Abstract: A semiconductor test device includes a test circuit having contacts for applying an electrical signal and measuring electrical parameters of the test circuit. The semiconductor test device also includes an integrally formed heating circuit comprising at least one circuit meander positioned adjacent the test circuit for raising a temperature within a portion of the test circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interconnect structure, a method of manufacture therefor, and an integrated circuit including the same. The interconnect structure, among other elements, may include a tungsten nitride layer located within an opening in a dielectric layer, and a conductive plug located over the tungsten nitride layer and within the opening. Thus, in certain embodiments the present invention is free of a titanium/titanium nitride layer, and any defects associated with those layers.

Abstract: An inductor formed within an integrated circuit and a method for forming the inductor. The inductor comprises an underlying layer of aluminum formed in a first metallization layer and patterned and etched into the desired shape. In one embodiment the aluminum line comprises a spiral shape. According to a damascene process, a conductive runner, preferably of copper, is formed in a dielectric layer overlying the aluminum line and in electrical contact therewith. The aluminum line and the conductive runner cooperate to form the inductor. In another embodiment the aluminum line and the conductive runner are formed in a vertically spaced-apart orientation, with tungsten plugs or conductive vias formed to provide electrical connection therebetween. A method for forming the inductor comprises forming an aluminum conductive line and forming a conductive runner over the conductive line.

Abstract: To address the above-discussed deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides an integrated circuit formed on a semiconductor wafer, comprising a doped base substrate; an insulator layer formed over the doped base substrate; and a doped ultra thin active layer formed on the insulator layer, the ultra thin active layer including a gate oxide, a gate formed on the gate oxide, and source and drain regions formed in the ultra thin active layer and adjacent the gate. The present invention therefore provides a semiconductor wafer that provides a doped ultra thin active layer. The lower Ioff in the DRAM transistor allows for lower heat dissipation, and the overall power requirement is decreased. Thus, the present invention provides a lower Ioff with reasonably good ion characteristics.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a reinforcing system and method for reinforcing a contact pad of an integrated circuit. Specifically exemplified is a system and method that comprises a reinforcing structure interposed between a top contact pad layer and an underlying metal layer.

Abstract: The present invention uses wire bonding technology to bond interconnect materials that oxidize easily by using a wire with stable oxidation qualities. A passivation layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate to encapsulate the bonding pad made from the interconnect material such that the wire bonds with the passivation layer itself, not with the interconnect material. The passivation layer is selected to be a material that is metallurgically stable when bonded to the interconnect material. Since the wire is stable compared with the interconnect material, i.e., it does not readily corrode, a reliable mechanical and electrical connection is provided between the semiconductor device (interconnect material) and the wire, with the passivation layer disposed therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention provides a capacitor for use in a semiconductor device having a damascene interconnect structure, such as a dual damascene interconnect, formed over a substrate of a semiconductor wafer. In one particularly advantageous embodiment, the capacitor, comprises a first capacitor electrode, such as copper, comprised of a portion of the damascene interconnect structure, an insulator layer formed on the damascene interconnect structure wherein the insulator layer is a passivation layer, such as silicon nitride. The passivation layer may be an outermost or final passivation layer, or it may be an interlevel passivation layer. The capacitor further includes a second capacitor electrode comprised of a conductive layer, such as aluminum, that is formed on at least a portion of the insulator layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a capacitor for use in a semiconductor device having a damascene interconnect structure, such as a dual damascene interconnect, formed over a substrate of a semiconductor wafer. In one particularly advantageous embodiment, the capacitor, comprises a first capacitor electrode, such as copper, comprised of a portion of the damascene interconnect structure, an insulator layer formed on the damascene interconnect structure wherein the insulator layer is a passivation layer, such as silicon nitride. The passivation layer may be an outermost or final passivation layer, or it may be an interlevel passivation layer. The capacitor further includes a second capacitor electrode comprised of a conductive layer, such as aluminum, that is formed on at least a portion of the insulator layer.

Abstract: To address the above-discussed deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides an integrated circuit formed on a semiconductor wafer, comprising a doped base substrate; an insulator layer formed over the doped base substrate; and a doped ultra thin active layer formed on the insulator layer, the ultra thin active layer including a gate oxide, a gate formed on the gate oxide, and source and drain regions formed in the ultra thin active layer and adjacent the gate. The present invention therefore provides a semiconductor wafer that provides a doped ultra thin active layer. The lower Ioff in the DRAM transistor allows for lower heat dissipation, and the overall power requirement is decreased. Thus, the present invention provides a lower Ioff with reasonably good ion characteristics.

Abstract: A method of depositing tungsten on a semiconductor substrate is disclosed. The semiconductor substrate is heated to between about 360° C. and about 390° C. and preferably about 375° C. Initiation gases are introduced into a first deposition station of a chemical vapor deposition chamber to form an amorphous, monolayer of silicon. Initiation gas comprises a silane gas flow at a rate of about 40 to about 48 standard cubic centimeters per minute. A nucleation gas flow rate formed of silane of about 20 to about 30 standard cubic centimeters per minute and a tungsten hexafluoride gas flow at a rate of about 300 to about 350 standard cubic standard centimeters per minute is next introduced. A hydrogen reducing gas flow rate is then introduced to form a layer of hydrogen reduced bulk tungsten.