Patents Examined by Thanh Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8187966
    Abstract: A Cu-CMP step applied to processes for 130 nm, 90 nm, and 65 nm technical nodes or the like mainly employs slurry to which an anticorrosive agent is added for preventing corrosion of Cu wiring. The inventors of the present application have studied and clearly found that in the Cu-CMP step using the slurry with the anticorrosive agent added thereto, the anticorrosive agent often forms complexes with Cu, which remain as foreign matter on a wafer in large quantity, leading to a reduction in yield, and in reliability of TDDB characteristics of the Cu wiring. In the invention of the present application, a post-CMP cleaning process involves applying wet cleaning to a wafer by supplying a cleaning solution, such as a chemical solution or pure water, to a device surface of the wafer substantially in a vertical direction with respect to the horizontal device surface, while rotating the wafer substantially about its center in the horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Masuda, Hiroshi Oshita, Nobuhiro Konishi
  • Patent number: 8183651
    Abstract: A MEMS sensor includes: a substrate; a fixed electrode portion formed in the substrate; a movable weight portion formed above the fixed electrode portion via a gap; a movable electrode portion formed in the movable weight portion and disposed so as to face the fixed electrode portion; a supporting portion; and a connecting portion that couples the supporting portion with the movable weight portion and is elastically deformable, wherein the movable weight portion is a stacked structure having conductive layers and an insulating layer, and plugs having a larger specific gravity than the insulating layer are embedded in the insulating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Shigekazu Takagi, Akira Sato
  • Patent number: 8178928
    Abstract: Intermediate structures are provided that are formed during the manufacture of a memory device. These structures include first and second spaced apart gate patterns on a semiconductor substrate. A source/drain region is provided in the semiconductor substrate between the first and second gate patterns. An etch stop layer is provided on first and second sidewalls of the first gate pattern. The first and second sidewalls face each other to define a gap region between the etch stop layer on the first sidewall and the etch stop layer on the second sidewall. A dielectric layer is provided in the gap region. Finally, a preliminary contact hole is provided in the dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun-Chul Shin, Jeong-Ho Park, Jung-Young Lee, Kwang-Won Park
  • Patent number: 8174015
    Abstract: A display device includes a lower panel including a lower substrate and a pixel transistor formed on the lower substrate; and an upper panel facing the lower panel, and including an upper substrate, a sensing transistor formed on the upper substrate, and a readout transistor connected to the sensing transistor and transmitting a signal. The readout transistor includes a first lower gate electrode formed on the upper substrate, a first semiconductor layer formed on the first lower gate electrode and overlaps the first gate electrode, and a first source electrode and a first drain electrode disposed on the first semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ki-Hun Jeong, Byeong-Hoon Cho, Jung-Suk Bang, Sang-Youn Han, Woong-Kwon Kim, Sung-Hoon Yang, Suk Won Jung, Dae-Cheol Kim, Kyung-Sook Jeon, Seung Mi Seo
  • Patent number: 8174063
    Abstract: A non-volatile semiconductor memory device includes a substrate, a first gate formed on a first region of a surface of the substrate, a second gate formed on a second region of the surface of the substrate, a charge storage layer filled between the first gate and the second gate, a first diffusion region formed on a first side of the charge storage layer, and a second diffusion region formed opposite the charge storage layer from the first diffusion region. The first region and the second region are separated by a distance sufficient for forming a self-aligning charge storage layer therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: eMemory Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Hau-Yan Lu, Shih-Chen Wang, Ching-Sung Yang
  • Patent number: 8169068
    Abstract: An IO cell with multiple IO ports and related techniques are provided. The IO cell has a plurality of IO ports for transmitting signal of a same IO pin, and each IO port corresponds to a predetermined region for containing an IO pad, wherein at least one of the plural predetermined regions of the plural IO ports partially overlaps with active circuit layout region of the IO cell. In a chip, if a given IO cell has a predetermined region of an IO port overlapping an IO pad location of another adjacent IO cell, then a predetermined region of another IO port is selected for implementing an IO pad of the given IO cell, such that the IO cells can be arranged more compactly for chip layout area saving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Faraday Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Jeng-Huang Wu, Hung-Yi Chang, Chun Huang
  • Patent number: 8164103
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an light emitting diode (LED) light source and an interface for providing power to the LED. The LED light source includes an LED unit and a second coupling unit. The LED unit includes a base, one or more LED, and a first coupling unit. The LED are attached to the base. The joining of the first and second coupling units provides a mechanical support and electricity to the LED. The LED, are connected with independent circuit loops and controlled by controller to change the brightness of the LED. This structure allows the second coupling unit to be applied to any luminaries or replacement of a traditional light source, thus making the LED unit a universal LED light source for mass production and cost reduction. With the use of various types of LED and electric current control, modulation of brightness, color, and color temperature may be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Shih-Chien Chen
  • Patent number: 8164165
    Abstract: A novel three dimensional wafer stack and the manufacturing method therefor are provided. The three dimensional wafer stack includes a first wafer having a first substrate and a first device layer having thereon at least one chip, a second wafer disposed above the first wafer and having a second substrate, and at least one pedestal arranged between and extending from the first substrate to the second substrate. The pedestal arranged in the device layer is used for preventing the low-k materials existing in the device layer from being damaged by the stresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chi-Shih Chang, Ra-Min Tain, Shyi-Ching Liau, Wei-Chung Lo, Rong-Shen Lee
  • Patent number: 8158518
    Abstract: Methods of forming contacts (and optionally, local interconnects) using an ink comprising a silicide-forming metal, electrical devices such as diodes and/or transistors including such contacts and (optional) local interconnects, and methods for forming such devices are disclosed. The method of forming contacts includes depositing an ink of a silicide-forming metal onto an exposed silicon surface, drying the ink to form a silicide-forming metal precursor, and heating the silicide-forming metal precursor and the silicon surface to form a metal silicide contact. Optionally, the metal precursor ink may be selectively deposited onto a dielectric layer adjacent to the exposed silicon surface to form a metal-containing interconnect. Furthermore, one or more bulk conductive metal(s) may be deposited on remaining metal precursor ink and/or the dielectric layer. Electrical devices, such as diodes and transistors may be made using such printed contact and/or local interconnects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Kovio, Inc.
    Inventors: Aditi Chandra, Arvind Kamath, James Montague Cleeves, Joerg Rockenberger, Mao Takashima, Erik Scher
  • Patent number: 8158520
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device structure with a novel contact feature. The structure includes a substrate, a dielectric layer overlying the substrate, and a metal interconnect overlying the dielectric layer. A first interlayer dielectric layer is formed surrounding the metal interconnect. A second interlayer dielectric layer of a predetermined thickness is overlying the first interlayer dielectric layer. A trench opening of a first width is formed within an upper portion of the second interlayer dielectric layer. A first barrier layer is within and is overlying the trench opening of the first width. A contact opening of a second width is within a lower portion of the second interlayer dielectric layer. The second width is less than the first width. The lower portion of the second interlayer dielectric layer is coupled to the upper portion of the second interlayer dielectric layer within the predetermined thickness of the second interlayer dielectric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Semiconductor Manufacturing International (Shanghai) Corporation
    Inventor: Xian J. Ning
  • Patent number: 8158502
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming silicon pillar 11 on substrate 10, forming a protective film which covers an upper end portion and a lower end portion of a side surface of silicon pillar 11, forming a constricted portion by anisotropic etching in a portion of the side surface of silicon pillar 11 which is not covered with the protective film after forming the protective film, removing the protective film after forming the constricted portion, forming gate oxide film 12 which covers the side surface of silicon pillar 11 in which the constricted portion is formed, and forming gate electrode 13 which covers gate oxide film 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Elpida Memory, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Nojima
  • Patent number: 8158496
    Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing a compound semiconductor substrate. The method includes coating a plurality of spherical balls on a substrate, growing a compound semiconductor epitaxial layer on the substrate coated with the spherical balls while allowing voids to be formed under the spherical balls, and cooling the substrate on which the compound semiconductor epitaxial layer is grown so that the substrate and the compound semiconductor epitaxial layer are self-separated along the voids. The spherical ball treatment can reduce dislocation generations. In addition, because the substrate and the compound semiconductor epitaxial layer are separated through the self-separation, there is no need for laser lift-off process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Siltron Inc.
    Inventors: Ho-Jun Lee, Yong-Jin Kim, Dong-Kun Lee, Doo-Soo Kim, Ji-Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 8158515
    Abstract: A method and structure of connecting at least two integrated circuits in a 3D arrangement by a through silicon via which simultaneously connects a connection pad in a first integrated circuit and a connection pad in a second integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mukta G. Farooq, Subramanian S. Iyer, Steven J. Koester, Huilong Zhu
  • Patent number: 8153454
    Abstract: A fabrication apparatus and fabrication method of a semiconductor device are provided, allowing the temperature distribution of a substrate to be rendered uniform. The fabrication apparatus for a semiconductor device includes a susceptor holding the substrate, a heater arranged at a back side of the susceptor, a support member located between the substrate and susceptor, including a support portion, and a spacer located between the susceptor and support member. The spacer has an opening formed corresponding to the site where said support portion is located, at an opposite face side of the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Ueno, Toshio Ueda, Yoko Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8148824
    Abstract: A through substrate via having a low stress is provided. The through substrate via is positioned in a substrate. The through substrate via includes: an outer tube penetrating the substrate; at least one inner tube disposed within the outer tube; a dielectric layer lining on a side wall of the outer tube, and a side wall of the inner tube; a strength-enhanced material filling the inner tube; and a conductive layer filling the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nanya Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Shian-Jyh Lin
  • Patent number: 8143113
    Abstract: A method for forming a nanowire tunnel field effect transistor device includes forming a nanowire connected to a first pad region and a second pad region, the nanowire including a core portion and a dielectric layer, forming a gate structure on the dielectric layer of the nanowire, forming a first protective spacer on portions of the nanowire, implanting ions in a first portion of the exposed nanowire and the first pad region, implanting in the dielectric layer of a second portion of the exposed nanowire and the second pad region, removing the dielectric layer from the second pad region and the second portion, removing the core portion of the second portion of the exposed nanowire to form a cavity, and epitaxially growing a doped semiconductor material in the cavity to connect the exposed cross sections of the nanowire to the second pad region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sarunya Bangsaruntip, Josephine B. Chang, Isaac Lauer, Jeffrey W. Sleight
  • Patent number: 8138082
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an interconnect having electrically conductive portions and a dielectric layer made of a first dielectric material. A trench is formed in the dielectric layer. The exposed portions of the dielectric layer which form the side walls of the trench are removed. A dielectric liner is then deposited on the side walls of the trench, the liner being made of a second dielectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignees: STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS, Koninkljike Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Joaquin Torres, Vincent Arnal, Laurent-Georges Gosset, Wim Besling
  • Patent number: 8138014
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer has a plurality of first semiconductor die. A second semiconductor die is mounted to the first semiconductor die. The active surface of the first semiconductor die is oriented toward an active surface of the second semiconductor die. An encapsulant is deposited over the first and second semiconductor die. A portion of a back surface of the second semiconductor die opposite the active surface is removed. Conductive pillars are formed around the second semiconductor die. TSVs can be formed through the first semiconductor die. An interconnect structure is formed over the back surface of the second semiconductor die, encapsulant, and conductive pillars. The interconnect structure is electrically connected to the conductive pillars. A portion of a back surface of the first semiconductor die opposite the active surface is removed. A heat sink or shielding layer can be formed over the back surface of the first semiconductor die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: STATS ChipPAC, Ltd.
    Inventors: HeeJo Chi, NamJu Cho, HanGil Shin
  • Patent number: 8119444
    Abstract: An image sensor and a method of manufacturing an image sensor. An image sensor may include a semiconductor substrate which may include a readout circuitry. An image sensor may include an interlayer dielectric over a semiconductor substrate, and/or a first metal pattern over an interlayer dielectric. An interconnection may penetrate an interlayer dielectric and/or may be connected to a readout circuitry. A first metal pattern may be formed over an interlayer dielectric, and/or may be connected to an interconnection. A second metal pattern may be formed over a first metal pattern. A photodiode pattern may be formed over a second metal pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Dongbu HiTek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Min-Hyung Lee
  • Patent number: 8114749
    Abstract: A device for protecting a semiconductor device from electrostatic discharge may include a high voltage first conductivity type well formed in a semiconductor substrate. A first stack region may have a first conductivity type drift region, and a first conductivity type impurity region stacked in succession in the high voltage first conductivity type well. A second stack region may have a second conductivity type drift region, and a second conductivity type impurity region stacked in succession in the high voltage first conductivity type well. A device isolating film formed between the first stack region and the second stack region for isolating the first stack region from the second stack region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Dongbu HiTek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joon-Tae Jang