Folded Bit Line Dram Configuration Patents (Class 257/907)
  • Patent number: 11792973
    Abstract: A method for forming a memory device includes: after a hard mask layer is formed on a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of parallel mask patterns extending along a third direction are formed on the semiconductor substrate by adopting a self-alignment multi- pattern process, an opening is provided between the adjacent mask patterns, and the opening exposes surfaces of a plurality of drain regions and corresponding isolation layers in the third direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: CHANGXIN MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Juanjuan Huang, Lingxiang Wang
  • Patent number: 11641735
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a memory structure is provided. The method includes forming a first gate structure, a second gate structure, and a plurality of source/drain regions in a substrate, in which the plurality of source/drain regions are disposed on opposite sides of the first gate structure and the second gate structures; performing a dry etching process to form a trench between the first gate structure and the second gate structure; performing a wet etching process to expand the trench, in which the expanded trench has a hexagonal shaped cross section profile; and forming a bit line contact in the expanded trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: NANYA TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yu-Ying Lin
  • Patent number: 8692379
    Abstract: A connector access region of an integrated circuit device includes a set of parallel conductors, extending in a first direction, and interlayer connectors. The conductors comprise a set of electrically conductive contact areas on different conductors which define a contact plane with the conductors extending below the contact plane. A set of the contact areas define a line at an oblique angle, such as less than 45° or 5° to 27°, to the first direction. The interlayer connectors are in electrical contact with the contact areas and extend above the contact plane. At least some of the interlayer connectors overlie but are electrically isolated from the electrical conductors adjacent to the contact areas with which the interlayer connectors are in electrical contact. The set of parallel conductors may include a set of electrically conductive layers with the contact plane being generally perpendicular to the electrically conductive layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shih-Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 8471320
    Abstract: A memory array layout includes an active region array having a plurality of active regions, wherein the active regions are arranged alternatively along a second direction and parts of the side of the adjacent active regions are overlapped along a second direction; a plurality of first doped region, wherein each first doped region is disposed in a middle region; a plurality of second doped region, wherein each second doped region is disposed in a distal end region respectively; a plurality of recessed gate structures; a plurality of word lines electrically connected to each recessed gate structure respectively; a plurality of digit lines electrically connected to the first doped region respectively; and a plurality of capacitors electrically connected to each second doped region respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Inotera Memories, Inc.
    Inventors: Tzung-Han Lee, Chung-Lin Huang, Ron Fu Chu
  • Patent number: 8115246
    Abstract: A semiconductor device may include a semiconductor layer having a convex portion and a concave portion surrounding the convex portion. The semiconductor device may further include a protrusion type isolation layer filling the concave portion and extending upward so that an uppermost surface of the isolation layer is a at level higher that an uppermost surface of the convex portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong-hyun Kim, Jai-kyun Park
  • Patent number: 8093645
    Abstract: A non-volatile semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of memory cell regions including a plurality of bit lines, a plurality of word lines intersecting the plurality of bit lines, and a first insulating film formed in a region between any two adjacent bit lines, a bit line contact region including bit line contacts connected to the plurality of bit lines, a first UV light shielding film covering at least a portion of the semiconductor substrate in the bit line contact region, an interlayer insulating film, and a second UV light shielding film covering the plurality of memory cell regions. The first UV light shielding film effectively reduces or blocks UV light generated during a fabrication step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Yukihiro Yamashita
  • Patent number: 8053831
    Abstract: A memory cell of memory device, comprises an active region of a memory cell defined in a semiconductor substrate, and a conductive gate electrode in a trench of the active region. The gate electrode is isolated from the semiconductor substrate. An insulation layer is on the active region and on the conductive gate electrode. A conductive contact is in the insulation layer on the active region at a side of the gate electrode and isolated from the gate electrode. The contact has a first width at a top portion thereof and a second width at a bottom portion thereof, the first width being greater than the second width. The contact is formed of a single-crystal material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Man-Jong Yu
  • Patent number: 8030697
    Abstract: A cell structure of a semiconductor device includes an active region, having a concave portion, and an inactive region that defines the active region. A gate pattern in the active region is arranged perpendicular to the active region. A landing pad on the active region and the inactive region contacts the active region. A bit line pattern on the inactive region intersects the gate pattern perpendicularly, the bit line pattern being electrically connected to the landing pad and having a first protrusion corresponding to the concave portion of the active region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Min-Hee Cho, Seung-Bae Park
  • Patent number: 7615815
    Abstract: A cell region layout of a semiconductor device formed by adding active regions in the outermost portion of a cell region, and a method of forming a contact pad using the same are provided. The layout and the method include a first active region formed at the outermost portion of the cell region, and having the same shape as that of an inner active region located inwardly from the outermost portion of the cell region, and a third active region formed by adding at least two second active regions having shapes different from that of an inner active region. Further, an insulating layer fills a portion below a bit line passing the third active region. A lifting phenomenon occurring where an active region is not formed can be prevented by adding the active regions at the outermost portion of the cell region, and a bridge phenomenon occurring when bit lines or a bit line contact and a gate line electrically contact can be suppressed by filling a portion below a bit line with an insulating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheol-ho Baek
  • Patent number: 7575992
    Abstract: A method of forming a micro pattern in a semiconductor device is disclosed. An oxide film mask is divided into a cell oxide film mask and a peri oxide film mask. Therefore, a connection between the cell and the peri region can be facilitated. A portion of a top surface of a first oxide film pattern between a region in which a word line will be formed and a region in which a select source line will be formed is removed. Accordingly, the space can be increased and program disturbance in the region in which the word line will be formed can be prevented. Furthermore, a pattern having a line of 50 nm and a space of 100 nm or a pattern having a line of 100 nm and a space of 50 nm, which exceeds the limitation of the ArF exposure equipment, can be formed using a pattern, which has a line of 100 nm and a space of 200 nm and therefore has a good process margin and a good critical dimension regularity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventors: Woo Yung Jung, Jong Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 7545019
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a logic portion including M conductive layers, a memory portion including N conductive layers, and at least one common top conductive layer over the logic portion and the memory portion. M is greater than N.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Qimonda North America Corp.
    Inventors: Jan Boris Philipp, Thomas Happ, Thomas Nirschl
  • Patent number: 7541616
    Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit device, such as a memory device or radiation detector, is disclosed, in which data storage cells are formed on a substrate. Each of the data storage cells includes a field effect transistor having a source, drain, and gate, and a body arranged between the source and drain for storing electrical charge generated in the body. The magnitude of the net electrical charge in the body can be adjusted by input signals applied to the transistor, and the adjustment of the net electrical charge by the input signals can be at least partially cancelled by applying electrical voltage signals between the gate and the drain and between the source and the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Innovative Silicon ISi SA
    Inventors: Pierre Fazan, Serguei Okhonin
  • Patent number: 7517762
    Abstract: A fuse area of a semiconductor device capable of preventing moisture-absorption and a method for manufacturing the fuse area are provided. When forming a guard ring for preventing permeation of moisture through the sidewall of an exposed fuse opening portion, an etch stop layer is formed over a fuse line. A guard ring opening portion is formed using the etch stop layer. The guard ring opening portion is filled with a material for forming the uppermost wiring of multi-level interconnect wirings or the material of a passivation layer, thereby forming the guard ring concurrently with the uppermost interconnect wiring or the passivation layer. Accordingly, permeation of moisture through an interlayer insulating layer or the interface between interlayer insulating layers around the fuse opening portion can be efficiently prevented by a simple process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byung-yoon Kim, Won-seong Lee, Young-woo Park
  • Patent number: 7449742
    Abstract: The present memory device includes first and second electrodes, a passive layer between the first and second electrodes; and an active layer between the first and second electrodes, the active layer being of dendrimeric material which provides passages through the active layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Igor Sokolik, Juri Krieger, Xiaobo Shi, Richard Kingsborough, William Leonard
  • Patent number: 7423300
    Abstract: A memory device. An array of memory elements is formed on a semiconductor chip. A parallel array of word lines extends in a first direction, connecting each memory element to a data source, and a parallel array of bit lines extends in a second direction, connecting each memory element to a data source, the second direction forming an acute angle to the first direction. The connection between each bit line and each memory element is a phase change element composed of memory material having at least two solid phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsiang-Lan Lung, Rich Liu, Yi-Chou Chen, Shih-Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 7276725
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bit line barrier metal layer for a semiconductor device and a process for preparing the same, the process comprising: forming bit line contact on an insulation layer vapor-deposited on an upper part of a substrate so as to expose an ion implantation region; vapor-depositing a first barrier metal layer of a Ti film on the entire upper surface thereof; and vapor-depositing, on the upper part of the Ti film, a second barrier metal layer of a ZrB2 film having different upper and lower Boron concentrations, by RPECVD controlling the presence/absence of H2 plasma, wherein the barrier metal layer includes the Ti film, lower ZrB2 film and upper a ZrB2 film sequentially stacked between tungsten bit lines and ion implantation region of a semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Byung Soo Eun
  • Patent number: 7268384
    Abstract: The invention includes methods of forming memory circuitry. In one implementation, a semiconductor substrate includes a pair of word lines having a bit node received therebetween. A bit node contact opening is formed within insulative material over the bit node. Sacrificial plugging material is formed within the bit node contact opening between the pair of word lines. Sacrificial plugging material is removed from the bit node contact opening between the pair of word lines, and it is replaced with conductive material that is in electrical connection with the bit node. Thereafter, the conductive material is formed into a bit line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kunal R. Parekh, Byron N. Burgess
  • Patent number: 7247902
    Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises a first metal layer, which comprises a buried metal layer connected to a diffusion layer within a substrate or to a lower-layer wiring. A first metal wiring layer, a second metal layer having a buried metal layer, and a second metal wiring layer are sequentially connected. Within a groove passing through insulating layers sandwiching the metal wiring layer from above and below the same as well as on one of the insulating layers there is formed a capacitive element C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Keiichi Ohno
  • Patent number: 7242602
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes spaced apart twisted bit line pairs, a respective one of which includes a spaced apart twisted area. A conductive line overlaps the respective twisted areas of the spaced apart twisted line pairs. The conductive line can extend parallel to the memory device word lines, and can provide a power supply ground and/or signal line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-Ho Lee, Jong-Hyun Choi
  • Patent number: 7230343
    Abstract: A memory array having decreased cell sizes and having transistors with increased channel widths. More specifically, pillars are formed in a substrate such that sidewalls are exposed. The sidewalls of the pillars and the top surface of the pillars are covered with a gate oxide and a polysilicon layer to form a channel through the pillars. The current path through the channel is approximately equal to twice the height of the pillar plus the width of the pillar. The pillars are patterned to form non-linear active area lines having angled segments. The polysilicon layer is patterned to form word lines that intersect the active area lines at the angled segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Hongmei Wang, Chandra Mouli, Luan Tran
  • Patent number: 7005692
    Abstract: The invention includes a method of forming an array of memory cells. A series of capacitor constructions is formed, with the individual capacitor constructions having storage nodes. The capacitor constructions are defined to include a first set of capacitor constructions and a second set of capacitor constructions. A series of electrically conductive transistor gates are formed over the capacitor constructions and in electrical connection with the capacitor constructions. The transistor gates are defined to include a first set that is in electrical connection with the storage nodes of the first set of capacitor constructions, and a second set that is in electrical connection with the storage nodes of the second set of capacitor constructions. A first conductive line is formed over the transistor gates and in electrical connection with the first set of transistor gates, and a second conductive line is formed over the first conductive line and in electrical connection with the second set of transistor gates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Fernando Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 6967887
    Abstract: A dynamic random access memory (DRAM) cell and associated array are disclosed. The DRAM cell (300) includes a storage capacitor (304) and a pass transistor (302). The pass transistor (302) includes a source region (322), drain region (320) and channel region (324). A top gate (318) is disposed over the channel region (324) and a bottom gate (310) is disposed below the channel region (324). The top gate (318) and bottom gate (310) are commonly driven to provide greater control of the pass transistor (302) operation, including an off state with reduced source-to-drain leakage. The DRAM array (400) includes memory cells (414) having pass transistors (500) with double-gate structures. Memory cells (414) within the same row are commonly coupled to a top word line and bottom word line. The resistance of the top and bottom word lines is reduced by a word line strap layer (600). The DRAM array (400) further includes a strapping area that is void of memory cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Darryl G. Walker
  • Patent number: 6911687
    Abstract: Active areas of a Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) formed on a semiconductor substrate are defined by buried bit lines on two sides and by conductors separated from the semiconductor substrate by electrically insulating layers on two other sides. The conductors are electrically biased during operation of the DRAM to cause portions of the semiconductor substrate therebelow to increase in majority carrier concentration and thus to inhibit inversion thereof. Each buried bit line is formed in a trench in the semiconductor substrate. Each trench houses a separate bit line and is lined with an electrical insulator and has a conductor in a bottom portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignees: Infineon Technologies AG, International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jack A. Mandelman, Gerhard Kunkel
  • Patent number: 6906370
    Abstract: A semiconductor component having a material-reinforced contact area formed of a metal layer is disclosed. The contact area is jointly formed by a second metal area of a first metal layer and a fourth metal area of a second metal layer which is to be contacted. A thickness of the contact area material is at least twice that of a single metal layer and thereby prevents penetrative etching when a hole is created for contacting the metal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Holger Hübner, Thomas Röhr
  • Patent number: 6876014
    Abstract: Concave portions and convex portions are formed on an insulating layer. First bit lines are arranged on the convex portions. A width of the first bit lines is set to L, and a space between the first bit lines is set to L+2S. Each of the first bit lines is electrically connected to a drain diffusion layer by a contact plug. Second bit lines are arranged in a trench between the first bit lines. A width of the second bit lines is set to L, and a space between the first and second bit lines is equal to a width S of a side wall. Each of the second bit lines is electrically connected to a drain diffusion layer by a contact plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kazuhito Kobayashi, Yuzo Fukuzaki
  • Patent number: 6861691
    Abstract: A memory cell includes a bit line contact feature that is characterized by a contact hole bounded by insulating side walls including first and second pairs of opposing insulating side walls. The first pair of opposing insulating side walls comprises respective layers of insulating spacer material formed over a conductive line. The second pair of opposing insulating side walls comprises respective layers of insulating material formed between respective contact holes. The contact hole is filled to an uppermost extent of the insulating side walls with a conductively doped polysilicon plug defining a substantially convex upper plug surface profile. The contact hole may define either a bitline contact or a storage node contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Luan Tran
  • Patent number: 6849889
    Abstract: A method for forming a storage node contact plug of a dynamic random access memory includes forming insulating layers on an overall surface of a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of buried contact plugs, etching the insulating layers down to a top surface of the buried contact plugs to form first contact holes on the buried contact plugs, forming a photoresist pattern on the insulating layers and the first contact holes, etching the insulating layers to form second contact holes on the second insulating layer, and filling the first and second contact holes with conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Soon-Kyou Jang
  • Patent number: 6839265
    Abstract: There is provided a bi-level bit line architecture. Specifically, a DRAM memory cell and cell array are provided that allow for six square feature area (6F2) cell sizes and avoid the signal to noise problems. Uniquely, the digit lines are designed to lie on top of each other like a double-decker overpass road. Additionally, this design allows each digit line to be routed on both conductor layers, for equal lengths of the array, to provide balanced impedance. Now noise will appear as a common mode noise on both lines, and not as differential mode noise that would degrade the sensing operation. Furthermore, digit to digit coupling is nearly eliminated because of the twist design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Brent Keeth
  • Patent number: 6777735
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device is provided. A first insulating layer having a gate electrode is formed on a semiconductor substrate. A second insulating layer is formed on the first insulating layer, and the second insulating layer has bit lines covered with bit line isolation layers, buried contact plugs formed between the bit lines, and a first metal contact plug connected to the semiconductor substrate through the first insulating layer. A silicon nitride layer is formed on the second insulating layer. A third insulating layer is formed on the silicon nitride layer, and the third insulating layer has a second metal contact plug connected to the first metal contact plug through the silicon nitride layer. The second insulating layer includes a first landing stud connected to the gate electrode through the first insulting layer. The bit lines include a direct contact plug under one of the bit line. The first landing stud is simultaneously formed with the direct contact plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics, Co., LTD
    Inventor: Jae-Hee Oh
  • Patent number: 6696762
    Abstract: There is a bi-level bit line architecture. Specifically, there is a DRAM memory cell and cell array that allows for six square feature area (6F2) cell sizes and avoids the signal to noise problems. Uniquely, the digit lines are designed to lie on top of each other like a double decker overpass road. Additionally, this design allows each digit line to be routed on both conductor layers, for equal lengths of the array, to provide balanced impedance. Now noise will appear as a common mode noise on both lines, and not as differential mode noise that would degrade the sensing operation. Furthermore, digit to digit coupling is nearly eliminated because of the twist design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Brent Keeth
  • Patent number: 6686668
    Abstract: A bitline contact and method of forming bitline contact for a vertical DRAM array using a bitline contact mask. In the method, gate conductor lines are formed. An oxide layer is deposited over the gate conductor lines, and a bitline contact mask is formed over portions of the oxide layer. The bitline contact mask is etched, and a silicon layer is deposited on the substrate. A bitline layer is deposited on the silicon layer. A masking and etching operation is performed on the bitline layer. A M0 metal is deposited over the silicon layer and on sides of non etched portions of the bitline (M0) layer to form left and right bitlines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignees: International Business Machines Corporation, Infineon Technologies North America Corp.
    Inventors: Larry A. Nesbit, Johnathan E. Faltermeier, Ramachandra Divakaruni, Wolfgang Bergner
  • Patent number: 6649962
    Abstract: A memory cell having a bit line contact is provided. The memory cell may be a 6F2 memory cell. The bit line contact may have a contact hole bounded by insulating sidewalls, and the contact hole may be partially or completely filled with a doped polysilicon plug. The doped polysilicon plug may have an upper plug surface profile that is substantially free of concavities or substantially convex. Similarly, a storage node contact may comprise a doped polysilicon plug having an upper plug surface profile that is substantially free of concavities or that is substantially convex. Additionally, a semiconductor device having a conductive contact comprising a polysilicon plug may is provided. The plug may contact a capacitor structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Luan Tran
  • Patent number: 6621110
    Abstract: A DRAM of an open bit line structure has a cell area smaller than that of a DRAM of a folded bit line structure and is susceptible to noise. A conventional DRAM of an open bit line structure has a large bit line capacitance and is susceptible to noise or has a large cell area. There has been no DRAM of an open bit line structure having a small bit line capacitance, unsusceptible to noise and having a small cell area. The present invention forms capacitor lower electrode plug holes not aligned with bit lines to reduce bit line capacitance. Bit lines are formed in a small width, capacitor lower electrode plugs are dislocated from positions corresponding to the centers of the bit lines in directions away from the bit lines and the contacts are formed in a reduced diameter to avoid increasing the cell area. Thus a semiconductor storage device of an open bit line structure resistant to noise and having a small cell area is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Matsuoka, Satoru Yamada, Isamu Asano, Ryo Nagai, Tomonori Sekiguchi, Riichiro Takemura
  • Patent number: 6569727
    Abstract: A 16 megabit (224) or greater density single deposition layer metal Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) part is described which allows for a die that fits within an industry-standard 300 ml wide SOJ (Small Outline J-wing) package or a TSOP (Thin, Small Outline Package) with little or no speed loss over previous double metal deposition layered 16 megabit DRAM designs. This is accomplished using a die architecture which allows for a single metal layer signal path, together with the novel use of a lead frame to remove a substantial portion of the power busing from the die, allowing for a smaller, speed-optimized DRAM. The use of a single deposition layer metal results in lower production costs, and shorter production time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Casper, Timothy J. Allen, D. Mark Durcan, Brian M. Shirley, Howard E. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 6570258
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention discloses a memory device having an array with digit lines arranged in complementary pairs, the array comprising; a substantially planar layer having trenches therein; a first level of digit lines residing at least partially in the trenches; a second level of digit lines residing on the surface of the layer, the second level extending in generally parallel relation to the digit lines in the first level. The first level of digit lines are in alternating positions with the second level of digit lines and the alternating positions comprise a repeating pattern of a first complementary pair of digit lines at the first level adjacent a second complementary pair of digit lines at the second level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kin F. Ma, Eric T. Stubbs
  • Patent number: 6567288
    Abstract: There is a bi-level bit line architecture. Specifically, there is a DRAM memory cell and cell array that allows for six square feature area (6F2) cell sizes and avoids the signal to noise problems. Uniquely, the digit lines are designed to lie on top of each other like a double decker overpass road. Additionally, this design allows each digit line to be routed on both conductor layers, for equal lengths of the array, to provide balanced impedance. Now noise will appear as a common mode noise on both lines, and not as differential mode noise that would degrade the sensing operation. Furthermore, digit to digit coupling is nearly eliminated because of the twist design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Brent Keeth
  • Patent number: 6551846
    Abstract: A test signal generating circuit generates internal test control signals from a small number of signals supplied via an address terminal in a test mode operation. According to the test control signals, the values of internal row address signal bits from an address buffer are set, while a row-related control circuit with test control function controls operations of a row selection circuit and bit line peripheral circuitry according to the test control signals. A plurality of word lines are driven simultaneously into a selected state and an acceleration test is performed according to a small number of control signals in a short period of time. Voltage stress applied between memory cell capacitors and between word lines can be accelerated with a small number of control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyohiro Furutani, Mikio Asakura, Tetsuo Katoh
  • Patent number: 6515374
    Abstract: An integrated semiconductor chip has at least two metal interconnects of two different metallization planes, which are disposed parallel to one another. The metal interconnects are connected to one another via at least one electrically conductive contact point. The metal interconnects, for each direction, run orthogonally with respect to one another in a first region. For each direction, they run parallel to one another and at an oblique angle to the directions of the metal interconnects of the first region in a second region (20), in which they are contact-connected to one another. This configuration makes it possible, with little influence of electromigration, to have a comparatively small space requirement needed for the contact connection of mutually orthogonal interconnects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Andreas Bänisch, Sabine Kling
  • Patent number: 6512276
    Abstract: In a mask ROM, bit lines 1 composed of a diffused region formed in a semiconductor substrate are formed in such a zigzag pattern that in a region where each of the bit lines overlaps word lines 2 formed of a patterned conductive film formed on an oxide film covering the diffused region of the bit lines 1, the bit line is perpendicular to the word lines, and in a region where each of the bit lines does not overlap the word lines, the bit line has a predetermined angle to the word lines, with the result that channel regions of memory cell transistors are located in a checker pattern. Thus, it is possible to minimize influence of a code ion implanted impurity diffused region 3A to a low-threshold memory cell transistor C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Takao Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20030001290
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device comprises a plurality of columnar portions formed in memory cell array regions on a semiconductor substrate. The columnar portions are isolated from one another by a plurality of trenches, and these trenches have first and second bottoms that are different in depth. The semiconductor device comprises a plurality of cell transistors which include first diffusion layer regions formed in the first bottoms, which are shallower than the second bottoms, second diffusion layer regions formed in surface portions of the columnar portions, and a plurality of gate electrodes which are adjacent to both the first and second diffusion layer regions and extend along at least one side-surface portions of the columnar portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Akihiro Nitayama, Katsuhiko Hieda
  • Patent number: 6476489
    Abstract: A semiconductor device adopting an interlayer contact structure between upper and lower conductive layers and a method of manufacturing the semiconductor device adopting the structure are provided. The lower conductive layer includes a first conductive layer and a first silicide layer stacked together. The upper conductive layer includes a second conductive layer doped with impurities and a second silicide layer stacked together. In the interlayer contact structure, the first and second conductive layers are in direct contact with each other. This decreases the contact resistance between the two conductive layers and improves the electrical properties of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bong-young Yoo, Dae-hong Ko, Nae-in Lee, Young-wook Park
  • Patent number: 6472708
    Abstract: A trench MOSFET includes a plurality of trench segments in an upper surface of an epitaxial layer, extending through a second conductivity type region into a first conductivity type epitaxial region, each segment at least partially separated from an adjacent segment by a terminating region, and the trench segments defining a plurality of polygonal body regions within the second conductivity type region. A first insulating layer at least partially lines each trench and a plurality of first conductive regions are provided within the trench segments adjacent to the first layer. Each of the conductive regions is connected to an adjacent conductive region by a connecting conductive region, overlying the terminating region, that bridges at least one of the terminating regions, and a plurality of first conductivity source regions are within upper portions of polygonal body regions and adjacent the trench segments, the source regions positioned outside the terminating regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: General Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Fwu-Iuan Hshieh, Koon Chong So, Yan Man Tsui
  • Patent number: 6456518
    Abstract: There is a bi-level bit line architecture. Specifically, there is a DRAM memory cell and cell array that allows for six square feature area (6F2) cell sizes and avoids the signal to noise problems. Uniquely, the digit lines are designed to lie on top of each other like a double decker overpass road. Additionally, this design allows each digit line to be routed on both conductor layers, for equal lengths of the array, to provide balanced impedance. Now noise will appear as a common mode noise on both lines, and not as differential mode noise that would degrade the sensing operation. Furthermore, digit to digit coupling is nearly eliminated because of the twist design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Brent Keeth
  • Patent number: 6438016
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an integrated circuit device having a memory cell for storing a data and refresh circuitry for refreshing that data in the memory cell. In one illustrative embodiment, the device comprises a memory cell having a storage element, a read/write access device, and a refresh access device. A read/write digit line is coupled to the read/write access device, and a refresh digit line is coupled to the refresh access device. A sense amplifier is coupled to the read/write digit line, and input/output circuitry is coupled to the read/write digit line. A refresh sense amplifier is coupled to the refresh digit line. The memory cell is constructed in such a way as to provide a large charge storage capacity in a relatively small, compact area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Keeth, Charles Dennison
  • Patent number: 6429529
    Abstract: There is a bi-level bit line architecture. Specifically, there is a DRAM memory cell and cell array that allows for six square feature area (6F2) cell sizes and avoids the signal to noise problems. Uniquely, the digit lines are designed to lie on top of each other like a double decker overpass road. Additionally, this design allows each digit line to be routed on both conductor layers, for equal lengths of the array, to provide balanced impedance. Now noise will appear as a common mode noise on both lines, and not as differential mode noise that would degrade the sensing operation. Furthermore, digit to digit coupling is nearly eliminated because of the twist design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Brent Keeth
  • Patent number: 6425046
    Abstract: A fault-tolerant, high-speed wafer scale system includes a plurality of functional memory modules, each having associated sense amplifiers which act as high-speed cache memory, a parallel hierarchical bus which is fault-tolerant to defects and a interconnect network, and one or more bus masters. By grouping the DRAM arrays into logically independent modules of relatively small memory capacity (588 Kbit), a large number of cache lines (128) is obtained at small main memory capacity (4 Megabytes). The large number of cache lines allows maintaining a high cache hit rate (greater than 90%).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Monolithic System Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Wing Yu Leung, Fu-Chieh Hsu
  • Patent number: 6424043
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a method of forming an integrated circuitry memory device. In one preferred implementation, a conductive layer is formed over both memory array areas and peripheral circuitry areas. A refractory metal layer is formed over the conductive layer to provide conductive structure in both areas. According to a preferred aspect of this implementation, the conductive layer which is formed over the memory array provides an electrical contact for a capacitor container to be formed. According to another preferred aspect of this implementation, the conductive layer formed over the peripheral circuitry area constitutes a conductive line which includes at least some of the silicide. In another preferred implementation, the invention provides a method of forming a capacitor container over a substrate. According to a preferred aspect of this implementation, a conductive layer is elevationally interposed between an upper insulating layer and a lower conductive layer over the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Lane, John K. Zahurak
  • Publication number: 20020093112
    Abstract: A bitline contact and method of forming bitline contact for a vertical DRAM array using a bitline contact mask. In the method, gate conductor lines are formed. An oxide layer is deposited over the gate conductor lines, and a bitline contact mask is formed over portions of the oxide layer. The bitline contact mask is etched, and a silicon layer is deposited on the substrate. A bitline layer is deposited on the silicon layer. A masking and etching operation is performed on the bitline layer. A M0 metal is deposited over the silicon layer and on sides of non etched portions of the bitline (M0) layer to form left and right bitlines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Larry A. Nesbit, Johnathan E. Faltermeier, Ramachandra Divakaruni, Wolfgang Bergner
  • Patent number: 6380576
    Abstract: A memory cell is defined along first, second, and third orthogonal dimensions and comprises an electrically conductive word line, an electrically conductive bit line, an electrical charge storage structure, a transistor structure, and a bit line contact. The charge storage structure is conductively coupled to the bit line via the transistor structure and the bit line contact. The transistor structure is conductively coupled to the word line. The first dimension is characterized by one-half of a bit line contact feature, one word line feature, one word line space feature, and one-half of a field poly line feature. The second dimension is characterized by two one-half field oxide features and one active area feature. The first and second dimensions define a 6F2 memory cell. The bit line contact feature is characterized by a contact hole bounded by insulating side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Luan Tran
  • Patent number: 6380575
    Abstract: A method and structure for an integrated circuit chip includes storage devices, isolation regions adjacent the storage devices and surface straps connected to the storage devices, wherein the isolation regions have a border coincident with the surface straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Carl J. Radens