Multi-level Metallization Patents (Class 257/211)
  • Patent number: 8872279
    Abstract: An electrical contact structure distributes current along a length thereof. The electrical contact structure includes a plurality of n metal rectangles on n levels of metal. The rectangle on one metal level is at least as wide in width and vertically covers in width the rectangle on the metal level immediately below. The rectangle on one metal level is shorter in length than and substantially aligned at a first end with the rectangle on the metal level immediately below. Rectangle first ends are substantially aligned. Features of an exemplary FET transistor of this invention are a source and drain terminal electrical contact structure, a multi-level metal ring connecting gate rectangles on both ends, and a wider-than-minimum gate-to-gate spacing. The invention is useful, for example, in an electromigration-compliant, high performance transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Greenberg, Jean-Olivier Plouchart, Alberto Valdes-Garcia
  • Patent number: 8866197
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes first and second p-type diffusion regions, and first and second n-type diffusion regions that are each electrically connected to a common node. Conductive features are each defined within any one gate level channel that is uniquely associated with and defined along one of a number of parallel gate electrode tracks. The conductive features respectively form gate electrodes of first and second PMOS transistor devices, and first and second NMOS transistor devices. The gate electrodes of the first PMOS and second NMOS transistor devices are electrically connected. However, the first PMOS and second NMOS transistor devices are physically separate within the gate electrode level region. The gate electrodes of the second PMOS and first NMOS transistor devices are electrically connected. However, the second PMOS and first NMOS transistor devices are physically separate within the gate electrode level region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Tela Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott T. Becker, Jim Mali, Carole Lambert
  • Patent number: 8860096
    Abstract: An SRAM cell of a semiconductor device includes a load transistor, a driver transistor and an access transistor. First source/drains of the load, driver and access transistors are connected to a node. A power line, a ground line and a bit line are electrically connected to second source/drains of the load transistor, the driver transistor and the access transistor. The power line, the ground line and the bit line are disposed at substantially the same level to extend in a first direction. A word line is electrically connected to a gate of the access transistor to extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The word line is disposed at a different level from the level of the power line, the ground line and the bit line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: OhKyum Kwon, Byungsun Kim, Taejung Lee
  • Patent number: 8841774
    Abstract: A first wiring (1) has a bending portion (2), a first wiring region (1a) extending from the bending portion (2) in the X direction, and a second wiring region (1b) extending from the bending portion (2) in the Y direction. A via (3) is formed under the wiring (1). The via (3) is formed so as not to overlap with a region of the bending portion (2) in the first wiring region (1a). The length of the via (3) in the X direction (x) is longer than the length thereof in the Y direction (y) and both ends of the via (3) in the Y direction overlap with both ends of the first wiring region (1a) in the Y direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Miwa Ichiryu, Hiroyuki Uehara, Hidetoshi Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8835990
    Abstract: A 3-D memory is provided. Each word line layer has word lines and gaps alternately arranged along a first direction. Gaps include first group and second group of gaps alternately arranged. A first bit line layer is on word line layers and has first bit lines along a second direction. A first conductive pillar array through word line layers connects the first bit line layer and includes first conductive pillars in first group of gaps. A first memory element is between a first conductive pillar and an adjacent word line. A second bit line layer is below word line layers and has second bit lines along the second direction. A second conductive pillar array through word line layers connects the second bit line layer and includes second conductive pillars in second group of gaps. A second memory element is between a second conductive pillar and an adjacent word line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Winbond Electronics Corp.
    Inventor: Wen-Yueh Jang
  • Patent number: 8835989
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes first and second p-type diffusion regions, and first and second n-type diffusion regions that are each electrically connected to a common node. Conductive features are each defined within any one gate level channel that is uniquely associated with and defined along one of a number of parallel gate electrode tracks. The conductive features respectively form gate electrodes of first and second PMOS transistor devices, and first and second NMOS transistor devices. The gate electrodes of the first PMOS and second NMOS transistor devices are electrically connected in part by a first conductor within a first interconnect level. The gate electrodes of the second PMOS and first NMOS transistor devices are electrically connected in part by a second conductor within the first interconnect level. The first PMOS, second PMOS, first NMOS, and second NMOS transistor devices define a cross-coupled transistor configuration having commonly oriented gate electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Tela Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott T. Becker, Jim Mali, Carole Lambert
  • Patent number: 8816438
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and method of making such device is presented herein. The semiconductor device includes a plurality of memory cells, a plurality of p-n junctions, and a metal trace of a first metal layer. Each of the plurality of memory cells includes a first gate disposed over a first dielectric, a second gate disposed over a second dielectric and adjacent to a sidewall of the first gate, a first doped region in the substrate adjacent to the first gate, and a second doped region in the substrate adjacent to the second gate. The plurality of p-n junctions are electrically isolated from the doped regions of each memory cell. The metal trace extends along a single plane between a via to the second gate of at least one memory cell in the plurality of memory cells, and a via to a p-n junction within the plurality of p-n junctions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Chun Chen, Sameer Haddad, Kuo Tung Chang, Mark Ramsbey, Unsoon Kim, Shenqing Fang
  • Patent number: 8816402
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes first and second p-type diffusion regions, and first and second n-type diffusion regions that are each electrically connected to a common node. Conductive features are each defined within any one gate level channel that is uniquely associated with and defined along one of a number of parallel gate electrode tracks. The conductive features respectively form gate electrodes of first and second PMOS transistor devices, and first and second NMOS transistor devices. The gate electrodes of the first PMOS and second NMOS transistor devices are electrically connected. The gate electrodes of the second PMOS and first NMOS transistor devices are electrically connected. The electrical connection between the gate electrodes of the first PMOS and second NMOS transistor devices is formed in part by one or more electrical conductors present within at least one interconnect level above the gate electrode level region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Tela Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott T. Becker, Jim Mali, Carole Lambert
  • Patent number: 8796741
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and methods of making a semiconductor device using graphene are described. A monolithic three dimensional integrated circuit device includes a first layer having first active devices. The monolithic three dimensional integrated circuit device also includes a second layer having second active devices that each include a graphene portion. The second layer can be fabricated on the first layer to form a stack of active devices. A base substrate may support the stack of active devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Shiqun Gu, Yang Du
  • Patent number: 8796785
    Abstract: To suppress variation of a signal in a semiconductor device. By suppressing the variation, formation of a stripe pattern in displaying an image on a semiconductor device can be suppressed, for example. A distance between two adjacent signal lines which go into a floating state in different periods (G1) is longer than a distance between two adjacent signal lines which go into a floating state in the same period (G0, G2). Consequently, variation in potential of a signal line due to capacitive coupling can be suppressed. For example, in the case where the signal line is a source signal line in an active matrix display device, formation of a stripe pattern in a displayed image can be suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Shishido
  • Patent number: 8791573
    Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms for providing embedded Input/Output (IO) blocks in a floor plan of a semiconductor device are provided, where the embedded IO blocks constitute partial columns (i.e., they do not extend from the bottom through to the top of the semiconductor device). In some embodiments, the partial column IO banks are skewed away from one another. In some embodiments, the partial column IO banks are located away from the center of the semiconductor device. Techniques and mechanisms for implementing symmetrical package routing using skewed partial column IO banks are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Hui Liu, Christopher F. Lane, Arifur Rahman, Jianming Huang
  • Patent number: 8791571
    Abstract: A method for preventing arcing during processing of a back side of a semiconductor wafer is provided herein. The method comprising includes steps of depositing a dielectric layer over the back side and depositing an anti-arcing layer over the dielectric layer. The anti-arcing layer is a conductive layer, but it not suitable for conducting signals or power. The method further includes etching an opening through a plurality of material layers of the semiconductor wafer. The opening exposes a conductive layer located on a front side of the semiconductor wafer. Additionally, the method includes depositing a conductive layer in the opening to form a through-wafer interconnect. A semiconductor wafer fabricated according to the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-Wen Hsu, Tung-Ting Wu, Jiech-Fun Lu, Yeur-Luen Tu, Chia-Shiung Tsai
  • Patent number: 8791446
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a substrate and an interconnect region on the substrate. The interconnect region includes a first interconnect having a first contact portion whose plane shape is a ring-like plane shape, a second interconnect disposed below the first interconnect, and a contact electrode passing through the ling-like portion of the first contact portion and electrically connecting the first interconnect and the second interconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Yutaka Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 8791507
    Abstract: A layout of a semiconductor device is capable of reliably reducing a variation in gate length due to the optical proximity effect, and enables flexible layout design to be implemented. Gate patterns (G1, G2, G3) of a cell (C1) are arranged at the same pitch, and terminal ends (e1, e2, e3) of the gate patterns are located at the same position in the Y direction, and have the same width in the X direction. A gate pattern (G4) of a cell (C2) has protruding portions (4b) protruding toward the cell (C1) in the Y direction, and the protruding portions (4b) form opposing terminal ends (eo1, eo2, eo3). The opposing terminal ends (eo1, eo2, eo3) are arranged at the same pitch as the gate patterns (G1, G2, G3), are located at the same position in the Y direction, and have the same width in the X direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Nakanishi, Masaki Tamaru
  • Patent number: 8785978
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a cross-coupled transistor configuration formed by first and second PMOS transistors defined over first and second p-type diffusion regions, and by first and second NMOS transistors defined over first and second n-type diffusion regions, with each diffusion region electrically connected to a common node. Gate electrodes of the PMOS and NMOS transistors are formed by conductive features which extend in only a first parallel direction. At least a portion of each of the first and second p-type diffusion regions are formed over a first common line of extent that extends perpendicular to the first parallel direction. The first and second n-type diffusion regions are formed in a spaced apart manner relative to the first parallel direction, such that no single line of extent that extends across the substrate perpendicular to the first parallel direction intersects both the first and second n-type diffusion regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Tela Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott T. Becker, Jim Mali, Carole Lambert
  • Patent number: 8785980
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array layer which includes a first wiring line, a memory cell stacked on the first wiring line, and a second wiring line formed on the memory cell so as to intersect the first wiring line, wherein a step is formed in the first wiring line so that the height of an upper surface of the first wiring line in the memory cell array region where the memory cell array is formed is higher than the height in a peripheral region around the memory cell array region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Tomoya Osaki, Naohito Morozumi
  • Patent number: 8788984
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a gate array layer having a two-dimensional array of logic gates, each logic gate including multiple transistors. At least one upper template-based metal layer is coupled to the gate array layer and is configured to define at least one of a power distribution network, a clock network and a global signal network. A configuration of traces of the upper template-based metal layer is at least mainly predetermined prior to design of the integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Baysand Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan C Park, Salah M Werfelli, WeiZhi Kang, Wan Tat Hooi, Kok Siong Tee, Jeremy Jia Jian Lee
  • Patent number: 8785979
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes first and second p-type diffusion regions, and first and second n-type diffusion regions that are each electrically connected to a common node. Each of a number of conductive features within a gate electrode level region is fabricated from a respective originating rectangular-shaped layout feature, with a centerline of each originating rectangular-shaped layout feature aligned in a parallel manner. The conductive features respectively form gate electrodes of first and second PMOS transistor devices, and first and second NMOS transistor devices. Widths of the first and second p-type diffusion regions are different, such that the first and second PMOS transistor devices have different widths. Widths of the first and second n-type diffusion regions are different, such that the first and second NMOS transistor devices have different widths. The first and second PMOS and first and second NMOS transistor devices form a cross-coupled transistor configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Tela Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott T. Becker, Jim Mali, Carole Lambert
  • Patent number: 8779594
    Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor device provided with an active element in a multilayer interconnect layer and decreased in a chip area. A second interconnect layer is provided over a first interconnect layer. A first interlayer insulating layer is provided in the first interconnect layer. A semiconductor layer is provided in a second interconnect layer and in contact with the first interlayer insulating layer. A gate insulating film is provided over the semiconductor layer. A gate electrode is provided over the gate insulating film. At least two first vias are provided in the first interconnect layer and in contact by way of upper ends thereof with the semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Naoya Inoue, Kishou Kaneko, Yoshihiro Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8779592
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a first conductive line disposed over a substrate. The first conductive line is located in a first interconnect layer and extends along a first direction. The semiconductor device includes a second conductive line and a third conductive line each extending along a second direction different from the first direction. The second and third conductive lines are located in a second interconnect layer that is different from the first interconnect layer. The second and third conductive lines are separated by a gap that is located over or below the first conductive line. The semiconductor device includes a fourth conductive line electrically coupling the second and third conductive lines together. The fourth conductive line is located in a third interconnect layer that is different from the first interconnect layer and the second interconnect layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Po Tang, Shih-Ming Chang, Ken-Hsien Hsieh, Ru-Gun Liu
  • Patent number: 8779577
    Abstract: A semiconductor chip includes a plurality of contact pads, which are arranged in an edge area on a surface of the semiconductor chip. In a semiconductor area of the semiconductor chip, every contact pad of the plurality of contact pads has an associated pad cell provided, which includes at least one of a driver or a receiver and is configured to drive output signals or receive input signals on its associated contact pad, if the driver or receiver is connected to the contact pad. Additionally, for a contact pad which is used as a supply contact pad, the driver or receiver of the associated pad cell is not connected to the contact pad or any other contact pad for driving output signals or receiving input signals on the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Peter Ossimitz, Matthias Van Daak, Dirk Hesidenz
  • Patent number: 8772839
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes first and second p-type diffusion regions, and first and second n-type diffusion regions that are each electrically connected to a common node. A gate electrode level region is formed in accordance with a virtual grate defined by virtual lines that extend in only a first parallel direction, such that an equal perpendicular spacing exists between adjacent ones of the virtual lines. Each of a number of conductive features within the gate electrode level region is fabricated from a respective originating rectangular-shaped layout feature having a centerline aligned with a virtual line of the virtual grate. The conductive features form gate electrodes of first and second PMOS transistor devices, and first and second NMOS transistor devices. The gate electrodes of the first PMOS and second NMOS transistor devices are electrically connected, and the gate electrodes of the second PMOS and first NMOS transistor devices are electrically connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Tela Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott T. Becker, Jim Mali, Carole Lambert
  • Patent number: 8766452
    Abstract: A semiconductor device having a conductive pattern includes a plurality of conductive lines extending in parallel, each having a first region extending in a first direction and a second region coupled to the first region and extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, and a plurality of contact pads, each coupled to a respective conductive line of the second regions, wherein the conductive lines are grouped and arranged in a plurality of groups, the first region of a first group is longer than the first region of a second group, and the second region of the first group and the second region of the second group are spaced apart from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Dae Sung Eom
  • Patent number: 8759914
    Abstract: The invention provides integrated circuit designs that use of an M2 interconnect layer in place of local interconnect conductors for programming in OD area to enable efficient use of OD area for routing the M1 signals in the stack devices. The use of M2 in place of local interconnect conductors for programming also enables the introduction of shields between adjacent M2 programming lines to reduce the capacitive coupling impact. This improves the transistor density and circuit performance significantly. Although the invention is applicable to integrated circuit design in general, it is particularly well suited to 20 nm static random accessory memory (SRAM) chips to produce transistor density circuit performance advantages over prior 20 nm and 28 nm SRAM chip layouts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: LSI Corporation
    Inventors: Anil Singh Rawat, Sumaant Kumar Thapliyal, Deepak Doddamani, Deepa V
  • Patent number: 8748969
    Abstract: Provided are a non-volatile memory device and a method of fabricating the same. The non-volatile memory device may include a substrate and a plurality of semiconductor pillars on the substrate. A plurality of control gate electrodes may be stacked on the substrate and intersecting the plurality of semiconductor pillars. A plurality of dummy electrodes may be stacked adjacent to the plurality of control gate electrodes on the substrate, the plurality of dummy electrodes being spaced apart from the plurality of control gate electrodes. A plurality of via plugs may be connected to the plurality of control gate electrodes. A plurality of wordlines may be on the plurality of via plugs. Each of the plurality of via plugs may penetrate a corresponding one of the plurality of control gate electrodes and at least one of the plurality of dummy electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xianyu Wenxu, Jung-hyun Lee, Dong-joon Ma, Yeon-hee Kim, Yong-young Park, Chang-soo Lee
  • Patent number: 8748944
    Abstract: An electrical circuit includes at least two unit cells configured on a planar substrate which extends in one plane. The unit cells respectively have at least two contact points with a different function and include at least one dielectric layer disposed on the substrate and/or on the unit cells and at least two contact surfaces which are disposed parallel to the plane above the contact points and/or the substrate. The contact points with the same function are connected electrically to at least one common contact surface for at least a part of the contact points of the same function via at least one through-contacting through the dielectric layer and able to be contacted in common from outside via the corresponding contact surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: MicroGan GmbH
    Inventors: Ingo Daumiller, Ertugrul Soenmez, Mike Kunze
  • Patent number: 8741696
    Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus, methods, and systems for fabricating memory structures methods of forming pillars for memory cells using sequential sidewall patterning. The invention includes forming first features from a first template layer disposed above a memory layer stack; forming first sidewall spacers adjacent the first features; forming second features that extend in a first direction in a mask layer by using the first sidewall spacers as a hardmask; depositing a second template layer on the mask layer; forming third features from the second template layer; forming second sidewall spacers adjacent the third features; and forming fourth features that extend in a second direction in the mask layer by using the second sidewall spacers as a hardmask. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: SanDisk 3D LLC
    Inventors: Roy E. Scheuerlein, Christopher J. Petti, Yoichiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8742466
    Abstract: Provided are a three-dimensional semiconductor device and a method of fabricating the same. The three-dimensional semiconductor device may include a mold structure for providing gap regions and an interconnection structure including a plurality of interconnection patterns disposed in the gap regions. The mold structure may include interlayer molds defining upper surfaces and lower surfaces of the interconnection patterns and sidewall molds defining sidewalls of the interconnection patterns below the interlayer molds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-Joo Shim, Hansoo Kim, Wonseok Cho, Jaehoon Jang, Woojin Cho
  • Patent number: 8742586
    Abstract: A stacked multilayer structure according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a stacked layer part including a plurality of conducting layers and a plurality of insulating layers, said plurality of insulating layers being stacked alternately with each layer of said plurality of conducting layers, one of said plurality of insulating layers being a topmost layer among said plurality of conducting layers and said plurality of insulating layers; and a plurality of contacts, each contact of said plurality of contacts being formed from said topmost layer and each contact of said plurality of contacts being in contact with a respective conducting layer of said plurality of conducting layers, a side surface of each of said plurality of contacts being insulated from said plurality of conducting layers via an insulating film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Makoto Mizukami, Takeshi Kamigaichi
  • Patent number: 8742488
    Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a three-dimensional semiconductor memory device including an electrode structure on a substrate, the electrode structure including at least one conductive pattern on a lower electrode, and a semiconductor pattern extending through the electrode structure to the substrate. A vertical insulating layer may be between the semiconductor pattern and the electrode structure, and a lower insulating layer may be between the lower electrode and the substrate. The lower insulating layer may be between a bottom surface of the vertical insulating layer and a top surface of the substrate. Example embodiments related to methods for fabricating the foregoing three-dimensional semiconductor memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jaegoo Lee, Kil-Su Jeong, Hansoo Kim, Youngwoo Park
  • Patent number: 8742462
    Abstract: First and second PMOS transistors are defined over first and second p-type diffusion regions. First and second NMOS transistors are defined over first and second n-type diffusion regions. Each diffusion region is electrically connected to a common node. Gate electrodes are formed from conductive features that are each defined within any one gate level channel that is uniquely associated with and defined along one of a number of parallel gate electrode tracks. At least a portion of each of the first and second p-type diffusion regions are formed over a first common line of extent that extends perpendicular to the first parallel direction. The first and second n-type diffusion regions are formed in a spaced apart manner relative to the first parallel direction, such that no single line of extent that extends across the substrate perpendicular to the first parallel direction intersects both the first and second n-type diffusion regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Tela Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott T. Becker, Jim Mali, Carole Lambert
  • Patent number: 8742463
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes first and second p-type diffusion regions, and first and second n-type diffusion regions that are each electrically connected to a common node. A gate electrode level region is formed in accordance with a virtual grate defined by virtual lines that extend in only a first parallel direction, such that an equal perpendicular spacing exists between adjacent ones of the virtual lines. Conductive features are each defined within any one gate level channel that is uniquely associated with and defined along one of a number of virtual lines of the virtual grate. The conductive features form gate electrodes of first and second PMOS transistor devices, and first and second NMOS transistor devices. The gate electrodes of the first PMOS and second NMOS transistor devices are electrically connected, and the gate electrodes of the second PMOS and first NMOS transistor devices are electrically connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Tela Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott T. Becker, Jim Mali, Carole Lambert
  • Patent number: 8735945
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a transistor array including a plurality of transistors each having a gate electrode extended in a first direction, the plurality of transistors being arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a pad electrode arranged in the first direction of the transistor array and electrically connected to source regions of the plurality of transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited
    Inventors: Masashi Shima, Kaoru Saigoh, Nobuhiro Misawa, Takao Sasaki
  • Patent number: 8735944
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a cross-coupled transistor configuration formed by first and second PMOS transistors defined over first and second p-type diffusion regions, and by first and second NMOS transistors defined over first and second n-type diffusion regions, with each diffusion region electrically connected to a common node. Gate electrodes of the PMOS and NMOS transistors are formed by conductive features that are each defined within any one gate level channel. At least a portion of the first p-type diffusion region and at least a portion of the second p-type diffusion region are formed over a first common line of extent that extends perpendicular to the first parallel direction. Also, at least a portion of the first n-type diffusion region and at least a portion of the second n-type diffusion region are formed over a second common line of extent that extends perpendicular to the first parallel direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Tela Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott T. Becker, Jim Mali, Carole Lambert
  • Patent number: 8729606
    Abstract: Each of first and second PMOS transistors, and first and second NMOS transistors has a respective diffusion terminal with a direct electrical connection to a common node, and has a respective gate electrode defined within any one gate level channel. Each gate level channel is uniquely associated with and defined along one of a number of parallel oriented gate electrode tracks. The first PMOS transistor gate electrode is electrically connected to the second NMOS transistor electrode. The second PMOS transistor gate electrode is electrically connected to the first NMOS transistor gate electrode. The first and second PMOS transistors, and the first and second NMOS transistors together define a cross-coupled transistor configuration having commonly oriented gate electrodes formed from respective rectangular-shaped layout features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Tela Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott T. Becker, Jim Mali, Carole Lambert
  • Publication number: 20140117413
    Abstract: A three dimensional semiconductor device, comprising: a substrate including a plurality of circuits; a plurality of pads, each pad coupled to a circuit; and a memory array positioned above or below the substrate and coupled to a circuit to program the memory array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Yakimishu Co. Ltd. L.L.C.
    Inventor: Raminda Udaya Madurawe
  • Patent number: 8710553
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a substrate. The substrate includes diffusion lines. The diffusion lines include impurities diffused into the substrate. A signal line layer includes first signal lines. A first metal layer includes second signal lines. The second signal lines include a first metallic material. A second metal layer includes third signal lines. The third signal lines include a second metallic material. First contacts connect the diffusion lines to (i) a first set of the second signal lines, or (ii) a first set of the third signal lines. Second contacts connect a first set of the first signal lines to a second set of the third signal lines. Each signal line in a first set of the second signal lines includes first portions and second portions. The first portions extend towards and are not connected to the second contacts. The first portions are not parallel to the second portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Qiang Tang, Min She, Ken Liao
  • Patent number: 8704374
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a first insulating layer provided in a first area and in a second area, a line-and-space-like second insulating layer formed on the first insulating layer provided in the first area, and a third insulating layer formed on the first insulating layer provided in the second area and which is substantially identical to the second insulating layer in height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Yumi Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8699257
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a three-dimensional writable printed memory (3D-wP). It comprises at least a printed memory array and a writable memory array. The printed memory array stores contents data, which are recorded with a printing means; the writable memory array stores custom data, which are recorded with a writing means. The writing means is preferably direct-write lithography. To maintain manufacturing throughput, the total amount of custom data should be less than 1% of the total amount of content data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignees: HangZhou HaiCun Information Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Guobiao Zhang
  • Patent number: 8698206
    Abstract: Methods of patterning features, methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices, and semiconductor devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of patterning a feature includes forming a first portion of the feature in a first material layer. A second portion of the feature is formed in the first material layer, and a third portion of the feature is formed in a second material layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Thomas Schulz, Sergei Postnikov
  • Publication number: 20140097475
    Abstract: A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: forming a first metal layer on a carrier; forming an insulation layer directly on the first metal layer; exposing a portion of the first metal layer for directly attaching to a die interconnect connecting to an integrated circuit; forming a second metal layer directly on the insulation layer opposite the side of the insulation layer exposed by removing the carrier; and forming a protective layer directly on the insulation layer and the second metal layer, the protective layer exposing a portion of the second metal layer for directly attaching an external interconnect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventors: JinHee Jung, YoungDal Roh, KyoungHee Park
  • Patent number: 8692297
    Abstract: A power and ground shield mesh to remove both capacitive and inductive signal coupling effects of routing in integrated circuit device. An embodiment describes the routing of a shield mesh of both power and ground lines to remove noise created by capacitive and inductive coupling. Relatively long signal lines are routed in between fully connected power and ground shield mesh which may be generated by a router during the signal routing phase or during power mesh routing phase. Leaving only the odd tracks or the even tracks for signal routing, power mesh (VDD) and ground mesh (VSS) are routed and fully interconnected leaving shorter segments and thereby reducing the RC effect of the circuit device. Another embodiment presents a technique where the signals are shielded using the power and ground mesh for a gridless routing. Another embodiment presents a multi-layer grid routing technique where signals are routed on even grid and the power and ground lines are routed on odd grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventor: Iu-Meng Tom Ho
  • Patent number: 8692379
    Abstract: A connector access region of an integrated circuit device includes a set of parallel conductors, extending in a first direction, and interlayer connectors. The conductors comprise a set of electrically conductive contact areas on different conductors which define a contact plane with the conductors extending below the contact plane. A set of the contact areas define a line at an oblique angle, such as less than 45° or 5° to 27°, to the first direction. The interlayer connectors are in electrical contact with the contact areas and extend above the contact plane. At least some of the interlayer connectors overlie but are electrically isolated from the electrical conductors adjacent to the contact areas with which the interlayer connectors are in electrical contact. The set of parallel conductors may include a set of electrically conductive layers with the contact plane being generally perpendicular to the electrically conductive layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shih-Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 8691696
    Abstract: Methods are provided for forming an integrated circuit. In an embodiment, the method includes forming a sacrificial mandrel overlying a base substrate. Sidewall spacers are formed adjacent sidewalls of the sacrificial mandrel. The sidewall spacers have a lower portion that is proximal to the base substrate, and the lower portion has a substantially perpendicular outer surface relative to the base substrate. The sidewall spacers also have an upper portion that is spaced from the base substrate. The upper portion has a sloped outer surface. A first dielectric layer is formed overlying the base substrate and is conformal to at least a portion of the upper portion of the sidewall spacers. The upper portion of the sidewall spacers is removed after forming the first dielectric layer to form a recess having a re-entrant profile in the first dielectric layer. The re-entrant profile of the recess is straightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiuyu Cai, Xunyuan Zhang, Ruilong Xie, Errol T. Ryan, John Iacoponi
  • Patent number: 8680626
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a gate electrode level region that includes a plurality of linear-shaped conductive structures. Each of the plurality of linear-shaped conductive structures is defined to extend lengthwise in a first direction. Some of the plurality of linear-shaped conductive structures form one or more gate electrodes of corresponding transistor devices. A local interconnect conductive structure is formed between two of the plurality of linear-shaped conductive structures so as to extend in the first direction along the two of the plurality of linear-shaped conductive structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Tela Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Smayling, Scott T. Becker
  • Patent number: 8680530
    Abstract: An array substrate for a display device includes: a substrate; first and second gate electrodes of impurity-doped polycrystalline silicon on the substrate; a gate insulating layer on the first and second gate electrodes; first and second active layers of intrinsic polycrystalline silicon on the gate insulating layer, the first and second active layers corresponding to the first and second active layers, respectively; an interlayer insulating layer on the first and second active layers and including first to fourth active contact holes, the first and second active contact holes exposing side portions of the first active layer, the third and fourth active contact holes exposing side portions of the second active layer; first and second ohmic contact layers of impurity-doped amorphous silicon on the interlayer insulating layer, the first ohmic contact layer contacting the first active layer through the first and second active contact holes, the second ohmic contact layer contacting the second active layer throug
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hee-Dong Choi
  • Patent number: 8680583
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a cross-coupled transistor configuration formed by first and second PMOS transistors defined over first and second p-type diffusion regions, and by first and second NMOS transistors defined over first and second n-type diffusion regions, with each diffusion region electrically connected to a common node. Gate electrodes of the PMOS and NMOS transistors are formed by conductive features which extend in only a first parallel direction. At least a portion of the first p-type diffusion region and at least a portion of the second p-type diffusion region are formed over a first common line of extent that extends perpendicular to the first parallel direction. Also, at least a portion of the first n-type diffusion region and at least a portion of the second n-type diffusion region are formed over a second common line of extent that extends perpendicular to the first parallel direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Tela Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott T. Becker, Jim Mali, Carole Lambert
  • Patent number: 8674356
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising an integrated circuit, an interconnect layer within said integrated circuit, and one or more connections. The integrated circuit may be configured to provide an electrically measurable interconnect pattern by enabling one or more of a plurality of components. The one or more connections may each configured to enable a respective one of the components. The connections may be programmable while the apparatus is part of a wafer. The interconnect pattern may be configured to identify the apparatus after the apparatus has been manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: M/A-COM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexandre Jean-Marie Bessemoulin
  • Patent number: 8669594
    Abstract: First and second p-type diffusion regions, and first and second n-type diffusion regions are formed in a semiconductor device. Each diffusion region is electrically connected to a common node. Gate electrodes of cross-coupled transistors are defined to extend over the diffusion regions in only a first parallel direction, with each gate electrode fabricated from a respective originating rectangular-shaped layout feature. The first and second p-type diffusion regions are formed in a spaced apart manner relative to the first parallel direction, such that no single line of extent that extends across the substrate perpendicular to the first parallel direction intersects both the first and second p-type diffusion regions. At least a portion of the first n-type diffusion region and at least a portion of the second n-type diffusion region are formed over a common line of extent that extends across the substrate perpendicular to the first parallel direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Tela Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott T. Becker, Jim Mali, Carole Lambert
  • Patent number: 8669595
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes conductive features that are each defined within any one gate level channel that is uniquely associated with and defined along one of a number of parallel gate electrode tracks. The conductive features form gate electrodes of first and second PMOS transistor devices, and first and second NMOS transistor devices. The gate electrodes of the first PMOS, second PMOS, first NMOS, and second NMOS transistor devices respectively extend along different gate electrode tracks. A first set of interconnected conductors electrically connect the gate electrodes of the first PMOS and second NMOS transistor devices. A second set of interconnected conductors electrically connect the gate electrodes of the second PMOS and first NMOS transistor devices. The first and second sets of interconnected conductors traverse across each other within different levels of the semiconductor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Tela Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott T. Becker, Jim Mali, Carole Lambert