Patents by Inventor Yen-Huei Chen

Yen-Huei Chen 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: 10275561
    Abstract: A system includes a net-identifying module and a false path-eliminating module. The net-identifying module is configured to receive first and second electronic lists associated with a circuit unit, to identify a net of the circuit unit based on the first electronic list, and to provide a net information output that includes information associated with the net. The false path-eliminating module is coupled to the net-identifying module and is configured to eliminate a false path of the circuit unit in the second electronic list based on the net information output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Chun-Jiun Dai, Hung-Jen Liao, Wei-Min Chan, Yen-Huei Chen
  • Publication number: 20190122960
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of three dimensional conductive lines comprising a first memory column segment in a first tier, a second memory column segment in a second tier, and conductive lines connecting the first memory column segment to the second memory column segment. In some embodiments a conductive line is disposed in the first tier on a first side of the memory column and in the second tier on a second side of the memory column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Yu Lin, Kao-Cheng Lin, Li-Wen Wang, Yen-Huei Chen
  • Patent number: 10268787
    Abstract: A hybrid timing analysis method includes: receiving a pre-layout netlist, a post-layout netlist and a configuration file associated with an integrated circuit design; generating a first measurement script and an input stimulus waveform file according to the configuration file; performing a first dynamic timing analysis upon the pre-layout netlist by using the first measurement script and the input stimulus waveform file to generate a pre-layout simulation result; identifying at least one data path and at least one clock path according to the pre-layout simulation result; generating a second measurement script according to the at least on data path and at least one clock path; and performing a second dynamic timing analysis upon the post-layout netlist by using the second measurement script and the input stimulus waveform file to generate a first post-layout simulation result. Associated system and non-transitory computer readable medium are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Chun-Jiun Dai, Wei Min Chan, Yen-Huei Chen, Hung-Jen Liao, Jonathan Tsung-Yung Chang
  • Publication number: 20190108875
    Abstract: A bit line architecture for dual-port static random-access memory (DP SRAM) is provided. An array of memory cells is arranged in rows and columns, and comprises a first subarray and a second subarray. A first pair of complementary bit lines (CBLs) extends along a column, from a first side of the array, and terminates between the first and second subarrays. A second pair of CBLs extends from the first side of the array, along the column, to a second side of the array. The CBLs of the second pair of CBLs have stepped profiles between the first and second subarrays. A third pair of CBLs and a fourth pair of CBLs extend along the column. The first and third pairs of CBLs electrically couple to memory cells in the first subarray, and the second and fourth pairs of CBLs electrically couple to memory cells in the second subarray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Sahil Preet Singh, Jung-Hsuan Chen, Yen-Huei Chen, Avinash Chander, Albert Ying
  • Publication number: 20190108874
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a semiconductor memory device includes an array of semiconductor memory cells arranged in rows and columns. The array includes a first segment of memory cells and a second segment of memory cells. A first pair of complementary local bit lines extend over the first segment of memory cells and is coupled to multiple memory cells along a first column within the first segment of memory cells. A second pair of complementary local bit lines extend over the second segment of memory cells and is coupled to multiple memory cells along the first column within the second segment of memory cells. A pair of switches is arranged between the first and second segments of memory cells. The pair of switches is configured to selectively couple the first pair of complementary local bit lines in series with the second pair of complementary local bit lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Mahmut Sinangil, Hidehiro Fujiwara, Hung-Jen Liao, Jonathan Tsung-Yung Chang, Yen-Huei Chen, Sahil Preet Singh
  • Publication number: 20190103158
    Abstract: A circuit includes a column of memory cells, a first read data line coupled exclusively with a first subset of memory cells of the column of memory cells, a second read data line coupled exclusively with a second subset of memory cells of the column of memory cells, and a plurality of read word lines. Each read word line of the plurality of read word lines is coupled with a memory cell of the first subset of memory cells and with a memory cell of the second subset of memory cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Inventors: Hidehiro FUJIWARA, Li-Wen WANG, Yen-Huei CHEN, Hung-Jen LIAO
  • Publication number: 20190096478
    Abstract: A memory device includes a memory cell array comprising a plurality of memory cells wherein each of the plurality of memory cells is configured to be in a data state, and a physically unclonable function (PUF) generator. The PUF generator further includes a first sense amplifier, coupled to the plurality of memory cells, wherein while the plurality of memory cells are being accessed, the first sense amplifier is configured to compare accessing speeds of first and second memory cells of the plurality of memory cells, and based on the comparison, provide a first output signal for generating a first PUF signature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Chien-Chen LIN, Wei-Min Chan, Chih-Yu Lin, Shih-Lien Linus Lu, Yen-Huei Chen
  • Publication number: 20190096476
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a bit-cell are presented. The bit-cell comprises a read-port circuit and a write-port circuit. The read-port circuit comprises four transistors, wherein the read-port circuit is activated by a first threshold voltage. The write-port circuit comprises eight transistors, wherein the write-port circuit is activated by a second threshold voltage. The write-port circuit is coupled to the read-port circuit. The first threshold voltage and the second threshold voltage may be different and may be provided by a single supply voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Yen-Huei Chen, Mahmut Sinangil, Hung-Jen Liao, Tsung-Yung Chang
  • Publication number: 20190066774
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes an array of memory cells arranged in a plurality of rows and columns, with each memory cell including a plurality of bit cell transistors. The semiconductor memory device further includes a plurality of write assist circuits, including one or more write assist circuits within each column of the array of memory cells, each write assist circuit configured to provide a core voltage to memory cells within the same column and to reduce the core voltage during a write operation. The array of memory cells and the plurality of write assist circuits have a common semiconductor layout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Sahil Preet Singh, Yen-Huei Chen, Hung-Jen Liao
  • Publication number: 20190067264
    Abstract: A memory array includes a column of cells arranged along a first direction and a bit line extending along the first direction over the column of cells. The column of cells includes a set of memory cells and a set of strap cells. The bit line includes a first conductor in a second conductor. The first conductor extends in the first direction and is in a first conductive layer. The second conductor extends in the first direction and is in a second conductive layer different from the first conductive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Hidehiro FUJIWARA, Hung-Jen LIAO, Hsien-Yu PAN, Chih-Yu LIN, Yen-Huei CHEN, Sahil Preet SINGH
  • Patent number: 10204660
    Abstract: A device includes a memory array including a first sub-bank, a second sub-bank, a first strap cell and a data line. The first strap cell is arranged between the first sub-bank and the second sub-bank. The data line includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is arranged across the first sub-bank. The second portion is arranged across the second sub-bank, and is coupled to the first portion via the first strap cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jonathan Tsung-Yung Chang, Cheng-Hung Lee, Chi-Ting Cheng, Hung-Jen Liao, Jhon-Jhy Liaw, Yen-Huei Chen
  • Publication number: 20190035779
    Abstract: A device includes a diode circuit. The diode circuit is coupled between a first input/output (I/O) pin and a second I/O pin of a circuit, and is configured to be turned off. The diode circuit is configured to provide a first discharging path for the first I/O pin of the circuit and a second discharging path for the second I/O pin of the circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sahil Preet SINGH, Yen-Huei CHEN, Hung-Jen LIAO
  • Publication number: 20190035455
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes embodiments of a write assist circuit. The write assist circuit can include a control circuit and a voltage generator. The control circuit can be configured to receive memory address information associated with a memory write operation for memory cells. The voltage generator can be configured to provide a reference voltage to one or more bitlines coupled to the memory cells. The voltage generator can include two capacitive elements, where during the memory write operation, (i) one of the capacitive elements can be configured to couple the reference voltage to a first negative voltage, and (ii) based on the memory address information, both capacitive elements can be configured to cumulatively couple the reference voltage to a second negative voltage that is lower than the first negative voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidehiro FUJIWARA, Chih-Yu Lin, Sahil Preet Singh, Hsien-Yu Pan, Yen-Huei Chen, Hung-Jen Liao
  • Publication number: 20190018917
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a hybrid timing analysis method. The method includes: receiving a pre-layout netlist, a post-layout netlist and a configuration file associated with an integrated circuit design; generating a first measurement script and an input stimulus waveform file according to the configuration file; performing a first dynamic timing analysis upon the pre-layout netlist by using the first measurement script and the input stimulus waveform file to generate a pre-layout simulation result; identifying at least one data path and at least one clock path according to the pre-layout simulation result; generating a second measurement script according to the at least on data path and at least one clock path; and performing a second dynamic timing analysis upon the post-layout netlist by using the second measurement script and the input stimulus waveform file to generate a first post-layout simulation result. Associated system and non-transitory computer readable medium are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: CHUN-JIUN DAI, WEI MIN CHAN, YEN-HUEI CHEN, HUNG-JEN LIAO, JONATHAN TSUNG-YUNG CHANG
  • Patent number: 10176864
    Abstract: A static random access memory (SRAM) includes a bit cell that receives an operating voltage and a reference voltage, and includes a p-type pass gate. A bit information path is connected to the bit cell by the p-type pass gate, and a pre-discharge circuit is connected to the bit information path. The pre-discharge circuit includes an n-type transistor that discharges the bit information path to the reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Cheng Wu, Wei Min Chan, Yen-Huei Chen, Hung-Jen Liao, Ping-Wei Wang
  • Publication number: 20190004718
    Abstract: Various embodiments for configurable memory storage systems are disclosed. The configurable memory storages selectively choose an operational voltage signal from among multiple operational voltage signals to dynamically control various operational parameters. For example, the configurable memory storages selectively choose a maximum operational voltage signal from among the multiple operational voltage signals to maximize read/write speed. As another example, the configurable memory storages selectively choose a minimum operational voltage signal from among the multiple operational voltage signals to control minimize power consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Yu-Hao HSU, Cheng Hung Lee, Chen-Lin Yang, Chiting Cheng, Fu-An Wu, Hung-Jen Liao, Jung-Ping Yang, Jonathan Tsung-Yung Chang, Wei Min Chan, Yen-Huei Chen, Yangsyu Lin, Chien-Chen Lin
  • Patent number: 10163497
    Abstract: A three dimensional dual-port bit cell generally comprises a first portion disposed on a first tier, wherein the first portion includes a plurality of port elements. The dual-port bit cell also includes a second portion disposed on a second tier that is vertically stacked with respect to the first tier using at least one via, wherein the second portion includes a latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei Min Chan, Wei-Cheng Wu, Yen-Huei Chen
  • Patent number: 10163759
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of three dimensional conductive lines comprising a first memory column segment in a first tier, a second memory column segment in a second tier, and conductive lines connecting the first memory column segment to the second memory column segment. In some embodiments a conductive line is disposed in the first tier on a first side of the memory column and in the second tier on a second side of the memory column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Yu Lin, Kao-Cheng Lin, Li-Wen Wang, Yen-Huei Chen
  • Patent number: 10163491
    Abstract: A memory circuit includes first and second memory cells. The first memory cell has an access port having a pass gate. The second memory cell also has an access port having a pass gate. The first and second memory cells abut one another along a column direction. The circuit includes at least one conductive structure over the first and second memory cells. The conductive structure may be two interconnected conductive lines. The conductive structure extends along a row direction in a conductive layer and is electrically coupled to the gate terminals of the pass gates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hidehiro Fujiwara, Li-Wen Wang, Yen-Huei Chen, Hung-Jen Liao
  • Publication number: 20180366467
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a memory device including first and second conductive lines extending generally in parallel with one another within over a row of memory cells. A centerline extends generally in parallel with the first and second conductive lines and is spaced between the first and second conductive lines. A first plurality of conductive line segments is over the first conductive line. Conductive line segments of the first plurality of conductive line segments are coupled to different locations on the first conductive line. A second plurality of conductive line segments are disposed over the second conductive line, and are coupled to different locations on the second conductive line. The first plurality of conductive line segments and the second plurality of conductive line segments are collinear along the centerline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Sahil Preet Singh, Yen-Huei Chen