Patents by Inventor Tien Chan

Tien Chan 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: 7737526
    Abstract: An isolation structure for a semiconductor device comprises a floor isolation region, a dielectric filled trench above the floor isolation region and a sidewall isolation region extending downward from the bottom of the trench to the floor isolation region. This structure provides a relatively deep isolated pocket in a semiconductor substrate while limiting the depth of the trench that must be etched in the substrate. A MOSFET is formed in the isolated pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignees: Advanced Analogic Technologies, Inc., Advanced Analogic Technologies (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Richard K. Williams, Donald Ray Disney, Wai Tien Chan
  • Patent number: 7719054
    Abstract: All low-temperature processes are used to fabricate a variety of semiconductor devices in a substrate the does not include an epitaxial layer. The devices include a non-isolated lateral DMOS, a non-isolated extended drain or drifted MOS device, a lateral trench DMOS, an isolated lateral DMOS, JFET and depletion-mode devices, and P-N diode clamps and rectifiers and junction terminations. Since the processes eliminate the need for high temperature processing and employ “as-implanted” dopant profiles, they constitute a modular architecture which allows devices to be added or omitted to the IC without the necessity of altering the processes used to produce the remaining devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignees: Advanced Analogic Technologies, Inc., Advanced Analogic Technologies (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Richard K. Williams, Donald Ray Disney, Jun-Wei Chen, Wai Tien Chan, HyungSik Ryu
  • Patent number: 7701033
    Abstract: A variety of isolation structures for semiconductor substrates include a trench formed in the substrate that is filled with a dielectric material or filled with a conductive material and lined with a dielectric layer along the walls of the trench. The trench may be used in combination with doped sidewall isolation regions. Both the trench and the sidewall isolation regions may be annular and enclose an isolated pocket of the substrate. The isolation structures are formed by modular implant and etch processes that do not include significant thermal processing or diffusion of dopants so that the resulting structures are compact and may be tightly packed in the surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignees: Advanced Analogic Technologies, Inc., Advanced Analogic Technologies (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Richard K. Williams, Donald Ray Disney, Wai Tien Chan
  • Patent number: 7666756
    Abstract: An structure for electrically isolating a semiconductor device is formed by implanting dopant into a semiconductor substrate that does not include an epitaxial layer. Following the implant the structure is exposed to a very limited thermal budget so that dopant does not diffuse significantly. As a result, the dimensions of the isolation structure are limited and defined, thereby allowing a higher packing density than obtainable using conventional processes which include the growth of an epitaxial layer and diffusion of the dopants. In one group of embodiments, the isolation structure includes a deep layer and a sidewall which together form a cup-shaped structure surrounding an enclosed region in which the isolated semiconductor device may be formed. The sidewalls may be formed by a series of pulsed implants at different energies, thereby creating a stack of overlapping implanted regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignees: Advanced Analogic Technologies, Inc., Advanced Analogic Technologies (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Richard K. Williams, Michael E. Cornell, Wai Tien Chan
  • Patent number: 7626243
    Abstract: An Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) protection device is formed in an isolated region of a semiconductor substrate. The ESD protection device may be in the form of a MOS or bipolar transistor or a diode. The isolation structure may include a deep implanted floor layer and one or more implanted wells that laterally surround the isolated region. The isolation structure and ESD protection devices are fabricated using a modular process that includes virtually no thermal processing. Since the ESD device is isolated, two or more ESD devices may be electrically “stacked” on one another such that the trigger voltages of the devices are added together to achieve a higher effective trigger voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignees: Advanced Analogic Technologies, Inc., Advanced Analogic Technologies (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Donald Ray Disney, Jun-Wei Chen, Richard K. Williams, HyungSik Ryu, Wai Tien Chan
  • Publication number: 20090236683
    Abstract: A variety of isolation structures for semiconductor substrates include a trench formed in the substrate that is filled with a dielectric material or filled with a conductive material and lined with a dielectric layer along the walls of the trench. The trench may be used in combination with doped sidewall isolation regions. Both the trench and the sidewall isolation regions may be annular and enclose an isolated pocket of the substrate. The isolation structures are formed by modular implant and etch processes that do not include significant thermal processing or diffusion of dopants so that the resulting structures are compact and may be tightly packed in the surface of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicants: Advanced Analogic Technologies, Inc., Advanced Analogic Technologies (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Richard K. Williams, Donald Ray Disney, Wai Tien Chan, Jun-Wei Chen, HyungSik Ryu
  • Patent number: 7592228
    Abstract: In a trench-gated MOSFET including an epitaxial layer over a substrate of like conductivity and trenches containing thick bottom oxide, sidewall gate oxide, and conductive gates, body regions of the complementary conductivity are shallower than the gates, and clamp regions are deeper and more heavily doped than the body regions but shallower than the trenches. Zener junctions clamp a drain-source voltage lower than the FPI breakdown of body junctions near the trenches, but the zener junctions, being shallower than the trenches, avoid undue degradation of the maximum drain-source voltage. The epitaxial layer may have a dopant concentration that increases step-wise or continuously with depth. Chained implants of the body and clamp regions permits accurate control of dopant concentrations and of junction depth and position. Alternative fabrication processes permit implantation of the body and clamp regions before gate bus formation or through the gate bus after gate bus formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignees: Advanced Analogic Technologies, Inc., Advanced Analogic Technologies (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Richard K. Williams, Michael E. Cornell, Wai Tien Chan
  • Patent number: 7576391
    Abstract: All low-temperature processes are used to fabricate a variety of semiconductor devices in a substrate the does not include an epitaxial layer. The devices include a non-isolated lateral DMOS, a non-isolated extended drain or drifted MOS device, a lateral trench DMOS, an isolated lateral DMOS, JFET and depletion-mode devices, and P-N diode clamps and rectifiers and junction terminations. Since the processes eliminate the need for high temperature processing and employ “as-implanted” dopant profiles, they constitute a modular architecture which allows devices to be added or omitted to the IC without the necessity of altering the processes used to produce the remaining devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Advanced Analogic Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard K. Williams, Donald Ray Disney, Wai Tien Chan
  • Patent number: 7517748
    Abstract: A semiconductor substrate includes a pair of trenches filled with a dielectric material. Dopant introduced into the mesa between the trenches is limited from diffusing laterally when the substrate is subjected to thermal processing. Therefore, semiconductor devices can be spaced more closely together on the substrate, and the packing density of the devices can be increased. Also trench constrained doped region diffuse faster and deeper than unconstrained diffusions, thereby reducing the time and temperature needed to complete a desired depth diffusion. The technique may be used for semiconductor devices such as bipolar transistors as well as isolation regions that electrically isolate the devices from each other. In one group of embodiments, a buried layer is formed at an interface between an epitaxial layer and a substrate, at a location generally below the dopant in the mesa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignees: Advanced Analogic Technologies, Inc., Advanced Analogic Technologies (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Richard K. Williams, Michael E. Cornell, Wai Tien Chan
  • Patent number: 7489016
    Abstract: A semiconductor substrate includes a pair of trenches filled with a dielectric material. Dopant introduced into the mesa between the trenches is limited from diffusing laterally when the substrate is subjected to thermal processing. Therefore, semiconductor devices can be spaced more closely together on the substrate, and the packing density of the devices can be increased. Also trench constrained doped region diffuse faster and deeper than unconstrained diffusions, thereby reducing the time and temperature needed to complete a desired depth diffusion. The technique may be used for semiconductor devices such as bipolar transistors as well as isolation regions that electrically isolate the devices from each other. In one group of embodiments, a buried layer is formed at an interface between an epitaxial layer and a substrate, at a location generally below the dopant in the mesa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignees: Advanced Analogic Technologies, Inc., Advanced Analogic Technologies (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Richard K. Williams, Michael E. Cornell, Wai Tien Chan
  • Publication number: 20090034137
    Abstract: An Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) protection device is formed in an isolated region of a semiconductor substrate. The ESD protection device may be in the form of a MOS or bipolar transistor or a diode. The isolation structure may include a deep implanted floor layer and one or more implanted wells that laterally surround the isolated region. The isolation structure and ESD protection devices are fabricated using a modular process that includes virtually no thermal processing. Since the ESD device is isolated, two or more ESD devices may be electrically “stacked” on one another such that the trigger voltages of the devices are added together to achieve a higher effective trigger voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicants: Advanced Analogic Technologies, Inc., Advanced Analogic Technologies (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Donald Ray Disney, Jun-Wei Chen, Richard K. Williams, HyungSik Ryu, Wai Tien Chan
  • Publication number: 20090032876
    Abstract: An Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) protection device is formed in an isolated region of a semiconductor substrate. The ESD protection device may be in the form of a MOS or bipolar transistor or a diode. The isolation structure may include a deep implanted floor layer and one or more implanted wells that laterally surround the isolated region. The isolation structure and ESD protection devices are fabricated using a modular process that includes virtually no thermal processing. Since the ESD device is isolated, two or more ESD devices may be electrically “stacked” on one another such that the trigger voltages of the devices are added together to achieve a higher effective trigger voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicants: Advanced Analogic Technologies, Inc., Advanced Analogic Technologies (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Donald Ray Disney, Jun-Wei Chen, Richard K. Williams, HyungSik Ryu, Wai Tien Chan
  • Publication number: 20090034136
    Abstract: An Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) protection device is formed in an isolated region of a semiconductor substrate. The ESD protection device may be in the form of a MOS or bipolar transistor or a diode. The isolation structure may include a deep implanted floor layer and one or more implanted wells that laterally surround the isolated region. The isolation structure and ESD protection devices are fabricated using a modular process that includes virtually no thermal processing. Since the ESD device is isolated, two or more ESD devices may be electrically “stacked” on one another such that the trigger voltages of the devices are added together to achieve a higher effective trigger voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicants: Advanced Analogic Technologies, Inc., Advanced Analogic Technologies (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Donald Ray Disney, Jun-Wei Chen, Richard K. Williams, HyungSik Ryu, Wai Tien Chan
  • Publication number: 20080290449
    Abstract: A variety of isolation structures for semiconductor substrates include a trench formed in the substrate that is filled with a dielectric material or filled with a conductive material and lined with a dielectric layer along the walls of the trench. The trench may be used in combination with doped sidewall isolation regions. Both the trench and the sidewall isolation regions may be annular and enclose an isolated pocket of the substrate. The isolation structures are formed by modular implant and etch processes that do not include significant thermal processing or diffusion of dopants so that the resulting structures are compact and may be tightly packed in the surface of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: Advanced Analogic Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard K. Williams, Donald Ray Disney, Wai Tien Chan
  • Publication number: 20080290452
    Abstract: A semiconductor substrate includes a pair of trenches filled with a dielectric material. Dopant introduced into the mesa between the trenches is limited from diffusing laterally when the substrate is subjected to thermal processing. Therefore, semiconductor devices can be spaced more closely together on the substrate, and the packing density of the devices can be increased. Also trench constrained doped region diffuse faster and deeper than unconstrained diffusions, thereby reducing the time and temperature needed to complete a desired depth diffusion. The technique may be used for semiconductor devices such as bipolar transistors as well as isolation regions that electrically isolate the devices from each other. In one group of embodiments, a buried layer is formed at an interface between an epitaxial layer and a substrate, at a location generally below the dopant in the mesa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicants: Advanced Analogic Technologies, Inc., Advanced Analogic Technologies (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Richard K. Williams, Michael E. Cornell, Wai Tien Chan
  • Publication number: 20080290450
    Abstract: A variety of isolation structures for semiconductor substrates include a trench formed in the substrate that is filled with a dielectric material or filled with a conductive material and lined with a dielectric layer along the walls of the trench. The trench may be used in combination with doped sidewall isolation regions. Both the trench and the sidewall isolation regions may be annular and enclose an isolated pocket of the substrate. The isolation structures are formed by modular implant and etch processes that do not include significant thermal processing or diffusion of dopants so that the resulting structures are compact and may be tightly packed in the surface of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicants: Advanced Analogic Technologies, Inc., Advanced Analogic Technologies (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Richard K. Williams, Donald Ray Disney, Wai Tien Chan
  • Publication number: 20080290451
    Abstract: A variety of isolation structures for semiconductor substrates include a trench formed in the substrate that is filled with a dielectric material or filled with a conductive material and lined with a dielectric layer along the walls of the trench. The trench may be used in combination with doped sidewall isolation regions. Both the trench and the sidewall isolation regions may be annular and enclose an isolated pocket of the substrate. The isolation structures are formed by modular implant and etch processes that do not include significant thermal processing or diffusion of dopants so that the resulting structures are compact and may be tightly packed in the surface of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: Advanced Analogic Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard K. Williams, Donald Ray Disney, Jun-Wei Chen, Wal Tien Chan, HyungSik Ryu
  • Publication number: 20080293214
    Abstract: A semiconductor substrate includes a pair of trenches filled with a dielectric material. Dopant introduced into the mesa between the trenches is limited from diffusing laterally when the substrate is subjected to thermal processing. Therefore, semiconductor devices can be spaced more closely together on the substrate, and the packing density of the devices can be increased. Also trench constrained doped region diffuse faster and deeper than unconstrained diffusions, thereby reducing the time and temperature needed to complete a desired depth diffusion. The technique may be used for semiconductor devices such as bipolar transistors as well as isolation regions that electrically isolate the devices from each other. In one group of embodiments, a buried layer is formed at an interface between an epitaxial layer and a substrate, at a location generally below the dopant in the mesa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicants: Advanced Analogic Technologies, Inc., Advanced Analogic Technologies (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Richard K. Williams, Michael E. Cornell, Wai Tien Chan
  • Patent number: 7449380
    Abstract: An structure for electrically isolating a semiconductor device is formed by implanting dopant into a semiconductor substrate that does not include an epitaxial layer. Following the implant the structure is exposed to a very limited thermal budget so that dopant does not diffuse significantly. As a result, the dimensions of the isolation structure are limited and defined, thereby allowing a higher packing density than obtainable using conventional processes which include the growth of an epitaxial layer and diffusion of the dopants. In one group of embodiments, the isolation structure includes a deep layer and a sidewall which together form a cup-shaped structure surrounding an enclosed region in which the isolated semiconductor device may be formed. The sidewalls may be formed by a series of pulsed implants at different energies, thereby creating a stack of overlapping implanted regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignees: Advanced Analogic Technologies, Inc., Advanced Analogic Technologies (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Richard K. Williams, Michael E. Cornell, Wai Tien Chan
  • Patent number: 7445979
    Abstract: An structure for electrically isolating a semiconductor device is formed by implanting dopant into a semiconductor substrate that does not include an epitaxial layer. Following the implant the structure is exposed to a very limited thermal budget so that dopant does not diffuse significantly. As a result, the dimensions of the isolation structure are limited and defined, thereby allowing a higher packing density than obtainable using conventional processes which include the growth of an epitaxial layer and diffusion of the dopants. In one group of embodiments, the isolation structure includes a deep layer and a sidewall and which together form a cup-shaped structure surrounding an enclosed region in which the isolated semiconductor device may be formed. The sidewalls may be formed by a series of pulsed implants at different energies, thereby creating a stack of overlapping implanted regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignees: Advanced Analogic Technologies, Inc., Advanced Analogic Technologies (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Richard K. Williams, Michael E. Cornell, Wai Tien Chan