Abstract: A multi-core microprocessor provides an indication of the power management state of each of the cores on output terminals. Cooling of the cores is adjusted responsive to the indication of the power management state of the respective cores with additional cooling being provided to those cores in a more active state and less cooling provided to those cores in a less active state.

Abstract: A multi-core microprocessor provides an indication of the power management state of each of the cores on output terminals. Cooling of the cores is adjusted responsive to the indication of the power management state of the respective cores with additional cooling being provided to those cores in a more active state and less cooling provided to those cores in a less active state.

Abstract: A multi-core microprocessor provides an indication of the power management state of each of the cores on output terminals. Cooling of the cores is adjusted responsive to the indication of the power management state of the respective cores with additional cooling being provided to those cores in a more active state and less cooling provided to those cores in a less active state.

Abstract: A multi-core microprocessor provides an indication of the power management state of each of the cores on output terminals. Cooling of the cores is adjusted responsive to the indication of the power management state of the respective cores with additional cooling being provided to those cores in a more active state and less cooling provided to those cores in a less active state.

Abstract: A method that includes forming a gate of a semiconductor device on a substrate, and etching sidewall spacers on sides of the gate to provide a proximity value, where the proximity value is defined as a distance between the gate and an edge of a performance-enhancing region. The sidewall spacers are used to define the edge of the region during formation of the region in the substrate. The method also includes pre-cleaning the gate and the substrate in preparation for formation of the region, where the etching and the pre-cleaning are performed in a continuous vacuum.

Abstract: Miniaturized complex transistor devices are formed with reduced leakage and reduced miller capacitance. Embodiments include transistors having reduced capacitance between the gate electrode and source/drain contact, as by utilizing a low-K dielectric constant sidewall spacer material. An embodiment includes forming a gate electrode on a semiconductor substrate, forming a sidewall spacer on the side surfaces of the gate electrode, forming source/drain regions by ion implantation, forming an interlayer dielectric over the gate electrode, sidewall spacers, and substrate, and forming a source/drain contact through the interlayer dielectric. The sidewall spacers and interlayer dielectric are then removed. A dielectric material, such as a low-K dielectric material, is then deposited in the gap between the gate electrode and the source/drain contact so that an air gap is formed, thereby reducing the parasitic “miller” capacitance.

Abstract: Miniaturized complex transistor devices are formed with reduced leakage and reduced miller capacitance. Embodiments include transistors having reduced capacitance between the gate electrode and source/drain contact, as by utilizing a low-K dielectric constant sidewall spacer material. An embodiment includes forming a gate electrode on a semiconductor substrate, forming a sidewall spacer on the side surfaces of the gate electrode, forming source/drain regions by ion implantation, forming an interlayer dielectric over the gate electrode, sidewall spacers, and substrate, and forming a source/drain contact through the interlayer dielectric. The sidewall spacers and interlayer dielectric are then removed. A dielectric material, such as a low-K dielectric material, is then deposited in the gap between the gate electrode and the source/drain contact so that an air gap is formed, thereby reducing the parasitic “miller” capacitance.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interconnect structure, a method of manufacture therefore, and a method for manufacturing an integrated circuit including the same. The method for forming the interconnect structure, among other steps, includes subjecting a first portion (510) of a substrate (220) to a first etch process, the first etch process designed to etch at a first entry angle (?1), and subjecting a second portion (610) of the substrate (220) to a second different etch process, the second different etch process designed to etch at a second lesser entry angle (?2).

Abstract: A method that includes forming a gate of a semiconductor device on a substrate, and etching sidewall spacers on sides of the gate to provide a proximity value, where the proximity value is defined as a distance between the gate and an edge of a performance-enhancing region. The sidewall spacers are used to define the edge of the region during formation of the region in the substrate. The method also includes pre-cleaning the gate and the substrate in preparation for formation of the region, where the etching and the pre-cleaning are performed in a continuous vacuum.

Abstract: Methods are provided for delineating different layers and interfaces for inspection of a semiconductor wafer, wherein a sectioned portion of a wafer is subjected to a reactive ion etch process before inspection using a scanning electron microscope.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a metal layer 14 of a back-end module 6 where the height of the interconnects 17 is greater than the height of the dielectric regions 20. Another embodiment of the invention is a method of fabricating a semiconductor wafer 4 where the height of the interconnects 17 is greater than the height of the dielectric regions 20.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a metal layer 14 of a back-end module 6 where the height of the interconnects 17 is greater than the height of the dielectric regions 20. Another embodiment of the invention is a method of fabricating a semiconductor wafer 4 where the height of the interconnects 17 is greater than the height of the dielectric regions 20.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a metal layer 14 of a back-end module 6 where the height of the interconnects 17 is greater than the height of the dielectric regions 20. Another embodiment of the invention is a method of fabricating a semiconductor wafer 4 where the height of the interconnects 17 is greater than the height of the dielectric regions 20.

Abstract: Methods are provided for delineating different layers and interfaces for inspection of a semiconductor wafer, wherein a sectioned portion of a wafer is subjected to a reactive ion etch process before inspection using a scanning electron microscope.

Abstract: A process for forming a semiconductor device includes placing a substrate (104) into an apparatus (300), creating a plasma, and processing the substrate (104). The apparatus (300) includes an electromagnetic source (120), a bulk material (302), and a first barrier layer (304). The bulk material (302) is between the electromagnetic source (120) and an interior (126) of the apparatus (300). The first barrier layer (304) is between the bulk material (302) and the interior (126). A process for operating an apparatus (300) includes forming a polymer layer along an inorganic layer (302, 306or 702), wherein the polymer layer is formed within the apparatus (300); removing the polymer layer to expose the inorganic layer (302, 306, or 702); and etching at least a portion of the exposed inorganic layer (302, 306, or 702). Typically, the inorganic layer (203, 306, or 702) is semiconductive or resistive.