Patents by Inventor Richard A. Phelps

Richard A. Phelps 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: 9034712
    Abstract: A lateral diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor (LDMOS transistor) employs a stress layer that enhances carrier mobility (i.e., on-current) while also maintaining a high breakdown voltage for the device. High breakdown voltage is maintained, because an increase in doping concentration of the drift region is minimized. A well region and a drift region are formed in the substrate adjacent to one another. A first shallow trench isolation (STI) region is formed on and adjacent to the well region, and a second STI region is formed on and adjacent to the drift region. A stress layer is deposited over the LDMOS transistor and in the second STI region, which propagates compressive or tensile stress into the drift region, depending on the polarity of the stress layer. A portion of the stress layer can be removed over the gate to change the polarity of stress in the inversion region below the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Renata Camillo-Castillo, Erik M. Dahlstrom, Robert J. Gauthier, Jr., Ephrem G. Gebreselasie, Richard A. Phelps, Jed H. Rankin, Yun Shi
  • Patent number: 8946799
    Abstract: Device structures, fabrication methods, operating methods, and design structures for a silicon controlled rectifier. The method includes applying a mechanical stress to a region of a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) at a level sufficient to modulate a trigger current of the SCR. The device and design structures include a SCR with an anode, a cathode, a first region, and a second region of opposite conductivity type to the first region. The first and second regions of the SCR are disposed in a current-carrying path between the anode and cathode of the SCR. A layer is positioned on a top surface of a semiconductor substrate relative to the first region and configured to cause a mechanical stress in the first region of the SCR at a level sufficient to modulate a trigger current of the SCR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Renata Camillo-Castillo, Erik M. Dahlstrom, Robert J. Gauthier, Jr., Ephrem G. Gebreselasie, Richard A. Phelps, Yun Shi, Andreas D. Stricker
  • Patent number: 8921172
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a junction field effect transistor (JFET) structure with one or more P-type silicon germanium (SiGe) or silicon germanium carbide (SiGeC) gates (i.e., a SiGe or SiGeC based heterojunction JFET). The P-type SiGe or SiGeC gate(s) allow for a lower pinch off voltage (i.e., lower Voff) without increasing the on resistance (Ron). Specifically, SiGe or SiGeC material in a P-type gate limits P-type dopant out diffusion and, thereby ensures that the P-type gate-to-N-type channel region junction is more clearly defined (i.e., abrupt as opposed to graded). By clearly defining this junction, the depletion layer in the N-type channel region is extended. Extending the depletion layer in turn allows for a faster pinch off (i.e., requires lower Voff). P-type SiGe or SiGeC gate(s) can be incorporated into conventional lateral JFET structures and/or vertical JFET structures. Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a method of forming such a JFET structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Xuefeng Liu, Richard A. Phelps, Robert M. Rassel, Xiaowei Tian
  • Publication number: 20140346597
    Abstract: High-voltage LDMOS devices with voltage linearizing field plates and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The method includes forming an insulator layer of varying depth over a drift region and a body of a substrate. The method further includes forming a control gate and a split gate region by patterning a layer of material on the insulator layer. The split gate region is formed on a first portion of the insulator layer and the control gate is formed on a second portion of the insulator layer, which is thinner than the first portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Natalie B. Feilchenfeld, Theodore J. Letavic, Richard A. Phelps, Santosh Sharma, Yun Shi, Michael J. Zierak
  • Publication number: 20140327084
    Abstract: Various embodiments include field effect transistor (FET) structures and methods of forming such structures. In various embodiments, an FET structure includes: a deep n-type well; an shallow n-type well and a p-type well each within the deep n-type well; and a shallow trench isolation (STI) region within the shallow n-type well, the STI region including: a first section having a first depth within the shallow n-type well as measured from an upper surface of the shallow n-type well; and a second section contacting and overlying the first section, the second section having a second depth within the shallow n-type well as measured from the upper surface of the shallow n-type well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Natalie B. Feilchenfeld, Max G. Levy, Richard A. Phelps, Santosh Sharma, Yun Shi, Michael J. Zierak
  • Publication number: 20140306325
    Abstract: A silicon device includes an active silicon layer, a buried oxide (BOX) layer beneath the active silicon layer and a high-resistivity silicon layer beneath the BOX layer. The device also includes a harmonic suppression layer at a boundary of the BOX layer and the high-resistivity silicon layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Alan B. Botula, Mark D. Jaffe, Alvin J. Joseph, Richard A. Phelps, James Slinkman, Randy L. Wolf
  • Patent number: 8828746
    Abstract: A silicon device includes an active silicon layer, a buried oxide (BOX) layer beneath the active silicon layer and a high-resistivity silicon layer beneath the BOX layer. The device also includes a harmonic suppression layer at a boundary of the BOX layer and the high-resistivity silicon layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Alan B. Botula, Mark D. Jaffe, Alvin J. Joseph, Richard A. Phelps, James Slinkman, Randy L. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20140235021
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a junction field effect transistor (JFET) structure with one or more P-type silicon germanium (SiGe) or silicon germanium carbide (SiGeC) gates (i.e., a SiGe or SiGeC based heterojunction JFET). The P-type SiGe or SiGeC gate(s) allow for a lower pinch off voltage (i.e., lower Voff) without increasing the on resistance (Ron). Specifically, SiGe or SiGeC material in a P-type gate limits P-type dopant out diffusion and, thereby ensures that the P-type gate-to-N-type channel region junction is more clearly defined (i.e., abrupt as opposed to graded). By clearly defining this junction, the depletion layer in the N-type channel region is extended. Extending the depletion layer in turn allows for a faster pinch off (i.e., requires lower Voff). P-type SiGe or SiGeC gate(s) can be incorporated into conventional lateral JFET structures and/or vertical JFET structures. Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a method of forming such a JFET structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Xuefeng Liu, Richard A. Phelps, Robert M. Rassel, Xiaowei Tian
  • Patent number: 8809155
    Abstract: Device structures, design structures, and fabrication methods for a varactor. The device structure includes a first electrode formed on a dielectric layer, and a semiconductor body formed on the first electrode. The semiconductor body is comprised of a silicon-containing semiconductor material in an amorphous state or a polycrystalline state. The device structure further includes an electrode insulator formed on the semiconductor body and a second electrode formed on the electrode insulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Ellis-Monaghan, Michael J. Hauser, Zhong-Xiang He, Xuefeng Liu, Richard A. Phelps, Robert M. Rassel, Anthony K. Stamper
  • Patent number: 8796108
    Abstract: Disclosed is a Zener diode having a scalable reverse-bias breakdown voltage (Vb) as a function of the position of a cathode contact region relative to the interface between adjacent cathode and anode well regions. Specifically, cathode and anode contact regions are positioned adjacent to corresponding cathode and anode well regions and are further separated by an isolation region. However, while the anode contact region is contained entirely within the anode well region, one end of the cathode contact region extends laterally into the anode well region. The length of this end can be predetermined in order to selectively adjust the Vb of the diode (e.g., increasing the length reduces Vb of the diode and vice versa). Also disclosed are an integrated circuit, incorporating multiple instances of the diode with different reverse-bias breakdown voltages, a method of forming the diode and a design structure for the diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick G. Anderson, Natalie B. Feilchenfeld, David L. Harmon, Richard A. Phelps, Yun Shi, Michael J. Zierak
  • Patent number: 8779476
    Abstract: A junction gate field-effect transistor (JFET) for an integrated circuit (IC) chip is provided comprising a source region, a drain region, a lower gate, and a channel, with an insulating shallow trench isolation (STI) region extending from an inner edge of an upper surface of the source region to an inner edge of an upper surface of the drain region, without an intentionally doped region, e.g., an upper gate, coplanar with an upper surface of the IC chip between the source/drain regions. In addition, an asymmetrical quasi-buried upper gate can be included, disposed under a portion of the STI region, but not extending under a portion of the STI region proximate to the drain region. Embodiments of this invention also include providing an implantation layer, under the source region, to reduce Ron. A related method and design structure are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Xuefeng Liu, Richard A. Phelps, Robert M. Rassel, Xiaowei Tian
  • Patent number: 8754455
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a junction field effect transistor (JFET) structure with one or more P-type silicon germanium (SiGe) or silicon germanium carbide (SiGeC) gates (i.e., a SiGe or SiGeC based heterojunction JFET). The P-type SiGe or SiGeC gate(s) allow for a lower pinch off voltage (i.e., lower Voff) without increasing the on resistance (Ron). Specifically, SiGe or SiGeC material in a P-type gate limits P-type dopant out diffusion and, thereby ensures that the P-type gate-to-N-type channel region junction is more clearly defined (i.e., abrupt as opposed to graded). By clearly defining this junction, the depletion layer in the N-type channel region is extended. Extending the depletion layer in turn allows for a faster pinch off (i.e., requires lower Voff). P-type SiGe or SiGeC gate(s) can be incorporated into conventional lateral JFET structures and/or vertical JFET structures. Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a method of forming such a JFET structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Xuefeng Liu, Richard A. Phelps, Robert M. Rassel, Xiaowei Tian
  • Patent number: 8748285
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate, the semiconductor-on-insulator substrate comprising a handle wafer, a buried oxide (BOX) layer on top of the handle wafer, and a top silicon layer on top of the BOX layer; and an implantation region located in the top silicon layer, the implantation region comprising a noble gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Alan B. Botula, William F. Clark, Jr., Richard A. Phelps, BethAnn Rainey, Yun Shi, James A. Slinkman
  • Publication number: 20140131800
    Abstract: A silicon device includes an active silicon layer, a buried oxide (BOX) layer beneath the active silicon layer and a high-resistivity silicon layer beneath the BOX layer. The device also includes a harmonic suppression layer at a boundary of the BOX layer and the high-resistivity silicon layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alan B. Botula, Mark D. Jaffe, Alvin J. Joseph, Richard A. Phelps, James Slinkman, Randy L. Wolf
  • Patent number: 8709903
    Abstract: Disclosed is semiconductor structure with an insulator layer on a semiconductor substrate and a device layer is on the insulator layer. The substrate is doped with a relatively low dose of a dopant having a given conductivity type such that it has a relatively high resistivity. Additionally, a portion of the semiconductor substrate immediately adjacent to the insulator layer can be doped with a slightly higher dose of the same dopant, a different dopant having the same conductivity type or a combination thereof. Optionally, micro-cavities are created within this same portion so as to balance out any increase in conductivity due to increased doping with a corresponding increase in resistivity. Increasing the dopant concentration at the semiconductor substrate-insulator layer interface raises the threshold voltage (Vt) of any resulting parasitic capacitors and, thereby reduces harmonic behavior. Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a method for forming such a semiconductor structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Alan B. Botula, John J. Ellis-Monaghan, Alvin J. Joseph, Max G. Levy, Richard A. Phelps, James A. Slinkman, Randy L. Wolf
  • Patent number: 8698244
    Abstract: Disclosed is semiconductor structure with an insulator layer on a semiconductor substrate and a device layer is on the insulator layer. The substrate is doped with a relatively low dose of a dopant having a given conductivity type such that it has a relatively high resistivity. Additionally, a portion of the semiconductor substrate immediately adjacent to the insulator layer can be doped with a slightly higher dose of the same dopant, a different dopant having the same conductivity type or a combination thereof. Optionally, micro-cavities are created within this same portion so as to balance out any increase in conductivity with a corresponding increase in resistivity. Increasing the dopant concentration at the semiconductor substrate-insulator layer interface raises the threshold voltage (Vt) of any resulting parasitic capacitors and, thereby reduces harmonic behavior. Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a method and a design structure for such a semiconductor structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Alan B. Botula, John J. Ellis-Monaghan, Alvin J. Joseph, Max G. Levy, Richard A. Phelps, James A. Slinkman, Randy L. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20140097434
    Abstract: Device structures, design structures, and fabrication methods for a varactor. The device structure includes a first electrode formed on a dielectric layer, and a semiconductor body formed on the first electrode. The semiconductor body is comprised of a silicon-containing semiconductor material in an amorphous state or a polycrystalline state. The device structure further includes an electrode insulator formed on the semiconductor body and a second electrode formed on the electrode insulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: John J. Ellis-Monaghan, Michael J. Hauser, Zhong-Xiang He, Xuefeng Liu, Richard A. Phelps, Robert M. Rassel, Anthony K. Stamper
  • Publication number: 20140030861
    Abstract: A lateral diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor (LDMOS transistor) employs a stress layer that enhances carrier mobility (i.e., on-current) while also maintaining a high breakdown voltage for the device. High breakdown voltage is maintained, because an increase in doping concentration of the drift region is minimized A well region and a drift region are formed in the substrate adjacent to one another. A first shallow trench isolation (STI) region is formed on and adjacent to the well region, and a second STI region is formed on and adjacent to the drift region. A stress layer is deposited over the LDMOS transistor and in the second STI region, which propagates compressive or tensile stress into the drift region, depending on the polarity of the stress layer. A portion of the stress layer can be removed over the gate to change the polarity of stress in the inversion region below the gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Renata Camillo-Castillo, Erik M. Dahlstrom, Robert J. Gauthier, JR., Ephrem G. Gebreselasie, Richard A. Phelps, Jed H. Rankin, Yun Shi
  • Publication number: 20140004687
    Abstract: Disclosed is semiconductor structure with an insulator layer on a semiconductor substrate and a device layer is on the insulator layer. The substrate is doped with a relatively low dose of a dopant having a given conductivity type such that it has a relatively high resistivity. Additionally, a portion of the semiconductor substrate immediately adjacent to the insulator layer can be doped with a slightly higher dose of the same dopant, a different dopant having the same conductivity type or a combination thereof. Optionally, micro-cavities are created within this same portion so as to balance out any increase in conductivity due to increased doping with a corresponding increase in resistivity. Increasing the dopant concentration at the semiconductor substrate-insulator layer interface raises the threshold voltage (Vt) of any resulting parasitic capacitors and, thereby reduces harmonic behavior. Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a method for forming such a semiconductor structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Alan B. Botula, John J. Ellis-Monaghan, Alvin J. Joseph, Max G. Levy, Richard A. Phelps, James A. Slinkman, Randy L. Wolf
  • Patent number: 8618583
    Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to junction gate field effect transistor (JFET) structures and methods of forming the same. The JFET structure includes a p-type substrate having a p-region therein; an n-channel thereunder; and n-doped enhancement regions within the n-channel, each n-doped enhancement region separated from the p-region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Panglijen Candra, Richard A. Phelps, Robert M. Rassel, Yun Shi