Patents by Inventor Mike P. Violette

Mike P. Violette 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: 8022385
    Abstract: A memory device wherein a diode is serially connected to a programmable resistor and is in electrical communication with a buried digit line. An electrically conductive plug is electrically interposed between the digit line and a strapping layer, thereby creating a double metal scheme wherein the strapping layer is a second metal layer overlying metal wordlines. In a method of a first embodiment the strapping material is electrically connected to the digit line through a planar landing pad overlying the conductive plug. An insulative material is sloped to the planar landing pad in order to provide a surface conducive to the formation of the strapping material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc
    Inventors: Fernando Gonzalez, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Mike P. Violette
  • Patent number: 7087468
    Abstract: A memory device wherein a diode is serially connected to a programmable resistor and is in electrical communication with a buried digit line. An electrically conductive plug is electrically interposed between the digit line and a strapping layer, thereby creating a double metal scheme wherein the strapping layer is a second metal layer overlying metal wordlines. In a method of a first embodiment the strapping material is electrically connected to the digit line through a planar landing pad overlying the conductive plug. An insulative material is sloped to the planar landing pad in order to provide a surface conducive to the formation of the strapping material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Micron Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Fernando Gonzalez, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Mike P. Violette
  • Patent number: 6893957
    Abstract: A dual damascene process is disclosed, in which a contact via and trench pattern is etched into insulating layer(s). The via is first partially filled by selective metal (e.g., tungsten) deposition, thereby forming a partial plug that raises the floor and reduces the effective aspect ratio of the trench and via structure. The remaining portion of the contact via is then filled with a more conductive material (e.g., aluminum). This deposition also at least partially fills the overlying trench to form metal runners. In the illustrated embodiment, hot aluminum deposition fills the portion of the contact via left unoccupied by the selective deposition and overfills into the trench. A further, cold aluminum deposition then follows, topping off the trench prior to planarization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jigish D. Trivedi, Mike P. Violette
  • Patent number: 6724089
    Abstract: A dual damascene process is disclosed, in which a contact via and trench pattern is etched into insulating layer(s). The via is first partially filled by selective metal (e.g., tungsten) deposition, thereby forming a partial plug that raises the floor and reduces the effective aspect ratio of the trench and via structure. The remaining portion of the contact via is then filled with a more conductive material (e.g., aluminum). This deposition also at least partially fills the overlying trench to form metal runners. In the illustrated embodiment, hot aluminum deposition fills the portion of the contact via left unoccupied by the selective deposition and overfills into the trench. A further, cold aluminum deposition then follows, topping off the trench prior to planarization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jigish D. Trivedi, Mike P. Violette
  • Patent number: 6700211
    Abstract: A memory device wherein a diode is serially connected to a programmable resistor and is in electrical communication with a buried digit line. An electrically conductive plug is electrically interposed between the digit line and a strapping layer, thereby creating a double metal scheme wherein the strapping layer is a second metal layer overlying metal wordlines. In a method of a first embodiment the strapping material is electrically connected to the digit line through a planar landing pad overlying the conductive plug. An insulative material is sloped to the planar landing pad in order to provide a surface conducive to the formation of the strapping material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Fernando Gonzalez, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Mike P. Violette
  • Patent number: 6670713
    Abstract: A memory device wherein a diode is serially connected to a programmable resistor and is in electrical communication with a buried digit line. An electrically conductive plug is electrically interposed between the digit line and a strapping layer, thereby creating a double metal scheme wherein the strapping layer is a second metal layer overlying metal wordlines. In a method of a first embodiment the strapping material is electrically connected to the digit line through a planar landing pad overlying the conductive plug. An insulative material is sloped to the planar landing pad in order to provide a surface conducive to the formation of the strapping material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Fernando Gonzalez, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Mike P. Violette
  • Patent number: 6653733
    Abstract: A memory device wherein a diode is serially connected to a programmable resistor and is in electrical communication with a buried digit line. An electrically conductive plug is electrically interposed between the digit line and a strapping layer, thereby creating a double metal scheme wherein the strapping layer is a second metal layer overlying metal wordlines. In a method of a first embodiment the strapping material is electrically connected to the digit line through a planar landing pad overlying the conductive plug. An insulative material is sloped to the planar landing pad in order to provide a surface conducive to the formation of the strapping material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Fernando Gonzalez, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Mike P. Violette
  • Publication number: 20030127664
    Abstract: A memory device wherein a diode is serially connected to a programmable resistor and is in electrical communication with a buried digit line. An electrically conductive plug is electrically interposed between the digit line and a strapping layer, thereby creating a double metal scheme wherein the strapping layer is a second metal layer overlying metal wordlines. In a method of a first embodiment the strapping material is electrically connected to the digit line through a planar landing pad overlying the conductive plug. An insulative material is sloped to the planar landing pad in order to provide a surface conducive to the formation of the strapping material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Fernando Gonzalez, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Mike P. Violette
  • Publication number: 20030122162
    Abstract: A memory device wherein a diode is serially connected to a programmable resistor and is in electrical communication with a buried digit line. An electrically conductive plug is electrically interposed between the digit line and a strapping layer, thereby creating a double metal scheme wherein the strapping layer is a second metal layer overlying metal wordlines. In a method of a first embodiment the strapping material is electrically connected to the digit line through a planar landing pad overlying the conductive plug. An insulative material is sloped to the planar landing pad in order to provide a surface conducive to the formation of the strapping material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Fernando Gonzalez, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Mike P. Violette
  • Publication number: 20030116858
    Abstract: A dual damascene process is disclosed, in which a contact via and trench pattern is etched into insulating layer(s). The via is first partially filled by selective metal (e.g., tungsten) deposition, thereby forming a partial plug that raises the floor and reduces the effective aspect ratio of the trench and via structure. The remaining portion of the contact via is then filled with a more conductive material (e.g., aluminum). This deposition also at least partially fills the overlying trench to form metal runners. In the illustrated embodiment, hot aluminum deposition fills the portion of the contact via left unoccupied by the selective deposition and overfills into the trench. A further, cold aluminum deposition then follows, topping off the trench prior to planarization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Jigish D. Trivedi, Mike P. Violette
  • Patent number: 6563220
    Abstract: A memory device wherein a diode is serially connected to a programmable resistor and is in electrical communication with a buried digit line. An electrically conductive plug is electrically interposed between the digit line and a strapping layer, thereby creating a double metal scheme wherein the strapping layer is a second metal layer overlying metal wordlines. In a method of a first embodiment the strapping material is electrically connected to the digit line through a planar landing pad overlying the conductive plug. An insulative material is sloped to the planar landing pad in order to provide a surface conducive to the formation of the strapping material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Fernando Gonzalez, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Mike P. Violette
  • Patent number: 6534866
    Abstract: A dual damascene process is disclosed, in which a contact via and trench pattern is etched into insulating layer(s). The via is first partially filled by selective metal (e.g., tungsten) deposition, thereby forming a partial plug that raises the floor and reduces the effective aspect ratio of the trench and via structure. The remaining portion of the contact via is then filled with a more conductive material (e.g., aluminum). This deposition also at least partially fills the overlying trench to form metal runners. In the illustrated embodiment, hot aluminum deposition fills the portion of the contact via left unoccupied by the selective deposition and overfills into the trench. A further, cold aluminum deposition then follows, topping off the trench prior to planarization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jigish D. Trivedi, Mike P. Violette
  • Patent number: 6489665
    Abstract: A substantially concentric lateral bipolar transistor and the method of forming same. A base region is disposed about a periphery of an emitter region, and a collector region is disposed about a periphery of the base region to form the concentric lateral bipolar transistor of the invention. A gate overlies the substrate and at least a portion of the base region. At least one electrical contact is formed connecting the base and the gate, although a plurality of contacts may be formed. A further bipolar transistor is formed according to the following method of the invention. A base region is formed in a substrate and a gate region is formed overlying at least a portion of the base region. Emitter and collector terminals are formed on opposed sides of the base region. The gate is used as a mask during first and second ion implants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk D. Prall, Mike P. Violette
  • Publication number: 20020127781
    Abstract: A memory device wherein a diode is serially connected to a programmable resistor and is in electrical communication with a buried digit line. An electrically conductive plug is electrically interposed between the digit line and a strapping layer, thereby creating a double metal scheme wherein the strapping layer is a second metal layer overlying metal wordlines. In a method of a first embodiment the strapping material is electrically connected to the digit line through a planar landing pad overlying the conductive plug. An insulative material is sloped to the planar landing pad in order to provide a surface conducive to the formation of the strapping material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Fernando Gonzalez, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Mike P. Violette
  • Publication number: 20020093100
    Abstract: A memory device wherein a diode is serially connected to a programmable resistor and is in electrical communication with a buried digit line. An electrically conductive plug is electrically interposed between the digit line and a strapping layer, thereby creating a double metal scheme wherein the strapping layer is a second metal layer overlying metal wordlines. In a method of a first embodiment the strapping material is electrically connected to the digit line through a planar landing pad overlying the conductive plug. An insulative material is sloped to the planar landing pad in order to provide a surface conducive to the formation of the strapping material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Fernando Gonzalez, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Mike P. Violette
  • Publication number: 20020061645
    Abstract: A dual damascene process is disclosed, in which a contact via and trench pattern is etched into insulating layer(s). The via is first partially filled by selective metal (e.g., tungsten) deposition, thereby forming a partial plug that raises the floor and reduces the effective aspect ratio of the trench and via structure. The remaining portion of the contact via is then filled with a more conductive material (e.g., aluminum). This deposition also at least partially fills the overlying trench to form metal runners. In the illustrated embodiment, hot aluminum deposition fills the portion of the contact via left unoccupied by the selective deposition and overfills into the trench. A further, cold aluminum deposition then follows, topping off the trench prior to planarization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventors: Jigish D. Trivedi, Mike P. Violette
  • Patent number: 6376284
    Abstract: A memory device wherein a diode is serially connected to a programmable resistor and is in electrical communication with a buried digit line. An electrically conductive plug is electrically interposed between the digit line and a strapping layer, thereby creating a double metal scheme wherein the strapping layer is a second metal layer overlying metal wordlines. In a method of a first embodiment the strapping material is electrically connected to the digit line through a planar landing pad overlying the conductive plug. An insulative material is sloped to the planar landing pad in order to provide a surface conducive to the formation of the strapping material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Fernando Gonzalez, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Mike P. Violette
  • Patent number: 6369431
    Abstract: A memory device wherein a diode is serially connected to a programmable resistor and is in electrical communication with a buried digit line. An electrically conductive plug is electrically interposed between the digit line and a strapping layer, thereby creating a double metal scheme wherein the strapping layer is a second metal layer overlying metal wordlines. In a method of a first embodiment the strapping material is electrically connected to the digit line through a planar landing pad overlying the conductive plug. An insulative material is sloped to the planar landing pad in order to provide a surface conducive to the formation of the strapping material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Fernando Gonzalez, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Mike P. Violette
  • Publication number: 20010002063
    Abstract: A substantially concentric lateral bipolar transistor and the method of forming same. A base region is disposed about a periphery of an emitter region, and a collector region is disposed about a periphery of the base region to form the concentric lateral bipolar transistor of the invention. A gate overlies the substrate and at least a portion of the base region. At least one electrical contact is formed connecting the base and the gate, although a plurality of contacts may be formed. A further bipolar transistor is formed according to the following method of the invention. A base region is formed in a substrate and a gate region is formed overlying at least a portion of the base region. Emitter and collector terminals are formed on opposed sides of the base region. The gate is used as a mask during first and second ion implants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: May 31, 2001
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk D. Prall, Mike P. Violette
  • Patent number: 6166426
    Abstract: A substantially concentric lateral bipolar transistor and the method of forming same. A base region is disposed about a periphery of an emitter region, and a collector region is disposed about a periphery of the base region to form the concentric lateral bipolar transistor of the invention. A gate overlies the substrate and at least a portion of the base region. At least one electrical contact is formed connecting the base and the gate, although a plurality of contacts may be formed. A further bipolar transistor is formed according to the following method of the invention. A base region is formed in a substrate and a gate region is formed overlying at least a portion of the base region. Emitter and collector terminals are formed on opposed sides of the base region. The gage is used as a mask during first and second ion implants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk D. Prall, Mike P. Violette