Abstract: Nanocrystal memories and methods of making the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a memory device comprises a substrate, a tunneling oxide, a silicide nanocrystal floating gate, and a control oxide. The tunneling oxide is positioned upon a first surface of the substrate, the silicide nanocrystal floating gate is positioned upon the tunneling oxide, and the control oxide positioned upon the nanocrystal floating gate.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a non-volatile memory device includes alternately stacking a plurality of interlayer dielectric layers and a plurality of conductive layers over a substrate, etching the interlayer dielectric layers and the conductive layers to form a trench which exposes a surface of the substrate forming a first material layer over a resulting structure in which the trench is formed, forming a second material layer over the first material layer, removing portions of the second material layer and the first material layer formed on a bottom of the trench to expose the surface of the substrate, removing the second material layer, and burying a channel layer within the trench in which the second material layer is removed.

Abstract: A trench semiconductor device and a method of making the same are provided. The trench semiconductor device includes a trench MOS device and a trench ESD protection device. The trench ESD protection device is electrically connected between the gate electrode and source electrode of the trench MOS device so as to provide ESD protection. The fabrication of the ESD protection device is integrated into the process of the trench MOS device, and therefore no extra mask is required to define the doped regions of the trench ESD protection device. Consequently, the trench semiconductor device is advantageous for its simplified manufacturing process and low cost.

Abstract: A single crystal semiconductor layer of a first conduction type is disposed on a surface of a semiconductor substrate. A plurality of trenches are provided in the semiconductor layer to form a plurality of first semiconductor regions of the first conduction type at intervals in a direction parallel to the surface. An epitaxial layer is buried in the plurality of trenches to form a plurality of second semiconductor regions of a second conduction type. The plurality of second semiconductor regions each includes an outer portion with a high impurity concentration formed against an inner wall of the trench, and an inner portion with a low impurity concentration formed inner than the outer portion.

Abstract: A field effect transistor includes a plurality of trenches extending into a semiconductor region of a first conductivity type. The plurality of trenches include a plurality of gated trenches and a plurality of non-gated trenches. A body region of a second conductivity extends in the semiconductor region between adjacent trenches. A dielectric material fills a bottom portion of each of the gated and non-gated trenches. A gate electrode is disposed in each gated trench. A conductive material of the second conductivity type is disposed in each non-gated trench such that the conductive material and contacts corresponding body regions along sidewalls of the non-gated trench.

Abstract: A trench Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET) structure with guard ling, includes: a substrate including an epi layer region on the top thereof a plurality of source and body regions formed in the epi layer; a metal layer including a plurality of metal layer regions which are connected to respective source and body regions forming metal connections of the MOSFET; a plurality of metal contact plugs connected to respective metal layer regions; an insulating layer deposited on the epi layer formed underneath the metal layer with a plurality of metal contact holes therein for contacting respective source and body regions; and a guard ring wrapping around the trench gates with contact metal plug underneath the gate metal layer.

Abstract: This invention includes methods of forming layers comprising epitaxial silicon, and field effect transistors. In one implementation, a method of forming a layer comprising epitaxial silicon comprises epitaxially growing a silicon-comprising layer from an exposed monocrystalline material. The epitaxially grown silicon comprises at least one of carbon, germanium, and oxygen present at a total concentration of no greater than 1 atomic percent. In one implementation, the layer comprises a silicon germanium alloy comprising at least 1 atomic percent germanium, and further comprises at least one of carbon and oxygen at a total concentration of no greater than 1 atomic percent. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated.

Abstract: Provided are a structure for reducing a parasitic capacitance generated between a gate electrode and a bit line in a highly integrated semiconductor memory apparatus, and a fabrication method thereof. The method of fabricating a semiconductor device according to the invention comprises: providing a substrate including an active region and an isolation region; forming a recess over the active region and the isolation region; etching the active region and the isolating region under the recess to form a fin structure; forming a buried gate over the fin structure in a lower portion of the recess; and forming an insulating layer filling in an upper portion of the recess.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for forming a semiconductor device capable of reducing contact resistance in a highly integrated semiconductor device. The semiconductor device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention includes an active region defined by an isolation film, the active region having porous regions therein, and gate patterns formed over the active region.

Abstract: A semiconductor device may include a semiconductor layer having a convex portion and a concave portion surrounding the convex portion. The semiconductor device may further include a protrusion type isolation layer filling the concave portion and extending upward so that an uppermost surface of the isolation layer is a at level higher that an uppermost surface of the convex portion.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate with a recess pattern, a gate electrode filling the recess pattern, a threshold voltage adjusting layer formed in the substrate under the recess pattern, a source/drain region formed in the substrate on both sides of the gate electrode and a gate insulation layer, with the recess pattern being disposed between the gate electrode and the substrate, wherein the thickness of the gate insulation layer formed in a region adjacent to the source/drain region is greater than the thickness of the gate insulation layer formed in a region adjacent to the threshold voltage adjusting layer.

Abstract: A field effect transistor includes a body region of a first conductivity type in a semiconductor region of a second conductivity type. A gate trench extends through the body region and terminating within the semiconductor region. A source region of the second conductivity type extends in the body region adjacent the gate trench. The source region and an interface between the body region and the semiconductor region define a channel region therebetween which extends along the gate trench sidewall. A channel enhancement region of the second conductivity type is formed adjacent the gate trench. The channel enhancement region partially extends into a lower portion of the channel region to thereby reduce a resistance of the channel region.

Abstract: A semiconductor device according to the present invention having a vertical MOSFET that includes a first trench that is formed in a semiconductor substrate and includes a gate electrode of the vertical MOSFET embedded therein with a gate insulating film interposed therebetween, a second trench that is connected with the first trench and has a trench width wider than the first trench, a gate pad that is connected with the gate electrode and formed to a sidewall of the second trench with the gate insulating film interposed therebetween, and a gate line that is connected with a sidewall of the gate pad and electrically connects with the gate electrode via the gate pad.

Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a substrate of a first conductivity type silicon is provided. A substrate cap region of the first conductivity type silicon is formed such that a junction is formed between the substrate cap region and the substrate. A body region of a second conductivity type silicon is formed such that a junction is formed between the body region and the substrate cap region. A trench extending through at least the body region is then formed. A source region of the first conductivity type is then formed in an upper portion of the body region. An out-diffusion region of the first conductivity type is formed in a lower portion of the body region as a result of one or more temperature cycles such that a spacing between the source region and the out-diffusion region defines a channel length of the field effect transistor.

Abstract: A transistor includes a substrate including a trench, an insulation layer filled in a portion of the trench, the insulation layer having a greater thickness over an edge portion of a bottom surface of the trench than over a middle portion of the bottom surface of the trench, a gate insulation layer formed over inner sidewalls of the trench, the gate insulation layer having a thickness smaller than the insulation layer, and a gate electrode filled in the trench.

Abstract: A method of forming a field effect transistor (FET) includes the following steps. A pair of trenches extending into a semiconductor region of a first conductivity type is formed. A shield electrode is formed in a lower portion of each trench. A gate electrode is formed in an upper portion of each trench over but insulated from the shield electrode. First and second well regions of a second conductivity type are formed in the semiconductor region between the pair of trenches such that the first and second well regions are vertically spaced from one another and laterally abut sidewalls of the pair of trenches. The gate electrode and the first shield electrode are formed relative to the first and second well regions such that a channel is formed in each of the first and second well regions when the FET is biased in the on state.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises a substrate and a gate which extends on the substrate in a first horizontal direction. A source region is positioned at a first side of the gate and extends in the first direction. A body region of a first conductivity type is under the source region and extends in the first direction. A drain region of a second conductivity type is at a second side of the gate and extends in the first direction. A drift region of the second conductivity type extends between the body region and the drain region in the substrate in a second horizontal direction. A first buried layer is under the drift region in the substrate, the first buried layer extending in the first and second directions. A plurality of second buried layers is between the first buried layer and the drift region in the substrate. The second buried layers extend in the second direction and are spaced apart from each other in the first direction.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit system includes: providing a second layer between a first layer and a third layer; forming an active device over the third layer; forming the third layer to form an island region underneath the active device; forming the second layer to form a floating second layer with an undercut beneath the island region; and depositing a fourth layer around the island region and the floating second layer.

Abstract: An n well and a p well disposed at a predetermined interval on a main surface of a SOI substrate with a thin BOX layer are formed, and an nMIS formed on the p well has a pair of n-type source/drain regions formed on semiconductor layers stacked on a main surface of the SOI layer at a predetermined distance, a gate insulating film, a gate electrode and sidewalls sandwiched between the pair of n-type source/drain regions. A device isolation is formed between the n well and the p well, and a side edge portion of the device isolation extends toward a gate electrode side more than a side edge portion of the n-type source/drain region (sidewall of the BOX layer).

Abstract: A Fin field effect transistor includes a fin disposed over a substrate. A gate is disposed over a channel portion of the fin. A source region is disposed at a first end of the fin. A drain region is disposed at a second end of the fin. The source region and the drain region are spaced from the substrate by at least one air gap.

Abstract: Characteristics of a semiconductor device having a FINFET are improved. The FINFET has: a channel layer arranged in an arch shape on a semiconductor substrate and formed of monocrystalline silicon; a front gate electrode formed on a part of an outside of the channel layer through a front gate insulating film; and a back gate electrode formed so as to be buried inside the channel layer through a back gate insulating film. The back gate electrode arranged inside the arch shape is arranged so as to pass through the front gate electrode.

Abstract: A technique to be applied to a semiconductor device for achieving low power consumption by improving a shape at a boundary portion of a shallow trench and an SOI layer of an SOI substrate. A position (SOI edge) at which a main surface of a silicon substrate and a line extended along a side surface of an SOI layer are crossed is recessed away from a shallow-trench isolation more than a position (STI edge) at which a line extended along a sidewall of a shallow trench and a line extended along the main surface of the silicon substrate are crossed, and a corner of the silicon substrate at the STI edge has a curved surface.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first contact formed so as to be connected to the first impurity-diffused region, but not to the first gate electrode; and a second contact formed so as to be connected commonly to the second gate electrode and the second impurity-diffused region, wherein each of the first contact and the second contact has a profile such that the taper angle changes at an intermediate position in the depth-wise direction from the surface of an insulating film towards a substrate, and the intermediate position where the taper angle changes resides more closer to the substrate in the second contact, than in the first contact.

Abstract: A distance “a” from a first gate electrode of a first transistor of a high-frequency circuit to a first contact is greater than a distance “b” from a second electrode of a second transistor of a digital circuit to a second contact. The first contact is connected to a drain or source of the first transistor, and the second contact is connected to a drain or source of the second transistor.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure. The semiconductor structure includes: a first semiconductor region and a second semiconductor region; a first gate dielectric region on the first semiconductor region; a second gate dielectric region on the second semiconductor region, wherein the second semiconductor region includes a first top surface shared by the second semiconductor region and the second gate dielectric region, and wherein the first top surface defines a reference direction perpendicular to the first top surface and pointing from inside to outside of the second semiconductor region; an electrically conductive layer on the first gate dielectric region; a first poly-silicon region on the electrically conductive layer; a second poly-silicon region on the second gate dielectric region; a first hard mask region on the first poly-silicon region; and a second hard mask region on the second poly-silicon region.

Abstract: To reduce the size and improve the power added efficiency of an RF power module having an amplifier element composed of a silicon power MOSFET, the on resistance and feedback capacitance, which were conventionally in a trade-off relationship, are reduced simultaneously by forming the structure of an offset drain region existing between a gate electrode and an n+ type drain region of the power MOSFET into a double offset one. More specifically, this is accomplished by adjusting the impurity concentration of an n? type offset drain region, which is closest to the gate electrode, to be relatively low and adjusting the impurity concentration of an n type offset drain region, which is distant from the gate electrode, to be relatively high.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device is disclosed that includes a dual stress liner NMOS device having a tensile stress layer that overlies a NMOS gate film stack, a dual stress liner PMOS device having a compressive stress layer that overlies a PMOS gate film stack, a reduced-stress dual stress liner NMOS device having a stress reduction layer that extends between the tensile stress layer and the NMOS gate film stack, and a reduced-stress dual stress liner PMOS device having a stress reduction layer that extends between the compressive stress layer and the PMOS gate film stack. In embodiments of the invention additional reduced-stress dual stress liner NMOS devices and reduced-stress PMOS devices are formed by altering the thickness and/or the material properties of the stress reduction layer.

Abstract: A CMOS semiconductor device having an n-type MOSFET and a p-type MOSFET, comprising: a gate electrode of the n-type MOSFET having a first insulation layer composed of a high-k material, and a first metal layer provided on the first insulation layer and composed of a metal material; and a gate electrode of the p-type MOSFET having a second insulation layer composed of a high-k material, and a second metal layer provided on the second insulation layer and composed of a metal material, wherein the first insulation layer and the second insulation layer are composed of the different high-k materials, and the first metal layer and the second metal layer are composed of the same metal material.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes first and second p-type diffusion regions, and first and second n-type diffusion regions that are each electrically connected to a common node. Conductive features are each defined within any one gate level channel that is uniquely associated with and defined along one of a number of parallel gate electrode tracks. The conductive features respectively form gate electrodes of first and second PMOS transistor devices, and first and second NMOS transistor devices. The gate electrodes of the first PMOS and second NMOS transistor devices are electrically connected in part by a first conductor within a first interconnect level. The gate electrodes of the second PMOS and first NMOS transistor devices are electrically connected in part by a second conductor within the first interconnect level. The first PMOS, second PMOS, first NMOS, and second NMOS transistor devices define a cross-coupled transistor configuration having commonly oriented gate electrodes.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: an n-channel MIS transistor and a p-channel MIS transistor. An n-channel MIS transistor includes: a first gate insulating film having an amorphous layer or an epitaxial layer formed on a p-type semiconductor region between a first source/drain regions; and a first gate electrode having a stack structure formed with a first metal layer and a first compound layer. The first metal layer is formed on the first gate insulating film and made of a first metal having a work function of 4.3 eV or smaller, and the first compound layer is formed on the first metal layer and contains a compound of a second metal and a IV-group semiconductor. The second metal is different from the first metal. A p-channel MIS transistor includes a second gate electrode having a second compound layer containing a compound of the same composition as the first compound layer.

Abstract: The present invention, in one embodiment, provides a method of forming a semiconductor device that includes providing a substrate including a first conductivity type region and a second conductivity type region; forming a gate stack including a gate dielectric atop the first conductivity type region and the second conductivity type region of the substrate and a first metal gate conductor overlying the high-k gate dielectric; removing a portion of the first metal gate conductor that is present in the first conductivity type region to expose the gate dielectric present in the first conductivity type region; applying a nitrogen based plasma to the substrate, wherein the nitrogen based plasma nitrides the gate dielectric that is present in the first conductivity type region and nitrides the first metal gate conductor that is present in the second conductivity type region; and forming a second metal gate conductor overlying at least the gate dielectric that is present in the first conductivity type region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a micro cavity having a micro electrical mechanical system (MEMS) in a process, such as a CMOS process. MEMS resonators are being intensively studied in many research groups and some first products have recently been released. This type of device offers a high Q-factor, small size, high level of integration and potentially low cost. These devices are expected to replace bulky quartz crystals in high-precision oscillators and may also be used as RF filters.

Abstract: A metal-ceramic multilayer structure is provided. The underlying layers of the metal/ceramic multilayer structure have sloped sidewalls such that cracking of the metal-ceramic multilayer structure may be reduced or eliminated. In an embodiment, a layer immediately underlying the metal-ceramic multilayer has sidewalls sloped less than 75 degrees. Subsequent layers underlying the layer immediately underlying the metal/ceramic layer have sidewalls sloped greater than 75 degrees. In this manner, less stress is applied to the overlying metal/ceramic layer, particularly in the corners, thereby reducing the cracking of the metal-ceramic multilayer. The metal/ceramic multilayer structure includes one or more alternating layers of a metal seed layer and a ceramic layer.

Abstract: A method for attaching a first carrier device to a second carrier device includes forming at least one first bond layer and/or solder layer on a first exterior of the first carrier device, a partial surface being framed by the at least one first bond layer and/or solder layer, and placing the first carrier device on the second carrier device and fixedly bonding or soldering the first carrier device to the second carrier device. The at least one first bond layer and/or solder layer includes a first cover area which is larger than a first contact area.

Abstract: A MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical-System) structure preventing stiction, comprising: a substrate; and at least two structural layers above the substrate, wherein at least one of the at least two structural layers is a movable part, and anyone or more of the at least two structural layers is provided with at least one bump to prevent the movable part from sticking to another portion of the MEMS structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor memory device. The device includes a bottom electrode over a semiconductor substrate; an anti-ferromagnetic layer disposed over the bottom electrode; a pinned layer disposed over the anti-ferromagnetic layer; a barrier layer disposed over the pinned layer; a first ferromagnetic layer disposed over the barrier layer; a buffer layer disposed over the first ferromagnetic layer, the buffer layer including tantalum; a second ferromagnetic layer disposed over the buffer layer; and a top electrode disposed over the second ferromagnetic layer.

Abstract: Magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) and methods of forming same are disclosed. A pinned layer is disposed in the MTJ such that a free layer of the MTJ can couple to a drain of an access transistor when provided in a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) bitcell. This structure alters the write current flow direction to align the write current characteristics of the MTJ with write current supply capability of an MRAM bitcell employing the MTJ. As a result, more write current can be provided to switch the MTJ from a parallel (P) to anti-parallel (AP) state. An anti-ferromagnetic material (AFM) layer is provided on the pinned layer to fix pinned layer magnetization. To provide enough area for depositing the AFM layer to secure pinned layer magnetization, a pinned layer having a pinned layer surface area greater than a free layer surface area of the free layer is provided.

Abstract: An STT-MTJ MRAM cell that utilizes transfer of spin angular momentum as a mechanism for changing the magnetic moment direction of a free layer. The device includes an IrMn pinning layer, a SyAP pinned layer, a naturally oxidized, crystalline MgO tunneling barrier layer that is formed on an Ar-ion plasma smoothed surface of the pinned layer and, in one embodiment, a free layer that comprises an amorphous layer of Co60Fe20B20. of approximately 20 angstroms thickness formed between two crystalline layers of Fe of 3 and 6 angstroms thickness respectively. The free layer is characterized by a low Gilbert damping factor and by very strong polarizing action on conduction electrons. The resulting cell has a low critical current, a high dR/R and a plurality of such cells will exhibit a low variation of both resistance and pinned layer magnetization angular dispersion.

Abstract: An STT-MTJ MRAM cell utilizes transfer of spin angular momentum as a mechanism for changing the magnetic moment direction of a free layer. The cell includes an IrMn pinning layer, a SyAP pinned layer, a naturally oxidized, crystalline MgO tunneling barrier layer that is formed on an Ar-ion plasma smoothed surface of the pinned layer and, in one embodiment, a composite tri-layer free layer that comprises an amorphous layer of Co60Fe20B20 of approximately 20 angstroms thickness formed between two crystalline layers of Fe of 3 and 6 angstroms thickness respectively. The free layer is characterized by a low Gilbert damping factor and by very strong polarizing action on conduction electrons. The resulting cell has a low critical current, a high dR/R and a plurality of such cells will exhibit a low variation of both resistance and pinned layer magnetization angular dispersion.

Abstract: A unit pixel of an image sensor having a three-dimensional structure includes a first chip and a second chip which are stacked, one of the first chip and the second chip having a photodiode, and the other of the first chip and the second chip having a circuit for receiving information from the photodiode and outputting received information. The first chip includes a first pad which is projectedly disposed on an upper surface of the first chip in such a way as to define a concavo-convex structure, and the second chip includes a second pad which is depressedly disposed on an upper surface of the second chip in such a way as to define a concavo-convex structure corresponding to the concavo-convex structure of the first chip. The first chip and the second chip are mated with each other through bonding of the first pad and the second pad.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensor chip package method and the package structure thereof are disclosed. The invention includes: providing a substrate; arranging a sensor chip on the substrate, with an active surface of the sensor chip facing upward; forming a patterned conductive colloid on the sensor chip, wherein the patterned conductive colloid extends from the periphery of the active surface of the sensor chip along the side wall of the sensor and electrically connects with the circuit layer of the substrate; forming a non-conductive film to cover the sensor chip, the patterned conductive colloid and a portion of the substrate; and forming a conductive film on the non-conductive film. The patterned conductive colloid replaces the conventional bond wires to improve the product yield and to omit the molding process. The conductive film is electrically connected with the grounding point/area on the substrate to dissipate the static charges for protecting the chip.

Abstract: A radiation receiver has a semiconductor body including a first active region and a second active region, which are provided in each case for detecting radiation. The first active region and the second active region are spaced vertically from one another. A tunnel region is arranged between the first active region and the second active region. The tunnel region is connected electrically conductively with a land, which is provided between the first active region and the second active region for external electrical contacting of the semiconductor body. A method of producing a radiation receiver is additionally indicated.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solid-state imaging device includes: a first step of forming a recess portion on a top surface of a semiconductor substrate; a second step of selectively forming an impurity region of a first conductivity type in a lower portion of the recess portion by introducing impurities from a bottom surface of the recess portion; and a third step of forming a semiconductor layer in the recess portion, thus forming a photoelectric conversion portion which includes the impurity region and the semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A photodiode array with reduced optical crosstalk and an image pickup device using it are provided. The photodiode array 10 according to the present invention has an anti-crosstalk portion B dividing each adjacent pair of photodiodes S, the anti-crosstalk portion B and the photodiodes S individually have a p-type area 16 extending inward from the surface side of a semiconductor laminate, and the inner end of the p-type area of the anti-crosstalk portion, namely the front, is closer to the back surface of the semiconductor laminate than the front of the p-type area of each of the photodiodes.

Abstract: The invention provides a semiconductor device manufactured with a plurality of photodiodes so that it does not short circuit, and includes an opening without leakage. A second semiconductor layer (12, 16) of second conductivity type is formed on a main surface of a first semiconductor layer (10, 11) of the first conductivity type. Element-separating regions (13, 14, 15, 17) are formed at least on the second semiconductor layer to separate the device into the regions of photodiodes (PD1-PD4). A conductive layer (18) is formed on the second semiconductor layer 16 in a divided pattern that provides a segment for each photodiode and is connected to the second semiconductor layer (16) along the an outer periphery with respect to all photodiodes. An insulation layer (19, 21) is formed on the entire surface to cover conductive layer (18). An opening, which reaches the second semiconductor layer (16), is formed in the insulation layer (19, 21) in the region inside the pattern of conductive layer (18).

Abstract: In one example, an optoelectronic transducer includes a first contact, a second contact, a passivation layer, and a protection layer. The passivation layer is formed on top of the first contact and the second contact and is configured to substantially minimize dark current in the optoelectronic transducer. The protection layer is formed on top of the passivation layer and substantially covers the passivation layer. The protection layer is configured to protect the passivation layer from external factors and prevent degradation of the passivation layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a Schottky diode comprising steps of 1) providing a region with a dopant of a second conductivity type opposite to a first conductivity type to form a top doped region in a semiconductor substrate of said first conductivity type; 2) providing a trench through the top doped region to a predetermined depth and providing a dopant of the second conductivity type to form a bottom dopant region of the second conductivity type; and 3) lining a Schottky barrier metal layer on a sidewall of the trench at least extending from a bottom of the top doped region to a top of the bottom doped region.

Abstract: An electronic device made of group III/N materials and a method of fabricating the device. The method includes growing by epitaxy on a substrate layer the following successive layers: a layer adapted to contain an electron gas, a barrier layer, and a surface layer. The method also includes an etching step performed on at least part of the surface layer. After the etching step, an epitaxial regrowth is performed to grow a covering layer on the etched surface layer. The material of the surface layer and the material of the covering layer include at least one Group III element and nitrogen.

Abstract: A Schottky diode device includes a silicon substrate, an epitaxial silicon layer on the silicon substrate, an annular trench in a scribe line region that encompasses the epitaxial silicon layer, an insulation layer on interior sidewall of the annular trench, a silicide layer on the epitaxial silicon layer, a conductive layer on the silicide layer, and a guard ring in the epitaxial silicon layer, wherein the guard ring butts the insulation layer.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first layer within a semiconductor chip having active structures electrically connected to other active structures and having electrically isolated first inactive structures. A second layer within the semiconductor chip is physically connected to the first layer. The second layer comprises an insulator and has second inactive structures. The first inactive structures are physically aligned with the second inactive structures.