Abstract: Semiconductor structures with high impedances for use in biasing for applying voltage bias to part of a device. The semiconductor structure comprises a continuous structure having a plurality of regions of a first semiconductor type (n type or p type) material arranged alternately with at least one region of the opposite type. The structure may be formed from polysilicon and may also include a plurality of intrinsic regions arranged between the n and p type regions. The structure forms a composite diode and provides a high impedance.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrical fuse structure for achieving a post-programming resistance distribution with higher resistance values and to enhance the reliability of electrical fuse programming. A partly doped electrical fuse structure with undoped semiconductor material in the cathode combined with P-doped semiconductor material in the fuselink and anode is disclosed and the data supporting the superior performance of the disclosed electrical fuse is shown.

Abstract: The shape of a tip of an insulating material of an insulating isolation region is provided as being a concave one recessed below the back surface of an n-semiconductor substrate. This reduces the electric field strength at the corner at which the bottom of the n-semiconductor substrate is in contact with the insulating isolation region to allow an excellent breakdown voltage to be obtained. Moreover, by forming a high impurity concentration region such as a field-stop layer on the back surface of the n-semiconductor substrate, a depletion layer extending from the top surface is prevented from reaching the back surface. This eliminates an influence of a surface state introduced in the interface between the insulator film formed on the back surface and the n-semiconductor substrate, by which an excellent breakdown voltage can be obtained.

Abstract: An electro-optical device includes: a substrate; a plurality of wiring lines which is formed on the substrate; and an IC which is mounted on the substrate so as to be electrically connected to the plurality of wiring lines. At least a pair of wiring lines among the plurality of wiring lines include a first conductive layer formed on the substrate and a second conductive layer formed on at least the first conductive layer. The first conductive layer and the second conductive layer have different resistance values. The first conductive layer of one of the pair of wiring lines has a plurality of first resistors each extending toward the other wiring line, and the second conductive layer of the other wiring line has a second resistor extending toward the one wiring line. The plurality of first resistors is connected to the second resistor.

Abstract: An on-chip heater and methods for fabrication thereof and use thereof provide that the heater is located within an isolation region that in turn is located within a semiconductor substrate. The heater has a thermal output capable or raising the semiconductor substrate to a temperature of at least about 200° C. The heater may be used for thermally annealing trapped charges within dielectric layers within the semiconductor structure.

Abstract: An electro-optic device includes a semiconducting layer in which is formed a waveguide, a modulator formed across the waveguide comprising a p-doped region to one side and an n-doped region to the other side of the waveguide, wherein at least one of the doped regions extends from the base of a recess formed in the semiconducting layer. In this way, the doped regions can extend further into the semiconducting layer and further hinder escape of charge carriers without the need to increase the diffusion distance of the dopant and incur an additional thermal burden on the device. In an SOI device, the doped region can extend to the insulating layer. Ideally, both the p and n-doped regions extend from the base of a recess, but this may be unnecessary in some designs. Insulating layers can be used to ensure that dopant extends from the base of the recess only, giving a more clearly defined doped region.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure is disclosed. The semiconductor structure includes a bulk substrate of a first polarity type, a buried insulator layer disposed on the bulk substrate, an active semiconductor layer disposed on top of the buried insulator layer including a shallow trench isolation region and a diffusion region of the first polarity type, a band region of a second polarity type disposed directly beneath the buried insulator layer and forming a conductive path, a well region of the second polarity type disposed in the bulk substrate and in contact with the band region, a deep trench filled with a conductive material of the first polarity type disposed within the well region, and an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protect diode defined by a junction between a lower portion of the deep trench and the well region.

Abstract: Resistor elements are formed by doping impurity into a single crystal film formed on a substrate such as a silicon-on-insulator substrate. A semiconductor device having such resistor elements is used as a detector for detecting an amount of airflow, for example. The impurity density in the single crystal silicon is made lower than 1×1020/cm3 to suppress a resistance change by aging especially at a temperature higher than 310° C. To obtain a high temperature coefficient of the resistor element as well as a low resistance change by aging, the impurity density is set in a range from 4×1019/cm3 to 1×1020/cm3, and more preferably in a range from 7×1019/cm3 to 1×1020/cm3. As the impurity, N-type impurity such as phosphorus or P-type impurity such as boron may be used. It is preferable to use the impurity having a low diffusion coefficient to attain a low resistance change by aging.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a back-end-of-line (BEOL) resistive structure comprises a second metal line embedded in a second dielectric layer and overlying a first metal line embedded in a first dielectric layer. A doped semiconductor spacer or plug laterally abutting sidewalls of the second metal line and vertically abutting a top surface of the first metal line provides a resistive link between the first and second metal lines. In another embodiment, another BEOL resistive structure comprises a first metal line and a second metal line are embedded in a dielectric layer. A doped semiconductor spacer or plug laterally abutting the sidewalls of the first and second metal lines provides a resistive link between the first and second metal lines.

Abstract: Structures are presented including a high-k and metal gate transistor and a resistor where the resistor includes a dielectric layer between a metal and a polysilicon. The resistor provides typical polysilicon resistor performance with less cost and higher throughput.

Abstract: An embodiment for manufacturing an electronic circuit forms at least one first structure on a semiconductor substrate, determines at least one electrically defined characteristic of the at least one first structure, selects a reticle corresponding to the measured characteristic, and forms at least one additional structure on the semiconductor substrate with the selected reticle.

Abstract: A resistive circuit includes a first terminal and a second terminal and polycrystalline first and second resistive segments coupled between the first and second terminals. A third terminal A is coupled to the first resistive segment, and a third terminal B is coupled to the second resistive segment. The third terminal A has a first voltage with respect to the first terminal, and the third terminal B has a second voltage with respect to the second terminal. With this arrangement, the non-linearity of resistance of the first resistive segment at least partially compensates for non-linearity of resistance of the second resistive segment.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided that includes: a base insulating film; a metal thin-film resistor that is provided on the base insulating film; a lower-layer insulating film that is formed under the base insulating film; and a wiring pattern that is formed on the lower-layer insulating film. In this semiconductor device, the base insulating film is formed on the lower-layer insulating film and the wiring pattern, and connecting holes are formed in the base insulating film located on the wiring patterns. The metal thin-film resistor has at least two belt-like portions and a return portion that continues to the belt-like portions. The belt-like portions are located at a distance from the region on the wiring pattern. The return portion connects at least two belt-like portions in a position at a distance from the region on the wiring pattern. The return portion is formed in a connecting hole via the region on the wiring pattern.

Abstract: Electrically programmable integrated fuses are provided for low power applications. Integrated fuse devices have stacked structures with a polysilicon layer and a conductive layer formed on the polysilicon layer. The integrated fuses have structural features that enable the fuses to be reliably and efficiently programmed using low programming currents/voltages, while achieving consistency in fusing locations. For example, programming reliability and consistency is achieved by forming the conductive layers with varied thickness and forming the polysilicon layers with varied doping profiles, to provide more precise localized regions in which fusing events readily occur.

Abstract: A circuit having a precision passive circuit element, such as a resistor or a capacitor, with a target value of an electrical parameter is fabricated on a substrate with a plurality of independent parallel-connected passive circuit elements. The plurality of passive circuit elements are designed to have a plurality of values of the electrical parameter which are spaced or offset at or around the target value of the electrical parameter, such as three circuit elements with one having a value at the target value, one having a value above the target value, and one having a value below the target value. Each passive circuit element also has a fuse in series therewith. A reference calibration structure is also fabricated, which can be a passive circuit element having the target value of the electrical parameter, in a reference area of the substrate under the same conditions and at the same time as fabrication of the plurality of passive circuit elements.

Abstract: In a process for the fabrication of integrated resistive elements with protection from silicidation, at least one active area (15) is delimited in a semiconductor wafer (10). At least one resistive region (21) having a predetermined resistivity is then formed in the active area (15). Prior to forming the resistive region (21), however, a delimitation structure (20) for delimiting the resistive region (21) is obtained on top of the active area (15). Subsequently, protective elements (25) are obtained which extend within the delimitation structure (20) and coat the resistive region (21).

Abstract: Electro-thermal trimming of thermally-trimmable resistors is used to trim one or more of the plurality of resistors in or associated with an analog electric circuit. The TCR of each of a subset of a plurality of electro-thermally-trimmable resistors can be trimmed independently from the resistance in order to adjust the output parameter of an analog electric circuit without changing other parameters that would be affected by a change in resistance.

Abstract: An electrode plate for an electricity storage and discharge device, which includes a plurality of I/O convergence terminals evenly distributed along a periphery of the electrode plate, and a plurality of conductive structures, each conductive structure for one of the I/O convergence terminals, wherein each conductive structure is of a radial pattern that centers on the one of the I/O convergence terminals, and radiates towards the interior of the electrode plate.

Abstract: A metal electrode is disposed on each of a plurality of resistor groups which are made of polycrystalline silicon resistors and constitute a resistor circuit. The metal electrode is connected to an end of the resistor via another interconnecting layer. Accordingly, the external influence which the metal electrode receives during a semiconductor manufacturing process is prevented from directly acting on the resistor, whereby resistance variation is suppressed.

Abstract: A method of forming a poly pattern for minimizing a change in a storage value in the R-string pattern of the LCD panel drive IC (LDI) that includes depositing a poly silicon layer used as a resistor in a R-string structure over a semiconductor substrate; and then forming a poly silicon layer pattern having interconnected H-shaped cross-sections; and then forming a silicide-anti blocking area (SAB) layer over the poly silicon layer pattern and then patterning the SAB layer to thereby form SAB layer patterns over portions of the poly silicon layer pattern while exposing other portions of the poly silicon layer pattern; and then forming a silicide layer over the exposed portions of the poly silicon layer pattern. Therefore, although the size of the SAB pattern is reduced due to problems caused in processing steps, the poly line that occupies most of the resistance does not change so that a change in the resistance is entirely reduced.

Abstract: An integrated circuit of a semiconductor device has a line type of pattern that is not prone to serious RC delays. The integrated circuit has a line formed of at least a layer of polycrystalline silicon, a layer of metal having a low sheet resistance, and a layer of a barrier metal interposed between the polycrystalline silicon and the metal having a low sheet resistance, and first spacers disposed on the sides of the line, respectively, and is characterized in that the line has recesses at the sides of the barrier layer and the first spacers fill the recesses. The integrated circuit may constitute a gate line of a semiconductor device. The integrated circuit is formed by forming layers of polycrystalline silicon, metal having a low sheet resistance, and a barrier metal one atop the other, patterning the layers into a line, etching the same to form the recesses, and then forming the first spacers.

Abstract: An active matrix pixel device including a plurality of polycrystalline silicon islands supported by a substrate, one of the polycrystalline silicon islands providing a channel and doped source/drain regions of a thin film transistor, a PIN diode which includes a p-type doped region, and an n-type doped region separated by an amorphous silicon intrinsic region. The amorphous silicon intrinsic region overlies and contacts at least a part of one of the polycrystalline silicon islands which provides one of the p-type or n-type doped regions of the PIN diode. The doped source/drain regions and said one of the p-type or n-type doped regions of the PIN diode are provided by the same polycrystalline silicon island and a vertical n-i-p stack is used by using a doped region of a polysilicon thin film transistor (TFT) for the n-type doped region.

Abstract: A resistive circuit includes a first terminal and a second terminal and polycrystalline first and second resistive segments coupled between the first and second terminals. A third terminal A is coupled to the first resistive segment, and a third terminal B is coupled to the second resistive segment. The third terminal A has a first voltage with respect to the first terminal, and the third terminal B has a second voltage with respect to the second terminal. With this arrangement, the non-linearity of resistance of the first resistive segment at least partially compensates for non-linearity of resistance of the second resistive segment.

Abstract: A resistor for a semiconductor device is provided. The resistor can include a first polysilicon layer formed on a semiconductor substrate; an insulating layer formed on regions of the first polysilicon layer; a second polysilicon layer formed on the insulating layer; and a contact electrically connected to the first polysilicon layer and the second polysilicon layer. The portions of the first polysilicon layer that do not have the insulating layer formed thereupon have a higher impurity ion concentration than that of the regions on which the insulating layer is formed.

Abstract: A Silicon on Insulator (SOI) Integrated Circuit (IC) chip with devices such as a vertical Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR), vertical bipolar transistors, a vertical capacitor, a resistor and/or a vertical pinch resistor and method of making the device(s). The devices are formed in a seed hole through the SOI surface layer and insulator layer to the substrate. A buried diffusion, e.g., N-type, is formed through the seed hole in the substrate. A doped epitaxial layer is formed on the buried diffusion and may include multiple doped layers, e.g., a P-type layer and an N-type layer. Polysilicon, e.g., P-type, may be formed on the doped epitaxial layer. Contacts to the buried diffusion are formed in a contact liner.

Abstract: A programmable element includes a diode and a programmable structure formed in a polysilicon layer isolated from a semiconductor substrate by a dielectric layer. The diode includes a first region and a second region of opposite conductivity types. The programmable structure includes a third region and a fourth region of opposite conductivity types. The first region of the diode and the third region of the programmable structure are electrically connected. In operation, the programmable structure is programmed to a low impedance state when a voltage exceeding a first breakdown voltage of the programmable structure is applied to reverse bias the programmable structure. The programmable element can be used to form a programmable array having very low parasitic capacitance, enabling the realization of a large and ultra fast programmable logic array.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a resistor element formed in a semiconductor layer of an SOI substrate (Silicon On Insulator). The semiconductor device includes a low concentration impurity area formed in the semiconductor layer as the resistor element; a high concentration impurity area formed in the semiconductor layer as a resistor element wiring portion; and a silicide layer selectively formed on the high concentration impurity area. The high concentration impurity area includes one end portion contacting with an end portion of the low concentration impurity area, and the other end portion contacting with an impurity area of another element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the irreversible reduction of the value of an integrated polycrystalline silicon resistor. The inventive method consists in temporarily subjecting the resistor to a stress current which is greater than a current (Im) for which the value of the resistor is maximum.

Abstract: A first insulation film is provided on a semiconductor substrate. A high resistance element formed from polysilicon is provided on the first insulation film. A second insulation film is provided on the high resistance element. A hydrogen diffusion preventing film having a hydrogen diffusion coefficient smaller than that of the second insulation film is provided on the second insulation film. The hydrogen diffusion preventing film covers a part of the high resistance element.

Abstract: A silicide-interface polysilicon resistor is disclosed. The silicide-interface polysilicon resistor includes a substrate, an oxide layer located on top of the substrate, and a polysilicon layer located on top of the oxide layer. The polysilicon layer includes multiple semiconductor junctions. The silicide-interface polysilicon resistor also includes a layer of silicide sheets, and at least one of the silicon sheets is in contact with one of the semiconductor junctions located within the polysilicon layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having a transistor circuit and a bleeder resistance circuit is provided in which fluctuations in resistance value of a bleeder resistor are reduced. In the transistor circuit, a barrier metal film and a interconnect film are layered as a metal film on an interlayer insulating film above transistor structure. In the bleeder resistance circuit, the interconnect film is layered as a metal film on the interlayer insulating film above the bleeder resistor formed from polysilicon film. Alternatively, the metal film in the bleeder resistance circuit includes the barrier metal film only in a portion where the metal film is connected to the bleeder resistor. This reduces stress to the bleeder resistor formed from a polysilicon film, and the resistance value of the bleeder resistor accordingly fluctuates less. In addition, since the metal film used as interconnect of the transistor circuit includes the barrier metal film, interconnect reliability is not impaired.

Abstract: An array substrate includes a base substrate, a switching element, and a pixel electrode. The switching element is on the base substrate. The switching element includes a poly silicon pattern having at least one block. Grains are formed in each of the at least one block that are extended in a plurality of directions. The pixel electrode is electrically connected to the switching element. Therefore, current mobility and design margin of the switching element are improved.

Abstract: A fuse structure and method of forming the same is described, wherein the body of the fuse is formed from a crystalline semiconductor body on an insulator, preferably of a silicon-on-insulator wafer, surrounded by a fill-in dielectric. The fill-in dielectric is preferably a material that minimizes stresses on the crystalline body, such as an oxide. The body may be doped, and may also include a silicide layer on the upper surface. This fuse structure may be successfully programmed over a wide range of programming voltages and time.

Abstract: In a fuse region of a semiconductor device, and a method of fabricating the same, the fuse region includes an interlayer insulating layer on a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of fuses on the interlayer insulating layer disposed in parallel with each other, a blocking layer on the interlayer insulating layer between each of the plurality of fuses and in parallel with the plurality of fuses, and a plurality of fuse grooves recessed into the interlayer insulating layer between each of the plurality of fuses and the blocking layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device may include a resistance pattern including a resistance material on a substrate. The resistance pattern may include first and second spaced apart base elements, a bridge element, and first, second, third, and fourth extension elements. The first and second base elements may be substantially parallel, and the bridge element may be connected between respective center portions of the first and second spaced apart base elements. The first and second extension elements may be connected to opposite ends of the first base element and may extend toward the second base element, and the third and fourth extension elements may be connected to opposite ends of the second base element and may extend toward the first base element. Related methods are also discussed.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided that includes: a base insulating film; a metal thin-film resistor that is provided on the base insulating film; a lower-layer insulating film that is formed under the base insulating film; and a wiring pattern that is formed on the lower-layer insulating film. In this semiconductor device, the base insulating film is formed on the lower-layer insulating film and the wiring pattern, and connecting holes are formed in the base insulating film located on the wiring patterns. The metal thin-film resistor has at least two belt-like portions and a return portion that continues to the belt-like portions. The belt-like portions are located at a distance from the region on the wiring pattern. The return portion connects at least two belt-like portions in a position at a distance from the region on the wiring pattern. The return portion is formed in a connecting hole via the region on the wiring pattern.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having resistors in a peripheral area and fabrication method thereof are provided. A mold layer is formed on a semiconductor substrate. The mold layer is patterned to form first molding holes and a second molding hole in the mold layer. A storage node layer is formed on the mold layer as well as in the first and second molding holes. The storage node layer is patterned to form storage nodes in the first molding holes and a portion of a resistor in the second hole.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a resistor is provided. At first, a semiconductor layer including at least a high resistance region and a low resistance region is formed on a substrate. Following that, a first ion implantation process is performed to the entire surface of the semiconductor layer, and a second ion implantation process is performed to the portions of the semiconductor layer within a predetermined region, so that the semiconductor layer has a higher doping concentration within the predetermined region than in the other regions. Therein, the predetermined region overlaps the low resistance region, the junction between the low resistance region and the high resistance region, and the portions of the high resistance region adjacent to the junction between the low resistance region and the high resistance region.

Abstract: A high resistor SRAM memory cell to reduce soft error rate includes a first inverter having an output as a first memory node, and a second inverter having an output as a second memory node. The second memory node is coupled to an input of the first inverter through a first resistor. The first memory node is coupled to an input of the second inverter through a second resistor. A pair of access transistors are respectively coupled to a pair of bit lines, a split word line and one of the memory nodes. The resistors are prepared by coating a layer of silicide material on a selective portion of the gate structure of the transistors included in the first inverter, and connecting a portion of the gate structure that is substantially void of the silicide material to the drain of the transistors included in the second inverter.

Abstract: An improved fuse link structure and fuse blowing method, the fuse-link structure including a plurality of elongated fuse-link members comprising polysilicon electrically connected in parallel according to a common input Voltage contact and common output current contact to form a fuse-link structure; and, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of elongated fuse-link comprise a different electrical resistance with respect to one another according to a variable condition selected from the group consisting of critical dimension, polysilicon doping condition, and silicide agglomeration condition.

Abstract: A circuit having a precision passive circuit element, such as a resistor or a capacitor, with a target value of an electrical parameter is fabricated on a substrate with a plurality of independent parallel-connected passive circuit elements. The plurality of passive circuit elements are designed to have a plurality of values of the electrical parameter which are spaced or offset at or around the target value of the electrical parameter, such as three circuit elements with one having a value at the target value, one having a value above the target value, and one having a value below the target value. Each passive circuit element also has a fuse in series therewith. A reference calibration structure is also fabricated, which can be a passive circuit element having the target value of the electrical parameter, in a reference area of the substrate under the same conditions and at the same time as fabrication of the plurality of passive circuit elements.

Abstract: A fuse structure and method of forming the same is described, wherein the body of the fuse is formed from a crystalline semiconductor body on an insulator, preferably of a silicon-on-insulator wafer, surrounded by a fill-in dielectric. The fill-in dielectric is preferably a material that minimizes stresses on the crystalline body, such as an oxide. The body may be doped, and may also include a silicide layer on the upper surface. This fuse structure may be successfully programmed over a wide range of programming voltages and time.

Abstract: A structure for resistors and the method for tuning the same. The resistor comprises an electrically conducting region coupled to a liner region. Both the electrically conducting region and the liner region are electrically coupled to first and second contact regions. A voltage difference is applied between the first and second contact regions. As a result, a current flows between the first and second contact regions in the electrically conducting region. The voltage difference and the materials of the electrically conducting region and the liner region are such that electromigration occurs only in the electrically conducting region. As a result, a void region within the electrically conducting region expands in the direction of the flow of the charged particles constituting the current. Because the resistor loses a conducting portion of the electrically conducting region to the void region, the resistance of the resistor is increased (i.e., tuned).

Abstract: A resistive device includes a resistive region of a semiconductor material that includes a first region and a second region, wherein the first region has a higher dopant concentration than the second region, and wherein a resistance-determining width of a current path through the first region is determined by a portion of a doping boundary between the first region and the second region.

Abstract: An integrated circuit resistor is provided that comprises a mesa 14 between electrical contacts 16 and 18. The electrical resistance between electrical contacts 16 and 18 is selectively increased through the formation of recesses 20 and 22 in the mesa 14. The size of recesses 20 and 22 can be used to tune the value of the electrical resistance between contacts 16 and 18.

Abstract: A linewidth measurement structure for determining linewidths of damascened metal lines formed in an insulator is provided. The linewidth measurement structure including: a damascene polysilicon line formed in the insulator, the polysilicon line having an doped region having a predetermined resistivity.

Abstract: In a process for the fabrication of integrated resistive elements with protection from silicidation, at least one active area (15) is delimited in a semiconductor wafer (10). At least one resistive region (21) having a pre-determined resistivity is then formed in the active area (15). Prior to forming the resistive region (21), however, a delimitation structure (20) for delimiting the resistive region (21) is obtained on top of the active area (15). Subsequently, protective elements (25) are obtained which extend within the delimitation structure (20) and coat the resistive region (21).

Abstract: A programmable resistor includes a variety of taps. Selection of any of a variety of tap combinations establishes a path through which current will flow, thus, setting the resistance value of the programmable resistor. The programmable resistor minimizes the effects of parasitic end boundary resistances, Rend/w, between contacts and resistive areas by limiting the contribution of the end boundary resistances to 2Rend/w, regardless of the programmed tap combination. By fabricating a contiguous region of impedance material, only the Rend/w end boundary resistances associated with selected taps affect the value of the programmed resistance. A notched tap structure provides predictability of the resistance value of each tap combination. Taps are narrowed to form a notch which establishes a well-defined current flow path, thus providing the resistance predictability. Additionally, notches also allow for a wider contact-resistive area end boundary, thus, further minimizing the parasitic effect of Rend.

Abstract: A programmable element includes a diode and a programmable structure formed in a polysilicon layer isolated from a semiconductor substrate by a dielectric layer. The diode includes a first region and a second region of opposite conductivity types. The programmable structure includes a third region and a fourth region of opposite conductivity types. The first region of the diode and the third region of the programmable structure are electrically connected. In operation, the programmable structure is programmed to a low impedance state when a voltage exceeding a first breakdown voltage of the programmable structure is applied to reverse bias the programmable structure. The programmable element can be used to form a programmable array having very low parasitic capacitance, enabling the realization of a large and ultra fast programmable logic array.

Abstract: A phase change memory device and, more particularly, to a phase change memory cell array suitable for the implementation of a high-density memory device. The phase change memory cell array includes a first access transistor pair and a second access transistor pair formed on a semiconductor substrate to be adjacent to each other while each of the first and second access transistor pairs having a common drain, phase change resistance elements formed on source regions of the access transistors, respectively, and a semiconductor region formed on the same plane as the common drains to electrically connect the common drains of the first and second transistor pairs. The phase change memory cell array and the memory device of are suitable for the implementation of a high-density semiconductor device, and capable of improving the reliability of a contact forming process by securing a sufficient space for the contact forming process.