Abstract:
A Flash EEPROM comprises an array (1) of memory cells (MC) having a common source line (SL) connecting together source electrodes (S) of the memory cells (MC), said common source line (SL) being coupled to a positive potential (VPP) when the memory cells (MC) must be electrically erased, and resistive feedback means (R) coupled in series between said positive potential (VPP) and said common source line (SL). The Flash EEPROM comprises voltage limiting means (CL) coupled to said common source line (SL) for limiting the potential of the common source line (SL) to a prescribed maximum value (VCL) lower than said positive potential (VPP).
Abstract:
A process for forming an integrated circuit calls for the provision of at least one matrix of non-volatile memory cells (1) having an intermediate dielectric multilayer including at least a lower dielectric material layer (8) and an upper silicon oxide layer (9) and the simultaneous provision in zones peripheral to the matrix of at least one first transistor type (2) having gate dielectric of a first thickness. After formation of the floating gate with a gate oxide layer (4) and a polycrystalline silicon layer (5) and the formation of the lower dielectric material layer (8), the process in accordance with the present invention calls for:
removal of said layers from the peripheral zones (R2) of the matrix; deposition of said upper silicon oxide layer (9) over the memory cells (1),and over the substrate (3) in the areas (R2) of the peripheral transistors (2); and formation of a first silicon oxide layer (10) at least in the areas (R2) of the peripheral transistors (2).
To provide additionally a second transistor type having gate dielectric of a second thickness, indicatively thinner than said first thickness, successive steps are added in accordance with the present invention.
Abstract:
A nonvolatile memory (40) having a cell (31) comprising an N⁺ type source region (24) and drain region (12) embedded in a P⁻ type substrate (4) and surrounded by respective P-pockets (26, 16). The drain and source P-pockets (16, 26) are formed in two different high-angle boron implantation steps designed to optimize implantation energy and dosage for ensuring scalability of the cell and avoiding impairment of the snap-back voltage. The resulting cell (31) also presents a higher breakdown voltage as compared with known cells.
Abstract:
A method for programming a two-level polysilicon EEPROM memory cell, which cell is implemented in MOS technology on a semiconductor substrate (2) and comprises a floating gate (12) transistor and a further control gate (15) overlying the floating gate (12) with a dielectric layer (11) therebetween, provides for the application of a negative voltage to the control gate (15) during the cell (1) write phase. This enables the voltages being applied across the thin tunnel oxide layer to be distributed so as to reduce the maximum amount of energy of the "holes" and improve the oxide reliability. In addition, by controlling the rise speed of the impulse to the drain region during the write phase, and of the impulse to the control gate during the erase phase, the maximum current flowing through the tunnel oxide can be set and the electric field being applied to the tunnel oxide kept constant, thereby the device life span can be extended.
Abstract:
The process for manufacturing EEPROM memory cells having a single level of polysilicon and thin oxide with selection transistor (20), sensing transistor (22) having a floating gate (5), control gate (10) with a capacitive coupling to the floating gate (5) and a tunnel area (23) with thin oxide (9), comprises a first step (29) involving the definition of active areas (41, 42) free of field oxide (11), a second step (30) involving an ionic implantation (10′) at a coupling area (24) between the control gate (10) and the floating gate (5), a third step (31) involving the creation of gate oxide (21) at the active areas (41, 42), a fourth step (32) involving an additional ionic implantation (10˝, 8) at said coupling area (24) between the control gate (10) and the floating gate (5) and at said tunnel area (23), a fifth step (33) involving the removal of the gate oxide (21) superimposed over said areas (24, 23), a sixth step (34) involving the differentiated growth of coupling oxide (12) and tunnel oxide (9) at said coupling areas (24) and tunnel areas (23) and a seventh step (35) involving the deposition of a layer of polysilicon (5) constituting the floating gate.
Abstract:
The process provides for obtaining in the areas intended for the formation of the transistors windows (9, 20, 10) in the intermediate oxide layer (5) between the two silicon layers (4, 11) and, before final etching of the two silicon layers (4, 11) and the intermediate oxide (5), application of a mask formed in such a manner as to superimpose on the second silicon layer (11) in the transistor areas coverings (13, 26, 14) wider than the corresponding windows (9, 20, 10) of the intermediate oxide layer (5).
Abstract:
Inductive structures making highly efficient use of the magnetic flux generated, and being consistent with integrated circuit manufacturing techniques, and a method of making them on a semiconductor substrate concurrently with the formation of the integrated circuit itself.