Including A Plurality Of Individual Components In A Repetitive Configuration (epo) Patents (Class 257/E27.07)

  • Publication number: 20100171152
    Abstract: A very high density field programmable memory is disclosed. An array is formed vertically above a substrate using several layers, each layer of which includes vertically fabricated memory cells. The cell in an N level array may be formed with N+1 masking steps plus masking steps needed for contacts. Maximum use of self alignment techniques minimizes photolithographic limitations. In one embodiment the peripheral circuits are formed in a silicon substrate and an N level array is fabricated above the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Mark G. Johnson, Thomas H. Lee, James M. Cleeves
  • Publication number: 20100172197
    Abstract: A Three-Dimensional Structure (3DS) Memory allows for physical separation of the memory circuits and the control logic circuit onto different layers such that each layer may be separately optimized. One control logic circuit suffices for several memory circuits, reducing cost. Fabrication of 3DS memory involves thinning of the memory circuit to less than 50 ?m in thickness and bonding the circuit to a circuit stack while still in wafer substrate form. Fine-grain high density inter-layer vertical bus connections are used. The 3DS memory manufacturing method enables several performance and physical size efficiencies, and is implemented with established semiconductor processing techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Glenn J. Leedy
  • Patent number: 7750373
    Abstract: In a semiconductor integrated circuit device, a plurality of electrode pads for external connection are arranged in a zigzag pattern. Some electrode pads of the electrode pads of the plurality of I/O cells which are closer to a side of the semiconductor chip, each have an end portion closer to the side of the semiconductor chip, the end portion being set at the same position as that of an end portion of the corresponding I/O cell. A power source-side protective circuit and a ground-side protective circuit against discharge of static electricity are provided with the power source-side protective circuit being closer to the scribe region. A distance between a center position of one of the electrode pads and the ground-side protective circuit of the corresponding I/O cell and a distance between a center position of the other one electrode pad and the ground-side protective circuit of the corresponding I/O cell are both short and are substantially equal between each I/O cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Koichi Taniguchi, Masato Maede
  • Publication number: 20100140666
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices are provided including a plurality of L-shaped cell blocks each including,a cell array and a plurality of decoders disposed in horizontal and vertical directions of the cell array. The plurality of L-shaped cell blocks are oriented in a diagonal direction intersecting the horizontal and vertical directions. Related methods are also provided herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: HongSik Yoon
  • Publication number: 20100127309
    Abstract: A capacitor in an integrated circuit (“IC”) has a first node plate link formed in a first metal layer of the IC electrically connected to and forming a portion of a first node of the capacitor extending along a first axis (y) and a second node plate link formed in a second metal layer of the IC extending along the axis and connected to the first node plate with a via. A third node plate link formed in the first metal layer is electrically connected to and forming a portion of a second node of the capacitor and extends along a second axis (x) of the node plate array transverse to the first node plate link, proximate to an end of the first node plate link and overlying a portion of the second node plate link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Lodewijk de Jong, Steven Baier
  • Patent number: 7704825
    Abstract: A memory capable of reducing the memory cell size is provided. This memory includes a first conductive type first impurity region formed on a memory cell array region of the main surface of a semiconductor substrate for functioning as a first electrode of a diode included in a memory cell and a plurality of second conductive type second impurity regions, formed on the surface of the first impurity region at a prescribed interval, each functioning as a second electrode of the diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kouichi Yamada
  • Patent number: 7704802
    Abstract: Disclosed are a programmable, random logic device array, and a method of forming such a device. The device comprises a substrate, and a semiconductor layer above the substrate. That semiconductor layer, in turn, includes a first region of a first semiconductor type, an array of spaced apart second regions of a second semiconductor type, and a plurality of space-charge regions. Each of the space charge regions extends around a respective one of the second regions and separates that one of the second regions from the first region of the semiconductor layer. The programmable, random, logic device array further comprises first and second sets of contacts. The first set of contacts are in electrical contact with areas of said first region of the semiconductor layer, and the second set of contacts are in electrical contact with the second regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Harsaran S. Bhatia, Eric Kline
  • Publication number: 20100096670
    Abstract: Methods and devices yielding an improved semiconductor device with interface circuit are disclosed. Configuring a semiconductor with parallel device features reduces process variation (e.g., lithographically-induced process variation or other defects). Embodiments of the present invention provide semiconductor devices with I/O cell device features (e.g., I/O gates or core gates) laid out in parallel. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention can allow patterning devices to be made to more exacting tolerances because some patterning devices may have a higher capability along one axis than another. Embodiments of the present invention also include a semiconductor device having like-functioned I/O cells arranged such that their layouts and rotational orientations with respect to their corresponding core remain constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Eiichi Hosomi
  • Patent number: 7683435
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to misalignment-tolerant multiplexing/demultiplexing architectures. One architecture enables communication with a conductive-structure array having a narrow spacing and pitch. Another architecture can comprise address elements having a width substantially identical to that of conductive-structures with which each of these address elements is capable of communicating. Another architecture can comprise rows of co-parallel address elements oriented obliquely relative to address lines and/or conductive structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Xiaofeng Yang, Sriram Ramamoorthi, Galen H. Kawamoto
  • Publication number: 20100065807
    Abstract: The present invention is configured such that a resistance variable element (16) and a rectifying element (20) are formed on a substrate (12). The resistance variable element (16) is configured such that a resistance variable layer (14) made of a metal oxide material is sandwiched between a lower electrode (13) and an upper electrode (15). The rectifying element (20) is connected to the resistance variable element (16), and is configured such that a blocking layer (18) is sandwiched between a first electrode layer (17) located on a lower side of the blocking layer (18) and a second electrode layer (19) located on an upper side of the blocking layer (18). The resistance variable element (16) and the rectifying element (20) are connected to each other in series in a thickness direction of the resistance variable layer (14), and the blocking layer (18) is formed as a barrier layer having a hydrogen barrier property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Takeshi Takagi, Takumi Mikawa
  • Publication number: 20100059795
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus includes an integrated circuit comprising a power stage portion of a power converter circuit. The power stage portion includes a first switch circuit portion formed by a first plurality of lateral devices in a first substrate. The power stage portion includes a second switch circuit portion formed by a second plurality of lateral devices in the first substrate. The integrated circuit includes a multi-layer current routing structure configured to transport a first current between the first plurality of lateral devices and an array of conductor structures on the surface of the integrated circuit using a first substantially vertical conduction path when the first switch circuit portion is enabled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Firas Azrai
  • Publication number: 20100038743
    Abstract: An information storage system includes a bonded semiconductor structure having a memory circuit region carried by an interconnect region. The memory circuit region includes a memory control device region having a vertically oriented memory control device. The memory circuit region includes a memory device region in communication with the memory control device region. The memory device region includes a memory device whose operation is controlled by the vertically oriented memory control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Sang-Yun Lee
  • Publication number: 20100006904
    Abstract: A circuit can include a module having signal pads that are configurable to route signals between the circuit and at least one external device. The module can also have unused pads that are interleaved between the signal pads. A circuit can include a module having signal pads that are configurable to route varying signals between the circuit and at least one external device. The module can also have voltage pads that are configurable to route substantially constant voltages between at least one external device and the circuit. The signal pads can be interleaved between the voltage pads. A module with one or more of these features can achieve ideal performance in both wire bond and flip chip packages with the flexibility of setting a different input/output utilization percentage within the module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Guu Lin, Yen-Fu Lin, Stephanie T. Tran, Pooyan Khoshkhoo
  • Publication number: 20100001267
    Abstract: NRAM arrays with nanotube blocks, traces and planes, and methods of making the same are disclosed. In some embodiments, a nanotube memory array includes a nanotube fabric layer disposed in electrical communication with first and second conductor layers. A memory operation circuit including a circuit for generating and applying a select signal on first and second conductor layers to induce a change in the resistance of the nanotube fabric layer between the first and second conductor layers is provided. At least two adjacent memory cells are formed in at least two selected cross sections of the nanotube fabric and conductor layers such that each memory cell is uniquely addressable and programmable. For each cell, a change in resistance corresponds to a change in an informational state of the memory cell. Some embodiments include bit lines, word lines, and reference lines. In some embodiments, 6F2 memory cell density is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: NANTERO, INC.
    Inventors: H.M. MANNING, Thomas RUECKES, Claude L. BERTIN, Jonathan W. WARD, Garo DERDERIAN
  • Publication number: 20090321791
    Abstract: An integrated circuit according to an embodiment of the invention includes a substrate having a first cell and a second cell, the first and the second cells being adapted to perform a substantially same functionality. Corresponding functional structures of the first and the second cell are electrically connected, at different locations inside the standard cells, to information carrying signal interconnection lines, wherein the functional structures are adapted to serve as an information carrying signal input or as an information carrying signal output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Wagner
  • Publication number: 20090321709
    Abstract: A memory element comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, and a resistance variable film 2 which is disposed between the first and second electrodes to be connected to the first and second electrodes, a resistance value of the resistance variable film 2 varying based on voltage applied between the first and second electrodes, the resistance variable film 2 includes a layer 2a made of Fe3O4 and a layer 2b made of Fe2O3 or a spinel structure oxide which is expressed as MFe2O4 (M: metal element except for Fe); and the layer 2a made of Fe3O4 is thicker than the layer 2b made of Fe2O3 or the spinel structure oxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Shunsaku Muraoka, Satoru Fujii, Satoru Mitani, Koichi Osano
  • Publication number: 20090321789
    Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor device includes forming at least one device layer over a substrate, forming a plurality of spaced apart first features over the device layer, where each three adjacent first features form an equilateral triangle, forming sidewall spacers on the first features, filling a space between the sidewall spacers with a plurality of filler features, selectively removing the sidewall spacers, and etching the at least one device layer using at least the plurality of filler features as a mask. A device contains a plurality of bottom electrodes located over a substrate, a plurality of spaced apart pillars over the plurality of bottom electrodes, and a plurality of upper electrodes contacting the plurality of pillars. Each three adjacent pillars form an equilateral triangle, and each pillar comprises a semiconductor device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Chun-Ming Wang, Yung-Tin Chen, Roy E. Scheuerlein
  • Publication number: 20090309136
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method of fabricating a semiconductor device, wherein the method comprises forming, on a substrate, a plurality of planarized fin bodies to be used for customized fin field effect transistor (FinFET) device formation; forming a nitride spacer around each of the plurality of fin bodies; forming an isolation region in between each of the fin bodies; and coating the plurality of fin bodies, the nitride spacers, and the isolation regions with a protective film. The fabricated semiconductor device is adapted to be used in customized applications as a customized semiconductor device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Howard H. Chen, Louis C. Hsu, Jack A. Mandelman, Chun-Yung Sung
  • Publication number: 20090289371
    Abstract: A switching element includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an ionic conductive portion and a buffer portion. The first electrode is configured to be available to feed metal ions. The ionic conductive portion is configured to contact the first electrode and the second electrode, and include an ionic conductor in which the metal ions are movable. The buffer portion is configured to have a smaller hardness than the ionic conductor, and be located between the first electrode and the second electrode along the ionic conductive portion. Electrical characteristics are switched by depositing or melting metal between said first electrode and said second electrode based on a potential difference between said first electrode and said second electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toshitsugu Sakamoto
  • Publication number: 20090283868
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming a product from ultra thin layers of a base material are disclosed. Some embodiments provide a process that allows one to structure a silicon base material, like the ingot, and to transfer this structure into a respective silicon process step. Some embodiments provide a process that allows one to structure any complex structured layer stacks, where the layers can be applied on top of each other using, e.g., bonding technology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Rainer Krause, Markus Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20090273052
    Abstract: A method of forming an integrated circuit structure includes providing a semiconductor substrate; and forming a first and a second MOS device. The first MOS device includes a first active region in the semiconductor substrate; and a first gate over the first active region. The second MOS device includes a second active region in the semiconductor substrate; and a second gate over the second active region. The method further include forming a dielectric region between the first and the second active regions, wherein the dielectric region has an inherent stress; and implanting the dielectric region to form a stress-released region in the dielectric region, wherein source and drain regions of the first and the second MOS devices are not implanted during the step of implanting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Harry Chuang, Kong-Beng Thei, Mong-Song Liang
  • Publication number: 20090273007
    Abstract: In the present invention, a method of testing an unpackaged integrated circuit die is disclosed. The die has a plurality of first input/output pads. A serial electrical connection is fabricated in the die between all of the input/output pads of the die which are not of the first plurality (hereinafter: “second plurality”). The second plurality has a start input and an end output. The start input of the second plurality is connected to the output of one selected input buffer of the input pad of the first plurality and the end output of the second plurality is also connected to the input of one selected output pad of the first plurality. The second plurality of input/output pads are tested through selected input pad and selected output pad of the first plurality without electrical probes making contact during the wafer sort. The present invention also relates to an integrated circuit die so fabricated as to facilitate testing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Kangping Zhang, Fong-Long Lin
  • Patent number: 7608926
    Abstract: A new method to polish down conductive lines in the manufacture of an integrated circuit device is achieved. The method comprises providing a plurality of conductive lines overlying a substrate. A high density plasma (HDP) oxide layer is deposited overlying the substrate and the conductive lines. In the regions between the conductive lines, first planar surfaces of the HDP oxide layer are formed below the top of the conductive lines. The HDP oxide layer is sputtered down overlying the conductive lines such that second planar surfaces of the HDP oxide layer are formed above the conductive lines. A polish stopping layer is deposited overlying the HDP oxide layer. A film layer is deposited overlying the polish stopping layer. The film layer is polished down to the polish stopping layer overlying the second planar top surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kern-Huat Ang, Chai-Chen Liu, Chiang-Yung Ku, Jui-Feng Jao, Sheng-Chen Wang
  • Patent number: 7608910
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and methods for protecting a semiconductor device. In an example, the semiconductor device may include a semiconductor substrate including at least one electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device, at least one metal interconnection line connected to the at least one ESD protection device through a conductive plug and a passivation layer disposed on less than all of the metal interconnection line. In an example method, a semiconductor device may be protected by diverting at least a portion of an electron build-up from an accumulation point to one or more protective circuits along one or more conductive paths, the electron build-up, without the diverting, sufficient to cause an ESD at the accumulation point. In another example, a semiconductor device may be protected by exposing one or more conductive lines to a fuse opening to avoid an ESD by diverting an electron build-up at the fuse opening to one or more ESD protection devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyung-Lae Eun
  • Patent number: 7605435
    Abstract: A bi-directional power switch is formed as a monolithic semiconductor device. The power switch has two MOSFETs formed with separate source contacts to the external package and a common drain. The MOSFETs have first and second channel regions formed over a well region above a substrate. A first source is formed in the first channel. A first metal makes electrical contact to the first source. A first gate region is formed over the first channel. A second source region is formed in the second channel. A second metal makes electrical contact to the second source. A second gate region is formed over the second channel. A common drain region is disposed between the first and second gate regions. A local oxidation on silicon region and field implant are formed over the common drain region. The metal contacts are formed in the same plane as a single metal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Great Wall Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel J. Anderson, David N. Okada
  • Patent number: 7605449
    Abstract: By forming MOSFETs on a substrate having pre-existing ridges of semiconductor material (i.e., a “corrugated substrate”), the resolution limitations associated with conventional semiconductor manufacturing processes can be overcome, and high-performance, low-power transistors can be reliably and repeatably produced. Forming a corrugated substrate prior to actual device formation allows the ridges on the corrugated substrate to be created using high precision techniques that are not ordinarily suitable for device production. MOSFETs that subsequently incorporate the high-precision ridges into their channel regions will typically exhibit much more precise and less variable performance than similar MOSFETs formed using optical lithography-based techniques that cannot provide the same degree of patterning accuracy. Additional performance enhancement techniques such as pulse-shaped doping, “wrapped” gates, epitaxially grown conductive regions, epitaxially grown high mobility semiconductor materials (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventors: Tsu Jae King Liu, Qiang Lu
  • Publication number: 20090250782
    Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconducting device including a substrate including at least one semiconducting region and isolation regions; a gate structure atop the substrate having a gate dielectric layer positioned on the semiconducting region and a metal layer atop the gate dielectric layer, the gate structure having a width equal to or greater than the width of the at least one semiconducting region; and a contact structure including a base having a first width equal to the width of the gate structure and an upper surface having a second width, wherein the first width is greater than the second width. In one embodiment, the contact structure includes a polysilicon conductor and dielectric spacers, wherein each spacer of the dielectric spacer abuts a sidewall of the polysilicon conductor. In another embodiment, the contact structure includes a polysilicon conductor having a tapered sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Wesley C. Natzle
  • Publication number: 20090242994
    Abstract: A method includes forming a first transistor having a first gate dielectric thickness and a first source/drain extension depth, a second transistor having a second gate dielectric thickness and the first source/drain extension depth, and a third transistor having the second gate dielectric thickness and a second source/drain extension depth. The second source/drain extension depth is greater than the first source/drain extension depth. The second gate dielectric thickness is greater than the first gate dielectric thickness. The first transistor is used in a logic circuit. The third transistor is used in an I/O circuit. The second transistor is made without extra processing steps and is better than either the first or third transistor for coupling a power supply terminal to the logic circuit in a power-up mode and decoupling the power supply terminal from the logic circuit in a power-down mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Giri Nallapati, Sushama Davar, Robert E. Booth, Michael P. Woo, Mahbub M. Rashed
  • Publication number: 20090236637
    Abstract: An integrated circuit chip with reduced IR drop and improved chip performance is disclosed. The integrated circuit chip includes a semiconductor substrate having thereon a plurality of inter-metal dielectric (IMD) layers and a plurality of copper metal layers embedded in respective the plurality of IMD layers; a first passivation layer overlying the plurality of IMD layers and the plurality of copper metal layers; a first power/ground ring of a circuit block of the integrated circuit chip formed in a topmost layer of the plurality of copper metal layers; a second power/ground ring of the circuit block of the integrated circuit chip formed in an aluminum layer over the first passivation layer; and a second passivation layer covering the second power/ground ring and the first passivation layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Ching-Chung Ko, Tao Cheng, Tien-Yueh Liu, Dar-Shii Chou, Peng-Cheng Kao
  • Publication number: 20090224242
    Abstract: An isolation circuit, comprising a first transistor having a gate, a first source/drain terminal, and a second source/drain terminal, a first pad coupled to the gate of the first transistor, the first pad operable to receive an enable signal, a second pad coupled to the first source/drain of the first transistor, the second pad operable to receive a ground potential, a first fuse device coupling the second source/drain terminal to a node, a second fuse device coupling the node to the first pad, a third pad operable to receive a signal to be applied to at least one die, and a second transistor operable to selectively transfer the signal received at the third pad to the at least one die in response to a control signal provided by the node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Timothy B. Cowles, Aron T. Lunde
  • Publication number: 20090207649
    Abstract: A vertical transistor having a wrap-around-gate and a method of fabricating such a transistor. The wrap-around-gate (WAG) vertical transistors are fabricated by a process in which source, drain and channel regions of the transistor are automatically defined and aligned by the fabrication process, without photolithographic patterning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Sanh D. Tang, Robert J. Burke, Anand Srinivasan
  • Publication number: 20090200633
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure with dual isolation structures is disclosed. The semiconductor structure may include a protruding isolation structure in a pixel array region of a substrate and an embedded isolation structure in a peripheral device region of the same substrate. A region of the protruding isolation structure extends from an upper surface of the substrate, while another region of the protruding isolation structure may, optionally, be embedded within the substrate. The embedded isolation structure is formed within the substrate and includes an upper surface that is substantially coplanar with the upper surface of the substrate. A method of forming the semiconductor structure with dual isolation structure is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Chapman, Salman Akram
  • Publication number: 20090189193
    Abstract: A method of selectively forming a spacer on a first class of transistors and devices formed by such methods. The method can include depositing a conformal first deposition layer on a substrate with different classes of transistors situated thereon, depositing a blocking layer to at least one class of transistors, dry etching the first deposition layer, removing the blocking layer, depositing a conformal second deposition layer on the substrate, dry etching the second deposition layer and wet etching the remaining first deposition layer. Devices may include transistors of a first class with larger spacers compared to spacers of transistors of a second class.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: GIUSEPPE CURELLO, Ian R. Post, Chia-Hong Jan, Mark Bohr
  • Publication number: 20090189195
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices, methods of manufacturing thereof, and methods of arranging circuit components of an integrated circuit are disclosed. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes an array of a plurality of devices arranged in a plurality of rows. At least one radio frequency (RF) circuit or a portion thereof is disposed in at least one of the plurality of rows of the array of the plurality of devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: Uwe Paul Schroeder, Chu-Hsin Liang
  • Publication number: 20090189194
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices, methods of manufacturing thereof, and methods of arranging circuit components of an integrated circuit are disclosed. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes an array of a plurality of devices arranged in a plurality of rows. At least one electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit or a portion thereof is disposed in at least one of the plurality of rows of the array of the plurality of devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: Uwe Paul Schroeder, David Alvarez
  • Publication number: 20090173972
    Abstract: In a substrate power supply cell, a portion of a substrate power supply wiring is exposed by forming a power supply wiring in a U-shape, and a connection portion to an upper-layer wiring is provided at a boundary portion of the substrate power supply cell. Thereby, a leakage current is reduced without a decrease in signal wiring efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: Keisuke KISHISHITA
  • Publication number: 20090166620
    Abstract: In a semiconductor chip in which external connection pads are arranged in three or more rows in a staggered configuration at the peripheral portion thereof, a first pad which is arranged in the outermost row is used as a power supply pad or a ground pad for an internal core circuit. To the first pad, a second pad which is arranged in the second outermost row is connected with a metal in the same layer as a pad metal. The resistance of a power supply line to the internal core circuit has a value of the parallel resistance of a resistance from the first pad and a resistance from the second pad, which is by far lower than the resistance from the first pad. Therefore, it is possible to prevent circuit misoperation resulting from an IR drop in the power supply of the internal core circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Masato MAEDE
  • Publication number: 20090166682
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems, apparatus, and methods for forming three dimensional memory arrays using a multi-depth imprint lithography mask and a damascene process. An imprint lithography mask for manufacturing a memory layer in a three dimensional memory is described. The mask includes a translucent material formed with features for making an imprint in a transfer material to be used in a damascene process, the mask having a plurality of imprint depths. At least one imprint depth corresponds to trenches for forming memory lines and at least one depth corresponds to holes for forming vias. Numerous other aspects are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: ROY E. SCHEUERLEIN
  • Publication number: 20090152592
    Abstract: A design structure including: an I/O cell and an ESD protection circuit in a region of an integrated circuit chip containing logic circuits; an electrically conductive through via extending from a bottom surface of the substrate toward a top surface of the substrate between the I/O cell and an ESD protection circuit and at least one of the logic circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Phillip Francis Chapman, David S. Collins, Steven H. Voldman
  • Publication number: 20090152591
    Abstract: A design structure for a circuit that selectively connects an integrated circuit to elements external to the integrated circuits. The circuit includes and input/output element that selectively connects an input/output pin as a function of a power requirement or a signal bandwidth requirement of the integrated circuit. The input/output element includes one or more switching devices that connect the input/output pin to an external element, such as a power supply or external signal path. The input/output element also includes one or more switching devices that connect the input/output pin to an internal element, such as a power network or internal signal line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Corey K. Barrows, Kenneth J. Goodnow, Stephen G. Shuma, Peter A. Twombly, Paul S. Zuchowski
  • Publication number: 20090152594
    Abstract: A circuit that selectively connects an integrated circuit to elements external to the integrated circuits. The circuit includes an input/output element that selectively connects an input/output pin as a function of a power requirement or a signal bandwidth requirement of the integrated circuit. The input/output element includes one or more switching devices that connect the input/output pin to an external element, such as a power supply or external signal path. The input/output element also includes one or more switching devices that connect the input/output pin to an internal element, such as a power network or internal signal line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Corey K. Barrows, Kenneth J. Goodnow, Stephen G. Shuma, Peter A. Twombly, Paul S. Zuchowski
  • Patent number: 7538368
    Abstract: In a standard cell, at least one of transistors on either side of a transistor having gate length different from that of the other transistors are set to be always in the OFF state. This prevents influence to the operation of the standard cell even with variation in final gate dimension, suppressing variation in characteristics of the standard cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Junichi Yano
  • Publication number: 20090121296
    Abstract: In a reliable semiconductor device and a method of fabricating the semiconductor device, a difference in height between upper surfaces of a cell region and a peripheral region (also referred to as a level difference) is minimized by optimizing dummy gate parts. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate including a cell region and a peripheral region surrounding the cell region, a plurality of dummy active regions surrounded by a device isolating region and formed apart from each other, and a plurality of dummy gate parts formed on the dummy active regions and on the device isolating regions located between the dummy active regions, wherein each of the dummy gate parts covers two or more of the dummy active regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byoung-ho Kwon, Sang-youn Jo, Jin-sook Choi, Chang-ki Hong, Bo-un Yoon, Hong-soo Kim, Se-rah Yun
  • Patent number: 7528465
    Abstract: By forming MOSFETs on a substrate having pre-existing ridges of semiconductor material (i.e., a “corrugated substrate”), the resolution limitations associated with conventional semiconductor manufacturing processes can be overcome, and high-performance, low-power transistors can be reliably and repeatably produced. Forming a corrugated substrate prior to actual device formation allows the ridges on the corrugated substrate to be created using high precision techniques that are not ordinarily suitable for device production. MOSFETs that subsequently incorporate the high-precision ridges into their channel regions will typically exhibit much more precise and less variable performance than similar MOSFETs formed using optical lithography-based techniques that cannot provide the same degree of patterning accuracy. Additional performance enhancement techniques such as pulse-shaped doping and “wrapped” gates can be used in conjunction with the segmented channel regions to further enhance device performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventors: Tsu-Jae King, Victor Moroz
  • Publication number: 20090085069
    Abstract: In a NAND-type nonvolatile reprogrammable memory array, inter-cell coupling resistance between adjoining memory cells is reducing by forming metal silicide insets embedded in the diffusion zone of the inter-cell coupling region. The diffusion zone includes a shallow implant region and a deep implant region. In one embodiment, the shallow implant region defines shallow source/drain regions for floating gate transistors of the memory cells. The size of the metal silicide insets are controlled to not compromise isolation PN junctions defined by the shallow and deep implant region. In one embodiment, the metal silicide insets include nickel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Len MEI, Yue-Song HE
  • Publication number: 20090085148
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a superjunction device includes providing a semiconductor wafer having a plurality of dies. A first plurality of trenches having a first orientation are formed in a first die. A second plurality of trenches having a second orientation are formed in a second die. The second orientation is different from the first orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: Icemos Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Ishiguro, Kenji Sugiura, Hugh J. Griffin
  • Publication number: 20090078967
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a semiconductor chip, and a semiconductor device having a plurality of semiconductor chips, that enables ESD protection from another semiconductor chip without increasing the chip area in case the semiconductor chip is Multi-Chip-Packaged, without wasting chip area in case the semiconductor chip is not Multi-Chip-Packaged. The exemplary semiconductor chip of the present invention includes an internal circuit and a first electrode pad electrically connected to a ground bus line of the first semiconductor chip in a region where an electrode pad, which gives and receives electric signals required for an operation of the internal circuit, cannot be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Kato
  • Publication number: 20090072274
    Abstract: An integrated circuit including a first gate stack and a second gate stack and a method of manufacturing is disclosed. One embodiment provides non-volatile memory cells including a first gate stack and a gate dielectric on a first surface section of a main surface of a semiconductor substrate, and a second gate stack including a memory layer stack on a second surface section. A first pattern is transferred into the first gate stack and a second pattern into the second gate stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicants: QIMONDA AG, QIMONDA FLASH GMBH
    Inventors: Roman Knoefler, Michael Specht, Josef Willer
  • Publication number: 20090065890
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to the lowered reliability of a device due to deterioration caused by the concentration of an electric field in the top corner of an STI. To solve the reliability problem, the STI top corners have a local oxidation of silicon, the top corners of the STI are rounded, and the STI steps are increased in a semiconductor device fabricated according to embodiments. Embodiments relate to an STI in high and low voltage regions of a semiconductor device which can be fabricated by providing a semiconductor substrate having a shallow trench isolation structure, a high voltage region and a low voltage region. A capping layer is formed over the entire surface of the top of the high voltage region and the low voltage region, including the shallow trench isolation structure. A photoresist pattern is formed over the top of the capping layer to expose the high voltage region, including a portion of the shallow trench isolation structure formed within the high voltage region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Yong-Keon Choi
  • Publication number: 20090057722
    Abstract: There is provided a semiconductor device formed of a highly integrated high-speed CMOS inverter coupling circuit using SGTs provided on at least two stages. A semiconductor device according to the present invention is formed of a CMOS inverter coupling circuit in which n (n is two or above) CMOS inverters are coupled with each other, each of the n inverters has: a pMOS SGT; an nMOS SGT, an input terminal arranged so as to connect a gate of the pMOS SGT with a gate of the nMOS SGT; an output terminal arranged to connect a drain diffusion layer of the pMOS SGT with a drain diffusion layer of the nMOS SGT in an island-shaped semiconductor lower layer; a pMOS SGT power supply wiring line arranged on a source diffusion layer of the pMOS SGT; and an nMOS SGT power supply wiring line arranged on a source diffusion layer of the NMOS SGT, and an n?1th output terminal is connected with an nth input terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicants: Unisantis Electronics (Japan) Ltd., TOHOKU UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Fujio Masuoka, Hiroki Nakamura