Abstract: A conductive via disposed beneath a magnetic device and aligned therewith. In certain embodiments, an electrode formed on the conductive via may be polished to eliminate step functions or seams originating at the conductive via from propagating up through the various deposited layers. This integration approach allows for improved scaling of the MRAM devices to, for example, a 45 nanometer node.

Abstract: A layer of silicon nitride above the bottom electrode and on the sidewalls of the magnetoresistive stack serves as an insulator and an etch stop during manufacturing of a magnetoresistive device. Non-selective chemical mechanical polishing removes any silicon nitride overlying a top electrode for the device along with silicon dioxide used for encapsulation. Later etching operations corresponding to formation of a via to reach the top electrode use selective etching chemistries that remove silicon dioxide to access the top electrode, but do not remove silicon nitride. Thus, the silicon nitride acts as an etch stop, and, in the resulting device, provides an insulating layer that prevents unwanted short circuits between the via and the bottom electrode and between the via and the sidewalls of the magnetoresistive device stack.

Abstract: A layer of silicon nitride above the bottom electrode and on the sidewalls of the magnetoresistive stack serves as an insulator and an etch stop during manufacturing of a magnetoresistive device. Non-selective chemical mechanical polishing removes any silicon nitride overlying a top electrode for the device along with silicon dioxide used for encapsulation. Later etching operations corresponding to formation of a via to reach the top electrode use selective etching chemistries that remove silicon dioxide to access the top electrode, but do not remove silicon nitride. Thus, the silicon nitride acts as an etch stop, and, in the resulting device, provides an insulating layer that prevents unwanted short circuits between the via and the bottom electrode and between the via and the sidewalls of the magnetoresistive device stack.

Abstract: A layer of silicon nitride above the bottom electrode and on the sidewalls of the magnetoresistive stack serves as an insulator and an etch stop during manufacturing of a magnetoresistive device. Non-selective chemical mechanical polishing removes any silicon nitride overlying a top electrode for the device along with silicon dioxide used for encapsulation. Later etching operations corresponding to formation of a via to reach the top electrode use selective etching chemistries that remove silicon dioxide to access the top electrode, but do not remove silicon nitride. Thus, the silicon nitride acts as an etch stop, and, in the resulting device, provides an insulating layer that prevents unwanted short circuits between the via and the bottom electrode and between the via and the sidewalls of the magnetoresistive device stack.

Abstract: A conductive via disposed beneath a magnetic device and aligned therewith. In certain embodiments, an electrode formed on the conductive via may be polished to eliminate step functions or seams originating at the conductive via from propagating up through the various deposited layers. This integration approach allows for improved scaling of the MRAM devices to, for example, a 45 nanometer node.

Abstract: A conductive via for connecting between a digit line and one side of the magnetic device is positioned beneath, and aligned with, each magnetic device. Other contacts may satisfy the same design rules, using the same process step. An electrode formed on the conductive via is polished to eliminate step functions or seams originating at the conductive via from propagating up through the various deposited layers. This integration approach allows for improved scaling of the MRAM devices to at least a 45 nanometer node, a cell packing factor approaching 6F2, and a uniform thickness of material between the bit lines and the underlying memory elements.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a first via with an electrically conductive material, for example, copper, that is formed over and coupled to a conductive landing pad of an MRAM array. A sputter step is performed to lower the surface of the first via below that of a surrounding dielectric material. This recess is repeated in subsequent processing steps, providing alignment marks for the formation of a magnetic tunnel junction. The magnetic tunnel junction may be offset from the first via, and a second via being formed above the magnetic tunnel junction and to a conductive layer.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a first via with an electrically conductive material, for example, copper, that is formed over and coupled to a conductive landing pad of an MRAM array. A sputter step is performed to lower the surface of the first via below that of a surrounding dielectric material. This recess is repeated in subsequent processing steps, providing alignment marks for the formation of a magnetic tunnel junction. The magnetic tunnel junction may be offset from the first via, and a second via being formed above the magnetic tunnel junction and to a conductive layer.

Abstract: A conductive via for connecting between a digit line and one side of the magnetic device is positioned beneath, and aligned with, each magnetic device. Other contacts may satisfy the same design rules, using the same process step. An electrode formed on the conductive via is polished to eliminate step functions or seams originating at the conductive via from propagating up through the various deposited layers. This integration approach allows for improved scaling of the MRAM devices to at least a 45 nanometer node, a cell packing factor approaching 6F2, and a uniform thickness of material between the bit lines and the underlying memory elements.

Abstract: A method for laying out an integrated circuit design based upon a netlist provided by a behavioral synthesis tool includes the steps of: (A) placing cells specified by the netlist in a layout area in a placement step, the cells including pins that are interconnected by nets; (B) verifying timing constraints in a timing verification step of the placed cells in the layout area; and (C) if the timing verification step indicates that timing does not verify in that the timing constraints are not met: (a) modifying the netlist pursuant to an engineering change order (ECO); and (b) making an ECO placement of at least one cell into the layout area by (i) picking an unplaced cell from a set of unplaced cells to be a picked cell; (ii) determining a target window within said layout area for the placement of said picked cell; (iii) mapping said picked cell inside said target window; (iv) removing said picked cell from said set of unplaced cells; (v) optimizing the placement of said picked cell by analyzing said picked ce

Abstract: A method for laying out an integrated circuit design based upon a netlist provided by a behavioral synthesis tool includes the steps of: (a) placing cells specified by the netlist in a layout area in a placement step, the cells including pins that are interconnected by nets; (b) verifying timing constraints in a timing verification step of the placed cells in the layout area; and (c) if the timing verification step indicates that timing does not verify in that the timing constraints are not met: (i) modifying the netlist pursuant to an engineering change order (ECO); and (ii) making an ECO placement of at least one cell into the layout area based upon the timing constraints while adjusting any affected nets as specified by the netlist. A layout tool implements the method on a computer system to form a portion of and integrated circuit fabrication system.