Abstract: Methods for preventing fin bending in FinFET devices and related devices are provided. Embodiments include forming fins in a substrate; forming a non-conformal sacrificial layer over and between the fins to structurally conjoin the fins or an array of fins for structural integrity; forming a first gap-fill dielectric over the sacrificial layer and fins; recessing the first gap-fill dielectric to expose an upper portion of the fins and sacrificial layer; etching the sacrificial layer to expose the fins; forming a second gap-fill dielectric over the first gap-fill dielectric and over and between the fins; and recessing the second gap-fill dielectric to expose the upper portion of the fins.

Abstract: An analog front end circuit utilizes coherent detection within a capacitance measurement application. The analog front end circuit uses coherent detection to measure capacitance of a touch screen display. An analog excitation signal is modulated by a capacitor to be measured. The modulated signal is synchronously demodulated using a correlator, which includes a discrete mixer and a discrete integrator. The excitation signal is also input to the mixer such that the modulated signal is multiplied by the excitation signal. The excitation signal is an analog signal having a sine wave function or other waveform.

Abstract: Methods, structures and devices are provided in which a crystalline silicon surface is passivated by an ultra-thin silicon oxide layer and an outer passivating dielectric layer, where the ultra-thin silicon oxide layer has a thickness on an Angstrom scale. In some embodiments, both layers are formed by low temperature processes. The outer passivating layer may be formed according to a PECVD process that employs hydrogen-containing precursor gases, such that hydrogen is incorporated into one or both of the silicon oxide layer and the passivating dielectric layer. The present methods may be employed for the passivation of a wide variety of structures and devices, including photovoltaic cells, MOSFET devices, flash memory devices, and thin-film silicon substrates that may contain such devices.

Abstract: An analog front end circuit utilizes coherent detection within a capacitance measurement application. The analog front end circuit uses coherent detection to measure capacitance of a touch screen display. An analog excitation signal is modulated by a capacitor to be measured. The modulated signal is synchronously demodulated using a correlator, which includes a discrete mixer and a discrete integrator. The excitation signal is also input to the mixer such that the modulated signal is multiplied by the excitation signal. The excitation signal is an analog signal having a sine wave function or other waveform.

Abstract: Digital to analog converters having a hybrid two-stage structure. The first stage is a differential segmented current DAC controlled by the MSBs (most significant bits) of input data. The second stage is a resistor string DAC controlled by the LSBs (least significant bits) of the input data to interpolate between the differential outputs of the first stage. The resistor string is directly connected to the current DAC without the need of buffer amplifiers. Instead, a replica circuit is used to prevent the second-stage resistor string from loading the first stage current DAC. Compensation techniques are described.