Patents by Inventor Michael J. Westphal

Michael J. Westphal has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8324069
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a high-performance capacitor that may be incorporated into a standard CMOS fabrication process suitable for submicron devices is described. The parameters used in the standard CMOS process may be maintained, particularly for the definition and etch of the lower electrode layer. To reduce variation in critical dimension width, an Anti-Reflective Layer (ARL) is used, such as a Plasma Enhanced chemical vapor deposition Anti-Reflective Layer (PEARL) or other Anti-Reflective Coatings (ARCS), such as a conductive film like TiN. This ARL formation occurs after the capacitor specific process steps, but prior to the masking used for defining the lower electrodes. A Rapid Thermal Oxidation (RTO) is performed subsequent to removing the unwanted capacitor dielectric layer from the transistor poly outside of the capacitor regions, but prior to the PEARL deposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: IXYS CH GmbH
    Inventors: Timothy K. Carns, John L. Horvath, Lee J. DeBruler, Michael J. Westphal
  • Patent number: 8093121
    Abstract: An electrostatic discharge (ESD) transistor structure includes a self-aligned outrigger less than 0.4 microns from a gate electrode that is 50 microns wide. The outrigger is fabricated on ordinary logic transistors of an integrated circuit without severely affecting the performance of the transistors. The outrigger is used as an implant blocking structure to form first and second drain regions on either side of a lightly doped region that underlies the outrigger. The self-aligned outrigger and the lightly doped region beneath it are used to move the location of avalanche breakdown upon an ESD event away from the channel region. Durability is extended when fewer “hot carrier” electrons accumulate in the gate oxide. A current of at least 100 milliamperes can flow into the drain and then through the ESD transistor structure for a period of more than 30 seconds without causing a catastrophic failure of the ESD transistor structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: IXYS CH GmbH
    Inventors: John A. Ransom, Brett D. Lowe, Michael J. Westphal
  • Patent number: 8062941
    Abstract: An electrostatic discharge (ESD) transistor structure includes a self-aligned outrigger less than 0.4 microns from a gate electrode that is 50 microns wide. The outrigger is fabricated on ordinary logic transistors of an integrated circuit without severely affecting the performance of the transistors. The outrigger is used as an implant blocking structure to form first and second drain regions on either side of a lightly doped region that underlies the outrigger. The self-aligned outrigger and the lightly doped region beneath it are used to move the location of avalanche breakdown upon an ESD event away from the channel region. Durability is extended when fewer “hot carrier” electrons accumulate in the gate oxide. A current of at least 100 milliamperes can flow into the drain and then through the ESD transistor structure for a period of more than 30 seconds without causing a catastrophic failure of the ESD transistor structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: IXYS CH GmbH
    Inventors: John A. Ransom, Brett D. Lowe, Michael J. Westphal
  • Patent number: 8017475
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a high-performance capacitor that may be incorporated into a standard CMOS fabrication process suitable for submicron devices is described. The parameters used in the standard CMOS process may be maintained, particularly for the definition and etch of the lower electrode layer. To reduce variation in critical dimension width, an Anti-Reflective Layer (ARL) is used, such as a Plasma Enhanced chemical vapor deposition Anti-Reflective Layer (PEARL) or other Anti-Reflective Coatings (ARCS), such as a conductive film like TiN. This ARL formation occurs after the capacitor specific process steps, but prior to the masking used for defining the lower electrodes. A Rapid Thermal Oxidation (RTO) is performed subsequent to removing the unwanted capacitor dielectric layer from the transistor poly outside of the capacitor regions, but prior to the PEARL deposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: IXYS CH GmbH
    Inventors: Timothy K. Carns, John L. Horvath, Lee J. DeBruler, Michael J. Westphal
  • Patent number: 7927944
    Abstract: An electrostatic discharge (ESD) transistor structure includes a self-aligned outrigger less than 0.4 microns from a gate electrode that is 50 microns wide. The outrigger is fabricated on ordinary logic transistors of an integrated circuit without severely affecting the performance of the transistors. The outrigger is used as an implant blocking structure to form first and second drain regions on either side of a lightly doped region that underlies the outrigger. The self-aligned outrigger and the lightly doped region beneath it are used to move the location of avalanche breakdown upon an ESD event away from the channel region. Durability is extended when fewer “hot carrier” electrons accumulate in the gate oxide. A current of at least 100 milliamperes can flow into the drain and then through the ESD transistor structure for a period of more than 30 seconds without causing a catastrophic failure of the ESD transistor structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: IXYS CH GmbH
    Inventors: John A. Ransom, Brett D. Lowe, Michael J. Westphal
  • Patent number: 7807528
    Abstract: An electrostatic discharge (ESD) transistor structure includes a self-aligned outrigger less than 0.4 microns from a gate electrode that is 50 microns wide. The outrigger is fabricated on ordinary logic transistors of an integrated circuit without severely affecting the performance of the transistors. The outrigger is used as an implant blocking structure to form first and second drain regions on either side of a lightly doped region that underlies the outrigger. The self-aligned outrigger and the lightly doped region beneath it are used to move the location of avalanche breakdown upon an ESD event away from the channel region. Durability is extended when fewer “hot carrier” electrons accumulate in the gate oxide. A current of at least 100 milliamperes can flow into the drain and then through the ESD transistor structure for a period of more than 30 seconds without causing a catastrophic failure of the ESD transistor structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: ZiLOG, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Ransom, Brett D. Lowe, Michael J. Westphal
  • Patent number: 7768052
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a high-performance capacitor that may be incorporated into a standard CMOS fabrication process suitable for submicron devices is described. The parameters used in the standard CMOS process may be maintained, particularly for the definition and etch of the lower electrode layer. To reduce variation in critical dimension width, an Anti-Reflective Layer (ARL) is used, such as a Plasma Enhanced chemical vapor deposition Anti-Reflective Layer (PEARL) or other Anti-Reflective Coatings (ARCS), such as a conductive film like TiN. This ARL formation occurs after the capacitor specific process steps, but prior to the masking used for defining the lower electrodes. A Rapid Thermal Oxidation (RTO) is performed subsequent to removing the unwanted capacitor dielectric layer from the transistor poly outside of the capacitor regions, but prior to the PEARL deposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: ZiLOG, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy K. Carns, John L. Horvath, Lee J. DeBruler, Michael J. Westphal
  • Patent number: 7601586
    Abstract: A method of forming buried bit line DRAM circuitry includes collectively forming a buried bit line forming trench, bit line vias extending from the bit line forming trench, and memory array storage node vias within a dielectric mass using only two masking steps. Conductive material is simultaneously deposited to within the buried bit line forming trench, the bit line vias, and the memory storage node vias within the dielectric mass. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ann K. Liao, Michael J. Westphal
  • Patent number: 7508038
    Abstract: An electrostatic discharge (ESD) transistor structure includes a self-aligned outrigger less than 0.4 microns from a gate electrode that is 50 microns wide. The outrigger is fabricated on ordinary logic transistors of an integrated circuit without severely affecting the performance of the transistors. The outrigger is used as an implant blocking structure to form first and second drain regions on either side of a lightly doped region that underlies the outrigger. The self-aligned outrigger and the lightly doped region beneath it are used to move the location of avalanche breakdown upon an ESD event away from the channel region. Durability is extended when fewer “hot carrier” electrons accumulate in the gate oxide. A current of at least 100 milliamperes can flow into the drain and then through the ESD transistor structure for a period of more than 30 seconds without causing a catastrophic failure of the ESD transistor structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: ZiLOG, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Ransom, Brett D. Lowe, Michael J. Westphal
  • Patent number: 7148102
    Abstract: A method of forming buried bit line DRAM circuitry includes collectively forming a buried bit line forming trench, bit line vias extending from the bit line forming trench, and memory array storage node vias within a dielectric mass using only two masking steps. Conductive material is simultaneously deposited to within the buried bit line forming trench, the bit line vias, and the memory storage node vias within the dielectric mass. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ann K. Liao, Michael J. Westphal
  • Patent number: 7060584
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a high performance capacitor that may be incorporated into a standard CMOS fabrication process suitable for submicron devices is described. The parameters used in the standard CMOS process may be maintained, particularly for the definition and etch of the lower electrode layer. To reduce variation in critical dimension width, an Anti-Reflective Layer (ARL) is used. In the preferred embodiment, this is of the Plasma Enhanced chemical vapor deposition Anti-Reflective Layer (PEARL) type, although other Anti-Reflective Coatings (ARCs) or layers, such as a conductive film like TiN may be employed. This ARL formation occurs after the capacitor specific process steps, but prior to the masking used for defining the lower electrodes. In one embodiment, a Rapid Thermal Oxidation (RTO) is performed subsequent to removing the unwanted capacitor dielectric layer from the transistor poly outside of the capacitor regions, but prior to the PEARL deposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: ZiLOG, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy K. Carns, John L. Horvath, Lee J. DeBruler, Michael J. Westphal
  • Patent number: 6939761
    Abstract: A method of forming buried bit line DRAM circuitry includes collectively forming a buried bit line forming trench, bit line vias extending from the bit line forming trench, and memory array storage node vias within a dielectric mass using only two masking steps. Conductive material is simultaneously deposited to within the buried bit line forming trench, the bit line vias, and the memory storage node vias within the dielectric mass. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ann K. Liao, Michael J. Westphal
  • Patent number: 6831403
    Abstract: Improved field emission display includes a buffer layer of copper, aluminum, silicon nitride or doped or undoped amorphous, poly, or microcrystalline silicon located between a chromium gate electrode and associated dielectric layer in a cathode assembly. The buffer layer substantially reduces or eliminates the occurrence of an adverse chemical reaction between the chromium gate electrode and dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Behnam Moradi, Kanwal K. Raina, Michael J. Westphal
  • Publication number: 20040102027
    Abstract: A method of forming buried bit line DRAM circuitry includes collectively forming a buried bit line forming trench, bit line vias extending from the bit line forming trench, and memory array storage node vias within a dielectric mass using only two masking steps. Conductive material is simultaneously deposited to within the buried bit line forming trench, the bit line vias, and the memory storage node vias within the dielectric mass. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Ann K. Liao, Michael J. Westphal
  • Publication number: 20030094892
    Abstract: Improved field emission display includes a buffer layer of copper, aluminum, silicon nitride or doped or undoped amorphous, poly, or microcrystalline silicon located between a chromium gate electrode and associated dielectric layer in a cathode assembly. The buffer layer substantially reduces or eliminates the occurrence of an adverse chemical reaction between the chromium gate electrode and dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Behnam Moradi, Kanwal K. Raina, Michael J. Westphal
  • Patent number: 6509686
    Abstract: Improved field emission display includes a buffer layer of copper, aluminum, silicon nitride or doped or undoped amorphous, poly, or microcrystalline silicon located between a chromium gate electrode and associated dielectric layer in a cathode assembly. The buffer layer substantially reduces or eliminates the occurrence of an adverse chemical reaction between the chromium gate electrode and dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Behnam Moradi, Kanwal K. Raina, Michael J. Westphal
  • Patent number: 6362038
    Abstract: CMOS devices and process for fabricating low voltage, high voltage, or both low voltage and high voltage CMOS devices are disclosed. According to the process, p-channel stops and source/drain regions of PMOS devices are implanted into a substrate in a single step. Further, gates for both NMOS and PMOS devices are doped with n-type dopant and NMOS gates are self-aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John K. Lee, Behnam Moradi, Michael J. Westphal
  • Patent number: 6096589
    Abstract: CMOS devices and process for fabricating low voltage, high voltage, or both low voltage and high voltage CMOS devices are disclosed. According to the process, p-channel stops and source/drain regions of PMOS devices are implanted into a substrate in a single step. Further, gates for both NMOS and PMOS devices are doped with n-type dopant and NMOS gates are self-aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John K. Lee, Behnam Moradi, Michael J. Westphal
  • Patent number: 6015323
    Abstract: Improved field emission display includes a buffer layer of copper, aluminum, silicon nitride or doped or undoped amorphous, poly, or microcrystalline silicon located between a chromium gate electrode and associated dielectric layer in a cathode assembly. The buffer layer substantially reduces or eliminates the occurrence of an adverse chemical reaction between the chromium gate electrode and dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Behnam Moradi, Kanwal K. Raina, Michael J. Westphal
  • Patent number: 5945969
    Abstract: An anode of a field emission display has a substrate, a conductive layer, and one or more conductive members kept at a potential higher than the conductive layer to increase the component of the electric field normal to the surface of the anode at corners and edges of the anode so that the brightness across the display is more uniform than it would be without the conductive members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Westphal