductive line that is formed within a trench. The memory cells are stacked such that the memory element surface of each memory cell forms a portion of the sidewall of the conductive line. The conductive line is formed within the trench such that electrical contact is made across the entire memory element surface of each memory cell. Such structure and method for making such structure is a self-aligning process that does not require the use of any additional masks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Chih Chien, Ming-Hsiu Lee, Shih-Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 9036397
    Abstract: A resistive memory and a method for controlling operations of the resistive memory are provided. The resistive memory has a first memory layer, a second memory layer and a medium layer. Each of the first memory layer and the second memory layer is used to store data. The medium layer is formed between the first memory layer and the second memory layer. The method comprises at least a step of measuring a resistance between the first memory layer and the second memory layer, and determining which one of a first state, a second state and a third state is a state of the resistive memory according to the measured resistance. A resistive memory array including an array of the above resistive memory units, word lines and bit lines is also described, wherein the word (bit) lines are coupled to the first (second) memory layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: MACRONIX International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Chih Chien, Ming-Hsiu Lee, Feng-Ming Lee
  • Patent number: 9019769
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and a manufacturing method and an operating method for the same are provided. The semiconductor device comprises a substrate, a doped region and a stack structure. The doped region is in the substrate. The stack structure is on the substrate. The stack structure comprises a dielectric layer, an electrode layer, a solid electrolyte layer and an ion supplying layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Feng-Ming Lee, Yu-Yu Lin, Ming-Hsiu Lee
  • Patent number: 9019771
    Abstract: A memory cell array of dielectric charge trapping memory cells and method for performing program, read and erase operations on the memory cell array that includes bits stored at charge trapping sites in adjacent memory cells. A bit of information is stored at a first charge trapping site in a first memory cell and a second charge trapping site in a second adjacent memory cell. Storing charge at two trapping sites in adjacent memory cells increases data retention rates of the array of memory cells as each charge trapping site can be read to represent the data that is stored at the data site. Each corresponding charge trapping site can be read independently and in parallel so that the results can be compared to determine the data value that is stored at the data site in an array of dielectric charge trapping memory cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsiang-Lan Lung, Yen-Hao Shih, Erh-Kun Lai, Ming-Hsiu Lee
  • Patent number: 9000412
    Abstract: A switching device and an operating method for the same and a memory array are provided. The switching device comprises a first solid electrolyte, a second solid electrolyte and a switching layer. The switching layer is adjoined between the first solid electrolyte and the second solid electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Chih Chien, Feng-Ming Lee, Ming-Hsiu Lee
  • Patent number: 8987699
    Abstract: A conductive bridge resistive memory device is provided, comprising a first electrode, a memory layer electrically coupled to the first electrode, an ion-supplying layer containing a source of ions of a first metal element capable of diffusion into and out of the memory layer, a semiconductor layer disposed between the memory layer and the ion-supplying layer, and a second electrode electrically coupled to the ion-supplying layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Feng-Min Lee, Yu-Yu Lin, Wei-Chih Chien, Wei-Chen Chen, Ming-Hsiu Lee
  • Patent number: 8962466
    Abstract: A metal oxide formed by in situ oxidation assisted by radiation induced photo-acid is described. The method includes depositing a photosensitive material over a metal surface of an electrode. Upon exposure to radiation (for example ultraviolet light), a component, such as a photo-acid generator, of the photosensitive material forms an oxidizing reactant, such as a photo acid, which causes oxidation of the metal at the metal surface. As a result of the oxidation, a layer of metal oxide is formed. The photosensitive material can then be removed, and subsequent elements of the component can be formed in contact with the metal oxide layer. The metal oxide can be a transition metal oxide by oxidation of a transition metal. The metal oxide layer can be applied as a memory element in a programmable resistance memory cell. The metal oxide can be an element of a programmable metallization cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Feng-Min Lee, Erh-Kun Lai, Wei-Chih Chien, Ming-Hsiu Lee, Chih-Chieh Yu