Patents by Inventor Yu Der Chih

Yu Der Chih 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: 20210247789
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a voltage regulation circuit includes a regulation circuit with a voltage regulator that provides an output voltage and a control circuit, coupled to the voltage regulator. The control circuit pulls up the output voltage to a reference voltage responsive to the control circuit detecting that a first voltage level of the output voltage is lower than a predefined voltage level. The control circuit decouples the output voltage from the reference voltage responsive to the control circuit detecting that the first voltage level of the output voltage is higher than the predefined voltage level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Inventors: Yen-An Chang, Chieh-Pu Lo, Yi-Chun Shih, Chia-Fu Lee, Yu-Der Chih
  • Publication number: 20210248048
    Abstract: A memory device and methods for programming and reading a memory device are provided. The memory device includes a memory array and a memory controller. The memory array includes a plurality of one-time programmable (OTP) cells, in which the OTP cells comprises a plurality of data cells for storing data, a plurality of supplementary cells in parallel to the data cells, and one or more redundant cells for each of a plurality of sets of the data cells. The memory controller is configured to program the data cells. the memory controller verifies and records a state of each data cell in a set of the data cells in the corresponding supplementary cell after the programming, and stores the data to be programmed to the data cell using the one or more redundant cells reserved for the set of the data cells when the data cell is verified as failed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Der Chih, Jonathan Tsung-Yung Chang
  • Publication number: 20210241830
    Abstract: The disclosed invention presents a self-tracking reference circuit that compensates for IR drops and achieves the target resistance state at different temperatures after write operations. The disclosed self-tracking reference circuit includes a replica access path, a configurable resistor network, a replica selector mini-array and a step current generator that track PVT variations to provide a PVT tracking level for RRAM verify operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Inventors: Zheng-Jun Lin, Chung-Cheng Chou, Yu-Der Chih, Pei-Ling Tseng
  • Patent number: 11081155
    Abstract: A reference circuit for generating a reference current includes a plurality of resistive elements including at least one magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ). A control circuit is coupled to a first terminal of the at least one MTJ and is configured to selectively flow current through the at least one MTJ in the forward and inverse direction to generate a reference current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Fu Lee, Hon-Jarn Lin, Po-Hao Lee, Ku-Feng Lin, Yi-Chun Shih, Yu-Der Chih
  • Publication number: 20210224154
    Abstract: A method includes: retrieving a first word comprising a plurality of data bits and a plurality of parity bits that correspond to the first word, wherein the plurality of data bits form N?1 groups and the plurality of parity bits form a first group different from the N?1 groups, and N is a positive integer greater than 2; receiving a request to update respective data bits of a first one of the N?1 groups; and providing a second word comprising updated data bits that form a second one of the N?1 groups and a plurality of updated parity bits that correspond to the second word, wherein the plurality of updated parity bits form a second group that has a same group index as the first one of the N?1 groups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: Chien-Yin LIU, Yu-Der CHIH, Hsueh-Chih YANG, Jonathan Tehan CHEN, Kuan-Chun CHEN
  • Patent number: 11069401
    Abstract: Memories are provided. A memory includes a first memory array, a second memory array, and a read circuit. The first memory array is configured to store main data. The second memory array is configured to store complement data that is complementary to the main data. The read circuit includes a first sense amplifier, a second sense amplifier and an output buffer. The first sense amplifier is configured to provide a first sensing signal according to a reference signal and first data of the main data corresponding to a first address signal. The second sense amplifier is configured to provide a second sensing signal according to the reference signal and second data of the complement data corresponding to the first address signal. The output buffer is configured to provide one of the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal as an output according to a control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuhsiang Chen, Shao-Yu Chou, Chun-Hao Chang, Min-Shin Wu, Yu-Der Chih
  • Patent number: 11042176
    Abstract: A voltage regulation circuit includes a voltage regulator that is configured to provide a stable output voltage based on an input voltage; and a control circuit, coupled to the voltage regulator, and configured to provide an injection current to maintain the stable output voltage in response to an enable signal provided at an input of the control circuit transitioning to a predetermined state and cease providing the injection current when the control circuit detects that a voltage level of the output voltage is higher than a pre-defined voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yen-An Chang, Chia-Fu Lee, Yu-Der Chih, Yi-Chun Shih
  • Publication number: 20210183444
    Abstract: A memory device includes: a memory bit cell; a write circuit, coupled to the memory bit cell, and configured to use a first voltage to transition the memory bit cell to a first logic state by changing a respective resistance state of the memory bit cell, and compare a first current flowing through the memory bit cell with a first reference current; and a control logic circuit, coupled to the write circuit, and configured to determine whether the first logic state is successfully written into the memory bit cell based on a read-out logic state of the memory bit cell and the comparison between the first current and first reference current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: Chia-Fu LEE, Yu-Der Chih
  • Publication number: 20210173739
    Abstract: Systems and methods for correcting data errors in memory caused by high-temperature processing of the memory are provided. An integrated circuit (IC) die including a memory is formed. Addresses of memory locations that are susceptible to data loss when subjected to elevated temperatures are determined. Bits of data are written to the memory, where the bits of data include a set of bits written to the memory locations. The set of bits are written to a storage device of the IC die that is not susceptible to data loss when subjected to the elevated temperatures, the subset of bits comprise compressed code. At least one of the bits stored at the addresses is overwritten after subjecting the IC die to an elevated temperature. The at least one of the bits is overwritten based on the set of bits written to the storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Inventors: Yu-Der Chih, Ching-Huang Wang, Yi-Chun Shih, Meng-Chun Shih, C.Y. Wang
  • Patent number: 11024381
    Abstract: A memory architecture includes: a plurality of cell arrays each of which comprises a plurality of bit cells, wherein each of bit cells of the plurality of cell arrays uses a respective variable resistance dielectric layer to transition between first and second logic states; and a control logic circuit, coupled to the plurality of cell arrays, and configured to cause a first information bit to be written into respective bit cells of a pair of cell arrays as an original logic state of the first information bit and a logically complementary logic state of the first information bit, wherein the respective variable resistance dielectric layers are formed by using a same recipe of deposition equipment and have different diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Der Chih, Chung-Cheng Chou, Wen-Ting Chu
  • Patent number: 11024395
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes an adjustment circuit that can be used, for example, in a memory system with partitioned memory blocks. The adjustment circuit can include a controller circuit, a timer circuit, and a temperature adaptive reference (TAR) generator. The controller circuit can be configured to output a control signal that indicates a memory type (e.g., code memory or data memory) associated with a partitioned memory block. The timer circuit can be configured to output a timing signal for a read memory operation based on the control signal. And, the TAR generator can be configured to adjust a verify reference current for a verify memory operation based on temperature, where the verify reference current is set based on the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Inventors: Yu-Der Chih, Hung-Chang Yu, Ku-Feng Lin
  • Publication number: 20210151086
    Abstract: A memory device is provided, the memory device includes multiple cells arranged in a matrix of multiple rows and multiple columns. The memory device further includes multiple bit lines each of which is connected to first cells of the multiple cells arranged in a row of the multiple rows. A voltage control circuit is connectable to a selected bit line of the multiple bit lines and includes a voltage detection circuit that detects an instantaneous supply voltage and a voltage source selection circuit connected to the voltage detection circuit. The voltage source selection circuit selects a voltage source from multiple voltage sources based on the detected instantaneous supply voltage. The voltage source selection circuit includes a switch that connects the selected voltage source to the selected bit line to provide a write voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Inventors: CHIEN-AN LAI, CHUNG-CHENG CHOU, YU-DER CHIH
  • Publication number: 20210142840
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device is provided. The integrated circuit device includes: a functional device including a selection device; and a bias generator circuit coupled to the selection device and configured to detect a leakage current of the functional device and generate a bias voltage based on the detected leakage current. The bias voltage is provided to the selection device to control the selection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: Yen-An Chang, Po-Hao Lee, Chia-Fu Lee, Yi-Chun Shih, Yu-Der Chih
  • Publication number: 20210142832
    Abstract: Circuits and methods for compensating mismatches in sense amplifiers are disclosed. In one example, a circuit is disclosed. The circuit includes: a first branch, a second branch, a first plurality of trimming transistors and a second plurality of trimming transistors. The first branch comprises a first transistor, a second transistor, and a first node coupled between the first transistor and the second transistor. The second branch comprises a third transistor, a fourth transistor, and a second node coupled between the third transistor and the fourth transistor. The first node is coupled to respective gates of the third transistor and the fourth transistor. The second node is coupled to respective gates of the first transistor and the second transistor. The first plurality of trimming transistors is coupled to the second transistor in parallel. The second plurality of trimming transistors is coupled to the fourth transistor in parallel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: Ku-Feng LIN, Yu-Der Chih, Yi-Chun Shih, Chia-Fu Lee
  • Patent number: 10998058
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes an adjustment circuit that can be used, for example, in a memory system with partitioned memory blocks. The adjustment circuit can include a controller circuit, a timer circuit, and a temperature adaptive reference (TAR) generator. The controller circuit can be configured to output a control signal that indicates a memory type (e.g., code memory or data memory) associated with a partitioned memory block. The timer circuit can be configured to output a timing signal for a read memory operation based on the control signal. And, the TAR generator can be configured to adjust a verify reference current for a verify memory operation based on temperature, where the verify reference current is set based on the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Inventors: Yu-Der Chih, Hung-Chang Yu, Ku-Feng Lin
  • Patent number: 10991442
    Abstract: A memory device includes a memory circuit and a fuse protection circuit. The memory circuit includes a program line and a fuse. The program line is configured to receive a program voltage for programming the fuse. The fuse protection circuit is coupled to the memory circuit and is configured to prevent unintentional programming of the fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Yu-Der Chih, Chen-Ming Hung, Jen-Chou Tseng, Jam-Wem Lee, Ming-Hsiang Song, Shu-Chuan Lee, Shao-Yu Chou, Yu-Ti Su
  • Publication number: 20210118499
    Abstract: A memory device includes an array of resistive memory cells with a plurality of word lines connected to the array of resistive memory cells. A voltage compensation controller is configured to determine a word line voltage to be applied to a selected word line of the plurality of word lines. A word line driver is configured apply the determined word line voltage to the selected word line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Inventors: Chien-An Lai, Chung-Cheng Chou, Yu-Der Chih
  • Patent number: 10970167
    Abstract: A method includes: retrieving a first word comprising a plurality of data bits and a plurality of parity bits that correspond to the first word, wherein the plurality of data bits form N?1 groups and the plurality of parity bits form a first group different from the N?1 groups, and N is a positive integer greater than 2; receiving a request to update respective data bits of a first one of the N?1 groups; and providing a second word comprising updated data bits that form a second one of the N?1 groups and a plurality of updated parity bits that correspond to the second word, wherein the plurality of updated parity bits form a second group that has a same group index as the first one of the N?1 groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Yin Liu, Yu-Der Chih, Hsueh-Chih Yang, Jonathan Tehan Chen, Kuan-Chun Chen
  • Publication number: 20210098073
    Abstract: A memory device that includes a memory array, a program circuit, a verify circuit and a controller is introduced. The program circuit is configured to apply a program pulse to at least one memory cell to set the at least one memory cell to a target state. The verify circuit is configured to perform a verify operation to determine whether the at least one memory cell reaches the predetermine threshold and to determine a number of failed memory cells among the at least one memory cell in response to determining that at least one of the at least one memory cell does not reach the target state. The controller is configured to adjust the program pulse according to the number of the failed memory cells to generate an adjusted program pulse that is applied to the failed memory cells to set the failed memory cells to the target state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu-Der Chih
  • Publication number: 20210096963
    Abstract: A system includes: a processor; a register configured to store a plurality of words, non-volatile memory having a plurality of cells, each cell corresponding to one of the words of the register, and wherein the each cell of the plurality of cells are set to an initial reset value; a first controller that in response to a loss in power: determines the word stored by the register; and changes the initial reset value of the cell of the non-volatile memory corresponding to the determined word stored by the register to a set value; a second controller that in response to detecting a restoration in power: identifies the cell having the set value; writes the word corresponding to the identified cell to the register; and resets the cells of the non-volatile memory to the initial reset value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventor: Yu-Der Chih