Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to a split gate memory device which requires less number of processing steps than traditional baseline processes and methods of making the same. Word gate/select gate (SG) pairs are formed around a sacrificial spacer. The resulting SG structure has a distinguishable non-planar top surface. The spacer layer that covers the select gate also follows the shape of the SG top surface. A dielectric disposed above the inter-gate dielectric layer and arranged between the neighboring sidewalls of the each memory gate and select gate provides isolation between them.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to a structure and method for reducing contact over-etching and high contact resistance (Rc) on an embedded flash memory HKMG integrated circuit. In one embodiment, an STI region underlying a memory contact pad region is recessed to make the STI surface substantially co-planar with the rest of the semiconductor substrate. The recess allows formation of thicker memory contact pad structures. The thicker polysilicon on these contact pad structures prevents contact over-etching and thus reduces the Rc of contacts formed thereon.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates an integrated circuit (IC) for an embedded flash memory device. In some embodiments, the IC includes a memory array region and a boundary region surrounding the memory array region disposed over a semiconductor substrate. A hard mask is disposed at the memory array region comprising a plurality of discrete portions. The hard mask is disposed under a control dielectric layer of the memory array region.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to a non-planar FEOL (front-end-of-the-line) capacitor comprising a charge trapping dielectric layer disposed between electrodes, and an associated method of fabrication. In some embodiments, the non-planar FEOL capacitor has a first electrode disposed over a substrate. A charge trapping dielectric layer is disposed onto the substrate at a position adjacent to the first electrode. The charge trapping dielectric layer has an “L” shape, with a lateral component extending in a first direction and a vertical component extending in a second direction. A second electrode is arranged onto the lateral component and is separated from the first electrode by the first component.
Abstract:
Some embodiments relate to a memory cell with a charge-trapping layer of nanocrystals, comprising a tunneling oxide layer along a select gate, a control oxide layer formed between a control gate and the tunnel oxide layer, and a plurality of nanocrystals arranged between the tunneling and control oxide layers. An encapsulating layer isolates the nanocrystals from the control oxide layer. Contact formation to the select gate includes a two-step etch. A first etch includes a selectivity between oxide and the encapsulating layer, and etches away the control oxide layer while leaving the encapsulating layer intact. A second etch, which has an opposite selectivity of the first etch, then etches away the encapsulating layer while leaving the tunneling oxide layer intact. As a result, the control oxide layer and nanocrystals are etched away from a surface of the select gate, while leaving the tunneling oxide layer intact for contact isolation.
Abstract:
The embodiments described provide methods and semiconductor device areas for etching an active area region on a semiconductor body and epitaxially depositing a semiconductor layer overlying the active region. The methods enable the mitigation or elimination of problems encountered in subsequent manufacturing associated with STI divots.
Abstract:
A method for fabricating the semiconductor device is provided. The method includes depositing a first dielectric layer; forming a first memory cell over the first dielectric layer; depositing a second dielectric layer over the first memory cell; and forming a second memory cell over the second dielectric layer. Forming the first memory cell includes depositing a first resistance switching layer over the first dielectric layer and performing a first physical etching process to pattern the first resistance switching layer into a first resistance switching element. Forming the second memory cell includes depositing a second resistance switching layer over the second dielectric layer and performing a chemical etching process to pattern the second resistance switching layer into a second resistance switching element.
Abstract:
A device comprises a control gate structure and a memory gate structure over a substrate, a charge storage layer formed between the control gate structure and the memory gate structure, a first spacer along a sidewall of the memory gate structure, a second spacer along a sidewall of the control gate structure, an oxide layer over a top surface of the memory gate structure, a top spacer over the oxide layer, a first drain/source region formed in the substrate and adjacent to the memory gate structure and a second drain/source region formed in the substrate and adjacent to the control gate structure.
Abstract:
Some embodiments relate to a method for forming a memory device. The method includes forming a first memory cell over a substrate and forming a second memory cell over the substrate. Further, an inter-level dielectric (ILD) layer is formed over the substrate such that the ILD layer comprises sidewalls defining a first trough between the first memory cell and the second memory cell. In addition, a first dielectric layer is formed over the ILD layer and within the first trough.
Abstract:
A method for manufacturing a memory device is provided. The method includes forming a bottom electrode layer, a resistance switching element layer over the bottom electrode layer, and a top electrode layer over the resistance switching element layer; patterning the top electrode layer into a top electrode; forming a protection spacer on a sidewall of the top electrode; patterning the resistance switching element layer into a resistance switching element after forming the protection spacer; and patterning the bottom electrode layer into a bottom electrode after patterning the resistance switching element layer.