Making Passive Device (e.g., Resistor, Capacitor, Etc.) Patents (Class 438/381)
  • Publication number: 20140349461
    Abstract: A method for using a metal bilayer is disclosed. First, a bottom electrode is provided. Second, a dielectric layer which is disposed on and is in direct contact with the lower electrode is provided. Then, a metal bilayer which serves as a top electrode in a capacitor is provided. The metal bilayer is disposed on and is in direct contact with the dielectric layer. The metal bilayer consists of a noble metal in direct contact with the dielectric layer and a metal nitride in direct contact with the noble metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Vassil Antonov, Vishwanath Bhat, Chris Carlson
  • Patent number: 8896098
    Abstract: To provide a power storage device with improved cycle characteristics and a method for manufacturing the power storage device, a power storage device is provided with a conductive layer in contact with a surface of an active material layer including a silicon layer after an oxide film, such as a natural oxide film, which is formed on the surface of the active material layer is removed. The conductive layer is thus provided in contact with the surface of the active material layer including a silicon layer, whereby the conductivity of the electrode surface of the power storage device is improved; therefore, cycle characteristics of the power storage device can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shunpei Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8895401
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kristy A. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20140339675
    Abstract: A polysilicon fuse is disclosed that is capable of securing good insulation after being cut into small areas. A manufacturing method for the fuse and a small-size and highly-reliable semiconductor device including a polysilicon fuse also are disclosed. By forming a cavity inside a polysilicon portion serving as a melting portion by setting the melting portion of the polysilicon fuse to be a vertical type, a gap is formed between an upper part electrode and the surface of melted polysilicon when the polysilicon fuse is cut off. Because of this gap, good insulation can be secured. By using this polysilicon fuse, a semiconductor device that has a small size and high reliability is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hideaki KATAKURA
  • Patent number: 8889508
    Abstract: Precision resistors for non-planar semiconductor device architectures are described. In a first example, a semiconductor structure includes first and second semiconductor fins disposed above a substrate. A resistor structure is disposed above the first semiconductor fin but not above the second semiconductor fin. A transistor structure is formed from the second semiconductor fin but not from the first semiconductor fin. In a second example, a semiconductor structure includes first and second semiconductor fins disposed above a substrate. An isolation region is disposed above the substrate, between the first and second semiconductor fins, and at a height less than the first and second semiconductor fins. A resistor structure is disposed above the isolation region but not above the first and second semiconductor fins. First and second transistor structures are formed from the first and second semiconductor fins, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Jeng-Ya D. Yeh, Peter J. Vandervoorn, Walid M. Hafez, Chia-Hong Jan, Curtis Tsai, Joodong Park
  • Patent number: 8890289
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a multilayer wiring layer located over a substrate and in which multiple wiring layers configured by a wiring and an insulating layer are stacked; a memory circuit which is formed in a memory circuit region in the substrate and has a capacitance element embedded in a concave part located in the multilayer wiring layer; a logic circuit which is formed in a logic circuit region in the substrate; an upper part coupling wiring which is stacked over the capacitance element configured by a lower part electrode, a capacitor insulating film and an upper part electrode; and a cap layer which is formed on the upper surface of the wiring configuring the logic circuit. The upper surface of the upper part coupling wiring and the upper surface of the cap film are provided on the same plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Kenzo Manabe, Naoya Inoue, Kenichiro Hijioka, Yoshihiro Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8884264
    Abstract: A variable resistance memory device includes: a pair of first electrodes and a second electrode interposed between the pair of first electrodes; a first variable resistance material layer interposed between one of the first electrodes and the second electrode; and a second variable resistance material layer interposed between the other of the first electrodes and the second electrode, wherein the pair of first electrodes are electrically connected to each other, and a first set voltage and a first reset voltage of the first variable resistance material layer are different from a second set voltage and a second reset voltage of the second variable resistance material layer, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Seung-Hwan Lee
  • Patent number: 8883601
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: PS4 Luxco S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Sako
  • Patent number: 8884288
    Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor structure for testing MIM capacitors. The semiconductor structure comprises: a first metal layer comprising at least a first circuit area and a second circuit area; a second metal layer located below the first metal layer with a first dielectric layer lying therebetween and connected with the second circuit area; a top plate located within the first dielectric layer closer to the first metal layer and connected with the first circuit area; a bottom plate located within the first dielectric layer closer to the second metal layer and separated from the top plate with an insulation layer therebetween and connected with the second circuit area. The second metal layer is connected with the substrate through a first electric pathway so as to form a second electric pathway from the top plate to the substrate when an electric leakage region exists in the insulation layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Shanghai Huali Microelectronics Corporation
    Inventors: Qiang Li, Zhuanlan Sun, Changhui Yang
  • Publication number: 20140327107
    Abstract: A semiconductor device has a trench formed in a substrate. The trench has tapered sidewalls and depth of 10-120 micrometers. A first insulating layer is conformally applied over the substrate and into the trench. An insulating material, such as polymer, is deposited over the first insulating layer in the trench. A first conductive layer is formed over the insulating material. A second insulating layer is formed over the first insulating layer and first conductive layer. A second conductive layer is formed over the second insulating layer and electrically contacts the first conductive layer. The first and second conductive layers are isolated from the substrate by the insulating material in the trench. A third insulating layer is formed over the second insulating layer and second conductive layer. The first and second conductive layers are coiled over the substrate to exhibit inductive properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Meenakshi Padmanathan, Seung Wook Yoon, YongTaek Lee
  • Patent number: 8877628
    Abstract: Electrical contacts may be formed by forming dielectric liners along sidewalls of a dielectric structure, forming sacrificial liners over and transverse to the dielectric liners along sidewalls of a sacrificial structure, selectively removing portions of the dielectric liners at intersections of the dielectric liners and sacrificial liners to form pores, and at least partially filling the pores with a conductive material. Nano-scale pores may be formed by similar methods. Bottom electrodes may be formed and electrical contacts may be structurally and electrically coupled to the bottom electrodes to form memory devices. Nano-scale electrical contacts may have a rectangular cross-section of a first width and a second width, each width less than about 20 nm. Memory devices may include bottom electrodes, electrical contacts having a cross-sectional area less than about 150 nm2 over and electrically coupled to the bottom electrodes, and a cell material over the electrical contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Liu, Kunal R. Parekh
  • Patent number: 8872148
    Abstract: A phase-change memory device includes a diode, a plug, a doping layer pattern, a phase-change layer pattern and an upper electrode. The diode is disposed on a substrate. The plug is disposed on the diode and has a bottom surface whose area is equal to the area of a top surface of the diode. The plug is formed of metal or a conductive metallic compound. The doping layer pattern is disposed on the plug and has a bottom surface whose area is equal to the area of a top surface of the plug, and includes the same metal or conductive metallic compound as the plug. The phase-change layer pattern is disposed on the doping layer pattern. The upper electrode is disposed on the phase-change layer pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Doo-Hwan Park, Gyu-Hwan Oh, Jeong-Min Park, Kyung-Min Chung
  • Patent number: 8871574
    Abstract: Some embodiments include memory cells including a memory component having a first conductive material, a second conductive material, and an oxide material between the first conductive material and the second conductive material. A resistance of the memory component is configurable via a current conducted from the first conductive material through the oxide material to the second conductive material. Other embodiments include a diode comprising metal and a dielectric material and a memory component connected in series with the diode. The memory component includes a magnetoresistive material and has a resistance that is changeable via a current conducted through the diode and the magnetoresistive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Chandra Mouli
  • Publication number: 20140315367
    Abstract: A rinse liquid for an insulation layer, the rinse liquid including a solvent represented by the following Chemical Formula 1:
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Jin-Hee BAE, Han-Song LEE, Wan-Hee LIM, Go-Un KIM, Taek-Soo KWAK, Bo-Sun KIM, Sang-Kyun KIM, Yoong-Hee NA, Eun-Su PARK, Jin-Woo SEO, Hyun-Ji SONG, Youn-Jin CHO, Kwen-Woo HAN, Byeong-Gyu HWANG
  • Publication number: 20140315368
    Abstract: A process of forming a capacitor structure includes providing a substrate. Next, a first electrode is deposited onto the substrate. Later, a water-based ALD process is performed to deposit a transitional amorphous TiO2 layer on the first electrode. Subsequently, the transitional amorphous TiO2 layer is treated by oxygen plasma to transform the entire transitional amorphous TiO2 layer into a rutile TiO2 layer. Finally, a second electrode is deposited on the rutile TiO2 layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Chun-I Hsieh, Daniel Damjanovic
  • Patent number: 8865559
    Abstract: Methods of forming and the resulting capacitors formed by these methods are shown. Monolayers that contain praseodymium are deposited onto a substrate and subsequently processed to form praseodymium oxide dielectrics. Monolayers that contain titanium or other metals are deposited onto a substrate and subsequently processed to form metal electrodes. Resulting capacitor structures includes properties such as improved dimensional control. One improved dimensional control includes thickness. Some resulting capacitor structures also include properties such as an amorphous or nanocrystalline microstructure. Selected components of capacitors formed with these methods have better step coverage over substrate topography and more robust film mechanical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kie Y. Ahn, Leonard Forbes, Arup Bhattacharyya
  • Patent number: 8866260
    Abstract: An integrated circuit structure includes one or more external contact pads with decoupling capacitors, such as metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors, formed directly thereunder. In an embodiment, the decoupling capacitors are formed below the first metallization layer, and in another embodiment, the decoupling capacitors are formed in the uppermost inter-metal dielectric layer. A bottom plate of the decoupling capacitors is electrically coupled to one of Vdd and Vss, and the top plate of the decoupling capacitors is electrically coupled to the other. The decoupling capacitors may include an array of decoupling capacitors formed under the external contact pads and may include one or more dummy decoupling capacitors. The one or more dummy decoupling capacitors are MIM capacitors in which at least one of the top plate and the bottom plate is not electrically coupled to an external contact pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hau-Tai Shieh, Chen-Hui Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20140308795
    Abstract: A semiconductor component and methods for manufacturing the semiconductor component that includes a three dimensional helically shaped common mode choke. In accordance with embodiments, a transient voltage suppression device may be coupled to the monolithically integrated common mode choke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Phillip Holland, Rong Liu, Umesh Sharma, David D Marreiro, Der Min Liou, Sudhama C. Shastri
  • Publication number: 20140308794
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming an insulation layer over a substrate; forming an open portion in the insulation layer; forming a sacrificial spacer over sidewalls of the open portion; forming, over the sacrificial spacer, a first conductive pattern in a lower section of the open portion; forming an ohmic contact layer over the first conductive pattern; forming an air gap by removing the sacrificial spacer; capping the air gap by forming a barrier layer over the ohmic contact layer; and forming a second conductive pattern over the barrier layer to fill an upper section of the open portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Hyo-Seok LEE, Seung-Jin YEOM, Sung-Won LIM, Seung-Hee HONG, Nam-Yeal LEE
  • Patent number: 8859385
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes providing a semiconductor substrate in which a lower structure is formed, forming a phase-change material layer of a first state over the lower structure, transforming an upper region of the phase-change material layer of the first state into a phase-change material layer of a second state having an etch selectivity different from the phase-change material layer of the first state, removing the phase-change material layer of the second state, and forming an upper electrode over the phase-change material layer of the first state in which the phase-change material layer of the second state is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Joo Hyung Bae, Kang Sik Choi, Jung Won Seo
  • Patent number: 8859382
    Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming memory cells. Metal oxide may be deposited over a first electrode, with the deposited metal oxide having a relatively low degree of crystallinity. The degree of crystallinity within the metal oxide may be increased after the deposition of the metal oxide. A dielectric material may be formed over the metal oxide, and a second electrode may be formed over the dielectric material. The degree of crystallinity may be increased with a thermal treatment. The thermal treatment may be conducted before, during, and/or after formation of the dielectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Noel Rocklein, D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy, Dale W. Collins, Swapnil Lengade, Srividya Krishnamurthy, Mark Korber
  • Patent number: 8860107
    Abstract: At least one semiconductor fin for a capacitor is formed concurrently with other semiconductor fins for field effect transistors. A lower conductive layer is deposited and lithographically patterned to form a lower conductive plate located on the at least one semiconductor fin. A dielectric layer and at least one upper conductive layer are formed and lithographically patterned to form a node dielectric and an upper conductive plate over the lower conductive plate as well as a gate dielectric and a gate conductor over the other semiconductor fins. The lower conductive plate, the node dielectric, and the upper conductive plate collectively form a capacitor. The finFETs may be dual gate finFETs or trigate finFETs. A buried insulator layer may be optionally recessed to increase the capacitance. Alternately, the lower conductive plate may be formed on a planar surface of the buried insulator layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Wilfried E. Haensch, Pranita Kulkarni, Tenko Yamashita
  • Patent number: 8859383
    Abstract: A semiconductor device having a dielectric layer with improved electrical characteristics and associated methods, the semiconductor device including a lower metal layer, a dielectric layer, and an upper metal layer sequentially disposed on a semiconductor substrate and an insertion layer disposed between the dielectric layer and at least one of the lower metal layer and the upper metal layer, wherein the dielectric layer includes a metal oxide film and the insertion layer includes a metallic material film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Youn-soo Kim, Jae-hyoung Choi, Kyu-ho Cho, Wan-don Kim, Jae-soon Lim, Sang-yeol Kang
  • Patent number: 8859384
    Abstract: Methods for forming inductors. The methods include forming sidewalls around a mandrel over a conductor layer; removing material from the conductor layer around a region defined by the sidewalls; removing the mandrel; partially etching the conductor layer in a region between the sidewalls; etching the partially etched conductor layer to form separate metal segments; depositing a dielectric material in and around the metal segments; and forming conductive lines between exposed contacts of adjacent metal segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hsueh-Chung H. Chen, Hong He, Chiahsun Tseng, Chun-Chen Yeh, Yunpeng Yin
  • Publication number: 20140301021
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for an energy-storage device (e.g., a capacitor) having a plurality of electrically conducting electrodes including a first electrode and a second electrode separated by a non-electrically conducting region, and wherein the non-electrically conducting region further includes a non-uniform permittivity (K) value. In some embodiments, the method includes providing a substrate; fabricating a first electrode on the substrate; and fabricating a second electrode such that the second electrode is separated from the first electrode by a non-electrically conducting region, wherein the non-electrically conducting region has a non-uniform permittivity (K) value. The capacitor devices will find benefit for use in electric vehicles, of all kinds, uninterruptible power supplies, wind turbines, mobile phones, and the like requiring wide temperature ranges from several hundreds of degrees C. down to absolute zero, consumer electronics operating in a temperature range of ?55 degrees C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: John P. Snyder
  • Publication number: 20140299964
    Abstract: A system and method utilize a redistribution layer in a flip-chip or wirebond package, which is also used to route signals to bumps, as a layer for the construction of an on-chip inductor or a layer of a multiple-layer on-chip inductor. In one example, the redistribution layer is surrounded by dual-layer passivation to protect it, and the inductor formed thereby, from the environment and isolate it, and the inductor formed thereby, from the metal layer beneath it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Henry Kuo-Shun CHEN, Guang-Jye Shiau, Akira Ito
  • Patent number: 8853760
    Abstract: An integrated circuit may include an element placed in an insulating region adjacent to a copper metallization level and including a barrier layer in contact with a metallization level. The element may be electrically connected to and spaced away from a copper line of the metallization level by way of an electrical link passing through the barrier layer and including an electrically conductive material different from copper in direct contact with the copper line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS
    Inventors: Sébastien Cremer, Sébastien Gaillard
  • Patent number: 8853032
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed, which include a gate electrode material in a recess or a buried gate cell structure, a polysilicon material doped with impurities over a sidewall of a recess located over the gate electrode material, and a junction formed by an annealing or a rapid thermal annealing (RTA) process, thereby establishing a degree overlap between a gate electrode material of a buried gate and a junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Kee Lee, Jong Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 8854287
    Abstract: A vertical alignment liquid crystal display includes two sub-pixels each with a variable capacitor. A pixel is bisected into a high gray sub-pixel and a low gray sub-pixel through forming a variable capacitor at each sub-pixel. With this structure, the sub-pixels express different grays so that lateral visibility is enhanced. It is not required in bisecting a pixel into two sub-pixels to form separate wires for applying different signals thereto, and the amount of data to be processed at the driver for driving the display device is reduced. Furthermore, a pixel is bisected into two sub-pixels with variable capacitors in a simplified manner, and it is not required to form additional wires and elements, so the aperture ratio is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joon-Chul Goh, Kwang-Chul Jung, Chong-Chul Chai, Mee-Hye Jung, Young-Soo Yoon
  • Patent number: 8853045
    Abstract: A precision low capacitance resistor is formed, e.g., in a bulk substrate. An embodiment includes forming a source/drain region on a substrate, patterning a portion of the source/drain region to form segments, etching the segments to substantially separate an upper section of each segment from a lower section of each segment, and filling the space between the segments with an insulating material. The resulting structure maintains electrical connection between the segments at end pads, but separates the resistor segments from the bottom substrate, thereby avoiding capacitive coupling with the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: GlobalFoundries, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven R. Soss
  • Patent number: 8853663
    Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device is disclosed, in which a first electrode, a first material layer having a positive Peltier coefficient, an information storage layer, a second material layer having a negative Peltier coefficient, and a second electrode are laminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Jun Sumino
  • Patent number: 8853044
    Abstract: A phase-change random access memory (PCRAM) device includes a semiconductor substrate; switching elements formed on the semiconductor substrate; a plurality of phase-change structures formed on the switching elements; and heat absorption layers buried between the plurality of phase-change structures, wherein the plurality of phase-change structures are insulated from the heat absorption layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Nam Kyun Park
  • Publication number: 20140291802
    Abstract: Disclosed are semiconductor structures with metal lines and methods of manufacture which reduce or eliminate extrusion formation. The method includes forming a metal wiring comprising a layered structure of metal materials with an upper constraining layer. The method further includes forming a film on the metal wiring which prevents metal extrusion during an annealing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shawn A. Adderly, Daniel A. Delibac, Zhong-Xiang He, Matthew D. Moon, Anthony C. Speranza, Timothy D. Sullivan, David C. Thomas, Eric J. White
  • Publication number: 20140291805
    Abstract: A semiconductor device containing an MIM capacitor and its fabrication method are provided. A metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor is formed on a first interlayer dielectric layer covering a substrate. The MIM capacitor includes a bottom electrode layer and a top electrode layer that are isolated from and laterally staggered with one another. A second interlayer dielectric layer is formed to cover both the MIM capacitor and the first interlayer dielectric layer. A first conductive plug and a second conductive plug are formed each passing through the second interlayer dielectric layer. The first conductive plug contacts a sidewall and a surface portion of the top electrode layer of the MIM capacitor and the second conductive plug contacts a sidewall and a surface portion of the bottom electrode layer of the MIM capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING INTERNATIONAL (SHANGHAI) CORPORATION
    Inventor: ZHONGSHAN HONG
  • Patent number: 8846515
    Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming contacts. A row of projections may be formed over a semiconductor substrate. The projections may include a plurality of repeating components of an array, and a terminal projection. The terminal projection may have a sacrificial material spaced from semiconductor material of the substrate by a dielectric structure. An electrically conductive line may be formed along the row. The line may wrap around an end of the terminal projection and bifurcate into two branches that are along opposing sides of the repeating components. The individual branches may have regions spaced from the sacrificial material by segments of gate dielectric. The sacrificial material may be removed, together with the segments of gate dielectric, to form a contact opening. An electrically conductive contact may be formed within the contact opening and directly against the regions of the branches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcello Mariani, Micaela Gabriella Tomasini
  • Patent number: 8846483
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a phase change semiconductor device and a manufacturing method thereof, comprising: forming an insulating layer on a substrate and a metal layer on the insulating layer; forming a via hole penetrating from the metal layer to the insulating layer; forming a phase change material layer on the metal layer and the via hole to at least fill up the via hole; and performing a planarization process, wherein after forming the metal layer and before forming the via hole, or after forming the via hole and before forming the phase change material layer, or after forming the phase change material layer and before the planarization process, subjecting the metal layer to an annealing treatment to form a metallic compound layer at an interface between the metal layer and the insulating layer. Adhesion between the phase change material layer and the insulating layer can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Manufacturing International (Shanghai) Corporation
    Inventor: Wanchun Ren
  • Patent number: 8847365
    Abstract: Inductors and methods for integrated circuits that result in inductors of a size compatible with integrated circuits, allowing the fabrication of inductors, with or without additional circuitry on a first wafer and the bonding of that wafer to a second wafer without wasting of wafer area. The inductors in the first wafer are comprised of coils formed by conductors at each surface of the first wafer coupled to conductors in holes passing through the first wafer. Various embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Ellul, Khanh Tran, Edward Martin Godshalk, Albert Bergemont
  • Patent number: 8847353
    Abstract: Capacitance blocks (first block and second block) respectively formed on two different adjacent common pad electrodes are electrically connected in series through an upper electrode. A distance between two adjacent capacitance blocks connected in series through an upper electrode film for the upper electrode corresponds to a distance between opposing lower electrodes disposed in an outermost perimeter of each capacitance block, and is two or less times than a total film thickness of the upper electrode film embedded between the two adjacent capacitance blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: PS4 Luxco S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Eiji Hasunuma
  • Patent number: 8846530
    Abstract: To provide a method for manufacturing a power storage device which enables improvement in performance of the power storage device, such as an increase in discharge capacity. To provide a method for forming a semiconductor region which is used for a power storage device or the like so as to improve performance. A method for forming a crystalline semiconductor region includes the steps of: forming, over a conductive layer, a crystalline semiconductor region that includes a plurality of whiskers including a crystalline semiconductor by an LPCVD method; and performing heat treatment on the crystalline semiconductor region after supply of a source gas containing a deposition gas including silicon is stopped. A method for manufacturing a power storage device includes the step of using the crystalline semiconductor region as an active material layer of the power storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Furuno, Takashi Shimazu
  • Publication number: 20140284760
    Abstract: Integrated passive devices for silicon on insulator (SOI) FinFET technologies and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The method includes forming a passive device on a substrate on insulator material. The method further includes removing a portion of the insulator material to expose an underside surface of the substrate on insulator material. The method further includes forming material on the underside surface of the substrate on insulator material, thereby locally thickening the substrate on insulator material under the passive device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kangguo Cheng, Thomas N. Adam, Balasubramanian Pranatharthi Haran, Shom Ponoth, Theodorus E. Standaert, Tenko Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20140284762
    Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated inductor and an integrated inductor fabricating method. The integrated inductor comprises: a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of deep trenches, and an inductor. The deep trenches are formed in the semiconductor substrate and arranged in a specific pattern, and the deep trenches are filled with a metal material to form a patterned ground shield (PGS). The inductor is formed above the semiconductor substrate. The integrated inductor fabricating method comprises: forming a semiconductor substrate; forming a plurality of deep trenches in the semiconductor substrate and arranging the deep trenches in a specific pattern; filling the deep trenches with a metal material to form a patterned ground shield (PGS); and forming an inductor above the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventor: Ta-Hsun Yeh
  • Publication number: 20140284763
    Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated inductor and an integrated inductor fabricating method. The integrated inductor comprises: a semiconductor substrate, an inductor, and a redistribution layer (RDL). The inductor is formed above the semiconductor substrate. The RDL is formed above the inductor and has a specific pattern to form a patterned ground shield (PGS). The integrated inductor fabricating method comprises: forming a semiconductor substrate; forming an inductor above the semiconductor substrate; and forming redistribution layer (RDL) having a specific pattern above the inductor to form a patterned ground shield (PGS).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventor: Ta-Hsun Yeh
  • Publication number: 20140284671
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a metal gate, a second dielectric layer and a contact plug. The metal gate is located on a substrate and in a first dielectric layer, wherein the metal gate includes a work function metal layer having a U-shaped cross- sectional profile and a low resistivity material located on the work function metal layer. The second dielectric layer is located on the metal gate and the first dielectric layer. The contact plug is located on the second dielectric layer and in a third dielectric layer, thereby a capacitor is formed. Moreover, the present invention also provides a semiconductor process forming said semiconductor structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Ching-Wen Hung, Chih-Sen Huang, Po-Chao Tsao
  • Publication number: 20140284761
    Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated inductor and an integrated inductor fabricating method. The integrated inductor comprises: a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of through silicon vias (TSVs), and an inductor. The TSVs are formed in the semiconductor substrate and arranged in a specific pattern, and the TSVs are filled with a metal material to form a patterned ground shield (PGS). The inductor is formed above the semiconductor substrate. The integrated inductor fabricating method comprises: forming a semiconductor substrate; forming a plurality of TSVs in the semiconductor substrate and arranging the TSVs in a specific pattern; filling the TSVs with a metal material to form a PGS. forming an inductor above the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventor: Ta-Hsun Yeh
  • Patent number: 8841195
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a first dielectric structure over a second region of a substrate to expose a first region of the substrate, forming a barrier layer over an entire surface including the first dielectric structure, forming a second dielectric structure over the barrier layer in the first region, forming first open parts and second open parts in the first region and the second region, respectively, by etching the second dielectric structure, the barrier layer and the first dielectric structure, forming first conductive patterns filled in the first open parts and second conductive patterns filled in the second open parts, forming a protective layer to cover the second region, and removing the second dielectric structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Jun-Hyeub Sun, Sang-Oh Lee, Su-Young Kim
  • Publication number: 20140273393
    Abstract: A capacitor can include a substrate having a first surface, a second surface remote from the first surface, and a through opening extending between the first and second surfaces, first and second metal elements, and a capacitor dielectric layer separating and insulating the first and second metal elements from one another at least within the through opening. The first metal element can be exposed at the first surface and can extend into the through opening. The second metal element can be exposed at the second surface and can extend into the through opening. The first and second metal elements can be electrically connectable to first and second electric potentials. The capacitor dielectric layer can have an undulating shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: TESSERA, INC.
    Inventors: Ilyas Mohammed, Belgacem Haba, Cyprian Emeka Uzoh, Piyush Savalia, Vage Oganesian
  • Publication number: 20140264733
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods for forming a semiconductor device are presented. The semiconductor device includes a die which includes a die substrate having first and second major surfaces. The semiconductor device includes a passive component disposed below the second major surface of the die substrate. The passive component is electrically coupled to the die through through silicon via (TSV) contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GLOBALFOUNDERS Singapore Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Shaoning YUAN, Yue Kang LU, Yeow Kheng LIM, Juan Boon TAN, Soh Yun SIAH
  • Publication number: 20140264740
    Abstract: A semiconductor device comprising: a first, a second and a third conductive layer; the second conductive layer being located between the first and third conductive layers; wherein respective regions of the first and second conductive layers form a first capacitor; and respective regions of the second and third conductive layers form a second capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: X-FAB SEMICONDUCTOR FOUNDRIES AG
    Inventor: Paul Ronald Stribley
  • Publication number: 20140264741
    Abstract: A metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor using barrier layer metallurgy and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The method includes forming a bottom plate of a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor and a bonding pad using a single masking process. The method further includes forming a MIM dielectric on the bottom plate. The method further includes forming a top plate of the MIM capacitor on the MIM dielectric. The method further includes forming a solder connection on the bonding pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy H. Daubenspeck, Jeffrey P. Gambino, Zhong-Xiang He, Christopher D. Muzzy, Wolfgang Sauter
  • Publication number: 20140268616
    Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a device includes a substrate, a via that extends at least partially through the substrate, and a capacitor. A dielectric of the capacitor is located between the via and a plate of the capacitor, and the plate of the capacitor is external to the substrate and within the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: QUALCOMM INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Je-Hsiung Lan, Chengjie Zuo, Changhan Yun, David F. Berdy, Daeik D. Kim, Robert P. Mikulka, Mario Francisco Velez, Jonghae Kim