Abstract: Split-gate memory cells and fabrication methods thereof. A split-gate memory cell comprises a plurality of isolation regions formed on a semiconductor substrate along a first direction, between two adjacent isolation regions defining an active region having a pair of drains and a source region. A pair of floating gates are disposed on the active regions and self-aligned with the isolation regions, wherein a top level of the floating gate is equal to a top level of the isolation regions. A pair of control gates are self-aligned with the floating gates and disposed on the floating gates along a second direction. A source line is disposed between the pair of control gates along the second direction. A pair of select gates are disposed on the outer sidewalls of the pair of control gates along the second direction.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a three-dimensional flash memory cell and method of forming the same that may be improve the uniformity of flash memory cell by removing a width difference of a polysilicon pattern when forming a floating gate of flash memory device, to thereby improve the reliability of semiconductor device. The process may be simplified due to the self-alignment in the step of forming the polysilicon pattern, which may improve the yield.

Abstract: Briefly, a tunnel barrier for a non-volatile memory device comprising a graded oxy-nitride layer is disclosed.

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device including a floating gate formed on a tunnel oxide layer that is formed on a semiconductor substrate. The device also includes a drain region formed in the substrate adjacent to one side of the floating gate, a source region formed in the substrate adjacent to another side of the floating gate, where the source region is apart from the floating gate, and an inter-gate insulating layer formed on a portion of an active region between the source region and the floating gate and on a sidewall of the floating gate directing toward the source region, as well as on a sidewall of the floating gate directing toward the drain region. The device includes a word line formed over the floating gate and being across the substrate in one direction, and a field oxide layer interposing between the word line and the source region and between the word line and the drain region, and intersecting the word line.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a non-volatile memory device includes forming a conductive layer to form a gate on a semiconductor substrate; forming a hard mask over the conductive layer; patterning the hard mask and the conductive layer of a cell region to form the gate; partially recessing the hard mask using a mask through which a peripheral region is opened; and patterning the recessed hard mask and the conductive layer of the peripheral region to form the gate.

Abstract: A field effect transistor comprises a SiC substrate 1, a source 3a and a drain 3b formed on the surface of the SiC substrate 1, an insulating structure comprising an AlN layer 5 formed in contact with the SiC surface and having a thickness of one molecule-layer or greater, and a SiO2 layer formed thereon, and a gate electrode 15 formed on the insulation structure. Leakage current can be controlled while the state of interface with SiC is maintained in a good condition.

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory array includes floating gates that have an inverted-T shape in cross section along a plane that is perpendicular to the direction along which floating cells are connected together to form a string. Adjacent strings are isolated by shallow trench isolation structures. An array having inverted-T shaped floating gates may be formed in a self-aligned manner.

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device includes a semiconductor substrate and a device isolation layer on the semiconductor substrate. A fin-shaped active region is formed between portions of the device isolation layer. A sidewall protection layer is formed on the sidewall of the fin-shaped active region where source and drain regions are formed. Thus, it may be possible to reduce the likelihood of an undesirable connection between an interconnection layer connected to the source and drain regions and a lower sidewall of the active region so that charge leakage from the interconnection layer to a substrate can be prevented or reduced. The sidewall protection layer may be formed using the device isolation layer. Alternatively, an insulating layer having an etch selectivity with respect to an interlayer insulating layer may be formed on the device isolation layer so as to cover the sidewall of the active region.

Abstract: According to a nonvolatile memory device having a multi gate structure and a method for forming the same of the present invention, a gate electrode is formed using a damascene process. Therefore, a charge storage layer, a tunneling insulating layer, a blocking insulating layer and a gate electrode layer are not attacked from etching in a process for forming the gate electrode, thereby forming a nonvolatile memory device having good reliability.

Abstract: Semiconductor memory array and process of fabrication in which a plurality of bit line diffusions are formed in a substrate, and memory cells formed in pairs between the bit line diffusions, with each of the pairs of cells having first and second conductors adjacent to the bit line diffusions, floating gates beside the first and second conductors, an erase gate between the floating gates, and a source line diffusion in the substrate beneath the erase gate, and at least one additional conductor capacitively coupled to the floating gates. In some disclosed embodiments, the conductors adjacent to the bit line diffusions are word lines, and the additional conductors consist of either a pair of coupling gates which are coupled to respective ones of the floating gates or a single coupling gate which is coupled to both of the floating gates.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory device including a barrier spacer that serves to protect a control gate, including a metal layer, from damage that may result from exposure to a cleaning solution and/or oxygen. With the barrier spacer layer, a cleaning process using a high-power cleaning solution may be used to effectively remove etch byproducts. An oxidation process may be performed to cure etch damage of an intergate dielectric pattern, a floating gate and a gate insulator. The barrier spacer and/or the oxidation process enable a non-volatile memory device having enhanced speed and reliability to be formed.

Abstract: A hetero-BiMOS injection system comprises a MOSFET transistor formed on a substrate and a hetero-bipolar transistor formed within the substrate. The bipolar transistor can be used to inject charge carriers into a floating gate of the MOSFET transistor. This is done by operating the MOSFET transistor to form an inversion layer in its channel region and operating the bipolar transistor to drive minority charge carriers from the substrate into a floating gate of the MOSFET transistor. The substrate provides a silicon emitter and a silicon germanium containing base for the bipolar transistor. The inversion layer provides a silicon collector for the bipolar transistor.

Abstract: A semiconductor device including a semiconductor substrate; an element isolation region having a trench filled with an insulating film defined on the semiconductor substrate; a memory cell transistor formed in an element forming region isolated by the element isolating regions of the semiconductor substrate; and the memory cell transistor includes a gate insulating film formed on a surface of the element forming region; a floating gate formed over the gate insulating film; an inter-gate insulating film formed integrally so as to cover the floating gate and the insulating film of the element isolation region and having high dielectric constant in a portion corresponding to the floating gate and low dielectric constant in a portion corresponding to the insulating film of the element isolation region; and a control gate stacked over the floating gate via the inter-gate insulating film.

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device and a method for fabricating the same decreases power consumption and prevents contamination of an insulating layer. The nonvolatile memory device includes a semiconductor substrate; a tunneling oxide layer formed on a predetermined portion of the semiconductor substrate; a floating gate formed on the tunneling oxide layer, the floating gate having a trench structure; a control gate formed inside the trench structure of the floating gate; and a gate insulating layer disposed between the floating gate and the control gate.

Abstract: An electronic device can include discontinuous storage elements that lie within a trench. In one embodiment, the electronic device can include a substrate having a trench that includes a wall and a bottom. The electronic device can also include a portion of discontinuous storage elements that lie within the trench. The electronic device can also include a first gate electrode, wherein at least one discontinuous storage element lies along the wall of the trench at an elevation between and upper surface of the first gate electrode and a primary surface of the substrate. The electronic device can also include a second gate electrode overlying the first gate electrode and the primary surface of the substrate. In another embodiment, a conductive line can be electrically connected to one or more rows or columns of memory cells, and another conductive line can be more rows or more columns of memory cells.

Abstract: Formation techniques are utilized to increase the space or distance between floating gates of a memory array of floating gate transistors. In at least some embodiments, floating gates are first formed over the substrate and then portions of the floating gates are removed to increase the spacing between the floating gates. An interlayer dielectric layer is then formed over the substrate and a control gate layer is formed thereover.

Abstract: To present a semiconductor device capable of operating stably even at large current, by lessening current concentration into the corners of contact opening after switching off and suppressing local heat generation without raising the ON voltage. In an insulated gate transistor divided by P field region 111 and gate electrode 106, having N+ emitter region 104 and P+ emitter region 100, and controlling conduction between emitter and collector by voltage applied to gate electrode 106, the shape of contact opening 108 contacting emitter (N+ emitter region 104 and P+ emitter region 100) and emitter electrode is formed of curved lines at four corners. Hence, eliminating right-angle apex, hole current from the field region into the emitter electrode after switching off is prevented from concentrating at one point.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing flash memory devices wherein, after gate lines are formed, an HDP oxide film having at least the same height as that of a floating gate is formed between the gate lines. Spacers are formed between the remaining spaces using a nitride film. Accordingly, the capacitance between the floating gates can be lowered. After an ion implantation process is performed, spacers can be removed. It is therefore possible to secure contact margin of the device.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention comprises a first semiconductor structure in electrical contact with a first contact region, a second semiconductor structure in electrical contact with a second contact region, the first semiconductor structure and the second semiconductor structure being in electrical contact with each-other along an interface, a modulating section configured to modulate the conductivity in at least one of the semiconductor structures, so that the conductivity varies along the interface, in such a way that if current flows across the interface, the current can flow only at a predetermined position along the interface, and substantially no current can flow at either side of the predetermined position.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating flash memory devices are disclosed. A disclosed method comprises: forming a polysilicon layer on a semiconductor substrate; injecting dopants having stepped implantation energy levels into the polysilicon layer; forming a photoresist pattern on the polysilicon layer; and etching the polysilicon layer to form a floating gate.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device and a method for its fabrication are provided. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention the method comprises the steps of forming a gate insulator and a gate electrode overlying a semiconductor substrate. The gate insulator is etched to form an undercut opening beneath an edge of the gate electrode and the undercut opening is filled with a layered structure comprising a charge trapping layer sandwiched between layers of oxide and nitride. A region of the semiconductor substrate is impurity doped to form a bit line aligned with the gate electrode, and a conductive layer is deposited and patterned to form a word line coupled to the gate electrode.

Abstract: A flash memory device may include a lower tunnel insulation layer disposed on a substrate, an upper tunnel insulation layer disposed on the lower tunnel insulation layer, a floating gate disposed on the upper tunnel insulation layer, an intergate insulation layer disposed on the floating gate; and a control gate disposed on the intergate insulation layer.

Abstract: The semiconductor device comprises a gate electrode 112 formed over a semiconductor substrate 10, a sidewall spacer 116 formed on the side wall of the gate electrode 112, a sidewall spacer 144 formed on the side wall of the gate electrode 112 with the sidewall spacer 116 formed on, and an oxide film 115 formed between the sidewall spacer 116 and the sidewall spacer 144, and the semiconductor substrate 10. The film thickness of the oxide film 115 between the sidewall spacer 144 and the semiconductor substrate 10 is thinner than the film thickness of the oxide film 115 between the sidewall spacer 116 and the semiconductor substrate 10.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a non-volatile memory includes first providing a substrate for defining multiple pairs of active regions; forming a control gate in one of each pair of the active regions of the substrate; sequentially forming a gate oxide layer, a conductor layer, and a patterned mask layer on the substrate, wherein the patterned mask layer exposes a portion of the conductor layer; forming a first dielectric layer on the exposed portion of the conductor layer; removing the patterned mask layer; removing the conductor layer without covering the first dielectric layer, and using the remained conductor layer as the floating gate; forming a second dielectric layer on sidewalls of the floating gate; forming an erase gate above the floating gate and correspondingly above the control gate, and forming a source region and a drain region in the other one of each pair of the active regions.

Abstract: Method and device embodiments are described for fabricating MOSFET transistors in a semiconductor also containing non-volatile floating gate transistors. MOSFET transistor gate dielectric smiling, or bird's beaks, are adjustable by re-oxidation processing. An additional re-oxidation process is performed by opening a poly-silicon layer prior to forming an inter-poly oxide dielectric provided for the floating gate transistors.

Abstract: A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device according to an example of the present invention includes source/drain diffusion layers, a first insulation film on a channel between the source/drain diffusion layers, a floating gate electrode on the first insulation film and composed of first electrically conductive layers, a second insulation film on the floating gate electrode, and a control gate electrode on the second insulation film. In the case where one first electrically conductive layer excluding a top layer is defined as a reference layer among first electrically conductive layers, a work function of the reference layer is 4.0 eV or more and work functions of the reference layer and of the first electrically conductive layers above the reference layer gradually increase as the layers are proximal to the second insulation film.

Abstract: An embedded flash cell structure comprising a structure, a first floating gate having an exposed side wall over the structure, a second floating gate having an exposed side wall over the structure and spaced apart from the first floating gate, a first pair of spacers over the respective first floating gate and the second floating gate, a second pair of spacers at least over the respective exposed side walls of the first and second floating gates, a source area in the structure between the second pair of spacers, a plug over the source implant, and first and second control gates outboard of the first pair of spacers and exposing outboard portions of the structure and respective drain areas in the exposed outboard portions of the structure is provided. A method of forming the embedded flash cell structure is also provided.

Abstract: In a nonvolatile memory device and a method of fabricating the same, the nonvolatile memory device may include a semiconductor substrate having a device isolation layer defining an active region, a pair of nonvolatile memory transistors on the active region, a select transistor disposed between the pair of nonvolatile memory transistors, and floating diffusion regions on the active region between each of the nonvolatile memory transistors and the select transistor. The select transistor may include a gate insulation layer having a thickness and a material that are the same as those of gate insulation layers of the nonvolatile memory transistors. The resulting nonvolatile memory device may include a memory cell unit that includes the pair of nonvolatile memory transistors and the select transistor.

Abstract: An non-volatile semiconductor memory having a linear arrangement of a plurality of memory cell transistors, includes: a first semiconductor layer having a first conductivity type; a second semiconductor layer provided on the first semiconductor layer to prevent diffusion of impurities from the first semiconductor layer to regions above the second semiconductor layer; and a third semiconductor layer provided on the second semiconductor layer, including a first source region having a second conductivity type, a first drain regions having the second conductivity type and a first channel region having the second conductivity type for each of the memory cell transistors.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory device includes isolation layers, a cell trench, a floating gate, a common source region and a word line. The isolation layers define an active region of a substrate. The cell trench is formed in the active region. The cell trench extends in a first direction. The floating gate is formed on the active region and in the cell trench. The common source region is formed on the active region adjacent a second side face of the floating gate and extends in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The word line is formed on the active region, which is adjacent to a first side face of the floating gate opposite to the second side face, and the isolation layers and in the cell trench. The word line extends in the second direction.

Abstract: Flash memory devices include pillar patterns formed between selected pairs of floating gates and control gate extensions that penetrate between selected pairs of floating gates are provided. Methods of fabricating the flash memory devices are also provided.

Abstract: A NAND-type non-volatile memory device includes a substrate and a device isolation layer disposed on the substrate to define an active region. First and second selection transistors are disposed in the active region, such that each of the first and second selection transistors has a recessed channel. A plurality of memory transistors is disposed in the active region between the first selection transistor and the second selection transistor.

Abstract: A memory device and a method of fabricating the same. The memory device includes a substrate and a first gate electrode overlying the substrate. Overlying a top surface of the first gate electrode, a second gate electrode comprises end portions extending to spaces adjacent to the substrate and sidewalls of the first gate electrode. Further, a dielectric layer comprises a first portion sandwiched between the first gate electrode and the second gate electrode, and second portions extending from the first portion, sandwiched between the substrate and the end portions of the second gate electrode.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a non-volatile memory integrated circuit device and a non-volatile memory integrated circuit device fabricated by using the method are provided. A device isolation region is formed in a substrate to define a cell array region and a peripheral circuit region. A plurality of first and second pre-stacked gate structures is formed in the cell array region, and each has a structure in which a lower structure, a conductive pattern and a first sacrificial layer pattern are stacked. Junction regions are formed in the cell array region. Spacers are formed on side walls of the first and second pre-stacked gate structures. A second sacrificial layer pattern filling each space between the second pre-stacked gate structures is formed. The first sacrificial layer pattern is removed from each of the first and second pre-stacked gate structures.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory including one or more EEPROM cell pairs. Each EEPROM cell pair includes three transistors and stores two data bits, effectively providing a 1.5 transistor EEPROM cell. An EEPROM cell pair includes a first non-volatile memory transistor, a second non-volatile memory transistor and a source access transistor. The source access transistor includes: a first source region continuous with a source region of the first non-volatile memory transistor; a second source region continuous with a source region of the second non-volatile memory transistor, and a drain region that extends downward through a first well region to contact a second well region. The first, second and third semiconductor regions and the second well region have a first conductivity type, and the first well region has a second conductivity type, opposite the first conductivity type.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory is provided. An assist gate structure is formed on a substrate such that the width at the bottom of the assist gate structure is greater than the width at the top of the assist gate structure. A floating gate is formed on one side of the assist gate structure and disposed between a word line and the substrate. The width at the bottom of the floating gate is smaller than the width at the top of the floating gate. The word line, the floating gate and the assist gate structure together form a memory unit. A tunneling dielectric layer is formed between the floating gate and the substrate. An inter-gate dielectric layer is formed between the word line, the floating gate and the assist gate structure. Source/drain regions are formed in the substrate on the respective sides of the memory unit.

Abstract: A floating gate is formed on a semiconductor substrate via a gate insulating film. Diffused layers are formed as sources or drain regions on opposite sides of the floating gate in the semiconductor substrate. First and second control gates are formed opposite to both of the diffused layers on the opposite sides of the floating gate via an inter-gate insulating film to drive the floating gate.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming a first dielectric layer over a semiconductor substrate, forming a plurality of discrete storage elements over the first dielectric layer, thermally oxidizing the plurality of discrete storage elements to form a second dielectrics over the plurality of discrete storage elements, and forming a gate electrode over the second dielectric layer, wherein a significant portion of the gate electrode is between pairs of the plurality of discrete storage elements. In one embodiment, portions of the gate electrode is in the spaces between the discrete storage elements and extends to more than half of the depth of the spaces.

Abstract: A device, such as a nonvolatile memory device, and methods for forming the device in an integrated process tool are provided. The method includes depositing a tunnel oxide layer on a substrate, exposing the tunnel oxide layer to a plasma so that the plasma alters a morphology of a surface and near surface of the tunnel oxide to form a plasma altered near surface. Nanocrystals are then deposited on the altered surface of the tunnel oxide.

Abstract: A stack-type nonvolatile semiconductor device comprises a memory device formed on a substrate including a semiconductor body elongated in one direction, having a cross section perpendicular to a main surface, having a predetermined curvature, a channel region on the semiconductor body along the circumference, a tunneling insulating layer on the channel region, a floating gate on the tunneling insulating layer, insulated from the channel region, a high dielectric constant material layer on the floating gate, a metallic control gate on the high dielectric constant material layer, insulated from the floating gate, and source and drain regions adjacent to the metallic control gate on the semiconductor body, an inter-insulating layer on the memory device, and a conductive layer on the inter-insulating layer, and a memory device formed on the conductive layer including, a semiconductor body elongated in one direction having a cross section perpendicular to a main surface, having a predetermined curvature, a channel

Abstract: Nonvolatile memory devices and methods of fabricating and driving the same are disclosed. Disclosed devices and method comprises: growing an oxide layer on a substrate and depositing a nitride layer on the oxide layer; patterning the nitride layer; forming injection gates on the lateral faces of the nitride layer; depositing a first polysilicon, a dielectric layer and a second polysilicon on the surface of the resulting structure, sequentially; patterning the second polysilicon, the dielectric layer and the second polysilicon to form gate electrodes; removing the nitride layer between the injection gates; forming source and drain extension regions around each of the gate electrodes by performing an ion implantation process; forming sidewall spacers on the lateral faces of the gate electrodes; and forming source and drain regions in the substrate by performing an ion implantation process with the sidewall spacers as an ion implantation mask.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided which has insulating film side wall spacers having a barrier function. The semiconductor device comprises: a gate oxide film and a gate electrode formed on and above a semiconductor substrate; source/drain regions formed in the semiconductor substrate; and first laminated side wall spacers having two or more layers and formed on side walls of the gate electrode, the first laminated side wall spacers including a nitride film as a layer other than an outermost layer, the outermost layer being made of an oxide film or an oxynitride film and having a bottom surface contacting the semiconductor substrate, the gate oxide film or a side wall spacer layer other than the nitride film.

Abstract: Structures and methods for programmable array type logic and/or memory devices with asymmetrical low tunnel barrier intergate insulators are provided. The programmable array type logic and/or memory devices include non-volatile memory which has a first source/drain region and a second source/drain region separated by a channel region in a substrate. A floating gate opposing the channel region and is separated therefrom by a gate oxide. A control gate opposes the floating gate. The control gate is separated from the floating gate by an asymmetrical low tunnel barrier intergate insulator formed by atomic layer deposition. The asymmetrical low tunnel barrier intergate insulator includes a metal oxide insulator selected from the group consisting of Al2O3, Ta2O5, TiO2, ZrO2, Nb2O5, SrBi2Ta2O3, SrTiO3, PbTiO3, and PbZrO3.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory is provided, including a control gate, a floating gate, a gate oxide layer, a source region, a drain region, a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, and an erase gate. The control gate is disposed in a substrate. The floating gate comprising a coupling part and a gate part is disposed over the control gate and located over a portion of the substrate with the gate oxide layer there-between. The source region adjoins with one side of the gate part, while the drain region adjoins with the other side of the gate part. The first dielectric layer is disposed on the floating gate. The second dielectric layer is disposed on the sidewalls of the floating gate. The erase gate is disposed over the coupling part of the floating gate and covers the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer.

Abstract: Provided are a flash memory and a method for manufacturing the same. The flash memory includes a semiconductor substrate having a device isolation region and an active region; a stacked gate on the semiconductor substrate; an insulation layer covering the semiconductor substrate and the stacked gate; a drain contact penetrating the insulation layer on one side of the stacked gate; and a source line penetrating the insulation layer on an opposite side of the stacked gate.

Abstract: Structures and methods for programmable array type logic and/or memory devices with asymmetrical low tunnel barrier intergate insulators are provided. The programmable array type logic and/or memory devices include non-volatile memory which has a first source/drain region and a second source/drain region separated by a channel region in a substrate. A floating gate opposing the channel region and is separated therefrom by a gate oxide. A control gate opposes the floating gate. The control gate is separated from the floating gate by an asymmetrical low tunnel barrier intergate insulator formed by atomic layer deposition. The asymmetrical low tunnel barrier intergate insulator includes a metal oxide insulator selected from the group consisting of Al2O3, Ta2O5, TiO2, ZrO2, Nb2O5, SrBi2Ta2O3, SrTiO3, PbTiO3, and PbZrO3.

Abstract: Floating gate structures are disclosed that have a projection that extends away from the surface of a substrate. This projection may provide the floating gate with increased surface area for coupling the floating gate and the control gate. In one embodiment, the word line extends downwards on each side of the floating gate to shield adjacent floating gates in the same string. In another embodiment, a process for fabricating floating gates with projections is disclosed. The projection may be formed so that it is self-aligned to the rest of the floating gate.

Abstract: A non-volatile semiconductor memory device includes: a non-volatile memory area including gate electrodes, each including stack of a floating gate, an inter-electrode insulating film and a control gate, and having first insulating side walls formed on side walls of the gate electrode; a peripheral circuit area including single-layer gate electrodes made of the same layer as the control gate; and a first border area including: a first isolation region formed in the semiconductor substrate for isolating the non-volatile memory area and peripheral circuit area; a first conductive pattern including a portion made of the same layer as the control gate and formed above the isolation region; and a first redundant insulating side wall made of the same layer as the first insulating side wall and formed on the side wall of the first conductive pattern on the side of the non-volatile memory area.

Abstract: A string of nonvolatile memory cells are connected together by source/drain regions that include an inversion layer created by fixed charge in an overlying layer. Control gates extend between floating gates so that two control gates couple to a floating gate. A fixed charge layer may be formed by plasma nitridation.

Abstract: An EEPROM having a nonvolatile memory cell is provided. The nonvolatile memory cell has a first MOS transistor and a second MOS transistor. The first MOS transistor and the second MOS transistor have a gate electrode in common, the gate electrode being a floating gate electrically isolated from a surrounding circuitry. The first MOS transistor and the second MOS transistor are of a same conductivity type.