Abstract: A method of making embedded non-volatile memory devices includes forming a first mask layer overlying a polycrystalline silicon layer in a cell region and a peripheral region on a semiconductor substrate wherein the first mask layer has a plurality of openings in the cell region. Portions of the polycrystalline silicon layer exposed in the plurality of openings can be oxidized to form a plurality of poly-oxide regions, and the first mask layer can then be removed. The polycrystalline silicon layer not covered by the plurality of poly-oxide regions can be etched to form a plurality of floating gates, wherein etching the polycrystalline silicon layer is accompanied by a sputtering. A dielectric layer can then be formed, as well as a second mask layer in both the cell region and the peripheral region. The second mask layer in the cell region is partially etched back after a photoresist layer is formed over the second mask layer in the peripheral region.

Abstract: In a nonvolatile memory cell (110), the select gate transistor is formed as a buried channel transistor to increase the transistor current.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory device includes a substrate having a first region and a second region. A first gate electrode is disposed on the first region. A multi-layered charge storage layer is interposed between the first gate electrode and the substrate, the multi-layered charge storage including a tunnel insulation, a trap insulation, and a blocking insulation layer which are sequentially stacked. A second gate electrode is placed on the substrate of the second region, the second gate electrode including a lower gate and an upper gate connected to a region of an upper surface of the lower gate. A gate insulation layer is interposed between the second gate electrode and the substrate. The first gate electrode and the upper gate of the second gate electrode comprise a same material.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an electronic structure by providing a conductive layer, providing a dielectric layer over the conductive layer, providing first and second openings through the dielectric layer, providing first and second conductive bodies in the first and second openings respectively and in contact with the conductive layer, providing a memory structure over the first conductive body, providing a protective element over the memory structure, and undertaking processing on the second conductive body.

Abstract: An isolation insulating film (5) of partial-trench type is selectively formed in an upper surface of a silicon layer (4). A power supply line (21) is formed above the isolation insulating film (5). Below the power supply line (21), a complete isolation portion (23) reaching an upper surface of an insulating film (3) is formed in the isolation insulating film (5). In other words, a semiconductor device comprises a complete-isolation insulating film which is so formed as to extend from the upper surface of the silicon layer (4) and reach the upper surface of insulating film (3) below the power supply line (21). With this structure, it is possible to obtain the semiconductor device capable of suppressing variation in potential of a body region caused by variation in potential of the power supply line.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, including a first baseline technology electronic circuit (1) and a second option technology electronic circuit (2) as functional parts of a system-on-chip, by: manufacturing the first electronic circuit (1) with a first conductive layer (6; 6) that is patterned by subjecting an exposed layer portion thereof to Reactive Ion Etching (RIE); manufacturing the second electronic circuit (2) with a second conductive layer (6; 8) that is patterned by subjecting an exposed layer portion thereof to RIE; providing a tile structure (25; 26); providing the tile structure (25; 26) with at least one dummy conductive layer (6; 8) produced in the same processing step as the second conductive layer (6; 8); and exposing the dummy conductive layer (6; 8), at least partially, to obtain an exposed dummy layer portion, and RIE-etching of that exposed portion too when the second (6; 8) conductive layer is subjected to RIE.

Abstract: In a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device, an interpoly dielectric film composed of a nitrogen-introduced CVD SiO2 film is used as the gate oxide films of MOS transistors in a low voltage region of a peripheral circuit region. Gate oxide films of MOS transistors in a high voltage region of the peripheral circuit region are composed of a laminate of the SiO2 film and a nitrogen-introduced CVD SiO2 film. This arrangement improves transistor characteristics and reliability of gate oxide films of the peripheral circuit MOS transistors. It is also possible to realize miniaturization and low voltage operation. Further, simplification of the production process is made possible.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of forming a nanocluster charge storage device is provided. A first region of a semiconductor device is identified for locating one or more non-charge storage devices. A second region of the semiconductor device is identified for locating one or more charge storage devices. A gate oxide to be used as a gate insulator of the one or more non-charge storage devices is formed in the first region of the semiconductor device, and a nanocluster charge storage layer is subsequently formed in the second region of the semiconductor device. This may allow for improved integration of charge storage and non-charge storage devices. For example, since the nanoclusters are formed after formation of the gate oxide for the non-charge storage device, the nanoclusters are not exposed to an oxidizing ambient which could potentially reduce their size and increase the thickness of the underlying tunnel dielectric layer.

Abstract: In a process for manufacturing a semiconductor integrated circuit device having a MISFET, in order that a shallow junction between the source/drain of the MISFET and a semiconductor substrate may be realized by reducing the number of heat treatment steps, all conductive films to be deposited on the semiconductor substrate are deposited at a temperature of 500° C. or lower at a step after the MISFET has been formed. Moreover, all insulating films to be deposited over the semiconductor substrate are deposited at a temperature of 500° C. or lower at a step after the MISFET has been formed.