Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first well region in a substrate; a first dielectric layer over the first well region, wherein the first dielectric layer includes a stepped shape over the first well region; and a conductive layer over the first well region. The conductive layer forms a Schottky barrier interface with the first well region.

Abstract: Designs for radiation hardening CMOS devices and integrated circuits using shallow trench isolation (STI) improve total ionizing dose (TID) radiation response by reducing the leakage currents from source to drain associated with corners and sidewalls of trench insulator edges passing under the gate in an NMOS device while maintaining high breakdown voltage. A silicide block pattern is used in combination with pullback of N+ source and drain regions from at least a portion of these edges of the active region. Additional p-type implants along these edges further increase parasitic threshold voltages and enhance radiation hardness. A process for fabricating devices and integrated circuits incorporating these features is also provided. These techniques and processes are applied to exemplary low-voltage NMOS transistors having straight gates and to high-voltage annular-gate devices, as well as to device-to-device isolation in integrated circuits.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a circuit is provided. The circuit includes forming a first electrical device having a first region of a first conductivity type, forming a second electrical device having a second region of a second conductivity type, and electrically coupling the first region and the second region to each other, wherein one of the first and second regions is arranged to at least substantially surround the other of the first and second regions. According to further embodiments of the present invention, a method of forming a circuit is also provided.

Abstract: An electronic chip is provided that includes a plurality of first transistors electrically coupled to one another in parallel. A plurality of first isolating trenches is included in the electronic chip, and the first transistors are separated from one another by the first isolating trenches. Each of the first isolation trenches has a depth and a maximum width, and the depth depends on, or is a function of, the maximum width.

Abstract: A structure includes a field isolation region in a high resistivity substrate, a compensation implant region under the field isolation region in the high resistivity substrate, where the compensation implant region is configured to substantially eliminate a parasitic p-n junction under the field isolation region. The parasitic p-n junction is formed between trapped charges in the field isolation region and the high resistivity substrate. The compensation implant region includes a charge of a first conductivity type to compensate a parasitic charge of a second conductivity type under the field isolation region. The compensation implant region is configured to improve linearity of RF signals propagating through a metallization layer over the field isolation region. The structure further includes a deep trench extending through the field isolation region and the compensation implant region, and a damaged region adjacent the deep trench.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for using a high resistance layer between a III-V channel layer and a group IV substrate for semiconducting devices, such as metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistors. The high resistance layer can be used to minimize (or eliminate) current flow from source to drain that follows a path other than directly through the channel. In some cases, the high resistance layer may be a III-V wide bandgap layer. In some such cases, the wide bandgap layer may have a bandgap greater than 1.4 electron volts (eV), and may even have a bandgap greater than 2.0 eV. In other cases, the wide bandgap layer may be partially or completely converted to an insulator through oxidation or nitridation, for example. The resulting structures may be used with planar, finned, or nanowire/nanoribbon transistor architectures to help prevent substrate leakage problems.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product include electronic design automation (EDA) tools used with standard CMOS processes to design and produce radiation-hardened (rad-hard) integrated circuits (ICs) having a predictable level of radiation hardness while maintaining a desired level of performance and tracking circuit area. The tools include rad-hard design rule checking (DRC) decks, rad-hard SPICE models, and rad-hard cell libraries. A rad-hard parasitic components extraction process makes use of rad-hard DRC rules to locate occurrences of parasitic devices, calculate their effects on circuit performance, and return this information to layout and circuit simulation tools. Changes to the layout are suggested and implemented with varying degrees of automation. Some of these tools can be provided as components of a rad-hard process design kit (PDK). They can be used in conjunction with commercial EDA tools to facilitate the incorporation of rad-hard features into new or existing IC designs.

Abstract: In forming a punch-through stopper region in a fin field effect transistor (finFET) device, a substrate may be etched to form a pair of trenches that define a fin structure. A portion of a first dose of ions may be implanted into the substrate through a bottom wall of each trench to form a pair of first dopant regions that at least partially extend under a channel region of the fin structure. The substrate at the bottom wall of each trench may be etched to increase a depth of each trench. Etching the substrate at the bottom wall of each trench may remove a portion of each first dopant region under each trench. A remaining portion of the pair of first dopant regions under the fin structure may at least partially define the punch-through stopper region of the finFET device.

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device includes a memory cell array and a peripheral circuit. The peripheral circuit is connected to the memory cell array through conductive lines and includes transistors. Each of the transistors is formed on the substrate and includes first and second regions and a gate electrode. In at least one of the transistors, the first region is connected to at least one of the conductive lines through first contact plugs extending in the direction perpendicular to the substrate, and second contact plugs extending in the direction perpendicular to the substrate. A contact area of each of the first contact plugs is different from a contact area of each of the second contact plugs.

Abstract: Disclosed are semiconductor structures with monocrystalline semiconductor fins, which are above a trench isolation region in a semiconductor substrate and which can be incorporated into semiconductor device(s). Also disclosed are methods of forming such structures by forming sidewall spacers on opposing sides of mandrels on a dielectric cap layer. Between adjacent mandrels, an opening is formed that extends vertically through the dielectric cap layer and through multiple monocrystalline semiconductor layers into a semiconductor substrate. A portion of the opening within the substrate is expanded to form a trench. This trench undercuts the semiconductor layers and extends laterally below adjacent sidewall spacers on either side of the opening. The trench is then filled with an isolation layer, thereby forming a trench isolation region, and a sidewall image transfer process is performed using the sidewall spacers to form a pair of monocrystalline semiconductor fins above the trench isolation region.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device incorporating a plurality of isolation trench structures configured for disparate applications and a method of forming the integrated circuit are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a substrate having a first region and a second region is received. A first isolation trench is formed in the first region, and a second isolation trench is formed in the second region. A first liner layer is formed in the first isolation trench, and a second liner layer is formed in the second isolation trench. The second liner layer has a physical characteristic that is different from a corresponding physical characteristic of the first liner layer. An implantation procedure is performed on the second isolation trench and the second liner layer formed therein. The physical characteristic of the second liner layer may be selected to enhance an implantation depth or an implantation uniformity compared to the first liner layer.

Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor image sensor device. The image sensor device includes a substrate. The image sensor device includes a first pixel and a second pixel disposed in the substrate. The first and second pixels are neighboring pixels. The image sensor device includes an isolation structure disposed in the substrate and between the first and second pixels. The image sensor device includes a doped isolation device disposed in the substrate and between the first and second pixels. The doped isolation device surrounds the isolation structure in a conformal manner.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes CMP dummy tiles (36) that are converted to active tiles by forming well regions (42) at a top surface of the dummy tiles, forming silicide (52) on top of the well regions, and forming, a metal interconnect structure (72, 82) in contact with the silicided well tie regions for electrically connecting the dummy tiles to a predetermined supply voltage to provide latch-up protection.

Abstract: A silicon-germanium (SiGe) heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) having a deep pseudo buried layer is disclosed. The SiGe HBT includes isolation structures formed in trenches, first pseudo buried layers and second pseudo buried layers, and a collector region. The first pseudo buried layers are formed under the respective trenches and the second pseudo buried layers are formed under the first pseudo buried layers, with each first pseudo buried layer vertically contacting with a second pseudo buried layer. The second pseudo buried layers are laterally connected to each other, and the collector region is surrounded by the trenches, the first pseudo buried layers and the second pseudo buried layers. The cross section of each of the trenches has a regular trapezoidal shape, namely, each trench's width of its top is smaller than that of its bottom. A manufacturing method of the SiGe HBT is also disclosed.

Abstract: A trimmable resistor for use in an integrated circuit is trimmed using a heater. The heater is selectively coupled to a voltage source. The application of voltage to the heater causes the heater temperature to increase and produce heat. The heat permeates through a thermal separator to the trimmable resistor. The resistance of the trimmable resistor is permanently increased or decreased when the temperature of the resistor is increased to a value within a particular range of temperatures.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a trench formed by a shallow trench isolation (STI) process, a channel stop layer formed over a substrate in the trench, an isolation structure filled in the trench, and a photodiode formed in the substrate adjacent to a sidewall of the trench. In more detail of the image sensor, a trench is formed in a substrate through a STI process, and a channel stop layer is formed over the substrate in the trench. An isolation structure is formed in the trench, and a photodiode is fanned in the substrate adjacent to a sidewall of the trench.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has an active region formed on a semiconductor substrate, a trench-type element isolation region formed on the semiconductor substrate, and a diffusion region in which fluorine is diffused that surrounds the element isolation region and is formed on the semiconductor substrate so as not to contact the active region.

Abstract: A semiconductor photovoltaic device comprises a semiconductor substrate having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface and the second surface being opposed to each other, a plurality of trenches extending into the semiconductor substrate from the first surface, the first surface being a substantially planar surface, a dopant region in the semiconductor substrate near the first surface and the plurality of trenches, a first conductive layer over the semiconductor substrate, and a second conductive layer on the second surface of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A method of forming a non-planar transistor is provided. A substrate is provided. The substrate has a plurality of isolation regions to be formed and a plurality of fin regions to be formed. A first etching process is performed to form a plurality of first trenches having a first depth in the substrate within the isolation regions. At least a doping region is formed in the substrate within the fin regions. A second etching process is performed to deepen the first depth to a second depth and a plurality of fin structures are formed in the substrate within the fin regions. Lastly, a gate is formed on the fin structures.

Abstract: A trimmable resistor for use in an integrated circuit is trimmed using a heater. The heater is selectively coupled to a voltage source. The application of voltage to the heater causes the heater temperature to increase and produce heat. The heat permeates through a thermal separator to the trimmable resistor. The resistance of the trimmable resistor is permanently increased or decreased when the temperature of the resistor is increased to a value within a particular range of temperatures.

Abstract: The Examiner objected to the abstract of the disclosure because it contains the phrase “comprising.” The Abstract does not include the phrase “comprising,” however, please amend the abstract as follows: An integrated circuit having a semiconductor component arrangement and production method is disclosed. The integrated circuit as described includes an oxide layer region is provided as a protection against oxidation in the edge region on the surface region of an underlying semiconductor material region.

Abstract: A integrated semiconductor device has a first semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type, a second semiconductor layer of the first conductivity type over the first layer, a third semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type over the second layer, an isolation trench extending through the entire depth of the second and third layers into the first layer, and a first region of the second conductivity type located next to the isolation trench and extending from an interface between the second and third layers, along an interface between the second layer and the isolation trench. This first region can help reduce a concentration of field lines where the isolation trench meets the interface of the second and third layers, and hence provide a better reverse breakdown characteristic.

Abstract: A FLOTOX-TYPE EEPROM of the invention has a configuration wherein an N region 25 as an impurity region formed under a tunnel window 12 and a channel stopper region 19 formed under a LOCOS oxide film 18 are spaced apart by a predetermined distance Y. Therefore, the tunnel window 12 does not sustain damage if an excessive voltage is applied to the tunnel window 12. As a result, the FLOTOX-TYPE EEPROM is adapted to limit the voltage applied to the tunnel window 12 and to reduce stress on the tunnel window 12 and can achieve an increased number of rewrites.

Abstract: This invention includes methods of forming layers comprising epitaxial silicon, and field effect transistors. In one implementation, a method of forming a layer comprising epitaxial silicon comprises epitaxially growing a silicon-comprising layer from an exposed monocrystalline material. The epitaxially grown silicon comprises at least one of carbon, germanium, and oxygen present at a total concentration of no greater than 1 atomic percent. In one implementation, the layer comprises a silicon germanium alloy comprising at least 1 atomic percent germanium, and further comprises at least one of carbon and oxygen at a total concentration of no greater than 1 atomic percent. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated.

Abstract: A semiconductor device. The semiconductor device comprises an isolation structure and two heavily doped regions of a second conductivity type spaced apart from each other by the isolation structure. The isolation structure comprises an isolation region in a semiconductor substrate and a heavily doped region of the first conductivity type. The isolation region has an opening and the heavily doped region of the first conductivity type is substantially surrounded by the opening of the isolation region.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a trench formed by a shallow trench isolation (STI) process, a channel stop layer formed over a substrate in the trench, an isolation structure filled in the trench, and a photodiode formed in the substrate adjacent to a sidewall of the trench. In more detail of the image sensor, a trench is formed in a substrate through a STI process, and a channel stop layer is formed over the substrate in the trench. An isolation structure is formed in the trench, and a photodiode is formed in the substrate adjacent to a sidewall of the trench.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has a channel termination region for using a trench 30 filled with field oxide 32 and a channel stopper ring 18 which extends from the first major surface 8 through p-well 6 along the outer edge 36 of the trench 30, under the trench and extends passed the inner edge 34 of the trench. This asymmetric channel stopper ring provides an effective termination to the channel 10 which can extend as far as the trench 30.

Abstract: A wafer processing method having a step of reducing the thickness of a wafer in only a device forming area where semiconductor chips are formed by grinding and etching the back side of the wafer to thereby form a recess on the back side of the wafer. At the same time, an annular projection is formed around the recess to thereby ensure the rigidity of the wafer. Accordingly, handling in shifting the wafer from the back side recess forming step to a subsequent step of forming a back side rewiring layer can be performed safely and easily.

Abstract: When a tungsten film (43) is embedded inside of a conductive groove (4A) formed in a wafer (W2) and a silicon oxide film (36) thereon and having a high aspect ratio, film formation and etch back of the tungsten film (43) are successively performed in a chamber of the same apparatus, therefore, a film thickness of the tungsten film (43) deposited in one film formation step is made to be thin. Whereby problems, such as exfoliation of the tungsten film (43), generation of micro-cracks, and occurrence of warpage and cracks of the wafer (W2), are avoided.

Abstract: Embodiments of microelectronic assemblies are provided. First and second semiconductor devices are formed over a substrate having a first dopant type at a first concentration. First and second buried regions having a second dopant type are formed respectively below the first and second semiconductor devices with a gap therebetween. At least one well region is formed over the substrate and between the first and second semiconductor devices. A barrier region having the first dopant type at a second concentration is formed between and adjacent to the first and second buried regions such that at least a portion of the barrier region extends a depth from the first and second semiconductor devices that is greater or equal to the depth of the buried regions.

Abstract: Deep trench isolation structures and methods of formation thereof are disclosed. Several methods of and structures for increasing the threshold voltage of a parasitic transistor formed proximate deep trench isolation structures are described, including implanting a channel stop region into the bottom surface of the deep trench isolation structures, partially filling a bottom portion of the deep trench isolation structures with an insulating material, and/or filling at least a portion of the deep trench isolation structures with a doped polysilicon material.

Abstract: In a method of fabricating a flash memory device, a semiconductor substrate includes a tunnel insulating layer and a charge storage layer formed in an active region and a trench formed in an isolation region. A first insulating layer is formed to fill a part of the trench. A second insulating layer is formed on the first insulating layer so that the trench is filled. The first and second insulating layers are removed such that the first and second insulating layers remain on sidewalls of the charge storage layer and on a part of the trench. A third insulating layer is formed on the first and second insulating layers so that a space defined by the charge storage layer is filled. The third insulating layer is removed so that a height of the third insulating layer is lowered.

Abstract: Formation of an WNx film 24 constituting a barrier layer of a gate electrode 7A having a polymetal structure is effected in an atmosphere containing a high concentration nitrogen gas, whereby release of N (nitrogen) from the WNx film 24 is suppressed in the heat treatment step after the formation of the gate electrode 7A.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method for fabricating the same may improve the isolation characteristics without deterioration of the junction diode characteristics and an increase in a threshold voltage of a MOS transistor. The device includes a semiconductor substrate; an STI layer in a predetermined portion of the semiconductor substrate, dividing the semiconductor substrate into an active region and a field region; and a field channel stop ion implantation layer in the semiconductor substrate under the STI layer.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention provide a device, method, etc. for a dual stress STI. A semiconductor device is provided having a substrate with a first transistor region and a second transistor region different than the first transistor region. The first transistor region includes a PFET; and, the second transistor region includes an NFET. Further, STI regions are provided in the substrate adjacent sides of and positioned between the first transistor region and the second transistor region, wherein the STI regions each include a compressive region, a compressive liner, a tensile region, and a tensile liner.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a semiconductor structure are disclosed including a deep trench isolation in which a channel stop is formed in the form of an embedded impurity region in the substrate prior to the deep trench etch and formation of transistor devices (FEOL processing) on the substrate. In this fashion, the FEOL processing thermal cycles can activate the impurity region. The deep trench isolations are then formed after FEOL processing. The method achieves the reduced cost of forming deep trench isolations after FEOL processing, and allows the practice of sharing of a collector level between devices to continue. The invention also includes the semiconductor structure so formed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a trench isolation structure, a method of manufacture therefor and a method for manufacturing an integrated circuit including the same. The trench isolation structure (130), in one embodiment, includes a trench located within a substrate (110), the trench having an implanted buffer layer (133) located in the sidewalls thereof. The trench isolation structure (130) further includes a barrier layer (135) located over the implanted buffer layer (133), and fill material (138) located over the barrier layer (135) and substantially filling the trench.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has a channel termination region for using a trench (30) filled with field oxide (32) and a channel stopper ring (18) which extends from the first major surface (8) through p-well (6) along the outer edge (36) of the trench (30), under the trench and extends passed the inner edge (34) of the trench. This asymmetric channel stopper ring provides an effective termination to the channel (10) which can extend as far as the trench (30).

Abstract: A non-volatile semiconductor memory device, which is intended to prevent data destruction by movements of electric charges between floating gates and thereby improve the reliability, includes element isolation/insulation films buried into a silicon substrate to isolate stripe-shaped element-forming regions. Formed on the substrate are a floating gate via a first gate insulating film and further a control gate via a second gate insulating film. Source and drain diffusion layers are formed in self-alignment with control gates. The second gate insulating film on the floating gate is divided and separated together with the floating gate by slits above the element isolation/insulation films into discrete portions of individual memory cells.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a pad insulating film over a silicon semiconductor substrate. The pad insulating film and the substrate may be etched to form a trench in the substrate. A thin layer including dopants may be formed over an inner wall of the trench. The dopants may be diffused to an active region from the thin layer. A shallow trench isolation (STI) oxide may fill in the trench. The surface of the STI oxide may then be planarized. Dopants may be uniformly doped into an edge of an active region of a sidewall of an STI along the vertical to suppress a hump phenomenon.

Abstract: A charge coupled device for detecting electromagnetic and particle radiation is described. The device includes a high-resistivity semiconductor substrate, buried channel regions, gate electrode circuitry, and amplifier circuitry. For good spatial resolution and high performance, especially when operated at high voltages with full or nearly full depletion of the substrate, the device can also include a guard ring positioned near channel regions, a biased channel stop, and a biased polysilicon electrode over the channel stop.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a semiconductor structure avoiding the poly stringer formation in semiconductor processing. A semiconductor device is divided into a memory cell area and a peripheral portion. A plurality of parallel first isolation devices are positioned in the semiconductor substrate in the memory cell area. A second isolation device is positioned in the semiconductor substrate in the peripheral portion, and parallel with the first isolation device. A dummy buried doping region is positioned in the semiconductor substrate, and is positioned between the memory cell device and the peripheral portion and parallel with the second isolation device. An oxide area is formed on the dummy buried doping region. The dummy buried doping region and the oxide region can prevent poly string formation during subsequent processing.

Abstract: A ball grid array (BGA) package that may suppress flash contamination may include a flash contamination barrier wall. The barrier wall may be a portion of a copper pattern provided on a substrate. During a molding process, the flash contamination barrier may prevent a flash from contaminating a ball land. The barrier wall may restrict the flash to flow through a concave portion that may be defined by a surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an integrated circuit includes forming an isolation trench in a semiconductor substrate and partially filling the trench with a dielectric material so that at least the sidewalls of the trench are coated with the dielectric material. Ions are implanted into the substrate in regions directly below the isolation trench after partially filling the trench with the dielectric material. The dielectric along the sidewalls of the trenches can serve as a mask so that substantially all of the ions implanted below the isolation trenches are displaced from the active regions. After the ions are implanted in the substrate below the trenches, the remainder of the trench can be filled with the same or another dielectric material. The trench isolation technique can be used to fabricate memory, logic and imager devices which can exhibit reduced current leakage and/or reduced optical cross-talk.

Abstract: A method to reduce the inverse narrow width effect in NMOS transistors is described. An oxide liner is deposited in a shallow trench that is formed to isolate active areas in a substrate. A photoresist plug is formed in the shallow trench and is recessed below the top of the substrate to expose the top portion of the oxide liner. An angled indium implant through the oxide liner into the substrate is then performed. The plug is removed and an insulator is deposited to fill the trenches. After planarization and wet etch steps, formation of a gate dielectric layer and a patterned gate layer, the NMOS transistor exhibits an improved Vt roll-off of 40 to 45 mVolts for both long and short channels. The improvement is achieved with no degradation in junction or isolation performance. The indium implant dose and angle may be varied to provide flexibility to the process.

Abstract: Formation of an WNx film 24 constituting a barrier layer of a gate electrode 7A having a polymetal structure is effected in an atmosphere containing a high concentration nitrogen gas, whereby release of N (nitrogen) from the WNx film 24 is suppressed in the heat treatment step after the formation of the gate electrode 7A.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a heavily doped layer 25 of p-type formed in the surface of an n-type well 21, an intermediately doped layer 26 of p-type formed to adjoin and surround the heavily p-doped layer 25, and an isolation region 22 formed to surround the heavily p-doped layer 25 and the intermediately p-doped layer 26. The heavily p-doped layer 25 has a higher dopant concentration than the well 21. The intermediately p-doped layer 26 has a higher dopant concentration than the well 21 and a lower dopant concentration than the heavily p-doped layer 25.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device provides non-volatile memory with a memory array having an alternating Vss interconnection. Using the alternating Vss interconnection, a low implant dosage is added to a region proximate to the lower areas of an STI region, such as beneath the STI region, to ameliorate the problem of low Vss conductivity by providing an adequate number of multiple current paths over several Vss lines. However, non-adjacent STI regions, rather than adjacent STI region, receive the implant. Alternating Vss lines are interconnected by thus implanting under every other STI region. This alternating Vss interconnection imparts an adequately high Vss conductivity, yet without diffusion areas merging to isolate the associated memory device or contaminating the drains and maintains scalability.

Abstract: Method for preventing sneakage in shallow trench isolation and STI structure thereof. A semiconductor substrate having a pad layer and a trench formed thereon is provided, followed by the formation of a doped first lining layer on the sidewall of the trench. A second lining layer is then formed on the doped first lining layer. Etching is then performed to remove parts of the first lining layer and the second lining layer so that the height of the first lining layer is lower than the second lining layer. A sacrificial layer is then formed on the pad layer and filling the trench. Diffusion is then carried out so that the doped ions in the first lining layer out-diffuse to the substrate and form diffuse regions outside the two bottom corners of the trench.

Abstract: A dynamic random access memory (DRAM) structure and a fabricating process thereof are provided. In the fabricating process, a channel region is formed with a doped region having identical conductivity as the substrate in a section adjacent to an isolation structure. The doped region is formed in a self-aligned process by conducting a tilt implantation implanting ions into the substrate through the upper portion of the capacitor trench adjacent to the channel region after forming the trench but before the definition of the active region.