Abstract: On-chip decoupling capacitors and methods for placing the same are disclosed in which designated spaces are created between the active circuits to insert designated capacitor cells. The designated capacitor cells may be placed in designated areas of the integrated circuit that are not simply spaces left empty by cell placement or frontier areas in or around the route, and the dimensions (e.g., height) of the designated capacitor cells may be selected to optimize (increase) capacitance efficiency. The capacitor cells may also be placed to target and reduce the interference between a digital core (aggressor) circuit and a victim analog circuit.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed. In an example, integrated circuit device includes a capacitor having a doped region disposed in a semiconductor substrate, a dielectric layer disposed over the doped region, and an electrode disposed over the dielectric layer. At least one post feature embedded in the electrode.

Abstract: A method of forming a field effect transistor (FET) capacitor includes forming a channel region; forming a gate stack over the channel region; forming a first extension region on a first side of the gate stack, the first extension region being formed by implanting a first doping material at a first angle such that a shadow region exists on a second side of the gate stack; and forming a second extension region on the second side of the gate stack, the second extension region being formed by implanting a second doping material at a second angle such that a shadow region exists on the first side of the gate stack.

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.

Abstract: In a capacitor structure and method of forming the same, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a first insulation layer are sequentially formed on a substrate. The first and second electrodes and the first insulation layer are covered with a second insulation layer on the substrate. A first plug is in contact with the second electrode through the second insulation layer. A second plug is in contact with the first electrode through the first and second insulation layer. A third insulation layer is formed on the second insulation layer. Third and fourth comb-shaped electrodes are formed in the third insulation layer. The third electrode is contact with the first plug and the fourth electrode is contact with the second plug while facing the third electrode. Thus, the teeth of the comb-shaped electrodes are alternately arranged and spaced apart in the third insulation layer.

Abstract: A fabricating method of a DRAM structure includes providing a substrate comprising a memory array region and a peripheral region. A buried gate transistor is disposed within the memory array region, and a planar gate transistor is disposed within the peripheral region. Furthermore, an interlayer dielectric layer covers the memory array region, the buried gate transistor and the planar gate transistor. Then, a capping layer of the planar gate transistor and part of the interlayer dielectric layer are removed simultaneously so that a first contact hole, a second contact hole and a third contact hole are formed in the interlayer dielectric layer. A drain doping region of the buried gate transistor is exposed through the first contact hole, a doping region of the planar gate transistor is exposed through the second contact hole, and a gate electrode of the planar gate transistor is exposed through the third contact hole.

Abstract: Large tuning range junction varactor includes first and second junction capacitors coupled in parallel between first and second varactor terminals. First and second plates of the capacitors are formed by three alternating doped regions in a substrate. The first and third doped regions are of the same type sandwiching the second doped region of the second type. A first input terminal is coupled to the first and third doped regions and a second terminal is coupled to the second doped region. At the interfaces of the doped regions are first and second depletion regions whose width can be varied by varying the voltage across the terminals from zero to full reverse bias.

Abstract: A PIS capacitor in a SiGe HBT process is disclosed, wherein the PIS capacitor includes: a silicon substrate; a P-well and shallow trench isolations formed in the silicon substrate; a P-type heavily doped region formed in an upper portion of the P-well; an oxide layer and a SiGe epitaxial layer formed above the P-type heavily doped region; spacers formed on sidewalls of the oxide layer and the SiGe epitaxial layer; and contact holes for picking up the P-well and the SiGe epitaxial layer and connecting each of the P-well and the SiGe epitaxial layer to a metal wire. A method of manufacturing the PIS capacitor is also disclosed. The PIS capacitor of the present invention is manufactured by using SiGe HBT process, thus providing one more device option for the SiGe HBT process.

Abstract: A method of forming a field effect transistor (FET) capacitor includes forming a channel region; forming a gate stack over the channel region; forming a first extension region on a first side of the gate stack, the first extension region being formed by implanting a first doping material at a first angle such that a shadow region exists on a second side of the gate stack; and forming a second extension region on the second side of the gate stack, the second extension region being formed by implanting a second doping material at a second angle such that a shadow region exists on the first side of the gate stack.

Abstract: A decoupling capacitor includes a pair of MOS capacitors formed in wells of opposite plurality. Each MOS capacitor has a set of well-ties and a high-dose implant, allowing high frequency performance under accumulation or depletion biasing. The top conductor of each MOS capacitor is electrically coupled to the well-ties of the other MOS capacitor and biased consistently with logic transistor wells. The well-ties and/or the high-dose implants of the MOS capacitors exhibit asymmetry with respect to their dopant polarities.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel capacitor element, laminated thin-film device, and circuit wherein the capacitance dependency on voltage can be appropriately adjusted, and a technology for manufacturing such a capacitor element and laminated thin-film device. In the capacitor element that comprises a pair of electrode layers and a dielectric layer disposed between the electrode layers, a well region where an ion is implanted is disposed in the dielectric layer, and the C-V curve between the electrode layers is shifted or shifted and expanded in at least one direction of the plus direction and minus direction with respect to the voltage axis.

Abstract: Method (200) and apparatus (30, 50-53) are described for MOS capacitors (MOS CAPs). The apparatus (30, 50-53) comprises a substrate (31) having Ohmically coupled N and P semiconductor regions (32, 34; 54, 56; 92, 94) covered by a dielectric (35, 57, 95). A conductive electrode (36, 58, 96) overlies the dielectric (35, 57, 95) above these N and P regions (32, 34; 54, 56; 92, 94). Use of the Ohmically coupled N and P regions (32, 34; 54, 56; 92, 94) substantially reduces the variation (40, 64, 70, 80) of capacitance with applied voltage associated with ordinary MOS CAPs. When these N and P regions (32, 34; 54, 56; 92, 94) have unequal doping, the capacitance variation (40, 64, 70, 80) may still be substantially compensated by adjusting the properties of the dielectric (57, 95) above the N and P regions (54, 56; 92, 94) and/or relative areas of the N and P regions (54, 56; 92, 94) or both.

Abstract: A parallel plate capacitor formed in the back end of an integrated circuit employs conductive capacitor plates that are formed simultaneously with the other interconnects on that level of the back end (having the same material, thickness, etc). The capacitor plates are set into the interlevel dielectric using the same process as the other interconnects on that level of the back end (preferably dual damascene). Some versions of the capacitors have perforations in the plates and vertical conductive members connecting all plates of the same polarity, thereby increasing reliability, saving space and increasing the capacitive density compared with solid plates.

Abstract: A multi-segment parallel wire capacitor includes substantially identical multiple capacitor segments fabricated on a semiconductor substrate. Each segment comprises at least first and second interleaved metal finger formed in a first metal layer above the substrate and third and fourth interleaved metal fingers formed in a second metal layer. The first and fourth sets are connected together to form one plate of the capacitor and the second and third sets are connected to form a second plate. The multiple capacitor segments are arranged in a matrix having M rows and N columns. The multiple capacitor segments are inter-connected in such a manner that the capacitor segments in each column of the matrix are connected in parallel. First and second metal lines selectively connect the plates of the different capacitor segments in the first and last rows and serve as the two opposite terminals of the multi-segment parallel wire capacitor.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement including a capacitor in an n-type well is disclosed. A specific polarization of the capacitor ensures that a depletion zone arises in the well and the capacitor has a high ESD strength. An optionally present auxiliary doping layer ensures a high area capacitance of the capacitor despite high ESD strength.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing method for an integrated semiconductor structure comprising the steps of providing a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of gate stacks in a memory cell region and at least one gate stack in a peripheral device region; forming caps made of one or more layers of a cap material over said plurality of gate stacks in said memory cell region and over said at least one gate stack in said peripheral device region; depositing a first protective layer made of carbon or made of a carbon containing material over said memory cell region and peripheral device region; forming a mask layer on said first protective layer in said memory cell region; exposing said cap of said at least one gate stack in said peripheral device region by removing said first protective layer in said peripheral device region in an etch step wherein said mask layer acts as a mask in said memory cell region; removing said mask layer and said first protective layer from said memory cell region; for

Abstract: A method for manufacturing passive components is disclosed. First, a substrate is provided, and a connecting region, a capacitor region and an inductance region are defined in the substrate. The substrate includes a first metal layer and an insulating layer on the first metal layer. Subsequently, the insulating layer is etched, and then the first metal layer is etched. Thus, an outer connecting pad in the connecting region and a bottom electrode in the capacitor region are formed simultaneously, and a part of the insulating layer on the bottom electrode remains. Thereafter, a dielectric layer is deposited, and then a dual damascene copper process is performed to form an inductance structure and a top electrode of a capacitor in the dielectric layer simultaneously. Next, a passive layer is deposited and an etching process is thereafter performed to expose the outer connecting pad.

Abstract: A method for forming a vertical natural capacitor in an integrated circuit is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes forming a first set of concentric conductive annular structures in a first metal layer of an integrated circuit. The first set includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The method further includes forming a second set of concentric conductive annular structures in a second metal layer of the integrated circuit, the second set being substantially axially concentric with the first set. The second set also includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The method includes coupling, using conductive vias, the first electrode of the first set to the first electrode of the second set, and the second electrode of the first set to the second electrode of the second set.

Abstract: A method includes connecting together one or more anode connection members of one or more anode foils and one or more cathode connection members of one or more cathode foils and electrically isolating the one or more anode foils from the one or more cathode foils. A capacitor stack includes a plurality of cathode layers having cathode connection members and a plurality of anode layers having anode connection members. The anode connection members are connected to the cathode connection members and configured such that the anode layers can be electrically separated from the cathode layers by cutting only the anode connection members or the cathode connection members.

Abstract: An embodiment relates generally to a method of forming a capacitor. The method includes depositing a first layer of polysilicon on a substrate and implanting a high dose of implant into the first layer of polysilicon. The method also includes depositing a layer of dielectric over the first layer of polysilicon and depositing a second layer of polysilicon over the layer of dielectric. The method further includes implanting an equivalent concentration of implant in both the first layer of polysilicon into the second layer of polysilicon.

Abstract: A gate insulating film is formed on the principal surface of a semiconductor substrate. A silicon film is formed on the gate insulating film. Impurities are doped in the silicon film. In this case, impurities are doped into the silicon film to make a region of the silicon film in the memory cell area have a first impurity concentration and to make a region of the silicon film in the logic circuit area have a second impurity concentration lower than the first impurity concentration. The doped silicon film is patterned. In this case, the silicon film is patterned to leave word lines having the first impurity concentration and serving as gate electrodes in the memory cell area and to leave gate electrodes having the second impurity concentration in the logic circuit area.

Abstract: A structure and associated method for forming a structure. The structure comprises a first doped region, a second doped region, a third doped region, and a first shallow trench isolation structure formed within a substrate. The first doped region comprises a first dopant having a first polarity. The second doped region forms a first electrode of a capacitor. The third doped region forms a second electrode of the capacitor. Each of the second doped region and the third doped region comprises a second dopant having a second polarity. The first shallow trench isolation structure is formed between the second doped region and the third doped region. The capacitor comprises a main capacitance. The structure comprises a first parasitic capacitance and a second parasitic capacitance. The first parasitic capacitance is about equal to the second parasitic capacitance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing method for an integrated semiconductor structure comprising the steps of: providing a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of gate stacks in a memory cell region and at least one gate stack in a peripheral device region; forming caps made of one or more layers of a cap material over said plurality of gate stacks in said memory cell region and over said at least one gate stack in said peripheral device region; forming a first contact hole between two neighboring gate stacks in said memory cell region; depositing a first protective layer over said memory cell region and peripheral device region; exposing said cap of said at least one gate stack in said peripheral device region; modifying said exposed cap of said at least one gate stack in said peripheral device region in a process step wherein said first protective layer acts as a mask in said memory cell region; forming a second protective layer over said modified cap in said peripheral device region; partly

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for forming ultra shallow junctions in semiconductor substrates using multiple ion implantation steps. The ion implantation steps include implantation of at least one electronically-active dopant as well as the implantation of at least two species effective at limiting junction broadening by channeling during dopant implantation and/or by thermal diffusion. Following dopant implantation, the electronically-active dopant is activated by thermal processing.

Abstract: An electrode structure includes a first layer of conductive material and a dielectric layer formed on a surface of the first layer. An opening is formed in the dielectric layer to expose a portion of the surface of the first layer. A binding layer is formed on the dielectric layer and on the exposed portion of the surface of the first layer and a second layer of conductive material is formed on the conductive binding layer. The binding layer can be an oxide and the second layer a conductive material that is diffusible into an oxide. The electrode structure can be annealed to cause conductive material from the second layer to be chemisorbed into the binding layer to improve adhesion between the first and second layers. A programmable cell can be formed by forming a doped glass layer in the electrode structure.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure and method of manufacturing is provided. The method of manufacturing includes forming shallow trench isolation (STI) in a substrate and providing a first material and a second material on the substrate. The first material and the second material are mixed into the substrate by a thermal anneal process to form a first island and second island at an nFET region and a pFET region, respectively. A layer of different material is formed on the first island and the second island. The STI relaxes and facilitates the relaxation of the first island and the second island. The first material may be deposited or grown Ge material and the second material may deposited or grown Si:C or C. A strained Si layer is formed on at least one of the first island and the second island.

Abstract: A structure and method are provided for forming a collar surrounding a portion of a trench in a semiconductor substrate, the collar having a lower edge self-aligned to a top edge of a buried plate disposed adjacent to a lower portion of the trench.

Abstract: An H-bridge circuit having a boost capacitor coupled to the gate of the low-side driver. A driver, in the form of a switching transistor is connected between the load and ground, thus providing a low-side driver. A capacitor is coupled to the gate of the low-side driver to provide a boosted voltage for rapid turn on of the gate. The size of the capacitor selected to be similar to the size of the capacitance associated with the low-side driver transistor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabricating a capacitor employing ALD-TiN as an upper electrode and being suitable for preventing a deterioration of a leakage current property which uses an ALD-TiN as an upper electrode. The method for fabricating the capacitor includes: forming a lower electrode on a semiconductor substrate; forming a dielectric layer on the lower electrode; loading the semiconductor substrate containing the dielectric layer into a deposition chamber; nitriding a surface of the dielectric layer while NH3 gas is flowed into the deposition chamber; and forming an upper layer by using a source gas NH3, containing Titanium (Ti) on the nitrated surface of the dielectric layer through an atomic layer deposition (ALD) method.

Abstract: Bottom electrodes of memory cell capacitors are recessed to prevent electrical shorts between neighboring memory cells. A partially fabricated memory cell capacitor has a bottom electrode comprising titanium nitride (TiN) and hemispherical grained (HSG) silicon. The container housing the capacitor is filled with photoresist and then planarized. The TiN layer is then selectively recessed with a peroxide mixture and subsequently the HSG silicon layer is recessed using tetramethyl ammoniumhydroxide. Thus, the bottom electrode is recessed below the level of particles which may overlie the memory cell capacitors and cause shorts by contacting the bottom electrode.

Abstract: Provided herein are vertical nanotube semiconductor devices and methods for making the same. An embodiment of the semiconductor devices comprises a vertical transistor/capacitor cell including a nanotube. The device includes a vertical transistor and a capacitor cell both using a single nanotube to form the individual devices.

Abstract: Methods of forming integrated circuit capacitors having dielectric layers therein that comprise ferroelectric materials, include the use of protective layers to block the infiltration of hydrogen into the ferroelectric material. By blocking the infiltration of hydrogen, the hysteresis characteristics of the ferroelectric materials can be preserved.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a process for depositing silicon carbide using a silane-based material with certain process parameters that is useful for forming a suitable ARC for IC applications. Under certain process parameters, a fixed thickness of the silicon carbide may be used on a variety of thicknesses of underlying layers. The thickness of the silicon carbide ARC is substantially independent of the thickness of the underlying layer for a given reflectivity, in contrast to the typical need for adjustments in the ARC thickness for each underlying layer thickness to obtain a given reflectivity. Another aspect of the invention includes a substrate having a silicon carbide anti-reflective coating, comprising a dielectric layer deposited on the substrate and a silicon carbide anti-reflective coating having a dielectric constant of less than about 7.0 and preferably about 6.0 or less.

Abstract: A storage capacitor having a scattering effect is positioned in a substrate for use in a thin film transistor array loop. The storage capacitor is characterized by having a rough layer overlapped by a medium layer and a passivation layer. The storage capacitor further has a reflective layer with high reflectivity so as to provide the storage capacitor with the scattering effect toward an external light source. A method of manufacturing the storage capacitor by two photolithography processes is also shown.

Abstract: A convex polycrystalline silicon film is formed on a handle wafer. A semiconductor layer is formed on the polycrystalline silicon film. The semiconductor is thinner on its areas in which the convex polycrystalline silicon film is formed and is thicker on its areas in which the convex polycrystalline silicon film is not formed. An opening is formed in each of those areas of an insulating film which are located under respective thick-film semiconductor areas of the semiconductor layer. The polycrystalline silicon film is formed in the openings to connect electrically the thick-film semiconductor areas and the handle wafer together.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit device according to an embodiment of the present invention has an MIM structure capacitor connected between a power source potential electrode wiring and a ground potential electrode wiring each via at least one interlayer connection wiring.

Abstract: A variable capacitance device comprising, in a semiconductor layer formed on a substrate via an buried oxide film: an n? region 132 formed in the shape of a ring and containing an n-type dopant; an anode 133 adjoined to the outer periphery of the n? region 132, the anode 133 being formed in the shape of a ring and containing a p-type dopant; and a cathode 131 adjoined to the inner periphery of the n? region 132, the third region containing an n-type dopant, wherein the dopant concentration in the n? region 132 is lower than that in each of the anode 133 and the cathode 131.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for forming ultra shallow junctions in semiconductor substrates using multiple ion implantation steps. The ion implantation steps include implantation of at least one electronically-active dopant as well as the implantation of at least two species effective at limiting junction broadening by channeling during dopant implantation and/or by thermal diffusion. Following dopant implantation, the electronically-active dopant is activated by thermal processing.

Abstract: In a semiconductor device and method of manufacturing thereof, a semiconductor device having an SOI structure is provided with a capacitor including a first electrode in an SOI layer, a second electrode opposing the first electrode, and a dielectric film therebetween. An isolation region is provided as contained in the SOI layer to electrically isolate the first electrode from remaining areas of the SOI layer, such as active areas or the like. The method includes forming the isolation regions in the SOI layer, forming the first electrode in the SOI layer as electrically isolated from the remaining areas of the SOI layer by the isolation regions, forming the dielectric film on the first electrode, and forming the second electrode on the dielectric film opposite the first electrode.

Abstract: A capacitor structure (10) is implemented in an integrated circuit chip (11) along with other devices at the device level in the chip structure. The method of manufacturing the capacitor includes forming an elongated device body (17) on a semiconductor substrate from a first semiconductor material. Fabrication also includes forming lateral regions (20, 22) on both lateral sides of this device body (17). These lateral regions (20, 22) are formed from a second semiconductor material. A dielectric layer (28) is formed over both lateral regions (20, 22) and the device body (17), while an anode layer (30) is formed over the dielectric layer in an area defined by the device body. Each lateral region (20, 22) is coupled to ground at a first end (25) of the elongated device body (17). The anode (30) is coupled to the chip supply voltage at a second end (33) of the device body opposite to the first end. The entire structure is designed and dimensioned to form an area-efficient and high-frequency capacitor.

Abstract: Methods of forming a channel region between isolation regions of an integrated circuit substrate are disclosed. In particular, a mask can be formed on an isolation region that extends onto a portion of the substrate adjacent to the isolation region to provide a shielded portion of the substrate adjacent to the isolation region and an exposed portion of the substrate spaced apart from the isolation region having the shielded portion therebetween. A channel region can be formed in the exposed portion of the substrate. Related integrated circuits are also discussed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device and a method of forming a capacitor allow the formation of a high-performance capacitor without increasing the number of process steps. A silicide protection film (11c) is formed to cover a lower electrode (6) of a capacitor. The silicide protection film (11c) is formed during the process step of forming another silicide protection film (11a). An upper electrode (19) of the capacitor is formed of metal film and opposed to the lower electrode (6) with the silicide protection film (11c) sandwiched in between. A portion of the silicide protection film (11c) which is sandwiched between the upper electrode (19) and the lower electrode (6) serves as a capacitor dielectric film.

Abstract: A capacitor including at least one interior metallization plane or plate and a multiplicity of vias for forming multiple redundant electrical connections within the capacitor. Series capacitors are provided having at least two interior plates redundantly electrically connected to at least two respective exterior plates. R-C devices are provided having multiple redundant vias filled with resistor material and/or conductor material to provide a resistor either in series with or parallel to a capacitor. Capacitors and R-C devices are provided having end terminations for applying voltage differential. Further, a method for making single capacitors, multiple parallel array capacitors, series capacitors and R-C devices is provided in which the chips are formed from the bottom up.

Abstract: A method for forming silicon nitride films on semiconductor devices is provided. In one embodiment of the method, a silicon-containing substrate is first exposed to a mixture of dichlorosilane (DCS) and a nitrogen-containing gas to desposit a thin silicon nitride seeding layer on the surface, and then exposed to a mixture of silicon tetrachloride (TCS) and a nitrogen-containing gas to deposit a TCS silicon nitride layer on the DCS seeding layer. In another embodiment, the method involves first nitridizing the surface of the silicon-containing substrate prior to forming the DCS nitride seeding layer and the TCS nitride layer. The method achieves a TCS nitride layer having a sufficient thickness to eliminate bubbling and punch-through problems and provide high electrical performance regardless of the substrate type. Also provided are methods of forming a capacitor, and the resulting capacitor structures.

Abstract: To shorten the production process of the semiconductor device having the capacitance element. The pad oxide film (2) and the first polycrystalline silicon layer (3) are used as a stress buffering material at the time of formation of the element separation oxide film. These are not removed and used as the capacitance insulation film and a portion of the upper electrode of the capacitance element. Thereby, the removing process of the pad•polycrystalline silicon layer, and the dummy oxidation and its removing process in the conventional example, can be omitted and the process can be shortened. Further, a problem of the impurity enhanced oxidation at the time of formation of the capacitance insulation film can be solved.

Abstract: A semiconductor device may be formed with a floating body positioned over an insulator in a semiconductor structure. A gate may be formed over the floating body but spaced therefrom. The semiconductor structure may include doped regions surrounding the floating body. The floating body provides a distributed capacitance and resistance along its length to form an integrated RC circuit. The extent of the resistance is a function of the cross-sectional area of the floating body along the source and drain regions and its capacitance is a function of the spacing between the doped regions and the body and between the gate and the body. In some embodiments of the present invention, compensation for input voltage variations may be achieved.

Abstract: A process for forming a capacitor with a high-k dielectric or ferroelectric layer within a semiconductor device is used to reduce the likelihood of oxidation or materials interactions between that layer and an underlying layer. A first electrode layer includes atoms that form along grain boundaries within the first electrode layer to reduce the oxidation of a conductive plug or undesired materials interactions.

Abstract: In a semiconductor device, a capacitor is provided which has a gap in at least one of its plates. The gap is small enough so that fringe capacitance between the sides of this gap and the opposing plate at least compensates, if not overcompensates, for the missing conductive material that would otherwise fill the gap and add to parallel capacitance. As a result, the capacitance of a storage device can be increased without taking up more die area. Alternatively, the size of a capacitor can be reduced with no decrease in capacitance. Various gap configurations and methods for providing them are also within the scope of the current invention.

Abstract: A process for forming a capacitive structure and a fuse structure in an integrated circuit device includes forming a first capacitor plate and first and second fuse electrodes in a first dielectric layer of the device. In a second dielectric layer overlying the first dielectric layer, a capacitor dielectric section overlying the first capacitor plate, and a fuse barrier section overlying and between the first and second fuse electrodes are formed simultaneously. In a conductive layer overlying the second dielectric layer, a second capacitor plate overlying the capacitor dielectric section, and a fuse overlying the fuse barrier section and contacting the first and second fuse electrodes are formed simultaneously. The capacitor dielectric section and the fuse barrier section may be defined simultaneously by selectively removing portions of the first dielectric layer during a single etching step.

Abstract: An integrated circuit biases the substrate and well using voltages other than those used for power and ground. Tap cells inside the standard cell circuits are removed. New tap cells used to bias the substrate and well reside outside the standard cell circuits. The location of the new voltage power rails is designated prior to placement of the tap cells in the integrated circuit. The tap cells are then strategically placed near the power rails such that metal connections are minimized. Circuit density is thus not adversely impacted by the addition of the new power rails. Transistors are also placed inside the tap cells to address electrostatic discharge issues during fabrication.