Patents by Inventor Yi-Chun Liu

Yi-Chun Liu 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: 11340980
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus including computer-readable mediums for managing open blocks in memory systems such as NAND flash memory devices are provided. In one aspect, a memory system includes a memory and a memory controller. The memory includes multiple blocks each having a plurality of word lines. The memory controller is coupled to the memory and configured to: evaluate a read disturbance level of an open block, the open block having one or more programmed word lines and one or more blank word lines, and in response to determining that the read disturbance level of the open block is beyond a threshold level, manage each memory cell in at least one of the blank word lines to have a smaller data storing capacity than each memory cell in at least one of the one or more programmed word lines so as to reduce impact of read disturbance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi-Chun Liu, Wei Jie Chen, Ching Ting Lu, Zheng Wu
  • Publication number: 20220149172
    Abstract: A device comprises a plurality of nanosheets, source/drain stressors, and a gate structure wrapping around the nanosheets. The nanosheets extend in a first direction above a semiconductor substrate and are arranged in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The source/drain stressors are on either side of the nanosheets. Each of the source/drain stressors comprises a first epitaxial layer and a second epitaxial layer over the first epitaxial layer. The first and second epitaxial layers are made of a Group IV element and a Group V element. An atomic ratio of the Group V element to the Group IV element in the second epitaxial layer is greater than an atomic ratio of the Group V element to the Group IV element in the first epitaxial layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Applicants: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD., NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Chung-En TSAI, Chia-Che CHUNG, Chee-Wee LIU, Fang-Liang LU, Yu-Shiang HUANG, Hung-Yu YEH, Chien-Te TU, Yi-Chun LIU
  • Publication number: 20220122677
    Abstract: A memory device includes a memory cell array and a memory controller. The memory cell array includes a plurality of memory blocks. Each of the memory blocks includes a plurality of word lines. A plurality of memory chunks is coupled to at least one of the word lines. The memory controller is configured to program data to a particular memory chunk of the plurality of memory chunks by performing a chunk operation that includes selecting a particular word line from the plurality of word lines, selecting a particular memory chunk from the plurality of memory chunks that are coupled to the particular word line, and applying a program voltage to a particular memory block corresponding to the particular memory chunk to program data to the particular memory chunk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2021
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Inventor: Yi-Chun Liu
  • Patent number: 11257552
    Abstract: A memory device includes a memory cell array and a memory controller. The memory cell array includes a plurality of memory blocks. Each of the memory blocks includes a plurality of word lines. A plurality of memory chunks is coupled to at least one of the word lines. The memory controller is configured to program data to a particular memory chunk of the plurality of memory chunks by performing a chunk operation that includes selecting a particular word line from the plurality of word lines, selecting a particular memory chunk from the plurality of memory chunks that are coupled to the particular word line, and applying a program voltage to a particular memory block corresponding to the particular memory chunk to program data to the particular memory chunk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yi-Chun Liu
  • Patent number: 11233120
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a gate-all-around (GAA) transistor. The GAA transistor may include regrown source/drain layers in source/drain stressors. Atomic ratio differences among the regrown source/drain layers are tuned to reduce strain mismatch among the semiconductor nanosheets. Alternatively, the GAA transistor may include strained channels formed using a layer stack of alternating semiconductor layers having different lattice constants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignees: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD., NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Chung-En Tsai, Chia-Che Chung, Chee-Wee Liu, Fang-Liang Lu, Yu-Shiang Huang, Hung-Yu Yeh, Chien-Te Tu, Yi-Chun Liu
  • Publication number: 20210397510
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus including computer-readable mediums for managing open blocks in memory systems such as NAND flash memory devices are provided. In one aspect, a memory system includes a memory and a memory controller. The memory includes multiple blocks each having a plurality of word lines. The memory controller is coupled to the memory and configured to: evaluate a read disturbance level of an open block, the open block having one or more programmed word lines and one or more blank word lines, and in response to determining that the read disturbance level of the open block is beyond a threshold level, manage each memory cell in at least one of the blank word lines to have a smaller data storing capacity than each memory cell in at least one of the one or more programmed word lines so as to reduce impact of read disturbance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Inventors: Yi-Chun Liu, Wei Jie Chen, Ching Ting Lu, Zheng Wu
  • Publication number: 20210400805
    Abstract: A base material is provided. A first patterned circuit layer and a second patterned circuit layer are formed on a first surface and a second surface of the base material. A first insulation layer and a metal reflection layer are provided on the first patterned circuit layer and a portion of the first surface exposed by the first patterned circuit layer, wherein the metal reflection layer covers the first insulation layer, and a reflectance of the metal reflection layer is substantially greater than or equal to 85%, there is no conductive material between the first patterned circuit layer and the metal reflection layer. A first ink layer is formed on the first insulation layer before the metal reflection layer is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2021
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Applicant: UNIFLEX Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Cheng-I Tu, Ying-Hsing Chen, Meng-Huan Chia, Hsin-Ching Su, Yi-Chun Liu, Cheng-Chung Lai, Yuan-Chih Lee
  • Publication number: 20210385943
    Abstract: A first and second patterned circuit layer are formed on a first surface and a second surface of a base material. A first adhesive layer is formed on the first patterned circuit layer. A portion of the first surface is exposed by the first patterned circuit layer. The metal reflection layer covers the first insulation layer and a reflectance thereof is greater than or equal to 85%, there is no conductive material between the first patterned circuit layer and the metal reflection layer, and the first adhesive layer is disposed between the first patterned circuit layer and the first insulation layer. A transparent adhesive layer and a protection layer are formed on the metal reflection layer. The transparent adhesive layer is disposed between the metal reflection layer and the protection layer. The protection layer comprises a transparent polymer. The light transmittance is greater than or equal to 80%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2021
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Applicant: UNIFLEX Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Cheng-I Tu, Ying-Hsing Chen, Meng-Huan Chia, Hsin-Ching Su, Yi-Chun Liu, Cheng-Chung Lai, Yuan-Chih Lee
  • Publication number: 20210342094
    Abstract: A memory controller managing a memory device receives a memory read command from a host device that is communicably coupled to the memory device. The memory device includes a storage memory comprising a first type of memory cells and a cache memory comprising a second type of memory cells. The memory controller determines, from the memory read command, a physical address of a target memory location in the storage memory indicated by the memory read command. The memory controller executes a read operation on the target memory location corresponding to the physical address. The memory controller determines a read attribute of the target memory location. Conditioned on determining that the read attribute satisfies one or more threshold conditions, the memory controller programs an entry in the cache memory with information corresponding to the target memory location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ting-Yu Liu, Yi-Chun Liu
  • Publication number: 20210328012
    Abstract: A method includes forming a fin structure having a stack of alternating first semiconductor layers and second semiconductor layers over a substrate; forming a dummy gate structure across the fin structure; etching portions of the fin structure to expose portions of the substrate; forming source/drain stressors over the exposed portions of the substrate; after forming the source/drain stressors, removing the dummy gate structure; after removing the dummy gate structure, removing the first semiconductor layers such that the second semiconductor layers are suspended between the source/drain stressors; and forming a gate structure to surround each of the suspended second semiconductor layers. The source/drain stressors each comprise a first source/drain layer and a second source/drain layer over the first source/drain layer. An atomic concentration of a Group IV element or a Group V element in the second source/drain layer is greater than that in the first source/drain layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2020
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Applicants: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD., NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Chung-En TSAI, Chia-Che CHUNG, Chee-Wee LIU, Fang-Liang LU, Yu-Shiang HUANG, Hung-Yu YEH, Chien-Te TU, Yi-Chun LIU
  • Patent number: 11147157
    Abstract: A substrate structure with high reflectance includes a base material, a patterned circuit layer, an insulating layer and a metal reflecting layer. The base material includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The patterned circuit layer is disposed on the first surface. The insulating layer covers the patterned circuit layer and a part of the first surface exposed by the patterned circuit layer. The metal reflecting layer covers the insulating layer, and a reflectance of the metal reflecting layer is substantially greater than or equal to 85%. A manufacturing method of a substrate structure with high reflectance is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: UNIFLEX Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Cheng-I Tu, Ying-Hsing Chen, Meng-Huan Chia, Hsin-Ching Su, Yi-Chun Liu, Cheng-Chung Lai, Yuan-Chih Lee
  • Patent number: 11140773
    Abstract: A substrate structure with high reflectance includes a base material, a patterned circuit layer, an insulating layer and a metal reflecting layer. The base material includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The patterned circuit layer is disposed on the first surface. The insulating layer covers the patterned circuit layer and a part of the first surface exposed by the patterned circuit layer. The metal reflecting layer covers the insulating layer, and a reflectance of the metal reflecting layer is substantially greater than or equal to 85%. A manufacturing method of a substrate structure with high reflectance is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: UNIFLEX Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Cheng-I Tu, Ying-Hsing Chen, Meng-Huan Chia, Hsin-Ching Su, Yi-Chun Liu, Cheng-Chung Lai, Yuan-Chih Lee
  • Patent number: 11068204
    Abstract: A memory device and an access method applied to the memory device are provided. The memory device is electrically connected to a host, and the memory device includes a memory circuit and a memory controller. The memory circuit includes a first memory array and a second memory array. The first memory array and the second memory array respectively provide a first physical space and a second physical space. The memory controller receives an access command from the host. The memory controller performs the access command to the first physical space when the access command is a first type of command, and the memory controller performs the access command to the second physical space when the access command is a second type of command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yi-Chun Liu
  • Publication number: 20210210704
    Abstract: A conformal organic field-effect transistor includes an elastic substrate, a gate electrode, a polymer insulating layer, an organic semiconductor layer, and a source electrode and a drain electrode from the bottom up, the source electrode and the drain electrode being embedded in the organic semiconductor layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: Qing xin TANG, Xiaoli ZHAO, Yan hong TONG, Yi chun LIU
  • Publication number: 20210202770
    Abstract: A solar cell module is provided. The solar cell module includes a first substrate, a second substrate opposite the first substrate, a cell unit disposed between the first and second substrates, a first thermosetting resin layer disposed between the cell unit and the first substrate, a first thermoplastic resin layer disposed between the cell unit and the first thermosetting resin layer, a second thermosetting resin layer disposed between the cell unit and the second substrate, and a second thermoplastic resin layer disposed between the cell unit and the second thermosetting resin layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Min-Tsung KUAN, Wen-Hsien WANG, Yi-Chun LIU, Hsin-Hsin HSIEH, Chiou-Chu LAI
  • Patent number: 10990528
    Abstract: A request is received to access physical information of a memory unit included in a memory device. A determination is made whether the physical information is available in a physical information table present in a memory cache. If the physical information of the memory unit is available in the table, the physical information is accessed from the table. If the physical information is not available in the table, a global directory in the memory cache is accessed, which indicates locations in a non-volatile memory that store the total number of the physical information blocks. From the global directory, a particular location in the non-volatile memory storing a particular physical information block that includes the physical information of the memory unit is determined. The particular physical information block is loaded into the table and the physical information of the memory unit is accessed from the particular physical information block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yi-Chun Liu
  • Patent number: 10916310
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus including computer-readable mediums for partially erasing blocks in a memory system to increase reliability are provided. In one aspect, a memory system includes a memory having a plurality of blocks and a memory controller coupled to the memory. The memory controller is configured to: execute a first erase operation on a particular block in the memory, the particular block including multiple sub-blocks each having respective memory cells, one or more memory cells in the particular block being in one or more programmed states before the first erase operation, then execute a second erase operation on a first sub-block of the particular block such that first respective memory cells of the first sub-block are in an erased state after the second erase operation. The memory controller can be configured to not execute the second erase operation on the one or more other sub-blocks of the particular block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi-Chun Liu, Yiching Liu
  • Publication number: 20200371710
    Abstract: A memory device and an access method applied to the memory device are provided. The memory device is electrically connected to a host, and the memory device includes a memory circuit and a memory controller. The memory circuit includes a first memory array and a second memory array. The first memory array and the second memory array respectively provide a first physical space and a second physical space. The memory controller receives an access command from the host. The memory controller performs the access command to the first physical space when the access command is a first type of command, and the memory controller performs the access command to the second physical space when the access command is a second type of command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Inventor: Yi-Chun LIU
  • Publication number: 20200357472
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus including computer-readable mediums for partially erasing blocks in a memory system to increase reliability are provided. In one aspect, a memory system includes a memory having a plurality of blocks and a memory controller coupled to the memory. The memory controller is configured to: execute a first erase operation on a particular block in the memory, the particular block including multiple sub-blocks each having respective memory cells, one or more memory cells in the particular block being in one or more programmed states before the first erase operation, then execute a second erase operation on a first sub-block of the particular block such that first respective memory cells of the first sub-block are in an erased state after the second erase operation. The memory controller can be configured to not execute the second erase operation on the one or more other sub-blocks of the particular block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Applicant: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi-Chun Liu, Yiching Liu
  • Publication number: 20200305275
    Abstract: A substrate structure with high reflectance includes a base material, a patterned circuit layer, an insulating layer and a metal reflecting layer. The base material includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The patterned circuit layer is disposed on the first surface. The insulating layer covers the patterned circuit layer and a part of the first surface exposed by the patterned circuit layer. The metal reflecting layer covers the insulating layer, and a reflectance of the metal reflecting layer is substantially greater than or equal to 85%. A manufacturing method of a substrate structure with high reflectance is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Applicant: UNIFLEX Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Cheng-I Tu, Ying-Hsing Chen, Meng-Huan Chia, Hsin-Ching Su, Yi-Chun Liu, Cheng-Chung Lai, Yuan-Chih Lee