Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device with nanowire channel and a method for fabricating the same are proposed, in which side etching is used to shrink side walls of a side-gate to form a nanowire pattern, thereby fabricating a nanowire channel on the dielectric of the side walls of the side-gate. A nonvolatile memory device with nanowire channel and dual-gate control can thus be achieved. This nonvolatile memory device can enhance data writing and erasing efficiency, and also has the capability of low voltage operation. Moreover, through a process of low cost and easy steps, highly reproducible and mass producible fabrication of nanowire devices can be accomplished.

Abstract: In a method of fabricating a transistor including a buried insulating layer and transistor fabricated using the same, the method includes sequentially forming a sacrificial layer and a top semiconductor layer on a single crystalline semiconductor substrate. A gate pattern is formed on the top semiconductor layer. A sacrificial spacer is formed to cover sidewalls of the gate pattern. An elevated semiconductor layer is grown on a portion of the top semiconductor layer adjacent to the sacrificial spacer. The sacrificial spacer is removed. A portion of the top semiconductor layer from which the sacrificial spacer is removed is etched until the sacrificial layer is exposed, thereby forming a recess, which separates the top semiconductor layer into a first top semiconductor layer pattern and a second top semiconductor layer pattern, which remain under the gate pattern and the elevated semiconductor layer, respectively. The sacrificial layer is selectively removed.

Abstract: The semiconductor integrated circuit has so-called SOI type first MOS transistors (MNtk, MPtk) and second MOS transistors (MNtn, MPtn). The first MOS transistors have a gate isolation film thicker than that the second MOS transistors have. The first and second MOS transistors constitute a power-supply-interruptible circuit (6) and a power-supply-uninterrupted circuit (7). The power-supply-interruptible circuit has the first MOS transistors each constituting a power switch (10) between a source line (VDD) and a ground line (VSS), and the second MOS transistors connected in series with the power switch. A gate control signal for the first MOS transistors each constituting a power switch is made larger in amplitude than that for the second MOS transistors. This enables power-source cutoff control with a high degree of flexibility commensurate with the device isolation structure, which an SOI type semiconductor integrated circuit has originally.

Abstract: Methods of forming a strained Si-containing hybrid substrate are provided as well as the strained Si-containing hybrid substrate formed by the methods. In the methods of the present invention, a strained Si layer is formed overlying a regrown semiconductor material, a second semiconducting layer, or both. In accordance with the present invention, the strained Si layer has the same crystallographic orientation as either the regrown semiconductor layer or the second semiconducting layer. The methods provide a hybrid substrate in which at least one of the device layers includes strained Si.

Abstract: A far subcollector, or a buried doped semiconductor layer located at a depth that exceeds the range of conventional ion implantation, is formed by ion implantation of dopants into a region of an initial semiconductor substrate followed by an epitaxial growth of semiconductor material. A reachthrough region to the far subcollector is formed by outdiffusing a dopant from a doped material layer deposited in the at least one deep trench that adjoins the far subcollector. The reachthrough region may be formed surrounding the at least one deep trench or only on one side of the at least one deep trench. If the inside of the at least one trench is electrically connected to the reachthrough region, a metal contact may be formed on the doped fill material within the at least one trench. If not, a metal contact is formed on a secondary reachthrough region that contacts the reachthrough region.

Abstract: The present invention aims at offering the semiconductor device which has the structure which are a high speed and a low power, and can be integrated highly. The present invention is a semiconductor device formed in the SOI substrate by which the BOX layer and the SOI layer were laminated on the silicon substrate. And the present invention is provided with the FIN type transistor with which the gate electrode coiled around the body region formed in the SOI layer, and the planar type transistor which was separated using partial isolation and full isolation together to element isolation, and was formed in the SOI layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having an insulation layer and a semiconductor layer formed on the insulation layer; a channel area formed in the semiconductor layer; a gate electrode formed on the channel area; a source area formed in the semiconductor layer and having a depth not reaching the insulation layer; a drain area formed in the semiconductor layer adjacent to the source area with the channel area in between and having a depth reaching the insulation layer; a separation area disposed next to the source area opposite to the channel area and having a depth not reaching the insulation layer; a high-concentration body area formed in the semiconductor layer at lease in a surface layer thereof and between the first separation area and the second separation area; and a body contact disposed on the high-concentration body area.

Abstract: Non-planar SOI devices that include an “area-efficient” body tie are disclosed. The device includes a bulk substrate, an insulator layer formed on a surface of the bulk substrate, and a silicon body formed on a surface of the insulator layer. The silicon body preferably includes (i) a non-planar channel connecting a source region and a drain region, and (ii) a body tie that is adjacent to the channel and couples the channel to a voltage potential. The device further includes a gate dielectric formed on the channel and a gate material formed on the gate dielectric.

Abstract: An SOI FET comprising a silicon substrate having silicon layer on top of a buried oxide layer having doped regions and an undoped region is disclosed. The doped region has a dielectric constant different from the dielectric constant of the doped regions. A body also in the silicon layer separates the source/drains in the silicon layer. The source/drains are aligned over the doped regions and the body is aligned over the undoped region. A gate dielectric is on top of the body and a gate conductor is on top of the gate dielectric.

Abstract: A lateral SOI device may include a semiconductor channel region connected to a drain region by a drift region. An insulation region on the drift layer is positioned between the channel region and the drain region. Permanent charges may be embedded in the insulation region sufficient to cause inversion in the insulation region. The semiconductor layer also overlies a global insulation layer, and permanent charges are preferably embedded in at least selected areas of this insulation layer too.

Abstract: A family of logic circuits is constructed from double-gated four terminal transistors having independent gate control. First and second inputs to each logic element are independently coupled to the top and bottom gates of a transistor. The output voltage developed at either the source or drain represents an output logic state value according to the designed logic element. In a dynamic configuration the drain is precharged to an appropriate voltage. Complementary static CMOS configurations are also shown. Bottom Gates not driven by logic inputs or control signals may be biased to control the speed and power of the described logic circuits. Specific designs are given for AND, NAND, XOR, XNOR, OR and NOR combinational logic elements.

Abstract: An insulated gate semiconductor device comprising an insulator substrate having provided thereon a source and a drain region; a channel region being incorporated between said source and said drain regions, said channel region comprising a polycrystalline, a single crystal, or a semi-amorphous semiconductor material; and a region provided under said channel region, said region comprising an amorphous material containing the same material as that of the channel region as the principal component, or said region comprising a material having a band gap larger than said channel region. A process for fabricating the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A semiconductor device that suppresses partial discharging to a semiconductor substrate caused by local concentration of current. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a gate electrode buried in the semiconductor substrate, a conductor buried in the semiconductor substrate further inward from the gate electrode, a wiring layer formed in the semiconductor substrate in connection with the conductor, and an insulation film arranged between the gate electrode and the conductor. The conductor is higher than the surface of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an active region defining at least four surfaces, the four surfaces including first, second, third, and fourth surfaces, a gate insulation layer formed around the four surfaces of the active region, and a gate electrode formed around the gate insulation layer and the four surfaces of the active region.

Abstract: A method for forming a substrate contact on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer is provided that can be integrated with a process for fabricating SOI devices without additional processing after wafer dicing. The method is applicable in many of the more advanced packaging technologies, e.g., such as flip chip and die stacking, directly creating a contact to silicon substrate via the front of the diced SOI wafer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first insulator formed at a part under a semiconductor layer, a second insulator formed under the semiconductor layer in an arranged manner avoiding the first insulator and having a relative dielectric constant different from that of the first insulator, a backgate electrode formed under the first and second insulators, a gate electrode formed on the semiconductor layer, and a source layer and a drain layer formed in the semiconductor layer to be respectively arranged on opposite lateral sides of the gate electrode.

Abstract: A semiconductor storage device according to the present invention, comprising: a first semiconductor layer formed on a substrate via a buried insulation layer; an FBC (Floating Body Cell) having a channel body of floating type formed on the first semiconductor layer, a main gate which forms a channel at a first face side of the channel body, and an auxiliary gate formed to capacitively couple on a second face at an opposite side of the first face; a logic circuit formed on the first semiconductor layer, separate from the FBC by an insulation film, which transfers a signal for the FBC; a second semiconductor layer which locates below the FBC and is formed along an under face of the buried insulation film; and a third semiconductor layer which locates below the logic circuit and is formed along an under face of the buried insulation film, wherein the second and third semiconductor layers are set to be in a potential different from each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor device of n-type MOSFET structure, which comprises a semiconductor substrate having a device isolation region, diffusion regions formed in the semiconductor substrate, gate electrodes formed above the semiconductor substrate, and a F-containing NiSi layer formed on the diffusion regions and containing F atoms at a concentration of 3.0×1013 cm?2 or more in areal density, wherein a depth from the junction position formed between the diffusion region and the semiconductor substrate to the bottom of the F-containing NiSi layer is confined within the range of 20 to 100 nm, and the concentration of F atoms at an interface between the F-containing NiSi layer and the semiconductor substrate is 8.0×1018 cm?3 or more.

Abstract: A semiconductor device according to the present invention is provided with an SOI substrate, an active region, a first insulating film (complete separation insulating film), a second insulating film (partial separation insulating film), and a contact portion. Here, the active region is formed within the surface of the SOI layer. In addition, the first insulating film is formed on one side of the active region from the surface of SOI layer to the buried insulating film. In addition, the second insulating film is formed on the other side of the active region from the surface of SOI layer to a predetermined depth that does not reach the buried insulating film. In addition, the contact portion is provided toward the side where the first insulating film exists, off the center of the active region in a plan view.

Abstract: A cost efficient and manufacturable method of fabricating strained semiconductor-on-insulator (SSOI) substrates is provided that avoids wafer bonding. The method includes growing various epitaxial semiconductor layers on a substrate, wherein at least one of the semiconductor layers is a doped and relaxed semiconductor layer underneath a strained semiconductor layer; converting the doped and relaxed semiconductor layer into a porous semiconductor via an electrolytic anodization process, and oxidizing to convert the porous semiconductor layer into a buried oxide layer. The method provides a SSOI substrate that includes a relaxed semiconductor layer on a substrate; a high-quality buried oxide layer on the relaxed semiconductor layer; and a strained semiconductor layer on the high-quality buried oxide layer. In accordance with the present invention, the relaxed semiconductor layer and the strained semiconductor layer have identical crystallographic orientations.

Abstract: An SOI device includes an SOI substrate having a stacked structure including a buried oxide layer and a first silicon layer sequentially stacked on a silicon substrate. The SOI substrate possesses grooves having a depth that extends from an upper surface of the first silicon layer to a partial depth of the buried oxide layer. An insulation layer is formed on the lower surfaces of the grooves and a second silicon layer is formed filling the grooves having the insulation layer formed thereon. Gates are formed on the second silicon layer and junction regions are formed in the first silicon layer on both sides of the gates to contact the insulation layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor mesa overlying a dielectric layer, a gate stack formed overlying the semiconductor mesa, and an isolation spacer formed surrounding the semiconductor mesa and filling any undercut region at edges of the semiconductor mesa.

Abstract: A transistor structure is disclosed including at least one transistor including a diffusion and an interconnect electrically connected to a side of the diffusion and a conductor in electrical contact with the interconnect. The low-resistivity local interconnect is advantageous for use with stressed liner films since a conductor can contact the interconnect at a distance from the diffusion, thus allowing electrical contact without having to interrupt the stress liner film where it is most effective. Several embodiments of methods of electrically connecting a diffusion to an interconnect are also disclosed.

Abstract: A strained Si layer 2 is epitaxially grown on a base SiGe layer 1, and a gate insulating film 3a and a gate electrode 4a are formed. An impurity is then ion-implanted (FIG. 2A) into the base SiGe layer 1 and the strained Si layer 2 using the gate electrode 4a as a mask, heat treatment is performed for activation, and a source/drain region 6 is formed (FIGS. 2B and 2C). In this instance, the film thickness of the strained Si layer 2 is set to 2Tp, where Tp (=Rp) is the depth having the maximum concentration of the impurity in the source/drain region 6 of the finished MISFET.

Abstract: The present invention alters the frequency response of an optoelectronic device to match a driver circuit that drives the optoelectronic device. The optoelectronic device is formed on a first substrate. A matching circuit is also formed on the first substrate and coupled to the optoelectronic device to change its frequency response. The matching circuit provides a precise and repeatable amount of inductance to an optoelectronic device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to the fabrication of a buried bi-layer insulator of silicon oxide and silicon nitride in a microelectronic substrate, and to the buried silicon oxide/silicon nitride bi-layer insulator itself. The buried silicon oxide/silicon nitride bi-layer insulator may be formed by implanting oxygen ions and nitrogen ions into the silicon-containing microelectronic substrate and then annealing the silicon-containing microelectronic substrate to form silicon oxide and silicon nitride layers therein.

Abstract: In one illustrative embodiment, the method comprises forming a gate electrode above an SOI substrate comprised of a bulk substrate, a buried insulation layer and an active layer, the gate electrode having a protective layer formed thereabove, and forming a plurality of dielectric regions in the bulk substrate after the gate electrode is formed, the dielectric regions being self-aligned with respect to the gate electrode, the dielectric regions having a dielectric constant that is less than a dielectric constant of the bulk substrate.

Abstract: A non-volatile semiconductor memory including a plurality of memory cell transistors, each of the plurality of memory cell transistors includes: a source region having a first conductivity type and in contact with a buried insulating layer on a supporting substrate; a drain region having the first conductivity type and in contact with the buried insulating layer; and a channel region having the first conductivity type and provided between the source region and the drain region so as to contact the buried insulating layer, wherein a thickness of the channel region is more than one nm and not more than a value obtained by adding seven nm to a half value of a gate length of the memory cell transistor.

Abstract: A high voltage MOS transistor has a thermally-driven-in first doped region and a second doped region that form a double diffused drain structure. Boundaries of the first doped region are graded. A gate-side boundary of the first doped region extends laterally below part of the gate electrode. The second doped region is formed within the first doped region. A gate-side boundary of the second doped region is separated from a closest edge of the gate electrode by a first spaced distance. The gate-side boundary of the second doped region is separated from a closest edge of the spacer by a second spaced distance. The first spaced distance is greater than the second spaced distance. An isolation-side boundary of the second doped region may be separated from an adjacent isolation structure by a third spaced distance.

Abstract: Novel semiconductor structures and methods are disclosed for forming a buried recombination layer underneath the bulk portion of a hybrid orientation technology by implanting at least one recombination center generating element to reduce single event upset rates in CMOS devices thereabove. The crystalline defects in the buried recombination layer caused by the recombination center generating elements are not healed even after a high temperature anneal and serve as recombination centers where holes and electrons generated by ionizing radiation are collected by. Multiple buried recombination layers may be formed. Optionally, one such layer may be biased with a positive voltage to prevent latchup by collecting electrons.

Abstract: An Integrated Circuit (IC) chip that may be a bulk CMOS IC chip with silicon on insulator (SOI) Field Effect Transistors (FETs) and method of making the chip. The IC chip includes areas with pockets of buried insulator strata and FETs formed on the strata are SOI FETs. The SOI FETs may include Partially Depleted SOI (PD-SOI) FETs and Fully Depleted SOI (FD-SOI) FETs and the chip may include bulk FETs as well. The FETs are formed by contouring the surface of a wafer, conformally implanting oxygen to a uniform depth, and planarizing to remove the Buried OXide (BOX) in bulk FET regions.

Abstract: A solid-state image pickup apparatus with little or no difference in the dark currents between adjacent photoelectric conversion elements and providing a high sensitivity and a low dark current even in a high-speed readout operation. A well 302 is formed on a wafer 301, and semiconductor layers 101a, 101b are formed in the well to constitute photodiodes. A well contact 306 is formed between the semiconductor layers 101a, 101b. Element isolation regions 303b, 303a are provided between the well contact and the semiconductor layers, and channel stop layers 307b, 307a are provided under the element isolation regions 303b, 303a. A conductive layer 304 is provided on the element isolation region 303b, and a side wall 308 is provided on a side face of the conductive layer 304. A distance a between an end of the element isolation region 303b and the conductive layer 304, a width b of the side wall 308 and a device isolation width c satisfy a relation c>a?b.

Abstract: A heterostructure is provided which includes a substantially relaxed SiGe layer present atop an insulating region that is located on a substrate. The substantially relaxed SiGe layer has a thickness of from about 2000 nm or less, a measured lattice relaxation of from about 50 to about 80% and a defect density of less than about 108 defects/cm2. A strained epitaxial Si layer is located atop the substantially relaxed SiGe layer and at least one alternating stack including a bottom relaxed SiGe layer and an top strained Si layer located on the strained epitaxial Si layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fin transistor and a planar transistor and a method of forming the same. The fin transistor and the planar transistor are formed to have gate electrodes with similar thicknesses by selectively recessing a semiconductor substrate in a planar region where the planar transistor is formed.

Abstract: Variations in characteristics of transistors and a deterioration of a gate oxide film are reduced in a WP step. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device of the present invention includes the steps of providing a SOI substrate having a semiconductor layer formed on a supporting substrate through a first insulating film, forming a plurality of SOI transistors on the SOI substrate, wiring the SOI transistors over a plurality of wiring layers, and providing electrical connection between the supporting substrate and the SOI transistors through a top layer wire of the plurality of wiring layers.

Abstract: A semiconductor device capable of making an effective use of a support substrate as interconnect is proposed. The semiconductor device (chip 4) of the present invention has a first Si substrate 1 as a support substrate and a second Si substrate 3 which is layered on a first insulating film layered on one main surface of the first Si substrate 1. A diffusion layer 2 used as a support substrate interconnect is formed at least in a part of the surficial portion of the first Si substrate 1 on the side thereof in contact with the first SiO2 film 9.

Abstract: A method and structure for an improved shallow trench isolation (STI) structure for a semiconductor device. The STI structure incorporates an oxynitride top layer of the STI fill. Optionally, the STI structure incorporates an oxynitride margin of the STI fill adjacent the silicon trench walls. A region of the oxynitride margin near the upper edges of the silicon trench walls includes oxynitride corners that are relatively thicker and contain a higher concentration of nitrogen as compared to the other regions of the oxynitride margin. The oxynitride features limit the STI fill height loss and also reduce the formation of divots in the STI fill below the level of the silicon substrate cause by hydrofluoric acid etching and other fabrication processes. Limiting STI fill height loss and the formation of divots improves the functions of the STI structure.

Abstract: A semiconductor device (51) is provided herein. The semiconductor device comprises (a) a substrate (57), a semiconductor layer (53) disposed on said substrate and comprising a horizontal region (54) and a fin which extends above, and is disposed adjacent to, said horizontal region, and (c) at least one channel region (63) defined in said fin and in said horizontal region.

Abstract: An integrated circuit system includes an integrated circuit, forming a triode near the integrated circuit, and attaching a connector to the triode and the integrated circuit.

Abstract: Channel doping is an effective method for controlling Vth, but if Vth shifts to the order of ?4 to ?3 V when forming circuits such as a CMOS circuit formed from both an n-channel TFT and a P-channel TFT on the same substrate, then it is difficult to control the Vth of both TFTs with one channel dope. In order to solve the above problem, the present invention forms a blocking layer on the back channel side, which is a laminate of a silicon oxynitride film (A) manufactured from SiH4, NH3, and N2O, and a silicon oxynitride film (B) manufactured from SiH4 and N2O. By making this silicon oxynitride film laminate structure, contamination by alkaline metallic elements from the substrate can be prevented, and influence by stresses, caused by internal stress, imparted to the TFT can be relieved.

Abstract: A nonplanar semiconductor device and its method of fabrication is described. The nonplanar semiconductor device includes a semiconductor body having a top surface opposite a bottom surface formed above an insulating substrate wherein the semiconductor body has a pair laterally opposite sidewalls. A gate dielectric is formed on the top surface of the semiconductor body on the laterally opposite sidewalls of the semiconductor body and on at least a portion of the bottom surface of semiconductor body. A gate electrode is formed on the gate dielectric, on the top surface of the semiconductor body and adjacent to the gate dielectric on the laterally opposite sidewalls of semiconductor body and beneath the gate dielectric on the bottom surface of the semiconductor body. A pair source/drain regions are formed in the semiconductor body on opposite sides of the gate electrode.

Abstract: Silicon-on-insulator (SOI) devices with reduced polysilicon loading on an active area uses at least one dielectric layer resistant to silicidation to separate at least one body contact region from source/drain regions, thus reducing gate capacitance and improving device performance. The SOI devices may be used in full depletion type transistors or partial depletion type transistors.

Abstract: A thin film semiconductor device is provided which includes an insulating substrate, a Si thin film formed over the insulating substrate, and a transistor with the Si thin film as a channel thereof. The Si thin film includes a polycrystal where a plurality of narrow, rectangular crystal grains are arranged. A surface of the polycrystal is flat at grain boundaries thereof. Also, an average film thickness of the boundaries of crystals of the Si thin film ranges from 90 to 100% of an intra-grain average film thickness.

Abstract: A Silicon on Insulator (SOI) device is disclosed wherein an extension of P-type doping (303) is implanted between the buried oxide layer of the device and the SOI layer. The extension is of a size and shape to permit the source (309) to be biased at a voltage significantly less than the handler wafer (304) and drain, a condition under which prior art SOI devices may not properly operate.

Abstract: A body biasing structure of devices connected in series on an SOI substrate is provided. According to some embodiments, the shallow junction of common source/drain regions enables all devices to bias by only one body contact on an SOI substrate like a conventional bulk MOSFET, and the floating body effect on an SOI substrate can be prevented.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a double gate MOSFET device is provided. The present invention overetches a silicon layer overlying a buried oxide layer using a hard mask of cap oxide on the silicon layer as an etching mask. As a result, source, drain and channel regions are formed extending from the buried oxide layer, and a pair of recesses are formed under the channel regions in the buried oxide layer. The channel is a fin structure with a top surface and two opposing parallelly sidewalls. The bottom recess is formed under each opposing sidewall of the fin structure. A conductive gate layer is formed straddling the fin structures. The topography of the conductive gate layer significantly deviates from the conventional plainer profile due to the bottom recess structures under the channel regions, and a more uniformly distributed doped conductive gate layer can be obtained.

Abstract: According to this invention, there is provided a NAND-type semiconductor storage device including a semiconductor substrate, a semiconductor layer formed on the semiconductor substrate, a buried insulating film selectively formed between the semiconductor substrate and the semiconductor layer in a memory transistor formation region, diffusion layers formed on the semiconductor layer in the memory transistor formation region, floating body regions between the diffusion layers, a first insulating film formed on each of the floating body regions, a floating gate electrode formed on the first insulating film, a control electrode on a second insulating film formed on the floating gate electrode, and contact plugs connected to ones of the pairs of diffusion layers which are respectively located at ends of the memory transistor formation region, wherein the ones of the pairs of diffusion layers, which are located at the ends of the memory transistor formation region, are connected to the semiconductor substrate belo

Abstract: In a double-gate MOS transistor, a substrate, an insulating layer, and a semiconductor layer are formed or laminated in that order, an opening extending to the insulating layer is formed in the semiconductor layer while leaving an island-shaped region, the island-shaped region including a semiconductor crystal layer having a predetermined length and height and a predetermined shape of horizontal section, the semiconductor crystal layer including P-type or N-type source region, channel region, and drain region, in that order, formed therein, a source electrode, gate electrodes, and a drain electrode are provided in contact with side surfaces of the respective regions, and the gate electrodes are provided in contact with the side surfaces of the channel region.

Abstract: A semiconductor device including a first semiconductor layer formed on a semiconductor substrate, a second semiconductor layer surrounding the first semiconductor layer, the second semiconductor layer being formed on the semiconductor substrate with one of an insulating film and a cavity, and a third semiconductor layer surrounding the second semiconductor layer, the third semiconductor layer being formed on the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an SOI device with charging protection and methods of making the same. In one illustrative embodiment, a device is formed on an SOI substrate including a bulk substrate, a buried insulation layer and an active layer. The device includes a transistor formed in an isolated portion of the active layer, the transistor including a gate electrode and a source region. The device further includes a first conductive bulk substrate contact extending through the active layer and the buried insulation layer, the first conductive bulk substrate contact being conductively coupled to the source region and the bulk substrate, and a second conductive bulk substrate contact extending through the active layer and the buried insulation layer, the second conductive bulk substrate being conductively coupled to the gate electrode and the bulk substrate.