Ferroelectric Nonvolatile Memory Structures (epo) Patents (Class 257/E21.663)
  • Patent number: 11937427
    Abstract: In certain aspects, a first opening extending vertically through a first dielectric deck including a first plurality of interleaved sacrificial layers and dielectric layers above a substrate is formed. A high-k dielectric layer and a channel sacrificial layer free of polysilicon are subsequently formed along a sidewall of the first opening. A second opening extending vertically through a second dielectric deck including a second plurality of interleaved sacrificial layers and dielectric layers on the first dielectric deck is formed to expose the channel sacrificial layer in the first opening. The channel sacrificial layer is removed in the first opening. A memory film and a semiconductor channel are subsequently formed over the high-k dielectric layer along sidewalls of the first and second openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: YANGTZE MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shuangshuang Peng, Jingjing Geng, Jiajia Wu, Tuo Li
  • Patent number: 11930717
    Abstract: A synthetic antiferromagnetic structure for a spintronic device is disclosed and has an FL2/Co or Co alloy/antiferromagnetic coupling/Co or Co alloy/CoFeB configuration where FL2 is a ferromagnetic free layer with intrinsic PMA. Antiferromagnetic coupling is improved by inserting a Co or Co alloy dusting layer on top and bottom surfaces of the antiferromagnetic coupling layer. The FL2 layer may be a L10 ordered alloy, a rare earth-transition metal alloy, or an (A1/A2)n laminate where A1 is one of Co, CoFe, or an alloy thereof, and A2 is one of Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, Ir, Mg, Mo, Os, Si, V, Ni, NiCo, and NiFe, or A1 is Fe and A2 is V. A method is also provided for forming the synthetic antiferromagnetic structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Robert Beach, Guenole Jan, Yu-Jen Wang, Ru-Ying Tong
  • Patent number: 11908936
    Abstract: A ferroelectric field effect transistor (FeFET) having a double-gate structure includes a first gate electrode, a first ferroelectric material layer over the first gate electrode, a semiconductor channel layer over the first ferroelectric material layer, source and drain electrodes contacting the semiconductor channel layer, a second ferroelectric material layer over the semiconductor channel layer, and a second gate electrode over the second ferroelectric material layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Yen-Chieh Huang, Song-Fu Liao, Po-Ting Lin, Hai-Ching Chen, Sai-Hooi Yeong, Yu-Ming Lin, Chung-Te Lin
  • Patent number: 11864386
    Abstract: A memory array comprises vertically-alternating tiers of insulative material and memory cells. The memory cells individually comprise a transistor comprising first and second source/drain regions having a channel region there-between and a gate operatively proximate the channel region. The individual memory cells comprise a capacitor comprising first and second electrodes having a capacitor insulator there-between. The first electrode electrically couples to the first source/drain region. Wordline structures extend elevationally through the insulative material and the memory cells of the vertically-alternating tiers. Individual of the gates that are in different of the memory cell tiers directly electrically couple to individual of the wordline structures. Sense-lines electrically couple to multiple of the second source/drain regions of individual of the transistors. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanh D. Tang, Richard J. Hill, Yi Fang Lee, Martin C. Roberts
  • Patent number: 11810608
    Abstract: A high-density low voltage ferroelectric (or paraelectric) memory bit-cell that includes a planar ferroelectric or paraelectric capacitor. The memory bit-cell comprises 1T1C configuration, where a plate-line is parallel to a word-line, or the plate-line is parallel to a bit-line. The memory bit-cell can be 1TnC, where ā€˜nā€™ is a number. In a 1TnC bit-cell, the capacitors are vertically stacked allowing for multiple values to be stored in a single bit-cell. The memory bit-cell can be multi-element FE gain bit-cell. In a multi-element FE gain bit-cell, data sensing is done with signal amplified by a gain transistor in the bit-cell. As such, higher storage density is realized using multi-element FE gain bit-cells. In some examples, the 1T1C, 1TnC, and multi-element FE gain bit-cells are multi-level bit-cells. To realize multi-level bit-cells, the capacitor is placed in a partially switched polarization state by applying different voltage levels or different time pulse widths at the same voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: KEPLER COMPUTING INC.
    Inventors: Rajeev Kumar Dokania, Noriyuki Sato, Tanay Gosavi, Pratyush Pandey, Debo Olaosebikan, Amrita Mathuriya, Sasikanth Manipatruni
  • Patent number: 11792996
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a ferroelectric random-access memory (FeRAM) cell or some other suitable type of memory cell comprising a bottom-electrode interface structure. The memory cell further comprises a bottom electrode, a switching layer over the bottom electrode, and a top electrode over the switching layer. The bottom-electrode interface structure separates the bottom electrode and the switching layer from each other. Further, the interface structure is dielectric and is configured to block or otherwise resist metal atoms and/or impurities in the bottom electrode from diffusing to the switching layer. By blocking or otherwise resisting such diffusion, leakage current may be decreased. Further, endurance of the memory cell may be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tzu-Yu Lin, Chia-Wen Zhong, Yao-Wen Chang
  • Patent number: 11785778
    Abstract: A multi-gate ferroelectric memory comprises a fin-shaped channel layer, a front ferroelectric layer disposed on one side of the fin-shaped channel layer, a back ferroelectric layer disposed on another side of the fin-shaped channel layer, a front gate attached to the front ferroelectric layer and away from the fin-shaped channel layer, wherein the front gate is configured to connect a word line, and a back gate attached to the back ferroelectric layer and away from the fin-shaped channel layer, wherein the back gate is configured to connect a bit line. The present disclosure further discloses a memory array device, comprises a plurality of the multi-gate ferroelectric memories arranged as an array, a plurality of word lines and a plurality of bit lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: NATIONAL CHENG KUNG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Darsen Duane Lu, Chi-Jen Lin
  • Patent number: 11785780
    Abstract: A semiconductor includes a ferroelectric layer, a first semiconductor layer, a first gate, a second semiconductor layer, a second gate and contact structures. The ferroelectric layer has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first semiconductor layer is disposed on the first surface of the ferroelectric layer. The first gate is disposed on the first semiconductor layer over the first surface. The second semiconductor layer is disposed on the second surface of the ferroelectric layer. The second gate is disposed on the second semiconductor layer over the second surface. The contacts structures are connected to the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Gerben Doornbos, Mauricio Manfrini
  • Patent number: 11747774
    Abstract: A parameter compression unit compresses first input parameter values so that a parameter restoration unit can restore the first input parameter values, and generates first compressed input parameter values in which the number of control parameters is reduced, a model learning unit learns a prediction model from learning data that is a set of the first compressed input parameter values and first output parameter values that are processing results obtained by giving the first input parameter values, as a plurality of control parameters, to a processing device, and a processing condition search unit estimates a second compressed input parameter values corresponding to target output parameter values by using the prediction model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: HITACHI HIGH-TECH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yutaka Okuyama, Takeshi Ohmori
  • Patent number: 11651995
    Abstract: A memory device including a plurality of first conductive lines arranged on a substrate and spaced apart from each other in a first direction parallel to a top surface of the substrate; a plurality of capping liners on sidewalls of each of the plurality of first conductive lines, the plurality of capping liners having top surfaces at a vertical level equal to top surfaces of the plurality of first conductive lines, and bottom surfaces at a vertical level higher than bottom surfaces of the plurality of first conductive lines; and an insulating layer on the substrate, the insulating layer filling spaces between the plurality of first conductive lines and covering sidewalls of the plurality of capping liners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sangkuk Kim, Yunseung Kang, Oik Kwon, Jungik Oh, Sujin Jeon
  • Patent number: 11515331
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an integrated assembly having a semiconductor structure extending from a first wiring to a second wiring. A ferroelectric transistor includes a first transistor gate adjacent a first region of the semiconductor structure. A first non-ferroelectric transistor includes a second transistor gate adjacent a second region of the semiconductor structure. The second region of the semiconductor structure is between the first region of the semiconductor structure and the first wiring. A second non-ferroelectric transistor includes a third transistor gate adjacent a third region of the semiconductor structure. The third region of the semiconductor structure is between the first region of the semiconductor structure and the second wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne I. Kinney
  • Patent number: 11508755
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an integrated circuit (IC) in which a memory structure comprises a ferroelectric structure without critical-thickness limitations. The memory structure comprises a first electrode and the ferroelectric structure. The ferroelectric structure is vertically stacked with the first electrode and comprises a first ferroelectric layer, a second ferroelectric layer, and a first restoration layer. The second ferroelectric layer overlies the first ferroelectric layer, and the first restoration layer is between and borders the first and second ferroelectric layers. The first restoration layer is a different material type than that of the first and second ferroelectric layers and is configured to decouple crystalline lattices of the first and second ferroelectric layers so the first and second ferroelectric layers do not reach critical thicknesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Rainer Yen-Chieh Huang, Hai-Ching Chen, Chung-Te Lin
  • Patent number: 11404440
    Abstract: A memory array comprises vertically-alternating tiers of insulative material and memory cells. The memory cells individually comprise a transistor comprising first and second source/drain regions having a channel region there-between and a gate operatively proximate the channel region. The individual memory cells comprise a capacitor comprising first and second electrodes having a capacitor insulator there-between. The first electrode electrically couples to the first source/drain region. Wordline structures extend elevationally through the insulative material and the memory cells of the vertically-alternating tiers. Individual of the gates that are in different of the memory cell tiers directly electrically couple to individual of the wordline structures. Sense-lines electrically couple to multiple of the second source/drain regions of individual of the transistors. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanh D. Tang, Richard J. Hill, Yi Fang Lee, Martin C. Roberts
  • Patent number: 10892330
    Abstract: A synapse network device includes an array of field effect transistor (FET) devices having controllable channel resistance. Pre-neurons are coupled to the array to provide input pulses to the array on first terminals of the FET devices. Post-neurons are coupled to the array to receive outputs from the array on second terminals of the FET devices and provide feedback to the array on third terminals of the FET devices, wherein a state of the FET devices is indicated based upon signals applied to the FET devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jin P. Han, Xiao Sun
  • Patent number: 10439131
    Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises an array of magnetic cell structures each comprising a magnetic tunnel junction over an electrode on a substrate. Each of the magnetic tunnel junctions includes a magnetic material over the substrate, a first tunnel barrier material over the magnetic material, a second tunnel barrier material over the annealed first tunnel barrier material, and another magnetic material over the second tunnel barrier material. Each magnetic tunnel junction is configured to exhibit a tunnel magnetoresistance greater than or equal to about 180% at a resistance area product of less than about 8 ohm ?m2. The semiconductor device also includes another electrode over the another magnetic material. Semiconductor devices including the magnetic tunnel junctions, methods of forming the magnetic tunnel junctions, and methods of forming semiconductor devices including the magnetic tunnel junctions are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Manzar Siddik, Witold Kula, Suresh Ramarajan
  • Patent number: 10038140
    Abstract: There is provided a non-volatile memory device comprising: a substrate; a lower electrode disposed on the substrate; a resistance layer disposed on the lower electrode; and an upper electrode disposed on the resistance layer, wherein the resistance layer include a stack of a graphene oxide film and an iron oxide film, wherein a resistance value of the resistance layer varies based on a voltage applied to the upper electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Jae Hyung Jang, Rani Anoop, Se I Oh
  • Patent number: 9865608
    Abstract: A method disclosed herein includes providing a semiconductor structure, the semiconductor structure comprising a semiconductor substrate and a gate stack, the gate stack comprising a gate insulation material over the substrate, a floating gate electrode material over the gate insulation material, a ferroelectric transistor dielectric over the floating gate electrode material and a top electrode material over the ferroelectric transistor dielectric, performing a first patterning process to remove portions of the top electrode material and the ferroelectric transistor dielectric and performing a second patterning process after the first patterning process to remove portions of the floating gate electrode material and the gate insulation material, wherein a projected area of an upper portion of the gate structure onto a plane that is perpendicular to a thickness direction of the substrate is smaller than a projected area of the lower portion of the gate structure onto the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignees: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Inc., Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandted Forschung e.V., NaMLab gGmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Mueller, Stefan Mueller, Stefan Flachowsky
  • Patent number: 9378760
    Abstract: A data reader may be configured with a tuned microstructure by initially cooling a substrate to a temperature of 100K or lower and subsequently depositing at least one layer of a data reader on the substrate while the substrate is maintained at the temperature. The tuned microstructure may consist of at least a grain size, grain size distribution, interface quality between multiple layers of the data reader, resistance-area product, and magnetoresistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Qing He, Mark William Covington, Mark Thomas Kief
  • Patent number: 8927406
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a dual damascene metal gate includes forming a dummy gate onto a substrate, disposing a protective layer on the substrate and the dummy gate, and growing an expanding layer on sides of the dummy gate. The method further includes removing the protective layer, forming a spacer around the dummy gate, and depositing and planarizing a dielectric layer. The method further includes selectively removing the expanding layer, and removing the dummy gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Chieh Wang, Wen-Chu Hsiao, Ying-Min Chou, Hsiang-Hsiang Ko
  • Patent number: 8884375
    Abstract: A disclosed semiconductor integrated circuit device includes a semiconductor substrate; and multiple semiconductor elements disposed on the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor elements include an n-channel MOS transistor and a p-channel MOS transistor. The n-channel MOS transistor is covered by a tensile stress film, and the p-channel MOS transistor is covered by a compressive stress film. A dummy region, the entire surface of which is covered by a combination of the tensile stress film and the compressive stress film, is disposed on the surface of the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited
    Inventors: Satoshi Nakai, Masato Suga, Jusuke Ogura
  • Patent number: 8871530
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided for a spin torque transfer random access memory device. A tunnel barrier is disposed on a reference layer, and a free layer is disposed on the tunnel barrier. The free layer includes an iron layer as a top part of the free layer. A metal oxide layer is disposed on the iron layer, and a cap layer is disposed on the metal oxide layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Guohan Hu
  • Patent number: 8866244
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a spin torque written in-plane magnetization magnetoresistive element, placed over the main surface of a semiconductor substrate, whose magnetization state can be changed according to the direction of a current flow; and a first wiring electrically coupled with the magnetoresistive element and extended toward the direction along the main surface. The aspect ratio of the magnetoresistive element as viewed in a plane is a value other than 1. In a memory cell area where multiple memory cells in which the magnetoresistive element and a switching element are electrically coupled with each other are arranged, the following measure is taken: multiple magnetoresistive elements adjoining to each other in the direction of length of each magnetoresistive element as viewed in a plane are so arranged that they are not on an identical straight line extended in the direction of length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Fumihiko Nitta
  • Patent number: 8822234
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a miniaturized semiconductor device so as to form MTJ elements therein include the steps of depositing a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) precursor layer on a substrate and planarizing the precursor layer; forming a sacrificial and patternable dielectric layer on the MTJ precursor layer; patterning the sacrificial dielectric layer in accordance with predetermined placements and shapes of a to-be-formed hard mask, the patterning forming corresponding openings in the sacrificial dielectric layer; depositing an etch-resistant conductive material such as Cu in the openings for example by way of plating, and selectively removing the sacrificial dielectric layer so as to leave behind the etch-resistant conductive material in the form of a desired hard mask. Using the hard mask to etch and thus pattern the MTJ precursor layer so as to form MTJ elements having desired locations, sizes and shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignees: Semiconductor Manufacturing International (Beijing) Corporation
    Inventors: Xinpeng Wang, Haiyang Zhang
  • Patent number: 8822235
    Abstract: An electronic component is provided on a substrate. A thin-film capacitor is attached to the substrate, the thin-film capacitor includes a pyrochlore or perovskite dielectric layer between a plurality of electrode layers, the electrode layers being formed from a conductive thin-film material. A reactive barrier layer is deposited over the thin-film capacitor. The reactive barrier layer includes an oxide having an element with more than one valence state, wherein the element with more than one valence state has a molar ratio of the molar amount of the element that is in its highest valence state to its total molar amount in the barrier of 50% to 100%. Optionally layers of other materials may intervene between the capacitor and reactive barrier layer. The reactive barrier layer may be paraelectric and the electronic component may be a tunable capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Marina Zelner, Mircea Capanu, Paul Bun Cheuk Woo, Susan C. Nagy
  • Patent number: 8765566
    Abstract: A non-volatile memory device includes first wiring structures elongated in a first direction and separated by a first gap region in a second direction, the first gap region comprising first dielectric material formed in a first process, second wiring structures elongated in a second direction and separated by a second gap region in a first direction, the second gap region comprising second dielectric material formed in a second process, and a resistive switching devices comprising active conductive material, resistive switching material, and a junction material, wherein resistive switching devices are formed at intersections of the first wiring structures and the second wiring structures, wherein the junction material comprising p+ polysilicon material overlying the first wiring material, wherein some resistive switching devices are separated by the first gap region and some resistive switching devices separated by the second gap region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Crossbar, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Patrick Maxwell
  • Patent number: 8729614
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a flexible nonvolatile ferroelectric memory device, a 1T-1R (1Transistor-1Resistor) flexible ferroelectric memory device, and a manufacturing method for the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Sungkyunkwan University Foundation for Corporate Collaboration
    Inventors: Jong-Hyun Ahn, Jonghyun Rho
  • Patent number: 8728901
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a non-volatile, ferroelectric random access memory (F-RAM) device is described. In one embodiment, the method includes forming an opening in an insulating layer over a surface of a substrate, and forming bottom electrode spacers proximal to sidewalls of the opening. Next, a ferroelectric dielectric layer is formed in the opening over the surface of the substrate and between the bottom electrode spacers, and a pair of top electrodes is formed within the opening comprising first and second side portions displaced laterally from respective ones of the bottom electrode spacers by the ferroelectric dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Shan Sun, Thomas Davenport, John Cronin
  • Patent number: 8698218
    Abstract: A magnetoresistive memory element has a free layer, and a write current path aligned with a free layer plane. The memory element has a pinned layer with a magnetization direction aligned with that of the free layer. A barrier layer is disposed between the free layer and the pinned layer. The free, barrier and pinned layers together form a layer stack that has a read current path that extends through the layer stack and that is not aligned with the write current path in the free layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventor: Mark William Covington
  • Patent number: 8614135
    Abstract: A phase change memory is manufactured by providing a substrate including a layer of phase-change material, forming a damascene pattern on the layer of phase-change material, and forming both a top electrode and a bit line in the damascene pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-ho Eun, JaeHee Oh
  • Patent number: 8542519
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device is disclosed. The device includes MOSFET1 and MOSFET2 arranged in a first direction, variable resistive element (hereafter R1) above MOSFET1 and MOSFET2, a lower end of the R1 being connected to drains of MOSFET1 and MOSFET2, MOSFET3 and MOSFET4 arranged in the first direction, variable resistive element (hereafter R2) above MOSFET3 and MOSFET4, and a lower end of the R2 being connected to drains of MOSFET3 and MOSFET4. The device further includes first wiring line extending in the first direction and connected to sources of MOSFET1 and MOSFET2, second wiring line extending in the first direction and connected to sources of MOSFET3 and MOSFET4, upper electrode connecting upper end of the R1 and upper end of the R2, and third wiring line extending in the first direction and connected to the upper electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Asao, Takeshi Kajiyama, Kuniaki Sugiura
  • Patent number: 8535953
    Abstract: Processes for selectively patterning a magnetic film structure generally include selectively etching an exposed portion of a freelayer disposed on a tunnel barrier layer by a wet process, which includes exposing the freelayer to an etchant solution comprising at least one acid and an organophosphorus acid inhibitor or salt thereof, stopping on the tunnel barrier layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Abraham, Solomon Assefa, Eugene J. O'Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8518791
    Abstract: Disclosed is a non-volatile, ferroelectric random access memory (F-RAM) device and a method for fabricating the same in the form of a damascene self-aligned F-RAM device comprising a PZT capacitor built on the sidewalls of an oxide trench, while allowing for the simultaneous formation of two ferroelectric sidewall capacitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Shan Sun, Thomas E. Davenport, John Cronin
  • Patent number: 8518792
    Abstract: Disclosed is a non-volatile, ferroelectric random access memory (F-RAM) device and a method for fabricating a damascene self-aligned F-RAM that allows for the formation of a ferroelectric capacitor with separated PZT layers aligned with a preexisting, three dimensional (3-D) transistor structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Shan Sun, Thomas E. Davenport, John Cronin
  • Patent number: 8455266
    Abstract: A memory device and method for manufacturing the memory device are provided. The memory device including a first electrode, a first ferroelectric polymer layer over the first electrode, a second electrode over the first ferroelectric polymer layer, a second ferroelectric polymer layer over the second electrode, a third electrode over the second ferroelectric polymer layer, and a protective layer between the first and second ferroelectric polymer layers. The first, second and third electrodes and the first and second ferroelectric polymer layers define first and second ferroelectric capacitor structures, the second electrode being common to the first and second ferroelectric capacitor structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Sunil Madhukar Bhangale, Takehisa Ishida
  • Patent number: 8426301
    Abstract: Nonvolatile memory devices are provided and methods of manufacturing such devices. In the method, conductive layers and insulating layers are alternatingly stacked on a substrate. A first sub-active bar is formed which penetrates a first subset of the conductive layers and a first subset of the insulating layers. The first sub-active bar is electrically connected with the substrate. A second sub-active bar is formed which penetrates a second subset of the conductive layers and a second subset of the insulating layers. The second sub-active bar is electrically connected to the first sub-active bar. A width of a bottom portion of the second sub-active bar is less than a width of a top portion of the second sub-active bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-Yong Oh, Woonkyung Lee, Jin-Sung Lee, Sunil Shim, Hansoo Kim, Wonseok Cho, Jaehoon Jang, Jin-Soo Lim
  • Patent number: 8368132
    Abstract: Provided is a ferroelectric memory including a silicon substrate, a transistor formed on the silicon substrate, and a ferroelectric capacitor formed above the transistor. The ferroelectric capacitor includes a lower electrode, a ferroelectric film formed on the lower electrode, an upper electrode formed on the ferroelectric film, and a metal film formed on the upper electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited
    Inventor: Kouichi Nagai
  • Patent number: 8361811
    Abstract: An electronic component is provided on a substrate. A thin-film capacitor is attached to the substrate, the thin-film capacitor includes a pyrochlore or perovskite dielectric layer between a plurality of electrode layers, the electrode layers being formed from a conductive thin-film material. A reactive barrier layer is deposited over the thin-film capacitor. The reactive barrier layer includes an oxide having an element with more than one valence state, wherein the element with more than one valence state has a molar ratio of the molar amount of the element that is in its highest valence state to its total molar amount in the barrier of 50% to 100%. Optionally layers of other materials may intervene between the capacitor and reactive barrier layer. The reactive barrier layer may be paraelectric and the electronic component may be a tunable capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion RF, Inc.
    Inventors: Marina Zelner, Mircea Capanu, Paul Bun Cheuk Woo, Susan C. Nagy
  • Patent number: 8344434
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, including the steps of: forming a first ferroelectric film on a first conductive film by a film-forming method including at least a step of forming a film by a sol-gel method; forming a second ferroelectric film on the first ferroelectric film by a sputtering method; forming a second conductive film on the second ferroelectric film; and forming a capacitor provided with a lower electrode, a capacitor dielectric film and an upper electrode by patterning the first conductive film, the first and second ferroelectric films and the second conductive film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited
    Inventors: Wensheng Wang, Yoshimasa Horii
  • Patent number: 8278122
    Abstract: A method of forming an integrated circuit structure includes forming a bottom electrode layer over a substrate; forming magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) layers over the bottom electrode layer; patterning the MTJ layers to form a MTJ stack; forming a dielectric layer covering the MTJ stack; forming an opening in the dielectric layer to expose a portion of the MTJ stack; filling the opening with a top electrode material; and performing a planarization to the top electrode material. After the step of performing the planarization, the top electrode material and the dielectric layer are patterned, wherein a first portion of the top electrode material in the opening forms a top electrode, and a second portion of the top electrode material forms a metal strip over the dielectric layer and connected to the top electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jiech-Fun Lu, Shih-Chang Liu, Chia-Shiung Tsai
  • Patent number: 8258029
    Abstract: A non-volatile memory cell capable of storing two bits of information having a non-conducting charge trapping dielectric, such as silicon nitride, layered in association with at least one electrical dielectric layer, such as an oxide, with a P-type substrate and an N-type channel implanted in the well region of the substrate between two source/drain regions is disclosed. The N-type channel achieves an inversion layer without the application of bias voltage to the gate of the memory cell. A method that implants the N-type channel in the P-type substrate of the cell wherein the N-type channel lowers the un-programmed or programmed voltage threshold of the memory cell to a value lower than would exist without the N-type channel is disclosed. The N-type channel reduces the second bit effect such that the window of operation between the programmed and un-programmed voltage thresholds of the bits is widened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: MACRONIX International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-I Wu, Tzu-Hsuan Hsu
  • Patent number: 8222075
    Abstract: A plurality of bit lines s arranged crossing a plurality of first word lines. A first diode is arranged at each cross point of the first word lines and the bit lines. A cathode of the first diode is connected to one of the first word lines. A first variable resistance film configuring the first diode is provided between the anodes of the first diodes and the bit lines, and configures a first memory cell together with each of the first diodes, and further, is used in common to the first diodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Eiji Ito
  • Publication number: 20120168837
    Abstract: A ferroelectric apparatus includes a circuit having a first capacitor electrically coupled to a plate line via a top terminal connection of the first ferroelectric capacitor and to a storage node via a bottom terminal connection of the first ferroelectric capacitor. The circuit also includes a second ferroelectric capacitor electrically coupled to a second plate line via a second bottom terminal connection of the second ferroelectric capacitor and to the storage node via a second top terminal connection of the second ferroelectric capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Steven Craig BARTLING, Michael Patrick CLINTON, Borna OBRADOVIC
  • Patent number: 8206995
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a resistive switching memory device comprises providing a substrate comprising an electrical contact, providing on the substrate a dielectric layer comprising a trench exposing the electrical contact, and providing in the trench at least the bottom electrode and the resistive switching element of the resistive memory device. The method may furthermore comprise providing a top electrode at least on or in the trench, in contact with the resistive switching element. The present invention also provides corresponding resistive switching memory devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: IMEC
    Inventors: Judit Gloria Lisoni Reyes, Ludovic Goux, Dirk Wouters
  • Patent number: 8178405
    Abstract: A memory cell device has a bottom electrode and a top electrode, a plug of memory material in contact with the bottom electrode, and a cup-shaped conductive member having a rim that contacts the top electrode and an opening in the bottom that contacts the memory material. Accordingly, the conductive path in the memory cells passes from the top electrode through the conductive cup-shaped member, and through the plug of phase change material to the bottom electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Erh-Kun Lai, ChiaHua Ho, Kuang Yeu Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20120107963
    Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor device which is characterized as follows. The semiconductor device includes: an interlayer insulating film formed above a semiconductor substrate and provided with a hole above an impurity diffusion region; a conductive plug formed in the hole and electrically connected to the impurity diffusion region; a conductive oxygen barrier film formed on the conductive plug and the interlayer insulating film around the conductive plug; a conductive anti-diffusion film formed on the conductive oxygen barrier film; and a capacitor that has a lower electrode which is formed on the conductive anti-diffusion film and which exposes platinum or palladium on the upper surface, a capacitor dielectric film made of a ferroelectric material, and an upper electrode. The conductive anti-diffusion film is made of a non-oxide conductive material for preventing the diffusion of the constituent element of the capacitor dielectric film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: FUJITSU SEMICONDUCTOR LIMITED
    Inventor: Wensheng Wang
  • Patent number: 8153485
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a memory is described. Word lines are provided in a first direction. Bit lines are provided in a second direction. A top electrode is formed connecting to a corresponding word line. A bottom electrode is formed connecting to a corresponding bit line. A resistive layer is formed on the bottom electrode. At least two separate L-shaped liners are formed, wherein each L-shaped liner has variable resistive materials on both ends of the L-shaped liner and each L-shaped liner is coupled between the top electrode and the resistive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: MACRONIX International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Erh-Kun Lai, Chia-Hua Ho, Kuang-Yeu Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20120081943
    Abstract: A memory device is provided. The memory device includes a plurality of memory cells and a controller to write data to and read data from the memory cells. Each memory cell includes a first semiconductor material having a spontaneous polarization, a resistive ferroelectric material having a switchable spontaneous polarization, and a second semiconductor material having a spontaneous polarization, the resistive ferroelectric material being positioned between and in contact with the first and second semiconductor materials. The memory device can be configured to store energy that can be released by applying a voltage pulse to the memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: Mathias M. Schubert, Tino Hofmann, Venkata Rao Voora
  • Patent number: 8129200
    Abstract: A nonvolatile ferroelectric memory device includes a plurality of unit cells. Each of the unit cells includes a cell capacitor and a cell transistor. The cell capacitor includes a storage node, a ferroelectric layer, and a plate line. The cell capacitors of more than one of the plurality of unit cells are provided in a trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Hee Bok Kang
  • Patent number: 8129766
    Abstract: A memory includes first contact plugs; ferroelectric capacitors above the first contact plugs; second contact plugs in a first interlayer film being below an area which is between two adjacent ferroelectric capacitors, the second contact plug; first interconnections connected to the second contact plugs, the first interconnections extending in a first direction substantially perpendicular to an arrangement direction, in which the two ferroelectric capacitors are arranged, on the first interlayer film; a second interlayer film above the first interlayer film and the first interconnection; third contact plugs in the second interlayer film, the third contact plugs being respectively connected to the first interconnections at positions shifted from the second contact plugs in the first direction; and second interconnections electrically connecting the third contact plug to the upper electrodes of the two ferroelectric capacitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Susumu Shuto
  • Patent number: 8129767
    Abstract: Ferroelectric polymer memory modules are described. In an example, a module has a first set of layers including a first ILD layer defining trenches therein, a first electrode layer disposed in the trenches of the first ILD layer, a first conductive polymer layer disposed on the first electrode layer and in the trenches of the first ILD layer, and a ferroelectric polymer layer disposed on the first conductive polymer layer, in and extending beyond the trenches of the first ILD layer. The module also has a second set of layers disposed on the first set of layers to define memory cells therewith. The second set of layers includes a second ILD layer defining trenches therein, a second conductive polymer layer disposed in the trenches of the second ILD layer, and a second electrode layer disposed on the second conductive polymer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Lee D. Rockford, Ebrahim Andideh