Abstract:
A memory circuit is described which increases the density of memory cells by including a reference circuit. The memory circuit has an open digit line architecture where sense amplifiers use two digit lines to sense data stored in the memory cells. One of the digit lines is used as a reference while the other digit line is active. A reference circuit is described which can be used to replace one of the digit lines connected to the sense amplifier circuit. The reference circuit models the electrical charateristics of a digit line by including a capacitor and a transistor, each sized to match the characteristics of a digit line.
Abstract:
A circuit for providing electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection is disclosed. The circuit comprises a pair of CMOS field effect pull up and pull down transistors with reduced resistance source and drain, having a well resistor formed external to them between supply and ground busses respectively. During an ESD event, the well resistors serve to both limit the current flow through the transistors, and reduce the voltage drop across them.
Abstract:
A 16 megabit (2 ) or greater density single deposition layer metal Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) part is described which allows for a die that fits within an industry-standard 300 ml wide SOJ (Small Outline J-wing) package or a TSOP (Thin, Small Outline Package) with little or no speed loss over previous double metal deposition layered 16 megabit DRAM designs. This is accomplished using a die architecture which allows for a single metal layer signal path, together with the novel use of a lead frame to remove a substantial portion of the power busing from the die, allowing for a smaller, speed-optimized DRAM. The use of a single deposition layer metal results in lower production costs, and shorter production time.
Abstract:
A method of forming a capacitor includes: (a) providing a node to which electrical connection to a capacitor is to be made; (b) providing a first electrically conductive capacitor plate over the node; (c) chemical vapor depositing a capacitor dielectric layer of Ta2O5 over the first electrically conductive capacitor plate; and (d) providing a predominately amorphous diffusion barrier layer over the Ta2O5 dielectric layer. A capacitor construction is also disclosed. The preferred amorphous diffusion barrier layer is electrically conductive and constitutes a metal organic chemical vapor deposited TiCxNyOz, where "x" is in the range of from 0.01 to 0.5, and "y" is in the range of from 0.99 to 0.5, and "z" is in the range of from 0 to 0.3, with the sum of "x", "y" and "z" equalling about 1.0.
Abstract translation:形成电容器的方法包括:(a)提供要与电容器进行电连接的节点; (b)在所述节点上提供第一导电电容器板; (c)在第一导电电容器板上化学气相沉积Ta 2 O 5的电容器电介质层; 和(d)在Ta 2 O 5介电层上提供主要的无定形扩散阻挡层。 还公开了一种电容器结构。 优选的非晶扩散阻挡层是导电的,并且构成金属有机化学气相沉积TiC x N y O z,其中“x”在0.01至0.5的范围内,“y”在0.99至0.5的范围内,“z “在0至0.3的范围内,”x“,”y“和”z“之和等于约1.0。
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for optimizing the speed path of a memory access operation in a synchronous depending upon the present latency period for the synchronous DRAM. The improved memory device compensates the time between row address latching and column address latching tRCD by delaying the presentment of the column address to compensate tRCD from the time available for column address latching to valid data-out (tAA) when tRCD is the critical parameter. Optimization circuitry reduces the amount of time available for tAA and "shifts" it to the more critical parameter tRCD, enabling the optimization or reduction of the time allocated for tRCD by compensating tRCD with the extra time available for tAA. Thus, the memory access optimization circuitry enables an optmization or reduction in the total memory access time by compensating the optimized tRCD with the extra time available for tAA.
Abstract:
An integrated circuit memory device is designed for high speed data access and for compatibility with existing memory systems. An address strobe signal is used to latch a first address. During a burst access cycle the address is incremented internal to the device with additional address strobe transitions. A new memory address is only required at the beginning of each burst access. Read/Write commands are issued once per burst access eliminating the need to toggle the Read/Write control line at the device cycle frequency. Transitions of the Read/Write control line during a burst access will terminate the burst access, reset the burst length counter and intialize the device for another burst access. A two stage pipelined output buffer latches read data in a first stage while data from a second stage is driven from the device. Internal read lines may become invalid in preparation for additional access cycles after the data is latched in the first stage. The device is compatible with existing Extended Data Out DRAM device pinouts, Fast Page Mode and Extended Data Out Single In-Line Memory Module pinouts, and the other memory circuit designs. The memory device maintains compatibility with nonburst mode devices such as Extended Data Out (EDO) and Fast Page Mode through bond option or mode selection circuitry. A multiplexer selects between the input address and the burst address generator output to feed an asynchronous address transition detection circuit. The address transition detection circuit generates an equilibration control signal between memory access cycles.
Abstract:
An integrated circuit memory device is described which can operate at high data speeds. The memory device can either store or retrieve data from the memory in a burst access operation. The burst operation latches a memory address from external address lines and internally generates additional memory addresses. A clock signal is provided to synchronize the burst operations. The clock signal is independent of an address latch signal used to latch an external address.
Abstract:
A method for depositing tungsten nitride uses a source gas mixture having a silicon-based gas for depositing the tungsten nitride to overlie a deposition substrate. A non-planar storage capacitor has a tungsten nitride capacitor electrode.
Abstract:
A multi-layer lead frame (20) for decoupling a power supply to a semiconductor die (10) includes overlaying first (25) and second lead frame (40) bodies having an insulator (55) disposed therebetween and at least one main lead finger (35, 50) extending from each body (25, 40). The bodies (25, 40) act as a capacitor to decouple the power supply to the die (10). One of the bodies and respective finger provides one of power supply and ground connections for wire bonding with the die (10), and the other of the bodies provides the other of power supply and ground connections for wire bonding with the die (10). The first body (25) includes a die paddle (30) for supporting the die (10), and the second body (40) includes a plate (45) for overlaying the paddle (30) with the insulator (55) disposed between the paddle (30) and plate (45), thereby providing an electrical decoupling effect therebetween upon supplying power and ground connections, respectively.
Abstract:
A method for forming contact pins adapted to form an electrical connection with a mating contact location is provided. In a first embodiment, the contact pins are formed on an interconnect used for testing a semiconductor die and are adapted to establish an electrical connection with the bond pads of the die. In a second embodiment, the contact pins are formed directly on the bond pads of a die and can be used for establishing a permanent or temporary electrical connection to the pads. The contact pins include a base portion attached to the die or interconnect, a compliant spring segment, and a contact ball at the tip. The contact pins are formed using a wire bonding process or a welding process in which a metal wire is simultaneously heated and shaped into a compliant structure as it is attached to the die or interconnect.