Patents by Inventor Edward Nowak

Edward Nowak 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: 20070264729
    Abstract: A method of reducing parametric variation in an integrated circuit (IC) chip and an IC chip with reduced parametric variation. The method includes: on a first wafer having a first arrangement of chips, each IC chip divided into a second arrangement of regions, measuring a test device parameter of test devices distributed in different regions; and on a second wafer having the first arrangement of IC chips and the second arrangement of regions, adjusting a functional device parameter of identically designed field effect transistors within one or more regions of all IC chips of the second wafer based on a values of the test device parameter measured on test devices in regions of the IC chip of the first wafer by a non-uniform adjustment of physical or metallurgical polysilicon gate widths of the identically designed field effect transistors from region to region within each IC chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Inventors: Brent Anderson, Shahid Butt, Allen Gabor, Patrick Lindo, Edward Nowak, Jed Rankin
  • Publication number: 20070263472
    Abstract: Structures and methods are disclosed for evaluating the effect of a process environment variation. A structure and related method are disclosed including a plurality of electrical structures arranged in a non-collinear fashion for determining a magnitude and direction of a process environment variation in the vicinity of the plurality of electrical structures. The plurality of structures may include a first polarity FET coupled to a second polarity FET, each of the first polarity FET and the second polarity FET are coupled to a first pad and a second pad such that the structure allows independent measurement of the first polarity FET and the second polarity FET using only the first and second pads. Alternatively, the electrical structures may include resistors, diodes or ring oscillators. Appropriate measurements of each electrical structure allow a gradient field including a magnitude and direction of the effect of a process environment variation to be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Inventors: Brent Anderson, Edward Nowak, Noah Zamdmer
  • Publication number: 20070262359
    Abstract: A structure, apparatus and method for deterring the temperature of an active region in semiconductor, particularly a FET is provided. A pair FETs are arranged on a silicon island a prescribed distance from one another where the silicon island is surrounded by a thermal insulator. One FET is heated by a current driven therethrough. The other FET functions as a temperature sensor by having a change in an electrical characteristic versus temperature monitored. By arranging multiple pairs of FETs separated by different known distances, the temperature of the active region of one of the FETs may be determined during operation at various driving currents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul HYDE, Edward NOWAK
  • Publication number: 20070258503
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of an improved on-chip temperature sensing circuit, based on bolometry, which provides self calibration of the on-chip temperature sensors for ideality and an associated method of sensing temperature at a specific on-chip location. The circuit comprises a temperature sensor, an identical reference sensor with a thermally coupled heater and a comparator. The comparator is adapted to receive and compare the outputs from both the temperature and reference sensors and to drive the heater with current until the outputs match. Based on the current forced into the heater, the temperature rise of the reference sensor can be calculated, which in this state, is equal to that of the temperature sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Inventors: William Clark, Jr., Edward Nowak
  • Publication number: 20070252241
    Abstract: Disclosed are planar and non-planar field effect transistor (FET) structures and methods of forming the structures. The structures comprise segmented active devices (e.g., multiple semiconductor fins for a non-planar transistor or multiple semiconductor layer sections for a planar transistor) connected at opposite ends to source/drain bridges. A gate electrode is patterned on the segmented active devices between the source/drain bridges such that it has a reduced length between the segments (i.e., between the semiconductor fins or sections). Source/drain contacts land on the source/drain bridges such that they are opposite only those portions of the gate electrode with the reduced gate length. These FET structures can be configured to simultaneously maximize the density of the transistor, minimize leakage power and maintain the parasitic capacitance between the source/drain contacts and the gate conductor below a preset level, depending upon the performance and density requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Inventors: Brent Anderson, Edward Nowak
  • Publication number: 20070254438
    Abstract: A method for forming a transistor. A semiconductor substrate is provided. The semiconductor substrate is patterned to provide a first body edge. A first gate structure of a first fermi level is provided adjacent the first body edge. The semiconductor substrate is patterned to provide a second body edge. The first and second body edges of the semiconductor substrate define a transistor body. A second gate structure of a second fermi level is provided adjacent the second body edge. A substantially uniform dopant concentration density is formed throughout the transistor body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Inventors: Andres Bryant, Meikei Ieong, K. Muller, Edward Nowak, David Fried, Jed Rankin
  • Publication number: 20070252641
    Abstract: A voltage divider device includes a double gate field effect transistor (FET) having a first gate and a second gate disposed at opposite sides of a body region. An input voltage is coupled between the first and second gates, and an output voltage is taken from at least one of a source of the FET and a drain of the FET, wherein the output voltage represents a divided voltage with respect to the input voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Inventors: Kenneth Goodnow, Joseph Iadanza, Edward Nowak, Douglas Stout
  • Publication number: 20070249130
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments a technique for inducing strain into the polysilicon gate of a non-planar FET (e.g., a finFET or trigate FET) in order to impart a similar strain on the FET channel region, while simultaneously protecting the source/drain regions of the semiconductor fin. Specifically, a protective cap layer is formed above the source/drain regions of the fin in order to protect those regions during a subsequent amporphization ion implantation process. The fin is further protected, during this implantation process, because the ion beam is directed towards the gate in a plane that is parallel to the fin and tilted from the vertical axis. Thus, amorphization of the fin and damage to the fin are limited. Following the implantation process and the formation of a straining layer, a recrystallization anneal is performed so that the strain of the straining layer is ‘memorized’ in the polysilicon gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Inventors: Brent Anderson, Andres Bryant, Edward Nowak
  • Publication number: 20070242497
    Abstract: The present invention provides dynamic control of back gate bias on pull-up pFETs in a FinFET SRAM cell. A method according to the present invention includes providing a bias voltage to a back gate of at least one transistor in the SRAM cell, and dynamically controlling the bias voltage based on an operational mode (e.g., Read, Half-Select, Write, Standby) of the SRAM cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Rajiv Joshi, Keunwoo Kim, Edward Nowak, Richard Williams
  • Publication number: 20070235818
    Abstract: Embodiments herein present a device, method, etc. for a dual-plane complementary metal oxide semiconductor. The device comprises a fin-type transistor on a bulk silicon substrate. The fin-type transistor comprises outer fin regions and a center semiconductor fin region, wherein the center fin region has a {110} crystalline oriented channel surface. The outer fin regions comprise a strain inducing impurity that stresses the center semiconductor fin region. The strain inducing impurity contacts the bulk silicon substrate, wherein the strain inducing impurity comprises germanium and/or carbon. Further, the fin-type transistor comprises a thick oxide member on a top face thereof. The fin-type transistor also comprises a first transistor on a first crystalline oriented surface, wherein the device further comprises a second transistor on a second crystalline oriented surface that differs from the first crystalline oriented surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventors: Brent Anderson, Edward Nowak
  • Publication number: 20070231987
    Abstract: A fin-type field effect transistor (FinFET) has a fin having a center channel portion, end portions comprising source and drain regions, and channel extensions extending from sidewalls of the channel portion of the fin. The structure also includes a gate insulator covering the channel portion and the channel extensions, and a gate conductor on the gate insulator. The channel extensions increase capacitance of the channel portion of the fin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventors: Brent Anderson, Andres Bryant, Edward Nowak
  • Publication number: 20070232020
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure is provided that includes a hybrid orientated substrate having at least two coplanar surfaces of different surface crystal orientations, wherein one of the coplanar surfaces has bulk-like semiconductor properties and the other coplanar surface has semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) properties. In accordance with the present invention, the substrate includes a new well design that provides a large capacitance from a retrograde well region of the second conductivity type to the substrate thereby providing noise decoupling with a low number of well contacts. The present invention also provides a method of fabricating such a semiconductor structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wilfried Haensch, Edward Nowak
  • Publication number: 20070224743
    Abstract: A fin-type field effect transistor has an insulator layer above a substrate and a fin extending above the insulator layer. The fin has a channel region, and source and drain regions. A gate conductor is positioned over the channel region. The insulator layer includes a heat dissipating structural feature adjacent the fin, and a portion of the gate conductor contacts the heat dissipating structural feature. The heat dissipating structural feature can comprise a recess within the insulator layer or a thermal conductor extending through the insulator layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Brent Anderson, Edward Nowak, Jed Rankin, William Clark
  • Publication number: 20070218127
    Abstract: A method of making a capsule comprising: -forming one or more first films into a hemi-capsule, -filling the hemi-capsule with one or more capsule contents, -applying one or more second film to said hemi-capsule to form a complete capsule, said one or more second film being flat prior to capsule formation, -a curing stage to alter the shape of the capsule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Applicant: Bio Progress Technology Limited
    Inventors: Edward Nowak, Andrew Sharp
  • Publication number: 20070212834
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multiple-gate transistor that includes a channel region and source and drain regions at ends of the channel region. A gate oxide is positioned between a logic gate and the channel region and a first insulator is formed between a floating gate and the channel region. The first insulator is thicker than the gate oxide. The floating gate is electrically insulated from other structures. Also, a second insulator is positioned between a programming gate and the floating gate. Voltage in the logic gate causes the transistor to switch on and off, while stored charge in the floating gate adjusts the threshold voltage of the transistor. The transistor can comprise a fin-type field effect transistor (FinFET), where the channel region comprises the middle portion of a fin structure and the source and drain regions comprise end portions of the fin structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Brent Anderson, Edward Nowak
  • Publication number: 20070212857
    Abstract: An integrated circuit having devices fabricated in both SOI regions and bulk regions, wherein the regions are connected by a trench filled with epitaxially deposited material. The filled trench provides a continuous semiconductor surface joining the SOI and bulk regions. The SOI and bulk regions may have the same or different crystal orientations. The present integrated circuit is made by forming a substrate with SOI and bulk regions separated by an embedded sidewall spacer (made of dielectric). The sidewall spacer is etched, forming a trench that is subsequently filled with epitaxial material. After planarizing, the substrate has SOI and bulk regions with a continuous semiconductor surface. A butted P-N junction and silicide layer can provide electrical connection between the SOI and bulk regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Brent Anderson, Edward Nowak
  • Publication number: 20070200161
    Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor structure, which includes a non-planar varactor having a geometrically designed depletion zone with a taper, as to provide improved Cmax/Cmin with low series resistance. Because of the taper, the narrowest portion of the depletion zone can be designed to be fully depleted, while the remainder of the depletion zone is only partially depleted. The fabrication of semiconductor structure may follow that of standard FinFET process, with a few additional or different steps. These additional or different steps may include formation of a doped trapezoidal (or triangular) shaped silicon mesa, growing/depositing a gate dielectric, forming a gate electrode over a portion of the mesa, and forming a highly doped contact region in the mesa where it is not covered by the gate electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Edward Nowak
  • Publication number: 20070194373
    Abstract: A complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) structure includes a semiconductor substrate having first mesa having a first ratio of channel effective horizontal surface area to channel effective vertical surface area. The CMOS structure also includes a second mesa having a second ratio of the same surface areas that is greater than the first ratio. A first device having a first polarity uses the first mesa as a channel and benefits from the enhanced vertical crystallographic orientation. A second device having a second polarity different from the first polarity uses the second mesa as a channel and benefits from the enhanced horizontal crystallographic orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventors: Brent Anderson, Edward Nowak, Jed Rankin
  • Publication number: 20070188195
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a driver for a multi-voltage island/core architecture of an integrated circuit chip are provided. A complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) inverter is built with a high threshold voltage p-channel field-effect transistor (hi-Vt PFET) and a regular threshold voltage n-channel field-effect transistor (NFET), which uses the maximum positive voltage supply (Vdd) on the chip. The threshold voltage of the hi-Vt PFET is determined based on the maximum Vdd, the Vdd of the Voltage island/core that drives the CMOS inverter, and a subthreshold leakage current requirement of the hi-Vt PFET.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Inventors: Brent Anderson, Andres Bryant, Edward Nowak
  • Publication number: 20070187769
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a structure that comprises a first device, having multiple FETs, and a second device, having at least one FET. Sections of a first portion of a semiconductor layer below the first device are doped and contacted to form back gates. A second portion of the semiconductor layer below the second device remains un-doped and un-contacted and, thus, functions as an insulator. Despite the performance degradation of the first device due to back gate capacitance, the back gates result in a net gain for devices such as, SRAM cells, which require precise Vt control. Contrarily, despite marginal Vt control in the second device due to the absence of back gates, the lack of capacitance loading and the added insulation result in a net gain for high performance devices such as, logic circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Inventors: Brent Anderson, Andres Bryant, William Clark, Edward Nowak