Patents by Inventor Robert F. Scheer

Robert F. Scheer 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: 7026666
    Abstract: A self-aligned bipolar transistor and a method of formation thereof are provided. The bipolar transistor has a raised extrinsic base such that the link base resistance is reduced by providing an extrinsic base which is thicker than the intrinsic base. The increase in thickness of the extrinsic base provides a less resistive layer of the heavily doped base region. The method of forming the bipolar transistor includes depositing a first epitaxial layer on a substrate to form a base region having an intrinsic base region and an extrinsic base region. The extrinsic base region is raised by depositing a second epitaxial layer over a portion of the first epitaxial layer such that the thickness of the extrinsic base layer is x and the thickness of the intrinsic layer is y, wherein x>y. The second epitaxial layer is deposited using a chemical vapor epitaxial device where the concentration of Ge to Si is gradually reduced from above 5% to close to 0% during the epitaxy process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Kalnitsky, Alexel Shatalov, Michael Rowlandson, Sang H. Park, Robert F. Scheer, Fanling H. Yang
  • Patent number: 6861324
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a super self-aligned bipolar transistor with enhanced electrical characteristics. The power gain and frequency response of the transistor are improved by horizontally etching an area for the base region that is wider than the active emitter and collector regions. By removing polysilicon layers within the device, the base region resistance goes down and unwanted capacitive effects are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Kalnitsky, Michael Rowlandson, Ken Liao, Robert F. Scheer
  • Patent number: 6855585
    Abstract: A method for forming multiple resistors on a substrate. The method initially includes providing a first resistor on the substrate. A first dielectric layer is deposited, patterned, and selectively etched over the first resistor. Second resistor material is provided over the first dielectric layer. Furthermore, landing pad material is provided over the second resistor material. The landing pad material and the second resistor material are then selectively etched. The selective etching forms contacts for the first resistor in a first region, and forms a second resistor and associated contacts in a second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Kalnitsky, Joseph Paul Elull, Ralph Wall, Robert F. Scheer, Jonathan Herman, Glenn Nobinger, Viktor Zekeriya
  • Patent number: 6767798
    Abstract: A self-aligned bipolar transistor and a method of formation thereof are provided. The bipolar transistor has a raised extrinsic base such that the link base resistance is reduced by providing an extrinsic base which is thicker than the intrinsic base. The increase in thickness of the extrinsic base provides a less resistive layer of the heavily doped base region. The method of forming the bipolar transistor includes depositing a first epitaxial layer on a substrate to form a base region having an intrinsic base region and an extrinsic base region. The extrinsic base region is raised by depositing a second epitaxial layer over a portion of the first epitaxial layer such that the thickness of the extrinsic base layer is x and the thickness of the intrinsic layer is y, wherein x>y. The second epitaxial layer is deposited using a chemical vapor epitaxial device where the concentration of Ge to Si is gradually reduced from above 5% to close to 0% during the epitaxy process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Kalnitsky, Alexei Shatalov, Michael Rowlandson, Sang H. Park, Robert F. Scheer, Fanling H. Yang
  • Publication number: 20040126978
    Abstract: A self-aligned bipolar transistor and a method of formation thereof are provided. The bipolar transistor has a raised extrinsic base such that the link base resistance is reduced by providing an extrinsic base which is thicker than the intrinsic base. The increase in thickness of the extrinsic base provides a less resistive layer of the heavily doped base region. The method of forming the bipolar transistor includes depositing a first epitaxial layer on a substrate to form a base region having an intrinsic base region and an extrinsic base region. The extrinsic base region is raised by depositing a second epitaxial layer over a portion of the first epitaxial layer such that the thickness of the extrinsic base layer is x and the thickness of the intrinsic layer is y, wherein x>y. The second epitaxial layer is deposited using a chemical vapor epitaxial device where the concentration of Ge to Si is gradually reduced from above 5% to close to 0% during the epitaxy process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Alexander Kalnitsky, Alexel Shatalov, Michael Rowlandson, Sang H. Park, Robert F. Scheer, Fanling H. Yang
  • Patent number: 6686250
    Abstract: A self-aligned bipolar transistor and a method of formation thereof are provided. The bipolar transistor has an emitter region characterized by a y-shaped structure formed from bilayer polysilicon. The bilayer polysilicon includes a first polysilicon emitter structure and a second polysilicon emitter structure. The method of forming the bipolar transistor includes forming an emitter stack on a substrate. The emitter stack comprises the first polysilicon emitter structure and a plug structure. The emitter stack defines the substrate into a masked portion and exposed adjacent portions. The exposed adjacent portions are selectively doped with a dopant to define an extrinsic base region, wherein the dopant is blocked from entering the masked portion. After selectively doping the extrinsic base region, the plug structure is removed from the emitter stack and the second polysilicon emitter structure is formed on the first polysilicon emitter structure to define the emitter region of the bipolar transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Kalnitsky, Michael Rowlandson, Fanling H. Yang, Sang Park, Robert F. Scheer
  • Publication number: 20030189239
    Abstract: A self-aligned bipolar transistor and a method of formation thereof are provided. The bipolar transistor has a raised extrinsic base such that the link base resistance is reduced by providing an extrinsic base which is thicker than the intrinsic base. The increase in thickness of the extrinsic base provides a less resistive layer of the heavily doped base region. The method of forming the bipolar transistor includes depositing a first epitaxial layer on a substrate to form a base region having an intrinsic base region and an extrinsic base region. The extrinsic base region is raised by depositing a second epitaxial layer over a portion of the first epitaxial layer such that the thickness of the extrinsic base layer is x and the thickness of the intrinsic layer is y, wherein x>y. The second epitaxial layer is deposited using a chemical vapor epitaxial device where the concentration of Ge to Si is gradually reduced from above 5% to close to 0% during the epitaxy process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Alexander Kalnitsky, Alexei Shatalov, Michael Rowlandson, Sang H. Park, Robert F. Scheer, Fanling H. Yang
  • Patent number: 6593200
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device with an inductor and/or high speed interconnect. The method comprises forming an epitaxial layer over the substrate, forming an opening through the epitaxial layer to expose an underlying region of the substrate, forming a first dielectric material within the opening of the epitaxial layer, planarizing the first dielectric layer, forming a second dielectric material layer over the first dielectric material layer, and then forming a metallized inductor over the second dielectric material layer above the opening of the epitaxial layer. In this case, since the inductor and the high speed interconnect do not overlie the conductive epitaxial layer, the degradation in the Q-factor of the inductor, loss characteristics of the high speed interconnect, and ‘cross-talk’ between conductors are substantially reduced. The resulting semiconductor device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Kalnitsky, Dmitri A. Choutov, Geoffrey C. Stutzin, Robert F. Scheer
  • Publication number: 20030096487
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device with an inductor and/or high speed interconnect. The method comprises forming an epitaxial layer over the substrate, forming an opening through the epitaxial layer to expose an underlying region of the substrate, forming a first dielectric material within the opening of the epitaxial layer, planarizing the first dielectric layer, forming a second dielectric material layer over the first dielectric material layer, and then forming a metallized inductor over the second dielectric material layer above the opening of the epitaxial layer. In this case, since the inductor and the high speed interconnect do not overlie the conductive epitaxial layer, the degradation in the Q-factor of the inductor, loss characteristics of the high speed interconnect, and ‘cross-talk’ between conductors are substantially reduced. The resulting semiconductor device is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Alexander Kalnitsky, Dmitri A. Choutov, Geoffrey C. Stutzin, Robert F. Scheer
  • Publication number: 20030008441
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an integrated circuit structure is disclosed. The method includes providing a layer of porous silicon, and epitaxially growing a high resistivity layer on the layer of porous silicon. Devices are then formed on the high resistivity layer to produce the integrated circuit structure. The integrated circuit structure is attached to a silica substrate, such that the silica substrate is coupled to the devices. Further, surface contacts are provided on the structure. The layer of porous silicon is then removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Alexander Kalnitsky, Robert F. Scheer
  • Publication number: 20020192894
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a super self-aligned bipolar transistor with enhanced electrical characteristics. The power gain and frequency response of the transistor are improved by horizontally etching an area for the base region that is wider than the active emitter and collector regions. By removing polysilicon layers within the device, the base region resistance goes down and unwanted capacitive effects are reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Alexander Kalnitsky, Michael Rowlandson, Ken Liao, Robert F. Scheer
  • Patent number: 6492237
    Abstract: A method of forming an NPN semiconductor device includes the steps of forming a collector region within a substrate, forming a base region over the collector region, and forming an oxide-nitride-oxide stack over the base region. Once these three structures are formed, an opening is created through the oxide-nitride-oxide stack to expose the top surface of the base region. Then, a doped polysilicon material is used to fill the opening and make electrical contact to the base region. The use of the oxide-nitride-oxide stack with appropriate etching of the opening eliminates the exposure of the base region to reactive ion etch environment typical of prior art methods for forming NPN semiconductor devices. As an option, after the opening of the oxide-nitride-oxide stack is formed, a local oxidation of silicon (LOCOS) and etched can be preformed to create oxide spacers to line the opening wall above the base region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Kalnitsky, Sang Hoon Park, Robert F. Scheer
  • Patent number: 6489217
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an integrated circuit structure is disclosed. The method includes providing a layer of porous silicon, and epitaxially growing a high resistivity layer on the layer of porous silicon. Devices are then formed on the high resistivity layer to produce the integrated circuit structure. The integrated circuit structure is attached to a silica substrate, such that the silica substrate is coupled to the devices. Further, surface contacts are provided on the structure. The layer of porous silicon is then removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Kalnitsky, Robert F. Scheer
  • Publication number: 20020173092
    Abstract: A method for forming a plurality of devices on a substrate is disclosed. The method includes providing an oxide layer over the substrate, forming diffused regions in the plurality of devices, and performing at least one high-energy implant in the diffused regions. The diffused regions are buried and driven. Oxide layer is then removed. The method also includes depositing an epitaxial layer over the diffused regions, such that the diffused regions are buried under the epitaxial layer, in a single row.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Tadanori Yamaguchi, Ken Liao, Fanling Yang, Robert F. Scheer
  • Patent number: 6475873
    Abstract: A new and improved method of forming a thin film resistor is provided herein that overcomes many of the drawbacks of prior art methods. More specifically, the new method of forming a thin film provides for a well-controlled dielectric thickness under the thin film resistor which is useful for laser trimming purpose. The preferred thickness of the dielectric layer is an integer of a quarter wavelength of the optical energy used to laser trim the resistor. The new method also provides contacts to the thin film resistor that do not directly contact the thin film resistor so as to prevent any adverse process effects to the thin film resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Kalnitsky, Robert F. Scheer, Joseph P. Ellul
  • Publication number: 20020109208
    Abstract: A method of forming an NPN semiconductor device includes the steps of forming a collector region within a substrate, forming a base region over the collector region, and forming an oxide-nitride-oxide stack over the base region. Once these three structures are formed, an opening is created through the oxide-nitride-oxide stack to expose the top surface of the base region. Then, a doped polysilicon material is used to fill the opening and make electrical contact to the base region. The use of the oxide-nitride-oxide stack with appropriate etching of the opening eliminates the exposure of the base region to reactive ion etch environment typical of prior art methods for forming NPN semiconductor devices. As an option, after the opening of the oxide-nitride-oxide stack is formed, a local oxidation of silicon (LOCOS) and etched can be preformed to create oxide spacers to line the opening wall above the base region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Alexander Kalnitsky, Sang Hoon Park, Robert F. Scheer
  • Patent number: 6303413
    Abstract: A method of forming a shallow-deep trench isolation (SDTI) is provided that includes the steps of forming a pair of deep trenches through a silicon on insulator (SOI) layer without substantially disturbing an underlying buried oxide (BOX) layer. Once the deep trenches are formed, the trenches are filed with suitable electrical isolating materials, such as undoped poly-silicon or dielectric material, and etched back to obtain a substantially planarized top surface. Subsequently, an active nitride layer is deposited on the planarized top surface, and then a pair of shallow trenches are formed. The shallow trenches are formed using a low selectivity etch to uniformly etch a deep trench liner oxide, the SOI layer and the electrical isolating material which have interfaces at non-perpendicular angles with respect to the direction of the etching. Once the shallow and deep trenches are formed, subsequent processing including filling the shallow trench, annealing and chemical-mechanical polishing can be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Kalnitsky, Dmitri A. Choutov, Robert F. Scheer, Fanling H. Yang, Thomas W. Dobson, Tadanori Yamaguchi, Geoffrey C. Stutzin, Ken Liao