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).
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Publication number: 20100035389Abstract: A dynamic random access memory cell and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. First, a substrate on which a bottom oxide layer and a semiconductor layer are formed is provided. The semiconductor layer is formed on the bottom oxide layer. Next, a gate is formed on the semiconductor layer. Then, the semiconductor layer is patterned to expose a portion of the bottom oxide layer. Afterwards, an insulation layer is formed at the side walls of the semiconductor layer, wherein the height of the insulation layer is shorter than that of the semiconductor layer, so that a gap is formed between the tops of the insulation layer and the semiconductor layer. Further, a doping layer covering the insulation layer and having the same height with the semiconductor layer is formed on the bottom oxide layer. The doping layer contacts the side walls of the semiconductor layer via the gap.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Ta-Wei Lin, Wen-Jer Tsai
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Publication number: 20090309158Abstract: Disclosed is a memory device and method of operation thereof. The memory device may include a source region and a drain region of a first dopant type, the source and drain regions contain a first semiconductor material; a body region of a second dopant type, the body region being sandwiched between the source and drain regions, the body comprising a second semiconductor material; a gate dielectric layer over at least the body region; and a gate comprising a conductive material over the gate dielectric layer. Specifically, one of the first semiconductor material and the second semiconductor material is lattice matched with the other of the first semiconductor material and the second semiconductor material and has an energy gap smaller than the energy gap of the other of the first semiconductor material and the second semiconductor material.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2008Publication date: December 17, 2009Applicant: Maxcronix International Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ta Wei Lin, Wen Jer Tsai
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Publication number: 20090155978Abstract: In some embodiments, a memory integrated circuit has different shallow trench isolation structures in the memory circuitry of the memory integrated circuit and the control circuitry of the memory integrated circuit. The isolation dielectric fills the trenches of the shallow trench isolation structures to different degrees. In some embodiments, a memory integrated circuit has memory circuitry with shallow trench isolation structures and intermediate regions. The memory circuitry supports a channel between neighboring nonvolatile memory devices supporting multiple current components with different orientations. In some embodiments, recessed shallow trench isolation structures are formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2009Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: Macronix International Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chih Chieh Yeh, Wen Jer Tsai
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Publication number: 20090116287Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a memory cell structure including a first cell and a second cell. The first cell includes a first storage structure and a first gate over a substrate. The first gate is over the first storage structure. The second cell includes a second storage structure and a second gate over the substrate. The second gate is over the second storage structure. The first gate is separated from the second gate. A first doped region is adjacent to the first cell and is coupled to a first source. A second doped region is configured within the substrate and adjacent to the second cell. The second doped region is coupled to a second source. At least one third doped region is between the first cell and the second cell, wherein the third doped region is floating.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2008Publication date: May 7, 2009Applicant: Macronix International Co., Ltd.Inventors: TIEN-FAN OU, Wen-Jer Tsai, Jyun-Siang Huang
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Publication number: 20090116286Abstract: A method for programming a first memory cell in a memory array. In a specific embodiment, each memory cell has a drain, a source, a channel, and a control gate overlying a charge storage material and the channel. The source of the first memory cell is coupled to the drain of a second memory cell. A voltage is applied to the drain of the first memory cell, and the source of the second memory cell is grounded. The method includes floating the drain of the second memory cell and the source of the first memory cell and turning on the channels of the first and second memory cells, effectively forming an extended channel region. Hot carriers are injected to the charge storage material of the first cell to program the first memory cell. The extended channel lowers electrical fields and reduces punch through leakage in unselected memory cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2008Publication date: May 7, 2009Applicant: Macronix International Co., Ltd.Inventors: Lit-Ho Chong, Wen-Jer Tsai, Tien-Fan Ou, Jyun-Siang Huang
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Publication number: 20090116294Abstract: A method of programming a first cell in a memory, wherein the first cell has a first S/D region and shares a second S/D region with a second cell that has a third S/D region opposite to the second S/D region. The channels of the first and the second cells are turned on, a first voltage is applied to the first S/D region, a second voltage is applied to the second S/D region and a third voltage is applied to the third S/D region. The second voltage is between the first voltage and the third voltage, and the first to third voltages make carriers flow from the third S/D region to the first S/ID region and cause hot carriers in the channel of the first cell to be injected into the charge storage layer of the first cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2008Publication date: May 7, 2009Applicant: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Wen-Jer Tsai, Ta-Hui Wang, Chih-Wei Lee
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Publication number: 20090116284Abstract: A memory apparatus, a controller, and a method thereof for programming non-volatile memory cells are provided. The memory apparatus includes a plurality of memory cells, wherein each memory cell shares a source/drain region with a neighboring memory cell. The method utilizes a compensation electron flow applied into a source/drain region between two memory cells to provide enough electron flow to program one of the two memory cells, even under the circumstances that the other memory cell has a greater threshold voltage, such that the dispersion of the programming speed of the memory cells is reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2008Publication date: May 7, 2009Applicant: MACRONIX International Co., Ltd.Inventors: Wen-Jer Tsai, Tien-Fan Ou, Jyun-Siang Huang
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Patent number: 7529128Abstract: A memory architecture for an integrated circuit comprises a first memory array configured to store data for one pattern of data usage and a second memory array configured to store data for another pattern of data usage. The first and second memory arrays comprise charge storage based nonvolatile memory cells having substantially the same structure in both arrays. A first operation algorithm adapted for example for data flash applications is used for programming, erasing and reading data in the first memory array. A second operation algorithm adapted for example for code flash applications is used for programming, erasing and reading data in the second memory array, wherein the second operation algorithm is different than the first operation algorithm. Thus, one die with memory for both code flash and data flash applications can be easily manufactured using a simple process, at low cost and high yield.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2006Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chih Chieh Yeh, Wen Jer Tsai, Tao Cheng Lu, Chih Yuan Lu
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Patent number: 7514742Abstract: In some embodiments, a memory integrated circuit has different shallow trench isolation structures in the memory circuitry of the memory integrated circuit and the control circuitry of the memory integrated circuit. The isolation dielectric fills the trenches of the shallow trench isolation structures to different degrees. In some embodiments, a memory integrated circuit has memory circuitry with shallow trench isolation structures and intermediate regions. The memory circuitry supports a channel between neighboring nonvolatile memory devices supporting multiple current components with different orientations. In some embodiments, recessed shallow trench isolation structures are formed.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2005Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chih Chieh Yeh, Wen Jer Tsai
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Publication number: 20090080254Abstract: A memory integrated circuit has memory arrays that are vertically layered. These memory arrays include word lines and bit lines. Intersections between the word lines and the bit lines include a diode and a memory state storage element. The diode and the memory storage element are connected in between a word line and a bit line. The diode at the intersections includes a first diode node and a second diode node. Various aspects of the memory integrated circuit are electrically interconnected in various ways, such as corresponding word lines, corresponding first diode nodes, or corresponding second diode nodes of different memory arrays being electrically interconnected. Various aspects of the memory integrated circuit are isolated in various ways, such as word lines, first diode nodes, or second diode nodes of different memory arrays being isolated.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: Macronix International Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yi Ying Liao, Wen Jer Tsai, Chih Chieh Yeh
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Patent number: 7492638Abstract: A gated diode nonvolatile memory cell with a charge storage structure includes a diode structure with an additional gate terminal and a diffusion barrier structure between the diode nodes. Example embodiments include the individual memory cell, an array of such memory cells, methods of operating the memory cell or array of memory cells, and methods of manufacturing the same.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2007Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hsuan Ling Kao, Wen Jer Tsai, Tien Fan Ou, Yi Ying Liao
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Patent number: 7491599Abstract: A gated diode nonvolatile memory cell with a charge storage structure includes a diode structure with an additional gate terminal. Example embodiments include the individual memory cell, an array of such memory cells, methods of operating the memory cell or array of memory cells, and methods of manufacturing the same.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.Inventors: Wen Jer Tsai, Tien Fan Ou, Erh-Kun Lai
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Patent number: 7486568Abstract: Charge trapping memory cells are protected from over-erasing in response to an erase command. For example, in response to an erase command, one bias arrangement is applied to program charge trapping memory cells, and another bias arrangement is applied to erase the charge trapping memory cells, such that the charge trapping memory cells have a higher net electron charge, in the erased state than i.n the programmed state. In another example, an integrated circuit with an array of charge trapping memory cells has logic which responds to an erase command by applying similar bias arrangements to the charge trapping memory cells. In a further example, such an integrated circuit is manufactured.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yi Ying Liao, Chih Chieh Yeh, Wen Jer Tsai, Tao Cheng Lu
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Publication number: 20090026460Abstract: A manufacturing method of a vertical non-volatile memory is provided. A first semiconductor layer, a first barrier, a second semiconductor layer, a second barrier and a third semiconductor layer are formed on a substrate sequentially. The first and the third semiconductor layers have a first conductive state, while the second semiconductor layer has a second conductive state. Several strips of active stacked structures are formed by removing portions of the first, second and third semiconductor layers, and portions of the first and second barrier on the substrate. After forming a storage structure on the substrate, the storage structure is covered with a conductive layer filling spaces among the active stacked structures. A portion of the conductive layer is removed to form word lines across the active stacked structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2007Publication date: January 29, 2009Applicant: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Tien-Fan Ou, Wen-Jer Tsai
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Patent number: 7474558Abstract: A gated diode nonvolatile memory cell with a charge storage structure includes a diode structure with an additional gate terminal. Example embodiments include the individual memory cell, an array of such memory cells, methods of operating the memory cell or array of memory cells, and methods of manufacturing the same.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2007Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yi Ying Liao, Wen Jer Tsai, Chih Chieh Yeh
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Patent number: 7440328Abstract: A method of reducing gate disturb in a charge-trapping layer memory cell by applying different Vpass voltages to different sides of a selected wordline. A higher Vpass voltage is used to pass higher source/drain voltage and a lower Vpass voltage is used to pass a lower source/drain voltage. By controlling the Vpass voltages on different sides of a selected wordline, it is possible to reduce a vertical field that is established in a gate region when the Vpass voltages are applied. A reduced vertical field results in suppressed gate disturb. The method also includes a novel bit-line biasing scheme that may further reduce the vertical field and thereby may further suppress gate disturb, particularly in an array of memory cells.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2007Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: MACRONIX International Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yi Ying Liao, Chih Chieh Yeh, Wen Jer Tsai
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Patent number: 7419868Abstract: A gated diode nonvolatile memory cell with a charge storage structure includes a diode structure with an additional gate terminal. Various embodiments may include or exclude a diffusion barrier structure between the diode nodes. Example embodiments include the individual memory cell, an array of such memory cells, methods of operating the memory cell or array of memory cells, and methods of manufacturing the same.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2007Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tien Fan Ou, Wen Jer Tsai, Erh-Kun Lai, Hsuan Ling Kao
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Publication number: 20080173896Abstract: A dynamic random access memory cell including a bottom oxide layer, a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer, an insulation layer, a gate and a doping layer is provided. The bottom oxide layer is disposed on a substrate. The first semiconductor layer disposed on the bottom oxide layer has a first doping concentration. The second semiconductor layer disposed on the first semiconductor layer has a second doping concentration lower than the first doping concentration. The insulation layer disposed on the bottom oxide layer at least situates at the two sides of the first semiconductor layer. The height of the insulation layer is greater than that of the first semiconductor layer. The gate is disposed on the second semiconductor layer. The doping layer disposed correspondingly to the two sides of the gate substantially contacts the second semiconductor layer and the insulation layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Applicant: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Ta-Wei Lin, Wen-Jer Tsai
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Publication number: 20080164523Abstract: A dynamic random access memory cell and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. First, a substrate on which a bottom oxide layer and a semiconductor layer are formed is provided. The semiconductor layer is formed on the bottom oxide layer. Next, a gate is formed on the semiconductor layer. Then, the semiconductor layer is patterned to expose a portion of the bottom oxide layer. Afterwards, an insulation layer is formed at the side walls of the semiconductor layer, wherein the height of the insulation layer is shorter than that of the semiconductor layer, so that a gap is formed between the tops of the insulation layer and the semiconductor layer. Further, a doping layer covering the insulation layer and having the same height with the semiconductor layer is formed on the bottom oxide layer. The doping layer contacts the side walls of the semiconductor layer via the gap.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2007Publication date: July 10, 2008Applicant: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Ta-Wei Lin, Wen-Jer Tsai
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Patent number: 7397701Abstract: An array of charge trapping nonvolatile memory cells is arranged in several columns of cells, each arranged in a series, such as a NAND string. Each cell stores no more than a single charge storage state.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2006Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chih Chieh Yeh, Wen Jer Tsai, Yi Ying Liao