Patents Examined by Sophia Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9641102
    Abstract: For example, a semiconductor device has a lead connected to a second portion of a chip mounting part on which a semiconductor chip to be a heat source is mounted and a lead connected to a third portion of the chip mounting part on which the semiconductor chip to be the heat source is mounted. Further, each of the leads has a protruding portion protruding from a sealing member. In this manner, it is possible to enhance a heat dissipation characteristic of the semiconductor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Mitamura, Koji Bando, Yukihiro Sato, Takamitsu Kanazawa
  • Patent number: 9633998
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided. The semiconductor device includes an avalanche photodiode unit and a thyristor unit. The avalanche photodiode unit is configured to receive incident light to generate a trigger current and comprises a wide band-gap semiconductor. The thyristor unit is configured to be activated by the trigger current to an electrically conductive state. A semiconductor device and a method for making a semiconductor device are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Stanislav Ivanovich Soloviev, Ahmed Elasser, Alexander Viktorovich Bolotnikov, Alexey Vert, Peter Almern Losee
  • Patent number: 9608161
    Abstract: A semiconductor light-emitting device including an N-type semiconductor layer, a plurality of P-type semiconductor layers, a light-emitting layer, and a contact layer is provided. The light-emitting layer is disposed between the N-type semiconductor layer and the whole of the P-type semiconductor layers. The P-type semiconductor layers are disposed between the contact layer and the light-emitting layer. All the P-type semiconductor layers between the light-emitting layer and the contact layer include aluminum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: PlayNitride Inc.
    Inventors: Shen-Jie Wang, Yu-Chu Li
  • Patent number: 9589929
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method can include coupling a gate and a source of a first die to a lead frame. The first die can include the gate and the source that are located on a first surface of the first die and a drain that is located on a second surface of the first die that is opposite the first surface. In addition, the method can include coupling a source of a second die to the drain of the first die. The second die can include a gate and a drain that are located on a first surface of the second die and the source that is located on a second surface of the second die that is opposite the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Vishay-Siliconix
    Inventors: Kyle Terrill, Frank Kuo, Sen Mao
  • Patent number: 9564367
    Abstract: One illustrative method disclosed herein involves forming a first fin for a first FinFET device in and above a semiconducting substrate, wherein the first fin is comprised of a first semiconductor material that is different from the material of the semiconducting substrate and, after forming the first fin, forming a second fin for a second FinFET device that is formed in and above the semiconducting substrate, wherein the second fin is comprised of a second semiconductor material that is different from the material of the semiconducting substrate and different from the first semiconductor material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Inc.
    Inventors: Ajey P. Jacob, Witold P. Maszara, Kerem Akarvardar
  • Patent number: 9558957
    Abstract: A substrate is successively provided with a support (7), an electrically insulating layer (8), and a semi-conductor material layer (2). A first protective mask (1) completely covers a second area (B) of the semi-conductor material layer and leaves a first area (A) of the semi-conductor material layer uncovered. A second etching mask (3) partially covers the first area (A) and at least partially covers the second area (B), so as to define and separate a first area and a second area. Lateral spacers are formed on the lateral surfaces of the second etching mask (3) so as to form a third etching mask. The semi-conductor material layer (2) is etched by means of the third etching mask so as to form a pattern made from semi-conductor material in the first area (A), the first etching mask (3) protecting the second area (B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT À L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Francois Andrieu, Sebastien Barnola, Jerome Belledent
  • Patent number: 9543440
    Abstract: An alternating stack of layers of a first epitaxial semiconductor material and a second epitaxial semiconductor material is formed on a substrate. A fin stack is formed by patterning the alternating stack into a shape of a fin having a parallel pair of vertical sidewalls. After formation of a disposable gate structure and an optional gate spacer, raised active regions can be formed on end portions of the fin stack. A planarization dielectric layer is formed, and the disposable gate structure is subsequently removed to form a gate cavity. A crystallographic etch is performed on the first epitaxial semiconductor material to form vertically separated pairs of an upright triangular semiconductor nanowire and an inverted triangular semiconductor nanowire. Portions of the epitaxial disposable material are subsequently removed. After an optional anneal, the gate cavity is filled with a gate dielectric and a gate electrode to form a field effect transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kangguo Cheng, Ali Khakifirooz, Juntao Li
  • Patent number: 9540227
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device includes a structural layer having a top surface. The top surface includes surface regions that are generally parallel to one another but are offset relative to one another such that a stress concentration location is formed between them. Laterally propagating shallow surface cracks have a tendency to form in the structural layer, especially near the joints between the surface regions. A method entails fabricating the MEMS device and forming trenchesin the top surface of the structural layer of the MEMS device. The trenches act as a crack inhibition feature to largely prevent the formation of deep cracks in structural layer which might otherwise result in MEMS device failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: NXP USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad S. Dawson
  • Patent number: 9502348
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device includes, sequentially, providing a substrate having a first region and a second region; forming a first dielectric layer on the substrate; forming a second dielectric layer having a plurality of first openings exposing portions of a top surface of the first dielectric layer; forming a first conductive layer in the first openings; etching the second dielectric layer and the first dielectric layer in the second region until the substrate is exposed to form a plurality of second openings; forming passivation regions in portions of the substrate exposed by the second openings; exposing the surface of the first dielectric layer in the second region; forming a third dielectric layer on the surface of the first dielectric layer and in the second openings; and forming a second conductive layer, a portion of which is configured as an inductor, over the third dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING INTERNATIONAL (SHANGHAI) CORPORATION
    Inventors: Xiaoyan Bao, Hongtao Ge
  • Patent number: 9432024
    Abstract: A device includes a housing, at least two qubits disposed in the housing and a resonator disposed in the housing and coupled to the at least two qubits, wherein the at least two qubits are maintained at a fixed frequency and are statically coupled to one another via the resonator, wherein energy levels |03> and |12> are closely aligned, wherein a tuned microwave signal applied to the qubit activates a two-qubit phase interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jerry M. Chow, Jay M. Gambetta, Seth T. Merkel, Chad T. Rigetti, Matthias Steffen
  • Patent number: 9431512
    Abstract: A method of forming a nanowire device includes forming semiconductor material layers above a semiconductor substrate, forming a gate structure above the semiconductor material layers, forming a first sidewall spacer adjacent to the gate structure and forming a second sidewall spacer adjacent to the first sidewall spacer. The method further includes patterning the semiconductor material layers such that each layer has first and second exposed end surfaces. The gate structure, the first sidewall spacer, and the second sidewall spacer are used in combination as an etch mask during the patterning process. The method further includes removing the first and second sidewall spacers, thereby exposing at least a portion of the patterned semiconductor material layers. The method further includes forming doped extension regions in at least the exposed portions of the patterned semiconductor material layers after removing the first and second sidewall spacers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Inc.
    Inventors: Shao-Ming Koh, Guillaume Bouche, Jing Wan, Andy C. Wei
  • Patent number: 9412785
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor apparatus comprising forming an electrode on a structure provided on a substrate, the structure including a wiring pattern and an interlayer insulation film, forming a first film covering the electrode and the structure, forming an opening in a portion of the first film inside an outer edge of a convex portion formed by steps between upper faces of the electrode and the structure so as to expose a first portion as a portion of the upper face of the electrode, forming a second film covering the first film and the first portion, forming a protective film covering the first portion, the convex portion, and a periphery of the convex portion by patterning the second film, and forming a third film on the first film and the protective film by spin coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masaki Kurihara
  • Patent number: 9397004
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a finFET integrated circuit includes providing a finFET integrated circuit structure including a fin structure, a replacement metal gate structure having a silicon nitride cap disposed over and in contact with the fin structure, a contact structure including a tungsten material also disposed over and in contact with the fin structure, and an insulating layer disposed over the replacement metal gate structure and the contact structure. The method further includes forming a first opening in the insulating layer over the replacement gate structure and a second opening in the insulating layer over the contact structure. Forming the first and second openings includes exposing the FinFET integrated circuit structure to a single extreme ultraviolet lithography patterning. Still further, the method includes removing a portion of the silicon nitride material of the replacement metal gate structure and forming a metal fill material in the first and second openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Guillaume Bouche, Erik Geiss, Scott Beasor, Andy Wei, Deniz Elizabeth Civay
  • Patent number: 9391200
    Abstract: Techniques and structures for controlling etch-back of a finFET fin are described. One or more layers may be deposited over the fin and etched. Etch-back of a planarization layer may be used to determine a self-limited etch height of one or more layers adjacent the fin and a self-limited etch height of the fin. Strain-inducing material may be formed at regions of the etched fin to induce strain in the channel of a finFET.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignees: STMicroelectronics, Inc., International Business Machines Corporation, GLOBALFOUNDRIES Inc.
    Inventors: Qing Liu, Xiuyu Cai, Ruilong Xie, Chun-chen Yeh
  • Patent number: 9391140
    Abstract: A method of fabricating raised fin structures is provided, the fabricating including: providing a substrate and at least one dielectric layer over the substrate; forming a trench in the at least one dielectric layer, the trench having a lower portion, a lateral portion, and an upper portion, the upper portion being at least partially laterally offset from the lower portion and being joined to the lower portion by the lateral portion; and, growing a material in the trench to form the raised fin structure, wherein the trench is formed to ensure that any growth defect in the lower portion of the trench terminates either in the lower portion or the lateral portion of the trench and does not extend into the upper portion of the trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.
    Inventors: Yi Qi, Xunyuan Zhang, Catherine B. Labelle
  • Patent number: 9385000
    Abstract: A method of performing an etching process is provided. A substrate is provided, wherein a first region and a second region are defined on the substrate, and an overlapping region of the first region and the second region is defined as a third region. A tri-layer structure comprising an organic layer, a bottom anti-reflection coating (BARC), and a photoresist layer is formed on the substrate. The photoresist layer and the BARC in the second region are removed. An etching process is performed to remove the organic layer in the second region by using the BARC and/or the photoresist layer as a mask, wherein the etching process uses an etchant comprises CO2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Chieh-Te Chen, Feng-Yi Chang, Hsuan-Hsu Chen
  • Patent number: 9379236
    Abstract: A lateral double-diffused MOS (LDMOS) bulk finFET device for high-voltage operation includes a first-well region and two or more second-well regions formed on a substrate material and one or more non-well regions including substrate material. The non-well regions are configured to separate well regions of the second-well regions. A source structure is disposed on a first fin that is partially formed on the first-well region. A drain structure is disposed on a second fin that is formed on a last one of the second-well regions. One or more dummy regions are formed on the one or more non-well regions. The dummy regions are configured to provide additional depletion region flow paths including vertical flow paths for charge carriers to enable the high-voltage operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Shom Surendran Ponoth, Akira Ito
  • Patent number: 9318574
    Abstract: Sacrificial gate structures having an aspect ratio of greater than 5:1 are formed on a substrate. In some embodiments, each sacrificial gate structure straddles a portion of a semiconductor fin that is present on the substrate. An anchoring element is formed orthogonal to each sacrificial gate structure rendering the sacrificial gate structures mechanically stable. After formation of a planarization dielectric layer, each anchoring element can be removed and thereafter each sacrificial gate structure can be replaced with a functional gate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kangguo Cheng, Ryan O. Jung, Fee Li Lie, Jeffrey C. Shearer, John R. Sporre, Sean Teehan
  • Patent number: 9305978
    Abstract: A method of making organic light emitting diode array includes following steps. A base having a number of first electrodes on a surface of the base is provided. A first organic layer is located on the surface of the base to cover the number of first electrodes. A first organic light emitting layer is applied on the first organic layer. A template with a first patterned surface with a number of grooves with different depths is provided. The template is attached on the first organic light emitting layer and separated from each other, wherein a number of protruding structures with different heights is formed. A second organic light emitting layer is deposited on a part of the plurality of protruding structures. A second organic layer is located on the organic light emitting layer. A second electrode is applied to electrically connect to the second organic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jung-An Cheng, Liang-Neng Chien, Dong An, Zhen-Dong Zhu, Chang-Ting Lin, I-Wei Wu, Qun-Qing Li, Shou-Shan Fan
  • Patent number: 9293427
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an antenna functioning as a coil, a capacitor electrically connected to the antenna in parallel, a passive element forming a resonance circuit with the antenna and the capacitor by being electrically connected to the antenna and the capacitor in parallel, a first field effect transistor controlling whether the passive element is electrically connected to the antenna and the capacitor in parallel or not, and a memory circuit. The memory circuit includes a second field effect transistor which includes an oxide semiconductor layer where a channel is formed and in which a data signal is input to one of a source and a drain. The gate voltage of the first field effect transistor is set depending on the voltage of the other of the source and the drain of the second field effect transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seiichi Yoneda