Abstract: An integrated circuit is provided having a base with a first dielectric layer formed thereon. A second dielectric layer is formed over the first dielectric layer. A third dielectric layer is formed in spaced-apart strips over the second dielectric layer. A first trench opening is formed through the first and second dielectric layers between the spaced-apart strips of the third dielectric layer. A second trench opening is formed contiguously with the first trench opening through the first dielectric layer between the spaced-apart strips of the third dielectric layer. Conductor metals in the trench openings form self-aligned trench interconnects.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a 3-D spiral stacked inductor is provided having a substrate with a plurality of turns in a plurality of levels wherein the number of levels increases from an inner turn to the outer turn of the inductor. First and second connecting portions are respectively connected to an inner turn and an outermost turn, and a dielectric material contains the first and second connecting portions and the plurality of turns over the substrate.

Abstract: An integrated circuit and manufacturing method therefor is provided having a base with a first dielectric layer formed thereon. A second dielectric layer is formed over the first dielectric layer. A third dielectric layer is formed in spaced-apart strips over the second dielectric layer. A first trench opening is formed through the first and second dielectric layers between the spaced-apart strips of the third dielectric layer. A second trench opening is formed contiguously with the first trench opening through the first dielectric layer between the spaced-apart strips of the third dielectric layer. Conductor metals in the trench openings form self-aligned trench interconnects.

Abstract: A new method of forming shallow trench isolations has been described. A silicon semiconductor substrate is provided. A silicon nitride layer is deposited overlying the substrate. A polysilicon layer is deposited overlying the silicon nitride layer. An oxidation mask is deposited overlying the polysilicon layer. The oxidation mask, polysilicon layer, silicon nitride layer, and the silicon semiconductor substrate are patterned to form trenches for planned shallow trench isolations. The silicon semiconductor substrate exposed within the trenches is oxidized to form an oxide liner layer within the trenches wherein the oxidation mask prevents oxidation of the polysilicon layer. Thereafter the oxidation mask is removed. A trench oxide layer is deposited overlying the liner oxide layer and filling the trenches.

Abstract: A MOSFET device structure formed on a silicon on insulator layer, and a process sequence employed to fabricate said MOSFET device structure, has been developed. The process features insulator filled, shallow trench isolation (STI) regions formed in specific locations of the MOSFET device structure for purposes of reducing the risk of parasitic transistor formation underlying a gate structure junction. After formation of either a “T” shaped, or an “H” shaped gate structure, body contact regions of a first conductivity type are formed adjacent to both an STI region and to a component of the gate structure. Formation of a source/drain region of a second conductivity type located on the opposite side of the same STI region, and the same gate structure component, is next performed. Unwanted parasitic transistor formation, which can occur underlying the gate structure via the body contact region and the source/drain region, is prevented by the presence of the separating STI region.

Abstract: A MOSFET device structure formed on a silicon on insulator layer, and a process sequence employed to fabricate said MOSFET device structure, has been developed. The process features insulator filled, shallow trench isolation (STI) regions formed in specific locations of the MOSFET device structure for purposes of reducing the risk of parasitic transistor formation underlying a gate structure junction. After formation of either a “T” shaped, or an “H” shaped gate structure, body contact regions of a first conductivity type are formed adjacent to both an STI region and to a component of the gate structure. Formation of a source/drain region of a second conductivity type located on the opposite side of the same STI region, and the same gate structure component, is next performed. Unwanted parasitic transistor formation, which can occur underlying the gate structure via the body contact region and the source/drain region, is prevented by the presence of the separating STI region.

Abstract: A silicon-on-insulator semiconductor device is provided in which a single wafer die contains a transistor over an insulator layer to form a fully depleted silicon-on-insulator device and a transistor formed in a semiconductor island over an insulator structure on the semiconductor wafer forms a partially depleted silicon-on-insulator device.

Abstract: A 3-D spiral stacked inductor is provided having a substrate with a plurality of turns in a plurality of levels wherein the number of levels increases from an inner turn to the outer turn of the inductor. First and second connecting portions are respectively connected to an inner turn and an outermost turn, and dielectric material contains the first and second connecting portions and the plurality of turns over the substrate.

Abstract: A parallel spiral stacked inductor and manufacturing method therefore is provided. A substrate has a plurality of turns in a plurality of levels, the plurality of turns having a center proximate and a center distal ends. A first plurality of vias connecting the center proximate ends of the plurality of turns and a second plurality of vias connecting the center distal ends of the plurality of turns. A first connecting portion connects to the center proximate ends of the plurality of turns and a second connecting portion connecting to the center distal end of the plurality of turns. A dielectric material contains the inductor.

Abstract: An integrated circuit and manufacturing method therefor is provided having a base with a first dielectric layer formed thereon. A second dielectric layer is formed over the first dielectric layer. A third dielectric layer is formed in spaced-apart strips over the second dielectric layer. A first trench opening is formed through the first and second dielectric layers between the spaced-apart strips of the third dielectric layer. A second trench opening is formed contiguously with the first trench opening through the first dielectric layer between the spaced-apart strips of the third dielectric layer. Conductor metals in the trench openings form self-aligned trench interconnects.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shallow trench isolation using a polishing step with reduced dishing. A pad layer, a polish stop layer, a buffer layer and a hard mask layer are formed over a substrate. The hard mask layer has a hard mask opening. We etch a trench opening in the buffer layer, the polish stop layer, the pad layer and form a trench in the substrate using the hard mask layer as an etch mask. We form an oxide trench liner layer along the sidewalls of the trench and an oxide buffer liner layer on the sidewalls of the buffer layer using a thermal oxidation. The hard mask layer prevents the oxidation of the top surface of the buffer layer during the oxidation of the oxide trench liner. This prevents the buffer layer from being consumed by the oxidation and leaves the buffer layer to act in the subsequent chemical-mechanical polish (CMP) step. Next, an insulating layer is formed at least partially filling the trench.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for shallow trench isolation. First, a layer of silicon nitride (SiN) is deposited over a semiconductor substrate. A layer of polysilicon is then deposited over the silicon nitride layer. A layer of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) is deposited over the polysilicon layer. Mask and etch steps are performed to form an opening that extends through the TEOS layer and through the polysilicon layer. An etch step is then performed to etch the exposed side surfaces of the polysilicon layer. Thereby, the exposed side surfaces of the polysilicon layer are moved laterally. An etch step is then performed so as to form a trench that extends into the semiconductor substrate. Dielectric material is deposited such that the dielectric material fills the trench and fills the opening that extends through the polysilicon layer and the silicon nitride layer. The substrate is then polished using a chemical mechanical polishing process.

Abstract: A method to form SOI devices using wafer bonding. A first substrate is provided having trenches in a first side. A first insulating layer is formed over the first side of the first substrate and filling the trenches. We planarize the first insulating layer to form isolation regions (e.g., STI). The three embodiments of the invention planarize the first insulating layer to different levels. In the second embodiment, the first insulating layer is etched back to form a recess. This recess later forms an air gap. We provide a second substrate having a second insulating layer over a first side of the second substrate. We bond the second insulating layer to the first insulating layer. Next, we thin the first substrate from the second side to expose the first insulating layer to form active areas between the isolation regions. Lastly, devices are formed in and on the active areas.

Abstract: A silicon-on-insulator semiconductor device is provided in which a single wafer die contains a transistor over an insulator layer to form a fully depleted silicon-on-insulator device and a transistor formed in a semiconductor island over an insulator structure on the semiconductor wafer forms a partially depleted silicon-on-insulator device.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shallow trench isolation using a polishing step with reduced dishing. A pad layer, a polish stop layer, a buffer layer and a hard mask layer are formed over a substrate. The hard mask layer has a hard mask opening. We etch a trench opening in the buffer layer, the polish stop layer, the pad layer and form a trench in the substrate using the hard mask layer as an etch mask. We form an oxide trench liner layer along the sidewalls of the trench and an oxide buffer liner layer on the sidewalls of the buffer layer using a thermal oxidation. The hard mask layer prevents the oxidation of the top surface of the buffer layer during the oxidation of the oxide trench liner. This prevents the buffer layer from being consumed by the oxidation and leaves the buffer layer to act in the subsequent chemical-mechanical polish (CMP) step. Next, an insulating layer is formed at least partially filling the trench.

Abstract: A silicon-on-insulator semiconductor device and manufacturing method therefor is provided in which a single wafer die contains a transistor over an insulator layer to form a fully depleted silicon-on-insulator device and a transistor formed in a semiconductor island over an insulator structure on the semiconductor wafer forms a partially depleted silicon-on-insulator device.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing conductive lines that are thicker (not wider) in the critical paths areas. We form a plurality of first level conductive lines over a first dielectric layer. The first conductive lines run in a first direction. The first level conductive lines are comprised of a first level first conductive line and a second first level conductive line. We form a second dielectric layer over the first level conductive lines and the first dielectric layer. Next, we form a via opening in the second dielectric layer over a portion of the first level first conductive line. A plug is formed filling the via opening. We form a trench pattern in the second dielectric layer. The trench pattern is comprised of trenches that are approximately orthogonal to the first level conductive lines. We fill the trenches with a conductive material to form supplemental second lines. We form second level conductive lines over the supplemental second lines and the plug.

Abstract: A method to form a silicon on insulator (SOI) device using wafer bonding. A first substrate is provided having an insulating layer over a first side. A second substrate is provided having first isolation regions (e.g., STI) that fill first trenches in the second substrate. Next, we bond the first and second substrate together by bonding the insulating layer to the first isolation regions and the second substrate. Then, a stop layer is formed over the second side of the second substrate. The stop layer and the second side of the second substrate are patterned to form second trenches in the second substrate. The second trenches have sidewalls at least partially defined by the isolation regions and the second trenches expose the second insulating layer. The second trenches define first active regions over the first isolation regions (STI) and define second active regions over the insulating layer. Next, the second trenches are filled with an insulator material to from second isolation regions.

Abstract: A method to form SOI devices using wafer bonding. A first substrate is provided having trenches in a first side. A first insulating layer is formed over the first side of the first substrate and filling the trenches. We planarize the first insulating layer to form isolation regions (e.g., STI). The three embodiments of the invention planarize the first insulating layer to different levels. In the second embodiment, the first insulating layer is etched back to form a recess. This recess later forms an air gap. We provide a second substrate having a second insulating layer over a first side of the second substrate. We bond the second insulating layer to the first insulating layer. Next, we thin the first substrate from the second side to expose the first insulating layer to form active areas between the isolation regions. Lastly, devices are formed in and on the active areas.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing conductive lines that are thicker (not wider) in the critical paths areas. We form a plurality of first level conductive lines over a first dielectric layer. The first conductive lines run in a first direction. The first level conductive lines are comprised of a first level first conductive line and a second first level conductive line. We form a second dielectric layer over the first level conductive lines and the first dielectric layer. Next, we form a via opening in the second dielectric layer over a portion of the first level first conductive line. A plug is formed filling the via opening. We form a trench pattern in the second dielectric layer. The trench pattern is comprised of trenches that are approximately orthogonal to the first level conductive lines. We fill the trenches with a conductive material to form supplemental second lines. We form second level conductive lines over the supplemental second lines and the plug.