Abstract: Embodiments of the present description include stacked microelectronic dice embedded in a microelectronic substrate and methods of fabricating the same. In one embodiment, at least one first microelectronic die is attached to a second microelectronic die, wherein an underfill material is provided between the second microelectronic die and the at least one first microelectronic die. The microelectronic substrate is then formed by laminating the first microelectronic die and the second microelectronic die in a substrate material.

Abstract: There is provided a method of fabricating a semiconductor device, method including: a) forming semiconductor elements in plural element regions surrounded by assumed dicing lines on a first principal surface of a semiconductor wafer; b) grinding the second principal surface in such a way that an outer peripheral portion of a second principal surface on the opposite side of the first principal surface of the semiconductor wafer becomes thicker than an inner peripheral portion of the second principal surface; c) forming a metal film, in such a way as to avoid sections corresponding to the dicing lines, on the second principal surface that has been ground in the grinding step; and d) cutting the semiconductor wafer from the second principal surface side along portions where the metal film is not formed on the dicing lines.

Abstract: Silicon processing technology is used to generate an array of micro messages. These micro messages can contain at least one stick figure, or at least one word, or at least one stick figure and at least one word, or at least one stick figure and a grid mark, or at least one word and a grid mark, or at least one stick figure and at least one word and a grid mark. Grid marks are associated with the micro message and used to identify the X and Y Cartesian coordinates of the message. A plurality of conductive traces is used to form the micro messages. Each micro message can be completely encapsulated in silicon dioxide or at least one conductive trace can be connected to one of the tubs.

Abstract: A memory having an array of perpendicular spin-transfer torque (STT) magnetic random access memory (MRAM) cells, wherein each cell has a magnetic layer stack. A magnetic shield disposed between the cells and having a minimum height of at least the height of the magnetic layer stacks.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forming semiconductor wafers with wafer support structures includes: multiple semiconductor devices formed in multiple semiconductor dies. An electrical interconnect structure is formed over the semiconductor devices and providing electrical connections to the semiconductor devices. The electrical interconnect structure includes multiple metallization layers. At least one portion of at least one metallization layer includes variations in density of conductive lines or conducting devices as compared to the other portions of the metallization layers. At least one wafer support structure is formed substantially across a width of the semiconductor wafer. The semiconductor wafer being thinned to between about 40 um and about 200 um after the semiconductor devices formed thereon.

Abstract: Radio-frequency (RF) devices are fabricated by providing a field-effect transistor (FET) formed over an oxide layer, forming one or more electrical connections to the FET, forming one or more dielectric layers over at least a portion of the electrical connections, electrically coupling an electrical element to the FET via the one or more electrical connections, disposing a handle wafer layer on at least a portion of the one or more dielectric layers, the handle wafer layer being at least partially over the electrical element; and removing at least a portion of the handle wafer layer to form an opening exposing at least a portion of the electrical element.

Abstract: The present invention discloses small-size battery protection packages and provides a process of fabricating small-size battery protection packages. A battery protection package includes a first common-drain metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET), a second common-drain MOSFET, a power control integrated circuit (IC), a plurality of solder balls, a plurality of conductive bumps, and a packaging layer. The power control IC is vertically stacked on top of the first and second common-drain MOSFETs. At least a majority portion of the power control IC and at least majority portions of the plurality of solder balls are embedded into the packaging layer.

Abstract: Transmission lines with a first dielectric material separating signal traces and a second dielectric material separating the signal traces from a ground plane. In embodiments, mutual capacitance is tuned relative to self-capacitance to reverse polarity of far end crosstalk between a victim and aggressor channel relative to that induced by other interconnect portions along the length of the channels, such as inductively coupled portions. In embodiments, a transmission line for a single-ended channel includes a material of a higher dielectric constant within the same routing plane as a microstrip or stripline conductor, and a material of a lower dielectric constant between the conductor and the ground plane(s). In embodiments, a transmission line for a differential pair includes a material of a lower dielectric constant within the same routing plane as a microstrip or stripline conductors, and a material of a higher dielectric constant between the conductors and the ground plane(s).

Abstract: An apparatus including a planar semiconductor substrate including a plurality of devices and a first pattern of electrical contacts formed on the first surface of the semiconductor substrate; and a plurality of layers of conductive material alternating between dielectric material on the first surface of the semiconductor substrate, the plurality of layers of conductive material including a wiring layer including a second pattern of electrical contacts, wherein the second surface of the semiconductor substrate includes openings to the first pattern of electrical contacts. A method including forming a space transformer including a semiconductor substrate including, on a device side, a device region, a first pattern of electrical contacts, and at least one routing layer and a pad layer including a second pattern of electrical contacts; and forming openings through the space transformer to the first pattern of electrical contacts on the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor package. Implementations include forming on a die backside an intermediate metal layer having multiple sublayers, each including a metal selected from the group consisting of titanium, nickel, copper, silver, and combinations thereof. A tin layer is deposited onto the intermediate metal layer and is then reflowed with a silver layer of a substrate to form an intermetallic layer having a melting temperature above 260 degrees Celsius and including an intermetallic consisting of silver and tin and/or an intermetallic consisting of copper and tin. Another method of forming a semiconductor package includes forming a bump on each of a plurality of exposed pads of a top side of a die, each exposed pad surrounded by a passivation layer, each bump including an intermediate metal layer as described above and a tin layer coupled to the intermediate metal layer is reflowed to form an intermetallic layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having a terminal site (100) including a flat pad (110) of a first metal covered by a layer (130) of dielectric material, the layer over the pad parallel to the pad and having a window of a first diameter (132) exposing the surface of the underlying pad. The terminal site further has a patch-shaped film (140) of a second metal covering the surface of the exposed first metal and the surface of an annulus of the dielectric layer framing the window, the film patch having a second diameter (141) greater than the first diameter; and a bump (150) of a third metal adhering to the film, the bump having a third diameter (151) smaller than the second diameter, whereby the film protrudes like a flange from the bump.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a semiconductor package having a fan-out structure in which a semiconductor chip is buried by an encapsulation member and an external connection member is disposed below the buried semiconductor chip. The semiconductor package includes an embedded rewiring pattern layer, an upper semiconductor chip disposed above the embedded rewiring pattern layer, an upper encapsulation member encapsulating the upper semiconductor chip, a lower semiconductor chip disposed below the embedded rewiring pattern layer, and a lower encapsulation member encapsulating the lower semiconductor chip to prevent exposure thereof.

Abstract: The present description relates to the field of fabricating microelectronic assemblies, wherein a microelectronic device may be attached to a microelectronic substrate with a plurality of shaped and oriented solder joints. The shaped and oriented solder joints may be substantially oval, wherein the major axis of the substantially oval solder joints may be substantially oriented toward a neutral point or center of the microelectronic device. Embodiments of the shaped and oriented solder joint may reduce the potential of solder joint failure due to stresses, such as from thermal expansion stresses between the microelectronic device and the microelectronic substrate.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has a first semiconductor die including an active region formed on a surface of the first semiconductor die. The active region of the first semiconductor die can include a sensor. An encapsulant is deposited over the first semiconductor die. A conductive layer is formed over the encapsulant and first semiconductor die. An insulating layer can be formed over the first semiconductor die. An opening is formed in the insulating layer over the active region. A transmissive layer is formed over the first semiconductor die including the active region. The transmissive layer includes an optical dielectric material or an optical transparent or translucent material. The active region is responsive to an external stimulus passing through the transmissive layer. A plurality of bumps is formed through the encapsulant and electrically connected to the conductive layer. A second semiconductor die is disposed adjacent to the first semiconductor die.

Abstract: A device integration method and integrated device. The method may include the steps of directly bonding a semiconductor device having a substrate to an element; and removing a portion of the substrate to expose a remaining portion of the semiconductor device after bonding. The element may include one of a substrate used for thermal spreading, impedance matching or for RF isolation, an antenna, and a matching network comprised of passive elements. A second thermal spreading substrate may be bonded to the remaining portion of the semiconductor device. Interconnections may be made through the first or second substrates. The method may also include bonding a plurality of semiconductor devices to an element, and the element may have recesses in which the semiconductor devices are disposed.

Abstract: A semiconductor package device is disclosed that includes a passive energy component integrated therein. In an implementation, the semiconductor package device includes a semiconductor substrate having a first surface and a second surface. The semiconductor substrate includes one or more integrated circuits formed proximal to the first surface. The semiconductor package device also includes a passive energy component positioned over the second surface. The passive energy component is electrically connected to one or more integrated circuits. The semiconductor package device also includes an encapsulation structure disposed over the second surface and at least substantially encapsulates the passive energy component.

Abstract: Packages structure and methods of forming them are discussed. A structure includes a first die, a first encapsulant at least laterally encapsulating the first die, and a redistribution structure on the first die and the first encapsulant. The second die is attached by an external electrical connector to the redistribution structure. The second die is on an opposite side of the redistribution structure from the first die. A second encapsulant is on the redistribution structure and at least laterally encapsulates the second die. The second encapsulant has a surface distal from the redistribution structure. A conductive feature extends from the redistribution structure through the second encapsulant to the surface of the second encapsulant. A conductive pillar is on the conductive feature, and the conductive pillar protrudes from the surface of the second encapsulant.

Abstract: A multi-stacked structure of semiconductor packages includes a plurality of substrates stacked in a vertical direction, semiconductor packages mounted on each substrate of the plurality of the substrates, a heat release column extending commonly through the plurality of the substrates and overlapping at least one semiconductor package serving as a heat generation source among the semiconductor packages in the vertical direction, and a heat dissipation part thermally connected to one end of the heat release column.

Abstract: Interconnect structures with intermetallic palladium joints are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of forming an interconnect structure includes depositing a first conductive material comprising nickel on a first conductive surface of a first die, and depositing a second conductive material comprising nickel on a second conductive surface of a second die spaced apart from the first surface. The method further includes depositing a third conductive material on the second conductive material, and thermally compressing tin/solder between the first and third conductive materials to form an intermetallic palladium joint that extends between the first conductive material and the second conductive material such that one end of the intermetallic palladium joint is bonded directly to the first conductive material and an opposite end of the intermetallic palladium joint is bonded directly to the second conductive material.

Abstract: A semiconductor package structure and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The semiconductor package structure comprises a substrate, a first chip, a first dielectric layer, a dielectric encapsulation layer and at least one first via. The first chip is disposed on the substrate. The first chip has a first landing area. The first dielectric layer is disposed on the first chip. The dielectric encapsulation layer encapsulates the first chip and the first dielectric layer. The at least one first via penetrates through the dielectric encapsulation layer and the first dielectric layer. The at least one first via connects to the first landing area of the first chip.

Abstract: An embodiment device package includes a fan-out redistribution layer (RDL), a device over and bonded to the fan-out RDL, and a molding compound over the fan-out RDL and extending along sidewalls of the device. The device includes a first functional tier having a first metallization layer and a second functional tier having a second metallization layer. The second functional tier is bonded to the first functional tier. The device further includes an interconnect structure electrically connecting the first metallization layer to the second metallization layer. The interconnect structure includes an inter-tier via (ITV) at least partially disposed in both the first functional tier and the second functional tier, and the ITV contacts the first metallization layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first substrate, a second substrate stacked over the first substrate, and a pillar member extending obliquely between the first and second substrates. The first substrate includes a mounting surface on which a semiconductor chip is mounted, with a resin interposed between the semiconductor chip and the mounting surface and extending beyond the periphery of the semiconductor chip on the mounting surface. The first substrate further includes a first pad forming part of the mounting surface and disposed outside the resin. The second substrate includes a second pad forming part of its surface facing toward the mounting surface. The second pad at least overlaps the resin when viewed in a direction in which the second substrate is stacked over the first substrate. The pillar member has first and second ends joined to the first and second pads, respectively, to electrically connect the first and second substrates.

Abstract: A light emitting device according to the embodiment includes a support substrate; a first light emitting structure disposed on the support substrate and including a first conductive type first semiconductor layer, a first active layer, and a second conductive type second semiconductor layer; a first reflective electrode under the first light emitting structure; a first metal layer around the first reflective electrode; a second light emitting structure disposed on the support substrate and including a first conductive type third semiconductor layer, a second active layer, and a second conductive type fourth semiconductor layer; a second reflective electrode under the second light emitting structure; a second metal layer around the second reflective electrode; and a contact part making contact with an inner portion of the first conductive type first semiconductor layer of the first light emitting structure and electrically connected to the second reflective electrode.

Abstract: A power semiconductor package includes a substrate having a plurality of metal leads, a power semiconductor die attached to a first one of the leads and a magnetic field sensor integrated in the same power semiconductor package as the power semiconductor die and positioned in close proximity to a current pathway of the power semiconductor die. The magnetic field sensor is operable to generate a signal in response to a magnetic field produced by current flowing in the current pathway, the magnitude of the signal being proportional to the amount of current flowing in the current pathway.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an ESD device is configured to include a trigger device that assists in forming a trigger of the ESD device. The trigger device is configured to enable a transistor or a transistor of an SCR responsively to an input voltage having a value that is no less than the trigger value of the ESD device.

Abstract: An integrated transistor structure includes an epitaxial layer on a semiconductor substrate, a power transistor formed in a first region of the epitaxial layer and having a drain region, a source region and a body region shorted to the source region, a bipolar transistor formed in a second region of the epitaxial layer spaced apart from the power transistor. A first trench structure formed in the epitaxial layer adjacent at least two opposing lateral sides of the power transistor includes a gate electrode spaced apart from a channel region of the power transistor by an insulating material. A second trench structure formed in the epitaxial layer adjacent at least two opposing lateral sides of the bipolar transistor includes a trench electrode spaced apart from the epitaxial layer by an insulating material. The gate electrode, base and emitter of the bipolar transistor are connected to different contacts isolated from one another.

Abstract: Performance of a semiconductor device is improved without increasing an area size of a semiconductor chip. For example, a source electrode of a power transistor and an upper electrode of a capacitor element have an overlapping portion. In other word, the upper electrode of the capacitor element is formed over the source electrode of the power transistor through a capacitor insulating film. That is, the power transistor and the capacitor element are arranged in a laminated manner in a thickness direction of the semiconductor chip. As a result, it becomes possible to add a capacitor element to be electrically coupled to the power transistor while suppressing an increase in planar size of the semiconductor chip.

Abstract: An integrated circuit and method with a metal gate transistor and with a Schottky diode where the metal used to form the Schottky diode is the metal used to form the metal gate.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device comprises forming a first sacrificial gate stack on a substrate, depositing an insulator layer on the substrate, adjacent to the first sacrificial gate stack, removing the first sacrificial gate stack to define a first cavity, forming a first metal gate in the first cavity, and depositing a conductive metal over a portion of the substrate adjacent to the first metal gate such that the first metal gate and the conductive metal partially define a capacitor.

Abstract: An integrated sensor for detecting the presence of an environmental material and/or condition includes a sensing structure and first and second bipolar junction transistors (BJTs). The first BJT has a base that is electrically coupled with the sensing structure and is configured to generate an output signal indicative of a change in stored charge in the sensing structure. The second BJT is configured to amplify the output signal of the first bipolar junction transistor. The first and second BJTs and the sensing structure are monolithically formed a common substrate.

Abstract: Macro-transistor structures are disclosed. In some cases, the macro-transistor structures have the same number of terminals and properties similar to long-channel transistors, but are suitable for analog circuits in deep-submicron technologies at deep-submicron process nodes. The macro-transistor structures can be implemented, for instance, with a plurality of transistors constructed and arranged in series, and with their gates tied together, generally referred to herein as a transistor stack. One or more of the serial transistors within the stack can be implemented with a plurality of parallel transistors and/or can have a threshold voltage that is different from the threshold voltages of other transistors in the stack. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more of the serial transistors within the macro-transistor can be statically or dynamically controlled to tune the performance characteristics of the macro-transistor.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure is provided comprising a vertical channel structure extending from a substrate and formed as a channel between a source region and a drain region. The semiconductor structure further comprises a metal gate that surrounds a portion of the vertical channel structure. The metal gate has a gate length. The metal gate has a first gate section with a first workfunction and a first thickness. The metal gate also has a second gate section with a second workfunction and a second thickness. The first thickness level is different from the second thickness level and the sum of the first thickness level and the second thickness level is equal to the gate length. The ratio of the first thickness level to the second thickness level for the gate length was chosen to achieve a threshold voltage level for the semiconductor device.

Abstract: A semiconductor device, including: a first layer including monocrystalline material and first transistors, the first transistors overlaid by a first isolation layer; a second layer including second transistors and overlaying the first isolation layer, the second transistors including a monocrystalline material; where the second layer includes at least one through layer via to provide connection between at least one of the second transistors and at least one of the first transistors, where the at least one through layer via has a diameter of less than 200 nm; a first set of external connections underlying the first layer to connect the device to external devices; and a second set of external connections overlying the second layer to connect the device to external devices.

Abstract: A contact structure includes a first contact formed in a first dielectric layer connecting to the source/drain region of a MOS transistor, and a second contact formed in a second dielectric layer connecting to a gate region of a MOS transistor or to a first contact. A butted contact structure abutting a source/drain region and a gate electrode includes a first contact formed in a first dielectric layer connecting to the source/drain region of a MOS transistor, and a second contact formed in a second dielectric layer with one end resting on the gate electrode and the other end in contact with the first contact.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. In one aspect, the method includes forming a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer sequentially on a substrate. The method also includes patterning the second and first semiconductor layers to form an initial fin. The method also includes selectively etching the first semiconductor layer of the initial fin to form a lateral recess in the first semiconductor layer. The method also includes filling the lateral recess with a dielectric material to form a body spacer. The method also includes forming an isolation layer on the substrate, wherein the isolation layer partially exposes the body spacer and thus defines a fin above the isolation layer. The method also includes forming a gate stack intersecting the fins on the isolation layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate having a logic device region including logic devices thereon, and an input/output (I/O) device region including I/O devices thereon adjacent the logic device region. A first fin field-effect transistor (FinFET) on the logic device region includes a first semiconductor fin protruding from the substrate, and a triple-gate structure having a first gate dielectric layer and a first gate electrode thereon. A second FinFET on the I/O device region includes a second semiconductor fin protruding from the substrate, and a double-gate structure having a second gate dielectric layer and a second gate electrode thereon. The first and second gate dielectric layers have different thicknesses. Related devices and fabrication methods are also discussed.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is described, including a substrate including a first area and a second area, a first MOS element of a first conductivity type in the first area, and a second MOS element of the first conductivity type in the second area. The first area is closer to a pick-up region of the substrate than the second area. The substrate has a second conductivity type. The bottom depth of a first electrical conduction path in the substrate in the first area is smaller than that of a second electrical conduction path in the substrate in the second area.

Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor device includes forming a first fin of a first transistor in a substrate; forming a second fin of a second transistor in the substrate; disposing a first doped oxide layer including a first dopant onto the first fin and the second fin, the first dopant being an n-type dopant or a p-type dopant; disposing a mask over the first fin and removing the first doped oxide layer from the second fin; removing the mask and disposing a second doped oxide layer onto the first doped oxide layer over the first doped oxide layer covering the first fin and directly onto the second fin, the second doped oxide layer including an n-type dopant or a p-type dopant that is different than the first dopant; and annealing to drive in the first dopant into a portion of the first fin and the second dopant into a portion of the second fin.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure may be formed by forming a first semiconductor fin and a second inactive semiconductor fin above a substrate; depositing a masking layer above the first semiconductor fin and the second semiconductor fin; etching a trench in the masking layer exposing the second semiconductor fin while the first semiconductor fin remains covered by the masking layer; removing the second semiconductor fin to form a fin recess beneath the trench; filling the fin recess with an insulating material to form an insulating fence fin; and removing the masking layer to expose the first semiconductor fin and the insulating fence fin. A third semiconductor fin separating the first semiconductor fin from the second semiconductor fin may also be formed prior to depositing the masking layer and covered by the masking layer. The first semiconductor fin may be a pFET fin and the third semiconductor fin may be an nFET fin.

Abstract: A non-planar semiconductor structure containing semiconductor fins that are isolated from an underlying bulk silicon substrate by an epitaxial semiconductor stack is provided. The epitaxial semiconductor material stack that provides the isolation includes, from bottom to top, a semiconductor punch through stop containing at least one dopant of a conductivity type which differs from the conductivity type of the particular device region that the semiconductor fin is formed in, and a semiconductor diffusion barrier layer containing no n- or p-type dopant.

Abstract: A method of forming a gate structure for a semiconductor device that includes forming first spacers on the sidewalls of replacement gate structures that are present on a fin structure, wherein an upper surface of the first spacers is offset from an upper surface of the replacement gate structure, and forming at least second spacers on the first spacers and the exposed surfaces of the replacement gate structure. The method may further include substituting the replacement gate structure with a functional gate structure having a first width portion in a first space between adjacent first spacers, and a second width portion having a second width in a second space between adjacent second spacers, wherein the second width is greater than the first width.

Abstract: A two-transistor memory cell based upon a thyristor for an SRAM integrated circuit is described together with a process for fabricating it. The memory cell can be implemented in different combinations of MOS and bipolar select transistors, or without select transistors, with thyristors in a semiconductor substrate with shallow trench isolation. Standard CMOS process technology can be used to manufacture the SRAM.

Abstract: A method of forming contacts for a semiconductor device structure comprises forming contact holes extending into neighboring semiconductive pillars and into a nitride material of nitride-capped electrodes. Composite structures are formed within the contact holes and comprise oxide structures over sidewalls of the contact holes and nitride structures over the oxide structures. Conductive structures are formed over inner sidewalls of the composite structures. Additional nitride-capped electrodes are formed over the conductive structures and extend perpendicular to the nitride-capped electrodes. Pairs of nitride spacers are formed over opposing sidewalls of the additional nitride-capped electrodes and are separated from neighboring pairs of nitride spacers by apertures extending to upper surfaces of a portion of the neighboring semiconductive pillars. Portions of the oxide structures are removed to expose sidewalls of the portion of the neighboring semiconductive pillars.

Abstract: After formation of trench capacitors and source and drain regions and gate structures for access transistors, a dielectric spacer is formed on a first sidewall of each source region, while a second sidewall of each source region and sidewalls of drain regions are physically exposed. Each dielectric spacer can be employed as an etch mask during removal of trench top dielectric portions to form strap cavities for forming strap structures. Optionally, selective deposition of a semiconductor material can be performed to form raised source and drain regions. In this case, the raised source regions grow only from the first sidewalls and do not grow from the second sidewalls. The raised source regions can be employed as a part of an etch mask during formation of the strap cavities. The strap structures are formed as self-aligned structures that are electrically isolated from adjacent access transistors by the dielectric spacers.

Abstract: At least one dielectric pad layer is formed on a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate. A deep trench is formed in the SOI substrate, and a combination of an outer electrode, a node dielectric, and an inner electrode are formed such that the top surface of the inner electrode is recessed below the top surface of a buried insulator layer of the SOI substrate. Selective epitaxy is performed to fill a cavity overlying the inner electrode with an epitaxial semiconductor material portion. A top semiconductor material layer and the epitaxial semiconductor material portion are patterned to form a fin structure including a portion of the top semiconductor material layer and a portion of the epitaxial semiconductor material portion. The epitaxial semiconductor material portion functions as a conductive strap structure between the inner electrode and a semiconductor device to be formed on the fin structure.

Abstract: Trench capacitors can be formed between lengthwise sidewalls of semiconductor fins, and source and drain regions of access transistors are formed in the semiconductor fins. A dummy gate structure is formed between end walls of a neighboring pair of semiconductor fins, and limits the lateral extent of raised source and drain regions that are formed by selective epitaxy. The dummy gate structure prevents electrical shorts between neighboring semiconductor fins. Gate spacers can be formed around gate structures and the dummy gate structures. The dummy gate structures can be replaced with dummy replacement gate structures or dielectric material portions, or can remain the same without substitution of any material. The dummy gate structures may consist of at least one dielectric material, or may include electrically floating conductive material portions.

Abstract: A double sidewall image transfer process for forming FinFET structures having a fin pitch of less than 40 nm generates paired fins with a spacing determined by the width of a sidewall spacer that forms a second mandrel. Here, the fin pairs are created at two different spacings without requiring the minimum space for the standard sidewall structure. An enlarged space between paired fins is created by placing two first mandrel shapes close enough so as to overlap or merge two sidewall spacer shapes so as to form a wider second mandrel upon further processing. The fin pair created from the wider second mandrel is spaced at about 2 times the fin pair created from the narrower second mandrel. For some circuits, such as an SRAM bitcell, the wider second mandrel can be utilized to form an inactive fin not utilized in the circuit structure, which can be removed. In some embodiments, all dummy inactive fins are eliminated for a simpler process.

Abstract: Methods and structures for programmable device fabrication are provided. The methods for fabricating a programmable device include, for example forming at least one via opening in a layer of the programmable device and providing a catalyzing material over a lower surface of the at least one via opening; forming a plurality of nanowires or nanotubes in the at least one via opening using the catalyzing material as a catalyst for the forming of the plurality of nanowires or nanotubes; and providing a dielectric material in the at least one via opening so that the dielectric material surrounds the plurality of nanowires or nanotubes. The programmable device may, in subsequent or separate programming steps, have programming of the programmable device made permanent via thermal oxidation of the dielectric material and the plurality of nanowires or nanotubes, leaving a non-conducting material behind in the at least one via opening.

Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a substrate and a control gate formed over the substrate. The semiconductor device structure further includes a memory gate formed over the substrate and a first spacer formed on a sidewall of the memory gate. The semiconductor device structure further includes a contact formed over the memory gate, wherein a portion of the contact extends into the first spacer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided, which may include: a well of a first conductivity type located within a substrate of a second conductivity type; a well terminal electrically coupled to the well; a floating gate disposed over the well; a floating gate terminal electrically coupled to the floating gate; a control gate disposed over the floating gate and electrically coupled to the well; and a control gate terminal electrically coupled to the control gate; wherein the floating gate terminal is configured to receive a first voltage; wherein the control gate terminal and the well terminal are configured to receive a second voltage.