Abstract: A bipolar high voltage/power semiconductor device has a drift region having adjacent its ends regions of different conductivity types respectively. High and low voltage terminals are provided. A first insulated gate terminal and a second insulated gate terminal are also provided. One or more drive circuits provide appropriate voltages to the first and second insulated gate terminals so as to allow current conduction in a first direction or in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having a substrate; an emitter electrode or source electrode formed on the top surface side of the substrate; a gate electrode formed on the top surface side of the substrate; and a collector electrode or drain electrode formed on the bottom surface side of the substrate. The device includes an insulating region formed so as to surround a device-forming region provided on the top surface side of the substrate; and a drift region of the device-forming region, the drift region being in contact with the insulating region, is formed of a semiconductor layer having the same conduction type as that of a channel formed through application of an electric potential to the gate electrode. The gate electrode is a trench gate. An outer peripheral portion of the emitter electrode or source electrode extends in a width of 20 ?m or more over the top surface of the insulating region.

Abstract: A layout of a power device is provided. The layout includes a substrate, a unit array, a plurality of first, second, third and fourth signal paths, and a first, second, third and fourth port. The unit array with a plurality of rows is disposed on the substrate. Each row of the unit array includes a plurality of units. The first and second signal paths on the substrate are disposed on a first side and a second side of corresponding odd-numbered rows of the unit array. The third and the fourth signal paths on the substrate are disposed above a corresponding row of the unit array. The first to fourth ports on the substrate are electrically connected to the first to fourth signal paths respectively.

Abstract: Provided is a power semiconductor device including a guard ring region to protect control devices. The power semiconductor device includes a semiconductor body layer extending over a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type. The semiconductor body layer has a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type. A well of the first conductivity type extends in the semiconductor body layer and is configured to be electrically insulated from the semiconductor substrate. At least one control device is formed in the well, where the control device comprises at least one of PN junction. A guard ring region of the first conductivity type is laterally spaced from but surrounds the well. The guard ring region together with the semiconductor substrate and the semiconductor body layer form a parasitic bipolar transistor, and the guard ring region functions as a collector of the parasitic bipolar transistor.

Abstract: A bipolar power transistor does not include integration of a Zener diode electrically connected between the base and collector for limiting the collector voltage. The power transistor is formed in a substrate, and includes an equalization diffusion and an auxiliary diffusion forming a P-N junction along a perimeter of the substrate. An equalization conduction layer is in contact with the equalization diffusion and the auxiliary diffusion for electrically shorting the P-N junction.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a bipolar junction transistor is provided herein. An isolation structure is formed on a first conductive type substrate. A second conductive type deep well is formed in the first conductive type substrate to serve as a collector. Thereafter, a second conductive type well is formed in the substrate and then a first conductive type well is formed in the substrate to serve as a base. A buffer region is formed underneath a portion of the isolation structure and between the base and the second conductive well. The buffer region together with the isolation structure isolates the base from the second conductive type well. A second conductive type emitter and a second conductive type collector pick-up region are selectively formed on the surface of the first conductive type substrate. Thereafter, a first conductive type base pick-up region is selectively formed.

Abstract: A configuration composed of multiple short emitters still share common DTI regions and a single big piece of base poly. This allows for base current to flow in 4 directions (e.g., 2 dimensions) as opposed to only two. This significantly reduces the base resistance of the transistor that is crucial for better NPN transistor RF performance and high frequency noise performance.

Abstract: First and second connection electrodes are formed separately to be opposed to each other on an emitter electrode of an IGBT. Other first and second connection electrodes are formed separately to be opposed to each other on an anode electrode of a diode. A first electrode interconnection part extends from one side portion of an extraction electrode and is bent inwardly. A second electrode interconnection part extends from the other side portion to be opposed to the first electrode interconnection part. The first and second electrode interconnection parts located to face the IGBT are soldered only to the first and second connection electrodes, respectively. Similarly, the first and second electrode interconnection parts located to be opposed to the diode are soldered only to the other first and second connection electrodes, respectively.

Abstract: A transistor comprises: an insulating layer; a semiconductor layer provided on a major surface of the insulating layer; a gate insulating layer provided on the base region; and a gate electrode provided on the gate insulating layer. The semiconductor layer has a source portion having a plurality of source regions of a first conductivity type and a plurality of base contact regions of a second conductivity type, the source regions being alternated with the base contact regions, a drain portion of the first conductivity type, and a base region of the second conductivity type provided between the source portion and the drain portion, the base region being in contact with the source regions and the base contact regions. A junction between the source regions and the base region is closer to the drain portion side than a junction between the base contact regions and the base region.

Abstract: A passive matching network is connected to an input/output line for an automatic test equipment drive channel to compensate for capacitances associated with a receiver circuit connected to the line, and also an optional current-mode driver circuit. The matching circuit preferably comprises a T-coil circuit that can include a bridging capacitor; separate T-coil circuits can be provided to separately compensate for receiver circuit and current-mode driver circuit capacitances. The driver and receiver circuits can be implemented on a common layer of an integrated circuit, with the T-coil windings implemented in a separate layer of the same integrated circuit that is spaced from the common layer by at least one dielectric layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lateral PNP transistor and the method of manufacturing the same. The medium doping N-type base area and the light doping P? collector area were first introduced in the structure before the formation of P+ doping emitter area and the collector area. The emitter-base-collector doping profile in the lateral and the base width of LPNP were similar to NPN. The designer can optimize the doping profile and area size of each area according to the request of the current gain (Hfe), collector-base breakdown voltage (BVceo), and early voltage (VA) of LPNP transistor. These advantages may cause to reduce the area and enhance performance of the LPNP transistor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of forming a compact bipolar junction transistor (BJT) that includes forming a self-aligned collector tap adjacent the emitter stack and an isolation structure. A base layer is formed from epitaxial silicon that is disposed in the substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments herein present a structure, method, etc. for a self-alignment scheme for a heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT). An HBT is provided, comprising an extrinsic base, a first self-aligned silicide layer over the extrinsic base, and a nitride etch stop layer above the first self-aligned silicide layer. A continuous layer is also included between the first self-aligned silicide layer and the nitride etch stop layer, wherein the continuous layer can comprise oxide. The HBT further includes spacers adjacent the continuous layer, wherein the spacers and the continuous layer separate the extrinsic base from an emitter contact. In addition, an emitter is provided, wherein the height of the emitter is less than or equal to the height of the extrinsic base. Moreover, a second self-aligned silicide layer is over the emitter, wherein the height of the second silicide layer is less than or equal to the height of the first silicide layer.

Abstract: A power semiconductor device that includes a plurality of gate structure each having a gate insulation of a first thickness, and a termination region, the termination including a field insulation body surrounding the active region and having a recess that includes a bottom insulation thicker than the first thickness.

Abstract: A substrate has a collector region of a first conductivity type, and a base layer of a single crystalline structure and including impurities of a second conductivity type is located over the collector region. An emitter region is defined at least in part by impurities of the first conductivity type contained in the base layer. An emitter electrode of the first conductivity type contacts the emitter region, and at least a portion of the emitter electrode which is in contact with the emitter region has a single crystalline structure.

Abstract: A bipolar junction transistor is provided. A p-type well region surrounds an n-type emitter and connects with the bottom of the emitter to serve as a base. A p-type base pick-up region connects with the base and surrounds the emitter. An n-type deep well, connected to the bottom of the base and the bottom of the n-type well, is used as a collector. The n-type well surrounds the base and connects with the n-type deep well. An n-type collector pick-up region connects with the n-type well and surrounds the base. An isolation structure is disposed between the emitter and the base and between a portion of the base and a portion of the n-type well. A buffer region is disposed under a portion of the isolation structure. Furthermore, the buffer region together with a portion of the isolation structure isolates the p-type base from the n-type well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating composition for insulating film production, a preparation method of a low dielectric insulating film using the same, a low dielectric insulating film for a semiconductor device prepared therefrom, and a semiconductor device comprising the same, and more particularly to a coating composition for insulating film production having a low dielectric constant and that is capable of producing an insulating film with superior mechanical strength (elasticity), a preparation method of a low dielectric insulating film using the same, a low dielectric insulating film for a semiconductor device prepared therefrom, and a semiconductor device comprising the same. The coating composition of the present invention comprises an organic siloxane resin having a small molecular weight, and water, and significantly improves low dielectricity and mechanical strength of an insulating film.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has a structure capable of connecting a lead terminal directly to an electrode on a front surface thereof. The semiconductor device includes a first main electrode provided on the front surface, a second main electrode provided on a back surface, and a metal film provided so as to cover at least a portion of a surface of the first main electrode and for soldering the lead terminal thereto. Here, the metal film includes a plurality of opening portions through which the surface of the first main electrode is exposed.

Abstract: A vertical power semiconductor device comprises a substrate including a first layer that is a first conductivity type. A first conductive region is provided proximate an upper surface of the substrate, the first conductive region being a second conductivity type that is different from the first conductivity type. A first electrode is provided proximate the upper surface of the substrate and coupled to the first conductive region. A second electrode is provided proximate a lower surface of the substrate. A passivation structure including first and second dielectric layers provided over the upper surface of the substrate. One or more field plates of first type are provided between the first and second dielectric layers.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to bipolar transistors with geometry optimized for device performance and various methods of making same. In one illustrative embodiment, the device includes a substrate, an intrinsic base region formed in the substrate, a continuous emitter region formed within the intrinsic base region, the emitter region having a plurality of substantially hexagonal shaped openings defined therein, and a plurality of extrinsic base regions formed in the substrate, wherein each of the extrinsic base regions is positioned within an area defined by one of the plurality of substantially hexagonal shaped openings.

Abstract: A modified bipolar transistor defined for providing a larger emitter current than a basic emitter current from a basic bipolar transistor is provided. The modified transistor has an improved emitter structure comprising plural divided sub-emitter regions electrically isolated and spatially separated from each other. The plural divided sub-emitter regions may typically have a uniform emitter size identical with a basic emitter size of the basic bipolar transistor. A set of the plural divided sub-emitter regions provides an intended emitter current distinctly larger than the basic emitter current by a highly accurate direct current amplification factor corresponding to an intended emitter-size magnification factor.

Abstract: A modified bipolar transistor defined for providing a larger emitter current than a basic emitter current from a basic bipolar transistor is provided. The modified transistor has an improved emitter structure comprising plural divided sub-emitter regions electrically isolated and spatially separated from each other. The plural divided sub-emitter regions may typically have a uniform emitter size identical with a basic emitter size of the basic bipolar transistor. A set of the plural divided sub-emitter regions provides an intended emitter current distinctly larger than the basic emitter current by a highly accurate direct current amplification factor corresponding to an intended emitter-size magnification factor.

Abstract: A process for producing a circuit component having a double-sided circuit device between a pair of substrates. The process entails depositing a solder material on contact areas on surfaces of the substrates, placing a first of the substrates within a cavity in a receptacle, and then placing a lead member on the substrate so that the lead member is supported by the receptacle and a portion of the lead member is aligned with a portion of the contact area of the substrate. A fixture is then placed on the lead member and over the substrate so that the fixture is supported by the receptacle. After aligning the circuit device with the contact area of the remaining substrate, the substrate-device assembly is placed in an aperture in the fixture so that a surface of the device electrically contacts the contact area of the first substrate and the opposite surface of the device electrically contacts the contact area of the second substrate. The resulting fixtured assembly then undergoes reflow.

Abstract: A chip device that includes a leadframe, a die and a mold compound. The backside of the die is metallized and exposed through a window defined within a mold compound that encapsulates the die when it is coupled to the leadframe. Leads on the leadframe are coupled to source and gate terminals on the die while the metallized backside of the die serves as the drain terminals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising: (a) dielectric material; and (b) porogen comprising at least two fused aromatic rings wherein each of the fused aromatic rings has at least one alkyl substituent thereon and a bond exists between at least two of the alkyl substituents on adjacent aromatic rings. Preferably, the dielectric material is a composition comprising (a) thermosetting component comprising (1) optionally monomer of Formula I as set forth below and (2) at least one oligomer or polymer of Formula II as set forth below where Q, G, h, I, I, and w are as set forth below and (b) porogen.

Abstract: A bipolar transistor with very high dynamic performance, usable in an integrated circuit. The bipolar transistor has a single-crystal silicon emitter region with a thickness smaller than 50 nm. The base of the bipolar transistor is made of an SiGe alloy.

Abstract: An IGBT with monolithic integrated antiparallel diode has one or more emitter short regions forming the diode cathode in the region of the high-voltage edge. The p-type emitter regions of the IGBT have no emitter shorts. The counterelectrode of the diode exclusively comprises p-type semiconductor wells on the front side of the device. Particularly in applications, such as lamp ballast, in which the diode of the IGBT is firstly forward-biased, hard commutation is not effected and the current reversal takes place relatively slowly. The emitter short regions may be strips or points below the high-voltage edge. The horizontal bulk resistance is increased and the snapback effect is reduced without reducing the robustness in the edge region. In a second embodiment, the IGBT is produced using thin wafer technology and the thickness of the substrate defining the inner zone is less than 200 ?m. The thickness of the emitter region or of the emitter regions and short region(s) is less than 1 ?m.

Abstract: The invention relates to a semiconductor device with a heterojunction bipolar, in particular npn, transistor with an emitter region (1), a base region (2), and a collector region (3), which are provided with respectively a first, a second, and a third connection conductor (4, 5, 6), while the bandgap of the base region (2) is lower than that of the collector region (3) or of the emitter region (1), for example owing to the use of a silicon-germanium alloy instead of pure silicon. Such a device is very fast, but its transistor shows a relatively low BVceo. In a device according to the invention, the emitter region (1) or the base region (2) comprises a sub-region (1B, 2B) with a reduced doping concentration, which sub-region (1B, 2B) is provided with a further connection conductor (4B, 5B) which forms a Schottky junction with the sub-region (1B, 2B). Such a device results in a transistor with a particularly high cut-off frequency fT but with no or hardly any reduction of the BVceo.

Abstract: A substrate has a collector region of a first conductivity type, and a base layer of a single crystalline structure and including impurities of a second conductivity type is located over the collector region. An emitter region is defined at least in part by impurities of the first conductivity type contained in the base layer. An emitter electrode of the first conductivity type contacts the emitter region, and at least a portion of the emitter electrode which is in contact with the emitter region has a single crystalline structure.

Abstract: A switching circuit has an active switch, a controller, and at least two terminals. The at least two terminals include two current control terminals for connection at two locations in another circuit. The controller is configured to turn the active switch off to block current between the two locations when the voltage between the two locations is of a first polarity and otherwise to turn the active switch on to conduct current between the two locations, whether or not the two current control terminals are the only ones of the at least two terminals that are connected to the other circuit.

Abstract: In a method of producing a bipolar transistor, a semiconductor substrate having a substrate surface is provided. A base-terminal layer for providing a base terminal is formed on the substrate surface, and an emitter window having a wall area is formed in the base-terminal layer. A first spacing layer is formed on the wall area of the emitter contact window, and a recess is etched into the substrate within a window specified by the first spacing layer. A base layer contacted by outdiffusion from the base-terminal layer is formed in the recess of the emitter window, and a second spacing layer is formed on the first spacing layer and on the base layer. The second spacing layer is structured for the purpose of specifying a planar terminal pad on the base layer, and an emitter layer is formed on the planar terminal pad.

Abstract: A bipolar transistor having a base contact surrounded by an emitter contact. A plurality of wires extending from the base contact and the emitter contact of the bipolar transistor, wherein the wires of the base contact are stacked higher than the wires of the emitter contact. A device comprising a plurality of these bipolar transistors, wherein at least one side of each emitter contact abuts each adjacent transistor. Increasing the wiring stack of each row of transistors in the device as the distance between the row and the current input increases.

Abstract: A semiconductor device with high structural reliability and low parasitic capacitance is provided. In one example, the semiconductor device has a surface. The semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor region, wherein an emitter region, a base region, and a collector region are laminated from a side near a substrate of the semiconductor region; an insulating protection layer disposed on the surface; and a wiring layer disposed on the surface, the insulating protection layer forming a via hole from the side of the substrate of the semiconductor region, the via hole being formed to allow the wiring layer to make a contact to an electrode of the emitter region from a side of the substrate where the emitter region, the base region, and the collector region are laminated and where the semiconductor region is isolated.

Abstract: A semiconductor power component and a method for producing a semiconductor power component, in particular a vertical NPT-IGBT for ignition applications with a breakdown voltage of less than approx. 1000 V. The semiconductor power component includes a wafer substrate of a first conductive type including a rear-side emitter region of a second conductive type and a front-side drift region of the first conductive type; a rear-side anode contact which is connected to the emitter region and extends partially to the front-side surface; a front-side MOS control structure; and a front-side cathode contact which is connected to a front-side source region and a body region of the front-side MOS control structure. The thickness of the drift region is much larger than the width of the space charge region at a defined breakdown voltage; and the thickness of the rear-side emitter region is greater than 5 ?m.

Abstract: A base contact section of a planar structure electrically connecting a base electrode to a base region of a bipolar transistor is constructed of a repeating structure in a plan view, in which a high impurity concentration region of the same conductivity type as that of the base region and a region of the reverse conductivity type from that of the base region or low concentration region of the same conductivity type as that of the base region, arranged in an alternately manner starting with a high impurity concentration region of the same conductivity type as that of the base region from an emitter region side. With such a structure, accumulation of minor carriers in the base contact section can be suppressed, a high switching speed can be achieved and reduction in power consumption can be realized.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resistance random access memory structure, including a plurality of word lines in a substrate, a plurality of reset lines coupled to the word lines, a dielectric layer on the substrate, a plurality of memory units in the dielectric layer. Each of the memory units includes a bottom electrode, a top electrode and a resistive thin film between the top electrode and the bottom electrode. The top electrodes of the memory units in a same column are coupled to one of the reset lines and a plurality of the bit lines on the memory units. The bottom electrodes of the memory units in a same row are coupled to one of the bit lines. Because the present invention provides reset lines for Type 1R1D RRAM, it can overcome the non-erasable of the conventional Type 1R1D DRAM.

Abstract: A power semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type, first and second main electrodes, a control electrode and a third semiconductor layer. The second semiconductor layer is formed on the first semiconductor layer. The first and second main electrodes are formed on the second semiconductor layer separately from each other. The control electrode is formed on the second semiconductor layer between the first and second main electrodes. The third semiconductor layer is formed on the second semiconductor layer between the control electrode and the second main electrode.

Abstract: A method of forming a quasi-self-aligned heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) that exhibits high-performance is provided. The method includes the use of a patterned emitter landing pad stack which serves to improve the alignment for the emitter-opening lithography and as an etch stop layer for the emitter opening etch. The present invention also provides an HBT that includes a raised extrinsic base having monocrystalline regions located beneath the emitter landing pad stack.

Abstract: An integrated circuit including a vertical power component having a terminal formed by a chip substrate of a first conductivity type, a control circuit thereof, the control circuit isolated from the substrate by an isolation region of a second conductivity type, and a protection structure against polarity inversion of a substrate potential. The protection structure includes a first bipolar transistor with an emitter connected to said isolation region and a collector connected to a reference potential input of the integrated circuit, a bias circuit for biasing the first bipolar transistor in a reverse saturated mode when the substrate potential is higher than the reference potential, and a second bipolar transistor with an emitter connected to the substrate and a base coupled to the isolation region for coupling the isolation region to the substrate through a high-impedance when the substrate potential is lower than the reference potential.

Abstract: An electrically isolated and thermally conductive double-sided pre-packaged IC component, stamped lead members, drain pads, source pads, gate runner, and a MOSFET, IGBT, etc. are positioned between a pair of ceramic substrate members. Layers of solderable cooper material are directly bonded to the inner and outer surfaces of the substrate members.

Abstract: Novel heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBT's) with high current gain and extremely low offset voltage are disclosed. Owing to the insertion of spacer/&dgr;-doped sheet/spacer at base-emitter (B-E) heterojunction in this invention, the potential spike at B-E junction can be eliminated and the confinement effect for holes are enhanced. The potential spike is not observed under large B-E bias, and the offset voltage is still relatively small with small increase. In particular, for the HBT's with large conduction band discontinuity, the method of the invention is more efficient for completely eliminating the potential spike. For the example of InP/GaInAs HBT, a maximum common-emitter current gain of 455 and above 320 at IB=5 &mgr;A, and a low offset voltage less 60 mV are achieved.

Abstract: An IGBT has striped cell with source stripes 2a, 2b continuous or segmented along the length of the base stripe 3. The opposite stripes are periodically connected together by the N+ contact regions 20 to provide channel resistance along the width of the source stripes 2a, 2b. For continuous stripes the resistance between two sequential contact areas 20a, 20b is greatest in the middle and current concentrates near the source contact regions 20. The wider the spacing between the contacts 20, the larger the resistive drop to the midpoint between two N+ contacts 20.

Abstract: A bipolar transistor is provided in which the product of base-collector capacitance and collector resistance can be reduced through a layout optimization, which leads to an improvement of the critical transistor parameters. The bipolar transistor has an emitter formed from a plurality of emitter elements, a plurality of base contacts and a plurality of collector contacts, these elements being provided in a specific arrangement with respect to one another for the formation of the transistor layout. The invention provides for the emitter to have at least one closed emitter configuration, the at least one emitter configuration bounding at least one emitter inner space, which can in turn be divided into a plurality of partial spaces. At least one of the base contacts is arranged in the emitter inner space, while at least one other base contact and the collector contacts are arranged outside the emitter configuration.

Abstract: A transistor array including a plurality of transistors. Each transistor includes an emitter. An emitter region contact overlies each emitter region. At least one base region underlies each emitter region and is common to a plurality of transistors in the array. At least one base contact overlies the at least one base region and is associated with each transistor. A plurality of the base contacts are common to at least two transistors in the array. At least one collector reach through is associated with each transistor. A collector reach through contact overlies each collector reach through. A buried layer subcollector region of electrically conducting material electrically connects the collector reach through region to the collector pedestal region of each transistor.

Abstract: A chip device that includes a leadframe, a die and a mold compound. The backside of the die is metallized and exposed through a window defined within a mold compound that encapsulates the die when it is coupled to the leadframe. Leads on the leadframe are coupled to source and gate terminals on the die while the metallized backside of the die serves as the drain terminals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of forming a compact bipolar junction transistor (BJT) that includes forming a self-aligned collector tap adjacent the emitter stack and an isolation structure. A base layer is formed from epitaxial silicon that is disposed in the substrate.

Abstract: A semiconductor device including an N-type semiconductor substrate which includes arsenic as an impurity, a first electrode formed on a main surface of the N-type semiconductor substrate, a ground surface formed on another surface of the N-type semiconductor substrate, a second electrode formed on the ground surface and ohmically-contacted with the N-type semiconductor substrate, a semiconductor element formed in the N-type semiconductor substrate and flowing current between the first electrode and the second electrode during ON-state thereof. The device has a reduced ON-resistance thereof.

Abstract: A semiconductor power component and a method for producing a semiconductor power component, in particular a vertical NPT-IGBT for ignition applications with a breakdown voltage of less than approx. 1000 V. The semiconductor power component includes a wafer substrate of a first conductive type including a rear-side emitter region of a second conductive type and a front-side drift region of the first conductive type; a rear-side anode contact which is connected to the emitter region and extends partially to the front-side surface; a front-side MOS control structure; and a front-side cathode contact which is connected to a front-side source region and a body region of the front-side MOS control structure. The thickness of the drift region is much larger than the width of the space charge region at a defined breakdown voltage; and the thickness of the rear-side emitter region is greater than 5 &mgr;m.

Abstract: General purpose methods for the fabrication of integrated circuits from flexible membranes formed of very thin low stress dielectric materials, such as silicon dioxide or silicon nitride, and semiconductor layers. Semiconductor devices are formed in a semiconductor layer of the membrane. The semiconductor membrane layer is initially formed from a substrate of standard thickness, and all but a thin surface layer of the substrate is then etched or polished away. In another version, the flexible membrane is used as support and electrical interconnect for conventional integrated circuit die bonded thereto, with the interconnect formed in multiple layers in the membrane. Multiple die can be connected to one such membrane, which is then packaged as a multi-chip module. Other applications are based on (circuit) membrane processing for bipolar and MOSFET transistor fabrication, low impedance conductor interconnecting fabrication, flat panel displays, maskless (direct write) lithography, and 3D IC fabrication.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for designing electrical contact for a bipolar emitter structure. The area of an emitter structure (106, 306, 400, 404) and the required current density throughput of an electrical contact structure (108, 308, 402, 406) are determined. A required electrical contact area is determined based on the required current density, and the electrical contact structure is then designed to minimize the required electrical contact area with respect to the emitter structure area.