Abstract: A process for fabricating CMOS devices has been developed, in which decreased cycle time has been achieved, via a reduction in photomasking steps. The low cycle time CMOS process features the use of only one photo mask to create both the lightly doped, as well as the heavily doped N type, source and drain regions, by performing both implantations, after creation of the insulator sidewall spacer. In addition the P type source and drain regions are formed, using an oxide layer as a blockout for the P well region, thus eliminating the use of another photomasking procedure.

Abstract: An inductor fabricated for semiconductor use is disclosed. The inductor is formed with a multi-level, multi-element conductor metallization structure which effectively increases conductance throughout the inductor thereby increasing the inductor's Q. The structure of the inductor may also provide for routing the current flowing through the multi-level, multi-element conductors in a way that increases the self inductance between certain conductive elements, thereby increasing the inductor's total inductance.

Abstract: A process for fabricating stacked capacitor DRAM devices has been developed in which self aligned storage node contact structures, as well as bit line contact structures, are featured. A split polysilicon process has also been used to allow maskless source and drain ion implantation processing to be realized, thus reducing the number of photolithographic steps. A dual dielectric, interlevel insulator, is used to eliminate leakage between metal levels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of simultaneously forming CMOS DRAM cells, CMOS devices, and vertical bipolar transistors on the same chip. The invention utilities a CMOS DRAM process to simultaneously fabricate a vertical bipolar transistor and uses only one additional mask (a base implant mask) compared to forming the DRAM cell alone. Also, to reduce the bipolar collector plug resistance, the process uses a tungsten-plug module where the collector is formed within a field oxide region near the base.

Abstract: An integrated circuit, illustratively an SRAM, having a low resistance path between an access transistor and a pull down transistor is disclosed. Connection for the cell load to the node between the access transistor and pull down transistor is made outside the defined current path.

Abstract: An integrated circuit fabrication process for creating field oxide regions in a substrate is disclosed. In the process, masking layers of oxide, nitride and deposited silicon dioxide are formed on the substrate. A pattern that defines the field oxide regions in the substrate is introduced into the substrate through these masking layers. The field oxide region is bordered by steep sidewalls in a portion of the substrate and the masking layers overlying the substrate. A thin layer of oxide is grown on the exposed portion of the substrate, and a conformal second layer of nitride followed by a conformal layer of a polycrystalline material are formed over the substrate/mask structure. The polycrystalline layer is selectively removed, so that the only portion of the polycrystalline material that remains on the structure is the portion covering the sidewalls.

Abstract: A process for fabricating transistors on a substrate is disclosed. In accordance with the process, stacks of material are formed on the surface of the substrate. Walls of silicon dioxide are created around the stacks in order to insulate the material within the stacks from the material deposited outside of the walls. A first layer of polycrystalline material is deposited over the substrate and selectively removed such that only those portions of the polycrystalline layer that surround the stacks of material remain. A layer of silicon nitride or silicon dioxide is then formed over the substrate surface. A first resist is then spun on the substrate surface. This resist aggregates near the stacks of material. An isolation mask is generated that leaves exposed only those areas of the substrate that correspond to the area of overlap between the first polycrystalline area and the stacks of material, which also contain a layer of polycrystalline material.

Abstract: An integrated circuit, illustratively an SRAM, with pull down gates symmetrically positioned with respect to the ground line is disclosed. The symmetric positioning helps to insure cell stability.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory cell with parallel gates is disclosed. The direction of the gates is desirably chosen to minimize lithographic astigmatic effects. Thus gates of comparatively uniform width are produced and predictability of transistor performance thereby improved. Another embodiment of the invention features a connection between two conductive layers and a source/drain. The connection forms a node between one access transistor and one pull-down transistor.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit structure and method of fabrication is disclosed. The structure includes a FET gate with adajcent double or triple-layered gate spacers. The spacers permit precise tailoring of lightly doped drain junction profiles having deep and shallow junction portions. In addition, a self-aligned silicide may be formed solely over the deep junction portion thus producing a reliable low contact resistance connection to source and drain.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory cell with parallel gates is disclosed. The direction of the gates is desirably chosen to minimize lithographic astigmatic effects. Thus gates of comparatively uniform width are produced and predictability of transistor performance thereby improved. Another embodiment of the invention features a connetion between two conductive layers and a source/drain. The connection forms a node between one access transistor and one pull-down transistor.

Abstract: In the manufacture of integrated-circuit semiconductor devices, prior to formation of a field oxide, a mask structure is provided on a silicon device area, comprising a pad oxide layer, a polysilicon buffer layer, a protective oxide layer, and a silicon nitride mask layer. Inclusion of the protective layer between polysilicon and silicon nitride layers prevents pad oxide failure and attendant substrate etching during strip-etching of the structure overlying the pad oxide.

Abstract: When forming a metallization layer in integrated-circuit semiconductor device fabrication, metal such as tungsten, for example, adheres poorly to a dielectric such as, e.g., silicon oxide, and tends to flake off from wafer areas not covered by a glue layer. Processing of the invention prevents such flaking by, first, removing the dielectric from the back side, edge, and "clip-mark" areas of the wafer and, second, depositing a glue layer on remaining dielectric on the face of the wafer. Removal of dielectric material is by etching in the presence of a protective layer on the face of the wafer.

Abstract: Integrated circuits are fabricated with thick self-aligned silicide runners on the field oxide by etching back the first dielectric to expose patterned polysilicon on the field oxide and then forming a silicide on the patterned polysilicon.