Patents by Inventor Terrence McDaniel

Terrence McDaniel 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).

  • Publication number: 20060189128
    Abstract: This invention includes methods of forming conductive lines, and methods of forming conductive contacts adjacent conductive lines. In one implementation, a method of forming a conductive line includes forming a conductive line within an elongated trench within first insulative material over a semiconductive substrate. The conductive line is laterally spaced from opposing first insulative material sidewall surfaces of the trench. The conductive line includes a second conductive material received over a different first conductive material. The second conductive material is recessed relative to an elevationally outer surface of the first insulative material proximate the trench. A second insulative material different from the first insulative material is formed within the trench over a top surface of the conductive line and within laterally opposing spaces received between the first insulative material and the conductive line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Publication date: August 24, 2006
    Inventors: Scott Southwick, Alex Schrinsky, Terrence McDaniel
  • Publication number: 20060046398
    Abstract: Methods for forming memory devices and integrated circuitry, for example, DRAM circuitry, structures and devices resulting from such methods, and systems that incorporate the devices are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Publication date: March 2, 2006
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence McDaniel, Sandra Tagg, Fred Fishburn
  • Publication number: 20060040465
    Abstract: This invention includes methods of forming conductive lines, and methods of forming conductive contacts adjacent conductive lines. In one implementation, a method of forming a conductive line includes forming a conductive line within an elongated trench within first insulative material over a semiconductive substrate. The conductive line is laterally spaced from opposing first insulative material sidewall surfaces of the trench. The conductive line includes a second conductive material received over a different first conductive material. The second conductive material is recessed relative to an elevationally outer surface of the first insulative material proximate the trench. A second insulative material different from the first insulative material is formed within the trench over a top surface of the conductive line and within laterally opposing spaces received between the first insulative material and the conductive line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Publication date: February 23, 2006
    Inventors: Scott Southwick, Alex Schrinsky, Terrence McDaniel
  • Patent number: 6844255
    Abstract: The invention comprises methods of providing an interlevel dielectric layer intermediate different elevation conductive metal layers in the fabrication of integrated circuitry. In one implementation, a method of providing an interlevel dielectric layer intermediate different elevation conductive metal layers in the fabrication of integrated circuitry includes forming a conductive metal interconnect layer over a substrate. An insulating dielectric mass is provided about the conductive metal interconnect layer. The insulating dielectric mass has a first dielectric constant. At least a majority of the insulating dielectric mass is etched away from the substrate. After the etching, an interlevel dielectric layer is deposited to replace at least some of the etched insulating dielectric material. The interlevel dielectric layer has a second dielectric constant which is less than the first dielectric constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence McDaniel, Max F. Hineman
  • Publication number: 20050009343
    Abstract: A method used to form a semiconductor device provides a silicide layer on a plurality of transistor word lines and on a plurality of conductive plugs. In one embodiment, the word lines, one or more sacrificial dielectric layers on the word lines, conductive plugs, and a conductive enhancement layer are formed through the use of a single mask. An in-process semiconductor device which can be formed using one embodiment of the inventive method is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Publication date: January 13, 2005
    Inventors: Fredrick Fishburn, Terrence McDaniel, Richard Lane
  • Publication number: 20030068879
    Abstract: The invention comprises methods of providing an interlevel dielectric layer intermediate different elevation conductive metal layers in the fabrication of integrated circuitry. In one implementation, a method of providing an interlevel dielectric layer intermediate different elevation conductive metal layers in the fabrication of integrated circuitry includes forming a conductive metal interconnect layer over a substrate. An insulating dielectric mass is provided about the conductive metal interconnect layer. The insulating dielectric mass has a first dielectric constant. At least a majority of the insulating dielectric mass is etched away from the substrate. After the etching, an interlevel dielectric layer is deposited to replace at least some of the etched insulating dielectric material. The interlevel dielectric layer has a second dielectric constant which is less than the first dielectric constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Terrence McDaniel, Max F. Hineman
  • Patent number: 6350679
    Abstract: The invention comprises methods of providing an interlevel dielectric layer intermediate different elevation conductive metal layers in the fabrication of integrated circuitry. In one implementation, a method of providing an interlevel dielectric layer intermediate different elevation conductive metal layers in the fabrication of integrated circuitry includes forming a conductive metal interconnect layer over a substrate. An insulating dielectric mass is provided about the conductive metal interconnect layer. The insulating dielectric mass has a first dielectric constant. At least a majority of the insulating dielectric mass is etched away from the substrate. After the etching, an interlevel dielectric layer is deposited to replace at least some of the etched insulating dielectric material. The interlevel dielectric layer has a second dielectric constant which is less than the first dielectric constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence McDaniel, Max F. Hineman
  • Patent number: 6258709
    Abstract: A process for the formation of electrical interconnect lines by a selective metal etch to form electrical interconnections between different layers in a semiconductor device is provided. The process eliminates the need to form vias between conductive layers in the structure by etching through an oxide layer. The resulting structure provides superior electrical contacts between electrically conductive features on different layers of a semiconductor device. Additionally, the process produces self-aligned vias, thereby eliminating misalignment problems and the need to pattern surrounds onto the M1 layer in a semiconductor stack or any other lower level metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Terrence McDaniel