Abstract: A method for testing the reliability of a dielectric thin film. An exponential current ramp test is performed with a delay time to test the dielectric thin film. An exponential current ramp charge-to-breakdown distribution, which is represented by cumulative distribution failure percentage, is obtained. An exponential current ramp charge-to-breakdown at a cumulative distribution failure percentage is calculated. An exponential current ramp constant and a constant current stress constant at the cumulative distribution failure percentage are calculated. A constant current stress charge-to-breakdown at the cumulative distribution failure percentage is calculated by using a specified current density and the constant current stress constant at the cumulative distribution failure percentage. The constant current stress charge-to-breakdown at the cumulative distribution failure percentage is compared to a specified constant current stress charge-to-breakdown to determine the reliability of the dielectric thin film.

Abstract: A fabrication method for an oxide layer with reduced interface-trapped charges, which is applicable to the fabrication of a gate oxide layer of a flash memory device, is described. The method includes conducting a first inert ambient annealing process, followed by growing an oxide layer on the silicon substrate. A second inert ambient annealing process is then conducted on the oxide layer. Carbon ions are then incorporated into the interface between the oxide layer and the silicon substrate, followed by a third ambient annealing process.

Abstract: A method is described for taking a lifetime measurement of an ultra-thin dielectric layer. In order to discover the life time of the ultra-thin dielectric layer, the measurement comprises using about one half of a stress voltage to measure a time-dependent leakage current of the ultra-thin dielectric layer.

Abstract: A LOCOS method uses a reagent mixed of etchant and oxidizer to simultaneously perform the step of forming the FOX layer and the step of removing a mask layer of the conventional LOCOS method. The applied temperature is about 950-1150° C. The etchant. such as a HF acid solution, is used to remove the mask layer, and the oxidizer, such as O2, is used to form the FOX layer on a silicon substrate.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protective circuit formed by use of a silicon controller rectifier is coupled to an input port and an internal circuit for discharging electrostatic charges on the input port to ground. When the electrostatic charges are applied on the input port, a punch-through effect is created between a first P-type diffusion region and a second N-type diffusion region to turn on a parasitic NPN bipolar junction transistor. At the same time, a voltage is applied on a gate of the MOS transistor via a small-signal equivalent capacitor to turn on itself, thereby discharging the electrostatic charges. Accordingly, the trigger voltage of the silicon controller rectifier can be efficiently lowered to improve the electrostatic discharge protective capability of the silicon control rectifier.