US20070141774A1 - Method and apparatus for a deposited fill layer - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for a deposited fill layer Download PDFInfo
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- US20070141774A1 US20070141774A1 US11/707,180 US70718007A US2007141774A1 US 20070141774 A1 US20070141774 A1 US 20070141774A1 US 70718007 A US70718007 A US 70718007A US 2007141774 A1 US2007141774 A1 US 2007141774A1
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- the invention relates to semiconductor wafers and semiconductor devices and their fabrication. Specifically, the invention relates to methods of fabricating layers on a semiconductor wafer, and the semiconductor devices that result from the methods.
- Semiconductor integrated circuits are formed using large numbers of complex processing operations to form several layers of devices and electrical connections stacked on top of each other. Isolating layers of dielectric material are needed to electrically isolate semiconductor devices and electrical connecting lines from each other.
- the dielectric material is typically deposited in lateral spaces between elements such as semiconductor devices and between electrical connections such as trace lines. The dielectric material is also deposited between multiple layers of devices or connections to isolate portions of layers from each other.
- FIG. 1 shows an integrated circuit 100 , including a semiconductor substrate 110 .
- the integrated circuit 100 includes a number of semiconductor devices 120 that are formed on, or within the substrate 110 . Electrical connections such as first electrical connection 130 and second electrical connection 132 are included for interconnecting selected semiconductor devices 120 .
- a first dielectric layer 150 is included in the multiple step process.
- the first dielectric layer 150 is shown in FIG. 1 located over the electrical connections 130 and 132 .
- the dielectric layer 150 in common configurations is a conformal layer that contacts both a substrate elevation level area 112 and an element elevation level area 114 .
- One current technique also utilizes supplemental structures such as structure 140 to minimize the amount of surface area on the substrate 110 that is at the substrate elevation level 112 .
- structure 140 to minimize the amount of surface area on the substrate 110 that is at the substrate elevation level 112 .
- the conformal dielectric layer 150 of the current process does not yield a planar outer surface.
- substantially planar outer surface It is desirable to form a substantially planar outer surface so that stacks of layers including subsequent semiconductor devices or electrical connections can be formed as needed.
- additional dielectric layers such as second dielectric layer 160 are needed to form a substantially planar outer surface 162 .
- the outer surface 162 is made planar by selecting the second dielectric material and deposition process such that remaining recesses 163 are filled in.
- a via 170 is further shown in FIG. 1 , formed through the first dielectric layer 150 and the second dielectric layer 160 .
- the via 170 is needed when utilizing subsequent device or electrical connection layers, to form an electrical contact that communicates with, for example, the second electrical connection 132 as shown.
- the via 170 includes a via width 172 . Because the via 170 passes through both the first dielectric layer 150 and the second dielectric layer 160 in order to reach the second electrical connection 132 , the via has a height that is equal to a thickness 166 . The thickness 166 is equal to a first dielectric layer thickness 152 added to a second dielectric layer thickness 164 . The via 170 has an aspect ratio equal to its height over its width 172 . Due to thickness variations introduced in each deposition operation, there is a large variation in aspect ratios of vias formed after two dielectric depositions. High aspect ratio vias can be difficult to fill with conductive material in later processing operations. Aspect ratio variations are thus undesirable because of the resulting low reliability of high aspect ratio vias.
- FIG. 1 shows an elevational view of an integrated circuit according to the prior art.
- FIG. 2 shows a plan view of an integrated circuit according to the prior art.
- FIG. 3A shows a plan view of one embodiment of an integrated circuit according to the invention.
- FIG. 3B shows a plan view of another embodiment of an integrated circuit according to the invention.
- FIG. 4A shows an elevational view of a semiconductor wafer during processing according to one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 4B shows an elevational view of a semiconductor wafer during processing according to one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 4C shows an elevational view of a semiconductor wafer during processing according to one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 4D shows an elevational view of a semiconductor wafer according to another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an information handling device according to one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a central processing unit according to one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of a memory device according to one embodiment of the invention.
- wafer and substrate used in the following description include any structure having an exposed surface with which to form the integrated circuit (IC) structure of the invention.
- substrate is understood to include semiconductor wafers.
- substrate is also used to refer to semiconductor structures during processing, and may include other layers that have been fabricated thereupon.
- Both wafer and substrate include doped and undoped semiconductors, epitaxial semiconductor layers supported by a base semiconductor or insulator (semiconductor-on-insulator—SOD), as well as other semiconductor structures well known to one skilled in the art.
- SOD semiconductor-on-insulator
- the term conductor is understood to include semiconductors, and the term insulator or dielectric is defined to include any material that is less electrically conductive than the materials referred to as conductors.
- horizontal or “lateral” as used in this application is defined as a plane parallel to the conventional plane or surface of a wafer or substrate, regardless of the orientation of the wafer or substrate.
- vertical or “elevational” refers to a direction perpendicular to the horizontal as defined above. Prepositions, such as “on”, “side” (as in “sidewall”), “higher”, “lower”, “over” and “under” are defined with respect to the conventional plane or surface being on the top surface of the wafer or substrate, regardless of the orientation of the wafer or substrate.
- trench is used in the present application to refer to a space between elements.
- One form of a trench is created by building up elements on a surface, thus creating spaces between the elements.
- Another form of trench is created by removing material from a substantially continuous layer to create elements.
- the spaces between the elements of the layer are also defined as trenches.
- FIG. 2 shows a current design of an integrated circuit (IC) 200 .
- the IC 200 is formed on a substrate 210 , and includes a first region 220 containing a number of conductive elements 222 .
- the conductive elements 222 include metal trace lines as are commonly known in the art.
- the IC 200 further includes a second region 230 that does not require any conductive elements 222 . For a variety of reasons, a number of second regions 230 that do not require any conductive elements 222 may be included across a surface of a semiconductor wafer or an IC.
- the conductive elements 222 shown in FIG. 2 extent outward from the substrate 210 to an elevation.
- the conductive elements 222 therefore define a number of trenches between individual conductive elements.
- a generally linear first trench 224 is shown with a first trench axis 225 .
- a generally linear second trench 226 is also shown with a second trench axis 227 .
- an intersection 228 is shown where the first trench axis 225 crosses over the second trench axis 227 .
- the intersection forms a “four way intersection” which is distinguishable from a “three way intersection” such as second intersection 229 . In a three way intersection, the trench axes meet, but they do not cross one another.
- FIG. 3A shows an IC 300 that does not contain any four way intersections.
- the IC 300 is formed on a substrate 310 , and includes a first region 320 containing a number of conductive elements 322 .
- the conductive elements 322 include metal trace lines as are commonly known in the art.
- the conductive elements 322 are formed from a metal. Possible metals include, but are not limited to, tungsten, titanium, other refractory metals, or aluminum. Any number of possible shapes of conductive elements are possible. Trace lines, for instance, include straight lines, 90 degree turns, and other complex geometry. Functionally, the conductive elements must merely interconnect two or more semiconductor devices, such as transistors, to each other.
- the IC 300 further includes a second region 330 that does not require any conductive elements 322 . Any number of such regions 330 that do not require any conductive elements may be spread across the surface of the semiconductor substrate 310 in the IC 300 .
- FIG. 3A shows a substantially square second region 330 , however, other shapes including multiple sided complex shapes are also included in alternate embodiments. The exact shape of any of a number of second regions 330 is determined by locations of semiconductor devices, such as transistors, that require interconnection through conductive elements such as 322 .
- the conductive elements 322 shown in FIG. 3A extent outward from the substrate 310 to an elevation.
- the conductive elements 322 therefore define a number of trenches between individual conductive elements.
- a generally linear first trench 324 is shown with a first trench axis 325 .
- a generally linear second trench 326 is also shown with a second trench axis 327 .
- An intersection 328 is shown where the first trench axis 325 meets the second trench axis 327 . The intersection forms a three way intersection as described above.
- the first trench axis 325 meets, but does not cross, the second trench axis 327 .
- FIG. 3B shows the IC 300 with a further addition of a number of supplemental elements 350 .
- the supplemental elements 350 are located within the second region 330 .
- the supplemental elements 350 include a variety of possible shapes. Example shapes from one embodiment are shown in FIG. 3B as squares, “cross” shapes, and partial “cross” shapes.
- the supplemental elements 350 are formed from a metal. The supplemental elements are not required to conduct electrical signals, therefore they need not be conductive.
- the supplemental elements 350 are formed from the same material as the conductive elements 322 .
- the supplemental elements are formed in a single process operation along with the conductive elements.
- supplemental elements aids in the subsequent step of isolation using a dielectric layer as described above. If the second region 330 is left open the deposition process kinetics lead to a depression in the second region while the dielectric material layer deposits more fully in “trenched” areas such as 320 . A more uniform deposition process is achieved when spaces between all elements are substantially the same.
- the trenches shown are all substantially the same width as measured perpendicular to the trench axes, thus in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B , spaces between all elements are substantially the same.
- the supplemental elements 350 shown in FIG. 3B extent outward from the substrate 310 to an elevation.
- the elevation of the supplemental elements 350 is substantially the same as the elevation of the conductive elements 322 .
- the supplemental elements 350 therefore define a number of trenches between individual supplemental elements.
- a generally linear third trench 332 is shown with a third trench axis 333 .
- a generally linear fourth trench 334 is also shown with a fourth trench axis 335 .
- An intersection 336 is shown where the third trench axis 333 meets the fourth trench axis 335 . The intersection forms a three way intersection as described above.
- the third trench axis 333 meets, but does not cross, the fourth trench axis 335 .
- the IC 300 does not include any four way intersections in either the first region 320 or the second region 330 .
- This design has a number of advantages. First, filling in regions such as 330 and making spaces all substantially equal in regions such as 320 and 330 makes the photo patterning more robust, and the dry etch patterning more uniform. Then, by eliminating four way intersections, the subsequent dielectric deposition process kinetics are further improved beyond the kinetics achieved with the substantially equal spaces. By eliminating four way intersections, all regions tend to fill more uniformly, which allows a thinner dielectric layer deposition that fills all holes. Additionally, the even fill rate of this novel design allows the isolation layer to be formed in a single process operation.
- the single layer deposition with a uniform fill rate does not leave pits or deep depressed regions that need to be filled by a subsequent material and deposition operation.
- the resulting dielectric layer possesses a substantially planar top surface, (max. ⁇ min. topographic feature height differences of approximately 200-500 ⁇ and only introduces thickness variations from a single process step in contrast to a two layer deposition.
- a subsequent buffing operation further removes the 200-500 ⁇ surface roughness variation in preparation for subsequent semiconductor device layers.
- a dielectric layer with less localized thickness variation, as well as less global thickness variation, is thus produced using the novel design methods as described above.
- FIG. 4A shows a semiconductor wafer that includes a substrate 410 and a number of semiconductor devices 420 formed within the substrate 410 .
- semiconductor devices 420 may also be formed partially within the substrate 410 , or merely attached to a surface of the substrate 410 .
- Semiconductor devices 420 include, but are not limited to transistors, storage capacitors, diodes, etc.
- FIG. 4B shows the addition of a first conducting element 430 and a second conducting element 432 .
- Selected semiconductor devices 420 are interconnected by the first conducting element 430 .
- a supplemental element 440 is also shown.
- FIG. 4C shows a dielectric layer 450 that is deposited over the conducting elements 430 , 432 and the supplemental element 440 .
- the dielectric layer is deposited to a thickness 452 .
- the thickness 452 is more reproducible, locally across the wafer, as well as from wafer to wafer within a production fabrication.
- a dielectric surface 454 is substantially planar to allow subsequent layers of semiconductor devices or additional conducting element layers to be applied without additional surface preparation.
- FIG. 4D shows a via 460 that has been created within the dielectric layer 450 .
- the via 460 has a height 462 and a width 464 that define an aspect ratio of the via 460 .
- the via 460 can be formed in the single deposition dielectric layer 450 with a much more consistent aspect ratio due to the more consistent thickness 452 of the dielectric layer 450 . This yields a more reliable IC because the vias 460 are consistently easy to fill with conductive material in contrast to IC's that have variations in thickness and include higher aspect ratio vias.
- FIG. 5 Semiconducting wafers and IC's created by the methods described above may be implemented into memory devices and information handling devices as shown in FIG. 5 , FIG. 6 , and FIG. 7 and as described below. While specific types of memory devices and computing devices are shown below, it will be recognized by one skilled in the art that several types of memory devices and information handling devices could utilize the invention.
- a personal computer includes a monitor 500 , keyboard input 502 and a central processing unit 504 .
- the processor unit typically includes microprocessor 606 , memory bus circuit 608 having a plurality of memory slots 612 ( a - n ), and other peripheral circuitry 610 .
- Peripheral circuitry 610 permits various peripheral devices 624 to interface processor-memory bus 620 over input/output (I/O) bus 622 .
- the personal computer shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 also includes at least one transistor having a gate oxide according to the teachings of the present invention.
- Microprocessor 606 produces control and address signals to control the exchange of data between memory bus circuit 608 and microprocessor 606 and between memory bus circuit 608 and peripheral circuitry 610 . This exchange of data is accomplished over high speed memory bus 620 and over high speed I/O bus 622 .
- Coupled to memory bus 620 are a plurality of memory slots 612 ( a - n ) which receive memory devices well known to those skilled in the art.
- memory slots 612 a - n
- SIMMs single in-line memory modules
- DIMMs dual in-line memory modules
- Page mode operations in a DRAM are defined by the method of accessing a row of a memory cell arrays and randomly accessing different columns of the array. Data stored at the row and column intersection can be read and output while that column is accessed. Page mode DRAMs require access steps which limit the communication speed of memory circuit 608 . A typical communication speed for a DRAM device using page mode is approximately 33 MHZ.
- EDO extended data output
- DDR SDRAM DDR SDRAM
- SLDRAM Direct RDRAM
- SRAM Flash memories
- FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an illustrative DRAM device 700 compatible with memory slots 612 ( a - n ).
- the description of DRAM 700 has been simplified for purposes of illustrating a DRAM memory device and is not intended to be a complete description of all the features of a DRAM. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of memory devices may be used in the implementation of the present invention.
- the example of a DRAM memory device shown in FIG. 7 includes at least one transistor having a gate oxide according to the teachings of the present invention.
- Control, address and data information provided over memory bus 620 is further represented by individual inputs to DRAM 700 , as shown in FIG. 7 . These individual representations are illustrated by data lines 702 , address lines 704 and various discrete lines directed to control logic 706 .
- DRAM 700 includes memory array 710 which in turn comprises rows and columns of addressable memory cells. Each memory cell in a row is coupled to a common wordline. Additionally, each memory cell in a column is coupled to a common bitline. Each cell in memory array 710 includes a storage capacitor and an access transistor as is conventional in the art.
- DRAM 700 interfaces with, for example, microprocessor 606 through address lines 704 and data lines 702 .
- DRAM 700 may interface with a DRAM controller, a micro-controller, a chip set or other electronic system.
- Microprocessor 606 also provides a number of control signals to DRAM 700 , including but not limited to, row and column address strobe signals RAS and CAS, write enable signal WE, an output enable signal OE and other conventional control signals.
- Row address buffer 712 and row decoder 714 receive and decode row addresses from row address signals provided on address lines 704 by microprocessor 606 . Each unique row address corresponds to a row of cells in memory array 710 .
- Row decoder 714 includes a wordline driver, an address decoder tree, and circuitry which translates a given row address received from row address buffers 712 and selectively activates the appropriate wordline of memory array 710 via the wordline drivers.
- Column address buffer 716 and column decoder 718 receive and decode column address signals provided on address lines 704 .
- Column decoder 718 also determines when a column is defective and the address of a replacement column.
- Column decoder 718 is coupled to sense amplifiers 720 .
- Sense amplifiers 720 are coupled to complementary pairs of bitlines of memory array 710 .
- Sense amplifiers 720 are coupled to data-in buffer 722 and data-out buffer 724 .
- Data-in buffers 722 and data-out buffers 724 are coupled to data lines 702 .
- data lines 702 provide data to data-in buffer 722 .
- Sense amplifier 720 receives data from data-in buffer 722 and stores the data in memory array 710 as a charge on a capacitor of a cell at an address specified on address lines 704 .
- DRAM 700 transfers data to microprocessor 606 from memory array 710 .
- Complementary bitlines for the accessed cell are equilibrated during a precharge operation to a reference voltage provided by an equilibration circuit and a reference voltage supply.
- the charge stored in the accessed cell is then shared with the associated bitlines.
- a sense amplifier of sense amplifiers 720 detects and amplifies a difference in voltage between the complementary bitlines.
- the sense amplifier passes the amplified voltage to data-out buffer 724 .
- Control logic 706 is used to control the many available functions of DRAM 700 .
- various control circuits and signals not detailed herein initiate and synchronize DRAM 700 operation as known to those skilled in the art.
- the description of DRAM 700 has been simplified for purposes of illustrating the present invention and is not intended to be a complete description of all the features of a DRAM.
- the present teachings recognize, among other novel aspects, that a relation of a fundamental wafer design that affects properties such as deposition kinetics.
- One specific teaching recognizes that elimination of four way intersections on semiconductor wafers between conducting elements and supplemental elements yields a more uniform deposition rate of a subsequent dielectric layer. In embodiments described above, four way intersections are removed from both conductive element regions as well as supplemental element regions.
- the more uniform deposition rate allows use of a single process operation to deposit a thin, consistent dielectric layer that includes a substantially planar surface.
- the thinner dielectric layer allows a more consistent aspect ratio via to interconnect subsequent layers of semiconductor devices or conductive elements.
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Abstract
A method of forming a semiconducting wafer is provided that utilizes fewer processing operations, reduces process variation, and lowers cost as well as production time. The method provided further improves via reliability by permitting vias to be formed with consistent aspect ratios. Devices and method are provided that substantially eliminate four way intersections on semiconductor wafers between conducting elements and supplemental elements. The devices and methods provide a more uniform deposition rate of a subsequent dielectric layer. Four way intersections are removed from both conductive element regions as well as supplemental element regions.
Description
- This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/745,311, filed Dec. 22, 2003, which is a Divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/230,960, filed Aug. 29, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,667,531, which are both incorporated herein by reference.
- This application is related to the following co-pending, commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/232,853, filed Aug. 28, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,898,779; of which the disclosure is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- The invention relates to semiconductor wafers and semiconductor devices and their fabrication. Specifically, the invention relates to methods of fabricating layers on a semiconductor wafer, and the semiconductor devices that result from the methods.
- Semiconductor integrated circuits are formed using large numbers of complex processing operations to form several layers of devices and electrical connections stacked on top of each other. Isolating layers of dielectric material are needed to electrically isolate semiconductor devices and electrical connecting lines from each other. The dielectric material is typically deposited in lateral spaces between elements such as semiconductor devices and between electrical connections such as trace lines. The dielectric material is also deposited between multiple layers of devices or connections to isolate portions of layers from each other.
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FIG. 1 shows anintegrated circuit 100, including asemiconductor substrate 110. The integratedcircuit 100 includes a number ofsemiconductor devices 120 that are formed on, or within thesubstrate 110. Electrical connections such as firstelectrical connection 130 and secondelectrical connection 132 are included for interconnecting selectedsemiconductor devices 120. - Current fabrication methods utilize a multiple step process to isolate various elements of the integrated
circuit 100 as described. A firstdielectric layer 150 is included in the multiple step process. The firstdielectric layer 150 is shown inFIG. 1 located over the 130 and 132. Theelectrical connections dielectric layer 150 in common configurations is a conformal layer that contacts both a substrateelevation level area 112 and an elementelevation level area 114. - One current technique also utilizes supplemental structures such as
structure 140 to minimize the amount of surface area on thesubstrate 110 that is at thesubstrate elevation level 112. However, with the configuration shown inFIG. 1 , there is still a substantial difference in elevation between thesubstrate elevation level 112 and theelement elevation level 114. The conformaldielectric layer 150 of the current process does not yield a planar outer surface. - It is desirable to form a substantially planar outer surface so that stacks of layers including subsequent semiconductor devices or electrical connections can be formed as needed. Using the current process, additional dielectric layers such as second
dielectric layer 160 are needed to form a substantially planarouter surface 162. Theouter surface 162 is made planar by selecting the second dielectric material and deposition process such thatremaining recesses 163 are filled in. - Currently, no process or product exists that forms the substantially planar
outer surface 162 in a single processing operation, with a single layer of material. Multiple process operations, while often necessary, are undesirable because of added time and manufacturing cost associated with each additional operation. - A
via 170 is further shown inFIG. 1 , formed through the firstdielectric layer 150 and the seconddielectric layer 160. Thevia 170 is needed when utilizing subsequent device or electrical connection layers, to form an electrical contact that communicates with, for example, the secondelectrical connection 132 as shown. - The
via 170 includes avia width 172. Because thevia 170 passes through both the firstdielectric layer 150 and the seconddielectric layer 160 in order to reach the secondelectrical connection 132, the via has a height that is equal to athickness 166. Thethickness 166 is equal to a firstdielectric layer thickness 152 added to a seconddielectric layer thickness 164. Thevia 170 has an aspect ratio equal to its height over itswidth 172. Due to thickness variations introduced in each deposition operation, there is a large variation in aspect ratios of vias formed after two dielectric depositions. High aspect ratio vias can be difficult to fill with conductive material in later processing operations. Aspect ratio variations are thus undesirable because of the resulting low reliability of high aspect ratio vias. - What is needed is a method of processing a semiconductor wafer to form a semiconductor device or integrated circuit that uses fewer processing steps. What is also needed is a method of processing a semiconductor wafer to form a semiconductor device or integrated circuit that allows more controlled variation of via aspect ratios.
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FIG. 1 shows an elevational view of an integrated circuit according to the prior art. -
FIG. 2 shows a plan view of an integrated circuit according to the prior art. -
FIG. 3A shows a plan view of one embodiment of an integrated circuit according to the invention. -
FIG. 3B shows a plan view of another embodiment of an integrated circuit according to the invention. -
FIG. 4A shows an elevational view of a semiconductor wafer during processing according to one embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 4B shows an elevational view of a semiconductor wafer during processing according to one embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 4C shows an elevational view of a semiconductor wafer during processing according to one embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 4D shows an elevational view of a semiconductor wafer according to another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an information handling device according to one embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a central processing unit according to one embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of a memory device according to one embodiment of the invention. - In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describe substantially similar components throughout the several views. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The terms wafer and substrate used in the following description include any structure having an exposed surface with which to form the integrated circuit (IC) structure of the invention. The term substrate is understood to include semiconductor wafers. The term substrate is also used to refer to semiconductor structures during processing, and may include other layers that have been fabricated thereupon. Both wafer and substrate include doped and undoped semiconductors, epitaxial semiconductor layers supported by a base semiconductor or insulator (semiconductor-on-insulator—SOD), as well as other semiconductor structures well known to one skilled in the art. The term conductor is understood to include semiconductors, and the term insulator or dielectric is defined to include any material that is less electrically conductive than the materials referred to as conductors.
- The term “horizontal” or “lateral” as used in this application is defined as a plane parallel to the conventional plane or surface of a wafer or substrate, regardless of the orientation of the wafer or substrate. The term “vertical” or “elevational” refers to a direction perpendicular to the horizontal as defined above. Prepositions, such as “on”, “side” (as in “sidewall”), “higher”, “lower”, “over” and “under” are defined with respect to the conventional plane or surface being on the top surface of the wafer or substrate, regardless of the orientation of the wafer or substrate.
- The term “trench” is used in the present application to refer to a space between elements. One form of a trench is created by building up elements on a surface, thus creating spaces between the elements. Another form of trench is created by removing material from a substantially continuous layer to create elements. The spaces between the elements of the layer are also defined as trenches.
- The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
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FIG. 2 shows a current design of an integrated circuit (IC) 200. TheIC 200 is formed on asubstrate 210, and includes afirst region 220 containing a number ofconductive elements 222. In one embodiment, theconductive elements 222 include metal trace lines as are commonly known in the art. TheIC 200 further includes asecond region 230 that does not require anyconductive elements 222. For a variety of reasons, a number ofsecond regions 230 that do not require anyconductive elements 222 may be included across a surface of a semiconductor wafer or an IC. - The
conductive elements 222 shown inFIG. 2 extent outward from thesubstrate 210 to an elevation. Theconductive elements 222 therefore define a number of trenches between individual conductive elements. A generally linearfirst trench 224 is shown with afirst trench axis 225. A generally linearsecond trench 226 is also shown with asecond trench axis 227. In the current embodiment ofFIG. 2 , anintersection 228 is shown where thefirst trench axis 225 crosses over thesecond trench axis 227. The intersection forms a “four way intersection” which is distinguishable from a “three way intersection” such assecond intersection 229. In a three way intersection, the trench axes meet, but they do not cross one another. - It has recently been noted that during a dielectric layer deposition between elements on a substrate such as
conductive elements 222, that four way intersections fill more slowly than other trench topography. Deposition over elements that include four way intersections is difficult due to the differences in fill rate. A single layer deposition is impractical because the four way intersections do not fill in a planar manner. When a second layer is used to planarize a surface over four way intersections, additional variations in thickness result that must be tunneled through if a via is to be connected to a conductive element below. -
FIG. 3A shows anIC 300 that does not contain any four way intersections. TheIC 300 is formed on asubstrate 310, and includes afirst region 320 containing a number ofconductive elements 322. In one embodiment, theconductive elements 322 include metal trace lines as are commonly known in the art. In one embodiment, theconductive elements 322 are formed from a metal. Possible metals include, but are not limited to, tungsten, titanium, other refractory metals, or aluminum. Any number of possible shapes of conductive elements are possible. Trace lines, for instance, include straight lines, 90 degree turns, and other complex geometry. Functionally, the conductive elements must merely interconnect two or more semiconductor devices, such as transistors, to each other. - The
IC 300 further includes asecond region 330 that does not require anyconductive elements 322. Any number ofsuch regions 330 that do not require any conductive elements may be spread across the surface of thesemiconductor substrate 310 in theIC 300.FIG. 3A shows a substantially squaresecond region 330, however, other shapes including multiple sided complex shapes are also included in alternate embodiments. The exact shape of any of a number ofsecond regions 330 is determined by locations of semiconductor devices, such as transistors, that require interconnection through conductive elements such as 322. - The
conductive elements 322 shown inFIG. 3A extent outward from thesubstrate 310 to an elevation. Theconductive elements 322 therefore define a number of trenches between individual conductive elements. A generally linearfirst trench 324 is shown with afirst trench axis 325. A generally linearsecond trench 326 is also shown with asecond trench axis 327. Anintersection 328 is shown where thefirst trench axis 325 meets thesecond trench axis 327. The intersection forms a three way intersection as described above. Thefirst trench axis 325 meets, but does not cross, thesecond trench axis 327. -
FIG. 3B shows theIC 300 with a further addition of a number ofsupplemental elements 350. Thesupplemental elements 350 are located within thesecond region 330. Thesupplemental elements 350 include a variety of possible shapes. Example shapes from one embodiment are shown inFIG. 3B as squares, “cross” shapes, and partial “cross” shapes. In one embodiment, thesupplemental elements 350 are formed from a metal. The supplemental elements are not required to conduct electrical signals, therefore they need not be conductive. In one embodiment, thesupplemental elements 350 are formed from the same material as theconductive elements 322. In one embodiment, the supplemental elements are formed in a single process operation along with the conductive elements. - The use of supplemental elements aids in the subsequent step of isolation using a dielectric layer as described above. If the
second region 330 is left open the deposition process kinetics lead to a depression in the second region while the dielectric material layer deposits more fully in “trenched” areas such as 320. A more uniform deposition process is achieved when spaces between all elements are substantially the same. In the embodiments shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B , the trenches shown are all substantially the same width as measured perpendicular to the trench axes, thus in the embodiments shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B , spaces between all elements are substantially the same. - The
supplemental elements 350 shown inFIG. 3B extent outward from thesubstrate 310 to an elevation. In one embodiment, the elevation of thesupplemental elements 350 is substantially the same as the elevation of theconductive elements 322. Thesupplemental elements 350 therefore define a number of trenches between individual supplemental elements. A generally linearthird trench 332 is shown with athird trench axis 333. A generally linearfourth trench 334 is also shown with afourth trench axis 335. Anintersection 336 is shown where thethird trench axis 333 meets thefourth trench axis 335. The intersection forms a three way intersection as described above. Thethird trench axis 333 meets, but does not cross, thefourth trench axis 335. - The
IC 300 does not include any four way intersections in either thefirst region 320 or thesecond region 330. This design has a number of advantages. First, filling in regions such as 330 and making spaces all substantially equal in regions such as 320 and 330 makes the photo patterning more robust, and the dry etch patterning more uniform. Then, by eliminating four way intersections, the subsequent dielectric deposition process kinetics are further improved beyond the kinetics achieved with the substantially equal spaces. By eliminating four way intersections, all regions tend to fill more uniformly, which allows a thinner dielectric layer deposition that fills all holes. Additionally, the even fill rate of this novel design allows the isolation layer to be formed in a single process operation. The single layer deposition with a uniform fill rate does not leave pits or deep depressed regions that need to be filled by a subsequent material and deposition operation. The resulting dielectric layer possesses a substantially planar top surface, (max.−min. topographic feature height differences of approximately 200-500 Å and only introduces thickness variations from a single process step in contrast to a two layer deposition. In one embodiment, a subsequent buffing operation further removes the 200-500 Å surface roughness variation in preparation for subsequent semiconductor device layers. A dielectric layer with less localized thickness variation, as well as less global thickness variation, is thus produced using the novel design methods as described above. -
FIG. 4A shows a semiconductor wafer that includes asubstrate 410 and a number ofsemiconductor devices 420 formed within thesubstrate 410. One skilled in the art will recognize thatsemiconductor devices 420 may also be formed partially within thesubstrate 410, or merely attached to a surface of thesubstrate 410.Semiconductor devices 420 include, but are not limited to transistors, storage capacitors, diodes, etc. -
FIG. 4B shows the addition of afirst conducting element 430 and asecond conducting element 432. Selectedsemiconductor devices 420 are interconnected by thefirst conducting element 430. Also shown is asupplemental element 440. -
FIG. 4C shows adielectric layer 450 that is deposited over the conducting 430, 432 and theelements supplemental element 440. The dielectric layer is deposited to athickness 452. As described above, thethickness 452 is more reproducible, locally across the wafer, as well as from wafer to wafer within a production fabrication. At the same time, adielectric surface 454 is substantially planar to allow subsequent layers of semiconductor devices or additional conducting element layers to be applied without additional surface preparation. -
FIG. 4D shows a via 460 that has been created within thedielectric layer 450. The via 460 has aheight 462 and awidth 464 that define an aspect ratio of thevia 460. The via 460 can be formed in the singledeposition dielectric layer 450 with a much more consistent aspect ratio due to the moreconsistent thickness 452 of thedielectric layer 450. This yields a more reliable IC because thevias 460 are consistently easy to fill with conductive material in contrast to IC's that have variations in thickness and include higher aspect ratio vias. - Semiconducting wafers and IC's created by the methods described above may be implemented into memory devices and information handling devices as shown in
FIG. 5 ,FIG. 6 , andFIG. 7 and as described below. While specific types of memory devices and computing devices are shown below, it will be recognized by one skilled in the art that several types of memory devices and information handling devices could utilize the invention. - A personal computer, as shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6 , includes amonitor 500,keyboard input 502 and acentral processing unit 504. The processor unit typically includesmicroprocessor 606,memory bus circuit 608 having a plurality of memory slots 612(a-n), and otherperipheral circuitry 610.Peripheral circuitry 610 permits variousperipheral devices 624 to interface processor-memory bus 620 over input/output (I/O)bus 622. The personal computer shown inFIGS. 5 and 6 also includes at least one transistor having a gate oxide according to the teachings of the present invention. -
Microprocessor 606 produces control and address signals to control the exchange of data betweenmemory bus circuit 608 andmicroprocessor 606 and betweenmemory bus circuit 608 andperipheral circuitry 610. This exchange of data is accomplished over highspeed memory bus 620 and over high speed I/O bus 622. - Coupled to
memory bus 620 are a plurality of memory slots 612(a-n) which receive memory devices well known to those skilled in the art. For example, single in-line memory modules (SIMMs) and dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs) may be used in the implementation of the present invention. - These memory devices can be produced in a variety of designs which provide different methods of reading from and writing to the dynamic memory cells of
memory slots 612. One such method is the page mode operation. Page mode operations in a DRAM are defined by the method of accessing a row of a memory cell arrays and randomly accessing different columns of the array. Data stored at the row and column intersection can be read and output while that column is accessed. Page mode DRAMs require access steps which limit the communication speed ofmemory circuit 608. A typical communication speed for a DRAM device using page mode is approximately 33 MHZ. - An alternate type of device is the extended data output (EDO) memory which allows data stored at a memory array address to be available as output after the addressed column has been closed. This memory can increase some communication speeds by allowing shorter access signals without reducing the time in which memory output data is available on
memory bus 620. Other alternative types of devices include SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, SLDRAM and Direct RDRAM as well as others such as SRAM or Flash memories. -
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of anillustrative DRAM device 700 compatible with memory slots 612(a-n). The description ofDRAM 700 has been simplified for purposes of illustrating a DRAM memory device and is not intended to be a complete description of all the features of a DRAM. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of memory devices may be used in the implementation of the present invention. The example of a DRAM memory device shown inFIG. 7 includes at least one transistor having a gate oxide according to the teachings of the present invention. - Control, address and data information provided over
memory bus 620 is further represented by individual inputs toDRAM 700, as shown inFIG. 7 . These individual representations are illustrated bydata lines 702,address lines 704 and various discrete lines directed to controllogic 706. - As is well known in the art,
DRAM 700 includesmemory array 710 which in turn comprises rows and columns of addressable memory cells. Each memory cell in a row is coupled to a common wordline. Additionally, each memory cell in a column is coupled to a common bitline. Each cell inmemory array 710 includes a storage capacitor and an access transistor as is conventional in the art. -
DRAM 700 interfaces with, for example,microprocessor 606 throughaddress lines 704 anddata lines 702. Alternatively,DRAM 700 may interface with a DRAM controller, a micro-controller, a chip set or other electronic system.Microprocessor 606 also provides a number of control signals toDRAM 700, including but not limited to, row and column address strobe signals RAS and CAS, write enable signal WE, an output enable signal OE and other conventional control signals. -
Row address buffer 712 androw decoder 714 receive and decode row addresses from row address signals provided onaddress lines 704 bymicroprocessor 606. Each unique row address corresponds to a row of cells inmemory array 710.Row decoder 714 includes a wordline driver, an address decoder tree, and circuitry which translates a given row address received from row address buffers 712 and selectively activates the appropriate wordline ofmemory array 710 via the wordline drivers. -
Column address buffer 716 andcolumn decoder 718 receive and decode column address signals provided onaddress lines 704.Column decoder 718 also determines when a column is defective and the address of a replacement column.Column decoder 718 is coupled to senseamplifiers 720.Sense amplifiers 720 are coupled to complementary pairs of bitlines ofmemory array 710. -
Sense amplifiers 720 are coupled to data-inbuffer 722 and data-outbuffer 724. Data-inbuffers 722 and data-outbuffers 724 are coupled todata lines 702. During a write operation,data lines 702 provide data to data-inbuffer 722.Sense amplifier 720 receives data from data-inbuffer 722 and stores the data inmemory array 710 as a charge on a capacitor of a cell at an address specified onaddress lines 704. - During a read operation,
DRAM 700 transfers data tomicroprocessor 606 frommemory array 710. Complementary bitlines for the accessed cell are equilibrated during a precharge operation to a reference voltage provided by an equilibration circuit and a reference voltage supply. The charge stored in the accessed cell is then shared with the associated bitlines. A sense amplifier ofsense amplifiers 720 detects and amplifies a difference in voltage between the complementary bitlines. The sense amplifier passes the amplified voltage to data-outbuffer 724. -
Control logic 706 is used to control the many available functions ofDRAM 700. In addition, various control circuits and signals not detailed herein initiate and synchronizeDRAM 700 operation as known to those skilled in the art. As stated above, the description ofDRAM 700 has been simplified for purposes of illustrating the present invention and is not intended to be a complete description of all the features of a DRAM. - Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of memory devices, including but not limited to, SDRAMs, SLDRAMs, RDRAMs and other DRAMs and SRAMs, VRAMs and EEPROMs, may be used in the implementation of the present invention. The DRAM implementation described herein is illustrative only and not intended to be exclusive or limiting.
- Thus has been shown a method of forming a semiconducting wafer that utilizes fewer processing operations than prior methods. The method shown further improves reliability of the devices formed by permitting vias to be formed with more consistent aspect ratios.
- The present teachings recognize, among other novel aspects, that a relation of a fundamental wafer design that affects properties such as deposition kinetics. One specific teaching recognizes that elimination of four way intersections on semiconductor wafers between conducting elements and supplemental elements yields a more uniform deposition rate of a subsequent dielectric layer. In embodiments described above, four way intersections are removed from both conductive element regions as well as supplemental element regions.
- The more uniform deposition rate allows use of a single process operation to deposit a thin, consistent dielectric layer that includes a substantially planar surface. The thinner dielectric layer allows a more consistent aspect ratio via to interconnect subsequent layers of semiconductor devices or conductive elements.
- Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention includes any other applications in which the above structures and fabrication methods are used. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
Claims (17)
1. A method of fabricating a semiconductor wafer, comprising:
forming a pattern of elements on a semiconductor surface, including:
forming a number of conductive elements on the semiconductor surface, the conductive elements being spaced apart from each other;
wherein spaces between elements of the pattern define a number of trenches with trench axes that are substantially parallel to sides of adjacent elements of the pattern;
designing the pattern to substantially eliminate portions of the pattern where trench axes cross one another; and
filling the number of trenches using a single filling operation with a dielectric material to form a substantially planar surface.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein designing the pattern includes designing a pattern to only include three way trench axes intersections where trenches meet at a right angle.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein forming a pattern of elements further includes forming a number of supplemental elements in selected regions on the semiconductor surface adjacent to the number of conductive elements, the supplemental elements being spaced apart from each other and the number of conductive elements.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein forming the number of supplemental elements includes forming a number of supplemental elements from metal.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein forming a pattern of elements includes forming a spacing between elements in the pattern that are substantially the same between all elements.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein filling the number of trenches using a single filling operation with a dielectric material includes a single filling operation with tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS).
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein filling the number of trenches using a single filling operation with a dielectric material includes a single filling operation with silicon dioxide (SiO2).
8. A method of fabricating a semiconductor wafer, comprising:
forming a pattern of elements on a semiconductor surface, including:
forming a number of conductive elements on the semiconductor surface, the conductive elements being spaced apart from each other;
wherein spaces between elements of the pattern define a number of trenches with trench axes that are substantially parallel to sides of adjacent elements of the pattern; and
designing the pattern to only include three way trench axes intersections where trenches meet at a right angle.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein forming a pattern of elements further includes forming a number of non-conducting supplemental elements in selected regions on the semiconductor surface adjacent to the number of conductive elements, the supplemental elements being spaced apart from each other and the number of conductive elements.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein forming a pattern of elements includes forming a spacing between elements in the pattern that are substantially the same between all elements.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein filling the number of trenches using a single filling operation with a dielectric material includes a single filling operation with tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS).
12. The method of claim 10 , wherein filling the number of trenches using a single filling operation with a dielectric material includes a single filling operation with silicon dioxide (SiO2).
13. A method of fabricating a semiconductor wafer, comprising:
forming a pattern of elements on a semiconductor surface, including:
forming a number of conductive elements on the semiconductor surface, the conductive elements being spaced apart from each other;
forming a number of supplemental elements in selected regions on the semiconductor surface adjacent to the number of conductive elements, the supplemental elements being spaced apart from each other and the number of conductive elements;
wherein spaces between elements of the pattern define a number of trenches with trench axes that are substantially parallel to sides of adjacent elements of the pattern; and
filling the number of trenches using a single filling operation with a dielectric material to form a substantially planar surface.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein forming a pattern of elements includes forming a spacing between elements in the pattern that are substantially the same between all elements.
15. The method of claim 13 , wherein designing the pattern includes designing a pattern to only include three way trench axes intersections where trenches meet at a right angle.
16. The method of claim 13 , wherein filling the number of trenches using a single filling operation with a dielectric material includes a single filling operation with tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS).
17. The method of claim 13 , wherein filling the number of trenches using a single filling operation with a dielectric material includes a single filling operation with silicon dioxide (SiO2).
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US11/707,180 US20070141774A1 (en) | 2002-08-29 | 2007-02-13 | Method and apparatus for a deposited fill layer |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US10/230,960 US6667531B1 (en) | 2002-08-29 | 2002-08-29 | Method and apparatus for a deposited fill layer |
| US10/745,311 US7196394B2 (en) | 2002-08-29 | 2003-12-22 | Method and apparatus for a deposited fill layer |
| US11/707,180 US20070141774A1 (en) | 2002-08-29 | 2007-02-13 | Method and apparatus for a deposited fill layer |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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| US10/745,311 Continuation US7196394B2 (en) | 2002-08-29 | 2003-12-22 | Method and apparatus for a deposited fill layer |
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| US20070141774A1 true US20070141774A1 (en) | 2007-06-21 |
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| US10/745,311 Expired - Lifetime US7196394B2 (en) | 2002-08-29 | 2003-12-22 | Method and apparatus for a deposited fill layer |
| US11/707,180 Abandoned US20070141774A1 (en) | 2002-08-29 | 2007-02-13 | Method and apparatus for a deposited fill layer |
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| US10/230,960 Expired - Lifetime US6667531B1 (en) | 2002-08-29 | 2002-08-29 | Method and apparatus for a deposited fill layer |
| US10/745,311 Expired - Lifetime US7196394B2 (en) | 2002-08-29 | 2003-12-22 | Method and apparatus for a deposited fill layer |
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| US6934928B2 (en) * | 2002-08-27 | 2005-08-23 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Method and apparatus for designing a pattern on a semiconductor surface |
| US6898779B2 (en) * | 2002-08-28 | 2005-05-24 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Pattern generation on a semiconductor surface |
| JP4746262B2 (en) * | 2003-09-17 | 2011-08-10 | Okiセミコンダクタ株式会社 | Manufacturing method of semiconductor device |
| JP6154583B2 (en) | 2012-06-14 | 2017-06-28 | ラピスセミコンダクタ株式会社 | Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof |
Citations (5)
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5683075A (en) * | 1993-06-24 | 1997-11-04 | Harris Corporation | Trench isolation stress relief |
| US5965940A (en) * | 1995-08-14 | 1999-10-12 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Intermetal dielectric planarization by metal features layout modification |
| US6521969B1 (en) * | 1999-12-15 | 2003-02-18 | Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha | Semiconductor device and method of producing the same |
| US20030058701A1 (en) * | 1996-06-10 | 2003-03-27 | Daisaburo Takashima | Semiconductor memory device and various systems mounting them |
| US6737723B2 (en) * | 2000-02-14 | 2004-05-18 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Low dielectric constant shallow trench isolation |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5769458A (en) * | 1995-12-04 | 1998-06-23 | Dittler Brothers Incorporated | Cards having variable benday patterns |
| US5777370A (en) * | 1996-06-12 | 1998-07-07 | Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. | Trench isolation of field effect transistors |
| US6989603B2 (en) * | 2001-10-02 | 2006-01-24 | Guobiao Zhang | nF-Opening Aiv Structures |
-
2002
- 2002-08-29 US US10/230,960 patent/US6667531B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2003
- 2003-12-22 US US10/745,311 patent/US7196394B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2007
- 2007-02-13 US US11/707,180 patent/US20070141774A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5683075A (en) * | 1993-06-24 | 1997-11-04 | Harris Corporation | Trench isolation stress relief |
| US5965940A (en) * | 1995-08-14 | 1999-10-12 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Intermetal dielectric planarization by metal features layout modification |
| US5981384A (en) * | 1995-08-14 | 1999-11-09 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Method of intermetal dielectric planarization by metal features layout modification |
| US20030058701A1 (en) * | 1996-06-10 | 2003-03-27 | Daisaburo Takashima | Semiconductor memory device and various systems mounting them |
| US6521969B1 (en) * | 1999-12-15 | 2003-02-18 | Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha | Semiconductor device and method of producing the same |
| US6737723B2 (en) * | 2000-02-14 | 2004-05-18 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Low dielectric constant shallow trench isolation |
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| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US7196394B2 (en) | 2007-03-27 |
| US6667531B1 (en) | 2003-12-23 |
| US20040135227A1 (en) | 2004-07-15 |
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