Abstract: According to embodiments of the invention, word line patterns are placed on a semiconductor substrate in a cell array region and at least one gate pattern is placed on the semiconductor substrate in a peripheral circuit region. Side walls of the word line patterns and the gate pattern are covered with word line spacers and gate spacers having the same width as that of the word line spacers, respectively. The semiconductor substrate having the word line spacers and the gate spacers is covered with an interlayer insulating layer. A self-aligned contact hole formed in the interlayer insulating layer penetrates a predetermined region between the word line patterns. The self-aligned contact hole is formed by etching the interlayer insulating layer and the word line spacers. The side walls of the self-aligned contact hole are covered with a self-aligned contact spacer having a width different from that of the gate spacers.

Abstract: A power shunt for use within a semiconductor device of a type having a motherboard and an integrated circuit package electrically coupled to the motherboard and of a type having a spaced portion located between the motherboard and the package. The power shunt comprises a capacitor within the spaced portion between the motherboard and the package of the semiconductor device. The capacitor includes a conductive layer of a first type, a conductive layer of a second type, and a dielectric layer that electrically isolates the first type conductive layer from the second type conductive layer, wherein said first type conductive layer and second type conductive layer form a conductive bridge between the motherboard and the package. The arrangement of the capacitor fulfills the dual function of providing decoupling capacitance with the capability of supplying an additional path of current between the motherboard and package to the die load.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a 3-dimensional flash memory device includes: a gate extending in a vertical direction on a semiconductor substrate; a charge storing layer surrounding the gate; a silicon layer surrounding the charge storing layer; a channel region vertically formed in the silicon layer; and source/drain regions vertically formed on both sides of the channel region in the silicon layer. Integration can be improved by storing data in a 3-dimensional manner; a 2-bit operation can be performed by providing transistors on both sides of the gate.

Abstract: A program and a method for a gateway are provided to deny incoming calls to prevent overload. The program provides a maximum CPU utilization threshold CPUT, which is set by the user. When a new incoming call is presented to the packet telephony gateway, the program checks a present CPU utilization CPUP. If the present CPU utilization CPUP is greater than the threshold, the call is refused. This insures that sound quality of the calls currently being handled is maintained, and that existing calls are never dropped.

Abstract: A POGO pin that can measure low frequency products as well as RF products and also have a long life span, and a test socket including the POGO pin are provided. The POGO pin includes a metal plunger formed of a conductive metal so as to electrically contact the semiconductor package, and a rubber contact pin connected with the metal plunger and formed of a conductive rubber so as to electrically contact the test board.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device having a dummy active region is provided, which includes a plurality of parallel main active regions and a dummy active region coupled to ends of the main active regions. The main preferably active regions are arranged in a main memory cell array region and extend to or through a dummy cell array region surrounding the main memory cell array region. Further, the dummy active region is perpendicular to the main active regions. A redundancy cell array region may intervene between the main memory cell array region and the dummy cell array region. In this case, the main active regions are extended to the dummy cell array region through the redundancy cell array region.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device such as a DRAM has an internal oscillator to provide a periodic clock signal. During a read operation, output data is generated synchronized to the internal clock signal, and an external control signal is provided also synchronized to the internal clock signal. A requesting device utilizes the external control signal for fetching data from the memory device at high speed with improved setup and hold time. The control signal output is active only during a read operation, thereby reducing power consumption. Additionally, a common line is used for receiving address, instructions, and data. This drastically reduces the number of pins for interfacing to a memory device.