Abstract: In a semiconductor device fabrication method and in a product formed according to the method, a photosensitive polyimide layer (PSPL) layer is applied to a semiconductor device in a manner which overcomes the limitations of the conventional approaches. The beneficial qualities of an added photoresist layer are utilized to avoid unwanted development of the underlying PSPL layer. In this manner, cracking of the PSPL layer is mitigated or eliminated, reducing the device soft error rate (SER) and increasing device yield. This is accomplished in a reliable and low-cost approach that employs standard device fabrication techniques.

Abstract: A polynomial predistorter and predistorting method for predistorting a complex modulated baseband signal are provided. In the polynomial predistorter, a first complex multiplier generates first complex predistortion gains, using a current input signal and complex polynomial coefficients modeled on the inverse non-linear distortion characteristic of the power amplifier, and multiplies them by I and Q signal components of the current input signal, respectively. At least one second complex multiplier generates second complex predistortion gains using the complex polynomial coefficients and previous predistorted signals and multiplies them by I and Q signal components of the previous predistorted signals, respectively. A summer sums the outputs of the first and second complex multipliers and outputs the sum as a predistorted signal to the power amplifier.

Abstract: A polynomial predistortion apparatus and method for compensating for a nonlinear distortion characteristic of a power amplifier is provided. The apparatus and method comprise an adaptation controller for determining polynomial coefficients by calculating an inverse nonlinear distortion characteristic of the power amplifier, and calculating complex predistortion gains for all possible amplitudes of an input signal using the determined polynomial coefficients; and a predistorter for receiving an input signal which is a combination of complex-modulated previous baseband input signal samples and current input signal samples, predistorting the input signal using the complex predistortion gains output from the adaptation controller, and outputting the predistorted input signal to the power amplifier.

Abstract: For fabricating lean-free stacked capacitors, openings are formed through layers of materials including a layer of support material displaced from a bottom of the openings. A respective first electrode is formed for a respective capacitor within each of the openings. The layer of support material is patterned to form support structures around the first electrodes. Masking spacers are formed around exposed top portions of the first electrodes, and exposed portions of the support material are etched away to form the support structures. Such stacked capacitors are applied within a DRAM (dynamic random access memory).

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor memory device and a structure that forms both a resistor and an etching protection layer to reduce a contact resistance. The method of fabricating a semiconductor memory device according to the invention includes forming an insulation layer on a semiconductor substrate having a cell array region, a core region, and a peripheral region, each having at least one transistor formed therein, and forming both a first landing pad in the core region on the insulation layer and a second landing pad in the peripheral region, the first landing pad being overlapped with a part of a first conductive line. The invention reduces the contact resistance and prevents or minimizes a device failure caused by a misalignment, with the simplified process.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, methods of manufacturing a semiconductor device, and semiconductor devices manufactured thereby, are provided. A field region is formed that defines active regions in a semiconductor substrate. Spaced apart gates are formed on the active regions in the semiconductor substrate. The gates have sidewalls that extend away from the semiconductor substrate. First spacers are formed on the sidewalls of the gates. Second spacers are formed on the first spacers and opposite to the gates. Ion impurities are implanted into the active regions in the semiconductor substrate, adjacent to the gates, using the first and second spacers as an ion implantation mask. A portion of the second spacers is removed to widen the gaps between the gates. A dielectric layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate in the gaps between the gates.

Abstract: In a semiconductor device fabrication method and in a product formed according to the method, a photosensitive polyimide layer (PSPL) layer is applied to a semiconductor device in a manner which overcomes the limitations of the conventional approaches. The beneficial qualities of an added photoresist layer are utilized to avoid unwanted development of the underlying PSPL layer. In this manner, cracking of the PSPL layer is mitigated or eliminated, reducing the device soft error rate (SER) and increasing device yield. This is accomplished in a reliable and low-cost approach that employs standard device fabrication techniques.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, methods of manufacturing a semiconductor device, and semiconductor devices manufactured thereby, are provided. A field region is formed that defines active regions in a semiconductor substrate. Spaced apart gates are formed on the active regions in the semiconductor substrate. The gates have sidewalls that extend away from the semiconductor substrate. First spacers are formed on the sidewalls of the gates. Second spacers are formed on the first spacers and opposite to the gates. Ion impurities are implanted into the active regions in the semiconductor substrate, adjacent to the gates, using the first and second spacers as an ion implantation mask. A portion of the second spacers is removed to widen the gaps between the gates. A dielectric layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate in the gaps between the gates.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bumper system including a bumper cover, an energy absorber formed of a synthetic resin material through a foam molding process, an impact beam for supporting the energy absorber, the impact beam being formed of a glass mat thermoplastic and having a “C”-shaped section, and a stay for connecting the impact beam to a vehicle body. Tips are formed on front upper and lower portions of the impact beam, and a web portion is formed on the impact beam between the tips. Tip insertion grooves in which the tips are inserted are formed on an inner surface of the energy absorber, and a pressure receiving surface corresponding to the web portion is formed on the inner surface of the energy absorber.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, methods of manufacturing a semiconductor device, and semiconductor devices manufactured thereby, are provided. A field region is formed that defines active regions in a semiconductor substrate. Spaced apart gates are formed on the active regions in the semiconductor substrate. The gates have sidewalls that extend away from the semiconductor substrate. First spacers are formed on the sidewalls of the gates. Second spacers are formed on the first spacers and opposite to the gates. Ion impurities are implanted into the active regions in the semiconductor substrate, adjacent to the gates, using the first and second spacers as an ion implantation mask. A portion of the second spacers is removed to widen the gaps between the gates. A dielectric layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate in the gaps between the gates.

Abstract: A polynomial predistorter and predistorting method for predistorting a complex modulated baseband signal are provided. In the polynomial predistorter, a first complex multiplier generates first complex predistortion gains, using a current input signal and complex polynomial coefficients modeled on the inverse non-linear distortion characteristic of the power amplifier, and multiplies them by I and Q signal components of the current input signal, respectively. At least one second complex multiplier generates second complex predistortion gains using the complex polynomial coefficients and previous predistorted signals and multiplies them by I and Q signal components of the previous predistorted signals, respectively. A summer sums the outputs of the first and second complex multipliers and outputs the sum as a predistorted signal to the power amplifier.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing a storage node of a capacitor of a semiconductor device and a storage node manufactured by these methods are provided. An exemplary method for manufacturing a storage node of a capacitor of a semiconductor device includes forming a mold layer on a semiconductor substrate, forming a mold for the storage node by patterning the mold layer by a photolithography process, introducing a photomask which includes a plurality of light transmitting patterns separated from each other and which define the region to be occupied by the storage node, and forming a storage node that has the shape formed by the mold. The photolithography process is performed with the occurrence of a pattern bridge phenomenon, e.g., the transferred light transmitting patterns are connected to each other in a pattern transferred from the light transmitting patterns to the mold.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing a storage node of a capacitor of a semiconductor device and a storage node manufactured by these methods are provided. An exemplary method for manufacturing a storage node of a capacitor of a semiconductor device includes forming a mold layer on a semiconductor substrate, forming a mold for the storage node by patterning the mold layer by a photolithography process, introducing a photomask which includes a plurality of light transmitting patterns separated from each other and which define the region to be occupied by the storage node, and forming a storage node that has the shape formed by the mold. The photolithography process is performed with the occurrence of a pattern bridge phenomenon, e.g., the transferred light transmitting patterns are connected to each other in a pattern transferred from the light transmitting patterns to the mold.

Abstract: A fabrication method for forming a semiconductor device having a fuse is provided. A substrate includes a cell array area, a peripheral circuit area and a global step difference between the cell array area and the peripheral circuit area. The substrate comprises a fuse formed in the peripheral circuit of the substrate. An interlayer insulating layer is formed on the global step difference. The global step difference is reduced by a cell open process. A multilevel metal interconnection including an intermetal insulating layer is formed on the resultant structure. During the cell open process and/or the process for forming the multilevel metal interconnection, the interlayer insulating layer and/or the intermetal insulating layer is partially removed to form a recess. A passivation layer is formed on the multilevel metal interconnection. A fuse opening is formed through the recess to expose the fuse.

Abstract: A fabrication method for forming a semiconductor device having a fuse is provided. A substrate includes a cell array area, a peripheral circuit area and a global step difference between the cell array area and the peripheral circuit area. The substrate comprises a fuse formed in the peripheral circuit of the substrate. An interlayer insulating layer is formed on the global step difference. The global step difference is reduced by a cell open process. A multilevel metal interconnection including an intermetal insulating layer is formed on the resultant structure. During the cell open process and/or the process for forming the multilevel metal interconnection, the interlayer insulating layer and/or the intermetal insulating layer is partially removed to form a recess. A passivation layer is formed on the multilevel metal interconnection. A fuse opening is formed through the recess to expose the fuse.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, methods of manufacturing a semiconductor device, and semiconductor devices manufactured thereby, are provided. A field region is formed that defines active regions in a semiconductor substrate. Spaced apart gates are formed on the active regions in the semiconductor substrate. The gates have sidewalls that extend away from the semiconductor substrate. First spacers are formed on the sidewalls of the gates. Second spacers are formed on the first spacers and opposite to the gates. Ion impurities are implanted into the active regions in the semiconductor substrate, adjacent to the gates, using the first and second spacers as an ion implantation mask. A portion of the second spacers is removed to widen the gaps between the gates. A dielectric layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate in the gaps between the gates.

Abstract: Methods of forming integrated circuit capacitors (e.g., DRAM capacitors) include the steps of forming a first capacitor electrode (e.g., polysilicon electrode) on a substrate and then forming a titanium nitride layer on the first capacitor electrode. A tantalum pentoxide dielectric layer is then formed on an upper surface of the titanium nitride layer. A step is then performed to convert the underlying titanium nitride layer into a titanium oxide layer. A second capacitor electrode is then formed on the tantalum pentoxide layer. The step of converting the titanium nitride layer into a titanium oxide layer is preferably performed by annealing the tantalum pentoxide layer in an oxygen ambient in a range between about 700° C. and 900° C. This oxygen ambient provides free oxygen to fill vacancies within the tantalum oxide layer and also provides free oxygen which diffuses into the underlying titanium nitride layer.

Abstract: A metal contact structure of a semiconductor device and a method for forming the same are provided. The diameter of the upper portion of a contact hole that exposes a region of a lower conductive layer is formed to be larger than the diameter of the lower portion of the contact hole. The metal contact structure is formed without a void or a key hole. This is accomplished by forming at least two metal layers to fill the contact hole by performing a first deposition, an etch back, and a second deposition. The metal layer which fills the contact hole is etched back using a barrier metal layer formed on the entire surface of the contact hole as an etching stop layer. Thus, a void or key hole is not generated by making the upper portion of the contact hole to be wider than the lower portion of the contact hole and by depositing the metal which fills the contact hole through the processes of firstly depositing the metal, etching back the metal, and secondly depositing the metal.

Abstract: Methods of forming integrated circuit capacitors (e.g., DRAM capacitors) include the steps of forming a first capacitor electrode (e.g., polysilicon electrode) on a substrate and then forming a titanium nitride layer on the first capacitor electrode. A tantalum pentoxide dielectric layer is then formed on an upper surface of the titanium nitride layer. A step is then performed to convert the underlying titanium nitride layer into a titanium oxide layer. A second capacitor electrode is then formed on the tantalum pentoxide layer. The step of converting the titanium nitride layer into a titanium oxide layer is preferably performed by annealing the tantalum pentoxide layer in an oxygen ambient in a range between about 700° C. and 900° C. This oxygen ambient provides free oxygen to fill vacancies within the tantalum oxide layer and also provides free oxygen which diffuses into the underlying titanium nitride layer.