Patents by Inventor Wei-Hsiang Ma

Wei-Hsiang Ma 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: 12190034
    Abstract: A logic circuit (for providing a multibit flip-flop (MBFF) function) includes: a first inverter to receive a clock signal and generate a corresponding clock_bar signal; a second inverter to receive the clock_bar signal and generate a corresponding clock_bar_bar signal; a third inverter to receive a control signal and generate a corresponding control_bar signal; and a series-chain of 1-bit transfer flip-flop (TXFF) circuits, each including: a NAND circuit to receive data signals; and a 1-bit transmit gate flip-flop (TGFF) circuit to output signals Q and q, and receive an output of the NAND circuit, the signal q from the TGFF circuit of a preceding TXFF circuit in the series-chain, the clock_bar and clock_bar_bar signals, and the control and control_bar signals; and the first transfer TXFF circuit in the series-chain being configured to receive a start signal in place of the signal q from an otherwise preceding TGFF circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chi-Lin Liu, Jerry Chang-Jui Kao, Wei-Hsiang Ma, Lee-Chung Lu, Fong-Yuan Chang, Sheng-Hsiung Chen, Shang-Chih Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20250004780
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments related to a power efficient multi-bit storage system. In one configuration, the multi-bit storage system includes a first storage circuit, a second storage circuit, a prediction circuit, and a clock gating circuit. In one aspect, the first storage circuit updates a first output bit according to a first input bit, in response to a trigger signal, and the second storage circuit updates a second output bit according to a second input bit, in response to the trigger signal. In one aspect, the prediction circuit generates a trigger enable signal indicating whether at least one of the first output bit or the second output bit is predicted to change a state. In one aspect, the clock gating circuit generates the trigger signal based on the trigger enable signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2024
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Kai-Chi Huang, Chi-Lin Liu, Wei-Hsiang Ma, Shang-Chih Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20240411976
    Abstract: A multiplexer circuit includes first and second fins each extending in an X-axis direction. First, second, third and fourth gates extend in a Y-axis direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and contact the first and second fins. The first, second, third and fourth gates are configured to receive first, second, third and fourth data signals, respectively. Fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth gates extend in the Y-axis direction and contact the first and second fins, the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth gates, and are configured to receive the first, second, third and fourth select signals, respectively. An input logic circuit is configured to provide an output at an intermediate node. A ninth gate extends in the Y-axis direction and contacts the first and second fins. An output logic circuit is configured to provide a selected one of the first, second, third and fourth data signals at an output terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2024
    Publication date: December 12, 2024
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Lin Liu, Shang-Chih Hsieh, Jian-Sing Li, Wei-Hsiang Ma, Yi-Hsun Chen, Cheok-Kei Lei
  • Patent number: 12147750
    Abstract: A multiplexer circuit includes first and second fins each extending in an X-axis direction. First, second, third and fourth gates extend in a Y-axis direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and contact the first and second fins. The first, second, third and fourth gates are configured to receive first, second, third and fourth data signals, respectively. Fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth gates extend in the Y-axis direction and contact the first and second fins, the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth gates, and are configured to receive the first, second, third and fourth select signals, respectively. An input logic circuit is configured to provide an output at an intermediate node. A ninth gate extends in the Y-axis direction and contacts the first and second fins. An output logic circuit is configured to provide a selected one of the first, second, third and fourth data signals at an output terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chi-Lin Liu, Shang-Chih Hsieh, Jian-Sing Li, Wei-Hsiang Ma, Yi-Hsun Chen, Cheok-Kei Lei
  • Publication number: 20240380392
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device which includes a multiplexer, a master latch, and a slave latch. The multiplexer outputs an inverse of an input data signal or an inverse scan input signal according to a scan enable signal. The master latch is coupled to an output terminal of the multiplexer, and is configured to latch the inverse of the input data signal based on an input clock signal in response to the scan enable signal being in a low-logic state. The slave latch is coupled to the output terminal of the multiplexer through a first clocked CMOS inverter, and is configured to receive the input data signal and to output a latched slave latch data based on the input clock signal. A leakage-free dummy cell is disposed in a non-critical path of the master latch and the slave latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2024
    Publication date: November 14, 2024
    Inventors: YU-JHENG OU-YANG, CHI-LIN LIU, SHANG-CHIH HSIEH, WEI-HSIANG MA, KAI-CHI HUANG
  • Patent number: 12141584
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments related to a power efficient multi-bit storage system. In one configuration, the multi-bit storage system includes a first storage circuit, a second storage circuit, a prediction circuit, and a clock gating circuit. In one aspect, the first storage circuit updates a first output bit according to a first input bit, in response to a trigger signal, and the second storage circuit updates a second output bit according to a second input bit, in response to the trigger signal. In one aspect, the prediction circuit generates a trigger enable signal indicating whether at least one of the first output bit or the second output bit is predicted to change a state. In one aspect, the clock gating circuit generates the trigger signal based on the trigger enable signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Kai-Chi Huang, Chi-Lin Liu, Wei-Hsiang Ma, Shang-Chih Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20240372550
    Abstract: A circuit includes a level shifter circuit, an output circuit, and a first feedback circuit. The level shifter circuit is coupled to a first voltage supply, and configured to receive an enable signal, a first input signal or a second input signal, and to generate a first and second signal responsive to the enable signal or the first input signal. The output circuit coupled to the level shifter circuit and the first voltage supply, and configured to generate an output signal or a first feedback signal responsive to the first signal, and configured to latch a previous state of the output signal in response to the enable signal or an inverted enable signal. The first feedback circuit is coupled to the level shifter circuit, the output circuit and the first voltage supply, and configured to receive at least the enable signal, the inverted enable signal or the first feedback signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2024
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Inventors: Yu-Lun OU, Ji-Yung LIN, Yung-Chen CHIEN, Ruei-Wun SUN, Wei-Hsiang MA, Jerry Chang Jui KAO, Shang-Chih HSIEH, Lee-Chung LU
  • Patent number: 12081215
    Abstract: A circuit includes an input circuit, a level shifter circuit, an output circuit, and a first and a second feedback circuit. The input circuit is coupled to a first voltage supply, and configured to receive a first input signal, and to generate at least a second input signal. The level shifter circuit is coupled to a second voltage supply, and configured to generate at least a first and second signal responsive to at least the enable signal or the first input signal. The output circuit is coupled to at least the level shifter circuit and the second voltage supply, and configured to generate at least an output signal, a first and second feedback signal responsive to the first signal. The first and second feedback circuit are configured to receive the enable signal, and the inverted enable signal, and the corresponding first and second feedback signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Lun Ou, Ji-Yung Lin, Yung-Chen Chien, Ruei-Wun Sun, Wei-Hsiang Ma, Jerry Chang Jui Kao, Shang-Chih Hsieh, Lee-Chung Lu
  • Patent number: 12074603
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device which includes a multiplexer, a master latch, and a slave latch. The multiplexer outputs an inverse of an input data signal or an inverse scan input signal according to a scan enable signal. The master latch is coupled to an output terminal of the multiplexer, and is configured to latch the inverse of the input data signal based on an input clock signal in response to the scan enable signal being in a low-logic state. The slave latch is coupled to the output terminal of the multiplexer through a first clocked CMOS inverter, and is configured to receive the input data signal and to output a latched slave latch data based on the input clock signal. A leakage-free dummy cell is disposed in a non-critical path of the master latch and the slave latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Jheng Ou-Yang, Chi-Lin Liu, Shang-Chih Hsieh, Wei-Hsiang Ma, Kai-Chi Huang
  • Publication number: 20240256750
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: single-bit flip-flop regions (SBFF regions) which comprise a multi-bit flip-flop (MBFF) region; the MBFF region having a two-dimensional floor plan represented by a grid including rows and a first column extending in corresponding first and perpendicular second directions, each SBFF region representing an intersection of a corresponding row and column; the SBFF regions being coupled in a daisy chain for which an output of a preceding one of the SBFF regions in the daisy chain is coupled to an input of a succeeding one of the SBFF regions in the daisy chain; and orientations of the SBFF regions relative to the first direction (?-orientations) being arranged in an alternating pattern relative to the second direction so that a two-dimensional representation of a flow path of a data signal along the first column has a serpentine shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2023
    Publication date: August 1, 2024
    Inventors: Chih-Cheng CHUANG, Hui-Zhong ZHUANG, Chih-Liang CHEN, Wei-Hsiang MA
  • Publication number: 20240201727
    Abstract: A clock distribution system includes a clock mesh structure which has first metal patterns extending along a first axis, second metal patterns extending along a second axis, third metal patterns extending along a third axis. The first metal patterns, second metal patterns, and third metal patterns are electrically coupled with each other. The second axis is transverse to the first axis. The third axis is oblique to both the first axis and the second axis. The first metal patterns include a main first metal pattern, and other first metal patterns. The second metal patterns include a main second metal pattern, and other second metal patterns. The third metal patterns include a main third metal pattern, and other third metal patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2024
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Inventors: Jerry Chang Jui KAO, Huang-Yu CHEN, Sheng-Hsiung CHEN, Jack LIU, Yung-Chen CHIEN, Wei-Hsiang MA, Chung-Hsing WANG
  • Patent number: 11995390
    Abstract: A circuit includes a first transistor, a second type-one transistor, a first type-two transistor, a third type-one transistor, a fourth type-one transistor, and a fifth type-one transistor. The first type-one transistor has a gate configured to have a first supply voltage of a first power supply. The first type-two transistor has a gate configured to have a second supply voltage of the first power supply. The third type-one transistor has a first active-region conductively connected with an active-region of the first type-one transistor. Third type-one transistor has a second active-region and a gate conductively connected to each other. The fifth type-one transistor has a first active-region conductively connected with the gate of the third type-one transistor and has a second active-region configured to have a first supply voltage of a second power supply. The fifth type-one transistor is configured to be at a conducting state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chi-Yu Lu, Ting-Wei Chiang, Hui-Zhong Zhuang, Jerry Chang Jui Kao, Pin-Dai Sue, Jiun-Jia Huang, Yu-Ti Su, Wei-Hsiang Ma
  • Patent number: 11907007
    Abstract: A clock distribution system includes a clock mesh structure which has a plurality of first metal patterns extending along a first axis, a plurality of second metal patterns extending along a second axis, a plurality of third metal patterns extending along a third axis. The plurality of first metal patterns, the plurality of second metal patterns, and the plurality of third metal patterns are electrically coupled with each other. The second axis is transverse to the first axis. The third axis is oblique to both the first axis and the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Jerry Chang Jui Kao, Huang-Yu Chen, Sheng-Hsiung Chen, Jack Liu, Yung-Chen Chien, Wei-Hsiang Ma, Chung-Hsing Wang
  • Publication number: 20240056061
    Abstract: A circuit includes a multi-bit flip flop, an integrated clock gating circuit connected to the multi-bit flip flop, and a control circuit connected to the integrated clock gating circuit and the multi-bit flip flop. The control circuit compares output data of the multi-bit flip flop corresponding to input data with the input data. The control circuit generates an enable signal based on comparing the output data of the multi-bit flip flop corresponding to the input data with the input data of the multi-bit flip flop. The control circuit provides the enable signal to the integrated clock gating circuit, wherein the integrated clock gating circuit provides, based on the enable signal, a clock signal to the multi-bit flip flop causing the multi-bit flip flop to toggle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: Chi-Lin Liu, Shang-Chih Hsieh, Wei-Hsiang Ma
  • Publication number: 20240037309
    Abstract: A multiplexer circuit includes first and second fins each extending in an X-axis direction. First, second, third and fourth gates extend in a Y-axis direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and contact the first and second fins. The first, second, third and fourth gates are configured to receive first, second, third and fourth data signals, respectively. Fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth gates extend in the Y-axis direction and contact the first and second fins, the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth gates, and are configured to receive the first, second, third and fourth select signals, respectively. An input logic circuit is configured to provide an output at an intermediate node. A ninth gate extends in the Y-axis direction and contacts the first and second fins. An output logic circuit is configured to provide a selected one of the first, second, third and fourth data signals at an output terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Lin Liu, Shang-Chih Hsieh, Jian-Sing Li, Wei-Hsiang Ma, Yi-Hsun Chen, Cheok-Kei Lei
  • Publication number: 20230387894
    Abstract: A circuit includes a first power node having a first voltage level, a second power node having a second voltage level different from the first voltage level, a reference node having a reference voltage level, a master latch that outputs a first bit based on a received bit, a slave latch that outputs a second bit based on the first bit and an output bit based on a selected one of the first bit or a third bit, a first level shifter that outputs the third bit based on a complementary bit pair, and a retention latch including a second level shifter and a pair of inverters that outputs the complementary bit pair based on the second bit. The slave latch and the first level shifter are coupled between the first power and reference nodes, and the retention latch is coupled between the second power and reference nodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Kai-Chi HUANG, Yung-Chen CHIEN, Chi-Lin LIU, Wei-Hsiang MA, Jerry Chang Jui KAO, Shang-Chih HSIEH, Lee-Chung LU
  • Publication number: 20230376661
    Abstract: A logic circuit (for providing a multibit flip-flop (MBFF) function) includes: a first inverter to receive a clock signal and generate a corresponding clock_bar signal; a second inverter to receive the clock_bar signal and generate a corresponding clock_bar_bar signal; a third inverter to receive a control signal and generate a corresponding control_bar signal; and a series-chain of 1-bit transfer flip-flop (TXFF) circuits, each including: a NAND circuit to receive data signals; and a 1-bit transmit gate flip-flop (TGFF) circuit to output signals Q and q, and receive an output of the NAND circuit, the signal q from the TGFF circuit of a preceding TXFF circuit in the series-chain, the clock_bar and clock_bar_bar signals, and the control and control_bar signals; and the first transfer TXFF circuit in the series-chain being configured to receive a start signal in place of the signal q from an otherwise preceding TGFF circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Chi-Lin LIU, Jerry Chang-Jui KAO, Wei-Hsiang MA, Lee-Chung LU, Fong-Yuan CHANG, Sheng-Hsiung CHEN, Shang-Chih HSIEH
  • Patent number: 11824538
    Abstract: A circuit includes a multi-bit flip flop, an integrated clock gating circuit connected to the multi-bit flip flop, and a control circuit connected to the integrated clock gating circuit and the multi-bit flip flop. The control circuit compares output data of the multi-bit flip flop corresponding to input data with the input data. The control circuit generates an enable signal based on comparing the output data of the multi-bit flip flop corresponding to the input data with the input data of the multi-bit flip flop. The control circuit provides the enable signal to the integrated clock gating circuit, wherein the integrated clock gating circuit provides, based on the enable signal, a clock signal to the multi-bit flip flop causing the multi-bit flip flop to toggle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Lin Liu, Shang-Chih Hsieh, Wei-Hsiang Ma
  • Publication number: 20230336177
    Abstract: A circuit includes an input circuit, a level shifter circuit, an output circuit, and a first and a second feedback circuit. The input circuit is coupled to a first voltage supply, and configured to receive a first input signal, and to generate at least a second input signal. The level shifter circuit is coupled to a second voltage supply, and configured to generate at least a first and second signal responsive to at least the enable signal or the first input signal. The output circuit is coupled to at least the level shifter circuit and the second voltage supply, and configured to generate at least an output signal, a first and second feedback signal responsive to the first signal. The first and second feedback circuit are configured to receive the enable signal, and the inverted enable signal, and the corresponding first and second feedback signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Yu-Lun OU, Ji-Yung LIN, Yung-Chen CHIEN, Ruei-Wun SUN, Wei-Hsiang MA, Jerry Chang Jui KAO, Shang-Chih HSIEH, Lee-Chung LU
  • Patent number: 11755798
    Abstract: A logic circuit including first and second inverters, first and second NAND circuits, a transmission gate, and a transmission-gate-substitute (TGS) circuit, and wherein: for each of the first and second NAND circuits, a first input is configured to receive corresponding first and second data signals, and a second input is configured to receive an enable signal; the first inverter is configured to receive an output of the first NAND circuit; the transmission gate and the TGS circuit are arranged as a combination circuit which is configured to receive an output of the second NAND circuit as a data input, and outputs of the first inverter and the second NAND circuit as control inputs; the second inverter is configured to receive an output of the combination circuit; and an output of the second inverter represents one of an enable XOR (EXOR) function or an enable XNR (EXNR) function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chi-Lin Liu, Jerry Chang-Jui Kao, Wei-Hsiang Ma, Lee-Chung Lu, Fong-Yuan Chang, Sheng-Hsiung Chen, Shang-Chih Hsieh