Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises fuse elements formed on an insulating interlayer over a semiconductor substrate. A groove is formed in the insulating interlayer at each space between the fuse elements. A silicon nitride film of a predetermined thickness covers the side and upper surfaces of each fuse element. Since the side and upper surfaces of each fuse element are covered with the silicon nitride film of the same thickness, the film covering the fuse elements has no local weak point. Consequently, when a fuse element is blown out by applying laser beams, it is prevented that the silicon nitride film breaks before the temperature of the fuse element fully rises, and melted fuse element flows out.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises fuse elements formed on an insulating interlayer over a semiconductor substrate. A groove is formed in the insulating interlayer at each space between the fuse elements. A silicon nitride film of a predetermined thickness covers the side and upper surfaces of each fuse element. Since the side and upper surfaces of each fuse element are covered with the silicon nitride film of the same thickness, the film covering the fuse elements has no local weak point. Consequently, when a fuse element is blown out by applying laser beams, it is prevented that the silicon nitride film breaks before the temperature of the fuse element fully rises, and melted fuse element flows out.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises fuse elements formed on an insulating interlayer over a semiconductor substrate. A groove is formed in the insulating interlayer at each space between the fuse elements. A silicon nitride film of a predetermined thickness covers the side and upper surfaces of each fuse element. Since the side and upper surfaces of each fuse element are covered with the silicon nitride film of the same thickness, the film covering the fuse elements has no local weak point. Consequently, when a fuse element is blown out by applying laser beams, it is prevented that the silicon nitride film breaks before the temperature of the fuse element fully rises, and melted fuse element flows out.

Abstract: A static memory in which memory cells each have the components thereof laid out so that the area of each memory cell can be further reduced in compliance with improvement in technology of separating devices. The static memory includes CMOS memory cells each having two cross-coupled inverters, in each of which an n-channel transistor and p-channel transistor are connected in series with each other. At least one of the contacts used to cross-couple the two inverters is located in a region other than a region enclosed by the diffused sources and drains of the n-channel transistors and p-channel transistors included in the memory cell.