Diode (epo) Patents (Class 257/E29.327)
  • Publication number: 20120319299
    Abstract: A semiconductor diode has a first semiconductor layer (102) of a first conductivity type and a second semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type having a doping. The second semiconductor layer has a vertical electrical via region (106) which is connected to the first semiconductor layer and in which the doping is modified in such a way that the electrical via region (106) has the first conductivity type. A method for producing such a semiconductor diode is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Tony Albrecht, Markus Maute, Martin Reufer, Heribert Zull
  • Publication number: 20120313212
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor region of a first conductivity type and formed of a material having a band gap wider than that of silicon; a first layer selectively disposed on a surface of and forming a first junction with the first semiconductor region; a second layer selectively disposed on the first semiconductor region and forming a second junction with the first semiconductor region; a first diode formed by a region including the first junction; a second diode formed by a region including the second junction; and a fourth semiconductor region of a second conductivity type and disposed in the first semiconductor region, between and contacting the first and second junctions. A recess and elevated portion are disposed on the first semiconductor region. The first and the second junctions are formed at different depths. The second diode has a lower built-in potential than the first diode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicants: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Sugawara
  • Publication number: 20120313105
    Abstract: A unipolar diode with low turn-on voltage includes a subcathode semiconductor layer, a low-doped, wide bandgap cathode semiconductor layer, and a high-doped, narrow bandgap anode semiconductor layer. A junction between the cathode layer and the anode layer creates an electron barrier in the conduction band, with the barrier configured to produce a low turn-on voltage for the diode. A unipolar diode with low turn-on voltage includes an n+ subcathode semiconductor layer, a low-doped, wide bandgap cathode semiconductor layer, and an n+ narrow bandgap anode semiconductor layer. Again, a junction between the cathode layer and the anode layer creates an electron barrier in the conduction band, with the barrier configured to produce a low turn-on voltage for the diode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Donald J. Sawdai, Kwok K. Loi, Vesna Radisic
  • Publication number: 20120292737
    Abstract: A diode comprises a P-type well formed in a semiconductor substrate, at least one N-type impurity doping area formed in the P-type well, an isolation area formed to surround the N-type impurity doping area, a P-type impurity doping area formed to surround the isolation area, first contacts formed in the N-type impurity doping area in a single row or a plurality of rows, and second contacts formed in the P-type impurity doping area in a single row or a plurality of rows, wherein pin resistance can be adjusted through changing any one of a distance between the N-type impurity doping area and the P-type impurity doping area, a contact pitch between the first contacts, and a contact pitch between the second contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: SK HYNIX INC.
    Inventor: Kook Whee Kwak
  • Publication number: 20120286396
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device. In one embodiment, the protection device electrically coupled between a first node and a second node of an internal circuit to be protected from transient electrical events. The protection device includes a bipolar device or a silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR). The bipolar device or SCR can have a modified structure or additional circuitry to have a selected holding voltage and/or trigger voltage to provide protection over the internal circuit. The additional circuitry can include one or more resistors, one or more diodes, and/or a timer circuit to adjust the trigger and/or holding voltages of the bipolar device or SCR to a desired level. The protection device can provide protection over a transient voltage that ranges, for example, from about 100 V to 330V.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: ANALOG DEVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Edward Coyne
  • Patent number: 8304856
    Abstract: A serially-connected diode pair made of diodes having a high withstand voltage and a low on-resistance is formed based on a high withstand voltage vertical PNP bipolar transistor process technology. Two of the diode pairs are connected in parallel to form a bridge so that there is formed a high-efficiency full-wave rectifier circuit that is free from a leakage current due to a parasitic transistor. The serially-connected diode pair is formed by connecting a diode composed of a P type semiconductor substrate, that makes an anode, and an N type buried layer, that makes a cathode, and a diode composed of a P+ type conductive layer, that makes an anode, and an N type epitaxial layer, that makes a cathode, in series with an electrode AC1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignees: Sanyo Semiconductor Co., Ltd., Sanyo Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Keiji Mita, Yasuhiro Tamada, Masao Takahashi, Takao Maruyama
  • Patent number: 8304827
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a diode formed by making use of a DMOS transistor structure. In addition to such a DMOS transistor structure, the semiconductor device includes a second buried layer of the first conductivity type being provided on a first buried layer of a second conductivity type that is in a floating state. Moreover, the second buried layer of the first conductivity type and a second diffusion region of the first conductive type are connected by a first diffusion region of the first conductivity type. A first electrode is set as anode, and a second electrode and a third electrode are short-circuited and set as cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yuki Nakamura, Koji Shirai, Hirofumi Nagano, Jun Morioka, Tsubasa Yamada, Kazuaki Yamaura, Yasunori Iwatsu
  • Patent number: 8294174
    Abstract: This disclosure discloses a light-emitting device comprising a substrate; and a plurality of rectifying units, comprising a first rectifying unit and a second rectifying unit, formed on the substrate for receiving and regulating an alternating current signal into a direct current signal. Each of the rectifying units comprises a contact layer and a schottky metal layer. The light-emitting device further comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes receiving the direct current signal; and a first terminal provided on the substrate and covering the contact layer of the first rectifying unit and the schottky metal layer of the second rectifying unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Epistar Corporation
    Inventors: Chao-Hsing Chen, Yu-Pin Hsu
  • Patent number: 8294210
    Abstract: A channel diode structure having a drift region and method of forming. A charge balanced channel diode structure having an electrode shield and method of forming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher Boguslaw Kocon, John Manning Savidge Neilson, Simon John Molloy, Haian Lin, Charles Walter Pearce, Gary Eugene Daum
  • Publication number: 20120256292
    Abstract: A circuit structure includes a first isolation region, and a first dummy gate electrode over and vertically overlapping the first isolation region. First pickup regions of a diode are formed on opposite sides of the first isolation region, wherein sidewalls of the first pickup regions contact opposite sidewalls of the first isolation region. Second pickup regions of the diode are formed on opposite sides of a combined region of the first pickup regions and the first isolation region, wherein the first and the second pickup regions are of opposite conductive types. A well region is under the first and the second pickup regions and the first isolation region, wherein the well region is of a same conductivity type as the second pickup regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Hsin Yu, Kvei-Feng Yen
  • Publication number: 20120248584
    Abstract: A nano/micro-sized diode and a method of preparing the same, the diode including: a first electrode; a second electrode; and a diode layer that is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The diode layer includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is disposed on the first electrode and has a first surface that is electrically connected to the first electrode, and an opposing second surface that has a protrusion. The second layer is disposed between the first layer and the second electrode and has a first surface having a recess that corresponds to the protrusion, and an opposing second surface that is electrically connected to the second electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jinhwan PARK, Sungho PARK
  • Publication number: 20120228734
    Abstract: A high breakdown voltage diode of the present embodiment includes a first conductive semiconductor substrate, a drift layer formed on the first conductive semiconductor substrate and formed of a first conductive semiconductor, a buffer layer formed on the drift layer and formed of a second conductive semiconductor, a second conductive high concentration semiconductor region formed at an upper portion of the buffer layer, a mesa termination unit formed on an end region of a semiconductor apparatus to relax an electric field of the end region when reverse bias is applied between the semiconductor substrate and the buffer layer, and an electric field relaxation region formed at the mesa termination unit and formed of a second conductive semiconductor. A breakdown voltage of a high breakdown voltage diode, in which a pn junction is provided to a semiconductor layer, is increased, and a process yield is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Masamu KAMAGA, Makoto Mizukami, Takashi Shinohe
  • Patent number: 8264000
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a semiconductor region, a first and second electrodes. The semiconductor region is provided on the semiconductor substrate via an insulating film. The semiconductor region includes a protection diode. An overvoltage causes breakdown of the protection diode. A PN junction of the protection diode is exposed at an end face of the semiconductor region. A first and second electrodes are provided distally to the exposed end face of the PN junction. The first and second electrodes are connected to the semiconductor region to provide a current to the protection diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Tetsuro Nozu
  • Publication number: 20120223421
    Abstract: A high power density or low forward voltage rectifier which utilizes at least one trench in both the anode and cathode. The trenches are formed in opposing surfaces of the substrate, to increase the junction surface area per unit surface area of the semiconductor die. This structure allows for increased current loads without increased horizontal die space. The increased current handling capability allows for the rectifier to operate at lower forward voltages. Furthermore, the present structure provides for increased substrate usage by up to 30 percent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: VISHAY GENERAL SEMICONDUCTOR, LLC
    Inventors: Hung-Ping Tsai, Shih-Kuan Chen, Lung-Ching Kao
  • Publication number: 20120223416
    Abstract: A thin-film semiconductor component includes a carrier and a semiconductor body with a semiconductor layer sequence including an active region provided to generate radiation. The semiconductor body is externally electrically contactable by a first contact and a second contact. The carrier includes a protection diode structure connected electrically in parallel to the semiconductor body. The protection diode structure includes a first diode and a second diode. The first diode and the second diode are electrically connected in series in mutually opposing directions with regard to their forward direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Scheubeck, Siegfried Herrmann
  • Publication number: 20120217539
    Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor component that includes a semiconductor body, a first emitter region of a first conductivity type in the semiconductor body, a second emitter region of a second conductivity type spaced apart from the first emitter region in a vertical direction of the semiconductor body, a base region of one conductivity type arranged between the first emitter region and the second emitter region, and at least two higher doped regions of the same conductivity type as the base region and arranged in the base region. The at least two higher doped regions are spaced apart from one another in a lateral direction of the semiconductor body and separated from one another only by sections of the base region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRIA AG
    Inventors: Hans Peter Felsl, Thomas Raker, Hans-Joachim Schulze, Franz-Josef Niedernostheide
  • Publication number: 20120211869
    Abstract: A diode includes an anode of a first conductivity type; a first cathode of the first conductivity type; and a second cathode of a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type. A lightly-doped region of the first conductivity type is under and vertically overlaps the anode and the first and the second cathodes. The portion of the lightly-doped region directly under the second cathode is fully depleted at a state when no bias voltage is applied between the anode and the second cathode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jam-Wem Lee, Yi-Feng Chang
  • Publication number: 20120193756
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a vertical semiconductor diode is provided that includes (1) a first semiconductor layer formed above a substrate; (2) a second semiconductor layer formed above the first semiconductor layer; (3) a first native oxide layer formed above the first semiconductor layer; and (4) a third semiconductor layer formed above the first semiconductor layer, second semiconductor layer and first native oxide layer so as to form the vertical semiconductor diode that includes the first native oxide layer. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Steven Maxwell, Abhijit Bandyopadhyay, Kun Hou, Er-Xuan Ping, Yung-Tin Chen, Li Xiao
  • Patent number: 8227834
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a first semiconductor layer including AlXGa1-XN (0?X?1); a second semiconductor layer provided on the first semiconductor layer, including AlYGa1-YN (0?Y?1, X<Y), and having a larger bandgap than the first semiconductor layer; a source electrode provided on the second semiconductor layer; a drain electrode provided on the second semiconductor layer; and a gate electrode provided on the second semiconductor layer between the source electrode and the drain electrode. A region of the second semiconductor layer below the gate electrode at a depth short of the first semiconductor layer is doped with atoms to be negatively charged in the second semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yasunobu Saito, Wataru Saito, Yorito Kakiuchi, Tomohiro Nitta, Akira Yoshioka, Tetsuya Ohno, Hidetoshi Fujimoto, Takao Noda
  • Publication number: 20120175581
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device using a diode as a switching device is disclosed. The switching device may enhance on and off characteristics at the same time. The switching device includes a diode including a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer stacked therein, where the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer have complementary conductive types to each other, a control electrode surrounding the first conductive layer, and an insulation layer disposed between the first conductive layer and the control electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Sang-Min HWANG
  • Publication number: 20120170163
    Abstract: In one general aspect, an apparatus can include a barrier diode including a refractory metal layer coupled to a semiconductor substrate including at least a portion of a PN junction and the apparatus can include an overcurrent protection device operably coupled to the barrier diode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Adrian Mikolajczak
  • Patent number: 8212232
    Abstract: A resistance changing device includes a resistive layer of a hetero structure interposed between a lower electrode and an upper electrode, and including a plurality of resistive material layers, each having a different resistivity, stacked therein, wherein resistivities of the resistive material layers decrease from the lower electrode toward the upper electrode. Since the resistive layer has a hetero structure in which a plurality of resistive material layers, each having a different resistivity, are stacked in such a manner that the resistivity decreases as it goes from the lower electrode to the upper electrode, it is possible to improve the distributions of the set/reset voltage and the set/reset current, while reducing a reset current of a resistance changing device at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Yu-Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 8212327
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for configuring and constructing a single photo detector or array of photo detectors with all fabrications circuitry on a single side of the device. Both the anode and the cathode contacts of the diode are placed on a single side, while a layer of laser treated semiconductor is placed on the opposite side for enhanced cost-effectiveness, photon detection, and fill factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: SiOnyx, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal T. Kurfiss, James E. Carey, Xia Li
  • Publication number: 20120161298
    Abstract: A diode includes a first region having a first conductive type impurity and formed in a first well having the first conductive type impurity, a second region formed in the first well and having a second conductive type impurity, and a semiconductor pattern disposed above the first well and including a first portion having the first conductive type impurity and a second portion having the second conductive type impurity. The first region and the first portion are coupled with an anode, and the second region and the second portion are coupled with a cathode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Jaehyok Ko, Hangu Kim, ChangSu Kim, Dongryul Chang, Minchang Ko
  • Patent number: 8203875
    Abstract: An anti-parallel diode structure and method of fabrication is presently disclosed. In some embodiments, an anti-parallel diode structure has a semiconductor region comprising a first insulator layer disposed between a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer. The semiconductor region can be bound on a first side by a first metal material and bound on a second side by a second metal material so that current below a predetermined value is prevented from passing through the semiconductor region and current above the predetermined value passes through the semiconductor region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Nurul Amin, Insik Jim, Venugopalan Vaithyanathan, Wei Tian, YoungPil Kim
  • Patent number: 8178864
    Abstract: A diode having a reference voltage electrode, a variable voltage electrode, and a diode material between the electrodes. The diode material is formed of at least one high-K dielectric material and has an asymmetric energy barrier between the reference voltage electrode and the variable voltage electrode, with the energy barrier having a relatively maximum energy barrier level proximate the reference voltage electrode and a minimum energy barrier level proximate the variable voltage electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Insik Jin, Wei Tian, Venugopalan Vaithyanathan, Cedric Bedoya, Markus Siegert
  • Patent number: 8178431
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a p-n junction in a nanostructure, in which the nanostructure has one or more nanoconstituents made of a semiconductor material with a single type of doping having one conductivity type, characterized in that it includes a step consisting in forming a dielectric element (3, 32, . . . , 3n) embedding the nanostructure over a height h, the dielectric element generating a surface potential capable of inverting the conductivity type over a defined width W of the nanoconstituents(s) thus embedded over the height h.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Eddy Romain-Latu, Philippe Gilet
  • Publication number: 20120106011
    Abstract: The semiconductor device is provided. The semiconductor device includes a substrate, an electrostatic discharge layer disposed on the substrate and including a plurality of electrostatic discharge circuits, at least one semiconductor chip stacked on the electrostatic discharge layer, and a plurality of vertical electrical connections which pass through the at least one semiconductor chip and the electrostatic discharge layer to connect the at least one semiconductor chip to the semiconductor substrate. The vertical electrical connections are connected to the electrostatic discharge circuits, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Seong-Jin Lee, Jang Seok Choi
  • Patent number: 8169000
    Abstract: A lateral transient voltage suppressor with ultra low capacitance is disclosed. The suppressor comprises a first conductivity type substrate and at least one diode cascade structure arranged in the first conductivity type substrate. The cascade structure further comprises at least one second conductivity type lightly doped well and at least one first conductivity type lightly doped well, wherein there are two heavily doped areas arranged in the second conductivity type lightly doped well and the first conductivity type lightly doped well. The cascade structure neighbors a second conductivity type well, wherein there are three heavily doped areas arranged in the second conductivity type well. The suppressor further comprises a plurality of deep isolation trenches arranged in the first conductivity type substrate and having a depth greater than depths of the second conductivity type lightly doped well, the second conductivity type well and the first conductivity type lightly doped well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Amazing Microelectronic Corp.
    Inventors: Che-Hao Chuang, Kun-Hsien Lin, Ryan Hsin-Chin Jiang
  • Patent number: 8168985
    Abstract: A semiconductor module having one or more silicon carbide diode elements mounted on a switching element is provided in which the temperature rise is reduced by properly disposing each of the diode elements on the switching element, to thereby provide a thermal dissipation path for the respective diode elements. The respective diode elements are arranged on a non-central portion of the switching element, to facilitate dissipation of the heat produced by each of the diode elements, whereby the temperature rise in the semiconductor module is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Arai, Gourab Majumdar
  • Publication number: 20120061792
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a bidirectional voltage-regulator diode includes first to fifth semiconductor layers formed on an inner surface of a first recess formed in a semiconductor substrate of an N-type in the order. The first semiconductor layer of the N-type has a first impurity concentration lower than an impurity concentration of the semiconductor substrate. The second semiconductor layer of a P-type has a second impurity concentration. The third semiconductor layer of the P-type has a third impurity concentration higher than the second impurity concentration. The fourth semiconductor layer of the P-type has a fourth impurity concentration lower than the third impurity concentration. The fifth semiconductor layer of the N-type has a fifth impurity concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Tetsuro NOZU
  • Patent number: 8120134
    Abstract: A diode and memory device including the diode, where the diode includes a conductive portion and another portion formed of a first material that has characteristics allowing a first decrease in a resistivity of the material upon application of a voltage to the material, thereby allowing current to flow there through, and has further characteristics allowing a second decrease in the resistivity of the first material in response to an increase in temperature of the first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gurtej Sandhu, Bhaskar Srinivasan
  • Publication number: 20120032313
    Abstract: A semiconductor device having a lateral diode includes a semiconductor layer, a first semiconductor region in the semiconductor layer, a contact region having an impurity concentration greater than that of the first semiconductor region, a second semiconductor region located in the semiconductor layer and separated from the contact region, a first electrode electrically connected through the contact region to the first semiconductor region, and a second electrode electrically connected to the second semiconductor region. The second semiconductor region includes a low impurity concentration portion, a high impurity concentration portion, and an extension portion. The second electrode forms an ohmic contact with the high impurity concentration portion. The extension portion has an impurity concentration greater than that of the low impurity concentration portion and extends in a thickness direction of the semiconductor layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takao YAMAMOTO, Norihito Tokura, Hisato Kato, Akio Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 8106460
    Abstract: A protection diode group includes multiple protection diodes connected to each other in parallel. A total junction area average of the protection diode group is set to a value large enough to guarantee a desired electrostatic discharge tolerance. By setting the total junction area average to be equal to a junction area average of a conventional structure, the occupation area of the protection diode group on the chip is reduced while the ESD tolerance is made equal to a conventional ESD tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignees: SANYO Semiconductor Co., Ltd., Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Manabu Yajima
  • Publication number: 20120018776
    Abstract: A first annular isolation trench is formed in a periphery of an element region, and a second annular isolation trench is formed around the first annular isolation trench with a predetermined distance provided from the first annular isolation trench, and a semiconductor layer between the first annular isolation trench and the second annular isolation trench is separated into a plurality of portions by a plurality of linear isolation trenches formed in the semiconductor layer between the first annular isolation trench and the second annular isolation trench, and the semiconductor layer (source-side isolation region) which opposes a p-type channel layer end portion and is located between the first annular isolation trench and the second annular isolation trench is separated from other semiconductor layers (drain-side isolation regions) by the linear isolation trenches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Takuo Nagase, Junichi Sakano
  • Patent number: 8089137
    Abstract: A memory device includes a diode driver and a data storage element, such as an element comprising phase change memory material, and in which the diode driver comprises a silicide element on a silicon substrate with a single crystal silicon node on the silicide element. The silicide element separates the single crystal silicon node from the underlying silicon substrate, preventing the flow of carriers from the single crystal silicon node into the substrate, and is capable of acting as a conductive element for interconnecting devices on the device. The single crystal silicon node acts as one terminal of a diode, and a second semiconductor node is formed on top of it, acting as the other terminal of the diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsiang-Lan Lung, Erh-Kun Lai
  • Publication number: 20110303976
    Abstract: A channel diode structure having a drift region and method of forming. A charge balanced channel diode structure having an electrode shield and method of forming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Christopher Boguslaw KOCON, John Manning Savidge NEILSON, Simon John MOLLOY, Haian LIN, Charles Walter PEARCE, Gary Eugene DAUM
  • Publication number: 20110291223
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having a diode active region and an edge termination region adjacent to each other, a first region of a first conductivity type in the diode active region, a second region of a second conductivity type, a third region of the first conductivity type in the edge termination region, and a fourth region of the second conductivity type. The first region and the third region share a drift region of the first conductivity type. The first region and the third region share a fifth region of the first conductivity type. The drift region in the third region is greater in number of crystal defects per unit volume than the drift region in the first region in order that the drift region in the third region is shorter in carrier lifetime than the drift region in the first region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Katsumi NAKAMURA
  • Publication number: 20110284986
    Abstract: Bypass diodes for solar cells are described. In one embodiment, a bypass diode for a solar cell includes a substrate of the solar cell. A first conductive region is disposed above the substrate, the first conductive region of a first conductivity type. A second conductive region is disposed on the first conductive region, the second conductive region of a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Seung Bum Rim, Taeseok Kim, David D. Smith, Peter J. Cousins
  • Publication number: 20110278693
    Abstract: Formation of an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device having a desired breakdown voltage (BV) is disclosed. The breakdown voltage (BV) of the device can be set, at least in part, by varying the degree to which a surface junction between two doped areas is covered. This junction can be covered in one embodiment by a dielectric material and/or a semiconductor material. Moreover, a variable breakdown voltage can be established by concurrently forming, in a single process flow, multiple diodes that have different breakdown voltages, where the diodes are also formed concurrently with circuitry that is to be protected. To generate the variable or different breakdown voltages, respective edges of isolation regions can be extended to cover more of the surface junctions of different diodes. In this manner, a first diode can have a first breakdown voltage (BV1), a second diode can have a second breakdown voltage (BV2), a third diode can have a third breakdown voltage (BV3), etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Martin B. Mollat, Tony Thanh Phan
  • Publication number: 20110272777
    Abstract: A manufacturing method and a structure of a surface-mounting type diode co-constructed from a silicon wafer and a base plate, in the method, a diffused wafer is stacked with a high temperature durable high strength base plate to have them sintered and molten together for connecting with each other to form a co-constructure; then the diffused wafer is processed by etching and ditching for filling with insulation material, electrodes of the diffused wafer are metalized and all on an identical plane, then production of all functional lines is completed; and then the co-constructure is cut to form a plurality of separated individuals which each forms a surface-mounting type diode to be applied straight. In comparison with the conventional techniques, manufacturing of the present invention is simplified and economic in reducing working hours, size and cost of production and the wafer is not subjected to breaking during manufacturing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: FORMOSA MICROSEMI CO., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Ping Huang, Paul Wu
  • Publication number: 20110272705
    Abstract: A GaN die having a plurality of parallel alternating and closely spaced source and drain strips is contacted by parallel coplanar comb-shaped fingers of source and drain pads. A plurality of enlarged area coplanar spaced gate pads having respective fingers contacting the gate contact of the die. The pads may be elements of a lead frame, or conductive areas on an insulation substrate. Other semiconductor die can be mounted on the pads and connected in predetermined circuit arrangements with the GaN die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Kunzhong Hu, Chuan Cheah
  • Patent number: 8053776
    Abstract: In a vertical diode, an N+-type layer, an N?-type layer, and a P+-type layer are stacked in this order on a lower electrode film, and an upper electrode film is provided thereon. The effective impurity concentration of the N?-type layer is lower than the effective impurity concentrations of the N+-type layer and the P+-type layer. At least one of the N+-type layer, the N?-type layer, and the P+-type layer is formed from a small grain size polycrystalline semiconductor whose each crystal grain does not penetrate each layer through its thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Takuo Ohashi
  • Publication number: 20110266592
    Abstract: A transient voltage suppressor (TVS) device includes a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type, and a first and a second semiconductor regions of a second conductivity type overlying the semiconductor substrate. A semiconductor layer of the second conductivity type overlies the first and the second semiconductor regions. The TVS device has a first trench extending through the semiconductor layer and the first semiconductor region and into the semiconductor substrate, and a fill material of the second conductivity type disposed in the first trench. A clamping diode in the TVS device has a junction between an out-diffused region from the fill material and a portion of the semiconductor substrate. The TVS device also includes a first P-N diode formed in a first portion of the semiconductor layer, and a second P-N diode having a junction between the second semiconductor region and the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Francis Edward Hawe, Jinsui Liang, Xiaoqiang Cheng, Xianfeng Liu
  • Publication number: 20110260291
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure. The semiconductor comprises a substrate, a first deep well, a diode and a transistor. The first deep well is formed in the substrate. The diode is formed in the first deep well. The transistor is formed in the first deep well. The diode is connected to a first voltage, the transistor is connected to a second voltage, and the diode and the transistor are cascaded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: SYSTEM GENERAL CORP.
    Inventors: Han-Chung Tai, Hsin-Chih Chiang
  • Patent number: 8034716
    Abstract: Semiconductor structures and methods of making a vertical diode structure are provided. The vertical diode structure may have associated therewith a diode opening extending through an insulation layer and contacting an active region on a silicon wafer. A titanium silicide layer may be formed over the interior surface of the diode opening and contacting the active region. The diode opening may initially be filled with an amorphous silicon plug that is doped during deposition and subsequently recrystallized to form large grain polysilicon. The silicon plug has a top portion that may be heavily doped with a first type dopant and a bottom portion that may be lightly doped with a second type dopant. The top portion may be bounded by the bottom portion so as not to contact the titanium silicide layer. In one embodiment of the vertical diode structure, a programmable resistor contacts the top portion of the silicon plug and a metal line contacts the programmable resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Fernando Gonzalez, Tyler A. Lowrey, Trung T. Doan, Raymond A. Turi, Graham R. Wolstenholme
  • Publication number: 20110215320
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a method of forming a memory cell is provided that includes: (a) forming a layer of dielectric material above a substrate; (b) forming an opening in the dielectric layer; (c) depositing a solution that includes a carbon-based switching material on the substrate; (d) rotating the substrate to cause the solution to flow into the opening and to form a carbon-based switching material layer within the opening; and (e) forming a memory element using the carbon-based switching material layer. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Y. Chan, April D. Schricker
  • Publication number: 20110215436
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices including at least one diode over a conductive strap. The semiconductor device may include at least one conductive strap over an insulator material, at least one diode comprising a single crystalline silicon material over a conductive material, and a memory cell on the at least one diode. The at least one diode may be formed from a single crystalline silicon material. Methods of forming such semiconductor devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Sanh D. Tang, Ming Zhang
  • Publication number: 20110215390
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes capacitors connected in parallel. Electrode active portions and a discharge active portion are defined on a semiconductor substrate, and capping electrodes are disposed respectively on the electrode active portions. A capacitor-dielectric layer is disposed between each of the capping electrodes and each of the electrode active portions that overlap each other. A counter doped region is disposed in the discharge active portion. A lower interlayer dielectric covers the entire surface of the semiconductor substrate. Electrode contact plugs respectively contact the capping electrodes through the lower interlayer dielectric, and a discharge contact plug contacts the counter doped region through the lower interlayer dielectric. A lower interconnection is disposed on the lower interlayer dielectric and contacts the electrode contact plugs and the discharge contact plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Myoungsoo Kim, Yoonkyung Choi, Eun Young Lee, Sungil Jo
  • Patent number: 8013385
    Abstract: A semiconductor device of the present invention has a first contact and a second contact which are located over a device isolation film so as to be opposed with each other, and have a length in the horizontal direction larger than the height; a first electro-conductive pattern located on the first contact and is formed in at least a single interconnect layer; a second electro-conductive pattern located on the second contact so as to be opposed with the first electro-conductive pattern; and an interconnect formed in an upper interconnect layer which is located above the first electro-conductive pattern and the second electro-conductive pattern, so as to be located in a region above the first electro-conductive pattern and the second electro-conductive pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Furumiya, Yasutaka Nakashiba