Variable Threshold (e.g., Floating Gate Memory Device) Patents (Class 257/314)
  • Patent number: 11575043
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a transistor. The transistor includes a gate electrode, a channel layer, a gate dielectric layer, a first source/drain region and a second source/drain region and a dielectric pattern. The channel layer is disposed on the gate electrode. The gate dielectric layer is located between the channel layer and the gate electrode. The first source/drain region and the second source/drain region are disposed on the channel layer at opposite sides of the gate electrode. The dielectric pattern is disposed on the channel layer. The first source/drain region covers a first sidewall and a first surface of the dielectric pattern, and a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall of the dielectric pattern is protruded from a sidewall of the first source/drain region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Feng Yin, Chia-Jung Yu, Pin-Cheng Hsu, Chung-Te Lin
  • Patent number: 11569257
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to methods and materials for fabricating semiconductor devices, such as memory devices and the like. In one embodiment, a memory layer stack includes materials having differing etch rates in which one material is selectively removed to form an airgap in the device structure. In another embodiment, silicon containing materials of a memory layer stack are doped or fabricated as a silicide material. In another embodiment, a silicon nitride material is utilized as an interfacial layer between oxide containing and silicon containing layers of a memory layer stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Xinhai Han, Deenesh Padhi, Er-Xuan Ping, Srinivas Guggilla
  • Patent number: 11569253
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes multiple first electrode layers stacked in a first direction, multiple second electrode layers stacked in the first direction, a first columnar body extending through the multiple first electrode layers in the first direction, a second columnar body extending through the multiple second electrode layers in the first direction, a connection part connecting the first columnar body and the second columnar body, and a spacer film having an island configuration surrounding the connection part. The multiple first electrode layers and the multiple second electrode layers are arranged in the first direction, and the connection part and the spacer film are provided between the multiple first electrode layers and the multiple second electrode layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Kioxia Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Nagatomo, Tatsuo Izumi, Ryota Suzuki, Takuya Nishikawa, Yasuhito Nakajima, Daiki Takayama, Hiroaki Naito, Genki Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 11563024
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an integrated assembly having a first deck with first memory cells arranged in first tiers disposed one atop another, and having a second deck over the first deck and with second memory cells arranged in second tiers disposed one atop another. Cell-material-pillars pass through the first and second decks. The cell-material-pillars have first inter-deck inflections associated with a boundary between the first and second decks. The cell-material-pillars are arranged within a configuration which includes a first memory-block-region and a second memory-block-region. A panel is between the first and second memory-block-regions. The panel has a second inter-deck inflection associated with the boundary between the first and second decks. Some embodiments include methods of forming integrated assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Wells, Aaron R. Wilson, Paolo Tessariol
  • Patent number: 11563025
    Abstract: A semiconductor storage device includes first and second stacked bodies, a first semiconductor layer, a first charge storage layer, a conductive layer, and a first silicon oxide layer. The first stacked body includes first insulation layers and first gate electrode layers that are alternately stacked in a first direction. The first semiconductor layer extends in the first stacked body in the first direction. The first charge storage layer is provided between the first semiconductor layer and the first gate electrode layers. The conductive layer is provided between the first stacked body and the second stacked body and extends in the first direction and a second direction. The first silicon oxide layer is provided between the conductive layer and the first gate electrode layers. The first silicon oxide layer containing an impurity being at least one of phosphorus, boron, carbon, and fluorine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: KIOXIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoichi Minemura, Kensei Takahashi, Takashi Asano
  • Patent number: 11552099
    Abstract: A vertical-type nonvolatile memory device including: a substrate including a cell array area and an extension area, the extension area extending in a first direction from the cell array area and including contacts; a channel structure extending in a vertical direction from the substrate; a first stack structure including gate electrode layers and interlayer insulating layers alternately stacked along sidewalls of the channel structure; a plurality of division areas extending in the first direction and dividing the cell array area and the extension area in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; in the extension area, two insulating layer dams are arranged between two division areas adjacent to each other; a second stack structure including sacrificial layers and interlayer insulating layers alternately stacked on the substrate between the two insulating layer dams; and an electrode pad connected to a first gate electrode layer in the extension area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyungdong Kim, Younghwan Son, Jeehoon Han
  • Patent number: 11552093
    Abstract: A 3D NAND flash memory device includes a substrate, a source line on the substrate, a stacked structure on the source line, a bit line on the stacked structure, and a columnar channel portion. The stacked structure includes a first select transistor, memory cells, and a second select transistor, wherein the first select transistor includes a first select gate, the memory cells include control gates, and the second select transistor includes a second select gate. The columnar channel portion is extended axially from the source line and penetrates the stacked structure to be coupled to the bit line. The first select transistor includes a modified Schottky barrier (MSB) transistor to generate direct tunneling of majority carriers to the columnar channel portion to perform a program operation or an erase operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Zih-Song Wang
  • Patent number: 11545456
    Abstract: A microelectronic device comprises a first die and a second die attached to the first die. The first die comprises a memory array region comprising a stack structure comprising vertically alternating conductive structures and insulative structures, vertically extending strings of memory cells within the stack structure, and first bond pad structures vertically neighboring the vertically extending strings of memory cells. The second die comprises a control logic region comprising control logic devices configured to effectuate at least a portion of control operations for the vertically extending string of memory cells, second bond pad structures in electrical communication with the first bond pad structures, and signal routing structures located at an interface between the first die and the second die. Related microelectronic devices, electronic systems, and methods are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Akira Goda, Kunal R. Parekh, Aaron S. Yip
  • Patent number: 11545507
    Abstract: A memory device includes a substrate, word line layers, insulating layers, and memory cells. The word line layers are stacked above the substrate. The insulating layers are stacked above the substrate respectively alternating with the word line layers. The memory cells are distributed along a stacking direction of the word line layers and the insulating layers perpendicularly to a major surface of the substrate. Each memory cell includes a source line electrode and a bit line electrode, a first oxide semiconductor layer, and a second oxide semiconductor layer. The first oxide semiconductor layer is peripherally surrounded by one of the word line layers, the source line electrode, and the bit line electrode. The second oxide semiconductor layer is disposed between the one of the word line layers and the first oxide semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Wei Jiang, Hung-Chang Sun, Kuo-Chang Chiang, Sheng-Chih Lai, TsuChing Yang
  • Patent number: 11545505
    Abstract: Embodiments of through array contact structures of a 3D memory device and fabricating method thereof are disclosed. The 3D NAND memory device includes an alternating layer stack disposed on a substrate. The alternating layer stack includes a first region including an alternating dielectric stack, and a second region including an alternating conductor/dielectric stack. The memory device further comprises a barrier structure extending vertically through the alternating layer stack to laterally separate the first region from the second region, and multiple through array contacts in the first region each extending vertically through the alternating dielectric stack. At least one through array contact is electrically connected with a peripheral circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Yangtze Memory Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhenyu Lu, Wenguang Shi, Guanping Wu, Xianjin Wan, Baoyou Chen
  • Patent number: 11538820
    Abstract: A memory device is disclosed. The disclosed memory device may include a first wafer, and a second wafer stacked on and bonded to the first wafer. The first wafer may include a cell structure including a memory cell array; and a first logic structure disposed under the cell structure, and including a column control circuit. The second wafer may include a second logic structure including a row control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Sung Lae Oh, Sang Woo Park, Dong Hyuk Chae, Ki Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 11538831
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes an electrode structure including a plurality of electrode layers and a plurality of interlayer dielectric layers which are alternately stacked on a source plate defined with a cell area and a connection area in a first direction; a vertical channel passing through the electrode structure in the cell area; a hard mask pattern disposed on the electrode structure in the connection area, and having a plurality of opening holes; a plurality of contact holes defined in the electrode structure under the opening holes, and exposing pad areas of the electrode layers; and a slit dividing the hard mask pattern into units smaller than the electrode structure in the connection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Sung Lae Oh
  • Patent number: 11538907
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes first conducting layers and a first semiconductor layer opposed to the first conducting layers. If a concentration of the dopant in the first semiconductor layer is measured along an imaginary straight line, the concentration of the dopant has: a maximum value at a first point, a minimum value in a region closer to the first conducting layer than the first point at a second point; and a minimum value in a region farther from the first conducting layer than the first point at a third point. The second point is nearer to an end portion of the first semiconductor layer on the first conducting layer side than that on the opposite side. The third point is farther from the end portion on the first conducting layer side than that on the opposite side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Kioxia Corporation
    Inventor: Masakazu Goto
  • Patent number: 11538827
    Abstract: A memory device and method of forming the same are provided. The memory device includes a word line, a bit line, a source line, a channel pillar, and a charge storage structure. The bit line and the source line are disposed on opposite sides of the word line in a vertical direction. The channel pillar penetrates through and is connected to the word line, the bit line and the source line. The charge storage structure surrounds a top surface and a bottom surface of the word line and is laterally sandwiched between the channel pillar and the word line. The channel pillar completely penetrates through and is laterally surrounded by the bit line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chih-Hsiung Lee
  • Patent number: 11532638
    Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatuses and methods of forming the apparatuses. One of the apparatuses includes a first deck located over a substrate, and a second deck located over the first deck, and pillars extending through the first and second decks. The first deck includes first memory cells, first control gates associated with the first memory cells, and first conductive paths coupled to the first control gates. The second conductive paths include second conductive pads located on a first level of the apparatus over the substrate. The second deck includes second memory cells, second control gates associated with the second memory cells, and second conductive paths coupled to the second control gates. The second conductive paths include second conductive pads located on a second level of the apparatus. The first and second conductive pads having lengths in a direction perpendicular to a direction from the first deck to the second deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Darwin A. Clampitt, Shawn D. Lyonsmith, Matthew J. King, Lisa M. Clampitt, John Hopkins, Kevin Y. Titus, Indra V. Chary, Martin Jared Barclay, Anilkumar Chandolu, Pavithra Natarajan, Roger W. Lindsay
  • Patent number: 11532640
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a device includes: a first dielectric layer over a substrate; a word line over the first dielectric layer, the word line including a first main layer and a first glue layer, the first glue layer extending along a bottom surface, a top surface, and a first sidewall of the first main layer; a second dielectric layer over the word line; a first bit line extending through the second dielectric layer and the first dielectric layer; and a data storage strip disposed between the first bit line and the word line, the data storage strip extending along a second sidewall of the word line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Han-Jong Chia, Chung-Te Lin, Feng-Cheng Yang, Meng-Han Lin, Sheng-Chen Wang
  • Patent number: 11521982
    Abstract: The present disclosure may provide a semiconductor device having a stable structure and a low manufacturing degree of the difficulty. The device may include conductive layers and insulating layers which are alternately stacked; a plurality of pillars passing through the conductive layers and the insulating layers; and a plurality of deposition inhibiting patterns, each deposition inhibiting pattern being formed along a portion of an interface between a side-wall of each of the pillars and each of the conductive layers and along a portion of an interface between each of the insulating layers and each of the conductive layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Young Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 11521897
    Abstract: A method of forming a microelectronic device comprises forming a stack structure comprising vertically alternating insulating structures and additional insulating structures arranged in tiers. Each of the tiers individually comprises one of the insulating structures and one of the additional insulating structures. A first trench is formed to partially vertically extend through the stack structure. The first trench comprises a first portion having a first width, and a second portion at a horizontal boundary of the first portion and having a second width greater than the first width. A dielectric structure is formed within the first trench. The dielectric structure comprises a substantially void-free section proximate the horizontal boundary of the first portion of the trench. Microelectronic devices and electronic systems are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Anilkumar Chandolu, Christopher R. Ritchie, Darwin A. Clampitt, S M Istiaque Hossain
  • Patent number: 11515320
    Abstract: A method of forming a microelectronic device comprises forming a sacrificial material over a base structure. Portions of the sacrificial material are replaced with an etch-resistant material. A stack structure is formed over the etch-resistant material and remaining portions of the sacrificial material. The stack structure comprises a vertically alternating sequence of insulative material and additional sacrificial material arranged in tiers, and at least one staircase structure horizontally overlapping the etch-resistant material and having steps comprising horizontal ends of the tiers. Slots are formed to vertically extend through the stack structure and the remaining portions of the sacrificial material. The sacrificial material and the additional sacrificial material are selectively replaced with conductive material after forming the slots to respectively form lateral contact structures and conductive structures. Microelectronic devices, memory devices, and electronic systems are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Hopkins, Jordan D. Greenlee, Nancy M. Lomeli
  • Patent number: 11508740
    Abstract: A semiconductor device may include a plurality of first contact structures, plug-shaped second contact structures configured to be connected to a first number of the plurality of first contact structures, respectively, a slit-shaped second contact structure configured to be connected to a second number of the plurality of first contact structures, adjacent in a first direction, and a third contact structure configured to be connected to sidewalls of the plug-shaped second contact structures, adjacent in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Nam Jae Lee
  • Patent number: 11508750
    Abstract: Embodiments of 3D memory devices and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In an example, a 3D memory device includes a substrate, a peripheral circuit on the substrate, a memory stack including interleaved conductive layers and dielectric layers above the peripheral circuit, a first semiconductor layer above the memory stack, a second semiconductor layer above and in contact with the first semiconductor layer, a plurality of channel structures each extending vertically through the memory stack and the first semiconductor layer, and an insulating structure extending vertically through the memory stack, the first semiconductor layer, and the second semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: YANGTZE MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kun Zhang, Di Wang, Lei Liu, Wenxi Zhou, Zhiliang Xia
  • Patent number: 11502092
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a stack structure including a plurality of first dielectric layers alternately stacked with a plurality of second dielectric layers over a first substrate in a coupling region, and including a plurality of electrode layers alternately stacked with the plurality of first dielectric layers over the first substrate outside the coupling region; and a plurality of vias passing through the stack structure in a first direction that is perpendicular to a top surface of the first substrate and disposed at edges of the coupling region to define an etch barrier. Each of the plurality of vias comprising: a pillar portion extending in the first direction; and a plurality of extended portions, extending radially from an outer circumference of the pillar portion and parallel to the top surface of the first substrate, that are coextensive in the first direction with the plurality of second dielectric layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Sung Lae Oh
  • Patent number: 11495608
    Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device is provided. The device comprises a floating gate having a first finger and a second finger and an active region below the floating gate fingers. A first doped region is in the active region laterally displaced from the first floating gate finger on a first side. A second doped region is in the active region laterally displaced from the first floating gate finger on a second side. A third doped region is in the active region laterally displaced from the second floating gate finger and the second doped region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Singapore Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Lanxiang Wang, Eng Huat Toh, Shyue Seng Tan, Xinshu Cai, Yongshun Sun
  • Patent number: 11489090
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes epitaxial oxide field effect transistors (FETs). In some embodiments, a FET comprises: a substrate comprising an oxide material; an epitaxial semiconductor layer on the substrate; a gate layer on the epitaxial semiconductor layer; and electrical contacts. In some cases, the epitaxial semiconductor layer can comprise a superlattice comprising a first and a second set of layers comprising oxide materials with a first and second bandgap. The gate layer can comprise an oxide material with a third bandgap, wherein the third bandgap is wider than the first bandgap. In some cases, the epitaxial semiconductor layer can comprise a second oxide material with a first bandgap, wherein the second oxide material comprises single crystal AxB1-xOn, wherein 0<x<1.0, wherein A is Al and/or Ga, wherein B is Mg, Ni, a rare earth, Er, Gd, Ir, Bi, or Li.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Silanna UV Technologies Pte Ltd
    Inventor: Petar Atanackovic
  • Patent number: 11489049
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a method of forming an integrated assembly. A first stack is formed over a conductive structure. The first stack includes a second layer between first and third layers. The first and third layers are conductive. A first opening is formed through the first stack. A sacrificial material is formed within the first opening. A second stack is formed over the first stack. The second stack has alternating first and second levels. A second opening is formed through the second stack and through the sacrificial material. First semiconductor material is formed within the second opening. A third opening is formed through the second stack, through the third layer, and to the second layer. The second layer is removed, forming a conduit. Second semiconductor material is formed within the conduit. Dopant is out-diffused from the second semiconductor material into the first semiconductor material. Some embodiments include integrated assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon A. Haller
  • Patent number: 11489043
    Abstract: A three-dimensional memory device includes an alternating stack of word lines and at least one insulating layers or air gaps located over a substrate, a memory opening fill structure extending through the alternating stack. The memory opening fill structure includes a memory film and a vertical semiconductor channel contacting an inner sidewall of the memory film. The word lines are thicker than the insulating layers or air gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: James Kai, Senaka Kanakamedala, Johann Alsmeier
  • Patent number: 11488973
    Abstract: Memory device and formation method are provided. The memory device includes a substrate; a staircase structure on the substrate; a string driver structure over the staircase structure on a side opposite to the substrate; and a metal routing structure, between the string driver structure and the staircase structure along a vertical direction with respect to a lateral surface of the substrate. The staircase structure includes a plurality of word line tiers. The string driver structure includes a plurality of transistors to individually address the plurality of word line tiers. The string driver structure and the metal routing structure are vertically aligned with the staircase structure based on a lateral central region of the staircase structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: YANGTZE MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jin Yong Oh
  • Patent number: 11488855
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method of forming the same are provided. The method includes forming a trench in a substrate. A liner layer is formed along sidewalls and a bottom of the trench. A silicon-rich layer is formed over the liner layer. Forming the silicon-rich layer includes flowing a first silicon precursor into a process chamber for a first time interval, and flowing a second silicon precursor and a first oxygen precursor into the process chamber for a second time interval. The second time interval is different from the first time interval. The method further includes forming a dielectric layer over the silicon-rich layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Cheng-I Lin, Bang-Tai Tang
  • Patent number: 11482440
    Abstract: A semiconductor device, the device including: a first single crystal substrate and plurality of logic circuits, where the first single crystal substrate has a device area, where the device area is significantly larger than a reticle size, where the plurality of logic circuits include an array of processors, where the plurality of logic circuits include a first logic circuit, a second logic circuit, and third logic circuit, where the plurality of logic circuits include switching circuits to support replacing the first logic circuit and the second logic circuit by the third logic circuit; and a built-in-test-circuit (“BIST”), where the built-in-test-circuit is connected to test at least the first logic circuit and the second logic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: MONOLITHIC 3D INC.
    Inventors: Zvi Or-Bach, Brian Cronquist, Deepak C. Sekar
  • Patent number: 11469247
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a stack structure, a channel layer passing through the stack structure, a memory layer enclosing the channel layer and including first and second openings which expose the channel layer, a well plate coupled to the channel layer through the first opening, and a source plate coupled to the channel layer through the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: In Su Park
  • Patent number: 11469321
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a first multi-gate field effect transistor (FET) disposed over a substrate, the first multi-gate FET including a first active region; and a second multi-gate FET disposed over the first multi-gate FET, the second multi-gate FET including a second active region. The first active region and the second active region are not fully projected in a vertical direction perpendicular to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Ze-Sian Lu, Ting-Wei Chiang, Pin-Dai Sue, Jung-Hsuan Chen, Hui-Wen Li
  • Patent number: 11461624
    Abstract: Provided is a binary neural network including: a synapse string array in which multiple synapse strings are sequentially connected. The synapse string includes: first and second cell strings, each including memory cell devices connected in series; and switching devices connected to first ends of two-side ends of the first and second cell strings. The memory cell devices of the first and second cell strings are in one-to-on correspondence to each other, and a pair of the memory cell devices being in one-to-on correspondence to each other have one-side terminals electrically connected to each other to constitute one synapse morphic device. A plurality of the pairs of memory cell devices configured with the first and second cell strings constituting each synapse string constitute a plurality of the synapse morphic devices. The synapse morphic devices of each synapse string are electrically connected to the synapse morphic devices of other synapse strings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY R&DB FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Jong-Ho Lee, Sung-Tae Lee
  • Patent number: 11456319
    Abstract: Provided are a three-dimensional semiconductor memory device, a method for manufacturing the same, a method for operating the same, and an electronic system including the same. The three-dimensional semiconductor memory device includes a substrate, a stack structure on the substrate, and vertical channel structures, which are provided in channel holes penetrating the stack structure, wherein each of the vertical channel structures includes a data storage pattern, a vertical channel pattern, a conductive pad, and a vertical semiconductor pattern, wherein the vertical channel pattern includes a first portion contacting the upper surface of the substrate and a second portion provided between the data storage pattern and the vertical semiconductor pattern, and wherein the vertical semiconductor pattern is spaced apart from the substrate with the first portion of the vertical channel pattern therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: INDUSTRY-UNIVERSITY COOPERATION FOUNDATION HANYANG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yun Heub Song, Sun Jun Choi, Chang Hwan Choi, Jae Kyeong Jeong
  • Patent number: 11456380
    Abstract: Present disclosure provides a transistor structure, including a substrate, a first gate over the substrate, a second gate over the substrate and laterally in contact with the first gate, a first conductive region of a first conductivity type in the substrate, self-aligning to a side of the first gate, and a second conductive region of the first conductivity type in the substrate, self-aligning to a side of the second gate. A method for manufacturing the transistor structure is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Tung-Yang Lin, Hsueh-Liang Chou
  • Patent number: 11443800
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory apparatus includes an access line control circuit. The access line control circuit applies a selected bias voltage to a selected access line coupled with a target memory cell and applies a first unselected bias voltage to an unselected access line adjacent to the selected access line. A second unselected bias voltage is applied to an unselected access line not adjacent to the selected access line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Jin Su Park
  • Patent number: 11443807
    Abstract: Embodiments of three-dimensional memory device architectures and fabrication methods therefor are disclosed. In an example, the memory device includes a substrate and one or more peripheral devices on the substrate. The memory device also includes one or more interconnect layers and a semiconductor layer disposed over the one or more interconnect layers. A layer stack having alternating conductor and insulator layers is disposed above the semiconductor layer. A plurality of structures extend vertically through the layer stack. A first set of conductive lines are electrically coupled with a first set of the plurality of structures and a second set of conductive lines are electrically coupled with a second set of the plurality of structures different from the first set. The first and second sets of conductive lines are vertically distanced from opposite ends of the plurality of structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Yangtze Memory Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zongliang Huo, Li Hong Xiao, Zhiliang Xia
  • Patent number: 11444082
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a method for forming a semiconductor apparatus. The method includes forming a first field-effect transistor (FET) that includes a first gate on a substrate of the semiconductor apparatus. The method includes forming a second FET that is stacked on the first FET along a direction substantially perpendicular to the substrate and includes a second gate. The method includes forming a first routing track and a second routing track that is electrically isolated from the first routing track. Each of the first and second routing tracks is provided on a routing plane stacked on the second FET along the direction. A first conductive trace configured to conductively couple the first gate of the first FET to the first routing track can be formed. A second conductive trace configured to conductively couple the second gate of the second FET to the second routing track can be formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Jeffrey Smith, Anton J. deVilliers, Kandabara N. Tapily, Subhadeep Kal, Gerrit J. Leusink
  • Patent number: 11437399
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a stacked structure including insulating layers and conductive layers alternately stacked on each other, a hard mask pattern located on the stacked structure, a channel structure passing through the hard mask pattern and the stacked structure, insulating patterns interposed between the insulating layers and the channel structure and each including a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface faces each of the insulating layers and is flat and the second surface faces the channel structure and includes a curved surface, and a memory layer interposed between the stacked structure and the channel structure and filling a space between the insulating patterns, wherein a sidewall of each of the conductive layers is located on an extending line of a sidewall of the hard mask pattern and the insulating patterns protrude farther towards the channel structure than the sidewall of the hard mask pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Changhan Kim, In Ku Kang, Sun Young Kim
  • Patent number: 11437568
    Abstract: One illustrative memory cell disclosed herein includes at least one layer of insulating material having a first opening and an internal sidewall spacer positioned within the first opening, wherein the internal sidewall spacer includes a spacer opening. The memory cell also includes a bottom electrode positioned within the spacer opening, a memory state material positioned above an upper surface of the bottom electrode and above an upper surface of the internal sidewall spacer, and a top electrode positioned above the memory state material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: GlobalFoundries U.S. Inc.
    Inventors: Yanping Shen, Haiting Wang, Sipeng Gu
  • Patent number: 11437518
    Abstract: A method includes forming an opening in a dielectric to reveal a protruding semiconductor fin, forming a gate dielectric on sidewalls and a top surface of the protruding semiconductor fin, and forming a conductive diffusion barrier layer over the gate dielectric. The conductive diffusion barrier layer extends into the opening. The method further includes forming a silicon layer over the conductive diffusion barrier layer and extending into the opening, and performing a dry etch on the silicon layer to remove horizontal portions and vertical portions of the silicon layer. After the dry etch, a conductive layer is formed over the conductive diffusion barrier layer and extending into the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Wen-Han Fang, Po-Chi Wu
  • Patent number: 11437389
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an integrated assembly having a memory array region which includes channel material pillars extending through a stack of alternating conductive and insulative levels. A second region is adjacent the memory array region. A conductive expanse is within the memory array region and electrically coupled with the channel material of the channel material pillars. A panel extends across the memory array region and the second region. The panel separates one memory block region from another. The panel has a first portion over the conductive expanse, and has a second portion adjacent the first portion. The panel has a bottom surface. A first segment of the bottom surface is adjacent an upper surface of the conductive expanse. A segment of the bottom surface within the second portion is elevationally offset relative to the first segment. Some embodiments include methods of forming integrated assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Shuangqiang Luo
  • Patent number: 11437390
    Abstract: Provided herein may be a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device may include a stack. The semiconductor device may include channel layers including channel patterns passing through the stack, dummy channel patterns passing through the stack, and a coupling pattern which may be disposed below the stack and couples the channel patterns with the dummy channel patterns. The semiconductor device may include a bit line which is disposed on the stack and coupled with the channel patterns. The semiconductor device may include a well pick-up line which is disposed on the stack and coupled with the dummy channel patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Kang Sik Choi
  • Patent number: 11430887
    Abstract: High voltage isolation devices for semiconductor devices and associated systems, are disclosed herein. The isolation device may support operations of a 3-dimensional NAND memory array of the semiconductor device. In some embodiments, during high voltage operations (e.g., erase operations), the isolation device may provide a high voltage to the memory array while isolating other circuitry supporting low voltage operations of the memory array from the high voltage. The isolation device may include a set of narrow active areas separating the low voltage circuitry from the high voltage and a gate over the narrow active areas. In a further embodiment, the isolation device includes interdigitated narrow active areas and a common gate over the interdigitated narrow active areas to reduce an area occupied by the isolation devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Smith
  • Patent number: 11430804
    Abstract: A vertical memory device is provided. The vertical memory device includes gate electrodes formed on a substrate and spaced apart from each other in a first direction substantially perpendicular to an upper surface of the substrate, the gate electrodes including a first gate electrode and a second gate electrode that is interposed between the first gate electrode and the substrate; a channel extending through the gate electrodes in the first direction; an insulating isolation pattern extending through the first gate electrode in the first direction, and spaced apart from the first gate electrode in a second direction substantially parallel to the upper surface of the substrate; and a blocking pattern disposed on an upper surface, a lower surface and a sidewall of each of the gate electrodes, the sidewall of the gate electrodes facing the channel. The insulating isolation pattern directly contacts the first gate electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyunghwa Yun, Chanho Kim, Dongku Kang
  • Patent number: 11424261
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed to an integrated circuit (IC) comprising a memory cell with a large operation window and a high erase speed. In some embodiments, the IC comprises a semiconductor substrate and a memory cell. The memory cell comprises a control gate electrode, a select gate electrode, a charge trapping layer, and a common source/drain region. The common source/drain is defined by the semiconductor substrate and is n-type. The control gate electrode and the select gate electrode overlie the semiconductor substrate and are respectively on opposite sides of the common source/drain. Further, the control gate electrode overlies the charge trapping layer and comprises a metal with a p-type work function. In some embodiments, the select gate electrode comprises a metal with an n-type work function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun-Chi Wu, Cheng-Bo Shu, Chien Hung Liu
  • Patent number: 11417672
    Abstract: There are provided a semiconductor memory device and a manufacturing method thereof. The manufacturing method of the semiconductor memory device includes: forming a preliminary memory cell array that includes a gate stack structure and a channel structure, wherein the gate stack structure includes interlayer insulating layers and conductive patterns, alternately stacked on a first substrate, and wherein the channel structure has a first end portion that penetrates the gate stack structure and extends into the first substrate; forming a common source line to be in contact with a second end portion of the channel structure, the common source line formed on a first surface of the gate stack structure; removing the first substrate; and forming a bit line connected to the first end portion of the channel structure on a second surface of the gate stack structure that is opposite of the first surface of the gate stack structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Nam Jae Lee
  • Patent number: 11417381
    Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatuses and methods operating the apparatuses. One of the apparatuses includes a first data line located over a substrate, a second data line located over the first data line, a third data line located over the second data line and electrically separated from the first and second data lines, and a memory cell coupled to the first, second, and third data lines. The memory cell includes a first material between the first and second data lines and electrically coupled to the first and second data lines; a second material located over the first data line and the first material, the second material electrically separated from the first material and electrically coupled to the third data line; and a memory element electrically coupled to the second material and electrically separated from the first material and first and second data lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Karthik Sarpatwari, Kamal M. Karda, Durai Vishak Nirmal Ramaswamy
  • Patent number: 11417675
    Abstract: A three-dimensional semiconductor memory device including a peripheral circuit structure on a first substrate, the peripheral circuit structure including peripheral circuits, a second substrate on the peripheral circuit structure, an electrode structure on the second substrate, the electrode structure including a plurality of electrodes that are stacked on the second substrate and a penetrating interconnection structure penetrating the electrode structure and the second substrate may be provided. The penetrating interconnection structure may include a lower insulating pattern, a mold pattern structure on the lower insulating pattern, a protection pattern between the lower insulating pattern and the mold pattern structure, and a penetration plug. The penetration plug may penetrate the mold pattern structure and the lower insulating pattern and may be connected to the peripheral circuit structure. The protection pattern may be at a level lower than that of the lowermost one of the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiseok Jang, Chang-Sun Hwang, Chungki Min, Kieun Seo, Jongheun Lim
  • Patent number: 11417670
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit includes a substrate; a field effect transistor disposed in a periphery region of the substrate, the field effect transistor including a gate electrode, a first source, a first drain; a floating gate non-volatile memory device disposed in a memory region of the substrate, the floating gate non-volatile memory device including a second source, a third source, and a second drain, wherein the second source, the third source, and the second drain are disposed along an axis; and a floating gate electrode in the memory region including a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, wherein the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion are electrically connected, wherein the first portion, the second portion and the third portion extend perpendicular to the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Felix Ying-Kit Tsui, Huang-Wen Tseng
  • Patent number: 11411180
    Abstract: A method includes forming a dielectric layer over a substrate, the dielectric layer having a top surface; etching an opening in the dielectric layer; forming a bottom electrode within the opening, the bottom electrode including a barrier layer; forming a phase-change material (PCM) layer within the opening and on the bottom electrode, wherein a top surface of the PCM layer is level with or below the top surface of the dielectric layer; and forming a top electrode on the PCM layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tung Ying Lee, Yu Chao Lin, Shao-Ming Yu