Patents by Inventor Ralph C. Tuttle

Ralph C. Tuttle 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: 7297561
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure is disclosed that enhances quality control inspection of device. The structure includes a substrate having at least one planar face, a first metal layer on the planar face, and covering some, but not all of the planar face in a first predetermined geometric pattern, and a second metal layer on the planar face, and covering some, but not all of the planar face in a second geometric pattern that is different from the first geometric pattern. A quality control method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of placing a first metal layer on a semiconductor face of a device in a first predetermined geometric pattern, placing a second metal layer on the same face of the device as the first layer and in a second predetermined geometric pattern that is different from the first geometric pattern, and then inspecting the device to identify the presence or absence of one or both of the patterns on the face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph C. Tuttle, Christopher Sean Plunket, David B. Slater, Jr., Gerald H. Negley, Thomas P. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6903446
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure is disclosed that enhances quality control inspection of device. The structure includes a substrate having at least one planar face, a first metal layer on the planar face, and covering some, but not all of the planar face in a first predetermined geometric pattern, and a second metal layer on the planar face, and covering some, but not all of the planar face in a second geometric pattern that is different from the first geometric pattern. A quality control method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of placing a first metal layer on a semiconductor face of a device in a first predetermined geometric pattern, placing a second metal layer on the same face of the device as the first layer and in a second predetermined geometric pattern that is different from the first geometric pattern, and then inspecting the device to identify the presence or absence of one or both of the patterns on the face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph C. Tuttle, Christopher Sean Plunket, David B. Slater, Jr., Gerald H. Negley, Thomas P. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20030076489
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure is disclosed that enhances quality control inspection of device. The structure includes a substrate having at least one planar face, a first metal layer on the planar face, and covering some, but not all of the planar face in a first predetermined geometric pattern, and a second metal layer on the planar face, and covering some, but not all of the planar face in a second geometric pattern that is different from the first geometric pattern. A quality control method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of placing a first metal layer on a semiconductor face of a device in a first predetermined geometric pattern, placing a second metal layer on the same face of the device as the first layer and in a second predetermined geometric pattern that is different from the first geometric pattern, and then inspecting the device to identify the presence or absence of one or both of the patterns on the face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Ralph C. Tuttle, Christopher Sean Plunket, David B. Slater, Gerald H. Negley, Thomas P. Schneider
  • Patent number: 4511413
    Abstract: The new process makes it possible to produce stable buried Zener diodes in large-sized wafers where slow ramping of diffusion temperatures is required to avoid crystal damage and other adverse effects. The process includes an initial deep diffusion of p type dopant carried out in two separate steps. In the first step, a diffusion of p dopant is made and is partially driven in. Thereafter, a second diffusion of p dopant is made over the first diffusion and both diffusions are further driven in to the required degree. The Zener diode is completed by still further diffusions including an n dopant diffusion to establish a sub-surface breakdown junction with the first two p dopant diffusions. The first two p dopant diffusions use the same mask window, and preferably are made during the isolation diffusion sequence for the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1985
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Incorporated
    Inventors: Ralph C. Tuttle, Richard S. Payne