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).

  • Publication number: 20210225420
    Abstract: Systems and method are provided for a memory circuit. In embodiments, the circuit includes a plurality of memory cells corresponding to a word of data and a global write word line. A plurality of local write lines are connected to a subset of the plurality of memory cells of the word of data. Selection logic is configured to activate a particular subset of memory cells for writing via a particular local write line based on a signal on the global write line and a selection signal associated with the particular subset of memory cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: Yi-Hsin Nien, Hidehiro Fujiwara, Yen-Huei Chen
  • Publication number: 20210217446
    Abstract: A device disclosed includes first and second rows of memory cells, a first data line, and a first continuous data line. The first and second rows of memory cells are arranged in a first sub-bank and a second sub-bank, separated from the first sub-bank, respectively. The first data line is arranged across the first sub-bank and coupled to a first memory cell in the first row of memory cells. The first continuous data line includes a first portion arranged across the first sub-bank and a second portion arranged across the second sub-bank. The first continuous data line is coupled to a second memory cell in the second row of memory cells. The first portion of the first continuous data line is disposed in a first metal layer. The first data line and the second portion of the first continuous data line are in a second metal layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Applicant: 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: 20210217742
    Abstract: A memory array includes a first memory cell configured to store data, a second memory cell configured to store data and a bit line extending along the first direction, and being over the first memory cell and the second memory cell. The first memory cell and the second memory cell are arranged along a first direction in a first column of memory cells. The bit line includes a first conductor extending in the first direction and being in a first conductive layer, and a second conductor extending in the first direction and being in a second conductive layer different from the first conductive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Hidehiro FUJIWARA, Sahil Preet SINGH, Chih-Yu LIN, Hsien-Yu PAN, Yen-Huei CHEN, Hung-Jen LIAO
  • Patent number: 11062739
    Abstract: A semiconductor chip is provided. The semiconductor chip includes a memory cell and a logic cell disposed aside the memory cell, and includes signal and ground lines with the memory and logic cells located therebetween. The memory cell includes first and second active structures extending along a first direction, and includes a storage transmission gate line, first through third gate lines and a read transmission gate line extending along a second direction. The storage transmission gate line includes first and second line segments, which respectively extends across the active structures. The first through third gate lines continuously extend across the first and second active structures. The read transmission gate line includes third and fourth line segments, which respectively extend across the active structures. The first through third gate lines are located between the storage and read transmission gate lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidehiro Fujiwara, Hsien-Yu Pan, Chih-Yu Lin, Yen-Huei Chen, Wei-Chang Zhao
  • Publication number: 20210201990
    Abstract: A memory device is provided. The memory device includes a memory cell and a bit line connected to the memory cell. A negative voltage generator is connected to the bit line. The negative voltage generator, when enabled, is operative to provide a first write path for the bit line. A control circuit is connected to the negative voltage generator and the bit line. The control circuit is operative to provide a second write path for the bit line when the negative voltage generator is not enabled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventors: Yi-Hsin Nien, Hidehiro Fujiwara, Chih-Yu Lin, Yen-Huei Chen
  • Publication number: 20210201991
    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: March 17, 2021
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventors: Sahil Preet Singh, Yen-Huei Chen, Hung-Jen Liao
  • Publication number: 20210201999
    Abstract: A cell structure is disclosed. The cell structure includes a first unit comprising a first group of transistors and a first data latch, a second unit comprising a second group of transistors and a second data latch a read port unit comprising a plurality of p-type transistors, a search line and a complementary search line, the search line and the complementary search line function as input of the cell structure, and a master line, the master line functions as an output of the cell structure, the first unit is coupled to the second unit, both the first and the second units are coupled to the read port unit. According to some embodiments, the first data latch comprises a first and a second p-type transistors, a first and a second n-type transistors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventors: Hidehiro Fujiwara, Hung-Jen Liao, Hsien-Yu Pan, Chih-Yu Lin, Yen-Huei Chen, Chien-Chen Lin
  • Publication number: 20210201961
    Abstract: Header circuitry for a memory device includes multiple backside power rails that form distinct voltage sources for a plurality of switching devices in the header circuitry. The header circuitry includes at least one region of a first conductivity type. A first section in the first region includes one backside power rail (BPR) that forms a first voltage source that provides a first voltage. A second section in the same first region includes another BPR that forms a second voltage source that provides a second voltage that is different from the first voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruki MORI, Chien-Chi TIEN, Chia-En HUANG, Hidehiro FUJIWARA, Yen-Huei CHEN, Feng-Lun CHEN
  • Publication number: 20210200452
    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 minimize power consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    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: 11048840
    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 select, in the second electronic list, a path of the circuit unit that does not traverse through the net and provide a path information output that includes information associated with the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Chun-Jiun Dai, Hung-Jen Liao, Wei-Min Chan, Yen-Huei Chen
  • Patent number: 11043264
    Abstract: A method of performing a write operation on a static random access memory (SRAM) bit cell includes activating the bit cell by supplying a signal to a p-type pass gate of the bit cell, the signal causing the p-type pass gate to be in a conductive state, using a p-type transistor of a write multiplexer to maintain a data line at a logically high voltage, and transferring bit information from the data line to the activated bit cell using the p-type pass gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Cheng Wu, Wei Min Chan, Yen-Huei Chen, Hung-Jen Liao, Ping-Wei Wang
  • Publication number: 20210183418
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes various exemplary memory storage devices that can be programmed to bypass one or more memory cells in a bypass mode of operation. The various exemplary memory storage devices can adjust, for example, pull-up or pull-down, the electronic data as the electronic data passes through these exemplary memory storage devices in the bypass mode of operation. In some situations, the various exemplary memory storage devices may introduce an unwanted bias into the electronic data as the electronic data passes through these exemplary memory storage devices in the bypass mode of operation. The various exemplary memory storage devices can pull-down the electronic data and/or pull-up the electronic data as the electronic data is passing through these exemplary memory storage devices in the bypass mode of operation to compensate for this unwanted bias.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidehiro FUJIWARA, Yen-Huei CHEN
  • Patent number: 11037644
    Abstract: A testing circuit for testing a multi-port random access memory includes an input circuit, a first port testing circuit and a second port testing circuit. The input circuit receives a testing clock signal and a test mode enable signal and is configured to provide the testing clock signal according to the test mode enable signal. The first port testing circuit is coupled to the input circuit, and is configured to output a first word line enable signal for a first port of the multi-port random access memory according to the testing clock signal and a first delay signal. The second port testing circuit is coupled to the input circuit, and is configured to output a second word line enable signal for a second port of the multi-port random access memory according to the testing clock signal and a second delay signal. The first word line enable signal and the second word line enable signal are asserted at the same time, and the first word line enable signal is de-asserted before the second word line enable signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidehiro Fujiwara, Yen-Huei Chen
  • Patent number: 11037934
    Abstract: A device includes a Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) array, and an SRAM cell edge region abutting the SRAM array. The SRAM array and the SRAM cell edge region in combination include first gate electrodes having a uniform pitch. A word line driver abuts the SRAM cell edge region. The word line driver includes second gate electrodes, and the first gate electrodes have lengthwise directions aligned to lengthwise directions of respective ones of the second gate electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Fang Chen, Jhon Jhy Liaw, Min-Chang Liang, Ren-Fen Tsui, Shih-Chi Fu, Yen-Huei Chen
  • Patent number: 11031055
    Abstract: A memory macro includes a first memory cell array, a first tracking circuit, a first and a second transistor. The first tracking circuit includes a first set of memory cells configured as a first set of loading cells responsive to a first control signal, a second set of memory cells configured as a first set of pull-down cells responsive to a second control signal, and a first tracking bit line extending over the first tracking circuit. The second control signal is inverted from the first control signal. At least the first set of pull-down cells or the first set of loading cells is configured to track a memory cell of the first memory cell array. The first and second transistor are coupled to the first tracking bit line, and are configured to charge the first tracking bit line to a pre-charge voltage level responsive to a third control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chien-Kuo Su, Cheng Hung Lee, Chiting Cheng, Hung-Jen Liao, Jonathan Tsung-Yung Chang, Yen-Huei Chen, Pankaj Aggarwal, Jhon Jhy Liaw
  • Patent number: 11024633
    Abstract: A device is disclosed that includes a memory bit cell coupled to a bit line, a word line, a pair of metal islands and a pair of connection metal lines. The word line is electrically coupled to the memory bit cell and is elongated in a first direction. The pair of metal islands are disposed at opposite sides of the word line and are electrically coupled to a power supply. The pair of connection metal lines are elongated in a second direction, and are configured to electrically couple the pair of metal islands to the memory bit cell, respectively. The pair of connection metal lines are separated from the bit line in a layout view. A method of fabricating the device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hidehiro Fujiwara, Wei-Min Chan, Chih-Yu Lin, Yen-Huei Chen, Hung-Jen Liao
  • Publication number: 20210158864
    Abstract: An SRAM includes multiple memory cells, each memory cell includes a data storage unit; a data I/O control adapted to input data to, and output data from, a data line (BL); and multiple access controls respectively connected to at least two access control lines (WL's) and adapted to enable and disable the data input and output from the at least two WL's (WX and WY). The access controls are configured to permit data input only when both WL's are in their respective states that permit data input. A method of writing to a group of SRAM cells include sending a first write-enable signal to the cells via a first WL, sending a group of respective second write-enable signals to the respective cells, and, for each of the cells, preventing writing data to the cell if either of the first write-enable signal and respective second write enable signal is in a disable-state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Inventors: Hidehiro Fujiwara, Yen-Huei Chen, Yi-Hsin Nien
  • Patent number: 11018142
    Abstract: A memory cell includes a first and second pull up transistor, a first and second pass gate transistor and a metal contact. The first pull up transistor has a first active region extending in a first direction. The first pass gate transistor has a second active region extending in the first direction, and being separated from the first active region in a second direction. The second active region is adjacent to the first active region. The second pass gate transistor is coupled to the second pull up transistor. The metal contact extends in the second direction, and extends from the first active region to the second active region. The metal contact couples drains of the first pull up transistor and the first pass gate transistor. The first and second pass gate transistors and the first and second pull up transistors are part of a four transistor memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hidehiro Fujiwara, Hung-Jen Liao, Hsien-Yu Pan, Chih-Yu Lin, Yen-Huei Chen, Yasutoshi Okuno
  • Patent number: 11011238
    Abstract: A write line circuit includes a power supply node configured to carry a power supply voltage level, a reference node configured to carry a reference voltage level, a first input node configured to receive a first data signal, a second input node configured to receive a second data signal, a third input node configured to receive a control signal, and an output node. The write line circuit is configured to, responsive to the first data signal, the second data signal, and the control signal, either output one of the power supply voltage level or the reference voltage level on the output node, or float the output node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Manish Arora, Hung-Jen Liao, Yen-Huei Chen, Nikhil Puri, Yu-Hao Hsu
  • Publication number: 20210125665
    Abstract: A memory device is provided. The memory device comprises a memory cell array, a first control circuit, and a second control circuit. The memory cell array has a plurality of memory cells, wherein each of the plurality of memory cells comprises a first port and a second port. The first control circuit is disposed on a first side of the memory cell array and is arranged to electrically connect to the plurality of first ports. The second control circuit is disposed on the first side of the memory cell array and is arranged to electrically connect to the plurality of second ports. The plurality of first ports are different from the plurality of second ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Inventors: HIDEHIRO FUJIWARA, YEN-HUEI CHEN