Patents by Inventor Bruno Vajana

Bruno Vajana has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6624015
    Abstract: The manufacturing method comprises, in sequence, the steps of: depositing an upper layer of polycrystalline silicon; defining the upper layer, obtaining LV gate regions of low voltage transistors and undefined portions; forming LV source and drain regions laterally to the LV gate regions; forming a layer of silicide on the LV source and drain regions, on the LV gate regions, and on the undefined portions; defining stack gate regions and HV gate regions of high-voltage transistors; and forming HV source and drain regions and cell regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Matteo Patelmo, Giovanna Dalla Libera, Nadia Galbiati, Bruno Vajana
  • Patent number: 6614080
    Abstract: A read only memory (ROM) device includes a semiconductor substrate having a first type of conductivity, and a plurality of memory cells on the semiconductor substrate. Each memory cell includes first and second regions of a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type. A first dielectric layer is on the plurality of memory cells, and a plurality of first contacts extend through the first dielectric layer for contacting the first regions. A second dielectric layer is on the first dielectric layer and the plurality of first contacts. A plurality of second contacts extend through the second dielectric layer and overlie the corresponding second regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Bruno Vajana, Matteo Patelmo
  • Patent number: 6576517
    Abstract: Presented is a method for obtaining a multi-level ROM in a dual gate EEPROM process flow. The method begins with, on a semiconductor substrate, defining active areas respectively for transistors of ROM cells, transistors of electrically erasable non-volatile memory cells, and additional transistors of the storage circuitry. Then, integrated capacitors are integrated in the storage circuit. According to this method, during the implanting step for forming integrated capacitors, at least an active area of the ROM cell is similarly implanted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Matteo Patelmo, Giovanna Dalla Libera, Nadia Galbiati, Bruno Vajana
  • Patent number: 6573130
    Abstract: A process that provides for the manufacture of LV transistors with salicidated junctions on first areas of a substrate, HV transistors on second areas, and memory cells on third areas. The process includes forming LV oxide regions and LV gate regions on the first areas, HV oxide regions on the second areas, selection oxide regions, tunnel oxide regions, and matrix oxide regions on the third areas; forming floating gate regions and insulating regions on the tunnel oxide regions and the matrix oxide regions; forming first LV source and drain regions laterally to the LV gate regions; forming silicide regions on the first source and drain regions and on the LV gate regions; forming semiconductor material regions completely covering the second and third areas; and at the same time forming HV gate regions on the HV oxide regions, forming selection gate regions on the selection oxide regions, and forming control gate regions on the insulating regions through shaping of the semiconductor material regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Matteo Patelmo, Giovanna Dalla Libera, Nadia Galbiati, Bruno Vajana
  • Patent number: 6548354
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a semiconductor memory device includes double polysilicon level non-volatile memory cells and shielded single polysilicon level non-volatile memory cells in the same semiconductor material chip. A first memory cell includes a MOS transistor having a first gate electrode and a second gate electrode superimposed and respectively formed by definition in a first and a second layer of conductive material. A second memory cell is shielded by a layer of shielding material for preventing the information stored in the second memory cell from being accessible from the outside. The second memory cell includes a MOS transistor with a floating gate electrode formed simultaneously with the first gate electrode of the first cell by definition of the first layer of conductive material. The layer of shielding material is formed by definition of the second layer of conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.R.L.
    Inventors: Roberta Bottini, Giovanna Dalla Libera, Bruno Vajana, Federico Pio
  • Patent number: 6548857
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device having at least one memory cell row, each memory cell having an information storing element and a related select transistor for selecting the storing element. The select transistor includes a gate oxide region over a silicon substrate, a lower polysilicon layer and an upper polysilicon layer superimposed to the gate oxide region and electrically insulated by an intermediate dielectric layer interposed therebetween. The gate oxide regions of the select transistors of the at least one row are separated by field oxide regions, and the lower and upper polysilicon layers and the intermediate dielectric layer extend along the row over the gate oxide regions of the select transistors and over the field oxide regions. Along the row there is at least one opening in the upper polysilicon layer, intermediate dielectric layer and lower polysilicon layer, inside of which a first contact element suitable to electrically connect the lower and upper polysilicon layers is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Giovanna Dalla Libera, Bruno Vajana
  • Patent number: 6528885
    Abstract: A method of making an integrated circuit that is resistant to an unauthorized duplication through reverse engineering includes forming a plurality of false contacts and/or false interconnection vias in the integrated circuit. These false contacts and/or false interconnection vias are connected as true contacts and true interconnection vias by lines patterned in a metallization layer deposited over an insulating dielectric layer or multilayer through which the true contacts and/or the true interconnection vias are formed. False contacts and false vias extend in the respective dielectric layers or multilayers to a depth insufficient to reach the active areas of a semiconductor substrate for false contacts, or to a depth insufficient to reach a layer of conductive material below the dielectric layers or multilayers for false interconnection vias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Bruno Vajana, Matteo Patelmo
  • Patent number: 6521957
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a multi-level memory of the ROM type in a CMOS process of the dual gate type. Specifically, some of the transistors of the ROM cells have their polysilicon layers masked and the ROM cells are then implanted by a first dopant species in the active areas of the exposed transistors. Then the masks are removed from the polysilicon layer, and a second dopant species is implanted in said previously covered layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Matteo Patelmo, Giovanna Dalla Libera, Nadia Galbiati, Bruno Vajana
  • Patent number: 6501147
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing an electronic device having an HV MOS transistor with a low multiplication coefficient and a high threshold in a non-implanted area of the substrate, this area having the same conductivity type and the same doping level as the substrate. The transistor is obtained by forming, over the non-implanted substrate area, a first gate region of semiconductor material having the same doping type as the non-implanted substrate area; and forming, inside the non-implanted substrate area, first source and drain regions of a second conductivity type, arranged at the sides of the first gate region. At the same time, a dual-gate HV MOS transistor is formed, the source and drain regions of which are housed in a tub formed in the substrate and having the first conductivity type, but at a higher concentration than the non-implanted substrate area. It is moreover possible to form a nonvolatile memory cell simultaneously in a second tub of the substrate of semiconductor material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Bruno Vajana, Matteo Patelmo
  • Patent number: 6479347
    Abstract: A simplified DSCP process makes non-self-aligned floating gate semiconductor memory cells of the FLOTOX EEPROM type as incorporated to a cell matrix having control circuitry associated therewith, wherein each cell has a selection transistor associated therewith. The process includes at least the following steps: growing or depositing a gate dielectric layer of the selection transistor and the cell; tunnel masking to define the tunnel area with a dedicated etching step for cleaning the semiconductor surface; growing the tunnel oxide; depositing and doping the first polysilicon layer poly1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Giovanna Dalla Libera, Bruno Vajana
  • Patent number: 6444526
    Abstract: A simplified non-DSCP process for the definition of the tunnel area in nonvolatile memory cells with semi-conductor floating gates is presented. The memory cells are non-aligned and are incorporated in a matrix of cells and have associated control circuitry. In additional, to each cell a selection transistor is associated. The process includes at least the following phases: growth or deposition of a dielectric layer of gate of the sensing transistor and of the cells; tunnel mask for defining the area of tunnel; cleaning etching of the dielectric layer of gate in the area of tunnel up to the surface of the semiconductor; and growth of tunnel oxide. Advantageously, the tunnel mask is extended above the region occupied by the selection transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Matteo Patelmo, Giovanna Dalla Libera, Nadia Galbiati, Bruno Vajana
  • Patent number: 6437395
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a programmable non-volatile memory device having floating-gate MOS transistors, and first and second MOSFETs, the second MOSFETs capable of sustaining gate voltages higher than the first MOSFETs, by forming a first gate oxide layer for the floating-gate MOS transistors, a second gate oxide layer for the first MOSFETs, and a third gate oxide layer for the second MOSFETs. The process includes: forming a first oxide layer over a substrate; selectively removing the first oxide layer from surface regions over the first MOSFETs, but not from surface regions over the floating-gate MOS transistors or the second MOSFETs; forming a second oxide layer over the first oxide layer and the regions over the first MOSFETs; removing the first and second oxide layer from a tunnel oxide region of the floating-gate MOS transistors; and forming a tunnel oxide layer over the second oxide layer and tunnel region oxide layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Roberta Bottini, Giovanna Dalla Libera, Bruno Vajana, Carlo Cremonesi
  • Patent number: 6432762
    Abstract: A memory cell for devices of the EEPROM type, formed in a portion of a semiconductor material substrate having a first conductivity type. The memory cell includes source and drain regions having a second conductivity type and extending at the sides of a gate oxide region which includes a thin tunnel oxide region. The memory cell also includes a region of electric continuity having the second conductivity type, being formed laterally and beneath the thin tunnel oxide region, and partly overlapping the drain region, and a channel region extending between the region of electric continuity and the source region. The memory cell further includes an implanted region having the first conductivity type and being formed laterally and beneath the gate oxide region and incorporating the channel region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: SGS-Thomson Microelectronics
    Inventors: Giovanna Dalla Libera, Bruno Vajana, Roberta Bottini, Carlo Cremonesi
  • Patent number: 6420769
    Abstract: A manufacturing method having the steps of: depositing an upper layer of polycrystalline silicon; defining the upper layer, obtaining LV gate regions of low voltage transistors and undefined portions; forming LV source and drain regions laterally to the LV gate regions; forming a silicide layer on the LV source and drain regions, on the LV gate regions, and on the undefined portions; defining salicided HV gate regions of high voltage transistors; and forming HV source and drain regions not directly overlaid by silicide portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Matteo Patelmo, Nadia Galbiati, Giovanna Dalla Libera, Bruno Vajana
  • Patent number: 6414349
    Abstract: To increase the facing surface and thus the coupling between the floating gate and control gate regions of a memory cell, the floating gate and control gate regions have a width that is not constant in different section planes parallel to a longitudinal section plane extending through the source and drain regions of the cell. In particular, the width of the floating gate and control gate regions is smallest in the longitudinal section plane and increases linearly in successive parallel section planes moving away from the longitudinal section plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.L.
    Inventors: Giovanna Dalla Libera, Matteo Patelmo, Bruno Vajana, Nadia Galbiati
  • Publication number: 20020079564
    Abstract: A method of making an integrated circuit that is resistant to an unauthorized duplication through reverse engineering includes forming a plurality of false contacts and/or false interconnection vias in the integrated circuit. These false contacts and/or false interconnection vias are connected as true contacts and true interconnection vias by lines patterned in a metallization layer deposited over an insulating dielectric layer or multilayer through which the true contacts and/or the true interconnection vias are formed. False contacts and false vias extend in the respective dielectric layers or multilayers to a depth insufficient to reach the active areas of a semiconductor substrate for false contacts, or to a depth insufficient to reach a layer of conductive material below the dielectric layers or multilayers for interconnection vias.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Bruno Vajana, Matteo Patelmo
  • Publication number: 20020063268
    Abstract: A read only memory (ROM) device includes a semiconductor substrate having a first type of conductivity, and a plurality of memory cells on the semiconductor substrate. Each memory cell includes first and second regions of a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type. A first dielectric layer is on the plurality of memory cells, and a plurality of first contacts extend through the first dielectric layer for contacting the first regions. A second dielectric layer is on the first dielectric layer and the plurality of first contacts. A plurality of second contacts extend through the second dielectric layer and overlie the corresponding second regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.I.
    Inventors: Bruno Vajana, Matteo Patelmo
  • Patent number: 6396101
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing electronic devices, such as memory cells and LV transistors, with salicided junctions, that includes: depositing an upper layer of polycrystalline silicon; defining the upper layer, obtaining floating gate regions on first areas, LV gate regions on second areas of a substrate, and undefined regions on the first and third areas of the substrate; forming first cell source regions laterally to the floating gate regions; forming LV source and drain regions laterally to the LV gate regions; forming a silicide layer on the LV source and drain regions, on the LV gate regions, and on the undefined portions; defining HV gate regions on the third areas, and selection gate regions on the first areas; forming source regions laterally to the selection gate regions, and source and drain regions laterally to the HV gate regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Matteo Patelmo, Giovanna Dalla Libera, Nadia Galbiati, Bruno Vajana
  • Publication number: 20020060349
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device having at least one memory cell row, each memory cell having an information storing element and a related select transistor for selecting the storing element. The select transistor includes a gate oxide region over a silicon substrate, a lower polysilicon layer and an upper polysilicon layer superimposed to the gate oxide region and electrically insulated by an intermediate dielectric layer interposed therebetween. The gate oxide regions of the select transistors of the at least one row are separated by field oxide regions, and the lower and upper polysilicon layers and the intermediate dielectric layer extend along the row over the gate oxide regions of the select transistors and over the field oxide regions. Along the row there is at least one opening in the upper polysilicon layer, intermediate dielectric layer and lower polysilicon layer, inside of which a first contact element suitable to electrically connect the lower and upper polysilicon layers is inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Giovanna Dalla Libera, Bruno Vajana
  • Patent number: 6380034
    Abstract: A manufacturing process including: forming a substrate and insulating layer including a tunnel area; and simultaneously forming a floating gate region of a memory transistor and a lower gate portion of a selection transistor, the floating gate region internally forming a hole, one side of which delimits, together with an external side of the floating gate region, a portion of tunnel arranged above the tunnel area; a dielectric material layer is then deposited, and fills the hole of the floating gate region; the structure is planarized by CMP, and an insulating region of dielectric material is formed; and a control gate region is formed above the floating gate region and simultaneously an upper gate portion is formed above the lower gate portion. The upper and lower gate portions form a control gate region of the selection transistor. In this way, the upper gate portion and the control gate region are substantially on the same level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Bruno Vajana, Giovanna Dalla Libera