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).

  • Publication number: 20170077104
    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: November 28, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Chern-Yow Hsu, Chen-Jong Wang, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Shih-Chang Liu, Xiaomeng Chen
  • Patent number: 9595661
    Abstract: A magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) structure includes a bottom electrode structure. A magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) element is over the bottom electrode structure. The MTJ element includes an anti-ferromagnetic material layer. A ferromagnetic pinned layer is over the anti-ferromagnetic material layer. A tunneling layer is over the ferromagnetic pinned layer. A ferromagnetic free layer is over the tunneling layer. The ferromagnetic free layer has a first portion and a demagnetized second portion. The MRAM also includes a top electrode structure over the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chern-Yow Hsu, Wei-Hang Huang, Shih-Chang Liu, Chia-Shiung Tsai
  • Publication number: 20170069640
    Abstract: A method comprises forming a memory gate structure adjacent to a control gate structure over a substrate, wherein a charge storage layer is between the memory gate structure and the control gate structure and a top surface of the memory gate structure is covered by a gate mask layer, forming a first spacer along sidewalls of the memory gate structure and the gate mask layer, wherein a sidewall of the memory gate structure is fully covered by the first spacer, applying an etching process to the charge storage layer to form an L-shaped charge storage layer and forming a first drain/source region adjacent to the memory gate structure and a second drain/source region adjacent to the control gate structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Chang-Ming Wu, Wei Cheng Wu, Shih-Chang Liu, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Harry-Hak-Lay Chuang
  • Publication number: 20170069709
    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: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Chern-Yow Hsu, Shih-Chang Liu
  • Patent number: 9589976
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an integrated circuit (IC), including, a flash memory device region, including a pair of split-gate flash memory cells arranged over a semiconductor substrate. The pair of split gate flash memory cells respectively have a control gate (CG) including a polysilicon gate and an overlying silicide layer. A periphery circuit including, one or more high-k metal gate (HKMG) transistors are arranged over the semiconductor substrate at a position laterally offset from the flash memory device region. The one or more HKMG transistors have a metal gate electrode with an upper surface that is lower than an upper surface of the silicide layer. A method of manufacturing the IC is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuan-Tai Tseng, Chang-Ming Wu, Shih-Chang Liu
  • Publication number: 20170062699
    Abstract: A magnetoresistive random-access memory (MRAM) cell includes a free layer having a variable magnetic polarity, wherein the free layer has a first width; a pin layer having a fixed magnetic polarity, wherein the pin layer has the first width; a barrier layer located between the pin layer and the free layer, wherein the barrier layer has a second width that is less than the first width; a top electrode layer located above the free layer, the pin layer, and the barrier layer; a bottom electrode layer located beneath the free layer, the pin layer, and the barrier layer; and a capping layer encapsulating a sidewall of the barrier layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Wei-Hang Huang, Shih-Chang Liu
  • Patent number: 9583591
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of embedding an ESF3 memory in a HKMG integrated circuit that utilizes a replacement gate technology. The ESF3 memory is formed over a recessed substrate which prevents damage of the memory control gates during the CMP process performed on the ILD layer. An asymmetric isolation zone is also formed in the transition region between the memory cell and the periphery circuit boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Harry-Hak-Lay Chuang, Wei Cheng Wu, Chin-Yi Huang, Shih-Chang Liu, Chang-Ming Wu
  • Patent number: 9570457
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure for a split gate flash memory cell device with a hard mask having an asymmetric profile is provided. A semiconductor substrate of the semiconductor structure includes a first source/drain region and a second source/drain region. A control gate and a memory gate, of the semiconductor structure, are spaced over the semiconductor substrate between the first and second source/drain regions. A charge trapping dielectric structure of the semiconductor structure is arranged between neighboring sidewalls of the memory gate and the control gate, and arranged under the memory gate. A hard mask of the semiconductor structure is arranged over the control gate and includes an asymmetric profile. The asymmetric profile tapers in height away from the memory gate. A method for manufacturing a pair of split gate flash memory cell devices with hard masks having an asymmetric profile is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Chiang Min, Tsung-Hsueh Yang, Chang-Ming Wu, Shih-Chang Liu
  • Patent number: 9570454
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an integrated chip having a FinFET device and an embedded flash memory device, and a method of formation. In some embodiments, the integrated chip has a logic region and a memory region that is laterally separated from the logic region. The logic region has a first plurality of fins of semiconductor material protruding outward from a semiconductor substrate. A gate electrode is arranged over the first plurality of fins of semiconductor material. The memory region has a second plurality of fins of semiconductor material extending outward from the semiconductor substrate. An embedded flash memory cell is arranged onto the second plurality of fins of semiconductor material. The resulting integrated chip structure provides for good performance since it contains both a FinFET device and an embedded flash memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming Chyi Liu, Chang-Ming Wu, Shih-Chang Liu, Yu-Hsing Chang, Yuan-Tai Tseng
  • Patent number: 9567207
    Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) device is provided. The IC device includes a first substrate having a frontside and a backside. The backside includes a first cavity extending into the first substrate. A dielectric layer is disposed on the backside of the first substrate, and includes an opening corresponding to the first cavity and a trench extending laterally away from the opening and terminating at a gas inlet recess. A recess in the frontside of the first substrate extends downwardly from the frontside to the dielectric layer. The recess has substantially vertical upper sidewalls which adjoin lower sidewalls which taper inwardly from the substantially vertical sidewalls to points on the dielectric layer which circumscribe the gas inlet recess. A conformal sealant layer is arranged over the frontside of the first substrate, along the substantially vertical upper sidewalls, and along the lower sidewalls. The sealant layer hermetically seals the gas inlet recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lee-Chuan Tseng, Chang-Ming Wu, Shih-Chang Liu
  • Publication number: 20170040429
    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: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Inventors: Chang-Ming Wu, Wei Cheng Wu, Shih-Chang Liu, Harry-Hak-Lay Chuang, Chia-Shiung Tsai
  • Patent number: 9564577
    Abstract: A magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) device comprises a bottom electrode over a tapered bottom via, a tapered magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) over the bottom electrode, a top electrode over the MTJ, and a top via over the top electrode. The top via, top electrode, MTJ, bottom electrode, and bottom via (and electrical interfaces therebetween) are substantially aligned along a common vertical axis. The bottom via has a taper angle of about 120° to about 150°. The MTJ has a taper angle of about 70° to about 85°. The MTJ is isolated and protected with dual sidewall spacers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chern-Yow Hsu, Shih-Chang Liu
  • Patent number: 9564448
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a substrate and a control gate formed over the substrate. The semiconductor device structure further includes a memory gate formed over the substrate and a first spacer formed on a sidewall of the memory gate. The semiconductor device structure further includes a contact formed over the memory gate, wherein a portion of the contact extends into the first spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fu-Ting Sung, Chung-Chiang Min, Wei-Hang Huang, Shih-Chang Liu, Chia-Shiung Tsai
  • Patent number: 9559294
    Abstract: A magnetoresistive random-access memory (MRAM) cell with a dual sidewall spacer structure is provided. The MRAM cell includes an anti-ferromagnetic layer, a pin layer, a free layer, a first sidewall spacer layer, and a second sidewall spacer layer. The pin layer is arranged over the anti-ferromagnetic layer and has a fixed magnetic polarity. The free layer is arranged over the pin layer and has a variable magnetic polarity. The first sidewall spacer layer extends from over the pin layer along sidewalls of the free layer. The second sidewall spacer layer extends from over the anti-ferromagnetic layer along sidewalls of the pin layer and the first sidewall spacer layer. A method for manufacturing the MRAM cell is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chern-Yow Hsu, Shih-Chang Liu
  • Patent number: 9559177
    Abstract: A device comprises a control gate structure over a substrate, a memory gate structure over the substrate, wherein a charge storage layer formed between the control gate structure and the memory gate structure, a first spacer along a sidewall of the memory gate structure, a second spacer along a sidewall of the control gate structure, an oxide layer over a top surface of the memory gate structure, a top spacer over the oxide layer, a first drain/source region formed in the substrate and adjacent to the memory gate structure and a second drain/source region formed in the substrate and adjacent to the control gate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-Ming Wu, Wei Cheng Wu, Shih-Chang Liu, Harry-Hak-Lay Chuang, Chia-Shiung Tsai
  • Publication number: 20170025417
    Abstract: A semiconductor arrangement includes an active region including a semiconductor device. The semiconductor arrangement includes a capacitor having a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, and an insulating layer between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. At least three dielectric layers are between a bottom surface of the capacitor and the active region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Chern-Yow Hsu, Cheng-Jong Wang, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Shih-Chang Liu, Xiaomeng Chen
  • Patent number: 9553096
    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. The semiconductor arrangement 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 an electrode unit of the first electrode has a first portion and a second portion, and where the second portion is above the first portion and is wider than the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Chern-Yow Hsu, Shih-Chang Liu, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Xiaomeng Chen, Chen-Jong Wang
  • Patent number: 9553154
    Abstract: A device comprises a control gate structure over a substrate, a memory gate structure over the substrate, wherein the memory gate structure comprises a memory gate electrode and a memory gate spacer, and wherein the memory gate electrode is an L-shaped structure, a charge storage layer formed between the control gate structure and the memory gate structure, a first spacer along a sidewall of the memory gate structure, a second spacer over a top surface of the memory gate structure, a first drain/source region formed in the substrate and adjacent to the memory gate structure and a second drain/source region formed in the substrate and adjacent to the control gate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-Ming Wu, Shih-Chang Liu, Chia-Shiung Tsai
  • Publication number: 20170018562
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a flash memory cell. In some embodiments, the flash memory cell has a control gate arranged over a substrate, and a select gate separated from the substrate by a gate dielectric layer. A charge trapping layer has a first portion disposed between the select gate and the control gate, and a second portion arranged under the control gate. A first control gate spacer is arranged on the second portion of the charge trapping layer. A second control gate spacer is arranged on the second portion of the charge trapping layer and is separated from the control gate by the first control gate spacer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Yuan-Tai Tseng, Chang-Ming Wu, Shih-Chang Liu
  • Patent number: 9543511
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an integrated circuits device having a RRAM cell, and an associated method of formation. In some embodiments, the integrated circuit device has a lower metal interconnect layer surrounded by a lower ILD layer and a bottom electrode disposed over the lower metal interconnect layer. The bottom electrode has a lower portion surrounded by a bottom dielectric layer and an upper portion wider than the lower portion. The bottom dielectric layer is disposed over the lower metal interconnect layer and the lower ILD layer. The integrated circuit device also has a RRAM dielectric with a variable resistance located on the bottom electrode, and a top electrode located over the RRAM dielectric. The integrated circuit device also has a top dielectric layer located over the bottom dielectric layer abutting sidewalls of the upper portion of the bottom electrode, the RRAM dielectric, and the top electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fu-Ting Sung, Chang-Ming Wu, Hsia-Wei Chen, Shih-Chang Liu, Wen-Ting Chu, Yu-Wen Liao