Patents by Inventor Shih-Chang Liu

Shih-Chang Liu 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).

  • Patent number: 10147794
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a split gate memory device. In some embodiments, the split gate memory device includes a memory gate arranged over a substrate, and a select gate arranged over the substrate. An inter-gate dielectric layer is arranged between sidewalls of the memory gate and the select gate that face one another. The inter-gate dielectric layer extends under the memory gate. A first dielectric is disposed above the inter-gate dielectric layer and is arranged between the sidewalls of the memory gate and the select gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-Ming Wu, Wei Cheng Wu, Shih-Chang Liu, Harry-Hak-Lay Chuang, Chia-Shiung Tsai
  • Patent number: 10141438
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the same. The semiconductor device comprises a substrate, a first III-V compound layer over the substrate, a first passivation layer on the first III-V compound layer, a source region and a drain region. The source region penetrates the first passivation layer to electrically contact the first III-V compound layer. The drain region penetrates the first passivation layer to electrically contact the first III-V compound layer. A sidewall of the first passivation layer contacting with the source region comprises a stair shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Sheng-De Liu, Chung-Yen Chou, Shih-Chang Liu
  • Patent number: 10134748
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed to a method for forming an embedded memory boundary structure with a boundary sidewall spacer. In some embodiments, an isolation structure is formed in a semiconductor substrate to separate a memory region from a logic region. A multilayer film is formed covering the semiconductor substrate. A memory structure is formed on the memory region from the multilayer film. An etch is performed into the multilayer film to remove the multilayer film from the logic region, such that the multilayer film at least partially defines a dummy sidewall on the isolation structure. A spacer layer is formed covering the memory structure, the isolation structure, and the logic region, and further lining the dummy sidewall. An etch is performed into the spacer layer to form a spacer on dummy sidewall from the spacer layer. A logic device structure is formed on the logic region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming Chyi Liu, Shih-Chang Liu, Sheng-Chieh Chen, Yu-Hsing Chang
  • Patent number: 10121805
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure is disclosed. The semiconductor substrate includes: a front surface and a back surface; and a heterogeneous radiation-sensing region in the semiconductor substrate, the heterogeneous radiation-sensing region including a top surface, a bottom surface and sidewalls, the top surface being adjacent to the front surface of the semiconductor substrate, the sidewalls being perpendicular to the front surface of the semiconductor substrate, and the bottom surface being parallel to the front surface of the semiconductor substrate. An associated manufacturing method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Ming-Chyi Liu, Yu-Hsing Chang, Yung-Chang Chang, Shih-Chang Liu
  • Publication number: 20180315760
    Abstract: A semiconductor arrangement includes a logic region and a memory region. The memory region has an active region that includes a semiconductor device. The memory region also has a capacitor within one or more dielectric layers over the active region, where the capacitor is over the semiconductor device. The semiconductor arrangement also includes a protective ring within at least one of the logic region or the memory region and that separates the logic region from the memory region. The capacitor has a first electrode, a second electrode and an insulating layer between the first electrode and the second electrode, where the first electrode is substantially larger than other portions of the capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Inventors: Chern-Yow HSU, Chen-Jong Wang, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Shih-Chang Liu, Xiaomeng Chen
  • Publication number: 20180313983
    Abstract: A lens includes a curved surface. A plurality of taper shape structures is formed on the curved surface, and each taper shape structure has at least three substantial flat surfaces. P is less than or equal to 500 nm. H is less than or equal to 500 nm. The P refers to the pitch between two adjacent taper shape structures. The H refers to maximum vertical distance between each taper shape structure and the curved surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Inventors: Shih-Chang Liu, Chih-Chun Huang, Kai-Wei Hu
  • Patent number: 10115784
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate; a first dielectric layer over the semiconductor substrate; a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer; an via extending through the second dielectric layer; a bottom conductive layer conformably formed at a bottom and along side walls of the via; a third dielectric layer conformably formed over the bottom conductive layer; an upper conductive layer conformably formed over the third dielectric layer; and an upper contact formed over and coupled to the upper conductive layer and filling the via; wherein the upper conductive layer provide a diffusion barrier between the upper contact and the third dielectric layer. A metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor and an associated manufacturing method are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Yen Chou, Shih-Chang Liu
  • Publication number: 20180309055
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a resistive random access memory (RRAM) device architecture, that includes a thin single layer of a conductive etch-stop layer between a lower metal interconnect and a bottom electrode of an RRAM cell. The conductive etch-stop layer provides simplicity in structure and the etch-selectivity of this layer provides protection to the underlying layers. The conductive etch stop layer can be etched using a dry or wet etch to land on the lower metal interconnect. In instances where the lower metal interconnect is copper, etching the conductive etch stop layer to expose the copper does not produce as much non-volatile copper etching by-products as in traditional methods. Compared to traditional methods, some embodiments of the disclosed techniques reduce the number of mask step and also reduce chemical mechanical polishing during the formation of the bottom electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Ming Chyi Liu, Yuan-Tai Tseng, Chern-Yow Hsu, Shih-Chang Liu, Chia-Shiung Tsai
  • Publication number: 20180301624
    Abstract: A memory device includes a bottom electrode, a resistance switching element, a top electrode, a spacer and a conductive feature. The resistance switching element is over the bottom electrode. The top electrode is over the resistance switching electrode. The spacer abuts the resistance switching element. The conductive feature is over the top electrode. The spacer is at least partially between the conductive feature and the top electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Inventors: Tsung-Hsueh Yang, Yuan-Tai Tseng, Yi-Jen Tsai, Shih-Chang Liu
  • Publication number: 20180277381
    Abstract: A method of planarizing a semiconductor device includes forming a first region and a second region on a semiconductor substrate. The first region has a larger thickness than a thickness of the second region. An interlayer dielectric layer is conformally deposited on the first region and the second region. A photoresist is formed on the second region. A bottom anti-reflective coating layer is formed on the photoresist, first region and second region. A planarization process is performed to the semiconductor substrate. The planarization process to the first region and the second region includes removing portions of the interlayer dielectric layer, the photoresist and the BARC layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Yi-Jen TSAI, Yuan-Tai TSENG, Shih-Chang LIU
  • Publication number: 20180261636
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure is disclosed. The semiconductor substrate includes: a front surface and a back surface; and a heterogeneous radiation-sensing region in the semiconductor substrate, the heterogeneous radiation-sensing region including a top surface, a bottom surface and sidewalls, the top surface being adjacent to the front surface of the semiconductor substrate, the sidewalls being perpendicular to the front surface of the semiconductor substrate, and the bottom surface being parallel to the front surface of the semiconductor substrate. An associated manufacturing method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: MING-CHYI LIU, YU-HSING CHANG, YUNG-CHANG CHANG, SHIH-CHANG LIU
  • Patent number: 10056448
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor structure on a substrate includes forming a patterned metal layer over the substrate; forming an insulator layer over the patterned metal layer; forming a second metal layer over the insulator layer; removing part of the insulating layer and part of the second metal layer thereby forming a substantially coplanar surface that is formed by the patterned metal layer, the insulator layer, and the second metal layer; removing a portion of the second metal layer and a portion of the patterned metal layer to form a fin from the insulator layer that protrudes beyond the first metal layer and the second metal layer; and forming an inter-metal dielectric layer over the fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chern-Yow Hsu, Shih-Chang Liu
  • Patent number: 10048220
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure and a method for forming the same are provided. The semiconductor structure comprises a substrate, a gate structure over a first surface of the substrate, and a source region and a drain region in the substrate adjacent to the gate structure. The semiconductor structure further comprises a channel region interposing the source and drain regions and underlying the gate structure. The semiconductor structure further comprises a first layer over a second surface of the substrate opposite to the first surface, and a second layer over the first layer. The semiconductor structure further comprises a sensing film over the channel region and at least a portion of the first and second layers, and a well over the sensing film and cutting off the first layer and the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Shih-Wei Lin, Chang-Ming Wu, Lee-Chuan Tseng, Shih-Chang Liu
  • Patent number: 10049890
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor structure, comprising a substrate, dielectric layers and conductive layers. A first dielectric layer is disposed on a bottom surface and sidewall surfaces of a filled trench of the substrate. A first conductive layer is disposed on the first dielectric layer and has a first surface in the filled trench and a second surface above the substrate. A second dielectric layer is disposed on the first conductive layer. A second conductive layer is disposed on the second dielectric layer and has a first surface in the filled trench and a second surface above the substrate. A third dielectric layer is disposed on the second conductive layer. A third conductive layer is disposed in the filled trench and on the third dielectric layer. A top surface of the third conductive layer is lower than the second surface of the second conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Yen Chou, Chih-Jen Chan, Shih-Chang Liu, Chia-Shiung Tsai
  • Publication number: 20180226449
    Abstract: An interconnect apparatus and a method of forming the interconnect apparatus is provided. Two substrates, such as wafers, dies, or a wafer and a die, are bonded together. A first mask is used to form a first opening extending partially to an interconnect formed on the first wafer. A dielectric liner is formed, and then another etch process is performed using the same mask. The etch process continues to expose interconnects formed on the first substrate and the second substrate. The opening is filled with a conductive material to form a conductive plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Shih Pei Chou, Hung-Wen Hsu, Ching-Chung Su, Chun-Han Tsao, Chia-Chieh Lin, Shu-Ting Tsai, Jiech-Fun Lu, Shih-Chang Liu, Yeur-Luen Tu, Chia-Shiung Tsai
  • Patent number: 10032828
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor memory device is provided. The method includes: etching a first region of the semiconductor memory device to expose a first capping layer; forming a second capping layer on the first capping layer; etching a portion of the first capping layer and a portion of the second capping layer to form a first trench reaching a first metal line; and forming a second metal line in the first trench to contact the first metal line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Harry-Hak-Lay Chuang, Sheng-Haung Haung, Shih-Chang Liu, Chern-Yow Hsu
  • Patent number: 10026741
    Abstract: The present disclosure presents a method of manufacturing a semiconductor structure, in which a memory cell is formed on a semiconductor substrate, the memory cell including a control gate, a select gate and a source region. A logic device is formed on the semiconductor substrate, where the logic device includes a gate layer and a source/drain region. The select gate is thinned such that the select gate is lower than an upper surface of the control gate. A silicidation operation is performed for the source region and the select gate of the memory cell, and a dielectric layer is deposited over the source region and the drain region of the memory cell, and the drain/source region of the logic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Ming Chyi Liu, Yu-Hsing Chang, Wei-Cheng Wu, Shih-Chang Liu
  • Publication number: 20180197856
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure with a MISFET and a HEMT region includes a first III-V compound layer. A second III-V compound layer is disposed on the first III-V compound layer and is different from the first III-V compound layer in composition. A third III-V compound layer is disposed on the second III-V compound layer is different from the second III-V compound layer in composition. A source feature and a drain feature are disposed in each of the MISFET and HEMT regions on the third III-V compound layer. A gate electrode is disposed over the second III-V compound layer between the source feature and the drain feature. A gate dielectric layer is disposed under the gate electrode in the MISFET region but above the top surface of the third III-V compound layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventors: Chung-Yen Chou, Sheng-De Liu, Fu-Chih Yang, Shih-Chang Liu, Chia-Shiung Tsai
  • Patent number: 10008506
    Abstract: A semiconductor arrangement includes a logic region and a memory region. The memory region has an active region that includes a semiconductor device. The memory region also has a capacitor within one or more dielectric layers over the active region, where the capacitor is over the semiconductor device. The semiconductor arrangement also includes a protective ring within at least one of the logic region or the memory region and that separates the logic region from the memory region. The capacitor has a first electrode, a second electrode and an insulating layer between the first electrode and the second electrode, where the first electrode is substantially larger than other portions of the capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Chern-Yow Hsu, Chen-Jong Wang, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Shih-Chang Liu, Xiaomeng Chen
  • Patent number: 10003022
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a resistive random access memory (RRAM) device architecture, that includes a thin single layer of a conductive etch-stop layer between a lower metal interconnect and a bottom electrode of an RRAM cell. The conductive etch-stop layer provides simplicity in structure and the etch-selectivity of this layer provides protection to the underlying layers. The conductive etch stop layer can be etched using a dry or wet etch to land on the lower metal interconnect. In instances where the lower metal interconnect is copper, etching the conductive etch stop layer to expose the copper does not produce as much non-volatile copper etching by-products as in traditional methods. Compared to traditional methods, some embodiments of the disclosed techniques reduce the number of mask step and also reduce chemical mechanical polishing during the formation of the bottom electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming Chyi Liu, Yuan-Tai Tseng, Chern-Yow Hsu, Shih-Chang Liu, Chia-Shiung Tsai