Including Solid State Component For Rectifying, Amplifying, Or Switching Without A Potential Barrier Or Surface Barrier (epo) Patents (Class 257/E27.004)
  • Patent number: 7608514
    Abstract: A metal/semiconductor/metal (MSM) binary switch memory device and fabrication process are provided. The device includes a memory resistor bottom electrode, a memory resistor material over the memory resistor bottom electrode, and a memory resistor top electrode over the memory resistor material. An MSM bottom electrode overlies the memory resistor top electrode, a semiconductor layer overlies the MSM bottom electrode, and an MSM top electrode overlies the semiconductor layer. The MSM bottom electrode can be a material such as Pt, Ir, Au, Ag, TiN, or Ti. The MSM top electrode can be a material such as Pt, Ir, Au, TiN, Ti, or Al. The semiconductor layer can be amorphous Si, ZnO2, or InO2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Sheng Teng Hsu, Tingkai Li
  • Publication number: 20090256133
    Abstract: A resistive memory cell may be composed of four stacked layers. Each layer may be sandwiched by electrodes. Connections may be formed from each of four directions around the stack, for example, aligned with each of four edges where the resistive layers are rectangular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Derchang Kau, Richard E. Fackenthal, Ferdinando Bedeschi
  • Publication number: 20090230505
    Abstract: The invention provides a memory cell based on variable resistance material memory element that includes an access device having a pillar structure that may also include a protective sidewall layer. The pillar access device selects and isolates the memory cell from other memory array cells and is adapted to both self-align any memory element formed thereon, and to deliver suitable programming current to the memory element. The pillar structure is formed from one or more access device layers stacked above a wordline and below the memory element. Optional resistive layers may be selectively formed within the pillar structure to minimize resistance in the access device layer and the memory element. The pillar access device may be a diode, transistor, Ovonic threshold switch or other device capable of regulating current flow to an overlying programmable memory material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Charles H. Dennison
  • Patent number: 7588960
    Abstract: Nanotube device structures and methods of fabrication. A method of making a nanotube switching element includes forming a first structure having at a first output electrode; forming second structure having a second output electrode; forming a conductive article having at least one nanotube, the article having first and second ends; positioning the conductive article between said first and second structures such that the first structure clamps the first and second ends of the article to the second structure, and such that the first and second output electrodes are opposite each other with the article positioned therebetween; providing at least one signal electrode in electrical communication with the conductive article; and providing at least one control electrode in spaced relation to the conductive article such that the control electrode may control the conductive article to form a conductive pathway between the signal electrode and the first output electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Nantero, Inc.
    Inventors: Claude L. Bertin, Thomas Rueckes, Brent M. Segal
  • Publication number: 20090224683
    Abstract: In a lighting ballast there are typically several discrete components that combine to take an external AC signal and convert it to a DC signal, and back to an AC signal for powering a lamp. Several of these components can be housed on an application specific integrated circuit. By placing switching transistors (20, 22) their companion diodes (34, 36), and a rectifying circuit (52) on a monolithic integrated circuit (60), the ballast circuit as a whole is made more reliable and robust and can be manufactured at a lower cost than if discrete components had been used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Louis R. Nerone
  • Publication number: 20090219751
    Abstract: A PCRAM cell has a high resistivity bottom electrode cap to provide partial heating near the interface between the cell and the bottom electrode, preventing separation of the amorphous GST region from the bottom electrode, and reducing the programming current requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: Jun Liu
  • Patent number: 7566909
    Abstract: A surface-emitting type device includes a rectification section including a substrate and a first semiconductor layer formed above the substrate, an emission section including a second semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type formed above the rectification section, an active layer formed above the second semiconductor layer and a third semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type formed above the active layer, and a photodetection section including the substrate, a photoabsorption layer formed above the substrate and a contact layer formed above the photoabsorption layer, wherein the first semiconductor layer and the contact layer are formed by a common process, the rectification section and the emission section are electrically connected in parallel with each other, and the rectification section has a rectification action in a reverse direction with respect to the emission section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoko Koyama
  • Publication number: 20090179235
    Abstract: A semiconductor device in which the self-turn-on phenomenon is prevented that can significantly improve power conversion efficiency. The semiconductor device is a system-in-package for power supply applications in which a high-side switch, a low-side switch, and two drivers are included in a single package. The device includes an auxiliary switch disposed between the gate and source of said low-side switch, and a low-side MOSFET 3 for the low-side switch and an auxiliary MOSFET 4 for the auxiliary switch are disposed on the same chip. In this way, the self-turn-on phenomenon can be prevented, allowing the mounting of a low-side MOSFET 3 with a low threshold voltage and thereby significantly improving power conversion efficiency. The gate of the auxiliary MOSFET 4 is driven by the driver for the high-side MOSFET 2, thereby eliminating the need for a new drive circuit and realizing the same pin configuration as existing products, which facilitates easy replacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Masaki Shiraishi, Takayuki Iwasaki, Nobuyoshi Matsuura
  • Patent number: 7557405
    Abstract: An improved nonvolatile memory cell made by a method for fabricating a three dimensional monolithic memory with increased density. The memory cell includes at least a part of a first conductor, a semiconductor element, and at least a part of a second conductor. The method includes forming conductors preferably comprising tungsten, then filling and planarizing; above the conductors forming semiconductor elements, preferably comprising two diode portions, optionally forming an antifuse above or below both of the diode portions, and then filling and planarizing; and continuing to form conductors and semiconductor elements in multiple stories of memories. The arrangement of processing steps and the choice of materials decreases aspect ratio of each memory cell, improving the reliability of gap fill and preventing etch undercut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: SanDisk 3D LLC
    Inventors: S. Brad Herner, Maitreyee Mahajani
  • Publication number: 20090166604
    Abstract: A resistance type memory device is provided. The resistance type memory device includes a first and a second conductors and a metal oxide layer. The metal oxide layer is disposed between the first and the second conductors, and the resistance type memory device is defined in a first resistivity. The resistance type memory device is defined in a second resistivity after a first pulse voltage is applied to the metal oxide layer. The resistance type memory device is defined in a third resistivity after a second pulse voltage is applied to the metal oxide layer. The second resistivity is greater than the first resistivity, and the first resistivity is greater than the third resistivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: MACRONIX International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Daou Lee, Chia-Hua Ho, Erh-Kun Lai, Kuang-Yeu Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20090152737
    Abstract: Annular, linear, and point contact structures are described which exhibit a greatly reduced susceptibility to process deviations caused by lithographic and deposition variations than does a conventional circular contact plug. In one embodiment, a standard conductive material such as carbon or titanium nitride is used to form the contact. In an alternative embodiment, a memory material itself is used to form the contact. These contact structures may be made by various processes, including chemical mechanical planarization and facet etching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Harshfield
  • Patent number: 7538397
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a resistor element covered by a silicon oxide film. In the semiconductor device, with respective gate electrodes of MIS transistors and impurity doped layers, i.e., non-silicide regions exposed, thermal treatment for activating an impurity and silicidization are performed. Thus, auto-doping of an impurity is suppressed, so that variations in a resistance value of a resistor are suppressed. Also, the gate electrodes of the MIS transistors and the like are exposed when thermal treatment for activating an impurity, and therefore breakdown of respective gate insulation films of the MIS transistors hardly occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Naoki Kotani
  • Patent number: 7534625
    Abstract: A phase change material may be formed within a trench in a first layer to form a damascene memory element and in an overlying layer to form a threshold device. Below the first layer may be a wall heater. The wall heater that heats the overlying phase change material may be formed in a U-shape in some embodiments of the present invention. The phase change material for the memory element may be elongated in one direction to provide greater alignment tolerances with said heater and said threshold device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventors: Ilya V. Karpov, Charles C. Kuo, Yudong Kim, Fabio Pellizzer
  • Patent number: 7534647
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a memory device uses a damascene process to define memory elements. The device comprises a first electrode having a top side, a second electrode having a top side and an insulating member between the first electrode and the second electrode. The insulating member has a thickness between the first and second electrodes near the top side of the first electrode and the top side of the second electrode. A damascene patch crosses the insulating member aligned with the first and second electrodes, and defines an inter-electrode path between the first and second electrodes across the insulating member. An array of such memory cells is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsiang-Lan Lung
  • Patent number: 7531823
    Abstract: An electronic device includes at least a memory core formed of an alloy serving as an electronic conductor and an electrode provided on each of both ends of the memory core. Data is written on the electronic device by supplying an electric current to allow the alloy composition to be biased. The memory core is formed of an alloy which is in a crystallographically stable state before writing or at the time of data recording and in which a non-equilibrium state accompanying with a solid-solid phase transition can be achieved during temperature increase. In this case, the electronic device operates at a very fast speed by utilizing a metastable state and electromigration which takes place at a very fast rate in a non-equilibrium state during a phase transition, thereby ensuring stable writing or re-writing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Akio Tanikawa
  • Patent number: 7528401
    Abstract: A method for fabricating chalcogenide materials on substrates, which reduces and/or eliminates agglomeration of materials on the chalcogenide materials; and system and devices for performing the method, semiconductor devices so produced, and machine readable media containing the method. One method disclosed includes forming a first layer, forming a second layer on the first layer, forming a third layer on the second layer, wherein the third layer is essentially transparent to irradiation, and irradiating the second layer through the third layer to cause the second layer to diffuse into the first layer thereby creating an integral layer of materials from the first and second layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Jiutao Li
  • Patent number: 7521281
    Abstract: Phase-changeable memory devices include non-volatile memory cells. Each of these non-volatile memory cells may include a phase-changeable diode on a semiconductor substrate and a phase-changeable memory element having a first terminal electrically coupled to a terminal of the phase-changeable diode. This phase-changeable diode may include a lower electrode pattern on the semiconductor substrate, a first phase-changeable pattern on the lower electrode pattern and a gate switching layer pattern on the first phase-changeable pattern. The phase-changeable memory element includes a second phase-changeable pattern electrically coupled to the terminal of the phase-changeable diode and a memory switching layer pattern on the second phase-changeable pattern. The memory switching layer pattern may include a composite of a titanium layer pattern contacting the phase-changeable memory element and a titanium nitride layer pattern contacting the titanium layer pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Su-Youn Lee, Su-Jin Ahn, Chang-Wook Jeong
  • Patent number: 7514731
    Abstract: A semiconductor device in which the self-turn-on phenomenon is prevented that can significantly improve power conversion efficiency. The semiconductor device is a system-in-package for power supply applications in which a high-side switch, a low-side switch, and two drivers are included in a single package. The device includes an auxiliary switch disposed between the gate and source of said low-side switch, and a low-side MOSFET 3 for the low-side switch and an auxiliary MOSFET 4 for the auxiliary switch are disposed on the same chip. In this way, the self-turn-on phenomenon can be prevented, allowing the mounting of a low-side MOSFET 3 with a low threshold voltage and thereby significantly improving power conversion efficiency. The gate of the auxiliary MOSFET 4 is driven by the driver for the high-side MOSFET 2, thereby eliminating the need for a new drive circuit and realizing the same pin configuration as existing products, which facilitates easy replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Renesas Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Masaki Shiraishi, Takayuki Iwasaki, Nobuyoshi Matsuura
  • Patent number: 7510960
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming connections within a semiconductor device is disclosed. The semiconductor device incorporates a contact bridge between transistor contacts in close proximity. The contact bridge comprises a plurality of metal pillars each having a lower end in electrical contact with first and second transistor elements, respectively; one or more intermediate metal pillars disposed between and in electrical contact with an upper end of the metal pillars; and one or more separation regions of dielectric disposed below the intermediate metal pillar and between the lower ends of the first and second metal pillars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: James J. Toomey
  • Publication number: 20090057642
    Abstract: A memory or switching device includes a mesa and a first electrode conforming to said mesa. The device also includes a second electrode and a phase-change or switching material disposed between said first and second electrodes. The phase-change or switching material is in electrical communication with the first and second electrodes at a first contact region and a second contact region respectively. Also described is a method for making a memory or switching device. The method includes providing a first insulator and configuring the first insulator to provide a mesa. A first conductive layer is provided conforming to the mesa. A phase-change or switching material is provided over a portion of the first conductive layer, and a second conductive layer is provided over the phase-change or switching material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: Ovonyx, Inc.
    Inventors: David Sargent, Jon Maimon
  • Patent number: 7494927
    Abstract: A method for forming a conductive thin film includes depositing a metal oxide thin film on a substrate by an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process. The method further includes at least partially reducing the metal oxide thin film by exposing the metal oxide thin film to a reducing agent, thereby forming a seed layer. In one arrangement, the reducing agent comprises one or more organic compounds that contain at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of —OH, —CHO, and —COOH. In another arrangement, the reducing agent comprises an electric current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: ASM International N.V.
    Inventors: Juhana Kostamo, Pekka J. Soininen, Kai-Erik Elers, Suvi Haukka
  • Publication number: 20090026432
    Abstract: A PCM (phase change memory) cell in a PCRAM (phase change random access memory) semiconductor device includes a phase change material subjacently contacted by a heater film. The phase change material is formed over a surface that is a generally planar surface with at least a downwardly extending recess. The phase change material fills the recess and contacts the upper edge of the heater film that forms the bottom of the recess. After a planar surface is initially formed, a selective etching process is used to recede the top edge of the heater film below the planar surface using a selective and isotropic etching process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shih-Chang Liu, Chia-Shiung Tsai
  • Patent number: 7482616
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a phase-change memory device has an oxidation barrier layer to protect against memory cell contamination or oxidation and a method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device comprises a molding layer overlying a semiconductor substrate. The molding layer has a protrusion portion vertically extending from a top surface thereof. The device further includes a phase-changeable material pattern adjacent the protrusion portion and a lower electrode electrically connected to the phase-changeable material pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoon-Jong Song, Young-Nam Hwang, Sang-Don Nam, Sung-Lae Cho, Gwan-Hyeob Koh, Choong-Man Lee, Bong-Jin Kuh, Yong-Ho Ha, Su-Youn Lee, Chang-Wook Jeong, Ji-Hye Yi, Kyung-Chang Ryoo, Se-Ho Lee, Su-Jin Ahn, Soon-Oh Park, Jang-Eun Lee
  • Publication number: 20090014709
    Abstract: A process manufactures an array of cells in a body of semiconductor material wherein a common conduction region of a first conductivity type and a plurality of shared control regions, of a second conductivity type, are formed in the body. The shared control regions extend on the common conduction region and are laterally delimited by insulating regions. Then, a grid-like layer is formed on the body to delimit a first plurality of empty regions directly overlying the body and conductive regions of semiconductor material and the first conductivity type are formed by filling the first plurality of empty regions, each conductive region forming, together with the common conduction region and an own shared control region, a bipolar junction transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Fabio Pellizzer, Augusto Benvenuti, Paolo Cappelletti, Roberto Bez, Agostino Pirovano
  • Patent number: 7473612
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a variable-resistance element, the resistance of a material layer being variable in accordance with an electric current or voltage applied across first and second electrodes, the method including: (1) a first electrode production step; (2) a step of forming the material layer on the first electrode, wherein the material layer comprises an oxide semiconductor having a perovskite structure represented by the chemical formula RMCoO3, wherein R is a rare-earth element and M is an alkaline-earth element; (3) an oxygen treatment step of heating the material layer in an oxygen atmosphere; (4) a step of forming the second electrode on the material layer that was subjected to the oxygen treatment step; and (5) a hydrogen treatment step of heating the material layer in a reducing atmosphere containing hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Kanno, Akihiro Odagawa, Yasunari Sugita, Akihiro Sakai, Hideaki Adachi
  • Publication number: 20090001342
    Abstract: In some aspects, a method of forming a memory cell is provided that includes (1) forming a first conductor above a substrate; (2) forming a reversible resistance-switching element above the first conductor using a selective growth process; (3) forming a diode above the first conductor; and (4) forming a second conductor above the diode and the reversible resistance-switching element. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: APRIL SCHRICKER, Brad Herner, Mark Clark
  • Patent number: 7468543
    Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor switching element having a first electrode, a second electrode and a third electrode, and permitting a high-frequency signal to pass through between the first electrode and the second electrode, depending upon the potential of the third electrode, bias voltages at the first and second electrodes being substantially equal; and an inductor element and a capacitor element which are connected in parallel with respect to the semiconductor switching element at the first and second electrodes and are connected in series to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yoshitomo Sagae, Toshiki Seshita
  • Publication number: 20080308781
    Abstract: Methods of making MIM structures and the resultant MIM structures are provided. The method involves forming a top electrode layer over a bottom electrode and an insulator on a substrate and forming a top electrode by removing portions of the top electrode layer. The bottom electrode, insulator, or combination thereof is isolated from the top electrode forming process, thereby mitigating damage to the resultant metal-insulator-metal structure. The resultant MIM structure can be a portion of a resistive memory cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: SPANSION LLC
    Inventors: Dongxiang Liao, Suzette K. Pangrle, Chakku Gopalan
  • Patent number: 7462857
    Abstract: A resistance-changing function body includes an object made of a first substance and interposed between a first electrode and a second electrode, and a plurality of particles made of a second substance and arranged within the object so that an electrical resistance between the first electrode and the second electrode is changed before and after application of a specified voltage to between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first substance makes an electrical barrier against the second substance. With this constitution, by applying a specified voltage to between the first electrode and the second electrode, the electrical resistance can be changed depending on a state of the particles made of the second substance. Also, by virtue of a simple structure, a resistance-changing function body of small size is provided with low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobutoshi Arai, Hiroshi Iwata, Seizo Kakimoto
  • Patent number: 7462858
    Abstract: A phase change memory element with phase change electrodes, and method of making the same. Exemplary embodiments include a phase change bridge, including a bottom contact layer, a first insulating layer disposed on the bottom contact layer, a first phase change region disposed on the bottom contact layer adjacent the first insulating layer, a second phase change region disposed on the bottom contact layer adjacent the first insulating layer, wherein the first insulating layer thermally and electrically isolates the first and second phase change regions, and a third phase change region disposed on each of the first and second phase change regions, each of the third phase change regions isolated from one another by a conductor layer disposed on the first insulating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Geoffrey W. Burr
  • Publication number: 20080299699
    Abstract: The invention includes methods of depositing silver onto a metal selenide-comprising surface, and methods of forming a resistance variable device. In one implementation, a method of depositing silver onto a metal selenide-comprising surface includes providing a deposition chamber comprising a sputtering target and a substrate to be depositing upon. The target comprises silver, and the substrate comprises an exposed surface comprising metal selenide. Gaseous cesium is flowed to the target and a bombarding inert sputtering species is flowed to the target effective to sputter negative silver ions from the target. The sputtered negative silver ions are flowed to the exposed metal selenide-comprising surface effective to deposit a continuous and completely covering silver film on the exposed metal selenide of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Allen McTeer
  • Patent number: 7456421
    Abstract: A programmable resistor memory, such as a phase change memory, with a memory element comprising narrow vertical side wall active pins is described. The side wall active pins comprise a programmable resistive material, such as a phase change material. In a first aspect of the invention, a method of forming a memory cell is described which comprises forming a stack comprising a first electrode having a principal surface with a perimeter, an insulating layer overlying a portion of the principal surface of the first electrode, and a second electrode vertically separated from the first electrode and overlying the insulating layer. Side walls on the insulating layer and on the second electrode are positioned over the principle surface of the first electrode with a lateral offset from the perimeter of the first electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsiang-Lan Lung
  • Publication number: 20080280411
    Abstract: A phase change memory device is made by processes including forming a first interlayer dielectric on a semiconductor substrate that has junction regions. Then etching the first interlayer dielectric and thereby defining contact holes that expose the junction regions. A conductive layer is formed on the first interlayer dielectric to fill the contact holes. Forming a hard mask layer on the conductive layer and etching the hard mask layer and the conductive layer to form contact plugs in the contact holes. Finally, forming a conductive layer pattern that is located on the contact plug and portions of the first interlayer dielectric adjacent to the contact plug and having a hard mask thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Heon Yong CHANG
  • Publication number: 20080273390
    Abstract: A novel NAND flash memory cell array and the method of fabricating the same are disclosed in this invention. The NAND flash memory cell array comprises a substrate with an active area; a plurality of cells arranged in a row on the active area; a first barrier layer covering the cells and the active area around each end of the row; a first oxide deposited to fill a gap between the cells; an oxide spacer formed along the sidewall of a cell located at each end of the row; and a poly spacer formed on the oxide spacer acting as a selection gate for driving the row of cells. The aspect ratio of the gap between the cells is about 1.8 to 3.2. Many advantages are provided with such NAND flash memory fabricating by the self-aligned process of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Chung-We Pan, Henry Chang, Tzeng-Wen Tzeng, Ching-Hung Fu, Chih-Ping Chung
  • Patent number: 7446010
    Abstract: A method is provided for forming a metal/semiconductor/metal (MSM) back-to-back Schottky diode from a silicon (Si) semiconductor. The method deposits a Si semiconductor layer between a bottom electrode and a top electrode, and forms a MSM diode having a threshold voltage, breakdown voltage, and on/off current ratio. The method is able to modify the threshold voltage, breakdown voltage, and on/off current ratio of the MSM diode in response to controlling the Si semiconductor layer thickness. Generally, both the threshold and breakdown voltage are increased in response to increasing the Si thickness. With respect to the on/off current ratio, there is an optimal thickness. The method is able to form an amorphous Si (a-Si) and polycrystalline Si (polySi) semiconductor layer using either chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or DC sputtering. The Si semiconductor can be doped with a Group V donor material, which decreases the threshold voltage and increases the breakdown voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Tingkai Li, Sheng Teng Hsu, David R. Evans
  • Patent number: 7425456
    Abstract: A giant magnetoresistive memory device includes a magnetic sense layer, a magnetic storage layer, a non-magnetic spacer layer between the magnetic sense layer and the magnetic storage layer, and an antiferromagnetic layer formed in proximity to the magnetic storage layer. The antiferromagnetic layer couples magnetically in a controlled manner to the magnetic storage layer such that the magnetic storage layer has uniform and/or directional magnetization. Additionally or alternatively, an antiferromagnetic layer may be formed in proximity to the magnetic sense layer. The antiferromagnetic layer in proximity to the magnetic sense layer couples magnetically in a controlled manner to the magnetic sense layer such that the magnetic sense layer has uniform and/or directional magnetization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Romney R. Katti
  • Publication number: 20080205127
    Abstract: Storage cells for a semiconductor device can include a first layer of phase change material on a substrate and a second layer of phase change material being in contact with the first layer, the second layer of phase change material having a higher resistance than the first layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Horii Hideki
  • Publication number: 20080203459
    Abstract: A carrier is structured with isolation regions in a precise fashion. First structures and second structures are formed above a carrier. At least one of the second structures is removed selectively with respect to the first structures. At least one recess in the carrier is formed according to the structure thus obtained. An embodiment of a semiconductor device that may be produced in this way is provided with at least one insulating striplike region and/or a plurality of insulating regions that are arranged at distances from one another along a line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Dirk Caspary
  • Publication number: 20080164504
    Abstract: A phase change memory device is provided. The phase change memory device comprises a substrate. An electrode layer is on the substrate. A phase change memory structure is on the electrode layer and electrically connected to the electrode layer, wherein the phase change memory structure comprises a cup-shaped heating electrode on the electrode layer. An insulating layer is on the cup-shaped heating electrode along a first direction covering a portion of the cup-shaped heating electrode. An electrode structure is on the cup-shaped heating electrode along a second direction covering a portion of the insulating layer and the cup-shaped heating electrode. A pair of double spacers is on a pair of sidewalls of the electrode structure covering a portion of the cup-shaped heating electrode, wherein the double spacer comprises a phase change material spacer and an insulating material spacer on a sidewall of the phase change material spacer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicants: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE, POWERCHIP SEMICONDUCTOR CORP., NANYA TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION, PROMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC., WINBOND ELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Wei-Su Chen, Yi-Chan Chen, Hong-Hui Hsu, Chien-Min Lee, Der-Sheng Chao, Chih-Wei Chen, Ming-Jinn Tsai
  • Patent number: 7374174
    Abstract: A memory element comprising first and second electrodes is provided. The first electrode is tapered such that a first end of the first electrode is larger than a second end of the first electrode. A resistance variable material layer is located between the first and second electrodes, and the second end of the first electrode is in contact with the resistance variable material. Methods for forming the memory element are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Liu, Terry L. Gilton, John T. Moore
  • Patent number: 7372166
    Abstract: An electronic semiconductor device has a sublithographic contact area between a first conductive region and a second conductive region. The first conductive region is cup-shaped and has vertical walls which extend, in top plan view, along a closed line of elongated shape. One of the walls of the first conductive region forms a first thin portion and has a first dimension in a first direction. The second conductive region has a second thin portion having a second sublithographic dimension in a second direction transverse to the first dimension. The first and the second conductive regions are in direct electrical contact at their thin portions and form the sublithographic contact area. The elongated shape is chosen between rectangular and oval elongated in the first direction. Thereby, the dimensions of the contact area remain approximately constant even in presence of a small misalignment between the masks defining the conductive regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Giulio Casagrande, Roberto Bez, Fabio Pellizzer
  • Publication number: 20080087982
    Abstract: An object is to provide technology for manufacturing a higher-reliability memory device and a semiconductor device that is equipped with the memory device at low cost. A semiconductor device of the present invention has a first conductive layer, a first insulating layer that is provided to be in contact with a side end portion of the first conductive layer, a second insulating layer that is provided over the first conductive layer and the first insulating layer, and a second conductive layer that is provided over the second insulating layer. The second insulating layer is formed of an insulating material, and wettability against a fluidized substance when the insulating material is fluidized, is higher for the first insulating layer than the first conductive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gen Fujii
  • Patent number: 7323707
    Abstract: A thin film phase change memory may be provided with a layer which changes between amorphous and crystalline states. The threshold voltage of that layer may be increased in a variety of fashions. As a result of the threshold increase, it is possible to transition cells, initially fabricated in the set or low resistance state, into the reset or high resistance state. In one advantageous embodiment, after such initialization and programming, the threshold voltage increase is eliminated so that the cells operate thereafter without the added threshold voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Charles H. Dennison
  • Publication number: 20080013364
    Abstract: A method of making a nonvolatile memory device includes forming a first electrode, forming at least one nonvolatile memory cell comprising a first diode portion, a second diode portion and an antifuse separating the first diode portion from the second diode portion, and forming a second electrode over the at least one nonvolatile memory cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Tanmay Kumar, S. Herner
  • Publication number: 20070284575
    Abstract: A method is provided for forming a metal/semiconductor/metal (MSM) current limiter and resistance memory cell with an MSM current limiter. The method comprises: providing a substrate; forming an MSM bottom electrode overlying the substrate; forming a ZnOx semiconductor layer overlying the MSM bottom electrode, where x is in the range between about 1 and about 2, inclusive; and, forming an MSM top electrode overlying the semiconductor layer. The ZnOx semiconductor can be formed through a number of different processes such as spin-coating, direct current (DC) sputtering, radio frequency (RF) sputtering, metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), or atomic layer deposition (ALD).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Tingkai Li, Sheng Hsu, Wei-Wei Zhuang, David Evans
  • Patent number: 7307267
    Abstract: The electric device (1, 100) has a body (2, 102) having a resistor (7, 107) comprising a phase change material being changeable between a first phase and a second phase. The resistor (7, 107) has a first electrical resistance when the phase change material is in the first phase and a second electrical resistance, different from the first electrical resistance, when the phase change material is in the second phase. The body (2, 102) further has a heating element (6, 106) being able to conduct a current for enabling a transition from the first phase to the second phase. The heating element (6, 106) is arranged in parallel with the resistor (7, 107).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Martijn Henri Richard Lankhorst, Erwin Rinaldo Meinders, Robertus Adrianus Maria Wolters, Franciscus Petrus Widdershoven
  • Publication number: 20070272913
    Abstract: The invention provides for a nonvolatile memory cell comprising a heater layer in series with a phase change material, such as a chalcogenide. Phase change is achieved in chalcogenide memories by thermal means. Concentrating thermal energy in a relatively small volume assists this phase change. In the present invention, a layer in a pillar-shaped section of a memory cell is etched laterally, decreasing its cross-section. In this way the cross section of the contact area between the heater layer and the phase change material is reduced. In preferred embodiments, the laterally etched layer is the heater layer or a sacrificial layer. In a preferred embodiment, such a cell can be used in a monolithic three dimensional memory array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventor: Roy Scheuerlein
  • Publication number: 20070267618
    Abstract: A phase change memory cell includes a first spacer electrically coupled to a first electrode and to a second spacer. The first spacer includes a planar base contacting the first electrode and a wall extending from the planar base. The second spacer is electrically coupled between a second electrode and the wall of the first spacer. The phase change memory cell is formed at a boundary where the wall of the first spacer contacts the second spacer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Shoaib Zaidi, John C. Arnold
  • Publication number: 20070257246
    Abstract: The method according to the invention is directed to manufacturing an electric device (100) according to the invention, having a body (102) with a resistor comprising a phase change material being changeable between a first phase and a second phase, the resistor having a first electrical resistance when the phase change material is in the first phase, and a second electrical resistance different from the first electrical resistance when the phase change material is in the second phase. The resistor is a nanowire (NW) electrically connecting a first conductor (172, 120) and a second conductor (108, 121). The method comprises the step of providing a body (102) having the first conductor (172, 120), providing the first conductor (172, 120) with the nanowire (NW) thereby electrically connecting the nanowire (NW) and the first conductor (172, 120), and providing the nanowire (NW) with the second conductor (108, 121) thereby electrically connecting the nanowire (NW) and the second conductor (108, 121).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Erik Bakkers, Martijn Lankhorst
  • Patent number: 7291857
    Abstract: A non-volatile memory (1) which comprises an insulating substrate (11) having a plurality of first electrodes (15) extending therethrough from a front surface of the substrate to a rear surface thereof, a second electrode (12) formed on one surface side of the substrate (11), and a recording layer (14) held between the first electrodes (15) and the second electrode (12) and variable in resistance value by electric pulses applied across the first electrodes (15) and the second electrode (12), the plurality of first electrodes (15) being electrically connected to the recording layer (14) in a region constituting a single memory cell (MC). The non-volatile memory (1) can be reduced in power consumption and has great freedom of design and high reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Tanaka, Takashi Ohtsuka, Kiyoyuki Morita, Kiyoshi Morimoto