Patents by Inventor Shih-Lien Linus Lu

Shih-Lien Linus Lu 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: 20230083088
    Abstract: A method of writing data to a memory array of three-terminal memory cells includes simultaneously programming a first subset of memory cells in a first column of the memory array to a first logic level by activating a first select line of the first column and a first bit line of the first column, and simultaneously programming a second subset of memory cells in the first column to the first logic level by activating the first select line and a second bit line of the first column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2022
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Inventors: Shih-Lien Linus LU, Bo-Feng YOUNG, Han-Jong CHIA, Yu-Ming LIN, Sai-Hooi YEONG
  • Patent number: 11605422
    Abstract: A circuit includes a memory array, a control circuit configured to identify an address of a first row containing a weak cell, and store corresponding address information in a storage device, and an address decoding circuit including NAND pairs, inverter pairs, and a logic tree. Each NAND pair receives corresponding bits of the address information and the address of the first row and corresponding inverted bits of the address information and the address of the first row inverted by corresponding inverter pairs, and output terminals of the NAND pairs are connected to the logic tree. The logic tree matches the address information with the address of the first row based on output logic levels from the NAND pairs and, in response to the corresponding address information matching the address of the first row, activates a second row of the memory array simultaneously with the first row being activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Shih-Lien Linus Lu
  • Publication number: 20230061108
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes an embodiment of a thin film transistor based temperature sensor circuit. The thin film transistor based temperature sensor circuit includes a first frequency generator with thin film transistors, a second frequency generator with complementary metal oxide semiconductor transistors, first and second counter devices, and a processor device. The first and second counter devices are configured to count a number of first pulses and a number of second pulses from the first frequency generator and second frequency generator, respectively. The processor device is configured to determine a frequency based on the number of first and second pulses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Shih-Lien Linus LU, Katherine H. CHIANG
  • Patent number: 11587950
    Abstract: A memory device includes a multi-layer stack, a plurality of channel layers and a plurality of ferroelectric layers. The multi-layer stack is disposed on a substrate and includes a plurality of gate layers and a plurality of dielectric layers stacked alternately. The plurality of channel layers penetrate through the multi-layer stack and are laterally spaced apart from each other, wherein the plurality of channel layers include a first channel layer and a second channel layer, and a first electron mobility of the first channel layer is different from a second electron mobility of the second channel layer. Each of the plurality of channel layers are spaced apart from the multi-layer stack by one of the plurality of ferroelectric layers, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-I Wu, Yu-Ming Lin, Shih-Lien Linus Lu, Sai-Hooi Yeong, Bo-Feng Young
  • Publication number: 20230049649
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method to secure software update information for authorized entities. In one embodiment, a device for receiving secured software update information from a server, the device includes: a physical unclonable function (PUF) information generator, comprising a PUF cell array, configured to generate PUF information, wherein the PUF information comprises at least one PUF response output, wherein the at least one PUF response output is used to encrypt the software update information on the server so as to generate encrypted software update information; a first encrypter, configured to encrypt the PUF information from the PUF information generator using one of at least one public key from the server so as to generate encrypted PUF information; and a second encrypter, configured to decrypt the encrypted software update information using one of the at least one PUF response output so as to obtain the software update information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2022
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventor: Shih-Lien Linus LU
  • Patent number: 11574674
    Abstract: A memory device includes a memory cell array comprising a plurality of memory cells wherein each of the plurality of memory cells is configured to be in a data state, and a physically unclonable function (PUF) generator. The PUF generator further includes a first sense amplifier, coupled to the plurality of memory cells, wherein while the plurality of memory cells are being accessed, the first sense amplifier is configured to compare accessing speeds of first and second memory cells of the plurality of memory cells, and based on the comparison, provide a first output signal for generating a first PUF signature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Chen Lin, Wei Min Chan, Chih-Yu Lin, Shih-Lien Linus Lu, Yen-Huei Chen
  • Patent number: 11567875
    Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) is provided. The IC includes a cache memory divided into a plurality of groups and an address decoder. The groups are assigned in rotation for a plurality of time periods. Each group is assigned in a corresponding single one of the time periods. The address decoder is configured to obtain a set address according to an access address and provide a physical address according to the set address. When the access address corresponds to a first group, the physical address is different from the set address. When the access address corresponds to the groups other than the first group, the physical address is the same as the set address. The sets of the first group that is assigned in a first time period are not overlapping with the sets of other first groups assigned in the time periods other than the first time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shih-Lien Linus Lu
  • Patent number: 11567868
    Abstract: A memory device is described, including a command decoder configured to receive a copy command to copy data stored in a first memory location to a second memory location without transmitting the data to an external controller, a memory array electrically connected to the command decoder and including a plurality of memory locations including the first memory location and the second memory location, a data line electrically connected to the memory array and configured to receive, from the first memory location, the data to be transmitted to the second memory location through the same data line, and an output buffer configured to store the data received from the first memory location through the data line to be written into the second memory location without transmitting the data to the external controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shih-Lien Linus Lu
  • Publication number: 20230022719
    Abstract: Disclosed is a physical unclonable function generator circuit and testing method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2022
    Publication date: January 26, 2023
    Inventor: Shih-Lien Linus LU
  • Publication number: 20230015557
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are related to operating a memory system including memory banks and buffers. Each buffer may perform a write process to write data to a corresponding memory bank. In one aspect, the memory system includes a buffer controller including a queue register, a first pointer register, a second pointer register, and a queue controller. In one aspect, the queue register includes entries, where each entry may store an address of a corresponding memory bank. The first pointer register may indicate a first entry storing an address of a memory bank, on which the write process is predicted to be completed next. The second pointer register may indicate a second entry to be updated. The queue controller may configure the queue register according to the first pointer register and the second pointer register, and configure one or more buffers to perform the write process, according to the entries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventor: Shih-Lien Linus Lu
  • Patent number: 11528151
    Abstract: A PUF generator includes a difference generator circuit with first and second transistors having a first predetermined VT. The difference generator circuit is configured to provide a first output signal for generating a PUF signature based on respective turn on times of the first and second transistors. An amplifier includes a plurality of transistors having a second predetermined VT. The amplifier is configured to receive the first output signal and output the PUF signature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Shih-Lien Linus Lu, Jui-Che Tsai, Cheng-En Lee
  • Patent number: 11528135
    Abstract: Systems and methods of generating a security key for an integrated circuit device include generating a plurality of key bits with a physically unclonable function (PUF) device. The PUF can include a random number generator that can create random bits. The random bits may be stored in a nonvolatile memory. The number of random bits stored in the nonvolatile memory allows for a plurality of challenge and response interactions to obtain a plurality of security keys from the PUF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Lien Linus Lu, Kun-hsi Li, Shih-Liang Wang, Jonathan Tsung-Yung Chang, Yu-Der Chih, Cheng-En Lee
  • Publication number: 20220382913
    Abstract: Systems and method are provided for determining a reliability of a physically unclonable function (PUF) cell of a device. One or more activation signals are provided to a PUF cell under a plurality of conditions. A PUF cell output provided by the PUF cell under each of the plurality of conditions is determined. A determination is made of a number of times the PUF cell output of the PUF cell is consistent. And a device classification value is determined based on the determined number of times for a plurality of PUF cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Inventors: Cheng-En Lee, Shih-Lien Linus Lu
  • Patent number: 11516027
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method to secure software update information for authorized entities. In one embodiment, a device for receiving secured software update information from a server, the device includes: a physical uncolonable function (PUF) information generator, comprising a PUF cell array, configured to generate PUF information, wherein the PUF information comprises at least one PUF response output, wherein the at least one PUF response output is used to encrypt the software update information on the server so as to generate encrypted software update information; a first encrypter, configured to encrypt the PUF information from the PUF information generator using one of at least one public key from the server so as to generate encrypted PUF information; and a second encrypter, configured to decrypt the encrypted software update information using one of the at least one PUF response output so as to obtain the software update information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shih-Lien Linus Lu
  • Publication number: 20220374576
    Abstract: A physically unclonable function (PUF) cell array includes a first PUF cell in a first column in a first direction, and a first row in a second direction, and a second PUF cell in a second row in the second direction. The first PUF cell includes a first set of conductive structures extending in the first and second direction, being on a first metal layer, and including a first and a second conductive structure extending in the first direction. The second PUF cell includes a second set of conductive structures extending in the first direction and second direction, being on the first metal layer and including a third and a fourth conductive structure extending in the first direction. The first and third conductive structures, or the second and fourth conductive structures are symmetric to each other with respect to a central line of the first and second PUF cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Inventors: Cheng-En LEE, Shih-Lien Linus LU
  • Publication number: 20220366972
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are related to a memory system and a method of operating the memory system. In one aspect, resistances of a first memory cell, a second memory cell, a third memory cell, and a fourth memory cell are individually set. In one aspect, the first memory cell and the second memory cell are coupled to each other in series between a first line and a second line, and the third memory cell and the fourth memory cell are coupled to each other in series between the second line and a third line. In one aspect, current through the second line according to a parallel resistance of i) a first series resistance of the first memory cell and the second memory cell, and ii) a second series resistance of the third memory cell and the fourth memory cell is sensed. According to the sensed current, multi-level data can be read.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventor: Shih-Lien Linus Lu
  • Publication number: 20220368354
    Abstract: A memory device includes: a memory device configured to store data bits to be written to the memory device; and a memory controller. The memory controller includes: a first level error correction code (ECC) circuit coupled to the memory device, wherein the first level ECC circuit is configured to generate a first plurality of first level check bits corresponding to the data bits based on a first error detection scheme; and a second level ECC circuit coupled to the memory device, wherein the second level ECC circuit is configured to generate a second plurality of second level check bits corresponding to both the data bits and the first plurality of first level check bits based on a first error correction scheme.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shih-Lien Linus Lu
  • Publication number: 20220365846
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a first set of inverters configured to receive a first set of check bits, and to generate a second set of check bits, a first memory cell array including a first portion of memory cells configured to store a first set of data, and a second portion of memory cells configured to store the second set of check bits, a second set of inverters to receive a third set of check bits, and to generate a fourth set of check bits, and an error correction code decoder configured to detect or correct an error in a second set of data or the fourth set of check bits thereby generating a set of output data and a been-attacked signal. The second set of data corresponds to the first set of data. The been-attacked signal indicates a reset attack by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventor: Shih-Lien Linus LU
  • Publication number: 20220358978
    Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) device includes a substrate, and a memory array layer having a plurality of transistors. First through fourth gate contacts are arranged along a first axis, and coupled to underlying gates of the plurality of transistors. First through fifth source/drain contacts in the memory array layer extend along a second axis transverse to the first axis, and are coupled to underlying source/drains of the plurality of transistors. The gate contacts and the source/drain contacts are alternatingly arranged along the first axis. A source line extends along the first axis, and is coupled to the first and fifth source/drain contacts. First and second word lines extend along the first axis, the first word line is coupled to the first and third gate contacts, and the second word line is coupled to the second and fourth gate contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Bo-Feng YOUNG, Yu-Ming LIN, Shih-Lien Linus LU, Han-Jong CHIA, Sai-Hooi YEONG, Chia-En HUANG, Yih WANG
  • Publication number: 20220360456
    Abstract: Systems and method are provided for determining a reliability of a physically unclonable function (PUF) cell of a device. A first signal is provided to a first branch of a PUF cell and a second signal is provided to a second branch of the PUF cell, the first and second signals being provided in synchronization. A base PUF cell value is determined based on an output of the PUF cell produced by the first signal and the second signal. A third signal is provided to the first branch and a fourth signal is provided to the second branch, the third signal and fourth signal being provided out of synchronization. A stressed PUF cell value is determined based on an output of the PUF cell produced by the third signal and the fourth signal. The PUF cell is determined to be unusable based on a difference between the PUF cell value and the stressed PUF cell value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Shih-Lien Linus Lu, Cheng-En Lee