Patents by Inventor Yi-Tzu Chen

Yi-Tzu 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: 9275721
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a high density memory array with reduced read access time are disclosed. Multiple split bit lines are arranged along columns of adjacent memory bit cells. A multiple input sense amplifier is coupled to the multiple split bit lines. The loading on the multiple split bit line is reduced, and the corresponding read speed of the memory array is enhanced over the prior art. The sense amplifier and the memory bit cells have a common cell pitch layout height so that no silicon area penalty arises due to the use of the multiple split bit lines and sense amplifiers. Increased memory array efficiency is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi-Tzu Chen, Bin-Hau Lo, Tsai-Hsin Lai, Pey-Huey Chen, Hau-Tai Shieh
  • Publication number: 20150352399
    Abstract: A running machine with a pulling rope has a treadmill and a rope assembly. The rope assembly is mounted on the treadmill and has a housing and at least one rope set mounted in the housing. Each of the at least one rope set has a pulling rope. An end of the pulling rope is secured in the housing. Another end of the pulling rope protrudes out of the housing and is connected to a grip. The pulling rope is resiliently retracted toward the housing. When a user is exercising on the running machine, one of two hands of the user holds the at least one grip and swings naturally to pull the pulling rope. Resilient restoring force of the pulling ropes provides resistance to the user pulling the pulling ropes. Accordingly, an upper body and a lower body of the user can be trained simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventor: YI-TZU CHEN
  • Patent number: 9208857
    Abstract: An SRAM multiplexing apparatus comprise a plurality of local multiplexers and a global multiplexer. Each local multiplexer is coupled to a memory bank. The global multiplexer has a plurality of inputs, each of which is coupled to a corresponding output of the plurality of local multiplexers. In response to a decoded address in a read operation, an input of a local multiplexer is forwarded to a corresponding input of the global multiplexer. Similarly, the decoded address allows the global multiplexer to forward the input signal to a data out port via a buffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi-Tzu Chen, Wei-jer Hsieh, Tsai-Hsin Lai, Ling-Fang Hsu, Hau-Tai Shieh
  • Publication number: 20150279450
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments for SRAM cells, new control units for SRAM systems, and embodiments of SRAM systems are described herein. An SRAM cell is configured to receive a first input voltage signal and a second input voltage signal with a different value from the first input voltage signal, and to maintain a first stored value signal and a second stored value signal. A control circuit is configured to receive a first input voltage signal and a second input voltage signal, and controlled by a sleep signal, a selection signal, and a data input signal, so that the output of the control circuit is data sensitive to the data input signal. An SRAM system comprises a plurality of SRAM cells, controlled the disclosed control circuit wherein an SRAM cell has two input voltage signals controlled by a data input signal and its complement signal respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Chien-Yuan Chen, Yi-Tzu Chen, Hau-Tai Shieh, Tsung-yung Jonathan Chang
  • Patent number: 9148132
    Abstract: A method of providing an oscillating signal, comprising providing a first constant current flowing from a positive power supply node, the first constant current independent of a variation in a positive power supply node voltage, providing a second constant current flowing from a positive power supply node to a second electrode of a capacitor, a first electrode of the capacitor connected directly to the positive power supply node, the second constant current mirroring the first constant current and charging the capacitor by reducing a voltage across the capacitor. A third constant current is provided flowing from the positive power supply node through a first NMOS transistor and mirroring the first constant current, the first NMOS transistor having a gate connected directly to the second electrode of the capacitor and an oscillating signal generated by turning on the first NMOS transistor when the capacitor reaches a predetermined voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yi-Tzu Chen
  • Publication number: 20150206555
    Abstract: A three dimensional (3D) circuit includes a first layer including at least a first memory cell, a second layer including at least a second memory cell, and a wordline shared by the first memory cell and the second memory cell. The first and second memory cells can be adjacent memory cells or bit cells coupled to different bit lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hao-I YANG, Yi-Tzu CHEN, Cheng-Jen CHANG, Geng-Cing LIN, Yu-Hao HU
  • Patent number: 9058899
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments for SRAM cells, new control units for SRAM systems, and embodiments of SRAM systems are described herein. An SRAM cell is configured to receive a first input voltage signal and a second input voltage signal with a different value from the first input voltage signal, and to maintain a first stored value signal and a second stored value signal. A control circuit is configured to receive a first input voltage signal and a second input voltage signal, and controlled by a sleep signal, a selection signal, and a data input signal, so that the output of the control circuit is data sensitive to the data input signal. An SRAM system comprises a plurality of SRAM cells, controlled the disclosed control circuit wherein an SRAM cell has two input voltage signals controlled by a data input signal and its complement signal respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Yuan Chen, Yi-Tzu Chen, Hau-Tai Shieh, Tsung-Yung Jonathan Chang
  • Publication number: 20150109847
    Abstract: A memory array includes a first memory column having a first bit line, a first word line and a second bit line. The memory array also includes a second memory column having the second bit line, a second word line and a third bit line. The first memory column and the second memory column are configured to share the second bit line. The sharing of the second bit line facilitates sharing one or more memory array components between the first memory column and the second memory column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Hao HU, Yi-Tzu CHEN, Hao-I YANG, Cheng-Jen CHANG, Geng-Cing LIN
  • Patent number: 9007851
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a sense amplifier output buffer configured to buffer an output of a sense amplifier. The sense amplifier output buffer includes a first pull-up element having a source coupled to a first DC supply terminal and having a drain coupled to an output terminal of the sense amplifier output buffer. A first pull-down element is in series with the first pull-up element and has a source coupled to a second DC supply terminal and has a drain coupled to the output terminal. A miller capacitance decoupling circuit is coupled between the drain of the first pull-up element and the drain of the first pull-down element. The miller capacitance decoupling circuit is configured to decouple miller capacitance associated with the drains of the pull-up and pull-down elements from the output terminal. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Yuan Chen, Hau-Tai Shieh, Yi-Tzu Chen, Hong-Chen Cheng
  • Publication number: 20150063039
    Abstract: A circuit includes stacked memory arrays and a control circuit. The stacked memory arrays includes a first layer and a second layer. The control circuit is configured to receive a first address in the first layer; cause the second layer to be enabled for accessing; and provide a second row address for accessing the second layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: CHIEN-YUAN CHEN, CHIEN-YU HUANG, YI-TZU CHEN, HAU-TAI SHIEH
  • Patent number: 8958237
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for executing a write operation in a static random access memory (SRAM) array including memory cells that are coupled to a plurality of word lines and to a plurality of bit lines are provided. A clock signal is generated to start a write operation. A pulse is generated on the plurality of word lines in response to the clock signal. An operation voltage of the SRAM array is lowered for a period of time during the write operation. The period of time is controlled and the pulse is ended using a tracking circuit. The tracking circuit includes a plurality of tracking memory cells. The plurality of tracking memory cells have a timing characteristic that emulates a timing characteristic of the SRAM array during the write operation. The tracking circuit controls the period of time and ends the pulse based on the emulated timing characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Hao-I Yang, Yi-Tzu Chen, Cheng-Jen Chang, Geng-Cing Lin, Yu-Hao Hu, Chia-Hao Hsu
  • Patent number: 8947953
    Abstract: Among other things, techniques for facilitating a write operation to a bit cell are provided. A pulse generator initializes lowering of an internal voltage level associated with a bit cell that is to be written to by a write operation. In this way, the bit cell is placed into a writeable voltage state, such that a potential of the bit cell can be overcome by the write operation. A voltage detector sends a reset signal to the pulse generator based upon the pulse generator lowering the internal voltage level past a reset trigger level. Responsive to receiving the reset signal, the pulse generator initializes charging of the internal voltage level to an original voltage level. In this way, the lowering of the internal voltage level is controlled so that one or more other bit cells are not affected (e.g., suffer data retention failure) by the relatively lower internal voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Wei Min Chan, Yi-Tzu Chen, Wei-Cheng Wu, Yen-Huei Chen, Hau-Tai Shieh
  • Patent number: 8840529
    Abstract: An adjustable elliptical trainer has a base, two driving brackets, two handles, two pedal assemblies and an adjustment assembly. The base has a transmission wheel mounted rotatably thereon. The driving brackets are connected respectively to the transmission wheel. The handles are connected pivotally and respectively to the driving brackets. The pedal assemblies are mounted at opposite sides of the transmission wheels. The adjustment assembly is mounted on the front end of the base and has two guiding rods and a guiding bracket. The guiding rods are mounted on the base. The guiding bracket is connected to the transmission wheel and mounted slidably on the guiding rods. The adjustment assembly allows the pedal assemblies to move along two different elliptical motion paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Yi-Tzu Chen
  • Publication number: 20140233303
    Abstract: An SRAM multiplexing apparatus comprise a plurality of local multiplexers and a global multiplexer. Each local multiplexer is coupled to a memory bank. The global multiplexer has a plurality of inputs, each of which is coupled to a corresponding output of the plurality of local multiplexers. In response to a decoded address in a read operation, an input of a local multiplexer is forwarded to a corresponding input of the global multiplexer. Similarly, the decoded address allows the global multiplexer to forward the input signal to a data out port via a buffer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yi-Tzu Chen, Wei-jer Hsieh, Tsai-Hsin Lai, Ling-Fang Hsu, Hau-Tai Shieh
  • Publication number: 20140221179
    Abstract: A rope pulling exercise apparatus with variable resistance has a main supporting frame, a rotary cylinder assembly pivotally mounted on the main supporting frame, a rotary wheel pivotally mounted on the main supporting frame, a driving device and a resistance generating device. The rotary cylinder assembly has a pull-rope wrapped around a rotary cylinder. The driving device has a driving wheel coaxially mounted on the rotary cylinder, a driven wheel coaxially mounted on the rotary wheel, aligning with the driving wheel and being smaller than the driving wheel in radius, and a transmission belt mounted around the driving wheel and the driven wheel. The resistance generating device selectively resists rotation of the rotary wheel. The rope pulling exercise apparatus provides a user one more option on choosing fitness equipments, and increases the user's desire on exercising.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: Yi-Tzu Chen
  • Publication number: 20140211570
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a sense amplifier output buffer configured to buffer an output of a sense amplifier. The sense amplifier output buffer includes a first pull-up element having a source coupled to a first DC supply terminal and having a drain coupled to an output terminal of the sense amplifier output buffer. A first pull-down element is in series with the first pull-up element and has a source coupled to a second DC supply terminal and has a drain coupled to the output terminal. A miller capacitance decoupling circuit is coupled between the drain of the first pull-up element and the drain of the first pull-down element. The miller capacitance decoupling circuit is configured to decouple miller capacitance associated with the drains of the pull-up and pull-down elements from the output terminal. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Yuan Chen, Hau-Tai Shieh, Yi-Tzu Chen, Hong-Chen Cheng
  • Publication number: 20140185363
    Abstract: Among other things, techniques for facilitating a write operation to a bit cell are provided. A pulse generator initializes lowering of an internal voltage level associated with a bit cell that is to be written to by a write operation. In this way, the bit cell is placed into a writeable voltage state, such that a potential of the bit cell can be overcome by the write operation. A voltage detector sends a reset signal to the pulse generator based upon the pulse generator lowering the internal voltage level past a reset trigger level. Responsive to receiving the reset signal, the pulse generator initializes charging of the internal voltage level to an original voltage level. In this way, the lowering of the internal voltage level is controlled so that one or more other bit cells are not affected (e.g., suffer data retention failure) by the relatively lower internal voltage level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Wei Min Chan, Yi-Tzu Chen, Wei-Cheng Wu, Yen-Huei Chen, Hau-Tai Shieh
  • Patent number: 8750053
    Abstract: An SRAM multiplexing apparatus comprise a plurality of local multiplexers and a global multiplexer. Each local multiplexer is coupled to a memory bank. The global multiplexer has a plurality of inputs, each of which is coupled to a corresponding output of the plurality of local multiplexers. In response to a decoded address in a read operation, an input of a local multiplexer is forwarded to a corresponding input of the global multiplexer. Similarly, the decoded address allows the global multiplexer to forward the input signal to a data out port via a buffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi-Tzu Chen, Wei-jer Hsieh, Tsai-Hsin Lai, Ling-Fang Hsu, Hau-Tai Shieh
  • Publication number: 20140119104
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments for SRAM cells, new control units for SRAM systems, and embodiments of SRAM systems are described herein. An SRAM cell is configured to receive a first input voltage signal and a second input voltage signal with a different value from the first input voltage signal, and to maintain a first stored value signal and a second stored value signal. A control circuit is configured to receive a first input voltage signal and a second input voltage signal, and controlled by a sleep signal, a selection signal, and a data input signal, so that the output of the control circuit is data sensitive to the data input signal. An SRAM system comprises a plurality of SRAM cells, controlled the disclosed control circuit wherein an SRAM cell has two input voltage signals controlled by a data input signal and its complement signal respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chien-Yuan Chen, Yi-Tzu Chen, Hau-Tai Shieh, Jonathan Tsung-Yung Chang
  • Publication number: 20130328636
    Abstract: A method of providing an oscillating signal, comprising providing a first constant current flowing from a positive power supply node, the first constant current independent of a variation in a positive power supply node voltage, providing a second constant current flowing from a positive power supply node to a second electrode of a capacitor, a first electrode of the capacitor connected directly to the positive power supply node, the second constant current mirroring the first constant current and charging the capacitor by reducing a voltage across the capacitor. A third constant current is provided flowing from the positive power supply node through a first NMOS transistor and mirroring the first constant current, the first NMOS transistor having a gate connected directly to the second electrode of the capacitor and an oscillating signal generated by turning on the first NMOS transistor when the capacitor reaches a predetermined voltage level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yi-Tzu Chen