Patents Issued in March 6, 2012
  • Patent number: 8129723
    Abstract: A thin film transistor array panel according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a gate line; a data line intersecting the gate line; a thin film transistor connected to the gate line and the data line; a pixel electrode connected to the thin film transistor; and a shielding electrode electrically isolated from the data line, covering the data line at least in part, and having an aperture exposing the data line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Baek-Woon Lee, Keun-Kyu Song, Joon-Hak Oh
  • Patent number: 8129724
    Abstract: A display device including a transparent substrate, and a plurality of thin film transistors formed on the transparent substrate, wherein each of the thin film transistors have a gate electrode, a source electrode and a drain electrode, a first semiconductor film, an insulation film, a second semiconductor film, and a third semiconductor film. The third semiconductor film is connected with the source electrode and the drain electrode by an ohmic contact, and the second semiconductor film is formed below the third semiconductor film and has a resistance higher than resistance of the third semiconductor film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignees: Hitachi Displays, Ltd., Panasonic Liquid Crystal Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuo Kaitoh, Toshio Miyazawa
  • Patent number: 8129725
    Abstract: A semiconductor sensor determines physical and/or chemical properties of a medium, in particular a pH sensor. The semiconductor sensor has an electronic component with a sensitive surface, said component being constructed for its part on the basis of semiconductors with a large band gap (wide-gap semiconductor). The sensitive surface is provided at least in regions with a functional layer sequence which has an ion-sensitive surface. The functional layer sequence has at least one layer which is impermeable at least for the medium and/or the materials or ions to be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: MicroGan GmbH
    Inventors: Mike Kunze, Ingo Daumiler
  • Patent number: 8129726
    Abstract: A light-emitting diode (LED) package having electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection function and a method of fabricating the same adopt a composite substrate to prepare an embedded diode and an LED, and use an insulating layer in the composite substrate to isolate some individual embedded diodes, such that the LED device has the ESD protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chih-Tsung Shih, Chen-Peng Hsu, Kuan-Chieh Tu, Hung-Lieh Hu, Bing-Ru Chen, Shih-Tsai Huang, Hsin-Yun Tsai
  • Patent number: 8129727
    Abstract: A semiconductor light emitting device including a second electrode layer; a light emitting unit including a plurality of compound semiconductor layers under one portion of the second electrode layer; a first insulating layer under the other portion of the second electrode; an electrostatic protection unit including a plurality of compound semiconductor layer under the first insulating layer; a first electrode layer electrically connecting the light emitting unit to the electrostatic protection unit; and a wiring layer electrically connecting the electrostatic protection unit to the second electrode layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hwan Hee Jeong
  • Patent number: 8129728
    Abstract: A method for enhancing light extraction of a light emitting device is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: providing a site layer on the light emitting device; placing a protection layer on the site layer; forming an array of pores through the protection layer and the site layer; and growing on the site layer an oxide layer, having a plurality of rods, each of which is formed in one of the pores. The shapes of the rods can be well controlled by adjusting reactive temperature, time and N2/H2 concentration ratio of atmosphere such that the shape and light escape angle of the rods can be changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Walsin Lihwa Corporation
    Inventors: Chang-Chi Pan, Ching-hwa Chang Jean, Jang-ho Chen
  • Patent number: 8129729
    Abstract: A light-emitting device operating on a high drive voltage and a small drive current. LEDs (1) are two-dimensionally formed on an insulating substrate (10) of e.g., sapphire monolithically and connected in series to form an LED array. Two such LED arrays are connected to electrodes (32) in inverse parallel. Air-bridge wiring (28) is formed between the LEDs (1) and between the LEDs (1) and electrodes (32). The LED arrays are arranged zigzag to form a plurality of LEDs (1) to produce a high drive voltage and a small drive current. Two LED arrays are connected in inverse parallel, and therefore an AC power supply can be used as the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shiro Sakai, Jin-Ping Ao, Yasuo Ono
  • Patent number: 8129730
    Abstract: An electronically active sheet includes a bottom substrate having a bottom electrically conductive surface. A top substrate having a top electrically conductive surface is disposed facing the bottom electrically conductive surface. An electrical insulator separates the bottom electrically conductive surface from the top electrically conductive surface. At least one bare die electronic element is provided having a top conductive side and a bottom conductive side. Each bare die electronic element is disposed so that the top conductive side is in electrical communication with the top electrically conductive surface and so that the bottom conductive side is in electrical communication with the bottom electrically conductive surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Lumachip, Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Daniels
  • Patent number: 8129731
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a light emitting diode (LED) lighting device (10). The lighting device comprises a light guide plate (12), and a plurality of LEDs (16) accommodated in holes (14) arranged in the plane of the light guide. At least one hole has a first side facet (18) for coupling light from any LED in the hole into the light guide and a second opposite side facet (20) for coupling light out of the light guide. Further, the holes are arranged such that all first side facets are facing one direction. Such an LED based lighting device can be made thin and unobtrusive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Michel Cornelis Josephus Marie Vissenberg, Willem Lubertus Ijzerman
  • Patent number: 8129732
    Abstract: An adhesion layer of a hexagonal crystal is laid on a facet an optical resonator of a nitride semiconductor laser bar having a nitride-based III-V group compound semiconductor layer, and a facet coat is laid on the adhesion layer. In this way, a structure in which the facet coat is laid on the adhesion layer is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahumi Kondou, Takeshi Kamikawa, Yoshinobu Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 8129733
    Abstract: Gallium nitride devices are formed on a diamond substrate, such as for light emitting diodes as a replacement for incandescent light bulbs and fluorescent light bulbs. In one embodiment, gallium nitride diodes (or other devices) are formed on diamond in at least two methods. A first method comprises growing gallium nitride on diamond and building devices on that gallium nitride layer. The second method involves bonding gallium nitride (device or film) onto diamond and building the device onto the bonded gallium nitride. These devices may provide significantly higher efficiency than incandescent or fluorescent lights, and provide significantly higher light or energy density than other technologies. Similar methods and structures result in other gallium nitride semiconductor devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Apollo Diamond, Inc
    Inventor: Robert C. Linares
  • Patent number: 8129734
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) package for high temperature operation which includes a printed wire board and a heat sink. The LED package may include a formed heat sink layer, which may be thermally coupled to an external heat sink. The printed wire board may include apertures that correspond to the heat sink such that the heat sink is integrated with the printed wire board layer. The LED package may include castellations for mounting the package on a secondary component such as a printed wire board. The LED package may further comprise an isolator disposed between a base metal layer and one or more LED die. Optionally, the LED die may be mounted directly on a base metal layer. The LED package may include a PWB assembly having a stepped cavity, in which one or more LED die are disposed. The LED package is advantageously laminated together using a pre-punched pre-preg material or a pressure sensitive adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Lighting Science Group Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph B. Mazzochette
  • Patent number: 8129735
    Abstract: A light source that uses a light emitting diode with a wavelength converting element is configured to produce a non-uniform angular color distribution, e.g., ?u?v?>0.015 within an angular distribution from 0° to 90°, that can be used with specific light based device that translate the angular color distribution into a uniform color distribution. The ratio of height and width for the wavelength converting element is selected to produce the desired non-uniform angular color distribution. The use of a controlled angular color non-uniformity in the light source and using it in applications that translate the non-uniformity into a uniform color distribution, e.g., with a uniformity of ?u?v?<0.01, increases the efficiency of the system compared to conventional systems in which a uniform angular light emitting diode is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Serge J. Bierhuizen, Willem Sillevis Smitt
  • Patent number: 8129736
    Abstract: The invention discloses a light-emitting diode which includes a substrate on which a first conducting-type semiconductor layer, an illuminating layer and a second conducting-type semiconductor layer are formed sequentially, a transparent insulating material, a first transparent conducting layer, and a second transparent conducting layer. The top surface of the first conducting-type semiconductor layer includes a first region and a second region surrounded by the first region. Plural pillar-like holes are formed at the first region and protrude into the first conducting-type semiconductor layer. The transparent insulating material fills up the holes. The first transparent conducting layer is formed on the second conducting-type semiconductor layer, and the second transparent conducting layer is formed on the top surface of the transparent insulating material and on the first region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Huga Optotech, Inc.
    Inventors: Lin-Chieh Kao, Shu-Ying Yang
  • Patent number: 8129737
    Abstract: Described is an optoelectronic component with at least one semiconductor body having an active region for generating electromagnetic radiation, and with a housing comprising a filter element that is disposed after the active region in the emission direction, in which the filter element selectively transmits a primary radiation fraction having a predetermined primary radiation property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Grōtsch, Norbert Linder
  • Patent number: 8129738
    Abstract: This invention relates to optoelectronic devices of improved efficiency. In particular it relates to light emitting diodes, photodiodes and photovoltaics. By careful design of periodic microstructures, e.g. gratings, associated with such devices more efficient light generation or detection is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: QinetiQ Limited
    Inventors: William L Barnes, John R Sambles, Ian R Hooper, Stephen Wedge
  • Patent number: 8129739
    Abstract: In a semiconductor light emitting device having a matrix of a plurality of bumps composed of one n-bump formed on an n-electrode layer and of a large number of p-bumps formed on p-electrode layers, the occurrence of a faulty junction after mounting can be suppressed by placement of the n-bump at center of the bump array, because the position at the center is most resistant to occurrence of stress after the mounting. Employment of such a configuration of bump array increases reliability of mounting thereof while improving uniformity of light emission intensity in the semiconductor light emitting device having an increased size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kazushi Higashi, Shinji Ishitani
  • Patent number: 8129740
    Abstract: Disclosed is a side view LED package that can be more accurately mounted onto a surface of a substrate such as a printed circuit board without distortion includes a first portion of a body allowing light to be emitted in front thereof, the first portion having a horizontal plane formed on a top or bottom side thereof; and a second portion of the body positioned backward with respect to a back end boundary line of the first portion, the second portion being formed with an inclined plane that is adjacent to the horizontal plane and has height decreased from the back end boundary line, wherein the inclined plane is partially formed with an added thickness portion that is flush with the horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong Bum Choi, Myung Hee Lee, Won Il Kim, Ji Seop So
  • Patent number: 8129741
    Abstract: The present invention provides a light emitting diode package including: a package mold having a first cavity and a second cavity with a smaller size than that of the first cavity; first and second electrode pads provided on the bottom surfaces of the first cavity and the second cavity, respectively; an LED chip mounted on the first electrode pad; a wire for providing electrical connection between the LED chip and the second electrode pad; and a molding material filled within the first cavity and the second cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung LED Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin Bock Lee, Hee Seok Park, Hyung Kun Kim, Young Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 8129742
    Abstract: A semiconductor chip assembly includes a semiconductor device, a heat spreader, a conductive trace and an adhesive. The heat spreader includes a post and a base. The conductive trace includes a pad, a terminal and a plated through-hole. The semiconductor device is electrically connected to the conductive trace and thermally connected to the heat spreader. The post extends upwardly from the base into an opening in the adhesive, and the base extends laterally from the post. The conductive trace provides signal routing between the pad and the terminal using the plated through-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Bridge Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Charles W. C. Lin, Chia-Chung Wang
  • Patent number: 8129743
    Abstract: A light emitting device includes a light emitting element, an element mounting board including a wiring layer on an element mounting surface thereof, and a sealing portion that seals the light emitting element. The light emitting element includes a contact electrode including a transparent conductive film, a transparent dielectric layer formed on a surface of the contact electrode and including a refractive index lower than the contact electrode, and a pad electrode electrically connected to the contact electrode. The light emitting element is flip-chip mounted on the wiring layer. A part of the transparent dielectric layer is formed between the contact electrode and the pad electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Suehiro, Shigeo Takaya
  • Patent number: 8129744
    Abstract: A light emitting device is provided that includes a substrate, a light emitting unit formed on the substrate, and an encapsulation unit. The encapsulation unit may include a first region corresponding to the light emitting unit and a second region coalesced with the substrate. The encapsulation unit of the first region or a part of the encapsulation unit of the first region may have a positive curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hongmo Koo, Daeyang Oh
  • Patent number: 8129745
    Abstract: The instant pulse filter according to the present invention, which may cause a malfunction or a short life span of a semiconductor device, is made using an aluminum anodic oxidation, comprising—a first step for forming an aluminum thin film layer on an upper side of an insulator substrate; a second step for forming an aluminum oxide thin film layer having a pore by oxidizing the aluminum thin film layer by means of an anodic oxidation; a third step for depositing a metallic material on an upper side of the aluminum thin film layer for filling the pore; a fourth step for forming a nano rod in the interior of the aluminum oxide thin film layer by eliminating the metallic material deposited except in the pore; a fifth step for forming an internal electrode on an upper side of the aluminum oxide thin film layer having the nano rod; a sixth step for forming a protective film layer on an upper side of the same in order to protect the aluminum oxide thin film layer and the internal electrode from the external enviro
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Nextron Corporation
    Inventors: Hak Beom Moon, Jin Hyung Cho, Suc Hyun Bang, Cheol Hwan Kim, Yoon Hyung Jang
  • Patent number: 8129746
    Abstract: A phase change memory device having a strain transistor and a method of making the same are presented. The phase change memory device includes a semiconductor substrate, a junction word line, switching diodes, and a strain transistor. The semiconductor substrate includes a cell area and a core/peri area. The junction word line is formed in the cell area of the semiconductor substrate and includes a strain stress supplying layer doped with impurities. The switching diodes are electrically coupled to the junction word line. The strain transistor is formed in the core/peri area of the substrate and acts as a driving transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Nam Kyun Park
  • Patent number: 8129747
    Abstract: Dislocation pile-ups in compositionally graded semiconductor layers are reduced or eliminated, thereby leading to increased semiconductor device yield and manufacturability. This is accomplished by introducing a semiconductor layer having a plurality of threading dislocations distributed substantially uniformly across its surface as a starting layer and/or at least one intermediate layer during growth and relaxation of the compositionally graded layer. The semiconductor layer may include a seed layer disposed proximal to the surface of the semiconductor layer and having the threading dislocations uniformly distributed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard Westhoff, Vicky Yang, Matthew T. Currie, Christopher J. Vineis, Christopher Leitz
  • Patent number: 8129748
    Abstract: A nitride semiconductor device includes: a first nitride semiconductor layer; a second nitride semiconductor layer formed on the first nitride semiconductor layer and having a wider band gap than the first nitride semiconductor layer; and a third nitride semiconductor layer formed on the second nitride semiconductor layer. A region of the third nitride semiconductor layer located below the gate electrode is formed with a control region having a p-type conductivity, and a region of the third nitride semiconductor layer located between the gate electrode and each of the source electrode and the drain electrode is formed with a high resistive region having a higher resistance than the that of the control region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Uemoto, Masahiro Hikita, Tetsuzo Ueda, Tsuyoshi Tanaka, Daisuke Ueda
  • Patent number: 8129749
    Abstract: Double quantum well structures for transistors are generally described. In one example, an apparatus includes a semiconductor substrate, one or more buffer layers coupled to the semiconductor substrate, a first barrier layer coupled to the one or more buffer layers, a first quantum well channel coupled with the first barrier layer wherein the first quantum well channel includes a group III-V semiconductor material or a group II-VI semiconductor material, or combinations thereof, a second barrier layer coupled to the first quantum well channel, and a second quantum well channel coupled to the barrier layer wherein the second quantum well channel includes a group III-V semiconductor material or a group II-VI semiconductor material, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Ravi Pillarisetty, Mantu K. Hudait, Marko Radosavljevic, Gilbert Dewey, Titash Rakshit, Jack T. Kavalieros
  • Patent number: 8129750
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate portion having a plurality of diffusion regions defined therein in a non-symmetrical manner relative to a virtual line defined to bisect the substrate portion. The semiconductor device includes a gate electrode level region including a number of conductive features defined to extend in only a first parallel direction. Adjacent ones of the number of conductive features that share a common line of extent in the first parallel direction are fabricated from respective originating layout features that are separated from each other by an end-to-end spacing having a size that is substantially equal across the gate electrode level region and is minimized to an extent allowed by a semiconductor device manufacturing capability. The gate electrode level region includes conductive features defined along at least four different virtual lines of extent in the first parallel direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Tela Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott T. Becker, Michael C. Smayling
  • Patent number: 8129751
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate portion having a plurality of diffusion regions defined therein in a non-symmetrical manner relative to a virtual line defined to bisect the substrate portion. The semiconductor device includes a gate electrode level region including a number of conductive features defined to extend in only a first parallel direction. Adjacent ones of the conductive features that share a common line of extent in the first parallel direction are fabricated from respective originating layout features separated by an end-to-end spacing having a size that is substantially equal across the gate electrode level region and is minimized to an extent allowed by a semiconductor device manufacturing capability. Conductive features are defined along at least four different virtual lines of extent in the first parallel direction. A width of the conductive features is less than a wavelength of light used in a photolithography process for their fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Tela Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott T. Becker, Michael C. Smayling
  • Patent number: 8129752
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate portion including a plurality of diffusion regions defined in a non-symmetrical manner relative to a virtual bisecting line. A gate electrode level region above the substrate portion includes a number of conductive features that extend in only a first parallel direction. Adjacent conductive features that share a common line of extent in the first parallel direction are fabricated from respective originating layout features separated by an equal and minimal sized end-to-end spacing. Conductive features are defined along at least four different virtual lines of extent in the first parallel direction. A width of the conductive features within a photolithographic interaction radius is less than a wavelength of light of 193 nanometers as used in a photolithography process for their fabrication. The photolithographic interaction radius is five times the wavelength of light used in the photolithography process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Tela Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott T. Becker, Michael C. Smayling
  • Patent number: 8129753
    Abstract: A layout of a cell of a semiconductor device is disclosed to include a diffusion level layout including a plurality of diffusion region layout shapes, including p-type and n-type diffusion regions. The layout of the cell also includes a gate electrode level layout defined to include a number of linear-shaped layout features placed to extend in only a first parallel direction. Each of the number of the linear-shaped layout features within the gate electrode level layout of the restricted layout region is rectangular-shaped. Linear-shaped layout features within the gate electrode level layout extend over one or more of the p-type and/or n-type diffusion regions to form PMOS and NMOS transistor devices. A total number of the PMOS and NMOS transistor devices in the cell is greater than or equal to eight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Tela Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott T. Becker, Michael C. Smayling
  • Patent number: 8129754
    Abstract: A cell of a semiconductor device is disclosed to include a diffusion level including a plurality of diffusion regions separated by inactive regions. The cell also includes a gate electrode level including a number of conductive features defined to extend in only a first parallel direction. Each of the conductive features within the gate electrode level is fabricated from a respective originating rectangular-shaped layout feature. The gate electrode level includes conductive features defined along at least four different virtual lines of extent in the first parallel direction. The cell also includes a number of interconnect levels formed above the gate electrode level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Tela Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott T. Becker, Michael C. Smayling
  • Patent number: 8129755
    Abstract: A cell of a semiconductor device is disclosed to include a diffusion level including a plurality of diffusion regions separated by inactive regions. The cell also includes a gate electrode level including a number of conductive features defined to extend in only a first parallel direction. Adjacent ones of the number of conductive features that share a common line of extent in the first parallel direction are fabricated from respective originating layout features that are separated from each other by an end-to-end spacing having a size that is substantially equal across the gate electrode level region and is minimized to an extent allowed by a semiconductor device manufacturing capability. The gate electrode level includes conductive features defined along at least four different virtual lines of extent in the first parallel direction. The cell also includes a number of interconnect levels formed above the gate electrode level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Tela Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott T. Becker, Michael C. Smayling
  • Patent number: 8129756
    Abstract: A cell of a semiconductor device is disclosed to include a diffusion level including a plurality of diffusion regions separated by inactive regions. The cell also includes a gate electrode level including conductive features defined to extend in only a first parallel direction. Adjacent ones of the conductive features that share a common line of extent in the first parallel direction are fabricated from respective originating layout features that are separated from each other by an end-to-end spacing having a size that is substantially equal across the gate electrode level region and is minimized to an extent allowed by a semiconductor device manufacturing capability. The gate electrode level includes conductive features defined along at least four different virtual lines of extent in the first parallel direction. A width of the conductive features is less than a wavelength of light used in a photolithography process for their fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Tela Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott T. Becker, Michael C. Smayling
  • Patent number: 8129757
    Abstract: A cell of a semiconductor device includes a diffusion level including a plurality of diffusion regions separated by inactive regions. The cell also includes a gate electrode level including conductive features defined to extend in only a first parallel direction. Adjacent ones of the conductive features that share a common line of extent in the first parallel direction are fabricated from respective originating layout features that are separated from each other by an end-to-end spacing having a size that is substantially equal and minimized across the gate electrode level. Some of the conductive features form respective PMOS and/or NMOS transistor devices. A total number of the PMOS and NMOS transistor devices in the cell is greater than or equal to eight. A width of the conductive features in the gate electrode level is less than a wavelength of light used in a photolithography process for their fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Tela Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott T. Becker, Michael C. Smayling
  • Patent number: 8129758
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor layer including silicon carbide, which has been formed on a substrate; a semiconductor region 15 of a first conductivity type defined on the surface of the semiconductor layer 10; a semiconductor region 14 of a second conductivity type, which is defined on the surface 10s of the semiconductor layer so as to surround the semiconductor region 15 of the first conductivity type; and a conductor 19 with a conductive surface 19s that contacts with the semiconductor regions 15 and 14 of the first and second conductivity types. On the surface 10s of the semiconductor layer, the semiconductor region 15 of the first conductivity type has at least one first strip portion 60 that runs along a first axis i. The width C1 of the semiconductor region 15 of the first conductivity type as measured along the first axis i is greater than the width A1 of the conductive surface 19s as measured along the first axis i.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Masao Uchida, Masashi Hayashi, Koichi Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 8129759
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a semiconductor integrated circuit package that includes a substrate which can have an integrated circuit die attached thereto. The package includes a dedicated high-speed ground plane that is electrically isolated from the ground plane used to ground the low speed circuitry of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: LSI Logic Corporation
    Inventors: Maurice O. Othieno, Chok J. Chia, Amar J. Amin
  • Patent number: 8129760
    Abstract: A structure which meets a high-quality reading requirement and realizes high-speed color reading when the reading section of a color image forming apparatus adopts a color contact image sensor using CCDs as reading element arrays is disclosed. The image sensor of a color image reading section uses a color contact image sensor in which a plurality of CCDs are aligned as reading element arrays in the main scanning direction. In this case, each CCD has one analog shift register for RGB time-division reading, and three R, G, and B reading apertures arranged parallel to each other at a pitch corresponding to the reading resolution. The pixel pitch in the main scanning direction is constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenji Hiromatsu
  • Patent number: 8129761
    Abstract: Low leakage contacts on leakage sensitive areas of a CMOS imager, such as a floating diffusion region or a photodiode, are disclosed. At least one low leakage polysilicon contact is provided over a leakage sensitive area of a CMOS imager. The polysilicon contact comprises a polysilicon region in direct contact with the area of interest (the leakage sensitive area) and a metal region located over the polysilicon region. The polysilicon contact provides an improved ohmic contact with less leakage into the substrate. The polysilicon contact may be provided with other conventional metal contacts, which are employed in areas of the CMOS imager that do not require low leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Aptina Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Xiaofeng Fan, Richard A. Mauritzson, Howard E. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 8129762
    Abstract: A method is provided for processing a substrate. The substrate has at least one filter region, a plurality of bond pads, and a plurality of scribe lines arranged around the filter region and bond pads. A first planarization layer is formed above the substrate. The planarization layer has a substantially flat top surface overlying the filter region, the bond pads and the scribe lines. At least one color resist layer is formed over the first planarization layer and within the filter region while the first planarization layer covers the bond pads and the scribe lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fu-Tien Weng, Yu-Kung Hsiao, Hung-Jen Hsu, Yi-Ming Dai, Chin Chen Kuo, Te-Fu Tseng, Chih-Kung Chang, Jack Deng, Chung-Sheng Hsiung, Bii-Junq Chang
  • Patent number: 8129763
    Abstract: A MOS device includes first and second source/drains spaced apart relative to one another. A channel is formed in the device between the first and second source/drains. A gate is formed in the device between the first and second source/drains and proximate the channel, the gate being electrically isolated from the first and second source/drains and the channel. The gate is configured to control a conduction of the channel as a function of a potential applied to the gate. The MOS device further includes an energy filter formed between the first source/drain and the channel. The energy filter includes a superlattice structure wherein a mini-band is formed. The energy filter is operative to control an injection of carriers from the first source/drain into the channel. The energy filter, in combination with the first source/drain, is configured to produce an effective zero-Kelvin first source/drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mikael T. Bjoerk, Siegfried F. Karg, Joachim Knoch, Heike E. Riel, Walter H. Riess, Heinz Schmid
  • Patent number: 8129764
    Abstract: Imager devices have a sensor array and a peripheral region at least partially surrounding the sensor array. At least one transistor in the peripheral region has a gate stack sidewall spacer that differs in composition from a gate stack sidewall spacer on at least one transistor in the sensor array. Imaging systems include such an imager device configured to communicate electrically with at least one electronic signal processor and at least one memory storage device. Methods of forming such imager devices include providing layers of oxide and nitride materials over transistors on a workpiece, and using etching processes to form gate stack sidewall spacers on the transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Aptina Imaging Corporation
    Inventor: Salman Akram
  • Patent number: 8129765
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a logic region and an APS region having a first gate electrode, a photo-detector, a first protecting layer, first spacers, and a second protecting layer. The first gate electrode is formed over a semiconductor substrate. The photo-detector is formed to a side of the first gate electrode within the semiconductor substrate. The first protecting layer is formed over the first gate electrode and the photo-detector. The first spacers are formed over the first protecting layer to the sides of the first gate electrode. The second protecting layer is formed over the first protecting layer and the spacers. The first and second protecting layers are for preventing a contaminant from reaching the photo-detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ui-Sik Kim, Young-Hoon Park
  • Patent number: 8129766
    Abstract: A memory includes first contact plugs; ferroelectric capacitors above the first contact plugs; second contact plugs in a first interlayer film being below an area which is between two adjacent ferroelectric capacitors, the second contact plug; first interconnections connected to the second contact plugs, the first interconnections extending in a first direction substantially perpendicular to an arrangement direction, in which the two ferroelectric capacitors are arranged, on the first interlayer film; a second interlayer film above the first interlayer film and the first interconnection; third contact plugs in the second interlayer film, the third contact plugs being respectively connected to the first interconnections at positions shifted from the second contact plugs in the first direction; and second interconnections electrically connecting the third contact plug to the upper electrodes of the two ferroelectric capacitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Susumu Shuto
  • Patent number: 8129767
    Abstract: Ferroelectric polymer memory modules are described. In an example, a module has a first set of layers including a first ILD layer defining trenches therein, a first electrode layer disposed in the trenches of the first ILD layer, a first conductive polymer layer disposed on the first electrode layer and in the trenches of the first ILD layer, and a ferroelectric polymer layer disposed on the first conductive polymer layer, in and extending beyond the trenches of the first ILD layer. The module also has a second set of layers disposed on the first set of layers to define memory cells therewith. The second set of layers includes a second ILD layer defining trenches therein, a second conductive polymer layer disposed in the trenches of the second ILD layer, and a second electrode layer disposed on the second conductive polymer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Lee D. Rockford, Ebrahim Andideh
  • Patent number: 8129768
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device of the present invention includes a substrate on which at least two types of nano wire element are provided. These nano wire elements have functions and materials different from each other. The nano wire elements are constituted by nano wires having sizes differing depending on types of nano wire element. With this, it is possible to dramatically improve a function of the integrated circuit device, as compared with an integrated circuit device including a substrate on which one type of nano wire element is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignees: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha, Nanosys, Inc.
    Inventors: Akihide Shibata, Katsumasa Fujii, Yutaka Takafuji, Hiroshi Iwata
  • Patent number: 8129769
    Abstract: A semiconductor device having a 6F2 memory cell whose size is defined by a numerical value of a design rule F, wherein: lower electrodes of capacitors included in the memory cell are supported by a support film; the support film is formed as a pattern combining a first support pattern (14x) linearly extending in a first direction and a second support pattern (14y) linearly extending in a second direction that crosses to the first direction; the support film is arranged such that the intervals of the first and second support patterns are both equal to or greater than 1.5F; and the interval of one of the first and second support patterns is greater than the interval of the other one of the first and second support patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Elpida Memory, Inc.
    Inventor: Tomohiro Kadoya
  • Patent number: 8129770
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a silicon substrate having an active region, a memory transistor having a pair of source/drain regions and a gate electrode layer, a hard mask layer on the gate electrode layer having a plane pattern shape identical with that of the gate electrode layer, and plug conductive layers each electrically connected to each of the pair of source/drain regions. An extending direction of the active region is not perpendicular to that of the gate electrode layer, but is oblique. Upper surfaces of the hard mask layer and each of the plug conductive layers form substantially an identical plane. This can attain a semiconductor device allowing significant enlargement of a margin in a photolithographic process, suppression of an “aperture defect” as well as ensuring of a process tolerance of a “short” by decreasing a microloading effect, and decrease in a contact resistance, and a manufacturing method thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeru Shiratake
  • Patent number: 8129771
    Abstract: In a full CMOS SRAM having a lateral type cell (memory cell having three partitioned wells arranged side by side in a word line extending direction and longer in the word line direction than in the bit line direction) including first and second driver MOS transistors, first and second load MOS transistors and first and second access MOS transistors, two capacitors are arranged spaced apart from each other on embedded interconnections to be storage nodes, with lower and upper cell plates cross-coupled to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Takahiro Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 8129772
    Abstract: Disclosed are integrated circuit structures each having a silicon germanium film incorporated as a local interconnect and/or an electrical contact. These integrated circuit structures provide improved local interconnects between devices and/or increased capacitance to devices without significantly increasing structure surface area or power requirements. Specifically, disclosed are integrated circuit structures that incorporate a silicon germanium film as one or more of the following features: as a local interconnect between devices; as an electrical contact to a device (e.g., a deep trench capacitor, a source/drain region of a transistor, etc.); as both an electrical contact to a deep trench capacitor and a local interconnect between the deep trench capacitor and another device; and as both an electrical contact to a deep trench capacitor and as a local interconnect between the deep trench capacitor and other devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Steven H. Voldman