Patents by Inventor Wen Jer Tsai

Wen Jer Tsai 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: 20250014671
    Abstract: A memory device and a read method therefor are disclosed. The memory device includes first to third memory cell strings. The memory device is a three-dimensional NAND flash memory with high capacity and high performance. Each of the memory cell strings includes first to third memory cells. The read method includes: performing a first read operation of the memory device to the second memory cell in the second memory cell string, the first read operation includes applying a first bit line voltage to a first bit line, a second bit line, and a third bit line; in response to the failure of the first read operation, performing a second read operation of the memory device, the second read operation includes: applying a set of second bit line voltages to the first bit line, the second bit line and the third bit line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2024
    Publication date: January 9, 2025
    Applicant: MACRONIX International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: You-Liang Chou, Wen-Jer Tsai
  • Publication number: 20250014650
    Abstract: A memory erase method for a memory device and a memory device therefore are provided. The memory device is a 3D NAND flash with high capacity and high performance. The memory erase method includes following steps: providing a memory block, wherein the memory block comprises memory cell strings, the memory cell strings include memory cells, string selection transistors and ground selection transistors; respectively applying corresponding erase voltages to corresponding word lines, a common source line, a corresponding bit line, the string selection transistor and the ground selection transistor of each of the memory cell strings. The voltage difference between a bit line erase voltage and a string selection line erase voltage or the voltage difference between the common source line erase voltage and the ground selection line erase voltage is less than or equal to a predetermined voltage difference, and the memory cells of the memory cell strings randomly classified as a type-1 erase bit or a type-2 erase bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2023
    Publication date: January 9, 2025
    Applicant: MACRONIX International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: You-Liang Chou, Wen-Jer Tsai, Chih-Chieh Cheng
  • Publication number: 20240379171
    Abstract: A memory device is provided and includes a memory array. The memory array includes multiple strings, each of the strings including multiple memory cells and at least one compensation cell that are coupled in series to a corresponding one of multiple bit lines. In a read operation, the at least one compensation cell in each of the strings has a resistance responsive to at least one compensation voltage applied on the at least one compensation cell to adjust a read current in the corresponding bit line to a current value. The resistance is associated with a number of programmed cells in the memory cells coupled to the corresponding bit line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2023
    Publication date: November 14, 2024
    Inventors: You-Liang CHOU, Wen-Jer TSAI
  • Publication number: 20240371456
    Abstract: A memory device and a reading method thereof are provided. The memory device at least includes a first word line, a second word line and a third word line. The reading method includes the following steps. A read procedure is executed to read a plurality of memory cells connected to the first word line. A recognition procedure is executed in response to at least one memory cell has an error. A re-read procedure is executed on the memory cell. The recognition procedure includes: applying a pass voltage to the first word line; applying a recognition voltage to at least one of the second word line and the third word line. The re-read procedure including: applying a second read voltage to the first word line; and applying a second pass voltage to the second word line and a third pass voltage to the third word line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2023
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Inventors: You-Liang CHOU, Wen-Jer TSAI, Chun-Chang LU
  • Publication number: 20240371455
    Abstract: A memory device and a reading method thereof are provided. A second word line and a third word line are adjacent to a first word line. The reading method includes the following steps. A read procedure is executed to read a plurality of memory cells of the first word line. When a read error occurs, a re-read procedure is executed for some of the memory cells belonging to a state marginal group. The read procedure includes: applying a read voltage to the first word line; applying a first pass voltage to the second word line and the third word line. The re-read procedure includes: applying the read voltage to the first word line; applying a second pass voltage and a third pass voltage different from the first pass voltage to the second word line and the third word line respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2023
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Inventors: You-Liang CHOU, Wen-Jer TSAI, Chun-Chang LU
  • Patent number: 12046293
    Abstract: A memory device and a method for operating selective erase scheme are provided. In an erase operation, a switch voltage is applied to at least one of a string select line or a ground select line of a selected sub-block of a selected block, a gate control voltage is applied to selected word lines of the selected sub-block, and an erase voltage is applied to bit lines and a common source line of the selected sub-block. The switch voltage is smaller than the erase voltage. The gate control voltage is smaller than the switch voltage and the erase voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chun-Chang Lu, Wen-Jer Tsai, Wei-Liang Lin
  • Publication number: 20240233856
    Abstract: A data recovery method for a memory device is disclosed. The memory device has a target memory cell, a target word line and an adjacent word line, the adjacent word line is adjacent to the target word line. The target word line is connected to a gate of the target memory cell. The adjacent word line is connected to a gate of an adjacent memory cell, and the adjacent memory cell is adjacent to the target memory cell. The data recovery method includes the following steps. Applying a first program voltage to the target memory cell through the target word line. When applying the first program voltage, concurrently applying a second program voltage to the adjacent memory cell through the adjacent word line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2022
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Inventors: You-Liang CHOU, Wen-Jer TSAI
  • Patent number: 11990202
    Abstract: A data recovery method is applied to a memory device which has a target memory cell, a target word line and an adjacent word line adjacent to the target word line. The target word line is connected to a gate of the target memory cell. The adjacent word line is connected to a gate of an adjacent memory cell, and the adjacent memory cell is adjacent to the target memory cell. In the data recovery method, a first program voltage is applied to the target memory cell through the target word line, and a second program voltage is concurrently applied to the adjacent memory cell through the adjacent word line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: You-Liang Chou, Wen-Jer Tsai
  • Publication number: 20240136009
    Abstract: A data recovery method for a memory device is disclosed. The memory device has a target memory cell, a target word line and an adjacent word line, the adjacent word line is adjacent to the target word line. The target word line is connected to a gate of the target memory cell. The adjacent word line is connected to a gate of an adjacent memory cell, and the adjacent memory cell is adjacent to the target memory cell. The data recovery method includes the following steps. Applying a first program voltage to the target memory cell through the target word line. When applying the first program voltage, concurrently applying a second program voltage to the adjacent memory cell through the adjacent word line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2022
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: You-Liang CHOU, Wen-Jer TSAI
  • Publication number: 20240062825
    Abstract: A memory device and a method for operating the same are provided. In an erase operation, a switch voltage is applied to at least one of a string select line or a ground select line of a selected sub-block of a selected block, a gate control voltage is applied to selected word lines of the selected sub-block, and an erase voltage is applied to bit lines and a common source line of the selected sub-block. The switch voltage is smaller than the erase voltage. The gate control voltage is smaller than the switch voltage and the erase voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2022
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Inventors: Chun-Chang LU, Wen-Jer TSAI, Wei-Liang LIN
  • Publication number: 20240055347
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure is provided. The semiconductor structure includes a first substrate, a device layer, a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, a second substrate, and a circuit layer. The device layer is disposed on the first substrate. The first dielectric layer is disposed on the device layer. The second dielectric layer is disposed on the first dielectric layer. The second substrate is disposed on the second dielectric layer. The circuit layer is disposed on the second substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: Chih-Chieh CHENG, Wen-Jer TSAI
  • Publication number: 20230178156
    Abstract: An operation method for a memory device is provided. The operation method includes: increasing a dummy word line voltage to a first dummy word line voltage during a pre-turn on period; increasing the dummy word line voltage from the first dummy word line voltage to a second dummy word line voltage during a read period; and lowering the dummy word line voltage after the read period is finished. Wherein the first dummy word line voltage is lower than the second dummy word line voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2023
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: Chih-Chieh CHENG, Chun-Chang LU, Wen-Jer TSAI
  • Patent number: 11641744
    Abstract: A memory device and a method for fabricating the memory device are provided. The memory device includes a substrate having an upper surface; a stacked structure disposed on the upper surface of the substrate, wherein the stacked structure includes a first insulating layer, a first conductive layer, a second insulating layer, a second conductive layer and a third insulating layer sequentially stacked on the substrate; a plurality of channel structures penetrating the stacked structure and electrically connected to the substrate, wherein each of the channel structures includes an upper portion corresponding to the second conductive layer and a lower portion corresponding to the first conductive layer; a memory layer disposed between the second conductive layer and the upper portion; and a plurality of isolation structures penetrating the stacked structure to separate the stacked structure into a plurality of sub-stacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Liang Lin, Wen-Jer Tsai
  • Patent number: 11600339
    Abstract: An operation method for a memory device is provided. The operation method includes: increasing a dummy word line voltage to a first dummy word line voltage during a pre-tum on period; increasing the dummy word line voltage from the first dummy word line voltage to a second dummy word line voltage during a read period; and lowering the dummy word line voltage after the read period is finished. Wherein the first dummy word line voltage is lower than the second dummy word line voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Chieh Cheng, Chun-Chang Lu, Wen-Jer Tsai
  • Publication number: 20220270688
    Abstract: An operation method for a memory device is provided. The operation method includes: increasing a dummy word line voltage to a first dummy word line voltage during a pre-tum on period; increasing the dummy word line voltage from the first dummy word line voltage to a second dummy word line voltage during a read period; and lowering the dummy word line voltage after the read period is finished. Wherein the first dummy word line voltage is lower than the second dummy word line voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Chih-Chieh CHENG, Chun-Chang LU, Wen-Jer TSAI
  • Publication number: 20220230674
    Abstract: An operation method for a memory device is provided. The operation method includes: increasing an adjacent word line voltage to a first adjacent word line voltage during a pre-turn on period; and increasing the adjacent word line voltage from the first adjacent word line voltage to a second adjacent word line voltage after the pre-turn on period is finished; wherein the first adjacent word line voltage is lower than the second adjacent word line voltage; the adjacent word line voltage is applied to at least one adjacent word line, and the at least one adjacent word line is adjacent to a selected word line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventors: Chih-Chieh CHENG, Chun-Chang LU, Wen-Jer TSAI
  • Patent number: 11361824
    Abstract: Provided are a memory device and an operation method thereof. The memory device includes a plurality of word lines. The operation method comprising: performing a pre-fill operation on the word lines, in a first loop, applying a selected word line voltage on a first selected word line group and applying an unselected word line voltage on a first unselected word line group, and in a second loop, applying the selected word line voltage on a second selected word line group and applying the unselected word line voltage on a second unselected word line group, the first selected word line group being different from the second selected word line group, and the first unselected word line group being different from the second unselected word line group; performing an erase operation on the word lines; and performing a programming operation on the word lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shaw-Hung Ku, Cheng-Hsien Cheng, Chun-Chang Lu, Wen-Jer Tsai
  • Publication number: 20220165754
    Abstract: A memory device and a method for fabricating the memory device are provided. The memory device includes a substrate having an upper surface; a stacked structure disposed on the upper surface of the substrate, wherein the stacked structure includes a first insulating layer, a first conductive layer, a second insulating layer, a second conductive layer and a third insulating layer sequentially stacked on the substrate; a plurality of channel structures penetrating the stacked structure and electrically connected to the substrate, wherein each of the channel structures includes an upper portion corresponding to the second conductive layer and a lower portion corresponding to the first conductive layer; a memory layer disposed between the second conductive layer and the upper portion; and a plurality of isolation structures penetrating the stacked structure to separate the stacked structure into a plurality of sub-stacks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2022
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventors: Wei-Liang LIN, Wen-Jer TSAI
  • Patent number: 11289502
    Abstract: A memory device includes a substrate having an upper surface; a stacked structure disposed on the upper surface of the substrate, wherein the stacked structure includes a first insulating layer, a first conductive layer, a second insulating layer; a second conductive layer and a third insulating layer sequentially stacked on the substrate; a plurality of channel structures penetrating the stacked structure and electrically connected to the substrate, wherein each of the channel structures includes an upper portion corresponding to the second conductive layer and a lower portion corresponding to the first conductive layer; a memory layer disposed between the second conductive layer and the upper portion; and a plurality of isolation structures penetrating the stacked structure to separate the stacked structure into a plurality of sub-stacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Liang Lin, Wen-Jer Tsai
  • Patent number: 11145674
    Abstract: A 3D memory device includes a substrate, stacked structures formed on the substrate, common source line (CSL) contacts, and NOR flash memories. The substrate has CSLs and memory cell regions alternately arranged along one direction in parallel. The stacked structures are located on the memory cell regions and include a ground select line (GSL) layer and a word line (WL) layer. The CSL contacts are disposed along another direction to connect the CSLs. The NOR flash memories are disposed in the memory cell regions, and each of the NOR flash memories includes at least an epitaxial pillar through the stacked structure, a charge-trapping layer located between the epitaxial pillar and the WL layer, and a high-k layer located between the charge-trapping layer and the WL layer. The epitaxial pillar has a retracted sidewall at a position passing through the GSL layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Liang Lin, Wen-Jer Tsai