Abstract: Disclosed herein are related to a system and a method of extending a lifetime of a memory cell. In one aspect, a memory controller applies a first pulse having a first amplitude to the memory cell to write input data to the memory cell. In one aspect, the memory controller applies a second pulse having a second amplitude larger than the first amplitude to the memory cell to extend a lifetime of the memory cell. The memory cell may include a resistive memory device or a phase change random access memory device. In one aspect, the memory controller applies the second pulse to the memory cell to repair the memory cell in response to determining that the memory cell has failed. In one aspect, the memory controller periodically applies the second pulse to the memory cell to extend the lifetime of the memory cell before the memory cell fails.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, an interfacial layer formed on the semiconductor substrate, a high-k dielectric layer formed on the interfacial layer, and a conductive gate electrode layer formed on the high-k dielectric layer. At least one of the high-k dielectric layer and the interfacial layer is doped with: a first dopant species, a second dopant species, and a third dopant species. The first dopant species and the second dopant species form a plurality of first dipole elements having a first polarity. The third dopant species forms a plurality of second dipole elements having a second polarity, and the first and second polarities are opposite.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are related to a system and a method of extending a lifetime of a memory cell. In one aspect, a memory controller applies a first pulse having a first amplitude to the memory cell to write input data to the memory cell. In one aspect, the memory controller applies a second pulse having a second amplitude larger than the first amplitude to the memory cell to extend a lifetime of the memory cell. The memory cell may include a resistive memory device or a phase change random access memory device. In one aspect, the memory controller applies the second pulse to the memory cell to repair the memory cell in response to determining that the memory cell has failed. In one aspect, the memory controller periodically applies the second pulse to the memory cell to extend the lifetime of the memory cell before the memory cell fails.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, an interfacial layer formed on the semiconductor substrate, a high-k dielectric layer formed on the interfacial layer, and a conductive gate electrode layer formed on the high-k dielectric layer. At least one of the high-k dielectric layer and the interfacial layer is doped with: a first dopant species, a second dopant species, and a third dopant species. The first dopant species and the second dopant species form a plurality of first dipole elements having a first polarity. The third dopant species forms a plurality of second dipole elements having a second polarity, and the first and second polarities are opposite.

Abstract: Methods for determining capacitance values of a metal on semiconductor (MOS) structure are provided. A time domain reflectometry circuit may be loaded with a MOS structure. The MOS structure may be biased with various voltages, and reflectometry waveforms from the applied voltage may be collected. The capacitance of the MOS structure may be determined from the reflectometry waveforms.

Abstract: Methods for determining capacitance values of a metal on semiconductor (MOS) structure are provided. A time domain reflectometry circuit may be loaded with a MOS structure. The MOS structure may be biased with various voltages, and reflectometry waveforms from the applied voltage may be collected. The capacitance of the MOS structure may be determined from the reflectometry waveforms.