Charge Trapping Insulator Nonvolatile Memory Structures (epo) Patents (Class 257/E21.679)
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Patent number: 12159935Abstract: Structures for a ferroelectric field-effect transistor and methods of forming a structure for a ferroelectric field-effect transistor. The structure comprises a gate stack having a ferroelectric layer, a first conductor layer, and a second conductor layer positioned in a vertical direction between the first conductor layer and the ferroelectric layer. The first conductor layer comprises a first material, the second conductor layer comprises a second material different from the first material, and the second conductor layer is in direct contact with the ferroelectric layer.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2022Date of Patent: December 3, 2024Assignee: GlobalFoundries Dresden Module One Limited Liability Company & KGInventors: Halid Mulaosmanovic, Stefan Dünkel, Sven Beyer, Joachim Metzger, Robert Binder
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Patent number: 12148701Abstract: A semiconductor device including a metal pattern on a semiconductor substrate; an etch stop layer covering the metal pattern, the etch stop layer including a sequentially stacked first insulation layer, second insulation layer, and third insulation layer; an interlayer dielectric layer on the etch stop layer; and a contact plug penetrating the interlayer dielectric layer and the etch stop layer, the contact plug being connected to the metal pattern, wherein the first insulation layer includes a first insulating material that contains a metallic element and nitrogen, wherein the second insulation layer includes a second insulating material that contains carbon, and wherein the third insulation layer includes a third insulating material that does not contain a metallic element and carbon.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2024Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hongsik Shin, Sanghyun Lee, Hakyoon Ahn, Seonghan Oh, Youngmook Oh
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Patent number: 12063779Abstract: This non-volatile semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array including NAND cell units formed in a first direction vertical to a surface of a semiconductor substrate. A local source line is electrically coupled to one end of the NAND cell unit formed on the surface of the substrate. The memory cell array includes: a laminated body where plural conductive films, which are to be control gate lines of memory cells or selection gate lines of selection transistors, are laminated sandwiching interlayer insulating films; a semiconductor layer that extends in the first direction; and an electric charge accumulating layer sandwiched between: the semiconductor layer and the conductive film. The local source line includes a silicide layer. The electric charge accumulating layer is continuously formed from the memory cell array to cover a peripheral area of the silicide layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2022Date of Patent: August 13, 2024Assignee: KIOXIA CORPORATIONInventors: Yoshihiro Akutsu, Ryota Katsumata
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Patent number: 12052875Abstract: A magnetic memory includes a planar electrode and a first wiring spaced from the electrode. A first magnetic member is between the electrode and the first wiring. The first magnetic member has a first end facing the first wiring and a second end facing the electrode. A magnetoresistive element is connected to the first end. A transistor is between the magnetoresistive element and the first wiring. The transistor has a channel layer and a gate electrode covering at least part of an outer periphery of the channel layer. One end of the channel layer is connected to the magnetoresistive element, and another end of the channel layer is connected to the first wiring. A second wiring has a portion between the electrode and the second end of the first magnetic member. A control circuit is electrically connected to the gate electrode, the electrode, and the first and second wirings.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2021Date of Patent: July 30, 2024Assignee: Kioxia CorporationInventors: Yoshihiro Ueda, Naoharu Shimomura, Tsuyoshi Kondo
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Patent number: 12052867Abstract: A method to ease the fabrication of high aspect ratio three dimensional memory structures for memory cells with feature sizes of 20 nm or less, or with a high number of memory layers. The present invention also provides an improved isolation between adjacent memory cells along the same or opposite sides of an active strip. The improved isolation is provided by introducing a strong dielectric barrier film between adjacent memory cells along the same side of an active strip, and by staggering memory cells of opposite sides of the active strip.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2021Date of Patent: July 30, 2024Assignee: SUNRISE MEMORY CORPORATIONInventors: Eli Harari, Wu-Yi Henry Chien, Scott Brad Herner
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Patent number: 12014782Abstract: A memory device includes a memory block to which a plurality of lines are connected. The memory device also includes a plurality of memory cells respectively connected to word lines among the plurality of lines, wherein the plurality of memory cells are formed as a plurality of plug holes formed in a stack structure between a drain select line among the plurality of lines and a slit. The memory device further includes a plurality of page buffers connected to the plurality of memory cells through a plurality of bit lines among the plurality of lines. The memory device additionally includes a peripheral circuit for performing a read operation on the plurality of memory cells. The peripheral circuit includes a voltage generator configured to control a signal applied to the plurality of page buffers so that the read operation is performed according to positions of the plug holes.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2021Date of Patent: June 18, 2024Assignee: SK hynix Inc.Inventor: Jung Hyeong Kim
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Patent number: 11991879Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a peripheral circuit region on a substrate, a polysilicon layer on the peripheral circuit region, a memory cell array region on the polysilicon layer and overlapping the peripheral circuit region, the peripheral circuit region being under the memory cell array region, an upper interconnection layer on the memory cell array region, and a vertical contact through the memory cell array region and the polysilicon layer, the vertical contact connecting the upper interconnection layer to the peripheral circuit region.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2021Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoo-cheol Shin, Young-woo Park, Jae-duk Lee
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Patent number: 11990185Abstract: Technology is disclosed herein reconfiguring word lines as either data word lines or dummy word lines. In a sub-block mode reconfigurable word lines are used as dummy word lines that provide electrical isolation between data word lines in a block. The block may be divided into an upper tier, a middle tier, and a lower tier, with the reconfigurable word lines within the middle tier. In a full-block mode the reconfigurable group of the word lines are used as data word lines. Because the reconfigurable word lines are used as data word lines in the full-block mode storage capacity is greater in the full-block mode than in the sub-block mode. Moreover, because the sub-blocks are smaller in size but greater in number than the full-blocks, the memory system may be provisioned with fewer blocks and still meet user storage requirements in both the full-block mode and the sub-block mode.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2022Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignee: SanDisk Technologies LLCInventors: Xiang Yang, YenLung Li, James Kai
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Patent number: 11956966Abstract: A silicon-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon (SONOS) memory cell includes a memory gate, a dielectric layer, two charge trapping layers and two selective gates. The memory gate is disposed on a substrate. The two charge trapping layers are at two ends of the dielectric layer, and the charge trapping layers and the dielectric layer are sandwiched by the substrate and the memory gate. The two selective gates are disposed at two opposite sides of the memory gate, thereby constituting a two bit memory cell. The present invention also provides a method of forming said silicon-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon (SONOS) memory cell.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2022Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.Inventor: Chia-Ching Hsu
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Patent number: 11956974Abstract: The invention discloses a memory fabrication method. The memory fabrication method includes forming a plurality of gate electrode lines to respectively form a plurality of gates of a plurality of data storage cells, and forming a plurality of conductive lines. The plurality of data storage cells are arranged in an array. Each of the plurality of conductive lines is coupled to two of the plurality of gate electrode lines. Each of the plurality of conductive lines at least partially overlaps the two gate electrode lines of the plurality of gate electrode lines.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2020Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.Inventors: Kuo-Hsing Lee, Sheng-Yuan Hsueh
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Patent number: 11917827Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes a stacked body including a plurality of electrode members and a plurality of insulating members, each of the electrode members and each of the insulating members being stacked alternately in a first direction on the substrate. The semiconductor memory device also includes a memory hole that extends in the stacked body in the first direction and a semiconductor member that is disposed to extend in the memory hole in the first direction. The semiconductor memory device also includes a memory member that is disposed between the semiconductor member and the plurality of electrode members. The plurality of electrode members including a first electrode member and a second electrode member, a thickness of the memory member at the position of the first electrode member being greater than a thickness of the memory member at the position of the second electrode member.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2022Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Kioxia CorporationInventor: Naoki Yasuda
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Patent number: 11862696Abstract: A semiconductor storage device relating to one embodiment includes: a stacked body in which electrode films and insulating films are alternately stacked in a first direction; a first and a second charge storage films that are arranged away from each other in the first direction inside the stacked body and each face one of the electrode films; and a tunnel insulating film that extends in the first direction inside the stacked body and is in contact with the first and the second charge storage films. The first and the second charge storage films each include a first film that is in contact with the electrode film and contains a High-k material, and a second film that is provided between the first film and the tunnel insulating film and contains silicon nitride.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2020Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: Kioxia CorporationInventors: Shunsuke Okada, Tomonori Aoyama, Tatsunori Isogai, Masaki Noguchi
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Patent number: 11844221Abstract: A 3D flash memory device such as a 3D AND flash memory device is provided. The 3D flash memory device includes a substrate, a conductive layer, a 3D flash memory array, and through-array vias (TAVs). The substrate includes a memory cell region and a passive device region. The conductive layer is formed on the substrate, and the conductive layer includes: a first circuit disposed at the memory cell region and a second circuit of a passive device disposed at the passive device region. The 3D flash memory array is formed on the first circuit of the memory cell region. The TAVs are respectively formed on the second circuit of the passive device disposed at the passive device region and connected to at least one end of the second circuit.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2021Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Li-Yen Liang, Teng-Hao Yeh
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Patent number: 11818902Abstract: A vertical 3D memory device may comprise: a substrate including a plurality of conductive contacts each coupled with a respective one of a plurality of digit lines; a plurality of word line plates separated from one another with respective dielectric layers on the substrate, the plurality of word line plates including at least a first set of word lines separated from at least a second set of word lines with a dielectric material extending in a serpentine shape and at least a third set of word lines separated from at least a fourth set of word lines with a dielectric material extending in a serpentine shape; at least one separation layer separating the first set of word lines and the second set of word lines from the third set of word lines and the fourth set of word lines, wherein the at least one separation layer is parallel to both a digit line and a word line; and a plurality of storage elements each formed in a respective one of a plurality of recesses such that a respective storage element is surroundedType: GrantFiled: October 8, 2021Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Paolo Fantini, Corrado Villa, Paolo Tessariol
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Patent number: 11758731Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) memory device includes a peripheral device, a plurality of memory strings, a layer between the peripheral device and the plurality of memory strings, and a contact. The layer includes a conduction region and an isolation region. The contact extends through the isolation region of the layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2021Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: YANGTZE MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.Inventors: Zongliang Huo, Zhiliang Xia, Li Hong Xiao, Jun Chen
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Patent number: 11758729Abstract: Embodiments of three-dimensional (3D) memory devices having a shielding layer and methods for forming the 3D memory devices are disclosed. In an example, a method for forming a 3D memory device is disclosed. A peripheral device is formed on a first substrate. A first interconnect layer including first interconnect structures are formed above the peripheral device on the first substrate. A shielding layer including a conduction region is formed above the first interconnect layer on the first substrate. The conduction region of the shielding layer covers substantially an area of the first interconnect structures in the first interconnect layer. An alternating conductor/dielectric stack and memory strings each extending vertically through the alternating conductor/dielectric stack are formed on a second substrate. A second interconnect layer including second interconnect structures is formed above the plurality of memory strings on the second substrate.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2020Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: YANGTZE MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.Inventors: Zongliang Huo, Zhiliang Xia, Li Hong Xiao, Jun Chen
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Patent number: 11742435Abstract: Integrated capacitor including a first electrode structure, a second electrode structure, and an interposed dielectric layer structure. The dielectric layer structure includes a layer combination having an SiO2 layer, an Si3N4 layer, and an SixNy layer. The SixNy layer includes a non-stoichiometric silicon nitride material with an increased proportion of silicon.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2021Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.Inventors: Norman Böttcher, Tobias Erlbacher
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Patent number: 11723201Abstract: Three-dimensional (3D) NAND memory devices and methods are provided. In one aspect, a 3D NAND memory device includes a substrate, a layer stack over the substrate, a first epitaxial layer, a second epitaxial layer, first array common sources (ACS's), and second ACS's. The layer stack includes first stack layers and second stack layers that are alternately stacked. The first epitaxial layer is deposited on a side portion of a channel layer that extends through the layer stack. The second epitaxial layer is deposited on the substrate. The first ACS's and a portion of the layer stack are between the second ACS's.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2020Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: YANGTZE MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.Inventor: Linchun Wu
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Patent number: 11723194Abstract: An integrated circuit read only memory (ROM) structure includes a first ROM transistor with a first gate electrode, a first source, and a first drain, and a second ROM transistor with a second gate electrode, a second source, and a second drain. A drain conductive line is over the first drain and the second drain, and is between the first drain and the second drain. The first drain, the drain conductive line and the second drain are between the first gate electrode and the second gate electrode, and a first trench isolation structure electrically isolates the first drain from the first source is below the first gate electrode.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2021Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Geng-Cing Lin, Ze-Sian Lu, Meng-Sheng Chang, Chia-En Huang, Jung-Ping Yang, Yen-Huei Chen
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Patent number: 11456303Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a substrate including a substrate including a first surface, a first doped region disposed under the first surface, a second doped region disposed under the first surface, and a recess indented into the substrate and disposed between the first doped region and the second doped region; a control gate structure disposed over the first doped region and electrically connected to a control bit line; a fuse gate structure disposed over the second doped region and electrically connected to a fuse bit line; and a buried word to line disposed between the control gate structure and the fuse gate structure, wherein the buried word line is disposed within the recess of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2019Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: NANYA TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventor: Shian-Jyh Lin
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Patent number: 11444095Abstract: A semiconductor device with integrated memory devices and metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) devices, including a substrate with a first area and a second area, multiple double-diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor (DMOS) devices on the first area, wherein the double-diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor (DMOS) device includes a field oxide on the substrate, a first gate dielectric layer adjacent to the field oxide, and a first polysilicon gate on the field oxide and the first gate dielectric layer, and multiple memory units on the second area, wherein the memory unit includes an oxide-nitride-oxide (ONO) tri-layer and a second polysilicon gate on the oxide-nitride-oxide (ONO) tri-layer, wherein a top surface of the second polysilicon gate of the memory unit in the second area and a top surface of the first polysilicon gate of the double-diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor (DMOS) in the first area are on the same level.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2021Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.Inventors: Wang Xiang, Chia-Ching Hsu, Shen-De Wang, Weichang Liu
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Patent number: 11367481Abstract: A semiconductor inference device that has a non-volatile memory (NVM) array including NVM cells arranged in rows and columns, in which each NVM cell comprises a charge trapping transistor configured to store one of N×analog values corresponding to N×levels of its drain current (ID) or threshold voltage (VT) levels, representing N×weight values for multiply accumulate (MAC) operations. The semiconductor inference device also includes digital-to-analog (DAC) function and multiplexor (mux) function configured to generate an analog MAC result based on the digital inputs converted results and the weight values read results, and analog-to-digital (ADC) function configured to convert the analog MAC result of the mux function to a digital value. Other embodiments of the semiconductor inference device and related methods and systems are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2021Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: Infineon Technologies LLCInventors: Venkataraman Prabhakar, Krishnaswamy Ramkumar, Vineet Agrawal, Long Hinh, Swatilekha Saha, Santanu Kumar Samanta, Michael Amundson, Ravindra M. Kapre
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Patent number: 11139311Abstract: A memory device is provided, which includes a substrate, a first memory cell, and a second memory cell. The first memory cell is arranged over the substrate and the second memory cell is arranged adjacent to the first memory cell. The first and second memory cells include a shared doped region arranged between the first and second memory cells.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2020Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Singapore Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Yongshun Sun, Eng Huat Toh, Shyue Seng Tan, Kiok Boone Elgin Quek
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Patent number: 10608006Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a memory gate disposed on a main surface of a substrate. The memory has a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall. A control gate is in proximity to the memory gate. The control gate has a third sidewall directly facing the second sidewall, and a fourth sidewall opposite to the third sidewall. A gap is provided between the second sidewall of the memory gate and the third sidewall of the control gate. A first single spacer structure is disposed on the first sidewall of the memory gate. A second single spacer structure is disposed on the fourth sidewall of the control gate. A gap-filling layer is deposited into the gap and fills up the gap.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2018Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.Inventors: Wen-Jen Wang, Chun-Hung Cheng, Chuan-Fu Wang
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Patent number: 10593687Abstract: A semiconductor device whose performance is improved is disclosed. In the semiconductor device, an offset spacer formed in a memory cell is formed by a laminated film of a silicon oxide film and a silicon nitride film, and the silicon oxide film is particularly formed to directly contact the sidewall of a memory gate electrode and the side end portion of a charge storage film; on the other hand, an offset spacer formed in a MISFET is formed by a silicon nitride film. Particularly in the MISFET, the silicon nitride film directly contacts both the sidewall of a gate electrode and the side end portion of a high dielectric constant film.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2019Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Renesas Electronics CorporationInventor: Tamotsu Ogata
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Patent number: 10199392Abstract: A semiconductor material is patterned to define elongated fins insulated from an underlying substrate. A polysilicon semiconductor material is deposited over and in between the elongated fins, and is patterned to define elongated gates extending to perpendicularly cross over the elongated fins at a transistor channel. Sidewall spacers are formed on side walls of the elongated gates. Portions of the elongated fins located between the elongated gates are removed, along with the underlying insulation, to expose the underlying substrate. One or more semiconductor material layers are then epitaxially grown from the underlying substrate at locations between the elongated gates. The one or more semiconductor material layers may include an undoped epi-layer and an overlying doped epi-layer. The epitaxial material defines a source or drain of the transistor.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2016Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.Inventors: Ronald K. Sampson, Nicolas Loubet
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Patent number: 9947669Abstract: A dynamic random access memory (DRAM) includes a substrate, a plurality of isolation structures, a plurality of conductive structure sets, a plurality of bit-line structures, and a plurality of spacers. The substrate has a plurality of active areas. The isolation structures are located in the substrate and extending along a first direction. Each of the isolation structures is disposed between two adjacent active areas. The conductive structure sets are disposed in parallel along the first direction and on the substrate. The bit-line structures are disposed in parallel along a second direction and on the substrate. The bit-line structures penetrate through the conductive structure sets. The spacers are disposed in parallel along the second direction and on sidewalls of the bit-line structures, so as to electrically isolate the bit-line structures from the conductive structure sets.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2017Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Winbond Electronics Corp.Inventors: Kazuaki Takesako, Yoshinori Tanaka
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Patent number: 9947658Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, a doped layer doped with a first dopant is formed in a substrate. A semiconductor layer is formed on the doped layer. A fin structure is formed by patterning at least the semiconductor layer and the doped layer such that the fin structure comprises a channel region including the semiconductor layer, and a well region including the doped layer. An isolation insulating layer is formed such that the channel region of the fin structure protrudes from the isolation insulating layer and the well region of the fin structure is embedded in the isolation insulating layer. A gate structure is formed over a part of the fin structure and the isolation insulating layer. The semiconductor layer is at least one of a doped silicon layer or a non-doped silicon layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Yu-Sheng Wu, Chen Hua Tsai, Hou-Yu Chen, Chia-Wei Soong, Chih-Pin Tsao
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Patent number: 9935101Abstract: Fabrication of a semiconductor structure includes forming a set of two or more fins on a source/drain region formed on a substrate. A first mask layer and a second mask layer are formed on each fin. A spacer layer is formed on the source/drain region and between each fin, and a dielectric layer is formed on the spacer layer and along an exterior of each fin. A plurality of gate metal portions is created each having a thickness about equal to a target thickness. The first mask layer and an exposed portion of the dielectric layer are removed from each fin. An interlayer dielectric is deposited on the semiconductor structure. Portions of the interlayer dielectric and the gate metal are removed to a top of the second mask layer. The gate metal portions are each recessed to substantially the same depth.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Kangguo Cheng, Xin Miao, Wenyu Xu, Chen Zhang
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Patent number: 9881921Abstract: A dual gate CMOS structure including a semiconductor substrate; a first channel structure including a first semiconductor material and a second channel structure including a second semiconductor material on the substrate. The first semiconductor material including SixGe1-x where x=0 to 1 and the second semiconductor material including a group III-V compound material. A first gate stack on the first channel structure includes: a first native oxide layer as an interface control layer, the first native oxide layer comprising an oxide of the first semiconductor material; a first high-k dielectric layer; a first metal gate layer. A second gate stack on the second channel structure includes a second high-k dielectric layer; a second metal gate layer. The interface between the second channel structure and the second high-k dielectric layer is free of any native oxides of the second semiconductor material.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2017Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Lukas Czornomaz, Veeresh Vidyadhar Deshpande, Vladimir Djara, Jean Fompeyrine
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Patent number: 9853166Abstract: A semiconductor device including a plurality of suspended nanowires and a gate structure that is present on a channel region portion of the plurality of suspended nanowires. The gate structure includes a uniform length extending from an upper surface of the gate structure to the base of the gate structure. A dielectric spacer having a graded composition is present in direct contact with the gate structure. The dielectric spacer having a uniform length extending from an upper surface of the gate structure to the base of the gate structure. Source and drain regions are present on source and drain region portions of the plurality of suspended nanowires.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2014Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Kangguo Cheng, Pouya Hashemi, Ali Khakifirooz, Alexander Reznicek
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Patent number: 9741803Abstract: A charge trap memory device is provided. In one embodiment, the charge trap memory device includes a semiconductor material structure having a vertical channel extending from a first diffusion region formed in a semiconducting material to a second diffusion region formed over the first diffusion region, the vertical channel electrically connecting the first diffusion region to the second diffusion region. A tunnel dielectric layer is disposed on the vertical channel, a multi-layer charge-trapping region including a first deuterated layer disposed on the tunnel dielectric layer, a first nitride layer disposed on the first deuterated layer, and a second nitride layer comprising a deuterium-free trap-dense, oxygen-lean nitride disposed on the first nitride layer. The second nitride layer includes a majority of charge traps distributed in the multi-layer charge-trapping region.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2016Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor CorporationInventors: Sagy Levy, Fredrick Jenne, Krishnaswamy Ramkumar
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Patent number: 9704975Abstract: A non-volatile memory device includes a semiconductor substrate, a well region situated on the semiconductor substrate, a floating gate situated on the well region, a floating gate channel region, a control gate situated on both sides of the floating gate, a control gate channel region, and an ion implantation area for regulating a program threshold voltage integrally formed between an area underneath of the floating gate and the control gate and a foreside of the well region, wherein a doping concentration of the ion implantation area for regulating a program threshold voltage is greater than a doping concentration of the well region. Therefore, the non-volatile memory device of examples integrally forms an ion implantation area for regulating a program threshold voltage irrespective of a channel region of a floating gate and a control gate so as to guarantee durability of a non-volatile memory device.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2015Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: Magnachip Semiconductor, Ltd.Inventors: Doo Yeol Ryu, Jeong Ho Cho, Kyung Ho Lee
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Patent number: 9583502Abstract: After forming a first film over the main surface of a semiconductor substrate, the first film is patterned, thereby forming a control gate electrode for a non-volatile memory, a dummy gate electrode, and a first film pattern. Subsequently, a memory gate electrode for the non-volatile memory adjacent to the control gate electrode is formed. Then, the first film pattern is patterned thereby forming a gate electrode and a dummy gate electrode.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2015Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: Renesas Electronics CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Nishikizawa, Takuro Homma, Hiraku Chakihara, Mitsuhiro Noguchi
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Patent number: 9570581Abstract: A stack gate structure for a non-volatile memory array has a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of substantially parallel spaced apart active regions, with each active region having an axis in a first direction. A first insulating material is between each stack gate structure in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each stack gate structure has a second insulating material over the active region, a charge holding gate over the second insulating material, a third insulating material over the charge holding gate, and a first portion of a control gate over the third insulating material. A second portion of the control gate is over the first portion of the control gate and over the first insulating material adjacent thereto and extending in the second direction. A fourth insulating material is over the second portion of the control gate.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2016Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: Silicon Storage Technology, Inc.Inventors: Willem-Jan Toren, Xian Liu, Gerhard Metzger-Brueckl, Nhan Do, Stephan Wege, Nadia Miridi, Chieng-Sheng Su, Cecile Bernardi, Liz Cuevas, Florence Guyot, Yueh-Hsin Chen, Henry Om'mani, Mandana Tadayoni
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Patent number: 9553088Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device comprises forming active regions on a semiconductor substrate, forming a gate stack over the active regions and regions adjacent to the active regions, depositing a layer of conductive material over the active regions and the substrate, patterning a first mask over the conductive material, etching to remove exposed portions of the conductive material and form conductive contacts, patterning a second mask over portions of the gate stacks and conductive contacts, and etching to remove exposed portions of the gate stack.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Veeraraghavan S. Basker, Kangguo Cheng, Theodorus Standaert, Junli Wang
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Patent number: 9536880Abstract: Methods of fabricating devices (e.g., FDSOI devices) having multiple threshold voltages are described. One method includes providing a first fixed charge region proximate to an interface of an insulating (e.g., buried oxide (BOX) layer) and a semiconductor substrate for a first device. The first charge region has a first configuration of fixed charges. The method also includes providing a second fixed charge region proximate to the interface of the insulating layer and the semiconductor substrate for the second device. The second charge region has a second configuration of fixed charges that is different than the first configuration.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2015Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: BROADCOM CORPORATIONInventors: Qintao Zhang, Aimin Xing
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Patent number: 9466497Abstract: The invention provides a method for fabricating a silicon-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon (SONOS) non-volatile memory cell, comprising: (S1) forming a pad oxide pattern on a silicon substrate having a recess exposing a tunnel region of the silicon substrate; (S2) forming a bottom oxide layer, a nitride layer, a top oxide layer covering the recess and the pad oxide pattern to form a first ONO structure; (S3) forming a photoresist on the first ONO structure covering the recess and a peripheral region of the pad oxide pattern; (S4) removing a part of the first ONO structure exposed by the photoresist to form an U-shaped ONO structure; (S5) trimming the photoresist to exposed a part of the U-shaped ONO structure above the recess; (S6) removing the part of the U-shaped ONO structure; (S7) removing the photoresist; (S8) removing the pad oxide pattern and the top oxide layer; and (S9) forming a gate structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2016Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORPORATIONInventors: Kuo-Lung Li, Ping-Chia Shih, Hsiang-Chen Lee, Yu-Chun Chang, Chia-Wen Wang, Meng-Chun Chen, Chih-Yang Hsu
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Patent number: 9412443Abstract: According to one embodiment, a processor system includes a variable capacity memory. The memory includes a memory cell array including basic units, each of the basic units including one cell transistor and one variable resistance element, a mode selector switching between first and second modes, a read/write of one bit executed in 2n basic units (n is an integer) among the basic units in the first mode, the read/write of the one bit executed in 2m basic units (m is an integer, m?n) among the basic units in the second mode, and a control circuit which controls the switching between the first and second modes.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2014Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: Hiroki Noguchi, Shinobu Fujita, Keiko Abe
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Patent number: 9330922Abstract: A stack gate structure for a non-volatile memory array has a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of substantially parallel spaced apart active regions, with each active region having an axis in a first direction. A first insulating material is between each stack gate structure in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each stack gate structure has a second insulating material over the active region, a charge holding gate over the second insulating material, a third insulating material over the charge holding gate, and a first portion of a control gate over the third insulating material. A second portion of the control gate is over the first portion of the control gate and over the first insulating material adjacent thereto and extending in the second direction. A fourth insulating material is over the second portion of the control gate.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2012Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: Silicon Storage Technology, Inc.Inventors: Willem-Jan Toren, Xian Liu, Gerhard Metzger-Brueckl, Nhan Do, Stephan Wege, Nadia Miridi, Chien-Sheng Su, Cecile Bernardi, Liz Cuevas, Florence Guyot, Yueh-Hsin Chen, Henry Om'mani, Mandana Tadayoni
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Patent number: 9312139Abstract: A semiconductor element and a manufacturing method of the same are provided. The semiconductor element includes a substrate, a plurality of doping strips, a memory material layer, a plurality of conductive damascene structures, and a dielectric structure. The doping strips are formed in the substrate. The memory material layer is formed on the substrate, and the memory material layer comprises a memory area located on two sides of the doping strips. The conductive damascene structures are formed on the memory material layer. The dielectric structure is formed on the doping strips and between the conductive damascene structures. The conductive damascene structures are extended in a direction perpendicular to a direction which the doping strips are extended in.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2013Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Ching-Hung Wang, Jyun-Siang Huang, Chien-Hung Liu, Chia-Wen Cheng, Ying-Tso Chen
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Patent number: 8945997Abstract: Integrated circuits and methods for fabricating integrated circuits are provided. An exemplary method for fabricating an integrated circuit having a split-gate nonvolatile memory device includes forming a charge storage structure overlying a semiconductor substrate and having a first sidewall and a second sidewall and forming an interior cavity. The method forms a control gate in the interior cavity. Further, the method forms a first select gate overlying the semiconductor substrate and adjacent the first sidewall. A first memory cell is formed by the control gate and the first select gate. The method also forms a second select gate overlying the semiconductor substrate and adjacent the second sidewall. A second memory cell is formed by the control gate and the second select gate.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2013Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Singapore Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Zufa Zhang, Khee Yong Lim, Elgin Quek
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Patent number: 8916432Abstract: Methods of forming memory cells including non-volatile memory (NVM) and MOS transistors are described. In one embodiment the method includes: depositing and patterning a gate layer over a dielectric stack on a substrate to form a gate of a NVM transistor, the dielectric stack including a tunneling layer overlying a surface of the substrate, a charge-trapping layer overlying the tunneling layer and a blocking layer overlying the charge-trapping layer; forming a mask exposing source and drain (S/D) regions of the NVM transistor; etching the dielectric stack through the mask to thin the dielectric stack by removing the blocking layer and at least a first portion of the charge-trapping layer in S/D regions of the NVM transistor; and implanting dopants into S/D regions of the NVM transistor through the thinned dielectric stack to form a lightly-doped drain adjacent to the gate of the NVM transistor.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2014Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor CorporationInventors: Krishnaswamy Ramkumar, Venkatraman Prabhakar
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Patent number: 8895386Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor structure is provided. A substrate having a cell area and a periphery area is provided. An oxide material layer and a first conductive material layer are sequentially formed on the substrate in the cell and periphery areas. A patterning step is performed to form first and second stacked structures on the substrate respectively in the cell and periphery areas. First and second spacers are formed respectively on sidewalls of the first and second stacked structures. At least two first doped regions are formed in the substrate beside the first stacked structure, and two second doped regions are formed in the substrate beside the second stacked structure. A dielectric layer and a second conductive layer are formed at least on the first stacked structure. The first stacked structure, the dielectric layer, and the second conductive layer in the cell area constitute a charge storage structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2012Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Maxchip Electronics Corp.Inventors: Chen-Chiu Hsu, Tung-Ming Lai, Kai-An Hsueh, Ming-De Huang
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Patent number: 8878278Abstract: A NAND device has at least a 3×3 array of vertical NAND strings in which the control gate electrodes are continuous in the array and do not have an air gap or a dielectric filled trench in the array. The NAND device is formed by first forming a lower select gate level having separated lower select gates, then forming plural memory device levels containing a plurality of NAND string portions, and then forming an upper select gate level over the memory device levels having separated upper select gates.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2013Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Sandisk Technologies Inc.Inventors: Johann Alsmeier, Raghuveer S. Makala, Xiying Costa, Yanli Zhang
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Patent number: 8872255Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a region in a semiconductor substrate having a top surface with a first charge storage layer on the top surface. A first conductive line is on the first charge storage layer. A second charge storage layer is on the top surface. A second conductive line is on the second charge storage layer. A third charge storage layer is on the top surface. A third conductive line is on the third charge storage layer. A fourth charge storage layer has a first side adjoining a first sidewall of the first conductive line and a second side adjoining a first sidewall of the second conductive line. A fifth charge storage layer has a first side adjoining a second sidewall of the second conductive line and a second side adjoining a first sidewall of the third conductive line. Source and drain regions are formed in the substrate on either side of the semiconductor device.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2014Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Mark D. Hall, Mehul D. Shroff
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Patent number: 8815681Abstract: Nonvolatile memory devices and methods of forming the same are provided, the nonvolatile memory devices may include first regions and second regions which extend in a first direction and are alternately disposed in a semiconductor substrate along a second direction crossing the first direction. Buried doped lines are formed at the first regions respectively and extend in the first direction. The buried doped lines may be doped with a dopant of a first conductivity type. Bulk regions doped with a dopant of a second conductivity type and device isolation patterns are disposed along the second direction. The bulk regions and the device isolation patterns may be formed in the second regions. Word lines crossing the buried doped lines and the bulk regions are formed parallel to one another. Contact structures are connected to the buried doped lines and disposed between the device isolation patterns.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2012Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yongsik Jeong, Jeonguk Han, Weonho Park, Byungsup Shim
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Patent number: 8809938Abstract: Three dimensional semiconductor memory devices are provided. The three dimensional semiconductor memory device includes a first stacked structure and a second stacked structure sequentially stacked on a substrate. The first stacked structure includes first insulating patterns and first gate patterns which are alternately and repeatedly stacked on a substrate, and the second stacked structure includes second insulating patterns and second gate patterns which are alternately and repeatedly stacked on the first stacked structure. A plurality of first vertical active patterns penetrate the first stacked structure, and a plurality of second vertical active patterns penetrate the second stacked structure. The number of the first vertical active patterns is greater than the number of the second vertical active patterns.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2011Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., LtdInventors: Sung-Min Hwang, Hansoo Kim, Changseok Kang, Wonseok Cho, Jae-Joo Shim
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Patent number: 8803216Abstract: A memory cell system including providing a substrate, forming a charge-storing stack having silicon-rich nitride on the substrate, and forming a gate on the charge-storing stack.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2006Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignees: Spansion, LLC, Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.Inventors: Meng Ding, Lei Xue, Mark Randolph, Chi Chang, Robert Bertram Ogle, Jr.
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Patent number: 8779495Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a first SONOS memory cell and a second SONOS memory cell. The second memory cell is stacked on the first memory cell.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2007Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Qimonda AGInventors: Thomas Happ, Jan Boris Philipp