Abstract:
A semiconductor memory device (100), in accordance with the present invention, includes a substrate having a major surface including an array region (102) and a support region (104). The array region includes memory cell structures (106) having a first height above the major surface of the substrate. The support area includes dummy structures (119) formed therein having a second height above the major surface. A dielectric layer (118) is formed over the memory cell structures in the array region and the dummy structures in the support region such that a top surface (122) of the dielectric layer is substantially planar wherein topographical features are substantially eliminated on the dielectric layer across the array region and the support region.