Abstract: A via plug layout structure for connecting different metallic layers. The structure includes a plurality of via plugs arranged in a fan-shaped pattern and a plurality of empty bars positioned between a single via plug and the fanned-out via plugs so that incoming current to the single via plug is equally distributed to every one of the fanned-out via plug and current stress in each fanned-out via plug is identical. Hence, via plugs having particularly serious electromigration problem can be discovered. In addition, single via plug having different critical dimension can be fabricated so that maximum critical dimension sustainable by the via plug is determined after an electromigration test.

Abstract: A electrostatic discharge (ESD) device with salicide layers isolated by a shallow trench isolation in order to save one salicide block photomask. A shallow trench isolation is formed in drain region to isolate a portion of the drain region, so that the drain region is partitioned into two parts. A salicide layer is formed on the drain region. Since the salicide layer is not formed on the shallow trench isolation, without using an additional photomask, the salicide layer on the drain region is partitioned into two parts. The effect of the local thermal energy occurring to drain junction upon the contact metal of the drain region is eliminated.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing semiconductor device includes the steps of providing a substrate that has a gate electrode thereon, and then forming a dielectric layer over the substrate. The dielectric layer is conformal to the profile of the substrate and has a definite thickness. Thereafter, using the gate electrode and that portion of the dielectric layer next to the sidewalls of the gate electrode as a mask, a first ion implantation is carried out. Hence, a doped drain region is formed in the substrate and a channel region is formed in the substrate just under the gate electrode. Subsequently, spacers are formed over the exposed dielectric layer next to the sidewalls of the gate electrode. Finally, using a portion of the dielectric layer next to the sidewalls of the gate electrode and the spacers as a mask, a second ion implantation is carried out. Hence, source/drain regions are formed in the substrate on each side of the gate electrode.

Abstract: A method for protecting the gate oxide layer of a MOS device. The method can also be used to monitor the intensity of radiation and charged particles falling on the gate oxide layer. The method includes the provision of a substrate having a gate structure thereon and an inter-layer dielectric layer over the gate structure, wherein the gate structure further includes a gate oxide layer and a gate electrode. Thereafter, a shielding layer is formed over the inter-layer dielectric layer, and then a protection diode is formed to link the shielding to the substrate.

Abstract: A method of protecting a well at a floating stage. In a first conductive type substrate, a second conductive type well is formed. A first conductive type heavily doped region and a second conductive type heavily doped region are respectively formed in the first conductive type substrate and the second conductive type well. These two heavily doped regions are electrically connected with each at an early stage of fabrication process to provide a protection from being damaged during subsequent plasma process or other processes. While forming a top metal layer of a multi-level interconnect, these two heavily doped regions are disconnected, that is, open to each other, to obtain a better electrical characteristic of the device or the integrated circuit formed on the substrate.

Abstract: A circuit for evaluating the asymmetric antenna effect of a transistor pair is provided, which can be implemented by using bipolar or complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) transistors to implement a differential amplifier, with which a pair of transistors Q1 and Q2 having similar characteristics are connected. The transistors Q1 and Q2 have a structure of, for example, one polysilicon layer and three metal layers, in which a second metal layer M2 and a third metal layer M3 are used for signal input, and metal layer M1 close to the gate oxide layer of both the transistors Q1 and Q2 are used to obtain a differential antenna ratio. The differential amplifier comprises transistors Q3 and Q4 serving as an active load, and transistor Q5, which is used for adjusting the voltage gain.

Abstract: A wafer acceptance testing (WAT) method with a test key is provided. The test key structure includes a testing structure on a substrate. An inter-layer-dielectric layer covers over the substrate to isolate the testing structure. A grounded metal layer is located on the inter-layer dielectric layer. An interconnecting structure is located on the grounded metal layer. A conductive pad layer and a passivation layer are sequentially located on the interconnecting structure. The testing structure is electrically coupled to the interconnecting structure. The interconnecting structure is also electrically coupled to the conductive pad layer. The grounded metal layer is grounded without any further coupling such that the grounded metal layer is not coupled to the testing structure and the interconnecting structure.

Abstract: A method for preventing horizontal and vertical crosstalk between conductive layers forms a dummy conductive layer between conductive layers and between conductive lines within a dielectric layer. The dummy conductive layer does not connect with conductive layers or conductive lines. Because the dummy conductive layer has a shielding effect for conductive layers, the method can reduce the horizontal and vertical crosstalk between conductive layers.

Abstract: A protection circuit using point discharge suitable for use in an integrated circuit, protects circuit from damage by electrostatic discharge. The integrated circuit at least comprises an input/output port, a high voltage line, and a low voltage line. The protection circuit has point discharge structures at two ends of the input/output ports, respectively corresponding to the point discharge structures of the high and low voltage lines, and is suitable for use in all semiconductor fabricating processes.

Abstract: A spike electrostatic discharge (ESD) cavity structure includes an etching stop layer including, for example, polysilicon or metal material. The etching stop layer is used as the etching stop to form an opening in the dielectric layer, inside of which a number of discharging layer pairs are formed. The opening exposes the end portions of the discharge layer pairs. The opening is a cavity and can be vacuumed or filled with air.