Abstract: A dielectric fill layer within source/drain metallization trenches limits the depth of an inlaid metallization layer over isolation regions of a semiconductor device. The modified geometry decreases parasitic capacitance as well as the propensity for electrical short circuits between the source/drain metallization and adjacent conductive structures, which improves device reliability and performance.

Abstract: A dielectric fill layer within source/drain metallization trenches limits the depth of an inlaid metallization layer over isolation regions of a semiconductor device. The modified geometry decreases parasitic capacitance as well as the propensity for electrical short circuits between the source/drain metallization and adjacent conductive structures, which improves device reliability and performance.

Abstract: At least one method, apparatus and system disclosed herein involves forming trench in a gate region, wherein the trench having an oxide layer to a height to reduce or prevent process residue. A plurality of fins are formed on a semiconductor substrate. Over a first portion of the fins, an epitaxial (EPI) feature at a top portion of each fin of the first portion. Over a second portion of the fins, a gate region is formed. In a portion of the gate region, a trench is formed. A first oxide layer at a bottom region of the trench is formed. Prior to performing an amorphous-silicon (a-Si) deposition, a flowable oxide material is deposited into the trench for forming a second oxide layer. The second oxide layer comprises the flowable oxide and the first oxide layer. The second oxide layer has a first height.

Abstract: At least one method, apparatus and system disclosed herein involves forming trench in a gate region, wherein the trench having an oxide layer to a height to reduce or prevent process residue. A plurality of fins are formed on a semiconductor substrate. Over a first portion of the fins, an epitaxial (EPI) feature at a top portion of each fin of the first portion. Over a second portion of the fins, a gate region is formed. In a portion of the gate region, a trench is formed. A first oxide layer at a bottom region of the trench is formed. Prior to performing an amorphous-silicon (a-Si) deposition, a flowable oxide material is deposited into the trench for forming a second oxide layer. The second oxide layer comprises the flowable oxide and the first oxide layer. The second oxide layer has a first height.

Abstract: A method for controlling the gate length within a FinFET device to increase power performance and the resulting device are provided. Embodiments include forming a vertical gate to extend over a plurality of fins; depositing a respective oxide layer over each of a plurality of skirt regions formed at respective points of intersection of the vertical gate with the plurality of fins; and oxidizing each oxide layer to form a plurality of oxidized gate skirts.

Abstract: At least one method, apparatus and system disclosed herein involves forming trench in a gate region, wherein the trench having an oxide layer to a height to reduce or prevent process residue. A plurality of fins are formed on a semiconductor substrate. Over a first portion of the fins, an epitaxial (EPI) feature at a top portion of each fin of the first portion. Over a second portion of the fins, a gate region is formed. In a portion of the gate region, a trench is formed. A first oxide layer at a bottom region of the trench is formed. Prior to performing an amorphous-silicon (a-Si) deposition, a flowable oxide material is deposited into the trench for forming a second oxide layer. The second oxide layer comprises the flowable oxide and the first oxide layer. The second oxide layer has a first height.

Abstract: One illustrative method disclosed herein includes, among other things, forming a first fin having first and second opposing sidewalls and forming a first sidewall spacer positioned adjacent the first sidewall and a second sidewall spacer positioned adjacent the second sidewall, wherein the first sidewall spacer has a greater height than the second sidewall spacer. In this example, the method further includes forming epitaxial semiconductor material on the fin and above the first and second sidewall spacers.

Abstract: At least one method, apparatus and system disclosed herein involves forming trench in a gate region, wherein the trench having an oxide layer to a height to reduce or prevent process residue. A plurality of fins are formed on a semiconductor substrate. Over a first portion of the fins, an epitaxial (EPI) feature at a top portion of each fin of the first portion. Over a second portion of the fins, a gate region is formed. In a portion of the gate region, a trench is formed. A first oxide layer at a bottom region of the trench is formed. Prior to performing an amorphous-silicon (a-Si) deposition, a flowable oxide material is deposited into the trench for forming a second oxide layer. The second oxide layer comprises the flowable oxide and the first oxide layer. The second oxide layer has a first height.

Abstract: In one general aspect, a method can include implanting a first dopant, simultaneously, in a portion of a laterally diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) device and in a portion of a resistor device included in a semiconductor device. The method can also include implanting a second dopant, simultaneously, in a portion of the LDMOS device and in a portion of a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) device in the semiconductor device.

Abstract: In one general aspect, an apparatus can include an input terminal, an output terminal and a ground terminal. The apparatus can also include an overcurrent protection device coupled between the input terminal and the output terminal. The apparatus can further include a thermal shunt device coupled between the output terminal and the ground terminal, the thermal shunt device being configured to, at a threshold temperature, operate in a thermally-induced low-impedance state.

Abstract: In one general aspect, a semiconductor processing method can include forming an N-type silicon region disposed within a P-type silicon substrate. The method can also include forming a field oxide (FOX) layer in the P-type silicon substrate where the FOX layer includes an opening exposing at least a portion of the N-type silicon region. The method can further include forming a reduced surface field (RESURF) oxide (ROX) layer having a first portion disposed on the exposed N-type silicon region and a second portion disposed on the FOX layer where the ROX layer includes a first dielectric layer in contact with the exposed N-type silicon region and a second dielectric layer disposed on the first dielectric layer. The method can further include forming a doped polysilicon layer having a first portion disposed on the first portion of the ROX layer and a second portion disposed on the second portion of the ROX layer.

Abstract: In one general aspect, an apparatus can include a channel region disposed in a semiconductor substrate, a gate dielectric disposed on the channel region and a drift region disposed in the semiconductor substrate adjacent to the channel region. The apparatus can further include a field plate having an end portion disposed between a top surface of the semiconductor substrate and the gate dielectric The end portion can include a surface in contact with the gate dielectric, the surface having a first portion aligned along a first plane non-parallel to a second plane along which a second portion of the surface is aligned, the first plane being non-parallel to the top surface of the semiconductor substrate and the second plane being non-parallel to the top surface of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: In one general aspect, an apparatus can include an input terminal, an output terminal and a ground terminal. The apparatus can also include an overcurrent protection device coupled between the input terminal and the output terminal. The apparatus can further include a thermal shunt device coupled between the output terminal and the ground terminal, the thermal shunt device being configured to, at a threshold temperature, operate in a thermally-induced low-impedance state.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods for making such devices are described. The semiconductor devices are made by providing a semiconductor substrate with an active region, providing a bulk oxide layer in a non-active portion of the substrate, the bulk oxide layer having a first thickness in a protected area of the device, providing a plate oxide layer over the bulk oxide layer and over the substrate in the active region, forming a gate structure on the active region of the substrate, and forming a self-aligned silicide layer on a portion of the substrate and the gate structure, wherein the final thickness of the bulk oxide layer in the protected area after these processes remains substantially the same as the first thickness. The thickness of the bulk oxide layer can be increased without any additional processing steps or any additional processing cost. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: In one general aspect, an apparatus can include a channel region disposed in a semiconductor substrate, a gate dielectric disposed on the channel region and a drift region disposed in the semiconductor substrate adjacent to the channel region. The apparatus can further include a field plate having an end portion disposed between a top surface of the semiconductor substrate and the gate dielectric The end portion can include a surface in contact with the gate dielectric, the surface having a first portion aligned along a first plane non-parallel to a second plane along which a second portion of the surface is aligned, the first plane being non-parallel to the top surface of the semiconductor substrate and the second plane being non-parallel to the top surface of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: In one general aspect, a semiconductor processing method can include forming an N-type silicon region disposed within a P-type silicon substrate. The method can also include forming a field oxide (FOX) layer in the P-type silicon substrate where the FOX layer includes an opening exposing at least a portion of the N-type silicon region. The method can further include forming a reduced surface field (RESURF) oxide (ROX) layer having a first portion disposed on the exposed N-type silicon region and a second portion disposed on the FOX layer where the ROX layer includes a first dielectric layer in contact with the exposed N-type silicon region and a second dielectric layer disposed on the first dielectric layer. The method can further include forming a doped polysilicon layer having a first portion disposed on the first portion of the ROX layer and a second portion disposed on the second portion of the ROX layer.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods for making such devices are described. The semiconductor devices are made by providing a semiconductor substrate with an active region, providing a bulk oxide layer in a non-active portion of the substrate, the bulk oxide layer having a first thickness in a protected area of the device, providing a plate oxide layer over the bulk oxide layer and over the substrate in the active region, forming a gate structure on the active region of the substrate, and forming a self-aligned silicide layer on a portion of the substrate and the gate structure, wherein the final thickness of the bulk oxide layer in the protected area after these processes remains substantially the same as the first thickness. The thickness of the bulk oxide layer can be increased without any additional processing steps or any additional processing cost. Other embodiments are described.