Abstract: An improved method for protecting the gate edge and adjacent source region of a semiconductor device is disclosed. In this method, spacers are formed along the gates of one type of transistor to protect the gate edge and adjacent source area during a self-aligned source etch. Spacers of a different width, which may be optimized for different voltage requirements, are formed along the gates of a second type of transistor of the same intergated circuit. This method is particularly applicable in the formation of EPROM, Flash EPROM, EEPROM, or other memory cells in conjunction with periphery devices needing to sustain relatively higher voltages. By decouplng the memory cell requirement from the periphery device requirement, tighter gate spacing and smaller cell size can be achieved.

Abstract: A process of forming field oxide regions using a field oxidation performed in a dry oxidation environment in a temperature equal to or greater than approximately 1000.degree. C. The dry oxidation reduces or eliminates the formation of Kooi ribbons, and the high temperature field oxidation allows the field oxide to flow, thereby reducing physical stresses normally associated with field oxidation performed at temperatures below 1000.degree. C. The high temperature field oxidation also greatly reduces the ratio of the length of the bird's beaks formed during the field oxidation to the thickness of the field oxide, allowing smaller active regions to be formed. The thinner field oxide regions, in turn, make it possible to perform the field implant after the field oxidation, thereby avoiding the lateral encroachment problem and controlling source to drain or drain to source punch-through under the gate.

Abstract: An ESD protection device for CMOS integrated circuit inputs is disclosed. Two clamp components, coupled by a current limiting device, couple the pad to the circuitry of the chip. The device prevents damage to the circuit from an ESD of approximately 8000 or more volts at an input terminal.