Abstract: Disclosed are layered groupings and methods for constructing digital circuitry, such as memory known as Permanent Inexpensive Rugged Memory (PIRM) cross point arrays which can be produced on flexible substrates by patterning and curing through the use of a transparent embossing tool.

Abstract: A 3D semiconductor memory is described having rail-stacks which define conductive lines and cells. The memory levels are organized in pairs with each pair showing common lines in adjacent levels.

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 programmable interconnect structure and method of operating the same provides a programmable interconnection between electrical contacts. The interconnect includes material that has a reversibly programmable resistance. The material includes a molecular matrix with ionic complexes distributed through the molecular matrix. Application of an electrical field or electric current causes the molecular composite material to assume a desired resistivity (or conductivity) state. This state is retained by the molecular composite material to thus form a conductive or a non-conductive path between the electrical contacts.

Abstract: An antifuse including a bottom plate having a plurality of longitudinal members arranged substantially parallel to a first axis, a dielectric layer formed on the bottom plate, and a top plate having a plurality of longitudinal members arranged substantially parallel to a second axis, the top plate formed over the dielectric layer. Multiple edges formed at the interfaces between the top and bottom plates result in regions of localized charge concentration when a programming voltage is applied across the antifuse. As a result, the formation of the antifuse dielectric over the corners of the bottom plates enhance the electric field during programming of the antifuse. Reduced programming voltages can be used in programming the antifuse and the resulting conductive path between the top and bottom plates will likely form along the multiple edges.

Abstract: An antifuse including a bottom plate having a plurality of longitudinal members arranged substantially parallel to a first axis, a dielectric layer formed on the bottom plate, and a top plate having a plurality of longitudinal members arranged substantially parallel to a second axis, the top plate formed over the dielectric layer. Multiple edges formed at the interfaces between the top and bottom plates result in regions of localized charge concentration when a programming voltage is applied across the antifuse. As a result, the formation of the antifuse dielectric over the corners of the bottom plates enhance the electric field during programming of the antifuse. Reduced programming voltages can be used in programming the antifuse and the resulting conductive path between the top and bottom plates will likely form along the multiple edges.

Abstract: A method of producing an antifuse, comprises the steps of: depositing a layer of undoped or lightly doped polysilicon on a layer of silicon dioxide on a semiconductor wafer; doping one region of the polysilicon P+; doping another region of the polysilicon N+, leaving an undoped or lightly doped region between the P+ and N+ regions; and forming electrical connections to the P+ and N+ regions.

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: 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: 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 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: 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: An anti-fuse device includes a substrate and laterally spaced source and drain regions formed in the substrate. A channel is formed between the source and drain regions. A gate and gate oxide are formed on the channel and lightly doped source and drain extension regions are formed in the channel. The lightly doped source and drain regions extend across the channel from the source and the drain regions, respectively, occupying a substantial portion of the channel. Programming of the anti-fuse is performed by application of power to the gate and at least one of the source region and the drain region to break-down the gate oxide, which minimizes resistance between the gate and the channel.

Abstract: A method for forming an antifuse interconnect structure, for a one-time fusible link, with field-programmable gate arrays, has been developed. The process features the use of an amorphous silicon layer, used as the antifuse layer, with the sidewalls of the amorphous silicon layer protected by critical silicon nitride sidewall spacers, during the patterning/etch procedure of the overlying metal layer. The protective sidewall spacers prevent the amorphous Si antifuse from being etched by subsequent processes.

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: The present invention provides a method for forming an antifuse via structure. The antifuse via structures comprising a substrate that having a first conductive wire therein. Then, a first dielectric layer is formed on the substrate, and a photoresist layer is formed on the first dielectric layer. Next, an etching process is performed to etch the first dielectric layer to form a via open in the first dielectric layer. Then, a first conductive layer is deposited to fill the via open and performing a polishing process to form a conductive plug, wherein the conductive plug is on the first conductive wire. Next, a buffer layer deposited on the partial first dielectric layer and on the surface of conductive plug. Then, another polishing process is performed to the buffer layer to expose the portion of the conductive plug. Thereafter, a first electrode of capacitor is deposited on the buffer layer.

Abstract: A three-dimensional memory array includes a plurality of rail-stacks on each of several levels forming alternating levels of X-lines and Y-lines for the array. Memory cells are formed at the intersection of each X-line and Y-line. The memory cells of each memory plane are all oriented in the same direction relative to the substrate, forming a serial chain diode stack. In certain embodiments, row and column circuits for the array are arranged to interchange function depending upon the directionality of memory cells in the selected memory plane. High-voltage drivers for the X-lines and Y-lines are each capable of passing a write current in either direction depending on the direction of the selected memory cell. A preferred bias arrangement reverse biases only unselected memory cells within the selected memory plane, totaling approximately N2 memory cells, rather than approximately 3N2 memory cells as with prior arrays.

Abstract: The electronic device (1) has a layer (11) of a material comprising a first and a second element. This material has an amorphous and a crystalline state. A transition from the amorphous to the crystalline state can be effected by heating of the material to above a crystallization temperature, for example with a laser. As a result, the layer (11) has a first electrically conducting areas (21), comprising the material in the crystalline state, which are insulated from each other by the first electrically insulating area (23), comprising the material in the amorphous state. The layer (11) may be present as an interconnect layer, but also as a covering layer. Preferably, the material is aluminum-germanium. In the method of patterning a layer (11), electrically conductive areas of the layer can be strengthened by electroplating.

Abstract: An integrated circuit is formed by a method having the steps of providing a circuit substrate with a first metallized region, providing a first insulation layer covered by a silicon layer, patterning the first insulation layer and silicon layer to form a first insulation region and first silicon region, then forming a second metallized layer on the silicon region, heating the material so that the second metal layer diffuses into the silicon layer to form a metal silicide region, which is subsequently covered by a second insulating layer having a contact with an interconnect to enable contacting an antifuse formed by the metal silicide 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: An antifuse including a bottom plate having a plurality of longitudinal members arranged substantially parallel to a first axis, a dielectric layer formed on the bottom plate, and a top plate having a plurality of longitudinal members arranged substantially parallel to a second axis, the top plate formed over the dielectric layer. Multiple edges formed at the interfaces between the top and bottom plates result in regions of localized charge concentration when a programming voltage is applied across the antifuse. As a result, the formation of the antifuse dielectric over the corners of the bottom plates enhance the electric field during programming of the antifuse. Reduced programming voltages can be used in programming the antifuse and the resulting conductive path between the top and bottom plates will likely form along the multiple edges.

Abstract: What is described here is a method of electrically contacting a semiconductor layer (13) coated with at least one dielectric layer (12).

Abstract: A fuse structure and method for fabricating same are disclosed. The fuse structure is designed for opening by conventional laser energy application. The fuse structure is characterized by an absence of high stress areas in the surrounding substrate thereby resulting in higher fabrication yields due to lower occurrence of substrate fracturing or other damage occasioned by the opening of the fuse.

Abstract: A method for producing antifuse structures and antifuses by which adjacent conductive regions can be selectively electrically connected involve the application of a sacrificial layer to a first conductive region. The sacrificial layer is patterned with the aid of a photolithographic method. A fuse layer is applied and the sacrificial layer is then removed. A non-conductive layer is applied and a conductive material is introduced in an opening in the non-conductive layer for the purpose of forming a second conductive region.

Abstract: An antifuse includes a grid having at least one n-well active stripe and at least one polysilicon stripe; a first oxide layer having a first oxide thickness, the first oxide layer adapted to electrically short the n-well active stripe with the polysilicon stripe; and a second oxide layer surrounding the first oxide and thicker than the first oxide layer.

Abstract: A three-dimensional, field-programmable, non-volatile memory includes multiple layers of first and second crossing conductors. Pillars are self-aligned at the intersection of adjacent first and second crossing conductors, and each pillar includes at least an anti-fuse layer. The pillars form memory cells with the adjacent conductors, and each memory cell includes first and second diode components separated by the anti-fuse layer. The diode components form a diode only after the anti-fuse layer is disrupted.

Abstract: An antifuse including a bottom plate having a plurality of longitudinal members arranged substantially parallel to a first axis, a dielectric layer formed on the bottom plate, and a top plate having a plurality of longitudinal members arranged substantially parallel to a second axis, the top plate formed over the dielectric layer. Multiple edges formed at the interfaces between the top and bottom plates result in regions of localized charge concentration when a programming voltage is applied across the antifuse. As a result, the formation of the antifuse dielectric over the corners of the bottom plates enhance the electric field during programming of the antifuse. Reduced programming voltages can be used in programming the antifuse and the resulting conductive path between the top and bottom plates will likely form along the multiple edges.

Abstract: An antifuse structure has an antifuse between first and second thermal conduction regions. Each of the first and second thermal conduction regions has a portion of low thermal conductivity and a portion of high thermal conductivity. The portion having low thermal conductivity is between the respective portion of high thermal conductivity and the antifuse.

Abstract: A contact for n-type III-V semiconductor such as GaN and related nitride-based semiconductors is formed by depositing Al,Ti,Pt and Au in that order on the n-type semiconductor and annealing the resulting stack, desirably at about 400-600° C. for about 1-10 minutes. The resulting contact provides a low-resistance, ohmic contact to the semiconductor and excellent bonding to gold leads.

Abstract: Selective application of solder bumps in an integrated circuit package. Solder bumps are selectively applied in a solder bump integrated circuit packaging process so that portions of a circuit can be effectively disabled. The bumps may be selectively applied either to a die or to the substrate using multiple solder masks, one for each pattern of solder bumps desired or can be otherwise applied in multiple patterns depending upon which portions of the circuitry are to be active and which are to be disabled.

Abstract: The present invention includes forming a first conductive layer in a first dielectric layer, followed by forming a second dielectric layer on the first dielectric layer. The second dielectric layer is patterned to form openings on the second dielectric layer, a patterned photoresist is used as a mask to etch holes on the bottom of openings through the second dielectric layer to expose the surface of the first conductive layer 4, and an anti-fuse layer is formed on the second dielectric layer and on a surface of the holes. A photoresist is formed on the anti-fuse layer to expose un-programmable area, followed by plasma etching the anti-fuse layer on the un-programmable area using the photoresist as mask to expose the first conductive layer on the un-programmable area. The photoresist is removed. A second conductive layer is formed on the anti-fuse layer and refilling into the holes.

Abstract: A method for contact profile improvement is described. The contact window is formed over a substrate having at least one element. A first oxide layer is formed on the substrate. A borophosphosilicate glass layer is formed on the first oxide layer and the borophosphosilicate glass layer is treated by a planarization process. The contact window is formed in the first oxide layer and the borophosphosilicate glass layer. The element on the substrate is exposed therein. A second oxide layer is formed on the borophosphosilicate glass layer, the sidewall and the bottom of the contact window, with overhangs formed at an opening of the contact window. A spacer on the sidewall of the contact window is formed by etching the second oxide layer to further expose the surface of the borophosphosilicate glass layer. Finally, a native oxide on the bottom of the contact window is removed by a wet etching process and the etching selectivity between the native oxide and the spacer is smaller than 1.

Abstract: A process of forming an anti-fuse. First, an inter-metal dielectric layer, in which a funnel-shaped via is formed, is formed on a substrate. Next, a first conductive layer is formed over the substrate and filled into the funnel-shaped via. Subsequently, by, for example, a chemical mechanical polishing process, the first conductive layer outside the funnel-shaped via is removed to form a conductive plug. Afterward, an oxide chemical mechanical polishing process is performed to smooth the surface of the conductive plug. Next, a dielectric layer is formed on the top side of the conductive plug, and then a top plate is formed on the dielectric layer. Subsequently, an insulating layer is formed over the substrate, wherein the insulating layer is provided with a via and the via exposes the top plate. Finally, a second conductive layer is formed over the substrate and filled into the via.

Abstract: An antifuse having a dielectric disposed between a plurality of conductive elements is programmed with one of the conductive elements connected to a capacitor. The antifuse is programmed to an “on” state by precharging the capacitor and then applying a programming voltage to another one of the conductive elements. This results in the breakdown of the interposed dielectric to form a conductive link between the conductive elements. Immediately, following the formation of a conductive link, the electrical energy stored in the capacitor is released through the conductive link across the dielectric. Further, the capacitor can be common to a plurality of programmable antifuses and the application of the programming voltage serves to select one of the plurality of antifuses to be ‘blown’. This arrangement can be realized in a FET and the device can be easily integrated in the CMOS process commonly used for the manufacture of memory arrays and logic circuitry.

Abstract: An information write-register embedded in an integrated circuit (IC) is made of a plurality of independently addressable gate-controlled components formed in an isolated p-well nested in a n-well. Gates over the p-well are positioned on an insulator geometrically formed so that it is susceptible locally to electrical conductivity upon applying an overstress voltage pulse, whereby binary information can be permanently encoded into the write-register. The overstress voltage pulse is applied between the gate and the p-well and is created when a write-enable pulse of predetermined polarity and duration is superposed by a p-well pulse of opposite polarity and shorter duration.

Abstract: A cross point memory array is fabricated on a substrate with a plurality of memory cells, each memory cell including a diode and an anti-fuse in series. First and second conducting materials are disposed in separate strips on the substrate to form a plurality of first and second orthogonal electrodes with cross points. A plurality of semiconductor layers are disposed between the first and second electrodes to form a plurality of diodes between the cross points of the first and second electrodes. A passivation layer is disposed between the first electrodes and the diodes to form a plurality of anti-fuses adjacent to the diodes at the cross points of first and second electrodes. Portions of the diode layers are removed between the electrode cross points to form the plurality of memory cells with rows of trenches between adjacent memory cells to provide a barrier against crosstalk between adjacent memory cells. The trenches extend substantially to the depth of the n-doped layer in each diode.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a ferroelectric capacitor is disclosed. The method comprises decreasing a reduction in a bottom electrode material during formation of the ferroelectric dielectric portion of the capacitor. The method comprises forming an oxygen doped iridium layer and forming a ferroelectric dielectric layer thereover. During the formation of the ferroelectric, the oxygen doped iridium layer converts to an iridium oxide layer.

Abstract: An advanced back-end-of-line (BEOL) metallization structure is disclosed. The structure includes a diffusion barrier or cap layer having a low dielectric constant (low-k). The cap layer is formed of amorphous nitrogenated hydrogenated silicon cabride, and has a dielectric constant (k) of less than about 5. A method for forming the BEOL metallization structure is also disclosed, where the cap layer is deposited using a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PE CVD) process. The invention is particularly useful in interconnect structure comprising low-k dielectric material for the inter-layer dielectric (ILD) and copper for the conductors.

Abstract: The prior art requires the selective removal of antifuse material from the bottom of the standard via. This cannot always be accomplished without damage to the nearby antifuse. In addition, in the absence of antifuse structural isolation, problems were encountered at M2 etch in consistently removing the full thickness of metallic material at this level. Shorting due to underetch was often encountered. These problems were solved by first forming only the antifuse via. This allowed the via to be controlled and optimized for antifuse requirements and for the antifuse material to be patterned without regard to possible side effects on the standard vias. Design rules for overlaps of overfuse and M2 layers were amended such that each antifuse is individually isolated. The latter were then formed, without (as in the prior art) any concerns that the antifuse might be affected.

Abstract: The present invention includes forming a first conductive layer in a first dielectric layer, followed by forming a second dielectric layer on the first dielectric layer. The second dielectric layer is patterned to form openings on the second dielectric layer, a patterned photoresist is used as a mask to etch holes on the bottom of openings through the second dielectric layer to expose the surface of the first conductive layer 4, and an anti-fuse layer is formed on the second dielectric layer and on a surface of the holes. A photoresist is formed on the anti-fuse layer to expose un-programmable area, followed by plasma etching the anti-fuse layer on the unprogrammable area using the photoresist as mask to expose the first conductive layer on the un-programmable area. The photoresist is removed. A second conductive layer is formed on the anti-fuse layer and refilling into the holes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for fabricating a semiconductor device (100). An interconnect structure (110) is formed on the semiconductor device (100) and a cap (112) is deposited over the interconnect structure (110). The interconnect structure (110) is annealed with the overlying cap (112) in place. The cap (112) is then removed after the interconnect structure (110) is annealed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device comprises forming a thin film over a semiconductor substrate, patterning the thin film to define a portion of a laser trimming registration position pattern while simultaneously forming a fuse element formed from the same thin film and separate from the portion of the laser trimming position registration pattern, and forming a metallic film on the portion of the laser trimming position pattern but not on the fuse element.

Abstract: A one-time programmable memory cell includes a fuse and an anti-fuse in series. The memory cell has two states, an initial state and a written (programmed) state. In the initial state, a resistance of the cell is finite, typically dominated by the relatively high resistance of the anti-fuse. In the written state, the resistance is infinite because the breakdown of the fuse resulting in an open circuit. The cell may be programmed by applying a critical voltage across the cell generating a critical current to cause the fuse to become open. When critical voltage is applied, this generally causes the anti-fuse to break down, which in turn causes a pulse of high current to be applied to the fuse. The states are detected by applying a read voltage across the memory cell. If the memory has not been programmed, then a measurable amount flows. Otherwise, no current flows.

Abstract: An electrical and thermal contact which includes an intermediate conductive layer, an insulator component, and a contact layer. The insulator component is fabricated from a thermally insulative material and may be sandwiched between the intermediate conductive layer and the contact layer. The electrical and thermal contact may be fabricated by forming a first conductive layer on a surface of the semiconductor device, depositing a dielectric layer adjacent the first layer, patterning the dielectric layer to define the insulator component, and forming a second conductive layer adjacent the insulator component and in partial contact with the first layer. The first and second layers are respectively patterned to define the intermediate conductive layer and the contact layer. The electrical and thermal contact effectively contains heat within and prevents heat from dissipating from a contacted structure, such as a phase change component that may be switched between two or more electrical states.

Abstract: Structures and method for programmable memory address and decode circuits with ultra thin vertical body transistors are provided. The memory address and decode circuits includes a number of address lines and a number of output lines such that the address lines and the output lines form an array. A number of vertical pillars extend outwardly from a semiconductor substrate at intersections of output lines and address lines. Each pillar includes a single crystalline first contact layer and a second contact layer separated by an oxide layer. A number of single crystalline ultra thin vertical floating gate transistors that are selectively disposed adjacent the number of vertical pillars.

Abstract: A method for forming a region of low dielectric constant nanoporous material is disclosed. In one embodiment, the present method includes the step of preparing a microemulsion. The method of the present embodiment then recites applying the microemulsion to a surface above which it is desired to form a region of low dielectric constant nanoporous material. Next, the present method recites subjecting the microemulsion, which has been applied to the surface, to a thermal process such that the region of low dielectric constant nanoporous material is formed above the surface.

Abstract: A process of forming an anti-fuse. First, an inter-metal dielectric layer, in which a funnel-shaped via is formed, is formed on a substrate. Next, a first conductive layer is formed over the substrate and filled into the funnel-shaped via. Subsequently, by, for example, a chemical mechanical polishing process, the first conductive layer outside the funnel-shaped via is removed to form a conductive plug. Afterward, an oxide chemical mechanical polishing process is performed to smooth the surface of the conductive plug. Next, a dielectric layer is formed on the top side of the conductive plug, and then a top plate is formed on the dielectric layer. Subsequently, an insulating layer is formed over the substrate, wherein the insulating layer is provided with a via and the via exposes the top plate. Finally, a second conductive layer is formed over the substrate and filled into the via.

Abstract: A semiconductor device of the present invention is provided with a first metal wire formed above a semiconductor substrate with an interlayer insulating film intervened, a fuse formed on interlayer insulating film so as to be spaced at a distance away from first metal wire, an insulating film which covers first metal wire and which has an opening above fuse, a second metal wire formed on insulating film, a first passivation film which covers second metal wire and fuse, and a second passivation film formed on first passivation film, made of a material different from that of first passivation film and having an opening above fuse.

Abstract: An antifuse structure of the present invention comprises an antifase layer and a bottom electrode which are immune to the damages caused by harmful processing environment. The three major components of the antifuse—the bottom electrode, the antifuse layer and the top buffer layer are formed consecutively in a friendly manufacturing environment. This antifuse structure can substantially improve the antifuse manufacturability.