Patents Issued in November 9, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170323877
    Abstract: A layout includes a plurality of cells and at least one dummy gate electrode continuously extends across the cells. Since the dummy gate electrode is electrically conductive, the dummy gate electrode can be utilized for interconnecting the cells. That is, some signals may travel through the dummy gate electrode rather than through a metal one line or a metal two line. Therefore, an amount of metal one lines and/or metal two lines for interconnecting the cells can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Te LIN, Ting-Wei CHIANG, Hui-Zhong ZHUANG, Pin-Dai SUE, Li-Chun TIEN
  • Publication number: 20170323878
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a power element and a heat sensing element configured to detect a temperature of the power element. The power element includes lateral MOS transistors having drains and gate electrodes, two of the drains being shorter in length than the remaining drains and two of the gate electrodes being shorter in length than the remaining gate electrodes. The heat sensing element has a rectangular shape and is disposed between the two shorter drains and the two shorter gate electrodes to accurately detect the temperature of the power element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventor: Kazuhiro TSUMURA
  • Publication number: 20170323879
    Abstract: A bus driver is provided that can withstand over voltages being applied to its output terminal without the protection circuit detracting from the voltage swing that can be provided by the driver. The circuit arrangement also allows transistors having good on state resistance and large tolerance of drain-to-source voltages to be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Applicant: ANALOG DEVICES GLOBAL
    Inventors: John Twomey, Brian Sweeney, Brian B. Moane
  • Publication number: 20170323880
    Abstract: A semiconductor device for electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection includes a doped well, a drain region, a source region, a first doped region and a guard ring. The doped well is disposed in a substrate and has a first conductive type. The drain region is disposed in the doped well and has a second conductive type. The source region is disposed in the doped well and has the second conductive type, wherein the source region is separated from the drain region. The doped region is disposed in the doped well between the drain region and the source region, wherein the doped region has the first conductive type and is in contact with the doped well and the source region. The guard ring is disposed in the doped well and has the first conductive type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Kun-Yu Tai, Li-Cih Wang, Tien-Hao Tang
  • Publication number: 20170323881
    Abstract: A switch includes an input terminal and an output terminal. The switch also includes a first stack having transistors coupled in series, and a second stack having transistors coupled in series. The first stack and the second stack are connected in parallel with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventor: Winfried Bakalski
  • Publication number: 20170323882
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an active device of a transistor disposed in a semiconductor substrate. An isolation layer is disposed at the semiconductor substrate, and a polysilicon substrate layer is disposed over the isolation layer and the semiconductor substrate. The polysilicon substrate layer includes a semiconductor device region of an interface protection circuit of the transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Gernot Langguth, Adrien Ille
  • Publication number: 20170323883
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a system may include an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit may include a substrate including a first surface, a second surface substantially opposite of the first surface, and a first set of electrical conductors coupled to the first surface. The first set of electrical conductors may function to electrically connect the integrated circuit to a circuit board. The integrated circuit may include a semiconductor die coupled to the second surface of the substrate using a second set of electrical conductors. The integrated circuit may include a passive device dimensioned to be integrated with the integrated circuit. The passive device may be positioned between the second surface and at least one of the first set of electrical conductors. The die may be electrically connected to a second side of the passive device. A first side of the passive device may be available to be electrically connected to a second device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Jun Zhai, Vidhya Ramachandran, Kunzhong Hu, Mengzhi Pang, Chonghua Zhong
  • Publication number: 20170323884
    Abstract: A monolithically integrated semiconductor switch, particularly a circuit breaker, has regenerative turn-off behaviour. The semiconductor switch has two monolithically integrated field effect transistors, for example a p-JFET and a n-JFET. The source electrodes of both JFETs and the well region of the n-JFET are short circuited. In addition, the gate electrodes of both JFETs and the drain electrode of the p-JFET are short-circuited via the cathode. In contrast, the well region of the p-JFET is short-circuited to the anode. In this way, a monolithically integrated semiconductor switch is created which turns off automatically when a certain anode voltage level or a certain anode current level is exceeded. The threshold values for the anode voltage and the anode current can be set by appropriate dimensioning of the elements. In this way, it is possible to achieve blocking strengths of up to 200 kV with fast response behaviour.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: ANDREAS HUERNER, TOBIAS ERLBACHER
  • Publication number: 20170323885
    Abstract: Various examples are provided for varactors (variable capacitors). Described are both simple and complex forms of variable capacitors and improvements thereof. The varactor can be sufficiently small (narrow) to be isolated on a chip as a single or plurality of devices. Devices may be expanded using multiple varactors. In addition, various varactors can further be improved by the inclusion of a thin material to reduce the resistance of the varactor device. Diodes may also be implemented using the disclosed forms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventor: Wallace Shepherd Pitts
  • Publication number: 20170323886
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming first gate structure and a second gate structure over a core device region of a substrate. The method further includes forming stressors at opposite sides of the first gate structure. The method further includes doping the stressors to form a first source region and a first drain region of a first device. The method further includes doping into the substrate and at opposite sides of the second gate structure to form a second source region and a second drain region of a second device, wherein the first source region, the first drain region, the second source region and the second drain region are of a same conductivity. The first source region includes a different material from the second source region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Harry Hak-Lay CHUANG, Wei Cheng WU
  • Publication number: 20170323887
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a driver circuit including first and second n-channel transistors connected together in series between first and second nodes. The first n-channel transistor is comprised of n fin transistor(s) having an identical gate length and an identical gate width where n is equal to or greater than one, and has its gate connected to a first input node. The second n-channel transistor is comprised of m fin transistors having the same gate length and the same gate width where m is greater than n, and has its gate connected to a second input node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventor: Hiroyuki SHIMBO
  • Publication number: 20170323888
    Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a FinFET. The method includes providing a substrate including an NMOS region; forming a plurality of fins on the substrate; forming an isolation layer between adjacent fins and on the substrate; forming a gate structure across a length portion of the fin; forming a first mask layer on the top surface and sidewalls of the fin; etching the first mask layer to expose the top surface of the fin on both sides of the gate structure; removing a thickness portion of the fin on both sides of the gate structure, wherein the etched fin and the remaining first mask layer form a first trench; performing a thinning treatment of the remaining first mask layer on a sidewall of the first trench to increase width of the first trench; and forming an N-type in-situ doped epitaxial layer to fill up the first trench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventor: Yong LI
  • Publication number: 20170323889
    Abstract: First and second active regions are doped with different types of impurities, and extend in a first direction and spaced apart from each other in a second direction. First and third gate structures, which are on the first active region and a first portion of the isolation layer between the first and second active regions, extend in the second direction and are spaced apart from each other in the first direction. Second and fourth gate structures, which are on the second active region and the first portion, extend in the second direction, are spaced apart from each other in the first direction, and face and are spaced apart from the first and third gate structures, respectively, in the second direction. First to fourth contacts are on portions of the first to fourth gate structures, respectively. The first and fourth contacts are connected, and the second and third contacts are connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co .. Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae-Joong SONG, Jung-Han KIM
  • Publication number: 20170323890
    Abstract: A semiconductor device aims to prevent a leak current from flowing between a well and a corner of an active region formed on an upper surface of another well in an SRAM. In a memory cell of the SRAM, a load MOSFET is formed. An end of an active region extending in y-direction is arranged to gradually go away from a p-well as it goes from a gate electrode G2 side to a gate electrode G4 side in such a manner that a distance in x-direction between the end of the active region and the p-well is larger than a shortest distance in the x-direction between the p-well and the active region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Applicant: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Tohru KAWAI, Masahiro SHIMIZU
  • Publication number: 20170323891
    Abstract: A volatile memory array using vertical thyristors is disclosed together with methods of fabricating the array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Harry Luan, Bruce L. Bateman, Valery Axelrad, Charlie Cheng
  • Publication number: 20170323892
    Abstract: A memory device which stores a large amount of data is provided. The memory device includes a first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor, a first capacitor, a second capacitor, and first to third wirings. The first transistor includes an oxide semiconductor in a channel formation region, the second transistor includes silicon in a channel formation region, and the third transistor includes silicon in a channel formation region. The first capacitor is provided in the same layer as the first transistor. A region of the second capacitor and a region of the first capacitor overlap with each other. The thickness of a dielectric of the second capacitor is preferably larger than the thickness of a dielectric of the first capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventor: Masami ENDO
  • Publication number: 20170323893
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices are provided. A semiconductor device includes a substrate. The semiconductor device includes a stack structure on the substrate. The stack structure includes a first insulating material and a second insulating material that is on the first insulating material. The semiconductor device includes a spacer that extends from a sidewall of the first insulating material of the stack structure to a portion of a sidewall of the second insulating material of the stack structure. Moreover, the semiconductor device includes a conductive line that is on the spacer. Methods of forming semiconductor devices are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Daeik Kim, Bong-Soo Kim, Jemin Park, Taejin Park, Yoosang Hwang
  • Publication number: 20170323894
    Abstract: A layout pattern of a static random access memory includes a pull-up device, a first pull-down device, a second pull-up device, a second pull-down device, a first pass gate device and a second pass gate device disposed on a substrate. A plurality of fin structures are disposed on the substrate, and the fin structures include at least one first fin structure and at least one second fin structure. A J-shaped gate structure is disposed on the substrate, including a long part, a short part and a bridge part. At least one first extending contact structure crosses over the at least one first fin structure and the at least one second fin structure, wherein the at least one first extending contact structure does not overlap with the bridge part of the J-shaped gate structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Shu-Wei Yeh, Tsung-Hsun Wu, Chih-Ming Su, Yu-Tse Kuo
  • Publication number: 20170323895
    Abstract: A one-time programing cell includes a first metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) structure and a second transistor having a common gate electrode electrically connected to a word line. The first MOS structure has a first gate dielectric layer and the second MOS structure has a second gate dielectric layer. The second gate dielectric layer is thicker than the first gate dielectric layer. Source nodes of the first MOS structure and the second MOS structure are electrically connected, and a drain node of the second MOS structure is electrically connected to a bit line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventor: Jhon Jhy LIAW
  • Publication number: 20170323896
    Abstract: A memory structure and a manufacturing method for the same are disclosed. The memory structure comprises memory segments. Each of the memory segments comprises a memory array region, a memory selecting region adjacent to the memory array region, a semiconductor gate electrode, a semiconductor channel connecting to the semiconductor gate electrode, a gate dielectric layer, a gate electrode layer, and channel layer. The gate electrode layer and the semiconductor channel are in the memory selecting region. The gate electrode layer and the semiconductor channel are separated from each other by the gate dielectric layer. The channel layer and the semiconductor gate electrode are in the memory array region. The channel layer and the semiconductor gate electrode are separated from each other by the gate dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Chih-Wei Hu, Teng-Hao Yeh
  • Publication number: 20170323897
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate having a memory array region and a peripheral region, isolation layers formed in the peripheral region to define an active region, offset insulating layers separated from each other and formed in the active region, and a gate electrode having edges overlapping with the offset insulating layers and arranged in the active region between the offset insulating layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Dong Hwan LEE, Min Gyu KOO, Hyun HEO
  • Publication number: 20170323898
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a substrate defined with cell regions and a contact region between the cell regions; a dielectric structure formed over the contact region; a memory block having cell parts which are respectively formed over the cell regions, a coupling part which is formed over the contact region and couples the cell parts, and a through part which accommodates the dielectric structure; a peripheral circuit formed over the substrate under the memory block; bottom wiring lines disposed between the memory block and the peripheral circuit, and electrically coupled with the peripheral circuit; top wiring lines disposed over the memory block; and contact plugs passing through the dielectric structure and coupling the bottom wiring lines and the top wiring lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Sung-Lae OH, Jin-Ho KIM, Chang-Man SON, Go-Hyun LEE, Young-Ock HONG
  • Publication number: 20170323899
    Abstract: Provided herein is a semiconductor device including: a channel layer; a data storage layer surrounding the channel layer and extending along the channel layer; interlayer insulating layers surrounding the data storage layer and stacked along the channel layer, wherein the interlayer insulating layers are spaced apart from each other, wherein a conductive area is disposed between the interlayer insulating layers; a conductive pattern disposed in the conductive area and surrounding the data storage layer; buffer patterns disposed between the interlayer insulating layers and the data storage layer and surrounding the data storage layer, wherein each of the buffer patterns includes a densified area, wherein the buffer patterns are separated from each other by the conductive area; and a blocking insulating pattern disposed between the conductive pattern and the data storage layer and surrounding the data storage layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: In Su PARK, Ki Hong LEE, Hye Jeong CHEON
  • Publication number: 20170323900
    Abstract: A vertical memory device includes a lower circuit pattern on a substrate, a plurality of gate electrodes spaced apart from another in a first direction substantially perpendicular to an upper surface of the substrate on the lower circuit pattern, a channel extending through the gate electrodes in the first direction, a memory cell block including a first common source line (CSL) extending in a second direction substantially parallel to the upper surface of the substrate, and a first contact plug connected to the lower circuit pattern and the first CSL and overlapping the first CSL in the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Kohji KANAMORI, Min-Yeong Song, Shin-Hwan Kang
  • Publication number: 20170323901
    Abstract: A semiconductor device may include a cell gate conductive pattern in a cell array area that extends to a step area, a cell vertical structure in the cell array area that extends through the cell gate conductive pattern, a cell gate contact structure on the cell gate conductive pattern in the step area, a cell gate contact region in the cell gate conductive pattern and aligned with the cell gate contact structure, a first peripheral contact structure spaced apart from the cell gate conductive pattern, a second peripheral contact structure spaced apart from the first peripheral contact structure, a first peripheral contact region under the first peripheral contact structure, and a second peripheral contact region under the second peripheral contact structure. The cell gate contact region may include a first element and a remainder of the cell gate conductive pattern may not substantially include the first element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Jang-Gn Yun, Sunghoi HUR, Jaesun YUN, Joon-Sung LIM
  • Publication number: 20170323902
    Abstract: At least one method, apparatus and system disclosed involves circuit layout for comprising a unidirectional metal layout. A first trench silicide (TS) formation is formed in a first active area of a functional cell. A first CA formation if formed above the first TS formation. A first vertical metal formation is formed in a first metal layer from the first active area to a second active area of the functional cell. The first vertical metal formation is formed offset relative to, and in contact with, the CA formation. A second TS formation is formed in a second active area of the functional cell. A second CA formation is formed above the second TS formation. The CA formation is formed offset the first vertical metal formation, operatively coupling the first and second active areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Applicant: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.
    Inventors: Jia Zeng, Lei Yuan, Jongwook Kye, Harry J. Levinson
  • Publication number: 20170323903
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of an array substrate is provided in this invention, a protective layer for the channel is formed by magnetron sputtering and thermal annealing treatment with the oxygen concentration greater than 21%, at a temperature of 300˜400° C. and the material of the protection layer includes Al2O3. The present invention further includes an array substrate and a liquid crystal display panel with the array substrate. The present invention prevents the impurity such as hydrogen atom into the channel, and the quality of the protective layer prepared by the present invention is higher to ensure the electrical properties of the channel and process easy to be achieve and conducive to industrialization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Applicant: Wuhan China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei WANG
  • Publication number: 20170323904
    Abstract: A thin film transistor array panel includes a substrate and a thin film transistor disposed on a surface of the substrate. The thin film transistor includes a semiconductor, a source electrode, and a drain electrode that are disposed on a same layer as one another. The semiconductor is between the source electrode and the drain electrode. The thin film transistor array panel further includes a buffer layer disposed between the semiconductor and the substrate and including an inorganic insulating material. The first edge of the buffer layer is substantially parallel to an adjacent edge of the semiconductor, a second edge of the buffer layer is substantially parallel to an adjacent edge of the source electrode, and a third edge of the buffer layer is substantially parallel to an adjacent edge of the drain electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Sung Ho KIM, Dong Won KIM, Jong Moo HUH
  • Publication number: 20170323905
    Abstract: A thin film transistor array panel includes: a substrate; a semiconductor layer disposed on the substrate; a gate electrode disposed on the semiconductor layer; and a source electrode and a drain electrode disposed on the semiconductor layer to not overlap the gate electrode, wherein a first edge of the gate electrode is aligned with a second edge of the semiconductor layer in a direction that is perpendicular to the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Ji Hun LIM, Jong Baek SEON, Kyoung Seok SON, Eok Su KIM, Tae Sang KIM
  • Publication number: 20170323906
    Abstract: The invention allows formation of LTPS TFTs and TAOS TFTs on the same substrate. The invention provides a display device including a substrate having a display area in which pixels are formed. The pixels include a first TFT made of a TAOS. The drain of the first TFT is formed of first LTPS 112. The source of the first TFT is formed of second LTPS 113. The first LTPS 112 is connected to a first electrode 106 via a first through-hole 108 formed in an insulating film 105 covering the first TFT. The second LTPS 113 is connected to a second electrode 107 via a second through-hole 108 formed in the insulating film 105 covering the first TFT.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Yohei YAMAGUCHI, Isao SUZUMURA, Hidekazu MIYAKE
  • Publication number: 20170323907
    Abstract: A semiconductor device (100A) includes: a thin film transistor (101) including a gate electrode (3), an oxide semiconductor layer (5), a gate insulating layer (4), and a source electrode (7S) and a drain electrode (7D); an interlayer insulating layer (11) arranged so as to cover the thin film transistor (101) and to be in contact with a channel region (5c) of the thin film transistor (101); and a transparent conductive layer (19) arranged on the interlayer insulating layer (11), wherein: the source electrode (7S) and the drain electrode (7D) each include a copper layer (7a); a copper oxide film (8) is further provided between the source and drain electrodes and the interlayer insulating layer (11); the interlayer insulating layer (11) covers the drain electrode (7D) with the copper oxide film (8) interposed therebetween; and in a contact hole (CH1) formed in the interlayer insulating layer (11), the transparent conductive layer (19) is in direct contact with the copper layer (7a) of the drain electrode (7D) w
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: HIDEKI KITAGAWA, TOHRU DAITOH, HAJIME IMAI, HISAO OCHI, TETSUO FUJITA, TETSUO KIKUCHI, SHINGO KAWASHIMA, MASAHIKO SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20170323908
    Abstract: In a transistor including an oxide semiconductor film, field-effect mobility and reliability are improved. A semiconductor device includes a gate electrode, an insulating film over the gate electrode, an oxide semiconductor film over the insulating film, and a pair of electrodes over the oxide semiconductor film. The oxide semiconductor film includes a first oxide semiconductor film and a second oxide semiconductor film over the first oxide semiconductor film. The first oxide semiconductor film is formed using In oxide or In—Zn oxide. The second oxide semiconductor film is formed using In-M-Zn oxide (M is Al, Ga, or Y) and includes a region where the number of In atoms is 40% or more and 50% or less and the number of M atoms is 5% or more and 30% or less of the total number of In, M, and Zn atoms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Shunpei YAMAZAKI, Yasutaka NAKAZAWA, Yasuharu HOSAKA, Kenichi OKAZAKI
  • Publication number: 20170323909
    Abstract: With an increase in the definition of a display device, the number of pixels is increased, and thus the numbers of gate lines and signal lines are increased. Due to the increase in the numbers of gate lines and signal lines, it is difficult to mount an IC chip having a driver circuit for driving the gate and signal lines by bonding or the like, which causes an increase in manufacturing costs. A pixel portion and a driver circuit for driving the pixel portion are formed over one substrate. At least a part of the driver circuit is formed using an inverted staggered thin film transistor in which an oxide semiconductor is used. The driver circuit as well as the pixel portion is provided over the same substrate, whereby manufacturing costs are reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Shunpei YAMAZAKI, Kengo AKIMOTO, Atsushi UMEZAKI
  • Publication number: 20170323910
    Abstract: A display device and method of manufacture includes a substrate; a transistor disposed on the substrate to include a gate electrode, a semiconductor layer, a source electrode, a drain electrode, and a gate insulating layer disposed between the gate electrode and the semiconductor layer. A capacitor disposed on the substrate includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a dielectric layer is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The dielectric layer has a thickness that is thinner than a thickness of the gate insulating layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: JUN HYUN PARK, Sung Hwan KIM, Kyoung Ju SHIN
  • Publication number: 20170323911
    Abstract: A light absorption apparatus includes a substrate, a light absorption layer above the substrate on a first selected area, a silicon layer above the light absorption layer, a spacer surrounding at least part of the sidewall of the light absorption layer, an isolation layer surrounding at least part of the spacer, wherein the light absorption apparatus can achieve high bandwidth and low dark current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Szu-Lin CHENG, Shu-Lu CHEN
  • Publication number: 20170323912
    Abstract: A global shutter image sensor formed on an n-type bulk substrate and including pixels having pinned n-type photodiodes and memory nodes formed in designated n-doped epitaxial layer regions that are separated from the bulk substrate by a p-type vertical (potential) barrier implant. Each memory node includes both a buried channel portion and a contiguous pinned diode portion having different doping levels such that an intrinsic lateral electrical field drives electrons from the buried channel portion into the pinned diode portion during global charge transfer from an adjacent photodiode. The p-type vertical (potential) barrier implant is coupled to ground, and the bulk substrate is switched between a low integration voltage level during integration periods, and a high reset voltage level, whereby the photodiodes are globally reset without requiring reset transistors. P-type sinker implant sections and p-type vertical barrier implants form box-like diffusions around each pixel's photodiode and memory node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Assaf Lahav, Amos Fenigstein, Yakov Roizin, Avi Strum
  • Publication number: 20170323913
    Abstract: A pixel sensor device is disclosed. The device includes a shallow trench isolation structure, a well region and a backside isolation structure. The well region and diode region is adjacent to the shallow trench isolation structure. The backside isolation structure is self-aligned with and arranged over the shallow trench isolation structure. The backside isolation structure is adjacent to the diode region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Yimin Huang, Jhy-Jyi Sze, Alexander Kalnitsky
  • Publication number: 20170323914
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a substrate including a light-receiving region and a light-shielding region, a device isolation pattern in the substrate of the light-receiving region to define active pixels, and a device isolation region in the substrate of the light-shielding region to define reference pixels. An isolation technique of the device isolation pattern is different from that of the device isolation region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yun Ki LEE
  • Publication number: 20170323915
    Abstract: The present technology relates to a semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same, a semiconductor module, and an electronic device capable of more certainly improving an optical characteristic and chromatic aberration. A semiconductor package provided with a pedestal having a cylindrical shape including a curved surface curved so as to be concave to a light incident side, and a linear image sensor on which a plurality of pixels each including a photoelectric conversion element is arranged in a one-dimensional direction, the linear image sensor fixed on the curved surface on which a light-receiving area formed of a plurality of pixels is curved so as to be concave to the light incident side is provided. The present technology may be applied to the semiconductor package used in an image reading device, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventor: KIYOHISA TANAKA
  • Publication number: 20170323916
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods of fabricating such devices are provided. The devices include source and drain regions on one conductivity type separated by a channel length and a gate structure. The devices also include a channel region of the one conductivity type formed in the device region between the source and drain regions and a screening region of another conductivity type formed below the channel region and between the source and drain regions. In operation, the channel region forms, in response to a bias voltage at the gate structure, a surface depletion region below the gate structure, a buried depletion region at an interface of the channel region and the screening region, and a buried channel region between the surface depletion region and the buried depletion region, where the buried depletion region is substantially located in channel region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Teymur Bakhishev, Lingquan Wang, Dalong Zhao, Pushkar Ranade, Scott E. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20170323917
    Abstract: The present technology relates to a semiconductor apparatus, a solid-state image pickup device, an image pickup apparatus, and an electronic apparatus capable of improving impedance characteristics while preventing an occurrence of a flare and an interference due to a bonding jig, and achieving downsizing an apparatus. By aligning the heights of a cover glass and a semiconductor device, a distance between the cover glass and the semiconductor device is set to be minimum, and thus it is possible to suppress an occurrence of a flare due to incident light reflected on a side surface of the semiconductor device, and improve the impedance characteristics of the semiconductor device and the semiconductor image pickup device. Further, the interference of the jig used for the semiconductor device is reduced. The present technology can be applied to a CMOS image sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventor: SATORU WAKIYAMA
  • Publication number: 20170323918
    Abstract: A solid-state imaging device, method for producing solid-state imaging device and electronic apparatus are provided. The solid-state imaging device includes a substrate, with a plurality of pixels formed in the substrate. In addition, a plurality of groups are formed in the substrate, and in particular in pixel isolation regions between adjacent pixels. The grooves extend from a first surface of the substrate towards a second surface of the substrate. An embedded film extends into the grooves. At least some of the grooves include a first stage near the first surface of the substrate and a second stage near the second surface of the substrate that are defined by walls of the grooves, wherein the first stage is wider than the second stage, and wherein a step is present between the first and second stages. In addition, the device includes a light shielding film adjacent the first surface of the substrate that overlies the grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Takayuki ENOMOTO, Yoshiki EBIKO
  • Publication number: 20170323919
    Abstract: A method is provided for three-dimensional wafer scale integration of heterogeneous wafers with unequal die sizes that include a first wafer and a second wafer. The method includes selecting a periodicity for the second wafer to be manufactured that matches the periodicity of the first wafer. The method further includes manufacturing the second wafer in accordance with the selected periodicity. The method also includes placing, by a laser-based patterning device, a pattern in spaces between dies of the second wafer. The method additionally includes stacking the first wafer onto the second wafer using a bonding material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Arvind Kumar, Mark Lamorey
  • Publication number: 20170323920
    Abstract: A method is provided for three-dimensional wafer scale integration of heterogeneous wafers with unequal die sizes that include a first wafer and a second wafer. The method includes selecting a periodicity for the second wafer to be manufactured that matches the periodicity of the first wafer. The method further includes manufacturing the second wafer in accordance with the selected periodicity. The method also includes placing, by a laser-based patterning device, a pattern in spaces between dies of the second wafer. The method additionally includes stacking the first wafer onto the second wafer, using a copper-to-copper bonding process to bond the first wafer to the second wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Arvind Kumar, Mark Lamorey
  • Publication number: 20170323921
    Abstract: A photoelectric conversion portion, a charge holding portion, a transfer portion, and a sense node are formed in a P-type well. The charge holding portion is configured to include an N-type semiconductor region, which is a first semiconductor region holding charges in a portion different from the photoelectric conversion portion. A P-type semiconductor region having a higher concentration than the P-type well is disposed under the N-type semiconductor region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Yusuke Onuki, Yuichiro Yamashita, Masahiro Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20170323922
    Abstract: Described herein are photon counting devices comprising direct mode detectors with improved signal to noise ratios which are suitable for use in X-ray imaging devices, and other imaging devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Jinbo Cao, Jongwoo Choi, Aharon Yakimov
  • Publication number: 20170323923
    Abstract: Described herein are semiconductor materials suitable for direct conversion of ionizing radiation to electron hole pairs. The material described herein have improved high-flux photon counting performance and lower photocurrent leakage compared to typically used semiconductors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventor: Jongwoo Choi
  • Publication number: 20170323924
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type having a primary surface on one side thereof and a secondary surface on an opposite side thereof, and having a sensor therein, a second semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type having a circuit element formed therein, the second semiconductor layer being formed at said one side of the primary surface of the first semiconductor layer, an insulating layer formed between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer, and being disposed on the primary surface of the first semiconductor layer, and a charge-attracting semiconductor layer of the first conductivity type configured to attract electrical charges generated in the insulating layer when a fixed voltage is supplied to the charge-attracting semiconductor layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Applicant: LAPIS Semiconductor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroki KASAI
  • Publication number: 20170323925
    Abstract: A direct view multicolor light emitting device includes blue, green and red light emitting diodes (LEDs) in each pixel. The different light emitting diodes can be formed by depositing different types of active region layers in a stack such that deposition area of each subsequent active region is less than the deposition area of any preceding active region, and by patterning the active region layers into different types of stacks. The active region layers may be formed as planar layers, or may be formed on semiconductor nanowires. The active region layers can emit light at the respective target wavelength range. Alternatively, at least one of green and red phosphor materials, dye materials, or quantum dots may be used instead of or in addition to the active regions that emit light at a wavelength different from a target wavelength of a respective LED.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Richard P. SCHNEIDER, JR., Benjamin LEUNG
  • Publication number: 20170323926
    Abstract: A package may include a substrate and a semiconductor die with the substrate having a smaller width than the semiconductor die and encapsulated in a mold compound. In one example, the package may be a wafer level package that allows an external connection on the backside of the package to enable manufacturing in a panel or wafer form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Jon Gregory ADAY, Hong Bok WE, Steve Joseph BEZUK, Nicholas Ian BUCHAN