Abstract: An MRAM device having a plurality of MRAM cells formed of a fixed magnetic layer, a second soft magnetic layer and a dielectric layer interposed between the fixed magnetic layer and the soft magnetic layer. The MRAM cells are all formed simultaneously and at least some of the MRAM cells are designed to function as antifuse devices whereby the application of a selected electrical potential can short the antifuse device to thereby affect the functionality of the MRAM device.

Abstract: A memory cell is formed of a semiconductor junction diode in series with an antifuse. The cell is programmed by rupture of the antifuse. The semiconductor junction diode comprises silicon, the silicon crystallized in contact with a silicide. The suicide apparently provides a template for crystallization, improving crystallinity and conductivity of the diode, and reducing the programming voltage required to program the cell. It is advantageous to reduce a dielectric layer (such as an oxide, nitride, or oxynitride) intervening between the silicon and the silicon-forming metal during the step of forming the silicide.

Abstract: A very high density field programmable memory is disclosed. An array is formed vertically above a substrate using several layers, each layer of which includes vertically fabricated memory cells. The cell in an N level array may be formed with N+1 masking steps plus masking steps needed for contacts. Maximum use of self alignment techniques minimizes photolithographic limitations. In one embodiment the peripheral circuits are formed in a silicon substrate and an N level array is fabricated above the substrate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrically programmable non-volatile memory cell comprises forming a first electrode on a substrate, forming an inter-electrode layer of material on the first electrode having a property which is characterized by progressive change in response to stress, and forming a second electrode over the inter-electrode layer of material. The inter-electrode layer comprises a dielectric layer, such as ultra-thin oxide, between the first and second electrodes. A programmable resistance, or other property, is established by stressing the dielectric layer, representing stored data. Embodiments of the memory cell are adapted to store multiple bits of data per cell and/or adapted for programming more than one time without an erase process.

Abstract: A mask for manufacturing integrated circuits and use of the mask. The mask has a mask substrate. The mask also has an active mask region within a first portion of the mask substrate. The active region is adapted to accumulate a pre-determined level of static electricity. The mask also has a first guard ring structure surrounding a portion of the active mask region to isolate the active region from an outer region of the mask substrate and a second guard ring structure having at least one fuse structure surrounding a portion of the first guard ring structure. The fuse structure is operably coupled to the active region to absorb a current from static electricity. The static electricity is accumulated by the active region to the pre-determined level and being discharged as current to the fuse structure while maintaining the active region free from damage from the static electricity.

Abstract: An annealing apparatus, includes a substrate stage placing a semiconductor substrate; a light source facing the substrate stage, configured to irradiate a pulsed light at a pulse width of approximately 0.1 ms to 100 ms on a surface of the semiconductor substrate; and a mask configured to selectively reduce intensity of the light transmitting a peripheral region along an outer edge of the semiconductor substrate, so as to define an irradiation region by the peripheral region.

Abstract: A programmable element that has a first diode having an electrode and a first insulator disposed between the substrate and said electrode of said first device, said first insulator having a first value of a given characteristic, and an FET having an electrode and a second insulator disposed between the substrate and said electrode of said second device, said second insulator having a second value of said given characteristic that is different from said first value. The electrodes of the diode and the FET are coupled to one another, and a source of programming energy is coupled to the diode to cause it to permanently decrease in resistivity when programmed. The programmed state of the diode is indicated by a current in the FET, which is read by a sense latch. Thus a small resistance change in the diode translates to a large signal gain/change in the latch. This allows the diode to be programmed at lower voltages.

Abstract: A p-channel non-volatile memory (NVM) transistor is programmed by shifting the threshold voltage of the transistor. The threshold voltage is shifted by introducing a programming current to the gate electrode of the transistor, and simultaneously introducing a negative bias to the transistor. The threshold voltage of the p-channel NVM transistor is shifted in response to the negative bias condition and the heat generated by the programming current. The high temperature accelerates the threshold voltage shift. The threshold voltage shift is accompanied by an agglomeration of material in the gate electrode. The agglomeration of material in the gate electrode is an indication of the high temperature reached during programming. The threshold voltage shift of the p-channel NVM transistor is permanent.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprising a substrate, a plurality of dielectric films formed on the substrate, laid one upon another, and a fuse interconnect-wire formed above the substrate and covered with a predetermined one of the dielectric films, and including a fuse main body which is to be blown to electrically disconnect the fuse interconnect-wire, which is smaller than a bottom of a fuse-blowing recess made in the predetermined dielectric film, which has a length not less than the diameter of a fuse-blowing laser beam and which opposes the bottom of the fuse-blowing recess.

Abstract: A p-channel non-volatile memory (NVM) transistor is programmed by shifting the threshold voltage of the transistor. The threshold voltage is shifted by introducing a programming current to the gate electrode of the transistor, and simultaneously introducing a negative bias to the transistor. The threshold voltage of the p-channel NVM transistor is shifted in response to the negative bias condition and the heat generated by the programming current. The high temperature accelerates the threshold voltage shift. The threshold voltage shift is accompanied by an agglomeration of material in the gate electrode. The agglomeration of material in the gate electrode is an indication of the high temperature reached during programming. The threshold voltage shift of the p-channel NVM transistor is permanent.

Abstract: In a passive element memory array, such as a rail stack array having a continuous semiconductor region along one or both of the array lines, programming a memory cell may disturb nearby memory cells as result of a leakage path along the array line from the selected cell to the adjacent cell. This effect may be reduced substantially by changing the relative timing of the programming pulses applied to the array lines for the selected memory cell, even if the voltages are unchanged. In an exemplary three-dimensional antifuse memory array, a positive-going programming pulse applied to the anode region of the memory cell preferably is timed to lie within the time that a more lightly-doped cathode region is pulsed low.

Abstract: A method is provided of forming an integrated circuit with a semiconductor substrate that is doped with a set concentration of an oxidizable dopant of a type that segregates to the top surface of a silicide when the semiconductor substrate is reacted to form such a silicide. A gate dielectric is formed on the semiconductor substrate, and a gate is formed on the gate dielectric. Source/drain junctions are formed in the semiconductor substrate. A silicide is formed on the source/drain junctions and dopant is segregated to the top surface of the silicide. The dopant on the top surface of the segregated dopant is oxidized to form an insulating layer of oxidized dopant above the silicide. An interlayer dielectric is deposited above the semiconductor substrate. Contacts and connection points are then formed in the interlayer dielectric to the insulating layer of oxidized dopant above the silicide.

Abstract: A one-time programming memory element, capable of being manufactured in a 0.13 ?m or below CMOS technology, having a capacitor, or transistor configured as a capacitor, with an oxide layer capable of passing direct gate tunneling current. Also included is a write switch, having first and second switches coupled to the capacitor, and a read switch also coupled to the capacitor. The capacitor/transistor is one-time programmable as an anti-fuse by application of a program voltage across the oxide layer via the write switch to cause direct gate tunneling current to rupture the oxide layer to form a conductive path having resistance of approximately hundreds of ohms or less.

Abstract: A programmable package with a fuse embedded therein, and fabrication method are provided. The fuse has first and second terminal ends joined by a central portion defining a fusible link. The ends include a portion of the first and second conductive layers, the central portion including a portion of the first conductive layer. The first layer may be electroless copper and the second layer may be electrolytic copper. The fuse may have a dog-bone or a bow tie shape. The method includes providing a substrate with a dielectric layer, and forming the fuse by depositing first conductive layer, forming and patterning second conductive layer over a portion of the first layer, and patterning first layer to form interconnects between areas of the second layer.

Abstract: A one-time programming memory element, capable of being manufactured in a 0.13 ?m or below CMOS technology, having a capacitor, or transistor configured as a capacitor, with an oxide layer capable of passing direct gate tunneling current. Also included is a write circuit, having first and second switches coupled to the capacitor, and a read circuit also coupled to the capacitor. The capacitor/transistor is one-time programmable as an anti-fuse by application of a program voltage across the oxide layer via the write circuit to cause direct gate tunneling current to rupture the oxide layer to form a conductive path having resistance of approximately hundreds of ohms or less.

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory cell occupying a minimum chip area is provided with a cell structure that includes two or more base materials being programmable by a heat induced chemical reaction to form a layer or layers of alloy. The formation of alloy results in a change in resistance of the cell structure so that one or more programmed states are determined. A semiconductor memory constructed by a large number of the nonvolatile memory cells can be obtained in a compact manner with simple and as few as possible steps. This process vertically stacked layers, and this semiconductor memory is thus easily to be combined with other integrated circuits on a single chip.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a scalable high-performance antifuse structure and process that has a low RC component, a uniform dielectric breakdown, and a very low, effective dielectric constant (keff) such that a programming pulse voltage is scalable with Vdd. One aspect of the present subject matter is an antifuse device that is positioned or coupled between a first metal level and a second metal level. One embodiment of the antifuse device includes a porous antifuse dielectric layer, and at least one injector Silicon-Rich-Insulator (SRI) layer in contact with the porous antifuse dielectric layer. In one embodiment, the porous antifuse dielectric layer includes SiO2 formed with air-filled voids. In one embodiment, the at least one injector SRI layer includes two injector Silicon-Rich-Nitride layers that sandwich the porous antifuse dielectric layer. Other aspects are provided herein.

Abstract: A one-time programming memory element, capable of being manufactured in a 0.13 ?m or below CMOS technology, having a capacitor, or transistor configured as a capacitor, with an oxide layer capable of passing direct gate tunneling current, and a switch having a voltage tolerance higher than that of the capacitor/transistor, wherein the capacitor/transistor is one-time programmable as an anti-fuse by application of a voltage across the oxide layer via the switch to cause direct gate tunneling current to thereby rupture the oxide layer to form a conductive path having resistance of approximately hundreds of ohms or less.

Abstract: A magnetic data track used in a magnetic shift register memory system may be fabricated by forming a multilayered stack of alternating dielectric and/or silicon layers. Vias of approximately 10 microns tall with a cross-section on the order of 100 nm×100 nm are etched in this multilayered stack of alternating layers. Vias may be etched form smooth or notched walls. Vias are filled by electroplating layers of alternating types of ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic metals. The alternating ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic layers are comprised of magnetic materials with different magnetization or magnetic exchange or magnetic anisotropies. These different magnetic characteristics allow the pinning of magnetic domain walls at the boundaries between these layers. Alternatively, vias are filled with a homogeneous ferromagnetic material. Magnetic domain walls are formed by the discontinuity in the ferromagnetic or ferromagnetic material that occurs at the notches or at the protuberances along the via walls.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technique capable of enhancing the degree of freedom in the layout of a rerouting layer in a wafer level CSP in which defect repairing is performed by cutting a fuse. More specifically, after the defect repairing is performed by irradiating a laser beam to a fuse, an organic passivation layer (photo-sensitive polyimide layer) is filled in a fuse opening. Thereafter, a rerouting layer, a bump land, an uppermost wiring layer, and a solder bump are formed on the organic passivation layer. In the following steps of the defect repairing, the baking process to cure an elastomer layer and the uppermost protection layer is conducted at a temperature below 260° C. in order to prevent the variance of the refresh times of memory cells.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a scalable high-performance antifuse structure and process that has a low RC component, a uniform dielectric breakdown, and a very low, effective dielectric constant (keff) such that a programming pulse voltage is scalable with Vdd. One aspect of the present subject matter is an antifuse device that is positioned or coupled between a first metal level and a second metal level. One embodiment of the antifuse device includes a porous antifuse dielectric layer, and at least one injector Silicon-Rich-Insulator (SRI) layer in contact with the porous antifuse dielectric layer. In one embodiment, the porous antifuse dielectric layer includes SiO2 formed with air-filled voids. In one embodiment, the at least one injector SRI layer includes two injector Silicon-Rich-Nitride layers that sandwich the porous antifuse dielectric layer. Other aspects are provided herein.

Abstract: A method of making an electrically operated programmable resistance memory element. A sidewall spacer is used as a mask to form a raised portion of a conductive layer. A programmable resistance material is formed in electrical contact with the raised portion.

Abstract: A metal-to-metal capacitor in a semiconductor integrated circuit is converted to a conductive structure by connecting the first metal plate of the capacitor to ground and the second metal plate of the capacitor to a programming voltage, thus causing the insulator material to breakdown and conduct current from the first plate to the second plate.

Abstract: A conductive layer which is formed on an insulative layer on a semiconductor substrate is connected to the semiconductor substrate via a through portion which passes through the insulative layer and reaches the semiconductor substrate. In a state where the conductive layer is electrically connected to the semiconductor substrate via the through portion, a patterning process using a plasma etching is performed on the conductive layer, thereby forming a conductive path. After the formation of the conductive path, a heating process is performed on the substrate or the conductive path in order to disconnect the electrical connection between the through portion and the substrate by a reaction between the through portion and the semiconductor substrate which is in contact therewith.

Abstract: Method for producing an antifuse in a substrate, a first interconnect being applied to the substrate, a dielectric layer being applied at an end face of the first interconnect, which end face essentially runs vertically with respect to the substrate, a second interconnect being applied in such a way that it adjoins the dielectric layer with an end face, with the result that an antifuse structure is formed.

Abstract: A fuse device including a transistor having a source, drain, and gate. The gate includes a first and second gate contact. A current may be run from the first gate contact to the second gate contact to heat the gate. The current through the gate indirectly heats the channel region beneath the gate, causing localized annealing of the channel region. The heated gate causes dopants to diffuse from the source and drain into the channel region, permanently changing the properties of the transistor material and programming the fuse device. The fuse device functions as a transistor in an unprogrammed state, and acts as a shunt in a programmed state, caused by the shorting of the source and drain of the transistor during programming.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus which facilitates wafer level burn-in testing of semiconductor dies. Sacrificial busses on the wafer supply voltage to respective on die Vcc and Vss sacrificial voltage pads during burn-in testing. The Vcc sacrificial pad on each die is connected to a secondary Vcc pad through an on-die sacrificial metal bus. An on-die fuse is interposed between the secondary Vcc pad and a normal Vcc die bonding pad. The fuse will blow when a die draws excessive current isolating a defective die from other dies on the wafer which are connected to the sacrificial busses. The Vss sacrificial pad is connected to a normal Vss die bonding pad through a sacrificial metal bus. After burn-in testing, the structures are removed. During this removal, the on-die sacrificial metal busses protect the secondary Vcc pad and Vss bonding pad. The secondary Vcc pad, Vcc bonding pad and Vss bonding pad can then be exposed for additional die testing.

Abstract: An active fuse includes an active fuse geometry (120) that is used to form both a variable resistor (106) and a select transistor (110). In one embodiment, the active fuse geometry is formed in a portion of an active region (160) of a semiconductor substrate (140), and a select gate (124) is disposed over an end portion (123) of the active fuse geometry to form an integral select transistor (110) for use in programming the active fuse. The use of a shared active fuse geometry within the active region allows for reduced area requirements and improved sensing margins.

Abstract: The present invention creates an operating method for a semiconductor component having a substrate; having a conductive polysilicon strip which is applied to the substrate; having a first and a second electrical contact which are connected to the conductive polysilicon strip such that this forms an electrical resistance in between them; with the semiconductor component being operated reversibly in a current/voltage range in which it has a first differential resistance (Rdiff1) up to a current limit value (It) corresponding to an upper voltage limit value (Vt) and, at current values greater than this, has a second differential resistance (Rdiff2), which is less than the first differential resistance (Rdiff1).

Abstract: Integrated circuit antifuse circuitry is provided. A metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) antifuse transistor serves as an electrically-programmable antifuse. In its unprogrammed state, the antifuse transistor is off and has a relatively high resistance. During programming, the antifuse transistor is turned on which melts the underlying silicon and causes a permanent reduction in the transistor's resistance. A sensing circuit monitors the resistance of the antifuse transistor and supplies a high or low output signal accordingly. The antifuse transistor may be turned on during programming by raising the voltage at its substrate relative to its source. The substrate may be connected to ground through a resistor. The substrate may be biased by causing current to flow through the resistor. Current may be made to flow through the resistor by inducing avalanche breakdown of the drain-substrate junction or by producing Zener breakdown of external Zener diode circuitry connected to the resistor.

Abstract: A method of forming an integrated circuit device can include forming a plurality of fuse wires on an integrated circuit substrate, and forming an insulating layer on the integrated circuit substrate and on the plurality of fuse wires so that the fuse wires are between the integrated circuit substrate and the insulating layer. A plurality of fuse cutting holes can be formed in the insulating layer wherein each of the fuse cutting holes exposes a target spot on a respective one of the fuse wires, and a cross-sectional area of the fuse wires can be reduced at the exposed target spots. Related structures are also discussed.

Abstract: A fuse structure for a semiconductor device on a substrate includes a fuse having an electrically conductive fuse line of a standard fuse length formed in an electrically conductive layer disposed over the substrate, and a pair of electrically conductive, inwardly bent interconnects formed in a first plurality of electrically conductive layers disposed over the substrate, below the electrically conductive layer in which the fuse line is formed. The inwardly bent interconnects couple the fuse line to a circuit area of the substrate disposed under the fuse line. The fuse structure may further include a protective guard ring formed around the fuse. The guard ring includes a second plurality of electrically conductive interconnects.

Abstract: A typical integrated circuit includes millions of microscopic transistors, resistors, and other components interconnected to define a circuit, for example a memory circuit. Occasionally, one or more of the components are defective and fabricators selectively replace them by activating spare, or redundant, components included within the circuit. One way of activating a redundant component is to rupture an antifuse that effectively connects the redundant component into the circuit. Unfortunately, conventional antifuses have high and/or unstable electrical resistances which compromise circuit performance and discourage their use. Accordingly, the inventors devised an exemplary antifuse structure that includes three normally disconnected conductive elements and a programming mechanism for selectively moving one of the elements to electrically connect the other two.

Abstract: A structure and method for providing an antifuse which is closed by laser energy with an electrostatic assist. Two or more metal segments are formed over a semiconductor structure with an air gap or a porous dielectric between the metal segments. Pulsed laser energy is applied to one or more of the metal segments while a voltage potential is applied between the metal segments to create an electrostatic field. The pulsed laser energy softens the metal segment, and the electrostatic field causes the metal segments to move into contact with each other. The electrostatic field reduces the amount of laser energy which must be applied to the semiconductor structure to close the antifuse.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device, such as a self-passivating fuse, includes patterning an opening in a dielectric to form a fuse. A seed-layer of a copper-alloy is deposited in the opening and the opening is filled with pure copper. The copper is planarized and a passivation layer is deposited. This passivation layer can be thinned over a fuse portion of the copper. The fuse portion can then be laser fused to form a crater in an area surrounding a blown copper fuse. Exposed portions of the pure copper can then be self-passivated by annealing the device.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an antifuse having a hemispherical grained (HSG) layer and a method of forming antifuse having a hemispherical grained (HSG) layer. The antifuse of the present invention comprises a plurality of layers, the first being a lower electrode that is disposed on an impurity region in a semiconductor substrate. A dielectric layer is disposed on the lower electrode, wherein the dielectric layer has a planar surface. A non-conductive hemispherical grain (HSG) layer is formed on the planar surface of the dielectric layer and an upper electrode is disposed on said non-conductive hemispherical grain (HSG) layer forming the antifuse.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having an increased intersection perimeter between edge regions of a first conductor and portions of a second conductor is disclosed. In one embodiment, the intersection perimeter is the region where the perimeter of a gate structure overlaps an active area. The intersection perimeter between the conductors directs the breakdown of the dielectric material, increasing the likelihood that the programming event will be successful. In at least one embodiment, the portion of a current path that travels through a highly doped area is increased while the portion that travels through a non-highly doped area is decreased. This decreases post-program resistance, leading to better response time for the device.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided which is formed of a wafer having on a surface thereof an area efficient arrangement of at least two antifuses in vertically stacked relation and sharing a common intermediate electrode therebetween. The arrangement includes at least one lower antifuse having a lower counter electrode and a lower fusible insulator portion defining a lower fuse element of an initial high electrical resistance state which interconnects the lower counter electrode with the common intermediate electrode, and at least one upper antifuse, which may be the same as or different from the lower antifuse, the upper antifuse having an upper counter electrode and an upper fusible insulator portion defining an upper fuse element of an initial high electrical resistance state which interconnects the upper counter electrode with the common intermediate electrode.

Abstract: Method for forming a first one time, voltage programmable logic element in a semiconductor substrate of first conductivity type, forming a first layer beneath a surface of the substrate, the first layer having a second conductivity type. A trench is formed through the surface and passing through the first layer. The trench comprises an interior surface, a dielectric material lining the interior surface and a conductive material filling the lined trench. The first logic element is configured so that a predetermined voltage or higher applied between the conductive material and the first layer causes a breakdown within a region of the trench.

Abstract: Interconnection structures for integrated circuits have first cells disposed in a first plane, at least second cells disposed in at least a second plane parallel to the first plane, and vertical interconnections disposed for connecting conductors in the first plane with conductors in the second plane, at least some of the vertical interconnections initially incorporating antifuses. The antifuses may be disposed over conductors that are disposed on a base substrate. The antifuses are selectively fused to prepare the integrated circuit for normal operation. Methods for fabricating and using such vertical interconnection structures are disclosed.

Abstract: A metal-to-metal antifuse according to the present invention is compatible with a Cu dual damascene process and is formed over a lower Cu metal layer planarized with the top surface of a lower insulating layer. A lower barrier layer is disposed over the lower Cu metal layer. An antifuse material layer is disposed over the lower barrier layer. An upper barrier layer is disposed over the antifuse material layer. An upper insulating layer is disposed over the upper barrier layer. An upper Cu metal layer is planarized with the top surface of the upper insulating layer and extends therethrough to make electrical contact with the upper barrier layer.

Abstract: Fuses for integrated circuits and semiconductor devices and methods for using the same. The semiconductor fuse contains two conductive layers—an overlying and underlying refractory metal nitride layer—on an insulating substrate. The semiconductor fuse may be fabricated during manufacture of a local interconnect structure including the same materials. The fuse, which may be used to program redundant circuitry, may be blown by electrical current rather than laser beams, thus allowing the fuse width to be smaller than prior art fuses blown by laser beams. The fuse may also be blown by less electrical current than the current required to blow conventional polysilicon fuses having similar dimensions.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having an increased intersection perimeter between edge regions of a first conductor and portions of a second conductor is disclosed. In one embodiment, the intersection perimeter is the region where the perimeter of a gate structure overlaps an active area. The intersection perimeter between the conductors directs the breakdown of the dielectric material, increasing the likelihood that the programming event will be successful. In at least one embodiment, the portion of a current path that travels through a highly doped area is increased while the portion that travels through a non-highly doped area is decreased. This decreases post-program resistance, leading to better response time for the device.

Abstract: An exemplar method for making a resistive memory element generally includes providing a generally plateau-shaped insulating structure, the insulating structure having a first side wall, a second side wall and a central region disposed between the side walls, depositing a first conductive material on the insulating structure, removing the first conductive material from the central region of the insulating structure to form a first conductor on the first side wall of the insulating structure and a second conductor on the second side wall of the insulating structure, depositing anti-fuse material on the first conductive material and on the central region of the insulating structure, and depositing a second conductive material on the anti-fuse material.

Abstract: A configuration of fuses in a semiconductor structure having Cu metallization planes is provided. The semiconductor structure has an Al metal layer on the topmost interconnect plane for providing Al bonding pads. The fuses are configured as Al fuses and, in the semiconductor structure having Cu metallization planes, are provided above the diffusion barrier of the topmost Cu metallization plane but below a passivation layer.

Abstract: An integrated fuse has regions of different doping located within a fuse neck. The integrated fuse includes a polysilicon layer and a silicide layer. The polysilicon layer includes first and second regions having different types of dopants. In one example, the first region has an N-type dopant and the second region has a P-type dopant. The polysilicon layer can also include a third region in between the first and second regions, which also has a different dopant. During a fusing event, a distribution of temperature peaks around the regions of different dopants. By locating regions of different dopants within the fuse neck, agglomeration of the silicide layer starts reliably within the fuse neck (for example, at or near the center of the fuse neck) and proceeds toward the contact regions. An improved post fuse resistance distribution and an increased minimum resistance value in the post fuse resistance distribution is realized compared to conventional polysilicon fuses.

Abstract: A copper fuse structure and the method for fabricating the same is disclosed in this present invention. By employing an inner copper metal layer as a fuse, the copper fuse according to this invention can be easily zipped with a laser repair tool. Furthermore, the openings on a bonding pad and the fuse of the semiconductor structure can be identified with the method according to this invention. Moreover, in contrast of the fuse formed with an upper aluminum layer in the prior art, the cost of the fuse manufacturing is lower in the method according to this invention by fabricating the fuse with an inner copper layer.

Abstract: A method and a circuit arrangement for protecting integrated circuits against electrostatic discharge (ESD) during and after packaging. An electrical connection between two integrated circuits is made by producing a low-impedance connection in the first integrated circuit, between a signal pad and a pad for a supply potential. The connection has a portion of reduced cross section, which is preferably severed by a current pulse applied after the arrangement has been assembled in a package and the connection has been electrically bonded to the second integrated circuit. The ESD protection during assembly requires no additional chip surface area.

Abstract: A programmable element that has a first diode having an electrode and a first insulator disposed between the substrate and said electrode of said first device, said first insulator having a first value of a given characteristic, and an FET having an electrode and a second insulator disposed between the substrate and said electrode of said second device, said second insulator having a second value of said given characteristic that is different from said first value. The electrodes of the diode and the FET are coupled to one another, and a source of programming energy is coupled to the diode to cause it to permanently decrease in resistivity when programmed. The programmed state of the diode is indicated by a current in the FET, which is read by a sense latch. Thus a small resistance change in the diode translates to a large signal gain/change in the latch. This allows the diode to be programmed at lower voltages.

Abstract: A method of making an electrically operated programmable resistance memory element. A sidewall spacer is used as a mask to form raised portions on an edge of a conductive sidewall layer. The modified conductive sidewall layer is used as an electrode for the memory element.