Abstract: Through-chip coupling is utilized for signal transport, where an interface is formed between a first coil on a first integrated circuit (IC) chip and a second coil on a second IC chip. The first coil is coupled to an antenna. The second coil is coupled to an amplifier circuit. The second coil is not in direct contact with the first coil. The first coil and the second coil communicatively transmit signals between the antenna and the first amplifier circuit.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting signals is disclosed. An embodiment comprises a balun, such as a Marchand balun, which has a first transformer with a primary coil and a first secondary coil and a second transformer with the primary coil and a second secondary coil. The first secondary coil and the second secondary coil are connected to a ground plane, and the ground plane has slot lines located beneath the separation of the coils in the first transformer and the second transformer. The slot lines may also have fingers.

Abstract: A multi-chip electronic device includes a first winding having a first port (P+) and a second port (P?). The first winding is formed in a metal layer of a first chip. The device further includes a second winding having a third (S+) and a fourth port (S?). The second winding is formed in a metal layer of a second chip. A center tap of the second winding is connected to a reference potential.

Abstract: An integrated tunable inductor includes a primary inductor having a plurality of inductor turns, at least one closed loop eddy current coil proximate the primary inductor, and at least one variable resistor integrated in series with the eddy current coil.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method for substrate noise analysis comprises using a first processor based system, creating and simulating a circuit schematic comprising a multi-terminal model of a transistor, and thereafter, creating a layout based on properties represented in the circuit schematic and simulation results of the simulating. The multi-terminal model comprises a source terminal, a gate terminal, a drain terminal, a body terminal, and a guard-ring terminal.

Abstract: An ESD protection device includes a first well of a first semiconductor type disposed in a substrate of a second semiconductor type forming a first diode. A second well of the second semiconductor type is formed in the substrate to form a second diode with the first well. A first plurality of doped regions of the first semiconductor type are formed in an upper surface of the first well. A second plurality of doped regions of the second semiconductor type are formed in the upper surface of the first well forming a third diode with the first well. A plurality of STI regions are formed in the upper surface of the first well. Each STI region is disposed between a doped region of the first and second semiconductor types. The third diode provides a current bypass when an ESD voltage spike is received at one of the first or second plurality of doped regions.

Abstract: A method and system for de-embedding an on-wafer device is disclosed. The method comprises representing the intrinsic characteristics of a test structure using a set of ABCD matrix components; determining the intrinsic characteristics arising from the test structure; and using the determined intrinsic characteristics of the test structure to produce a set of parameters representative of the intrinsic characteristics of a device-under-test (“DUT”).

Abstract: A method and system for de-embedding an on-wafer device is disclosed. The method comprises representing the intrinsic characteristics of a test structure using a set of ABCD matrix components; determining the intrinsic characteristics arising from the test structure; and using the determined intrinsic characteristics of the test structure to produce a set of parameters representative of the intrinsic characteristics of a device-under-test (“DUT”).

Abstract: A semiconductor device for transmitting a radio frequency signal along a signal line includes a signal line that extends along a principal axis. On one side of the signal line is a first dielectric, and on the opposite side of the signal line is a second dielectric. First and second ground lines are proximate to the first and second dielectrics, respectively, and the ground lines are approximately parallel to the signal line. The device has a transverse cross-section that varies along the principal axis.

Abstract: Shield structures are provided. A first and second shield lines are formed over a substrate and coupled with a first voltage. A conductive line is formed between the first and the second shield lines, and coupled with a second voltage. The first shield layer is formed over the substrate and coupled to the first and the second shield lines via at least one first conductive structure.

Abstract: An inductor in an integrated circuit comprises a conductive trace disposed over an insulating layer which overlies a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type and at least two deep wells of opposite conductivity type in the substrate underneath the track. In another embodiment, an inductor in an integrated circuit comprises a conductive trace disposed over an insulating layer which overlies a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type; a shallow trench isolation region formed in the substrate underneath the trace; and at least two deep wells of opposite conductivity type in the substrate underneath the shallow trench isolation region. The present invention also includes methods of manufacturing the aforementioned inductors.

Abstract: An inductor in an integrated circuit comprises a conductive trace disposed over an insulating layer which overlies a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type and at least two deep wells of opposite conductivity type in the substrate underneath the track. In another embodiment, an inductor in an integrated circuit comprises a conductive trace disposed over an insulating layer which overlies a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type; a shallow trench isolation region formed in the substrate underneath the trace; and at least two deep wells of opposite conductivity type in the substrate underneath the shallow trench isolation region. The present invention also includes methods of manufacturing the aforementioned inductors.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device with raised source/drain. This method eliminates the problem which is often experienced when the shallow junction technique is applied, in which over-etching of the source/drain region during the contact etching and the salicide process can lead to current leakages. The improved method includes the steps of forming a buffer conductive blocks on the source/drain regions which increase the thickness of source/drain regions. A related semiconductor structure made by the method has a plurality of bi-flange shape side wall spacers by which the semiconductor structure not only elevates the doped regions, it also provides an improved capability to suppress the electric bridges between the gate electrode and source/drain regions, respectively.