Abstract:
A method for integrating the formation of metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors within dual damascene processing includes forming a lower interlevel dielectric (ILD) layer having a lower capacitor electrode and one or more lower metal lines therein, the ILD layer having a first dielectric capping layer formed thereon. An upper ILD layer is formed over the lower ILD layer, and a via and upper line structure are defined within the upper ILD layer. The via and upper line structure are filled with a planarizing layer, followed by forming and patterning a resist layer over the planarizing layer. An upper capacitor electrode structure is defined in the upper ILD layer corresponding to a removed portion of the resist. The via, upper line structure and upper capacitor electrode structure are filled with conductive material, wherein a MIM capacitor is defined by the lower capacitor electrode, first dielectric capping layer and upper capacitor electrode structure.
Abstract:
Methods of fabricating a passive element and a semiconductor device including the passive element are disclosed including the use of a dummy passive element. A dummy passive element is a passive element or wire which is added to the chip layout to aid in planarization but is not used in the active circuit. One embodiment of the method includes forming the passive element and a dummy passive element adjacent to the passive element; forming a dielectric layer over the passive element and the dummy passive element, wherein the dielectric layer is substantially planar between the passive element and the dummy passive element; and forming in the dielectric layer an interconnect to the passive element through the dielectric layer and a dummy interconnect portion overlapping at least a portion of the dummy passive element. The methods eliminate the need for planarizing.
Abstract:
A BEOL thin-film resistor adapted for flexible integration rests on a first layer of ILD. The thickness of the first layer of ILD and the resistor thickness combine to match the nominal design thickness of vias in the layer of concern. A second layer of ILD matches the resistor thickness and is planarized to the top surface of the resistor. A third layer of ILD has a thickness equal to the nominal value of the interconnections on this layer. Dual damascene interconnection apertures and apertures for making contact with the resistor are formed simultaneously, with the etch stop upper cap layer in the resistor protecting the resistive layer while the vias in the dual damascene apertures are formed.
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:
The present invention relates to integrated circuits that comprise via-level wirings and/or devices. Specifically, an integrate circuit of the present invention comprises a first line level and a second line level spaced apart from each other, with a via level therebetween. The first and second line levels both comprise metal wirings and/or electronic devices. The via level comprises at least one metal via that extends therethrough to electrically connect the first line level with the second line level. Further, the via level comprises at least one via-level metal wiring and/or electronic device.
Abstract:
Methods of forming a high dielectric constant dielectric layer are disclosed including providing a process chamber including a holder for supporting a substrate, introducing a first gas comprising a high dielectric constant (Hi-K) dielectric precursor and an oxygen (O2) oxidant into the process chamber to form a first portion of the high dielectric constant dielectric layer on the substrate, and switching from a flow of the first gas to a flow of a second gas comprising the Hi-K dielectric precursor and an ozone (O3) oxidant to form a second portion of the high dielectric constant dielectric layer on the first portion. In an alternative embodiment, another portion can be formed on the second portion using the oxygen oxidant. The invention increases throughput by at least 20% without reliability or leakage degradation and without the need for additional equipment.
Abstract:
A resistor device structure and method of manufacture therefore, wherein the resistor device structure invention includes a plurality of alternating conductive film and insulative film layers, at least two of the conductive film layers being electrically connected in parallel to provide for high current flow through the resistor device at high frequencies with increased temperature and mechanical stability. The alternating conductive film and insulative film layers may be of a planar or non-planar geometric spatial orientation. The alternating conductive film and insulative film layers may include lateral and vertical portions designed to enable a uniform current density flow within the structure itself through a self-ballasting effect within the physical resistor. A computer aided design tool with graphical and schematic features is provided to enable generation of hierarchical parameterized cells for a resistor element with the ability to provide customization, personalization and tunability of TCR, TCR matching, and high current and ESD robustness.
Abstract:
A BEOL thin-film resistor adapted for flexible integration rests on a first layer of ILD. The thickness of the first layer of ILD and the resistor thickness combine to match the nominal design thickness of vias in the layer of concern. A second layer of ILD matches the resistor thickness and is planarized to the top surface of the resistor. A third layer of ILD has a thickness equal to the nominal value of the interconnections on this layer. *Dual damascene interconnection apertures and apertures for making contact with the resistor are formed simultaneously, with the etch stop upper cap layer in the resistor protecting the resistive layer while the vias in the dual damascene apertures are formed.
Abstract:
A method for fabricating high gain FETs that substantially reduces or eliminates unwanted variation in device characteristics caused by using a prior art shadow masking process is provided. The inventive method employs a blocking mask that at least partially extends over the gate region wherein after extension and halo implants an FET having an asymmetric halo region asymmetric extension regions or a combination thereof is fabricated. The inventive method thus provides high gain FETs in which the variation of device characteristics is substantially reduced. The present invention also relates to the resulting asymmetric high gain FET device that is fabricated utilizing the method of the present invention.
Abstract:
Tunable TCR resistors incorporated into integrated circuits and a method fabricating the tunable TCR resistors. The tunable TCR resistors including two or more resistors of two or more different materials having opposite polarity and different magnitude TCRs, the same polarity and different magnitude TCRs or having opposite polarity and about the same TCRs.