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).

  • Patent number: 7514742
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih Chieh Yeh, Wen Jer Tsai
  • Publication number: 20090080254
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi Ying Liao, Wen Jer Tsai, Chih Chieh Yeh
  • Patent number: 7491599
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen Jer Tsai, Tien Fan Ou, Erh-Kun Lai
  • Patent number: 7492638
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsuan Ling Kao, Wen Jer Tsai, Tien Fan Ou, Yi Ying Liao
  • Patent number: 7486568
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi Ying Liao, Chih Chieh Yeh, Wen Jer Tsai, Tao Cheng Lu
  • Publication number: 20090026460
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tien-Fan Ou, Wen-Jer Tsai
  • Patent number: 7474558
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi Ying Liao, Wen Jer Tsai, Chih Chieh Yeh
  • Patent number: 7440328
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: MACRONIX International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi Ying Liao, Chih Chieh Yeh, Wen Jer Tsai
  • Patent number: 7419868
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tien Fan Ou, Wen Jer Tsai, Erh-Kun Lai, Hsuan Ling Kao
  • Publication number: 20080173896
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ta-Wei Lin, Wen-Jer Tsai
  • Publication number: 20080164523
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ta-Wei Lin, Wen-Jer Tsai
  • Patent number: 7397701
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih Chieh Yeh, Wen Jer Tsai, Yi Ying Liao
  • Publication number: 20080144371
    Abstract: A multi-Level Cell (MLC) can be used to store, for example, 4 bits per cell by storing two bits on each of two sides. Each side can store, e.g., four different current level states that can be determined by the number of holes injected into, e.g., nitride layer, during programming. As more holes are injected the current decreases for a given voltage. The current can be low, therefore, it can be advantageous in one embodiment to use a current amplifier. The current amplifier can be a BJT, MOS or other type of device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Chieh Yeh, Wen-Jer Tsai, Yi-Ying Liao
  • Publication number: 20080135920
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi Ying Liao, Wen Jer Tsai, Chih Chieh Yeh
  • Publication number: 20080117672
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsuan Ling Kao, Wen Jer Tsai, Tien Fan Ou
  • Publication number: 20080117677
    Abstract: A vertical nonvolatile memory cell with a charge storage structure includes a charge control structure with three 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: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tien Fan Ou, Wen Jer Tsai, Hsuan Ling Kao, Yi Ying Liao
  • Publication number: 20080116499
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tien Fan Ou, Wen Jer Tsai, Erh Kun Lai, Hsuan Ling Kao
  • Publication number: 20080117673
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsuan Ling Kao, Wen Jer Tsai, Tien Fan Ou, Yi Ying Liao
  • Patent number: 7327611
    Abstract: A memory cell with a charge trapping structure is operated by measuring current between the substrate region of the memory cell and at least one of the source region of the memory cell and the drain region of the memory cell. The read operation decreases the coupling between different parts of the charge trapping structure when other parts of the charge trapping structure store data that are not of interest. The sensing window of the memory cell can be greatly improved by this read operation. The memory cell is erased by increasing the net positive charge on the memory cell and programmed by increasing the net negative charge on the memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih Chieh Yeh, Wen Jer Tsai, Tao Cheng Lu
  • Patent number: 7321145
    Abstract: A nonvolatile memory cell with a charge storage structure is read by measuring current (such as band-to-band current) between the substrate region of the memory cell and at least one of the current carrying nodes of the memory cell. To enhance the operation of the nonvolatile memory cell, the band structure engineering is used to alter the band structure between a bulk part of the device and another part of the device supporting the measurement current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih Chieh Yeh, Wen Jer Tsai