Patents Examined by John Niebling
  • Patent number: 6004137
    Abstract: A MISFET having a graded semiconductor alloy channel layer of silicon germanium in which the germanium is graded to a single peak percentage level. The single peak percentage level defines the location of the charge carriers within the layer. The transconductance of the device can be optimized by controlling the location of the carriers within the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Emmanuel Crabbe, Bernard Steele Meyerson, Johannes Maria Cornelis Stork, Sophie Verdonckt-Vandebroek
  • Patent number: 6000947
    Abstract: A scanning probe microscope is used to fabricate a gate or other feature of a transistor by scanning a silicon substrate in which the transistor is to be formed. An electric field is created between the cantilever tip and the silicon substrate, thereby causing an oxide layer to be formed on the surface of the substrate. As the tip is scanned across the substrate the electric field is switched on and off so that an oxide pattern is formed on the silicon. Preferably, the oxide pattern is formed on a deposited layer of amorphous silicon. Extremely small features, e.g., a MOSFET gate having a length of 0.2 .mu.m or less can be fabricated by this technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford, Jr.
    Inventors: Stephen Charles Minne, Hyongsok Soh, Calvin F. Quate
  • Patent number: 5994175
    Abstract: A manufacturing process in which semiconductor transistors are fabricated using a fluorine or nitrogen implant into the n-channel regions and an amorphization implant to beneficially limit the spreading of the source/drain impurity distributions thereby decreasing the junction depth and increasing the sheet resistance of the source/drain regions. Broadly speaking, a gate dielectric layer is formed on a semiconductor substrate. First and second conductive gate structures are then formed on an upper surface of the gate dielectric layer. The first conductive gate is positioned over the p-well region while the second conductive gate is positioned over the n-well region. An n-channel mask is then formed on the substrate and a first impurity distribution is introduced into the p-well regions. The first impurity distribution preferably includes a species of fluorine or nitrogen. A n-type impurity distribution is then introduced into the p-well regions of the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark I. Gardner, H. Jim Fulford, Derick J. Wristers
  • Patent number: 5967795
    Abstract: A semiconductor component comprises a pn junction in which both the p-conducting and the n-conducting layers of the pn junction are doped silicon carbide layers and the edge of at least one of the conducting layers of the pn junction exhibits a stepwise or uniformly decreasing total charge or effective surface charge density from the initial value at the defined working junction to a zero or almost zero total charge at the outermost edge of the junction following a radial direction from the central part of the junction towards its outermost edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri AB
    Inventors: Mietek Bakowsky, Bo Bijlenga, Ulf Gustafsson, Christopher Harris, Susan Savage
  • Patent number: 5963800
    Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for fabrictation of Vertical MISFET devices or a stack of several Vertical MISFET devices having high fabrication yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Interuniversitair Micro-Elektronica Centrum (IMEC vzw)
    Inventor: Carlos Jorge Ramiro Proenca Augusto
  • Patent number: 5956568
    Abstract: A method of fabricating ultra-small semiconductor devices including providing a mesa on a substrate. A plurality of overlying layers of semiconductor material are grown in overlying relationship to the mesa so that a perpendicular discontinuity is produced in the layers at the mesa sidewall and the first layer overlying the mesa is in contact with the last layer overlying the substrate adjacent the mesa. A spacer of nonconductive material is formed on the discontinuity and the plurality of overlying layers are etched, using the spacer as a mask, so as to form a contact area overlying the mesa and a contact area overlying the substrate adjacent the mesa, and a semiconductor device positioned adjacent the sidewall beneath the spacer and between the contact areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Kumar Shiralagi, Sung P. Pack
  • Patent number: 5950092
    Abstract: A method used to form a semiconductor device having a capacitor comprises placing a semiconductor wafer assembly into a chamber of a plasma source, the wafer assembly comprising a layer of insulation having at least one contact therein and a surface, and further comprising a conductive layer over the surface and in the contact. Next, in the chamber, a layer of etch resistant material is formed within the contact over the conductive layer, the etch resistant material not forming over the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Figura, Kevin G. Donohoe, Thomas Dunbar
  • Patent number: 5935867
    Abstract: A process for forming a shallow, lightly doped region in a semiconductor device. The method comprises the steps of providing a semiconductor substrate having a surface; growing an oxide layer on the substrate, the oxide having a thickness; depositing a layer of polysilicon on the oxide; patterning the polysilicon layer and the oxide layer to provide a gate structure; and implanting into the substrate a source and a drain region about the gate structure at an angle less than 90 degrees with respect to the surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Alvis, Scott Luning, Peter Griffin
  • Patent number: 5930592
    Abstract: Various processes are provided for producing a p-channel and/or n-channel transistor. The present processes are thereby applicable to NMOS, PMOS or CMOS integrated circuits, any of which derive a benefit from having an asymmetrical LDD structure. The asymmetrical structure can be produced on a p-channel or n-channel transistor in various ways. According, the present process employs various techniques to form an asymmetrical transistor. The various techniques employ processing steps which vary depending upon the LDD result desired. First the LDD implant can be performed only in the drain-side of the channel, or in the drain-side as well as the source-side. Second, the gate conductor sidewall surface adjacent the drain can be made thicker than the sidewall surface adjacent the source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Kadosh, Brad T. Moore, Jon D. Cheek
  • Patent number: 5926740
    Abstract: A substantially continuously graded composition silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) antireflective coating (ARC) or antireflective layer (ARL) is interposed between a photoresist layer and an underlying substrate. The ARC matches an optical impedance at the interface between the ARC and photoresist. The optical impedance decreases (absorptivity increases) substantially continuously, in the ARC in a direction away from the interface between the ARC and the photoresist. The ARC composition is graded from SiOC, at its interface with the photoresist, to SiC or Si, in a direction away from the photoresist. Reflections at the ARC-photoresist interface are substantially eliminated. Substantially all incident light, including ultraviolet (UV) and deep ultraviolet (DUV) light, is absorbed in the ARC. As a result, substantially no light reaches or is reflected from the underlying substrate. Photolithographic limitations such as swing effect and reflective notching are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard Forbes, Kie Y. Ahn
  • Patent number: 5919713
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device including the steps of forming a plurality of semiconductor chips on a semiconductor substrate, forming a connection part such that the connection part connects the semiconductor chips with each other across a dicing line, bonding the semiconductor substrate upon a support substrate, removing the dicing region while maintaining the semiconductor chips in a state such that the semiconductor chips are bonded upon the support substrate, detaching the plurality of semiconductor chips from the support substrate while maintaining an alignment between the semiconductor chips, and separating the semiconductor chips from each other by eliminating the connection part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Masanori Ishii, Hidetake Suzuki, Yoji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5913137
    Abstract: A process electrostatic discharge ("ESD") protection device is incorporated on a chip with the antifuses that it is designed to protect and is formed as close in time as possible to the deposition of the antifuse material layer (the layer being protected) so that ESD protection is available at all practical stages of processing. According to a first aspect of the invention, an ESD protection device is formed by exposing edges of an antifuse bottom electrode during the antifuse cell open mask/etch step. It is biased on during processing. A sharp corner of the electrode and a deep aspect ratio provide degrade antifuse performance for the protection cell (resulting in reduced breakdown voltage and increased leakage current) and, as designed, the protection cell will rupture before other cells because it has a lower breakdown voltage. Once the protection cell ruptures, it will continue to conduct and protect other antifuses from ESD damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Actel Corporation
    Inventor: Wenn-Jei Chen
  • Patent number: 5908303
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a light-emitting diode is provided. The light-emitting diode manufactured by the steps of coating solution containing p-type or n-type impurities on a porous silicon layer, thereby forming a p/n junction through a thermal treatment has excellent light-emitting efficiency. Also, the process is simple compared to an implantation method, and further the manufacturing is since the thermal treatment can be performed at a relatively low temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Samsung Display Devices Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gil-yong Chung
  • Patent number: 5904501
    Abstract: A hollow package manufacturing method includes the adhesive spreading step, the adhesive applying step, and the cap adhering step. In the adhesive spreading step, an adhesive is spread on a circular table to a uniform thickness. In the adhesive applying step, an open end face of a cylindrical cap having a bottom is urged against the circular table to apply the adhesive to the cap. In the cap adhering step, the cap applied with the adhesive is adhered to a case. A hollow package manufacturing apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Masatoshi Ohara, Takeo Ogihara, Satoshi Murata, Kenji Uchida, Tsutomu Kubota, Seiji Ichikawa, Tomoaki Hirokawa, Tomoaki Kimura, Taku Sato, Junichi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5904500
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, alternate lead-on-chip assembly methodologies have been developed which eliminate the use of a three layer film bonded to the leadframe, as currently employed in the art. According to the present invention, a dielectric paste is dispensed directly onto the top surface of the silicon die instead of the thermoplastic tape currently employed in the art. This approach required the development of apparatus and methods which meet the following requirements, e.g., 1) the method (and apparatus employed therefor) must provide comparable units/hour throughput to existing LOC assembly methods, and 2) the method must provide equivalent or superior package reliability when compared with tape bonded LOC packages. The invention method (and apparatus suitable for use therefor) satisfies these needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: The Dexter Corporation
    Inventor: Swee-Teck Tay
  • Patent number: 5899714
    Abstract: Integrated circuits suitable for high-performance applications, especially mixed signal products that have analog and digital sections, are fabricated from a semiconductor structure in which lower buried regions of opposite conductivity types are situated along a lower semiconductor interface between a semiconductive substrate and an overlying lower semiconductive layer. An upper buried region of a selected conductivity type is situated along an upper semiconductor interface between the lower semiconductive layer and an overlying upper semiconductive layer. Another upper buried region of opposite conductivity type to the first-mentioned upper buried region is preferably situated along the upper semiconductor interface. The upper semiconductive layer contains P-type and N-type device regions in which transistor zones are situated. The semiconductor structure is configured so that at least one of each of the P-type and N-type device regions is electrically isolated from the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas R. Farrenkopf, Richard B. Merrill, Samar Saha, Kevin E. Brehmer, Kamesh Gadepally, Philip J. Cacharelis
  • Patent number: 5897335
    Abstract: An improved flip-chip bond connection and bonding method uses a "press fit" bond between a set of bond pad bumps or projections on a semiconductor chip and corresponding set of substrate bumps or projections on a substrate to self-align the chip with the substrate and enable flip-chips to be inexpensively bonded to substrates or packages with greater accuracy and a smaller pad pitch than previously achieved. In the method after normally one of the sets of bond pad bumps or substrate bumps has been cooled to shrink or contract so that the facing surfaces of each of the pad bumps and substrate bumps can be interdigitated, the chip and substrate are moved together so that the respective bumps are in a substantially common plane. The one cooled set of bumps is then warmed to expand that set of bumps sufficiently to form a lateral press-fit force between the facing surfaces, physically securing and electrically connecting the respective sets of bumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Integrated Device Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Paul Wyland, Atlantico S. Medina
  • Patent number: 5893724
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a BGA package and method for making a BGA package in which warpage, delamination and package cracking are reduced. The inventive BGA package has a die attached to one surface of a substrate. The substrate may terminate at its opposite surface in an array of connection ports which is an integral part of the substrate. Alternatively, the array of connection ports is attached to the opposite surface of the substrate. The connection ports may be attach pads attached to the opposite surface of the substrate and solder balls or metal bumps attached to the attach pads. A matrix of molding compound fully encapsulates the substrate, die and the array of connection ports. The matrix molding compound is then ground to provide a flat surface and to expose portions of the connection ports. Another array of connection ports, such as an array of solder balls or metal bumps, may be attached to the existing array of connection ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Institute of Microelectronics
    Inventors: Kishore Kumar Chakravorty, Thiam Beng Lim
  • Patent number: 5893730
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a thin film semiconductor which can be regarded as substantially a single crystal and a semiconductor device comprising an active layer formed by the thin film semiconductor. At least a concave or convex pattern is formed intentionally on a insulating film provided in contact with the lower surface of an amorphous silicon film, whereby at least a site is formed in which a metal element for accelerating crystallization can be segregated. Therefore, a crystal nuclei is selectively formed in a portion where the concave or convex pattern is located, which carries out controlling a crystal diameter. Thus, a crystalline silicon film is obtained. A crystallinity of the crystalline silicon film is improved by the irradiation of a laser light or an intense light having an energy equivalent to that of the laser light, whereby a monodomain region in which no grain boundary substantially exit is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Akiharu Miyanaga, Jun Koyama, Takeshi Fukunaga
  • Patent number: RE36311
    Abstract: A description is given of two versions of an integrated structure in the emitter switching configuration comprising a high-voltage bipolar power transistor and a low-voltage MOS power transistor. In the vertical MOS version, the emitter region of the bipolar transistor is completely buried, partly in a first N- epitaxial layer and partly in a second N- epitaxial layer; the MOS is located above the emitter region. The bipolar is thus a completely buried active structure. In the horizontal MOS version, in a N- epitaxial layer there are two P+ regions, the first, which constitutes the base of the bipolar transistor, receives the N+ emitter region of the same transistor; the second receives two N+ regions which constitute the MOS source and drain regions, respectively; the front of the chip is provided with metal plating to ensure the connection between the MOS drain and the bipolar emitter contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: SGS-Thomson Microelectronics, S.r.l.
    Inventors: Ferruccio Frisina, Giuseppe Ferla