Making Passive Device (e.g., Resistor, Capacitor, Etc.) Patents (Class 438/381)
  • Publication number: 20130049088
    Abstract: A device comprises a substrate having at least one active region, an insulating layer above the substrate, and an electrode in a gate electrode layer above the insulating layer, forming a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitor. A first contact layer is provided on the electrode, having an elongated first pattern extending in a first direction parallel to the electrode. A contact structure contacts the substrate. The contact structure has an elongated second pattern extending parallel to the first pattern. A dielectric material is provided between the first and second patterns, so that the first and second patterns and dielectric material form a side-wall capacitor connected in parallel to the MOS capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Di AN, Chien-Hung Chen, Yu-Juan Chan
  • Publication number: 20130052787
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a bit line on a substrate comprising an active region; forming an interlayer insulating layer covering the bit line on the substrate; forming a first hole at a location of the active region through the interlayer insulating layer; forming a dummy contact layer by filling the first hole; forming a mold layer on the interlayer insulating layer and the dummy contact layer; forming a second hole at a location of the dummy contact layer through the mold layer; removing the dummy contact layer in the first hole through the second hole; forming an epitaxial layer on a portion of the active region, which is exposed at a lower surface of the first hole; and forming a lower electrode on internal surfaces of the first hole and the second hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kwang-wook Lee, Sang-jun Lee, In-seak Hwang, In-sang Jeon, Byoung-yong Gwak, Ho-kyun An
  • Publication number: 20130052784
    Abstract: To reduce dent defects formed in interlayer CMP process on a capacitor array after forming an interlayer insulating film on the capacitor array thicker than the height of a capacitor, the interlayer insulating film on the capacitor array is subjected to a step height reduction etching to form an opening with etching depth Hd, while remaining a first region that is a distance Lr in a horizontal direction from a rising point of a projected portion of the interlayer insulating film periphery to the capacitor array onto a part of the capacitor array, wherein an aspect ratio (Hd/Lr) of the Hd to the Lr is equal to or less than 0.6.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: ELPIDA MEMORY, INC.
    Inventors: Shigeru SUGIOKA, Nobuyuki SAKO, Ryoichi TANABE
  • Publication number: 20130049085
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) including a plurality of transistors formed in a semiconductor substrate, wherein each of the transistors includes a vertical channel region. A plurality of bit line contained trenches is formed in the semiconductor substrate. Each of the bit line contained trenches comprises two bit lines, and each of the bit lines is electrically connected to an adjacent transistor. Each two sidewalls of each of the bit line contained trenches have a contact formed thereon. A plurality of word lines are formed over the plurality of bit lines and electrical connect to the plurality of transistors. Furthermore, a method for fabricating the DRAM is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Chih-Hao LIN
  • Publication number: 20130052788
    Abstract: A semiconductor device having a reduced bit line parasitic capacitance and a method of making same is presented. The semiconductor device includes a first, second, third, and fourth interlayer dielectric layers, first and second bit lines, first and second landing plug and first and second storage node contacts. An optional capacitor may be added to complete a CMOS configuration for the semiconductor device. The storage node contacts traverse through the interlayer dielectric layer and are electrically coupled to their respective landing plug contacts. The storage node contacts are deliberately offset, relative to the center of the corresponding landing plug contacts, at a predetermined distance in a direction away from the first bit line. This offsetting aids reducing the parasitic capacitance between the bit line and a storage node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: HYNIX SEMICONDUCTOR INC.
    Inventor: HYNIX SEMICONDUCTOR INC.
  • Publication number: 20130043557
    Abstract: The present disclosure involves a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a substrate having a horizontal surface. The semiconductor device includes an interconnect structure formed over the horizontal surface of the substrate. The interconnect structure includes an inductor coil that is wound substantially in a vertical plane that is orthogonal to the horizontal surface of the substrate. The interconnect structure includes a capacitor disposed proximate to the inductor coil. The capacitor has an anode component and a cathode component. The inductor coil and the capacitor each include a plurality of horizontally extending elongate members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Hsiu-Ying Cho
  • Publication number: 20130045582
    Abstract: A capacitor insulating film may include, but is not limited to, strontium, titanium, and oxygen. The capacitor insulating film has a ratio of a spectrum intensity of (200) crystal face of the capacitor insulating film to a spectrum intensity of (111) crystal face of the capacitor insulating film in the range of 1.0 to 2.3. Each of the spectrum intensities of (200) crystal face and (111) crystal face is measured by an X-ray diffraction method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: ELPIDA MEMORY, INC.
    Inventor: Elpida Memory, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130043556
    Abstract: A size-filtered metal interconnect structure allows formation of metal structures having different compositions. Trenches having different widths are formed in a dielectric material layer. A blocking material layer is conformally deposited to completely fill trenches having a width less than a threshold width. An isotropic etch is performed to remove the blocking material layer in wide trenches, i.e., trenches having a width greater than the threshold width, while narrow trenches, i.e., trenches having a width less than the threshold width, remain plugged with remaining portions of the blocking material layer. The wide trenches are filled and planarized with a first metal to form first metal structures having a width greater than the critical width. The remaining portions of the blocking material layer are removed to form cavities, which are filled with a second metal to form second metal structures having a width less than the critical width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David V. Horak, Charles W. Koburger, III, Shom Ponoth, Chih-Chao Yang
  • Patent number: 8377803
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the deposition of thin films is described. In embodiments, systems and methods for epitaxial thin film formation are provided, including systems and methods for forming binary compound epitaxial thin films. Methods and systems of embodiments of the invention may be used to form direct bandgap semiconducting binary compound epitaxial thin films, such as, for example, GaN, InN and AlN, and the mixed alloys of these compounds, e.g., (In, Ga)N, (Al, Ga)N, (In, Ga, Al)N. Methods and apparatuses include a multistage deposition process and system which enables rapid repetition of sub-monolayer deposition of thin films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip A. Kraus, Thai Cheng Chua, Sandeep Nijhawan
  • Publication number: 20130037908
    Abstract: The spikes in current and voltage that result from the failure of a galvanic dielectric layer are safely contained by a galvanic isolation fuse that pops and forms and open circuit between a high-voltage die and a low-voltage die in response to the failure of the galvanic dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Peter J. Hopper, William French, Ann Gabrys, Martin Fallon
  • Publication number: 20130037911
    Abstract: In a chip-component structure, a monolithic ceramic capacitor is a structure including a predetermined number of substantially flat internal electrodes stacked on each other. An interposer includes a substrate larger than the outer shape of the monolithic ceramic capacitor. The substrate includes a first major surface on which first front electrodes for use in mounting the monolithic ceramic capacitor are disposed and a second major surface on which first back electrodes for use in connecting to an external circuit board are disposed. The interposer includes a depression in its side surface. The depression includes a wall surface on which a connection conductor is disposed. The front surface of the substrate is overlaid with resist films extending along its edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuo HATTORI, Isamu FUJIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20130037873
    Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor device capable of preventing destruction of an electrode having a pillar shape and densely arranged. The semiconductor device having a field-effect transistor and a capacitor having a pillar shape, the semiconductor device includes: a first electrode having a pillar shape and electrically connected to an impurity diffusion region of the field-effect transistor; a dielectric film formed at least on a side of the first electrode; a second electrode formed on the dielectric film; and a support film extending in a direction crossing a length direction of the first electrode having the pillar shape, and formed by a boron-added silicon nitride film connected to the first electrode by penetrating through at least a part of the second electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Keisuke SUZUKI, Kentaro KADONAGA, Yuichiro MOROZUMI
  • Publication number: 20130037879
    Abstract: Vertical devices and methods of forming the same are provided. One example method of forming a vertical device can include forming a trench in a semiconductor structure, and partially filling the trench with an insulator material. A dielectric material is formed over the insulator material. The dielectric material is modified into a modified dielectric material having an etch rate greater than an etch rate of the insulator material. The modified dielectric material is removed from the trench via a wet etch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Filippini, Luca Ferrario, Marcello Mariani
  • Publication number: 20130037909
    Abstract: Galvanic isolation between a high-voltage die and a low-voltage die in a multi-die chip is provided by a galvanic isolation die that physically supports the high-voltage die and the low-voltage die, and provides capacitive structures with high breakdown voltages that allow the high-voltage die to capacitively communicate with the low-voltage die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: William French, Peter J. Hopper, Ann Gabrys
  • Publication number: 20130039110
    Abstract: Memory device and method for fabricating a memory device on two layers of a semiconductor wafer. An example device includes bit lines and word lines fabricated at one layer of a semiconductor wafer and re-writable nonvolatile memory cells that include a two-terminal access device with a bidirectional voltage-current characteristics for positive and negative voltages applied at the terminals. Additionally, a drive circuit electrically coupled to the memory cells and configured to program the memory cells is fabricated at another layer of the semiconductor wafer. Another example embodiment includes a memory device where a plurality of memory arrays are fabricated at one layer of a semiconductor wafer and a plurality of drive circuits electrically coupled to the memory cells and configured to read the memory cells are fabricated at a second layer of the semiconductor wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chung H. Lam, Jing Li, Kailash Gopalakrishnan
  • Publication number: 20130032775
    Abstract: BEOL memory cells are described that include one or more sidewall protection layers on the memory device (including, for example, an MTJ element) deposited prior to interconnect via etching to prevent the formation of electrical shorts between layers. One embodiment uses a single layer sidewall protection sleeve that is deposited after the memory device has been patterned. The layer material is vertically etched down to expose the upper surface of the top electrode while leaving a residual layer of protective material surrounding the rest of the memory device. The material for the protection layer is selected to resist the etchant used to remove the first dielectric material from the via in the subsequent interconnect process. A second embodiment uses dual-layer sidewall protection in which the first layer covers the memory element is preferably an oxygen-free dielectric and the second layer protects the first layer during via etching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Kimihiro Satoh, Yiming Huai, Jing Zhang, Ebrahim Abedifard
  • Patent number: 8368176
    Abstract: A lower electrode includes a metal-containing oxide layer having a thickness of 2 nm or less on the surface layer. A metal-containing oxide layer is formed by oxidizing the surface of the lower electrode. A dielectric film includes a first phase appearing at room temperature in the bulk state and a second phase appearing at a higher temperature than that in the first phase in the bulk state. The second phase has a higher relative permittivity than that of the first phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Iwaki, Takamasa Itou, Kana Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8367428
    Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor device which is characterized as follows. The semiconductor device includes: an interlayer insulating film formed above a semiconductor substrate and provided with a hole above an impurity diffusion region; a conductive plug formed in the hole and electrically connected to the impurity diffusion region; a conductive oxygen barrier film formed on the conductive plug and the interlayer insulating film around the conductive plug; a conductive anti-diffusion film formed on the conductive oxygen barrier film; and a capacitor that has a lower electrode which is formed on the conductive anti-diffusion film and which exposes platinum or palladium on the upper surface, a capacitor dielectric film made of a ferroelectric material, and an upper electrode. The conductive anti-diffusion film is made of a non-oxide conductive material for preventing the diffusion of the constituent element of the capacitor dielectric film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited
    Inventor: Wensheng Wang
  • Publication number: 20130026549
    Abstract: A capacitor and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. A dummy capacitor group is formed in the peripheral circuit area and includes a dummy storage node contact unit, a dielectric, and a dummy plate electrode. A metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) capacitor is formed in the peripheral circuit area and connected to the dummy capacitor group in parallel. Capacitance of the dummy capacitor group may be greater than that of the MOS capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: HYNIX SEMICONDUCTOR INC.
    Inventor: Jong Su KIM
  • Publication number: 20130029467
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes the following processes. A first groove is formed in a semiconductor substrate. A first conductive film is formed in the first groove and over the semiconductor substrate. The first conductive film is planarized over the semiconductor substrate. The planarized first conductive film is selectively etched to have the planarized first conductive film remain in a lower portion of the first groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: ELPIDA MEMORY, INC.
    Inventor: Keisuke OTSUKA
  • Patent number: 8361811
    Abstract: An electronic component is provided on a substrate. A thin-film capacitor is attached to the substrate, the thin-film capacitor includes a pyrochlore or perovskite dielectric layer between a plurality of electrode layers, the electrode layers being formed from a conductive thin-film material. A reactive barrier layer is deposited over the thin-film capacitor. The reactive barrier layer includes an oxide having an element with more than one valence state, wherein the element with more than one valence state has a molar ratio of the molar amount of the element that is in its highest valence state to its total molar amount in the barrier of 50% to 100%. Optionally layers of other materials may intervene between the capacitor and reactive barrier layer. The reactive barrier layer may be paraelectric and the electronic component may be a tunable capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion RF, Inc.
    Inventors: Marina Zelner, Mircea Capanu, Paul Bun Cheuk Woo, Susan C. Nagy
  • Publication number: 20130020678
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices with orientation-free decoupling capacitors and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes at least one integrated circuit and at least one decoupling capacitor. The at least one decoupling capacitor is oriented in a different direction than the at least one integrated circuit is oriented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Chi Tu, Kuo-Chyuan Tzeng, Wen-Chuan Chiang, Chen-Jong Wang
  • Publication number: 20130020672
    Abstract: A method and an electronic device structure comprising at least one access lead to adapted to be connected to an electrical circuit; at least one substrate region; at least one semiconductor die positioned on the substrate; the at least one semiconductor die being operatively connected to the at least one access lead; a dielectric region extending below the at least one semiconductor die; the dielectric region being formed by creating a cavity in the at least one substrate region; whereby the dielectric region operates to reduce electric field stresses produced by the at least one semiconductor die to thereby reduce the possibility of material failure and voltage breakdown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: U.S. Govermment as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Charles W. Tipton, Oladimeji O. Ibitayo
  • Publication number: 20130023105
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to memory devices and methods for manufacturing such memory devices. In one embodiment, a method for forming a memory device with a textured electrode is provided and includes forming a silicon oxide layer on a lower electrode disposed on a substrate, forming metallic particles on the silicon oxide layer, wherein the metallic particles are separately disposed from each other on the silicon oxide layer. The method further includes etching between the metallic particles while removing a portion of the silicon oxide layer and forming troughs within the lower electrode, removing the metallic particles and remaining silicon oxide layer by a wet etch process while revealing peaks separated by the troughs disposed on the lower electrode, forming a metal oxide film stack within the troughs and over the peaks of the lower electrode, and forming an upper electrode over the metal oxide film stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: INTERMOLECULAR, INC.
    Inventor: Dipankar Pramanik
  • Patent number: 8357583
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes at least forming a lower electrode comprising titanium nitride on a semiconductor substrate, forming a dielectric film comprising zirconium oxide as a primary constituent on the lower electrode, forming a first protective film comprising a titanium compound on the dielectric film, and forming an upper electrode comprising titanium nitride on the first protective film. The method can include a step of forming a second protective film on the lower electrode before the step of forming the dielectric film on the lower electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Elpida Memory, Inc.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Hirota, Takakazu Kiyomura
  • Patent number: 8357582
    Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming electrical components. First and second exposed surface configurations are formed over a first structure, and material is then formed across the surface configurations. The material is sub-divided amongst two or more domains, with a first of the domains being induced by the first surface configuration, and with a second of the domains being induced by the second surface configuration. A second structure is then formed over the material. The first domains of the material are incorporated into electrical components. The second domains may be replaced with dielectric material to provide isolation between adjacent electrical components, or may be utilized as intervening regions between adjacent electrical components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. Sills, Roy E. Meade
  • Publication number: 20130015554
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer contains a substrate having a plurality of active devices formed thereon. An analog circuit is formed on the substrate. The analog circuit can be an inductor, metal-insulator-metal capacitor, or resistor. The inductor is made with copper. A through substrate via (TSV) is formed in the substrate. A conductive material is deposited in the TSV in electrical contact with the analog circuit. An under bump metallization layer is formed on a backside of the substrate in electrical contact with the TSV. A solder material is deposited on the UBM layer. The solder material is reflowed to form a solder bump. A wire bond is formed on a top surface of the substrate. A redistribution layer is formed between the TSV and UBM. The analog circuit electrically connects through the TSV to the solder bump on the back side of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: STATS ChipPAC, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yaojian Lin, Haijing Cao, Qing Zhang, Kang Chen, Jianmin Fang
  • Publication number: 20130015557
    Abstract: Circuit elements such as DC blocking capacitors used in communication such as a serial communication link between two or more electrical components are disposed in pre-existing openings in a support structure that supports at least one of the two electrical components. The openings may be plated and used for signal transmission from the one electrical component to a printed circuit board (PCB) supporting the substrate. The DC blocking capacitors may be oriented substantially vertically, and a non-conducting material may be disposed in each opening in the substrate such that the non-conducting material at least partially surrounds and fixes the orientation of the DC blocking capacitor disposed in the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Zhiping Yang, Jie Xue, Jovica Savic, Li Li
  • Publication number: 20130017662
    Abstract: A filler for filling a gap includes a compound represented by the following Chemical Formula 1. [Chemical Formula 1] SiaNbOcHd. In Chemical Formula 1, a, b, c, and d represent relative amounts of Si, N, O, and H, respectively, in the compound, 1.96<a<2.68, 1.78<b<3.21, 0?c<0.19, and 4<d<10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Eun-Su PARK, Bong-Hwan Kim, Sang-Hak Lim, Taek-Soo Kwak, Jin-Hee Bae, Hui-Chan Yun, Sang-Kyun Kim, Jin-Wook Lee
  • Patent number: 8354325
    Abstract: A toroidal inductor formed in a semiconductor substrate. Through-silicon vias are used to connect metal layers formed on top and bottom surfaces of the semiconductor substrate. In one embodiment, the vias are elongated and laid out in two concentric circles, an inner circle enclosed by an outer circle. The vias of the outer concentric circle are longer than the vias of the inner circle so that spaces between vias are the same for both circles. In another embodiment, each elongated via may include a plurality of circular vias formed in a line. Metals layers on the top and bottom of the semiconductor substrate are patterned to form wedge shaped connectors between the inner and outer vias to form the spirals of the toroidal inductor. The wedge shaped connectors with elongated vias allow spacing between spirals to be constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Thuy B. Dao, Qiang Li, Melvy F. Miller
  • Publication number: 20130009254
    Abstract: An electrical device with a fin structure, a first section of the fin structure having a first width and a first height, a second section of the fin structure having a second width and a second height, wherein the first width is smaller than the second width and the first height is lower than the second height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Christian Russ, Gunther Lehmann, Franz Ungar
  • Publication number: 20130011991
    Abstract: A method of forming a memory device, such as a PCRAM, including selecting a chalcogenide glass backbone material for a resistance variable memory function and devices formed using such a method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Kristy A. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20130011987
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a plurality of pillars by etching a semiconductor substrate, forming a conductive layer over a semiconductor substrate structure including the pillars, forming preliminary gates on sidewalls of each pillar by performing a first etch process on the conductive layer, and forming vertical gates by performing a second etch process on upper portions of the preliminary gates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Jung-Hee PARK
  • Publication number: 20130011990
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method of forming crystalline tantalum pentoxide on a ruthenium-containing material having an oxygen-containing surface wherein the oxygen-containing surface is contacted with a treating composition, such as water, to remove at least some oxygen. Crystalline tantalum pentoxide is formed on at least a portion of the surface having reduced oxygen content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Vishwanath Bhat, Rishikesh Krishnan, Daniel Gealy
  • Publication number: 20130011989
    Abstract: In methods of manufacturing a DRAM device, a buried-type gate is formed in a substrate. A capping insulating layer pattern is formed on the buried-type gate. A conductive layer pattern filling up a gap between portions of the capping insulating layer pattern, and an insulating interlayer covering the conductive layer pattern and the capping insulating layer pattern are formed. The insulating interlayer, the conductive layer pattern, the capping insulating layer pattern and an upper portion of the substrate are etched to form an opening, and a first pad electrode making contact with a first pad region. A spacer is formed on a sidewall of the opening corresponding to a second pad region. A second pad electrode is formed in the opening. A bit line electrically connected with the second pad electrode and a capacitor electrically connected with the first pad electrode are formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong-Chul Park, Sang-Sup Jeong
  • Publication number: 20130009279
    Abstract: Integrated circuits with phase-locked loops are provided. Phase-locked loops may include an oscillator, a phase-frequency detector, a charge pump, a loop filter, a voltage-controlled oscillator, and a programmable divider. The voltage-controlled oscillator may include multiple inductors, an oscillator circuit, and a buffer circuit. A selected one of the multiple inductors may be actively connected to the oscillator circuit. The voltage-controlled oscillators may have multiple oscillator circuits. Each oscillator circuit may be connected to a respective inductor, may include a varactor, and may be powered by a respective voltage regulator. Each oscillator circuit may be coupled to a respective input transistor pair in the buffer circuit through associated coupling capacitors. A selected one of the oscillator circuits may be turned on during normal operation by supplying a high voltage to the selected one of the oscillator circuit and by supply a ground voltage to the remaining oscillator circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Weiqi Ding, Sergey Shumarayev, Wilson Wong, Ali Atesoglu, Sharat Babu Ippili
  • Publication number: 20130011988
    Abstract: A semiconductor device has memory cell portions and compensation capacitance portions on a single substrate. The memory cell portion and the compensation capacitance portion have mutually different planar surface areas. The memory cell portion and the compensation capacitance portion include capacitance plate electrodes of the same structure. The capacitance plate electrode has a laminated structure including a boron-doped silicon germanium film and a metal film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Elpida Memory, Inc.
    Inventor: Nobuyuki SAKO
  • Publication number: 20130009226
    Abstract: A DRAM device includes a substrate including an active region having an island shape and a buried gate pattern. A mask pattern is over an upper surface portion of the substrate between portions of the buried gate pattern. A capping insulating layer fills a gap between portions of the mask pattern. A first pad contact penetrates the capping insulating layer and the mask pattern, and contacts a first portion of the substrate in the active region. Second pad contacts are under the capping insulating layer, and contact a second portion of the substrate in the active region positioned at both sides of the first pad contact. A spacer is between the first and second pad contacts to insulate the first and second pad contacts. A bit line configured to electrically connect with the first pad contact, and a capacitor configured to electrically connect with the second pad contacts, are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-Chul Park, Byung-Jin Kang, Sang-Sup Jeong
  • Patent number: 8349696
    Abstract: A bilayer second electrode for a MIM DRAM capacitor is formed wherein the layer of the electrode that is in contact with the dielectric layer (i.e. bottom layer) has a composition that is resistant to oxidation during subsequent anneal steps and have rutile templating capability. Examples include SnO2 and RuO2. The capacitor stack including the bottom layer is subjected to a PMA treatment to reduce the oxygen vacancies in the dielectric layer and reduce the interface states at the dielectric/second electrode interface. The other component of the bilayer (i.e. top layer) is a high work function, high conductivity metal or conductive metal compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Hanhong Chen, Hiroyuki Ode
  • Patent number: 8349682
    Abstract: An integrated method includes fabricating a metal gate transistor and a polysilicon resistor structure. A photoresistor layer is defined by an SAB photo mask and covers a part of a high resistance structure of the polysilicon resistor. When the dummy gate of the transistor is etched, the part of the high resistance structure is protected by the patterned photoresistor layer. The polysilicon resistor is formed simultaneously with the transistor. Furthermore, the polysilicon resistor still has sufficient resistance and includes two metal structures for electrical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Cheng-Wen Fan, Kun-Szu Tseng, Che-Hua Hsu, Chih-Yu Tseng, Victor-Chiang Liang
  • Patent number: 8350359
    Abstract: An aluminum lateral interconnect of a Back End of the Line (BEOL) is used to define the x and y dimensions of a through-silicon via in a semiconductor chip formed in a silicon substrate. The TSV includes one or more aluminum annulus formed on a surface of the substrate, and a deep trench in the substrate having a diameter that is determined by the diameter of the aluminum annulus. The annulus can also be provided with a conductive strap upon which a capacitor can be formed. The strap can also be used to provide a connection of the TSV to other BEOL interconnects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin S. Petrarca, Matthew Angyal, Lawrence A. Clevenger, Carl Radens, Brian C. Sapp
  • Patent number: 8350308
    Abstract: A read only memory is manufactured with a plurality of transistors (4) on a semiconductor substrate (2). A low-k dielectric (10) and interconnects (14) are provided over the transistors (4). To program the read only memory, the low-k dielectric is implanted with ions (22) in unmasked regions (20) leaving the dielectric unimplanted in masked regions (18). The memory thus formed is difficult to reverse engineer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Aurelie Humbert, Pierre Goarin, Romain Delhougne
  • Publication number: 20130001746
    Abstract: An electronic die includes a multi-finger capacitor including a first electrically conductive plate including a plurality of first metal fingers joined together by a first metal base, and a second electrically conductive plate including a plurality of second metal fingers joined together by a second metal base. A dielectric layer is between the first electrically conductive plate and the second electrically conductive plate for electrically isolation. The plurality of first metal fingers and plurality of second metal fingers are interleaved with one another. The die can include a first portion that includes the multi-finger capacitor and a second portion that includes active circuitry configured to provide at least one circuit function, wherein the first and second electrically conductive plates are coupled to the active circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: DARVIN RENNE EDWARDS
  • Publication number: 20130005109
    Abstract: A toroidal inductor formed in a semiconductor substrate. Through-silicon vias are used to connect metal layers formed on top and bottom surfaces of the semiconductor substrate. In one embodiment, the vias are elongated and laid out in two concentric circles, an inner circle enclosed by an outer circle. The vias of the outer concentric circle are longer than the vias of the inner circle so that spaces between vias are the same for both circles. In another embodiment, each elongated via may include a plurality of circular vias formed in a line. Metals layers on the top and bottom of the semiconductor substrate are patterned to form wedge shaped connectors between the inner and outer vias to form the spirals of the toroidal inductor. The wedge shaped connectors with elongated vias allow spacing between spirals to be constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Thuy B. Dao, Qiang Li, Melvy F. Miller
  • Publication number: 20130001741
    Abstract: Methods of fabricating an integrated circuit with a fin-based fuse, and the resulting integrated circuit with a fin-based fuse are provided. In the method, a fin is created from a layer of semiconductor material and has a first end and a second end. The method provides for forming a conductive path on the fin from its first end to its second end. The conductive path is electrically connected to a programming device that is capable of selectively directing a programming current through the conductive path to cause a structural change in the conductive path to increase resistance across the conductive path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.
    Inventors: Randy Mann, Kingsuk Maitra, Anurag Mittal
  • Publication number: 20130001743
    Abstract: A structure includes a first metallic electrode, a dielectric film formed over the first metallic electrode, and a second metallic electrode formed over the dielectric film. The second metallic electrode includes an oxygen scavenging material. The oxygen scavenging material is selected such that an oxygen density decreases in a region between the first metallic electrode and the second metallic electrode responsive to elevating a temperature of the first metallic electrode, the dielectric film, and the second metallic electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Martin M. Frank
  • Publication number: 20130001504
    Abstract: Provided is a nonvolatile memory element which inhibits deterioration of a oxygen concentration profile of a variable resistance layer due to a thermal budget and is able to stably operate at low voltages, and a method for manufacturing the nonvolatile memory element. A nonvolatile memory element (12) includes a first electrode layer (105) formed above a substrate (100), a variable resistance layer (106) disposed on the first electrode layer (105), and a second electrode layer (107) disposed on the variable resistance layer (106), and the variable resistance layer (106) has a two-layer structure in which a oxygen- and/or nitrogen-deficient tantalum oxynitride layer (106a) and a tantalum oxide layer (106b) are stacked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Takeki Ninomiya, Takumi Mikawa, Yukio Hayakawa
  • Publication number: 20130005111
    Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of making stud-type capacitors utilizing carbon-containing support material. Openings may be formed through the carbon-containing support material to electrical nodes, and subsequently conductive material may be grown within the openings. The carbon-containing support material may then be removed, and the conductive material utilized as stud-type storage nodes of stud-type capacitors. The stud-type capacitors may be incorporated into DRAM, and the DRAM may be utilized in electronic systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Kiehlbauch, Kevin R. Shea
  • Publication number: 20130001499
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a PCM device comprises forming a dielectric, producing a via in the dielectric starting at an area on the surface of the dielectric by forming a via opening in the area and extending the opening into the dielectric toward and then terminating at an electrode comprising a first electrode in the dielectric. We form a spacer layer contiguous with the side walls of the via and fill the via with a PCM. We then remove the surface of the dielectric to leave a PCM cusp at the opening of the via, cap the PCM cusp with a low density capping film; densify the PCM and capping film to obtain a high density capping film that exerts compressive pressure on the high density PCM in a direction toward the first electrode to enhance electrical contact between the PCM and the first electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Breitwisch, Chung H. Lam, Alejandro G. Schrott
  • Publication number: 20130005110
    Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device having a capacitor. The method includes forming a composite layer, including sequentially stacking on a substrate alternating layers of first through nth sacrificial layers and first through nth supporting layers. A plurality of openings that penetrate the composite layer are formed. A lower electrode is formed in the plurality of openings. At least portions of the first through nth sacrificial layers are removed to define a support structure for the lower electrode extending between adjacent ones of the plurality of openings and the lower electrode formed therein, the support structure including the first through nth supporting layers and a gap region between adjacent ones of the first through nth supporting layers where the first through nth sacrificial layers have been removed. A dielectric layer is formed on the lower electrode and an upper electrode is formed on the dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Jun-Ho Yoon, Bong-Jin Kuh, Ki-Chul Kim, Gyung-Jin Min, Tae-Jin Park, Sang-Ryol Yang, Jung-Min Oh, Sang-Yoon Woo, Young-Sub Yoo, Ji-Eun Lee, Jong-Sung Lim, Yong-Moon Jang, Han-Mei Choi, Je-Woo Han