Abstract: To test the ESD resistance of a semiconductor component, for example of a NOS transistor, which can be used as a PSD protective element in a chip, a direct current characteristic of the semiconductor component is monitored and the ESD resistance of the respective semiconductor component is inferred depending on this. In particular, the direct current failure threshold of the semiconductor component at which an increased leakage current occurs in the non-conducting direction of the semiconductor component can be monitored in operation of the semiconductor component using an applied direct current and the ESD resistance of the semiconductor component inferred depending on a change in this direct current failure threshold.

Abstract: A transistor contains a source region and a drain region. Two or more fill areas are formed such that the fill areas and the source and/or drain region engage in one another. The fill areas have vertical dimensions which are at least of equal size to the vertical dimensions of the source and/or of the drain region. The fill areas and the source and/or drain region extend at least partially over a common vertical section. The fill areas are formed from an oxide and/or a nitride.

Abstract: A method for determining an ESD/latch-up strength of an integrated circuit includes producing an integrated circuit and a test structure using the same fabrication process. Electrical parameters at the test structure are measured and characteristic values associated with the integrated circuit are derived from the measured parameter values, wherein the characteristic values characterize an ESD or latch-up characteristic curve associated with the integrated circuit. The method further includes testing whether the characteristic values in each case lie within a predetermined range assigned to them, wherein the ranges are chosen such that a desired ESD/latch-up strength is present if the characteristic values in each case lie within their range.

Abstract: The present invention creates an operating method for a semiconductor component having a substrate; having a conductive polysilicon strip which is applied to the substrate; having a first and a second electrical contact which are connected to the conductive polysilicon strip such that this forms an electrical resistance in between them; with the semiconductor component being operated reversibly in a current/voltage range in which it has a first differential resistance (Rdiff1) up to a current limit value (It) corresponding to an upper voltage limit value (Vt) and, at current values greater than this, has a second differential resistance (Rdiff2), which is less than the first differential resistance (Rdiff1).

Abstract: A method for determining an ESD/latch-up strength of an integrated circuit includes producing an integrated circuit and a test structure using the same fabrication process. Electrical parameters at the test structure are measured and characteristic values associated with the integrated circuit are derived from the measured parameter values, wherein the characteristic values characterize an ESD or latch-up characteristic curve associated with the integrated circuit. The method further includes testing whether the characteristic values in each case lie within a predetermined range assigned to them, wherein the ranges are chosen such that a desired ESD/latch-up strength is present if the characteristic values in each case lie within their range.

Abstract: The present invention creates an operating method for a semiconductor component having a substrate; having a conductive polysilicon strip which is applied to the substrate; having a first and a second electrical contact which are connected to the conductive polysilicon strip such that this forms an electrical resistance in between them; with the semiconductor component being operated reversibly in a current/voltage range in which it has a first differential resistance (Rdiff1) up to a current limit value (It) corresponding to an upper voltage limit value (Vt) and, at current values greater than this, has a second differential resistance (Rdiff2), which is less than the first differential resistance (Rdiff1).

Abstract: To test the ESD resistance of a semiconductor component (1), for example of a NOS transistor, which can be used as an PSD protective element in a chip (2), a direct current characteristic of the semiconductor component (1) is monitored and the ESD resistance of the respective semiconductor component (1) is inferred depending on this. In particular, the direct current failure threshold of the semiconductor component (1) at which an increased leakage current occurs in the non-conducting direction of the semiconductor component (1) can be monitored in operation of the semiconductor coponent (1) using an applied direct current (Io) and the ESD resistance of the semiconductor component (1) inferred depending on a change in this direct current failure threshold.