TW202339292A - Semiconductor device having diode connectedto memory device and integrated circuit including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A semiconductor device and a circuit are provided. The semiconductor device includes a substrate, a first gate structure, a first doped region, and a capacitor structure. The substrate includes a first well region having a first conductive type. The first gate structure is disposed on the substrate. The first doped region is in the substrate and has a second conductive type different from the first conductive type. The first gate structure and the first doped region are included in a first transistor. The capacitor structure includes a first electrode electrically coupled to the first doped region. The second doped region is in the substrate and has the second conductive type. The second doped region is electrically coupled to the first electrode of the capacitor structure and the first doped region.

Description

Semiconductor element having diode connected to memory element and circuit thereof

This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Nos. 17/706,789 and 17/707,445 (that is, the priority date is "March 29, 2022"), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The present disclosure relates to a semiconductor device and a circuit. In particular, it relates to a semiconductor element including a diode connected to a transistor and a capacitor structure and a circuit including the semiconductor element.

A dynamic random access memory (DRAM) device is a type of random access memory that stores each bit of data in a separate capacitor within an integrated circuit. Typically, a DRAM is arranged in a square array with one capacitor and one transistor per cell. A vertical transistor has been developed for 4F ² DRAM cells, where F represents the lithographic minimum feature width or critical dimension (CD). However, recently, as the spacing between word lines continues to shrink, DRAM manufacturers are facing a huge challenge in reducing the memory cell area. For example, parasitic capacitance may cause the loss of multiple charges stored in the capacitor, thereby causing the transistor to repeatedly turn on and off to refresh data stored in the DRAM.

The above description of "prior art" only provides background technology, and does not admit that the above description of "prior art" reveals the subject matter of the present disclosure. It does not constitute prior art of the present disclosure, and any description of the above "prior art" does not constitute the prior art of the present disclosure. should not be used as any part of this case.

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a substrate, a first gate structure, a first doped region and a capacitor structure. The substrate includes a first well region having a first conductivity type. The first gate structure is disposed on the substrate. The first doped region is disposed in the substrate and has a second conductivity type that is different from the first conductivity type. The first gate structure and the first doped region are included in a first transistor. The capacitor structure includes a first electrode electrically coupled to the first doped region. The second doped region is disposed in the substrate and has the second conductivity type. The second doped region is electrically coupled to the first electrode of the capacitor structure and the first doped region.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a circuit. The circuit includes a first transistor, a capacitor and a diode. The first transistor includes a gate configured to receive a control signal to turn on or off the first transistor and a first source. The capacitor includes a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal is electrically connected to the first source of the first transistor, and the second terminal is connected to a first voltage. The diode includes a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal is electrically connected to the first source of the first transistor, and the second terminal is connected to a second voltage.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device. The preparation method includes providing a substrate. The substrate includes a first well region having a first conductivity type. The preparation method also includes forming a first gate structure on the substrate. The preparation method also includes forming a first doped region in the substrate. The first doped region has a second conductivity type that is different from the first conductivity type. The first gate structure and the first doped region are included in a first transistor. In addition, the preparation method includes forming a capacitor structure to be electrically coupled to the first doped region of the substrate. The preparation method also includes forming a second doped region in the substrate. The second doped region has the second conductivity type, the second doped region and the first well region serve as a diode, and the second doped region is electrically coupled to the first doped region. district.

The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a semiconductor device including a memory cell, a diode and a transistor. Each of the diode and the transistor is electrically connected to a transistor of the memory cell. When the voltage at a node between the capacitor and the diode is below a critical voltage, the diode will switch. The transistor can act as an equalizer and will turn on after the diode has turned on and pull up the voltage at the node between the capacitor and the diode. Therefore, the data stored in the memory cell can be automatically refreshed.

The technical features and advantages of the present disclosure have been summarized rather broadly above so that the detailed description of the present disclosure below may be better understood. Other technical features and advantages that constitute the subject matter of the patentable scope of the present disclosure will be described below. It should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the concepts and specific embodiments disclosed below can be easily used to modify or design other structures or processes to achieve the same purposes of the present disclosure. Those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs should also understand that such equivalent constructions cannot depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended patent application scope.

Specific examples of components and configurations are described below to simplify embodiments of the present disclosure. Of course, these embodiments are only for illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in the description, the first component is formed on the second component, which may include an embodiment in which the first and second components are in direct contact, or may include an additional component formed between the first and second components. An embodiment such that the first and second components are not in direct contact. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure may repeat reference numbers and/or letters in many examples. These repetitions are for simplicity and clarity and do not in themselves represent a specific relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed unless otherwise specified herein.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers or sections are not governed by these terms. limits. Rather, these terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present progressive concept.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that when the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising" are used in this specification, these terms specify the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components. exists, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups of the above.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a circuit architecture illustrating a circuit 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, circuit 100 may include a transistor 110 , a capacitor 120 , a diode 130 , and a transistor 140 . In some embodiments, circuit 100 may be included in a memory, memory device, memory die, memory chip, or other device. In some embodiments, the circuit 100 may be a memory, a memory device, a memory die, or part of a memory chip. For example, the circuit 100 may be a memory cell of a memory, a memory device, a memory die, a memory chip, or other devices. In some embodiments, the memory may be a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). In some embodiments, the DRAM may be a double data rate fourth generation (DDR4) DRAM. In some embodiments, the memory includes one or more memory cells (or memory bits, memory blocks).

It should be understood that circuit 100 may also include other components, such as active components and/or passive components, coupled or connected to transistor 110 , capacitor 120 , diode 130 and/or transistor 140 . Active devices include a memory device (such as a dynamic random access memory (SRAM) device, a static random access memory (SRAM) device, etc.), a power management device (such as a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) device) ), a logic component (such as a system on chip (SoC), central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), application processor (AP), microprocessor, etc.), a radio frequency (RF) component, a A sensor component, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) component, a signal processing component (such as a digital signal processing (DSP) component), a front-end component (such as an analog front-end (AFE) component), or other active components. Passive components may include a capacitor, a resistor, an inductor, a fuse or other passive components.

Transistor 110 may include a gate 112 , a terminal 114 and a terminal 116 . Gate 112 may be configured to receive a signal, such as a voltage V2, to determine whether transistor 110 is on or off. In some embodiments, gate 112 may be configured to receive a control signal (eg, the signal coupled to voltage V2) to turn transistor 110 on or off.

In some embodiments, terminal 114 may be electrically coupled or connected to capacitor 120 . In some embodiments, terminal 114 may be electrically coupled or connected to diode 130 . In some embodiments, terminal 114 may be electrically coupled or connected to transistor 140 .

Terminal 116 is configured to receive a signal, such as a voltage V1. For example, when the transistor 110 is turned on, the terminal 116 is used to receive data to be written into the circuit 100 .

In some embodiments, the transistor 110 may be an N-type metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS). Terminal 114 may be a source of transistor 110 . Terminal 116 may be a drain of a transistor 110 . In some embodiments, the transistor 110 may be a P-type metal oxide semiconductor (PMOS). Terminal 114 may be a drain of transistor 110 . Terminal 116 may be a source of transistor 110 .

Capacitor 120 may include a terminal 122 and a terminal 124 . In some embodiments, capacitor 120 may be configured to store electrical charge. In some embodiments, capacitor 120 may be configured to store an unstable charge. In some embodiments, capacitor 120 may be configured to store a potential difference between terminals 122 and 124 . In some embodiments, capacitor 120 may be electrically connected between a signal, such as a voltage V3, and terminal 114 of transistor 110. In some embodiments, capacitor 120 may be electrically connected between voltage V3 and diode 130 . In some embodiments, capacitor 120 may be electrically connected between voltage V3 and transistor 140 (eg, gate 142 and terminal 144 of the transistor).

In some embodiments, terminal 122 may be electrically coupled or connected to transistor 110 (eg, gate 142 and terminal 144 of the transistor). In some embodiments, terminal 122 may be electrically coupled or connected to terminal 114 of transistor 110 .

In some embodiments, terminal 124 may be electrically coupled or connected to voltage V3. In some embodiments, voltage V3 is electrically connected to ground.

In some embodiments, the transistor 110 and the capacitor 120 can be used together as a memory cell 10 . For example, during a read operation, a cell electrically coupled or connected to voltage V1 may be asserted, turning on transistor 110 . Actuated transistor 110 allows the voltage across capacitor 120 to be read by a sense amplifier via a bit line that is electrically coupled or connected to voltage V2. During a write operation, when the word line is asserted, data to be written is provided on the bit line.

In some embodiments, diode 130 may be electrically coupled or connected to transistor 110 . In some embodiments, diode 130 may be electrically coupled or connected to capacitor 120 (eg, terminal 122 of transistor 120). In some embodiments, diode 130 may be electrically coupled or connected to transistor 140 . Diode 130 may include a terminal 132 and a terminal 134 . In some embodiments, diode 130 may be electrically connected between a signal, such as a voltage V4, and capacitor 120. In some embodiments, diode 130 may be electrically connected between voltage V4 and transistor 110 . In some embodiments, diode 130 may be configured to charge capacitor 120 .

In some embodiments, terminal 132 may be a cathode of diode 130 . In some embodiments, terminal 132 may be connected to terminal 114 of transistor 110 . In some embodiments, terminal 132 may be connected to the source of transistor 110 . In some embodiments, terminal 132 may be connected to transistor 140 (eg, one terminal 144 of transistor 140).

In some embodiments, terminal 134 may be an anode of diode 130 . In some embodiments, terminal 134 may be electrically coupled or connected to voltage V4. In some embodiments, voltage V4 may be a direct current (DC). In some embodiments, voltage V4 has a voltage level higher than voltage V3.

In some embodiments, transistor 140 may be electrically coupled or connected to transistor 110 . In some embodiments, transistor 140 may be electrically coupled or connected to terminal 114 of transistor 110 . In some embodiments, transistor 140 may be electrically coupled or connected to capacitor 120 . In some embodiments, transistor 140 may be electrically coupled or connected to terminal 122 of capacitor 120 . In some embodiments, transistor 140 may be electrically coupled or connected to diode 130 . In some embodiments, transistor 140 may be electrically coupled or connected to voltage V4. In some embodiments, transistor 140 may be electrically connected between voltage V4 and terminal 114 of transistor 110 . In some embodiments, transistor 140 may be electrically connected between voltage V4 and terminal 122 of capacitor 120 . In some embodiments, transistor 140 may be configured to charge capacitor 120 .

In some embodiments, transistor 140 may include a gate 142, a terminal 144, and a terminal 146. In some embodiments, gate 142 may be configured to receive a signal from diode 130, thereby turning on transistor 140. In some embodiments, gate 142 may be electrically coupled or connected to terminal 132 of diode 130 .

In some embodiments, terminal 144 may be electrically coupled or connected to transistor 110 . In some embodiments, terminal 144 may be electrically coupled or connected to terminal 114 of transistor 110 . In some embodiments, terminal 144 may be electrically coupled or connected to capacitor 120 . In some embodiments, terminal 144 may be electrically coupled or connected to terminal 122 of capacitor 120 . In some embodiments, terminal 144 may be electrically coupled or connected to terminal 132 of diode 130 .

In some embodiments, terminal 146 may be configured to receive voltage V4. In some embodiments, transistor 140 may be an NMOS. Terminal 144 may be a source of transistor 140 . Terminal 146 may be a drain of transistor 140 . In some embodiments, transistor 140 may be a PMOS. Terminal 144 may be a drain of transistor 140 . Terminal 146 may be a source of transistor 140 .

As shown in FIG. 1 , a node N1 may be connected between the terminal 114 of the transistor 110 and the capacitor 120 . A node N2 may be connected between terminal 114 of transistor 110 and diode 130 . A node N3 may be connected between terminal 114 of transistor 110 and transistor 140 . A node N4 may be connected between diode 130 and transistor 140 . A node N5 may be connected between voltage V4 and transistor 140 . In some embodiments, the voltage levels of nodes N1, N2, n3 may be the same.

In some embodiments, transistor 140 may be an equalizer. In some embodiments, the voltage level of node N3 is equal to the voltage level of node N5. In some embodiments, the voltage level of node N2 is equal to the voltage level of node N5. In some embodiments, the voltage level of node N1 is equal to the voltage level of node N5. In some embodiments, transistor 140 may be turned on after diode 130 is turned on.

In some embodiments, voltages V1 and V4 may be connected to the same power supply. In some embodiments, each of the voltages V1 and V4 may be 102V or 0V.

In some embodiments, a higher voltage such as 1.2V (such as a logic value "1") can be input at the voltage V2 to turn on the transistor 110, thereby writing data "1" or "0" to the memory cell 10 . Electric charge or unstable charge can be stored in capacitor 120, thereby storing data "1" or "0". In some cases, parasitic capacitance can cause the loss of charge stored in capacitor 120 and reduce the potential difference between terminal 122 and terminal 124 of capacitor 120 . When the data is "1", nodes N1, N2, N3 may fall after transistor 110 has turned on due to junction or cell leakage. In order to refresh data "1", the reduced potential difference of capacitor 120 needs to be pulled up.

In some comparative embodiments, the transistor 112 is periodically turned on at node N1 to refresh data "1". However, frequently turning on/off the transistor 112 increases the power consumption of the capacitor 100 . According to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 , the circuit 100 includes a diode 130 and a transistor 140 connected to the memory cell 10 , which can help pull up the voltage at nodes N1 , N2 , and N3 . In operation, when the voltage at nodes N1, N2, N3 is 1.2V, diode 130 is blocked. As the charge loss increases, causing the voltage at nodes N1, N2, and N3 to be lower than a first critical voltage, such as 0.5V, 0.6V, or 0.7V, the diode 130 will be turned on. When the diode 130 is turned on, the voltage at the node N4 increases, and the transistor 140 will be turned on, pulling up the voltages of the nodes N1, N2, and N3, thereby automatically refreshing the data "1". After the voltage at the nodes N1, N2, and N3 exceeds or equals a second threshold voltage, such as 0.9V, 1V, 1.1V, or 1.2V, the diode 130 will be cut off. Transistor 140 is automatically switched off. By using the diode 130 and the transistor 140 to automatically refresh the data "1" at the node N1, there is no need to frequently turn on/off the transistor 110, which can reduce the power consumption of the circuit 100.

FIG. 2A is a schematic layout diagram illustrating a semiconductor device 200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating some embodiments of the present disclosure, such as the semiconductor device shown in FIG. 2A along the cross-section lines A-A', BB', CC', and D respectively. -D' section. In some embodiments, the semiconductor device 200 may include a substrate 202, a transistor 210, a capacitor 220, a diode 230, and a transistor 240.

The substrate 202 may be a semiconductor substrate, such as a bulk semiconductor, a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, or the like. The substrate 202 may include an elemental semiconductor, including silicon or germanium in a single crystalline form, a polycrystalline form, or an amorphous form; a compound semiconductor material, including at least one of the following: silicon carbide, gallium arsenide, and gallium phosphide. , indium phosphide, indium arsenide and indium antimonide; an alloy semiconductor material, including at least one of the following: SiGe, GaAsP, AlInAs, AlGaAs, GaInAs, GaInP, GaInAsP; any other suitable material; or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the alloy semiconductor substrate may be a SiGe alloy having a gradient Ge feature, wherein the composition of Si to Ge changes from one ratio at one location of the gradient SiGe feature to another ratio at another location of the gradient SiGe feature . In other embodiments, the SiGe alloy is formed on a silicon substrate. In some embodiments, a SiGe alloy can be mechanically strained by another material in contact with the SiGe alloy. In some embodiments, the substrate 202 may have a multi-layer structure, or the substrate 202 may include a multi-layer compound semiconductor structure.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , the semiconductor device 200 may include a well region 204 . In some embodiments, well region 204 may include a first conductivity type. In some embodiments, the first conductivity type is a p-type. In some embodiments, the p-type dopant includes boron (B), other Group III elements, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the first conductivity type is an n-type. In some embodiments, the n-type dopant includes arsenic (As), phosphorus (P), other Group V elements, or any combination thereof.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , the transistor 210 may include a gate structure 212 , a doped region 214 and a doped region 216 . The transistor 210 may correspond to the transistor 110 shown in FIG. 1 . The gate structure 212 may correspond to the gate 112 shown in FIG. 1 . The doped region 214 can serve as a terminal of the transistor 210 and corresponds to the terminal 114 shown in FIG. 1 . The doped region 216 can serve as a terminal of the transistor 210 and corresponds to the terminal 116 shown in FIG. 1 . The pair of doped regions 214 and 216 may also be referred to as a source/drain feature.

Gate structure 212 may be disposed on substrate 202 . In some embodiments, gate structure 212 may be electrically connected to a voltage V2'. In some embodiments, voltage V2 may be the same as voltage V2 as shown in FIG. 1 .

In some embodiments, the gate structure 212 may include a gate dielectric (not shown) and a gate electrode (not shown). The gate dielectric can have a single layer or a multi-layer structure. In some embodiments, the gate dielectric may include dielectric materials such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, other dielectric materials, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the gate dielectric is a multi-layer structure that includes an interface layer and a high dielectric constant (dielectric constant greater than 4) dielectric layer. The interface layer may include dielectric materials such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, other dielectric materials, or combinations thereof. The high-k dielectric layer may include a high-k dielectric material, such as HfO ₂ , HfSiO, HfSiON, HfTaO, HfTiO, HfZrO, other suitable dielectric materials, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the high-k dielectric material may also be selected from metal oxides, metal nitrides, metal silicates, transition metal oxides, transition metal nitrides, transition metal silicates, metal nitrogen Oxides, metal aluminates and combinations thereof.

The gate electrode may be disposed on the gate dielectric. The gate electrode may include polycrystalline silicon, silicon germanium and/or at least one metal material containing elements and compounds, such as Mo, Cu, W, Ti, Ta, TiN, TaN, NiSi, CoSi or other suitable materials in the art. Conductive materials. In some embodiments, the gate electrode includes a work function metal layer that provides a metal gate having an n-type metal work function or a p-type metal work function. The p-type metal work function materials include materials such as ruthenium, palladium, platinum, cobalt, nickel, conductive metal oxides or other suitable materials. The n-metal work function materials include materials such as hafnium-zirconium, titanium, tantalum, aluminum, metal carbides (eg, hafnium carbide, zirconium carbide, titanium carbide, and aluminum carbide), aluminides, or other suitable materials.

Doped region 214 may be provided in substrate 201 . Doped region 244 may be embedded in well region 204 . In some embodiments, doped region 214 may be configured to be electrically coupled to capacitive structure 220 . In some embodiments, doped region 214 may be configured to be electrically coupled to diode 230 . In some embodiments, doped region 214 may be configured to be electrically coupled to transistor 240 . In some embodiments, doped region 214 may include a second conductivity type that is different from the first conductivity type. For example, the first conductivity type can be a p-type, and the second conductivity type can be an n-type.

Doped region 216 may be disposed in substrate 202 . Doped region 216 may be embedded in well region 204 . In some embodiments, doped region 216 may include the second conductivity type. The doped regions 214 and 216 may be disposed on two opposite sides of the gate structure 212 . In some embodiments, doped region 216 may be configured to be electrically coupled to a signal, such as voltage V1'. In some embodiments, voltage V1' may be the same as voltage V1 as shown in FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, the doped region 216 may be electrically coupled or connected to a bit line of the transistor 210 (not shown).

The semiconductor device may include a spacer 218 . Spacers 218 may be disposed on side surfaces of gate structure 212 . The spacer 218 may include a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. Spacers 218 may include dielectric materials such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, other dielectric materials, or combinations thereof.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , the capacitor structure 220 may be disposed on the substrate 202 . In some embodiments, capacitive structure 220 may be configured to couple to doped region 214 of transistor 210 . In some embodiments, the capacitor structure 220 may be disposed on the doped region 214 of the substrate 202 . In some embodiments, the capacitor structure 220 may be disposed directly on the doped region 214 of the substrate 202 . In some embodiments, the capacitor structure 220 may include an electrode 222, an electrode 224, and an isolation layer 226. The capacitor structure 220 may correspond to the capacitor 120 in FIG. 1 . The electrode 222 can be used as a first terminal of the capacitor structure 220 and corresponds to the terminal 122 in FIG. 1 . The electrode 224 can be used as a second terminal of the capacitor structure 220 and corresponds to the terminal 124 shown in FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, transistor 210 is closer to capacitive structure 220 than transistor 214 .

In some embodiments, electrode 222 may be electrically coupled or connected to doped region 214 of transistor 210 . In some embodiments, electrode 222 may contact doped region 214 of transistor 210 . The electrode 222 may include a semiconductor material or a conductive material. The semiconductor material may include polycrystalline silicon or other suitable materials. The electrical materials may include tungsten, copper, aluminum, tantalum, or other suitable materials.

Isolation layer 226 may surround electrode 224. Isolation layer 226 may separate electrode 222 from electrode 224. Isolation layer 226 may include a dielectric material such as silicon oxide, tungsten oxide, zirconium oxide, copper oxide, aluminum oxide, hafnium oxide, or the like.

In some embodiments, electrode 224 may be electrically coupled or connected to a signal, such as voltage V3'. Electrode 224 may be separated from electrode 222 by isolation layer 226. The electrode 224 may include a semiconductor material or a conductive material. The semiconductor material may include polycrystalline silicon or other suitable materials. The conductive material may include tungsten, copper, aluminum, tantalum, or other suitable materials. In some embodiments, voltage V3' may be ground.

As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2C, 2D, and 2E, the diode 230 may be disposed in the substrate 202. In some embodiments, doped region 232 may be configured to electrically couple or connect to transistor 210 . In some embodiments, doped region 232 may be configured to electrically couple or connect to doped region 216 of transistor 210 . In some embodiments, doped region 232 may be configured to be electrically coupled to capacitive structure 220 . In some embodiments, doped region 232 may be configured to be electrically coupled to electrode 222 of capacitor structure 220 . In some embodiments, doped region 232 may be configured to be electrically coupled to transistor 240 . In some embodiments, doped region 232 may be configured to be electrically coupled to the gate of transistor 240 (eg, gate structure 242). In some embodiments, doped region 214 may include a second conductivity type. In some embodiments, a portion of well region 204 and doped region 232 may together serve as diode 230 . In some embodiments, the doping concentration of doped region 232 may exceed the doping concentration of well region 204 . In some embodiments, the doped region 232 may serve as a terminal and correspond to the terminal 132 shown in FIG. 1 .

In some embodiments, semiconductor device 200 may include a doped region 234 . Doped region 234 may be disposed in substrate 202 . In some embodiments, doped region 234 may surround doped region 232 in a top view. In some embodiments, doped region 234 may have a first conductivity type. In some embodiments, doped region 234 may be configured to be electrically coupled to a terminal of transistor 240 (eg, doped region 246). In some embodiments, the doping concentration of doped region 234 may exceed the doping concentration of well region 204 . In some embodiments, the doped region 234 may be electrically connected to a voltage V4'. In some embodiments, voltage V4' may be a DC voltage. In some embodiments, the voltage level of voltage V4' may be greater than the voltage level of voltage V3'.

In some embodiments, semiconductor device 200 may include an insulating feature 271 . Insulating features 271 may be provided in substrate 202 . In some embodiments, insulating features 271 may surround doped region 234 . In some embodiments, isolation feature 271 may be a shallow trench isolation (STI). In other embodiments, insulating feature 271 may include a local oxidation of silicon (LOCOS) structure or any other suitable insulating structure.

In some embodiments, semiconductor device 200 may include a doped region 236 . Doped region 236 may be disposed in substrate 202 . In some embodiments, doped region 236 may be disposed beneath insulating feature 271 . In some embodiments, doped region 236 may surround doped region 234 in a top view. In some embodiments, doped region 236 may have a second conductivity type.

In some embodiments, semiconductor device 200 may include a well region 238 . Well region 238 may be included in substrate 202 . In some embodiments, well region 238 may be disposed beneath doped region 236 . In some embodiments, well region 238 may be separated from doped region 234 by well region 204 . In some embodiments, well region 238 may be separated from doped region 232 by well region 204 . In some embodiments, well region 238 may have a second conductivity type. In some embodiments, the doping concentration of well region 238 may be less than the doping concentration of doped region 236 . In some embodiments, insulating feature 237 , doped region 236 , and well region 238 may be configured to provide a conductive path between diode 230 and transistor 210 (or 240 ) through substrate 202 .

As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2E, the transistor 240 may include a gate structure 242, a doped region 244 and a doped region 246. Transistor 240 may correspond to transistor 142 as shown in FIG. 1 . The doped region 244 may serve as a terminal of the transistor 240 and corresponds to the terminal 144 shown in FIG. 1 . The doped region 246 may serve as a terminal of the transistor 240 and corresponds to the terminal 146 shown in FIG. 1 . The pair of doped regions 244 and 246 can also be considered a source/drain feature.

Gate structure 242 may be disposed on substrate 202. In some embodiments, the gate structure 242 may include a gate dielectric (not shown) and a gate electrode (not shown). In some embodiments, the material of gate structure 242 may be the same as or similar to the material of gate structure 212 .

Doped region 244 may be disposed in substrate 202 . Doped region 244 may be embedded in well region 204 . In some embodiments, doped region 244 may be configured to be electrically coupled to doped region 214 of transistor 210 . In some embodiments, doped region 244 may be configured to be electrically coupled to electrode 222 of capacitor structure 220 . In some embodiments, doped region 244 may include a second conductivity type. In some embodiments, doped region 244 may be separated from doped region 214 by an insulating feature 272 .

Doped region 246 may be disposed in substrate 202 . Doped region 246 may be embedded in well region 204 . In some embodiments, doped region 246 may include a second conductivity type. Doped regions 244 and 246 may be disposed on opposite sides of gate structure 242 .

The semiconductor device may include a spacer 248 . Spacers 248 may be disposed on side surfaces of gate structure 242 . Spacer 248 may include a single layer or a multi-layer structure. Spacers 248 may include dielectric materials such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, other dielectric materials, or combinations thereof.

As shown in FIG. 2A , semiconductor device 200 may include conductive layers 252, 254, and 256. Conductive layers 252, 254, and 256 may be disposed on substrate 202. Conductive layers 252, 254, and 256 may be located at the same elevated height. Conductive layers 252, 254, and 256 may include conductive materials such as tungsten, copper, aluminum, tantalum, or other suitable materials.

As shown in FIGS. 2A , 2B and 2C , the conductive layer 252 may be configured to electrically connect the doped region 214 , the doped region 232 , the gate structure 242 and the doped region 244 to each other.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2E , conductive layer 254 may be configured to electrically connect doped regions 234 and 246 .

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , conductive layer 256 may be configured to electrically connect doped region 216 to voltage V1 ′.

As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E, the semiconductor device 200 may include conductive vias 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, and 267. The conductive vias 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266 and 267 may include a liner layer (not shown), a barrier layer (not shown) and a conductive layer (not shown). The liner layer may include an oxide or other suitable material. The barrier layer may include titanium, tantalum, titanium nitride, tantalum nitride, manganese nitride, or combinations thereof. The conductive layer may include metals such as tungsten, copper, aluminum, tantalum, alloys thereof, or combinations thereof.

As shown in FIG. 2B , the conductive via 261 may be configured to electrically connect the doped region 216 and the conductive layer 256 .

As shown in FIG. 2B , the conductive via 262 may be configured to electrically connect the doped region 216 and the conductive layer 252 .

As shown in FIG. 2B , the conductive via 263 may be configured to electrically connect the doped region 244 and the conductive layer 252 .

As shown in FIG. 2B , the conductive via 264 may be configured to electrically connect the doped region 246 and the conductive layer 254 .

As shown in FIG. 2C , the conductive via 265 may be configured to electrically connect the doped region 232 and the conductive layer 252 .

As shown in FIG. 2C , the conductive via 266 may be configured to electrically connect the gate structure 242 and the conductive layer 252 .

As shown in FIG. 2E , the conductive via 267 may be configured to electrically connect the doped region 234 and the conductive layer 254 .

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2A , the doped region 232 may be aligned with the gate structure 242 of the transistor 240 along the Y-axis. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2B , the capacitor structure 220 may be disposed along the X-axis between the gate structure 212 of the transistor 210 and the gate structure 242 of the transistor 240 .

In some embodiments, the transistor 210 and the capacitor structure 220 can be used as a memory cell. Charge or unstable charge can be stored in the capacitor structure 220, thereby storing data "1" or "0". In some cases, parasitic capacitance can cause the loss of charge stored in capacitor 220 and reduce the potential difference between terminal 222 and terminal 224 of capacitor 220 . When the data is "1", the potential difference of the capacitor structure 220 may drop after the transistor 110 has been turned off. In order to refresh data "1", the reduced potential difference of capacitor 220 needs to be pulled up. In this embodiment, the semiconductor device 200 further includes a diode 230 and a transistor 240 , which can assist in auxiliary potential difference of the pull-up capacitor 220 . In this embodiment, when the voltage at a node between diode 230 and capacitor 220 is lower than a threshold voltage, diode 230 will conduct. After the diode 230 has turned on, the transistor 240 will turn on to pull the potential difference of the capacitor structure 220 upward, thereby automatically refreshing the data "1".

FIG. 3 is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method 300 for manufacturing a semiconductor device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

The preparation method 300 begins with step 302, which is providing a substrate. A first well region can be formed in the substrate. The first well region has a first conductivity type.

The preparation method 300 continues with step 304, which is forming a first transistor. The first transistor may include a gate structure and a first doped region. The gate structure may be electrically coupled or connected to a word line of the semiconductor device. The first doped region may include a second conductivity type that is different from the first conductivity type.

The manufacturing method 300 continues with step 306, which is forming a capacitor structure. The capacitor structure can be formed on the substrate. The capacitor structure may include a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode of the capacitor structure is electrically connected to the second terminal of the first transistor. The second electrode of the capacitor structure may be electrically coupled or connected to a first electrode, which may be grounded. The first transistor and the capacitor structure together serve as a memory device.

The preparation method 300 continues with step 308, which may form a second doped region. The second doped region may include the second conductivity type. The second doped region and a portion of the first well region may together serve as a diode. The second doped region may be electrically coupled or connected to a node between the first transistor and the capacitor structure.

The preparation method 300 continues with step 310, which is forming a third doped region. The third doped region may include the first conductivity type. The third doped region may surround the second doped region. The third doped region may be separated from the second doped region by the first well region.

The preparation method 300 continues with step 312, which is forming a fourth doped region. The fourth doped region may include the second conductivity type. The fourth doped region may surround the second doped region. The fourth doped region may be formed under an insulating feature such as STI.

The method 300 continues with step 314, which is forming a second well region. The second well region may include the second conductivity type. The second well region may be disposed below the fourth doping region. The second well region may be separated from the second doped region by the first well region. The second well region may be separated from the third doped region by the first well region.

The manufacturing method 300 continues with step 316, which is forming a second transistor. The second transistor can be used as an equalizer. Forming the second transistor may include forming a second gate structure, a fifth doped region, and a sixth doped region. The fifth doped region may include the second conductivity type. The fifth doped region may be electrically coupled or connected to the second doped region. The sixth doped region may include the second conductivity type. The sixth doped region can be electrically connected to the third doped region.

The preparation method 300 continues with step 318, which is forming a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer. The first conductive layer can be formed on the substrate. The first conductive layer may be configured to electrically couple the first doped region, the second gate structure, the fifth doped region, and the second doped region to each other. The second conductive layer may be configured to electrically couple the sixth doped region to the third doped region.

The preparation method 300 is only an example, and is not intended to limit the present disclosure beyond what is explicitly stated in the patent scope. Additional steps may be provided before, during, or after each step of the preparation method 300, and some of the steps described may be replaced, eliminated, or moved for such additional embodiments of the preparation method. In some embodiments, the preparation method 300 may also include some steps not depicted in FIG. 3 . In some embodiments, the preparation method 300 may include one or more steps described in FIG. 3 .

4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, and 8A are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating different stages of preparing semiconductor devices according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figures 4B to 8B, Figures 4C to 8C, Figures 4D to 8D, and Figures 4E to 8E are schematic cross-sectional views, illustrating along the cross-section lines A-A', B-B', CC', and D respectively. -C' section.

As shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E, a substrate 202 is provided. Substrate 202 may include a well region 204. Well region 204 may include a first conductivity type. Insulating features 271 and 272 may be formed in substrate 202 . In some embodiments, an etching process may be performed to form a plurality of trenches recessed from the upper surface of substrate 202 , and a dielectric material, such as silicon oxide, may then be deposited to fill the trenches, thereby forming insulating features 271 with 272.

As shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, and 5E, gate structures 212 and 242 may be formed on the substrate 202. Gate structure 212 and gate structure 242 may each include a gate dielectric and a gate electrode. The manufacturing technology of the gate dielectric and the gate electrode may include chemical vapor deposition (CVD), plasma enhanced CVD (PECVD), flowable CVD (FCVD) or other suitable processes. A spacer 218 may be formed on the sidewall of the gate structure 212 . A spacer 248 may be formed on the sidewall of the gate structure 242 . Spacers 218 and 248 may include multiple layers, each of which may be fabricated using CVD, PECVD, FCVD, or other suitable processes.

As shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D and 6E, doped regions 214, 216, 232, 244, 246 can be formed, thereby forming a transistor 210, a diode 230 and a transistor. 240. The doped regions 214, 216, 232, 244, 246 may have a second conductivity type, and the second conductivity type is different from the first conductivity type. Furthermore, a doped region 236 may be formed under the insulating feature 271 . A well region 238 may be formed under doped region 236. A doped region 234 may be formed in substrate 202 . Doped region 234 may have a first conductivity type.

As shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, and 7E, conductive vias 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, and 267 may be formed. Furthermore, conductive layers 252, 254, and 256 may be formed. The manufacturing techniques of the conductive layers 252, 254, and 256 may include sputtering, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), electrochemical plating (ECP), electrodeposition (ELD), and atomic layer deposition (ALD). ) or similar processes or combinations thereof.

As shown in FIGS. 8A , 8B , 8C , 8D and 8E , an electrode 222 , an electrode 224 and an isolation layer 226 may be formed to define a capacitor structure 220 on the substrate 200 , thereby forming the semiconductor device 200 .

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a substrate, a first gate structure, a first doped region and a capacitor structure. The substrate includes a first well region having a first conductivity type. The first gate structure is disposed on the substrate. The first doped region is disposed in the substrate and has a second conductivity type that is different from the first conductivity type. The first gate structure and the first doped region are included in a first transistor. The capacitor structure includes a first electrode electrically coupled to the first doped region. The second doped region is disposed in the substrate and has the second conductivity type. The second doped region is electrically coupled to the first electrode of the capacitor structure and the first doped region.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a circuit. The circuit includes a first transistor, a capacitor and a diode. The first transistor includes a gate configured to receive a control signal to turn on or off the first transistor and a first source. The capacitor includes a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal is electrically connected to the first source of the first transistor, and the second terminal is connected to a first voltage. The diode includes a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal is electrically connected to the first source of the first transistor, and the second terminal is connected to a second voltage.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device. The preparation method includes providing a substrate. The substrate includes a first well region having a first conductivity type. The preparation method also includes forming a first gate structure on the substrate. The preparation method also includes forming a first doped region in the substrate. The first doped region has a second conductivity type that is different from the first conductivity type. The first gate structure and the first doped region are included in a first transistor. In addition, the preparation method includes forming a capacitor structure to be electrically coupled to the first doped region of the substrate. The preparation method also includes forming a second doped region in the substrate. The second doped region has the second conductivity type, the second doped region and the first well region serve as a diode, and the second doped region is electrically coupled to the first doped region. district.

The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a semiconductor device including a memory cell, a diode and a transistor. Each of the diode and the transistor is electrically connected to a transistor of the memory cell. When the voltage at a node between the capacitor and the diode is below a critical voltage, the diode will switch. The transistor can act as an equalizer and will turn on after the diode has turned on and pull up the voltage at the node between the capacitor and the diode. Therefore, the data stored in the memory cell can be automatically refreshed.

Although the disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the claimed claims. For example, many of the processes described above may be implemented in different ways and replaced with other processes or combinations thereof.

Furthermore, the scope of the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments of the process, machinery, manufacture, material compositions, means, methods and steps described in the specification. Those skilled in the art can understand from the disclosure content of this disclosure that existing or future developed processes, machinery, manufacturing, etc. that have the same functions or achieve substantially the same results as the corresponding embodiments described herein can be used according to the present disclosure. A material composition, means, method, or step. Accordingly, such processes, machines, manufacturing, material compositions, means, methods, or steps are included in the patent scope of this application.

10: Memory cells 100:Circuit 110:Transistor 112: Gate 114:Terminal 116:Terminal 120:Capacitor 122:Terminal 124:Terminal 130: Diode 132:Terminal 134:Terminal 140:Transistor 142: Gate 144:Terminal 146:Terminal 200:Semiconductor components 202:Base 204:Well area 210:Transistor 212: Gate structure 214: Doped area 216: Doped area 218:Gap 220:Capacitor 222:Electrode 224:Electrode 226:Isolation layer 230:Diode 232: Doped area 234: Doped area 236: Doped area 237:Insulation characteristics 238:Well area 240:Transistor 242: Gate structure 244: Doped area 246: Doped area 248:Gap 252: Conductive layer 254: Conductive layer 256:Conductive layer 261:Conductive via 262:Conductive via 263:Conductive via 264:Conductive via 265:Conductive via 266:Conductive via 267:Conductive via 271:Insulation characteristics 272:Insulation characteristics 300:Preparation method 302: Step 304: Step 306: Step 308:Step 310: Steps 312: Steps 314: Steps 316: Steps 318: Steps N1: node N2: node N3: node N4: node N5: node V1: voltage V1': voltage V2: voltage V2': voltage V3: voltage V3': voltage V4': voltage X: axis Y: axis Z: axis

A more complete understanding of the present disclosure can be obtained by referring to the detailed description and claimed claims. The present disclosure should also be understood to be associated with the drawing element numbering, which represents similar elements throughout the description. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a circuit architecture illustrating semiconductor devices according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2A is a schematic layout diagram illustrating a semiconductor device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-section along the line AA' of the semiconductor device shown in FIG. 2A according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2C is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-section along the sectional line BB' of the semiconductor device shown in FIG. 2A according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2D is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-section along the line CC' of the semiconductor device shown in FIG. 2A according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2E is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-section along the sectional line DD' of the semiconductor device shown in FIG. 2A according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, and 8A are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating different stages of preparing semiconductor devices according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 4B, 5B, 6B, 7B, and 8B are schematic cross-sectional views, illustrating the cross-sections along the cross-section line AA' of FIGS. 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, and 8A respectively. 4C, 5C, 6C, 7C and 8C are schematic cross-sectional views, illustrating the cross-sections along the cross-section line BB' of FIGS. 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A and 8A respectively. 4D, 5D, 6D, 7D, and 8D are schematic cross-sectional views, illustrating the cross-sections along the cross-section line CC' of FIGS. 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, and 8A respectively. 4E, 5E, 6E, 7E, and 8E are schematic cross-sectional views, illustrating the cross-sections along the sectional line DD' of FIGS. 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, and 8A respectively.

200:Semiconductor components

202:Base

204:Well area

210:Transistor

212: Gate structure

214: Doped area

216: Doped area

220:Capacitor

222:Electrode

224:Electrode

226:Isolation layer

230:Diode

232: Doped area

234: Doped area

236: Doped area

238:Well area

240:Transistor

242: Gate structure

244: Doped area

246: Doped area

252: Conductive layer

254: Conductive layer

256:Conductive layer

261:Conductive via

262:Conductive via

263:Conductive via

264:Conductive via

265:Conductive via

266:Conductive via

267:Conductive via

X: axis

Y: axis

Z: axis

Claims (20)

A semiconductor component including: a substrate including a first well region having a first conductivity type; a first gate structure disposed on the substrate; a first doped region disposed in the substrate and having a second conductivity type, the second conductivity type being different from the first conductivity type, wherein the first gate structure and the first doped region are included in a in the first transistor; a capacitor structure including a first electrode electrically coupled to the first doped region; and A second doped region is disposed in the substrate and has the second conductivity type, wherein the second doped region is electrically coupled to the first electrode of the capacitor structure and the first doped region. The semiconductor device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second doped region and a part of the first well region together serve as a diode. The semiconductor device according to claim 2, further comprising a third doped region disposed in the substrate and having the first conductivity type, wherein the third doped region surrounds the second doped region. The semiconductor device according to claim 3, further comprising a fourth doped region disposed in the substrate and having the second conductivity type, wherein the fourth doped region surrounds the third doped region. The semiconductor device according to claim 4, further comprising a second well region disposed in the substrate and having the second conductivity type, wherein the second well region and the third well region are connected by the first well region And separated. The semiconductor device of claim 5, wherein the second well region contacts the fourth doping region. The semiconductor component as described in claim 3 also includes: a second gate structure disposed on the substrate; a fifth doped region disposed in the substrate and having the second conductivity type; and a sixth doped region disposed in the substrate and having the second conductivity type, wherein the second gate structure, the fifth doped region and the sixth doped region are included in a second transistor; as well as The second gate structure is electrically coupled to the second doped region of the diode and coupled to the first doped region of the first transistor. The semiconductor device of claim 7, wherein the fifth doped region is electrically coupled to the first doped region of the first transistor. The semiconductor device of claim 8, further comprising a first conductive layer disposed on the substrate, wherein the first conductive layer is configured to electrically connect the first doped region and the second gate structure to each other. , the fifth doped region and the second doped region. The semiconductor device of claim 7, wherein the sixth doped region is electrically coupled to the third doped region. The semiconductor device of claim 7, wherein the second gate structure, the fifth doped region, the sixth doped region and the capacitor structure are aligned with each other along a first direction. The semiconductor device of claim 11, wherein the second doped region is aligned with the second gate structure along a second direction, and the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The semiconductor device according to claim 7, wherein the capacitor structure is disposed between the first gate structure and the second gate structure. The semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the first electrode of the capacitor structure contacts the first doped region of the substrate. A circuit including: a first transistor, including a first gate configured to receive a control signal to turn on or off the first transistor and a first source; A capacitor includes a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal is electrically connected to the first source of the first transistor, and the second terminal is connected to a first voltage; and A diode includes a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal is electrically connected to the first source of the first transistor, and the second terminal is connected to a second voltage. The circuit of claim 15, wherein the first voltage is ground. The circuit of claim 15, wherein the second voltage is a DC voltage, and the DC voltage has a voltage level higher than the first voltage. The circuit of claim 15, wherein the first terminal of the diode is a cathode, and the second terminal of the diode is an anode. The circuit of claim 15, further comprising an equalizer electrically connected between the second voltage and the first source of the first transistor, wherein the equalizer has Turn-on follows turn-on, and the equalizer includes a second transistor. The circuit of claim 19, wherein the second transistor includes a second gate, a drain and a second source, and the second gate is electrically connected to the first terminal of the first transistor. The source electrode and the drain electrode are electrically connected to the second voltage, and the second source electrode is electrically connected to the first source electrode of the first transistor.