Abstract: Disclosed is a reference circuit having an even number m of groups of m parallel-connected magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs). The MTJs in half of the groups are programmed to have parallel resistances (RP) and the MTJs in the other half are programmed to have anti-parallel resistances (RAP). Switches connect the groups in series, creating a series-parallel resistor network. The total resistance (RT) of the network has low variability and is essentially equal to half the sum of a nominal RP plus a nominal RAP and can be employed as a reference resistance (RREF). Under specific biasing conditions the series-parallel resistor network can generate a low variability reference parameter (XREF) that is dependent on this RREF. Also disclosed are an integrated circuit (IC) that includes the reference circuit and a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) structure, which uses XREF to determine stored data values in MRAM cells and associated methods.

Abstract: A method for preserving interlevel dielectric in a gate cut region includes recessing a dielectric fill to expose cap layers of gate structures formed in a device region and in a cut region and forming a liner in the recess on top of the recessed dielectric fill. The liner includes a material to provide etch selectivity to protect the dielectric fill. The gate structures in the cut region are recessed to form a gate recess using the liner to protect the dielectric fill from etching. A gate material is removed from within the gate structure using the liner to protect the dielectric fill from etching. A dielectric gap fill is formed to replace the gate material and to fill the gate recess in the cut region.

Abstract: Chamferless via structures and methods of manufacture are provided. The method includes: forming at least one self-aligned via within at least dielectric material; plugging the at least one self-aligned via with material; forming a protective sacrificial mask over the material which plugs the at least one self-aligned via, after a recessing process; forming at least one trench within the dielectric material, with the protective sacrificial mask protecting the material during the trench formation; removing the protective sacrificial mask and the material within the at least one self-aligned via to form a wiring via; and filling the wiring via and the at least one trench with conductive material.

Abstract: We disclose multiband receivers for millimeter-wave devices, which may have reduced size and/or reduced power consumption. One multiband receiver comprises a first band path comprising a first passive mixer configured to receive a first input RF signal having a first frequency and to be driven by a first local oscillator signal having a frequency about ? the first frequency; a second band path comprising a second passive mixer configured to receive a second input RF signal having a second frequency and to be driven by a second local oscillator signal having a frequency about ? the second frequency; and a base band path comprising a third passive mixer configured to receive intermediate RF signals during a duty cycle and to be driven by a third local oscillator signal having a frequency about ? the first frequency or about ? the second frequency during the duty cycle.

Abstract: Test structures for a body-contacted field effect transistor (BCFET) include: a single-pad structure with body contact and probe pad regions connected to a channel region at first and second connection points with a known separation distance between the connection points; and a multi-pad structure with a body contact region connected to a channel region at a first connection point and multiple probe pad regions connected to the channel region at second connection points that are separated from the first connection point by different separation distances.

Abstract: Transmitters having increased efficiency, such as may be useful in millimeter-wave devices. A semiconductor device, comprising a transmitter, comprising a modulator configured to receive a differential input signal having a first frequency and provide a differential modulated signal having the first frequency and a first clock phase; a series comprising one or more frequency multipliers, wherein the series of frequency multipliers is configured to receive the differential modulated signal and provide a differential second signal having a second frequency greater than the first frequency and having a second clock phase; and an output transformer configured to receive the differential second signal and transform the differential second signal to a single-ended output signal. Methods of using such transmitters. Systems for manufacturing devices comprising such transmitters.

Abstract: At least one method, apparatus and system disclosed herein involves forming local interconnect regions during semiconductor device manufacturing. A plurality of fins are formed on a semiconductor substrate. A gate region is over a portion of the fins. A trench silicide (TS) region is formed adjacent a portion of the gate region. The TS region comprises a first TS metal feature and a second TS metal feature. A bi-layer self-aligned contact (SAC) cap is formed over a first portion of the TS region and electrically coupled to a portion of the gate region. A portion of the bi-layer SAC cap is removed to form a first void. A first local interconnect feature is formed in the first void.

Abstract: Chamferless via structures and methods of manufacture are provided. The method includes: forming at least one non-self-aligned via within at least dielectric material; plugging the at least one non-self-aligned via with material; forming a protective sacrificial mask over the material which plugs the at least one non-self-aligned via, after a recessing process; forming at least one trench within the dielectric material, with the protective sacrificial mask protecting the material during the trench formation; removing the protective sacrificial mask and the material within the at least one non-self-aligned via to form a wiring via; and filling the wiring via and the at least one trench with conductive material.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to semiconductor devices and processing. The present disclosure also relates to isolation structures formed in active regions, more particularly, diffusion break structures in an active semiconductor layer of a semiconductor device. The present disclosure also relates to methods of forming such structures and replacement metal gate processes.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided that includes a substrate, an integrated circuit with a conductive member and a through-substrate-via (TSV) structure. The substrate includes a front surface and a back surface that is opposite the front surface. The integrated circuit with the conductive member is formed over the front surface of the substrate. The TSV structure having vertical sidewalls is formed in the back surface of the substrate connecting with the conductive member. The TSV structure includes a tapered first insulation layer, a conformal conductive layer and a second insulation layer, with the conformal conductive layer positioned between the first and second insulation layers. The conformal conductive layer is electrically connected to the conductive member.

Abstract: A CMOS gain element is disclosed herein. Also disclosed herein are splitters, comprising the CMOS gain element, and local oscillator distribution circuitry comprising the splitters and the CMOS gain elements. Semiconductor devices comprising the local oscillator distribution circuitry may have smaller footprints and reduced power consumption relative to prior art devices.

Abstract: A gate-all-around field effect transistor (GAAFET) and method. The GAAFET includes nanosheets, a gate around center portions of the nanosheets, and inner spacers aligned below end portions. The nanosheet end portions are tapered from the source/drain regions to the gate and the inner spacers are tapered from the gate to the source/drain regions. Each inner spacer includes: a first spacer layer, which has a uniform thickness and extends laterally from the gate to an adjacent source/drain region; a second spacer layer, which fills the space between a planar top surface of the first spacer layer and a tapered end portion of the nanosheet above; and, for all but the lowermost inner spacers, a third spacer layer, which is the same material as the second spacer layer and which fills the space between a planar bottom surface of the first spacer layer and a tapered end portion of the nanosheet below.

Abstract: Structures that include a field effect-transistor and methods of forming a structure that includes a field-effect transistor. A first field-effect transistor includes a first source/drain region, and a second field-effect transistor includes a second source/drain region. A first contact is arranged over the first source/drain region, and a second contact is arranged over the second source/drain region. A portion of a dielectric layer, which is composed of a low-k dielectric material, is laterally arranged between the first contact and the second contact.

Abstract: A probe device is configured to insert optical fiber probes directly into a v-groove coupler on an optical integrated circuit (IC) device. The probe device may include a probe holder comprising with a slot. A fiber holder may insert into the slot. The fiber holder may comprise a body with a first portion and second portion disposed at an angle relative to one another so that the first portion is shorter than the second portion. The body may have a bottom with grooves disposed therein, the grooves having dimensions to receive part of an optical fiber probes therein. In use, the fiber holder can arrange the optical fiber probes to extend into the v-grooves of the v-groove coupler of an optical IC on a wafer. The device may incorporate an alignment mechanism that permits the fiber holder to move or “self-align” in response to contact between the optical fiber probes and structure of the v-groove coupler of an optical IC on a wafer.

Abstract: A method of forming a logic or memory cell with an epi-RSD width of larger than 1.3× fin pitch and the resulting device are provided. Embodiments include a device including a RSD region formed on each of a plurality of fins over a substrate, wherein the RSD has a width larger than 1.3× fin pitch, a TS formed on the RSD, and an ILD formed over the TS.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a neuromorphic circuit structure including: a first vertically-extending neural node configured to generate an output signal based on at least one input to the first vertically-extending neural node; an interconnect stack adjacent the vertically-extending neural node, the interconnect stack including a first conducting line coupled to the first vertically-extending neural node and configured to receive the output signal, a second conducting line vertically separated from the first conducting line, and a memory via vertically coupling the first conducting line to the second conducting line; and a second vertically-extending neural node adjacent the interconnect stack, and coupled to the second conducting line for receiving the output signal from the first vertically-extending neural node.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to semiconductor detectors for use in optoelectronic/photonic devices and integrated circuit (IC) chips, and methods for forming same. The present disclosure also relates to photodetectors integrated with waveguide stacks, more particularly, photodetectors with butt-end coupled waveguides. The present disclosure also relates to methods of forming such structures.

Abstract: A structure, an STI structure and a related method are disclosed. The structure may include an active region extending from a substrate; a gate extending over the active region; and a source/drain region in the active region, and an STI structure. The STI structure includes a liner and a fill layer on the liner along the opposed longitudinal sides of a lower portion of the active region, and the fill layer along the opposed ends of the active region. The liner may include a tensile stress-inducing liner that imparts a transverse-to-length tensile stress in at least a lower portion of the active region but not lengthwise. The liner can be applied in an n-FET region and/or a p-FET region to improve performance.

Abstract: At least one method, apparatus and system disclosed involves a circuit layout for an integrated circuit device comprising a plurality of wider-than-default metal formations for a functional cell. A design for an integrated circuit device is received. The design comprises at least one functional cell. A first pair of wide metal formations are provided. The first pair of wide metal formations comprise a first metal formation and a second metal placed about a first cell boundary of the functional cell for providing additional space for routing, for high-drive routing, and/or for power routing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to semiconductor structures and, more particularly, to radio frequency (RF) switches with airgap structures and methods of manufacture. The structure includes a substrate with at least one airgap structure formed in a well region under at least one gate structure, and which extends to a junction formed by a source/drain region of the at least one gate structure.