Patents by Inventor Junjun Li

Abstract: Circuits and methods for providing electrostatic discharge protection. The protection circuit may include a power clamp device, a timing circuit including a resistor and a capacitor that is coupled with the resistor at a node, a transmission gate configured to selectively connect the node of the timing circuit with the power clamp device, and a control circuit coupled with the node. The control circuit is configured to control the transmission gate based upon whether or not the capacitor is defective. The timing circuit may be deactivated if the capacitor in the timing circuit is defective and the associated chip is powered. Alternatively, the timing circuit may be activated if the capacitor in the timing circuit is not defective.

Abstract: An electronic fuse link with lower programming current for high performance and self-aligned methods of forming the same. The invention provides a horizontal e-fuse structure in the middle of the line. A reduced fuse link width is achieved by spacers on sides of pair of dummy or active gates, to create sub-lithographic dimension between gates with spacers to confine a fuse link. A reduced height in the third dimension on the fuse link achieved by etching the link, thereby creating a fuse link having a sub-lithographic size in all dimensions. The fuse link is formed over an isolation region to enhanced heating and aid fuse blow.

Abstract: Disclosed are semiconductor structures. Each semiconductor structure can comprise a substrate and at least one laterally double-diffused metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (LDMOSFET) on the substrate. Each LDMOSFET can have a fully-depleted deep drain drift region (i.e., a fully depleted deep ballast resistor region) for providing a relatively high blocking voltage. Different configurations for the drain drift regions are disclosed and these different configurations can also vary as a function of the conductivity type of the LDMOSFET. Additionally, each semiconductor structure can comprise an isolation band positioned below the LDMOSFET and an isolation well positioned laterally around the LDMOSFET and extending vertically to the isolation band such that the LDMOSFET is electrically isolated from both a lower portion of the substrate and any adjacent devices on the substrate.

Abstract: A semiconductor fabrication is described, wherein a MOS device and a MEMS device is fabricated simultaneously in the BEOL process. A silicon layer is deposited and etched to form a silicon film for a MOS device and a lower silicon sacrificial film for a MEMS device. A conductive layer is deposited atop the silicon layer and etched to form a metal gate and a first upper electrode. A dielectric layer is deposited atop the conductive layer and vias are formed in the dielectric layer. Another conductive layer is deposited atop the dielectric layer and etched to form a second upper electrode and three metal electrodes for the MOS device. Another silicon layer is deposited atop the other conductive layer and etched to form an upper silicon sacrificial film for the MEMS device. The upper and lower silicon sacrificial films are then removed via venting holes.

Abstract: Methods and systems for altering the electrical resistance of a wiring path. The electrical resistance of the wiring path is compared with a target electrical resistance value. If the electrical resistance of the wiring path exceeds the target electrical resistance value, an electrical current is selectively applied to the wiring path to physically alter a portion of the wiring path. The current may be selected to alter the wiring path such that the electrical resistance drops to a value less than or equal to the target electrical resistance value.

Abstract: Various embodiments include dual three-dimensional (3D) resistor structures and methods of forming such structures. In some embodiments, a dual 3D resistor structure includes: a dielectric layer having a first set of trenches extending in a first direction through the dielectric layer; and a second set of trenches overlayed on the first set of trenches, the second set of trenches extending in a second direction through the dielectric layer, the second set of trenches and the first set of trenches forming at least one dual 3D trench; and a resistor material overlying the dielectric layer and at least partially filling the at least one dual 3D trench along the first direction and the second direction.

Abstract: Disclosed are semiconductor structures. Each semiconductor structure can comprise a substrate and at least one laterally double-diffused metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (LDMOSFET) on the substrate. Each LDMOSFET can have a fully-depleted deep drain drift region (i.e., a fully depleted deep ballast resistor region) for providing a relatively high blocking voltage. Different configurations for the drain drift regions are disclosed and these different configurations can also vary as a function of the conductivity type of the LDMOSFET. Additionally, each semiconductor structure can comprise an isolation band positioned below the LDMOSFET and an isolation well positioned laterally around the LDMOSFET and extending vertically to the isolation band such that the LDMOSFET is electrically isolated from both a lower portion of the substrate and any adjacent devices on the substrate.

Abstract: Fabrication methods for bi-directional silicon controlled rectifier device structures. A well of a first conductivity type is formed in a device region, which may be defined from a device layer of a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate. An anode of a first silicon controlled rectifier is formed in the first well. A cathode of a second silicon controlled rectifier is formed in the first well. The anode of the first silicon controlled rectifier has the first conductivity type. The cathode of the second silicon controlled rectifier has a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type.

Abstract: Device structures, design structures, and fabrication methods for a drain-extended metal-oxide-semiconductor (DEMOS) transistor. A first well of a first conductivity type and a second well of a second conductivity type are formed in a device region. The first and second wells are juxtaposed to define a p-n junction. A first doped region of the first conductivity type and a doped region of the second conductivity type are in the first well. The first doped region of the first conductivity type is separated from the second well by a first portion of the first well. The doped region of the second conductivity type is separated from the second well by a second portion of the first well. A second doped region of the first conductivity type, which is in the second well, is separated by a portion of the second well from the first and second portions of the first well.

Abstract: The present invention is a finFET type semiconductor device using LDMOS features. The device includes a first portion of a substrate doped with a second doping type and has a first trench, second trench, and first fin. The second portion of the substrate with a first doping type includes a third trench and second fin. The second fin between the second and third trench covers a part the first portion and a part of the second portion of the substrate. A first segment of the second fin is between the second segment and second trench. A second segment covers a part of the second portion of the substrate and is between the first segment and third trench. A gate covering at least a part of the first segment and a part of the first portion and a part of the second portion of the substrate.

Abstract: A structure includes first and second silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs) formed in a substrate. The first and the second SCRs each include at least one component commonly shared between the first and the second SCRs.

Abstract: A three-dimensionally (3d) confined conductor advantageously used as an electronic fuse and self-aligned methods of forming the same. By non-conformal deposition of a dielectric film over raised structures, a 3d confined tube, which may be sub-lithographic, is formed between the raised structures. Etching holes which intersect the 3d confined region and subsequent metal deposition fills the 3d confined region and forms contacts. When the raised structures are gates, the fuse element may be located at the middle of the line (i.e. in pre-metal dielectric). Other methods for creating the structure are also described.

Abstract: Device structures, design structures, and fabrication methods for a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor. A gate structure is formed on a top surface of a substrate. First and second trenches are formed in the substrate adjacent to a sidewall of the gate structure. The second trench is formed laterally between the first trench and the first sidewall. First and second epitaxial layers are respectively formed in the first and second trenches. A contact is formed to the first epitaxial layer, which serves as a drain. The second epitaxial layer in the second trench is not contacted so that the second epitaxial layer serves as a ballasting resistor.

Abstract: Device structures and design structures that include a silicon controlled rectifier, as well as fabrication methods for such device structures. A well is formed in the device layer of a silicon-on-insulator substrate. A silicon controlled rectifier is formed that includes an anode in the well. A deep trench capacitor is formed that includes a plate coupled with the well. The plate of the deep trench capacitor extends from the device layer through a buried insulator layer of the silicon-on-insulator substrate and into a handle wafer of the silicon-on-insulator substrate.

Abstract: An electronic fuse link with lower programming current for high performance and self-aligned methods of forming the same. The invention provides a horizontal e-fuse structure in the middle of the line. A reduced fuse link width is achieved by spacers on sides of pair of dummy or active gates, to create sub-lithographic dimension between gates with spacers to confine a fuse link. A reduced height in the third dimension on the fuse link achieved by etching the link, thereby creating a fuse link having a sub-lithographic size in all dimensions. The fuse link is formed over an isolation region to enhanced heating and aid fuse blow.

Abstract: Device structures, design structures, and fabrication methods for a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor. A gate structure is formed on a top surface of a substrate. First and second trenches are formed in the substrate adjacent to a sidewall of the gate structure. The second trench is formed laterally between the first trench and the first sidewall. First and second epitaxial layers are respectively formed in the first and second trenches. A contact is formed to the first epitaxial layer, which serves as a drain. The second epitaxial layer in the second trench is not contacted so that the second epitaxial layer serves as a ballasting resistor.

Abstract: Diodes and resistors for integrated circuits are provided. Deep trenches (DTs) are integrated into the diodes and resistors for the purposes of thermal conduction. The deep trenches facilitate conduction of heat from a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate to a bulk substrate. Semiconductor fins may be formed to align with the deep trenches.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protection circuit is disclosed. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor structure includes forming a semiconductor controlled rectifier including a first plurality of fingers between an n-well body contact and an anode in an n-well, and a second plurality of fingers between a p-well body contact and a cathode in a p-well.

Abstract: Device structures and design structures for passive devices that may be used as electrostatic discharge protection devices in fin-type field-effect transistor integrated circuit technologies. A device region is formed in a trench and is coupled with a handle wafer of a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate. The device region extends through a buried insulator layer of the semiconductor-on-insulator substrate toward a top surface of a device layer of the semiconductor-on-insulator substrate. The device region is comprised of lightly-doped semiconductor material. The device structure further includes a doped region formed in the device region and that defines a junction. A portion of the device region is laterally positioned between the doped region and the buried insulator layer of the semiconductor-on-insulator substrate. Another region of the device layer may be patterned to form fins for fin-type field-effect transistors.

Abstract: Diodes and resistors for integrated circuits are provided. Deep trenches (DTs) are integrated into the diodes and resistors for the purposes of thermal conduction. The deep trenches facilitate conduction of heat from a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate to a bulk substrate. Semiconductor fins may be formed to align with the deep trenches.