And Passive Device (e.g., Resistor, Capacitor, Etc.) Patents (Class 438/190)
  • Publication number: 20110204969
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide a varactor structure that, depends on configurations, can provide a C-V characteristic based on one or a combination of a reverse bias junction capacitor, a channel capacitor, and an oxide capacitor. The junction capacitor is formed by reverse biasing the P+ source region and the N-well. The channel capacitance is formed between the P+ source region and the N+ drain region, and the oxide capacitor is formed in the gate oxide area. Depending on biasing one or a combination of the gate voltage VG, the source voltage VS, and the drain voltage VD, embodiments can utilize one or a combination of the above capacitors. Other embodiments using the varactors in a Voltage-Controlled Oscillator (VCO) are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Chung CHEN, Chewn-Pu Jou, Chin Wei Kuo, Sally Liu
  • Patent number: 7981758
    Abstract: A method may include depositing a dielectric layer onto a substrate, removing portions of the dielectric layer to create a plurality of separated non-removed portions of the dielectric layer, depositing one or more passive electronic components into each of the plurality of separated non-removed portions, and curing the separated non-removed portions of the dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Huankiat Seh, Yongki Min, Islam A. Salama
  • Patent number: 7939390
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure formation method and operation method. The structure includes (i) a dielectric layer, (ii) a bottom capacitor plate and an electrically conductive line on the dielectric layer, (iii) a top capacitor plate on top of the bottom capacitor plate, (iv) a gap region, and (v) a solder ball on the dielectric layer. The dielectric layer includes a top surface that defines a reference direction perpendicular to the top surface. The top capacitor plate overlaps the bottom capacitor plate in the reference direction. The gap region is sandwiched between the bottom capacitor plate and the top capacitor plate. The gap region does not include any liquid or solid material. The solder ball is electrically connected to the electrically conductive line. The top capacitor plate is disposed between the dielectric layer and the solder ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen P. Ayotte, Timothy Harrison Daubenspeck, Jeffrey Peter Gambino, Christopher David Muzzy, Wolfgang Sauter
  • Patent number: 7911028
    Abstract: A semiconductor device including a metallic compound Hfx1Moy1Nz1 as an electrode. The work function of the electrode can be modulated by doping the metallic compound with dopants including nitrogen, silicon or germanium. The metallic compound of the present invention is applicable to PMOS, NMOS, CMOS transistors and capacitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Nanya Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Shian-Jyh Lin, Chih-Wei Huang, Chao-Sung Lai, Hsing-Kan Peng
  • Patent number: 7875526
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate divided into a cell array region, a core region, and a peripheral region. Bit lines are formed in the respective regions. Storage node contact plugs are formed in the cell array region, and blocking patterns are simultaneously formed around the bit lines of the core region and the peripheral region. Capacitors are formed in the cell array region to come into contact with the storage node contact plugs, and metal contact plugs are formed to come into contact with the capacitors of the cell array region and the bit lines of the core region and the peripheral region. In the semiconductor device, even if the metal contact plugs are not aligned with the bit lines, the blocking pattern works to stabilize the contact between the metal contact plugs and the bit lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Dong Chul Koo
  • Patent number: 7858465
    Abstract: A semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a transistor including, a gate insulator formed of an insulating layer deposited on a substrate, and a gate electrode formed of an electrode layer deposited on the insulating layer; a capacitor including, a first capacitor electrode formed of the electrode layer, a first capacitor insulator formed on the first capacitor electrode, a second capacitor electrode formed on the first capacitor insulator, a second capacitor insulator formed on the second capacitor electrode, and a third capacitor electrode formed on the second capacitor insulator; and line patterns which are in contact with a contact plug for the transistor, a contact plug for the first capacitor electrode, a contact plug for the second capacitor electrode, and the third capacitor electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Toshiaki Komukai, Hideaki Harakawa
  • Patent number: 7838966
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiao Quan Wang, Chang-Bong Oh, Seung-Hwan Lee
  • Patent number: 7834419
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a capacitor formed by successively stacking a lower electrode, a capacitor dielectric film and an upper electrode on a substrate. The lower electrode includes a first conducting layer and a second conducting layer formed on the first conducting layer and having higher resistivity than the first conducting layer, and the capacitor dielectric film is formed so as to be in contact with the second conducting layer of the lower electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Ohtsuka, Takashi Nakabayashi, Yoshiyuki Shibata
  • Patent number: 7790529
    Abstract: Some embodiments include DRAM having transistor gates extending partially over SOI, and methods of forming such DRAM. Unit cells of the DRAM may be within active region pedestals, and in some embodiments the unit cells may comprise capacitors having storage nodes in direct contact with sidewalls of the active region pedestals. Some embodiments include 0C1T memory having transistor gates entirely over SOI, and methods of forming such 0C1T memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kunal R. Parekh
  • Patent number: 7772057
    Abstract: An integrated circuit with gate self-protection comprises a MOS device and a bipolar device, wherein the integrated circuit further comprises a semiconductor layer with electrically active regions in which and on which the MOS device and the bipolar device are formed and electrically inactive regions for isolating the electrically active regions from each other. The MOS device comprises a gate structure and a body contacting structure, wherein the body contacting structure is formed of a base layer deposited in a selected region over an electrically active region of the semiconductor layer, and the body contacting structure is electrically connected with the gate structure. The base layer forming the body contacting structure also forms the base of the bipolar device. The present invention further relates to a method for fabricating such an integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Badih El-Kareh, Scott Gerard Balster, Hiroshi Yasuda, Manfred Schiekofer
  • Patent number: 7750378
    Abstract: Provided are a field effect transistor and a method of fabricating the same, wherein the field effect transistor is formed which has a hyperfine channel length by employing a technique for forming a sidewall spacer and adjusting the deposition thickness of a thin film. In the field effect transistor of the present invention, a source junction and a drain junction are thin, and the overlap between the source and the gate and between the drain and the gate is prevented, thereby lowering parasitic resistance. Further, the gate electric field is easily introduced to the drain extending region, so that the carrier concentration is effectively controlled in the channel at the drain. Also, the drain extending region is formed to be thinner than the source, so that the short channel characteristic is excellent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Won-ju Cho, Chang-geun Ahn, Ki-ju Im, Jong-heon Yang, In-bok Baek, Seong-jae Lee
  • Publication number: 20100151637
    Abstract: A resistive memory structure, for example, phase change memory structure, includes one access device and two or more resistive memory cells. Each memory cell is coupled to a rectifying device to prevent parallel leak current from flowing through non-selected memory cells. In an array of resistive memory bit structures, resistive memory cells from different memory bit structures are stacked and share rectifying devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Jun Liu, Mike Violette
  • Publication number: 20100148225
    Abstract: There is provided a low power memory device with JFET device structures. Specifically, a low power memory device is provided that includes a plurality memory cells having a memory element and a JFET access device electrically coupled to the memory element. The memory cells may be isolated using diffusion based isolation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Chandra Mouli
  • Patent number: 7687327
    Abstract: Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and processes for manufacturing the same. The RFID device generally includes (1) a metal antenna and/or inductor; (2) a dielectric layer thereon, to support and insulate integrated circuitry from the metal antenna and/or inductor; (3) a plurality of diodes and a plurality of transistors on the dielectric layer, the diodes having at least one layer in common with the transistors; and (4) a plurality of capacitors in electrical communication with the metal antenna and/or inductor and at least some of the diodes, the plurality of capacitors having at least one layer in common with the plurality of diodes and/or with contacts to the diodes and transistors. The method preferably integrates liquid silicon-containing ink deposition into a cost effective, integrated manufacturing process for the manufacture of RFID circuits. Furthermore, the present RFID tags generally provide higher performance (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Kovio, Inc,
    Inventors: James Montague Cleeves, J. Devin MacKenzie, Arvind Kamath
  • Patent number: 7638831
    Abstract: A molecular memory including a substrate made of silicon; a set of condensers, each condenser including two conductive layers constituting armatures of the condensers and between which is placed a dielectric layer; and a connector to provide electric contacts with external circuits, wherein the dielectric layer comprises at least partially a polymer containing triazole derivatives, a spin transition phenomenon support material or a spin transition molecular complex; and a method for manufacturing a molecular memory including covering a substrate with a conductive layer; coating a dielectric material on the conductive layer; covering the dielectric material with the conductive layer; impregnating by immersion a buffer in an inking solution of hexadecanethiol; drying and washing the impregnated buffer; creating a protective monolayer on the conductive layer by application of the impregnated, dried and washed buffer; and creating a chemical etching on the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - CNRS
    Inventors: Azzedine Bousseksou, Christophe Vieu, Jean-Francois Letard, Philippe Demont, Jean-Pierre Tuchagues, Laurent Malaquin, Jerôme Menegotto, Lionel Salmon
  • Patent number: 7585723
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming an insulation structure over a substrate structure including contact plugs, etching the insulation structure to form opening regions each of which has a lower opening portion having a critical dimension wider than an upper opening portion, and forming a conductive layer contacting the contact plugs inside the opening regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc
    Inventor: Ky-Hyun Han
  • Publication number: 20090200581
    Abstract: A double-gate semiconductor device provides a high breakdown voltage allowing for a large excursion of the output voltage that is useful for power applications. The double-gate semiconductor device may be considered a double-gate device including a MOS gate and a junction gate, in which the bias of the junction gate may be a function of the gate voltage of the MOS gate. The breakdown voltage of the double-gate semiconductor device is the sum of the breakdown voltages of the MOS gate and the junction gate. Because an individual junction gate has an intrinsically high breakdown voltage, the breakdown voltage of the double-gate semiconductor device is greater than the breakdown voltage of an individual MOS gate. The double-gate semiconductor device provides improved RF capability in addition to operability at higher power levels as compared to conventional transistor devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Denis A. Masliah, Alexandre G. Bracale, Francis C. Huin, Patrice J. Barroul
  • Patent number: 7531416
    Abstract: Thick-film capacitors are formed on ceramic interconnect substrates having high capacitance densities and other desirable electrical and physical properties. The capacitor dielectrics are fired at high temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Daniel Irwin Amey, Jr., William J. Borland
  • Patent number: 7531405
    Abstract: A polycrystalline dielectric layer is formed wherein the dielectric layer comprises a first dielectric material containing an oxide or nitride and a second material contributing to less than 1% in weight to the dielectric layer, forming a non-conductive oxide or nitride having an enthalpy lower than the enthalpy of the first dielectric material such that a leakage current along grain boundaries of the first dielectric material is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Qimonds AG
    Inventors: Andreas Spitzer, Elke Erben
  • Patent number: 7488665
    Abstract: Structurally-stable, tall capacitors having unique three-dimensional architectures for semiconductor devices are disclosed. The capacitors include monolithically-fabricated upright microstructures, i.e., those having large height/width (H/W) ratios, which are mechanical reinforcement against shear forces and the like, by a brace layer that transversely extends between lateral sides of at least two of the free-standing microstructures. The brace layer is formed as a microbridge type structure spanning between the upper ends of the two or more microstructures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Vishnu K. Agarwal, Gurtej Sandhu
  • Patent number: 7485909
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate formed with a trench having a sidewall including a middle point. The trench includes a first part extending from a surface of the semiconductor substrate to the middle point of the trench and having a diameter that is gradually reduced as the first part extends deeper from the surface of the semiconductor substrate to the middle point of the trench. The trench includes a second part that is deeper than the middle point of the sidewall and that has a larger diameter than the middle point of the sidewall. An electrically conductive film is formed in an interior of the trench so as to be located lower than the middle point of the sidewall, the conductive film having a planarized upper surface, and a collar insulating film is formed on the conductive film and the sidewall of the trench so as to extend through the middle point of the sidewall along the sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Takanori Matsumoto, Masahito Shinohe
  • Patent number: 7459761
    Abstract: The present invention extends the above referenced continuation-in-part application by in addition creating high quality electrical components, such as inductors, capacitors or resistors, on a layer of passivation or on the surface of a thick layer of polymer. In addition, the process of the invention provides a method for mounting discrete electrical components at a significant distance removed from the underlying silicon surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Megica Corporation
    Inventor: Mou-Shiung Lin
  • Patent number: 7453115
    Abstract: A capacitor structure having a dielectric layer disposed between two conductive electrodes, wherein the dielectric layer contains at least one charge trap site corresponding to a specific energy state. The energy states may be used to distinguish memory states for the capacitor structure, allowing the invention to be used as a memory device. A method of forming the trap cites involves an atomic layer deposition of a material at pre-determined areas in the dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Cem Basceri, Gurtej Sandhu
  • Patent number: 7378682
    Abstract: The present memory device has first and second electrodes, a passive layer between the first and second electrodes and on and in contact with the first electrode, and an active layer between the first and second electrodes and on and in contact with the passive layer and second electrode, for receiving a charged specie from the passive layer. The active layer is a mixture of (i) a first polymer, and (ii) a second polymer for enhancing ion transport, improving the interface and promoting a rapid and substantially uniform distribution of the charged specie in the active layer, i.e., preventing a localized injection of the charged species. These features result in a memory element with improved stability, a more controllable ON-state resistance, improved switching speed and a lower programming voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Spanson LLC
    Inventors: David Gaun, Swaroop Kaza, Stuart Spitzer, Juri Krieger, Richard Kingsborough
  • Patent number: 7314786
    Abstract: A metal resistor and resistor material and method of forming the metal resistor are disclosed. The metal resistor may include an infused metal selected from the group consisting of: copper (Cu) infused with at least one of silicon (Si), nitrogen (N2), carbon (C), tantalum (Ta), titanium (Ti) and tungsten (W), and aluminum infused with at least one of silicon (Si), nitrogen (N2), carbon (C), tantalum (Ta), titanium (Ti) and tungsten (W). The method is less complex than conventional processes, allows control of the resistance by the amount of infusion material infused, and is compatible with conventional BEOL processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chih-Chao Yang, Kaushik Chanda, Shyng-Tsong Chen
  • Publication number: 20070281406
    Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor structure for use in a static induction transistor. Three layers of a SiC material are on a substrate with the top layer covered with a thick oxide. A mask having a plurality of strips is deposited on the top of the oxide to protect the area underneath it, and an etch removes the oxide, the third layer and a small amount of the second layer, leaving a plurality of pillars. An oxidation step grows an oxide skirt around the base of each pillar and consumes the edge portions of the third layer under the oxide to form a source. An ion implantation forms gate regions between the skirts. At the same time, a plurality of guard rings is formed. Removal of all oxide results in a semiconductor structure to which source, gate and drain connections may be made to form a static induction transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Li-Shu Chen
  • Patent number: 7291525
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for manufacturing thin film resistors using a trench and chemical mechanical polishing. A trench is etched in a layer of dielectric material and a thin film resistor layer is deposited so that the thin film resistor layer lines the trench. A thin film resistor protection layer is then deposited to fill the trench. Then a chemical mechanical polishing process removes excess portions of the thin film resistor layer and the thin film resistor protection layer. An interconnect metal is then deposited and patterned to create an opening over the trench. A central portion of the thin film resistor protection material is removed down to the thin film resistor layer at the bottom of the trench. The resulting structure is immune to the effects of topography on the critical dimensions (CDs) of the thin film resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Rodney Hill
  • Patent number: 7276420
    Abstract: An impedance matching network is integrated on a first die and coupled to a second die, with the first and second dies mounted on a conductive back plate. The impedance matching network comprises a first inductor bridging between the first and second dies, a second inductor coupled to the first inductor and disposed on the first die, and a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor disposed on the first die. The MIM capacitor has a first metal layer coupled to the second inductor, and a second metal layer grounded to the conductive back plate. A method for manufacturing the integrated impedance matching network comprises the steps of forming an inductor on a die, forming a capacitor on the die, coupling the capacitor to the inductor, coupling the die bottom surface and the capacitor to a conductive plate, and coupling the inductor to another inductor that bridges between the die and another die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Lianjun Liu, Qiang Li, Melvy F. Miller, Sergio P. Pacheco
  • Patent number: 7226845
    Abstract: The invention includes semiconductor constructions, and also includes methods of forming pluralities of capacitor devices. An exemplary method of the invention includes forming conductive storage node material within openings in an insulative material to form conductive containers. A retaining structure lattice is formed in physical contact with at least some of the containers, and subsequently the insulative material is removed to expose outer surfaces of the containers. The retaining structure can alleviate toppling or other loss of structural integrity of the container structures. The electrically conductive containers correspond to first capacitor electrodes. After the outer sidewalls of the containers are exposed, dielectric material is formed within the containers and along the exposed outer sidewalls. Subsequently, a second capacitor electrode is formed over the dielectric material. The first and second capacitor electrodes, together with the dielectric material, form a plurality of capacitor devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Montgomery Manning, Thomas M. Graettinger
  • Patent number: 7217613
    Abstract: In one disclosed embodiment a layer is formed over a transistor gate and a field oxide region. For example, a polycrystalline silicon layer can be deposited over a PFET gate oxide and a silicon dioxide isolation region on the same chip. The layer is then doped over the transistor gate without doping the layer over the field oxide. A photoresist layer can be used as a barrier to implant doping, for example, to block N+ doping over the field oxide region. The entire layer is then doped, for example, with P type dopant after removal of the doping barrier. The second doping results in formation of a high resistivity resistor over the field oxide region, without affecting the transistor gate. Contact regions are then formed of a silicide, for example, for connecting the resistor to other devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Newport Fab, LLC
    Inventor: Marco Racanelli
  • Patent number: 7199016
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: David D. Heston, Jon E. Mooney
  • Patent number: 7183612
    Abstract: In an ESD protecting element, a plurality of source regions and a plurality of ballast resistor regions are formed. A drain region is formed at a region which is in contact with a channel region in the ballast resistor region, and an n+ type diffusion region is formed at a region isolated from the drain region via an STI region. A third contact is provided on the drain region, first and second contacts are formed on the n+ type diffusion region, and the first contact is connected to a pad. The second contact is coupled to the third contact by a metal wire. The first and second contacts are laid out along the widthwise direction of a gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: NEC Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Mototsugu Okushima
  • Patent number: 7037772
    Abstract: A decoupling capacitor is formed on a semiconductor substrate that includes a silicon surface layer. A substantially flat bottom electrode is formed in a portion of the semiconductor surface layer. A capacitor dielectric overlies the bottom electrode. The capacitor dielectric is formed from a high permittivity dielectric with a relative permittivity, preferably greater than about 5. The capacitor also includes a substantially flat top electrode that overlies the capacitor dielectric. In the preferred application, the top electrode is connected to a first reference voltage line and the bottom electrode is connected to a second reference voltage line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yee-Chia Yeo, Chenming Hu
  • Patent number: 7029962
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods of forming capacitors are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Larry Eugene Mosley
  • Patent number: 6960797
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor device, which is suitable for use to connect electric condenser microphones. A semiconductor device, comprises: a conductivity-type substrate; an epitaxial layer formed on top of the substrate; island regions separating the epitaxial layer; an input transistor formed on one of the island regions; an insulation layer covering the surface of the input transistor layer; an expansion electrode formed above the insulation layer so as to provide an electrical connection to an input terminal of the input transistor; and resistivity of the epitaxial layer formed below the expansion electrode being in a range of 1000˜5,000 ?·cm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeaki Okawa, Toshiyuki Ohkoda
  • Patent number: 6953713
    Abstract: A circuit adapted to dynamically activate an electro-optical display device is constructed from a thin-film gate-insulated semiconductor device. This device comprises PMOS TFTs producing only a small amount of leakage current. Besides the dynamic circuit, a CMOS circuit comprising both NMOS and PMOS thin-film transistors is constructed to drive the dynamic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Yasuhiko Takemura
  • Patent number: 6943414
    Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, an integrated circuit chip comprises a first interconnect metal layer. The integrated circuit chip further comprises a first intermediate dielectric layer situated over the first interconnect metal layer. The integrated circuit chip further comprises a metal resistor situated over the first intermetallic dielectric layer and below a second intermetallic dielectric layer. The integrated circuit chip further comprises a second interconnect metal layer over the second intermetallic dielectric layer. The integrated circuit chip further comprises a first intermediate via connected to first terminal of the metal resistor, where the first intermediate via is further connected to a first metal segment patterned in the second interconnect metal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Newport Fab, LLC
    Inventors: Arjun Kar Roy, David Howard, Q.Z. Liu
  • Patent number: 6939753
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes an upper plate, a lower plate, and a liquid crystal. A sealant is formed along edges of the upper and lower plates to join the upper plate with the lower plate, and a protrusion separates the sealant from a picture displaying area at an inner portion of the upper and lower plates. The liquid crystal injected into the picture displaying area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: LG. Philips LCD Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang Seok Lee
  • Patent number: 6933186
    Abstract: A method of improving the tolerance of a back-end-of-the-line (BEOL) thin film resistor is provided. Specifically, the method of the present invention includes an anodization step which is capable of converting a portion of base resistor film into an anodized region. The anodized resistor thus formed has a sheet resistivity that is higher than that of the base resistor film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Cotte, Kenneth J. Stein, Seshadri Subbanna, Richard P. Volant
  • Patent number: 6919240
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a flat aluminum electrolytic capacitor comprising a separator impregnated with an electrolytic solution, an anode foil and a cathode foil, a flat capacitor element that has external lead-out terminals connected respectively to the anode foil and the cathode foil, and a flexible casing that houses the capacitor element and is hermetically sealed, said method comprising the steps of encasing the capacitor element in the flexible casing and applying aging treatment before hermetically sealing the casing, and hermetically sealing the flexible casing, and also relates to a flat aluminum electrolytic capacitor comprising a separator impregnated with the electrolytic solution, the anode foil and the cathode foil, the flat capacitor element that has the external lead-out terminals connected respectively to the anode foil and the cathode foil, and the flexible casing that houses the capacitor element and is hermetically sealed, wherein the electrolytic capacit
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Rubycon Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Uzawa, Yoshiki Makino, Katsuhisa Kamakura, Yuuichi Kobayashi, Akihiko Komatsu, Taketo Matsuzawa
  • Patent number: 6919212
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabricating a ferroelectric random access memory (FeRAM) device. The method includes the steps of: forming a first inter-layer insulation layer on a substrate; forming a storage node contact connected with a partial portion of the substrate by passing through the first inter-layer insulation layer; forming a lower electrode connected to the storage node contact on the first inter-layer insulation layer; forming a second inter-layer insulation layer having a surface level lower than that of the lower electrode so that the second inter-layer insulation layer encompasses a bottom part of the lower electrode; forming an impurity diffusion barrier layer encompassing an upper part of the lower electrode on the second inter-layer insulation layer; forming a ferroelectric layer on the lower electrode and the impurity diffusion barrier layer; and forming a top electrode on the ferroelectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventors: Sang-Hyun Oh, Kyu-Hyun Bang, In-Woo Jang, Jin-Yong Seong, Jin-Gu Kim, Song-Hee Park, Young-Ho Yang, Kye-Nam Lee, Suk-Kyoung Hong
  • Patent number: 6916719
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for capacitively signaling between different semiconductor chips and modules without the use of connectors, solder bumps, wire-bond interconnections or the like. Preferably, pairs of half-capacitor plates, one half located on each chip, module or substrate are used to capacitively couple signals from one chip, module or substrate to another. The use of plates relaxes the need for high precision alignment as well as reduces the area needed to effect signaling, and reduces or eliminates the requirements for exotic metallurgy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas F. Knight, David B. Salzman
  • Patent number: 6858481
    Abstract: A memory including memory cells having active and passive layers may store multiple information bits. The active layer may include an organic polymer that has a variable resistance based on the movement of charged species (ions or ions and electrons) between the passive layer and the active layer. The passive layer may be a super-ionic material that has high ion and electron mobility. The active layer may be self-assembled from a monomer in a liquid or gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Juri H. Krieger, Nikolai Yudanov
  • Patent number: 6828180
    Abstract: A process for direct integration of a thin-film silicon p-n junction diode with a magnetic tunnel junction for use in advanced magnetic random access memory (MRAM) cells for high performance, non-volatile memory arrays. The process is based on pulsed laser processing for the fabrication of vertical polycrystalline silicon electronic device structures, in particular p-n junction diodes, on films of metals deposited onto low temperature-substrates such as ceramics, dielectrics, glass, or polymers. The process preserves underlayers and structures onto which the devices are typically deposited, such as silicon integrated circuits. The process involves the low temperature deposition of at least one layer of silicon, either in an amorphous or a polycrystalline phase on a metal layer. Dopants may be introduced in the silicon film during or after deposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Daniel Toet, Thomas W. Sigmon
  • Patent number: 6825090
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method of using a high frequency, high power, fluid dielectric variable capacitor for an impedance matching network. The apparatus consists of a bow-tie rotary vane, a set of two fixed vanes, and a set of rotating vanes adapted to rotate interdigitally between the fixed vanes. A dielectric fluid is circulated between the fixed vanes and the rotating vanes for cooling the device. This arrangement facilitates production of a device having a higher capacitance and a smaller size, thus making it suitable for use in a matching network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Wayne L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6815306
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrolytic capacitor having a novel floating anode between the cathode and the powered anode of the capacitor, resulting in a single capacitor having a working voltage double that of the formation voltage of the powered anode. The floating anode acts as cathode to the powered anode and as an anode to the cathode, such that the capacitor according to the present invention supports half the working voltage between the cathode and the floating anode and half the working voltage between the floating anode and the powered anode. The arrangement of the cathode, floating anode and powered anode according to the present invention results in a single capacitor with half the capacitance and twice the voltage of a single anode device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Strange, Timothy R. Marshall, Thomas V. Graham
  • Patent number: 6784044
    Abstract: The present invention provides a high dopant concentration diffused resistor, a method of manufacture therefor, and an integrated circuit including the same. In one embodiment of the invention, the high dopant concentration diffused resistor includes a doped tub located over a semiconductor substrate and a doped resistor region located in the doped tub, the doped resistor region forming a junction within the doped tub. In a related embodiment, the high dopant concentration diffused resistor further includes first and second terminals each contacting the doped tub and the doped resistor region, wherein the first and second terminals cause the doped tub and doped resistor region to have a zero potential difference at any point across the junction when a voltage is applied to the first and second terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Agere Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Kadaba R. Lakshmikumar
  • Patent number: 6734086
    Abstract: A WN film serving as an adhesive layer is deposited over the sidewalls and bottom surface of a hole in a silicon oxide film where an information storage capacitor is to be formed. A Ru film to serve as a lower electrode for the information storage capacitor is formed above the WN film by CVD using Ru(HFAC)3, H2O and H2 as ingredients, so that a ratio of partial pressure of H2O to H2 is controlled to be in the area below a curve (a). When the Ru film is formed by CVD utilizing hydrolysis, the film quality of the Ru film can be enhanced. The ratio of partial pressure of H2O to H2 is controlled, whereby oxidation of the Ru film can be suppressed. When it is controlled to be in the area below a curve (b) to form the Ru film, oxidation of the WN film can be suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Renesas Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Masayuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6690082
    Abstract: The present invention provides a high dopant concentration diffused resistor, a method of manufacture therefor, and an integrated circuit including the same. In one embodiment of the invention, the high dopant concentration diffused resistor includes a doped tub located over a semiconductor substrate and a doped resistor region located in the doped tub, the doped resistor region forming a junction within the doped tub. In a related embodiment, the high dopant concentration diffused resistor further includes first and second terminals each contacting the doped tub and the doped resistor region, wherein the first and second terminals cause the doped tub and doped resistor region to have a zero potential difference at any point across the junction when a voltage is applied to the first and second terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Agere Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Kadaba R. Lakshmikumar
  • Publication number: 20030170475
    Abstract: The invention relates to a biaxially oriented, hydrolysis-resistant film comprising a crystallizable thermoplastic, with a thickness in the range from 0.5 to 12 &mgr;m. The film comprises at least one hydrolysis retardant, has a conductive coating and is notable for its low hydrolysis speed and its good dielectric properties. The film may possess at least one functionality additional to the hydrolysis resistance. In particular, it has a high tracking resistance and a low dissipation factor, and may also have one or more further functionalities. The invention additionally relates to a process for producing the film and to its use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Holger Kliesch, Thomas Heusel, Franz Hora, Thorsten Kiehne, Bodo Kuhmann, Gottfried Hilkert, Christopher Hanold