US20020034106A1 - ROM memory cell not decodable by visual inspection - Google Patents
ROM memory cell not decodable by visual inspection Download PDFInfo
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- US20020034106A1 US20020034106A1 US09/875,448 US87544801A US2002034106A1 US 20020034106 A1 US20020034106 A1 US 20020034106A1 US 87544801 A US87544801 A US 87544801A US 2002034106 A1 US2002034106 A1 US 2002034106A1
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- 238000011179 visual inspection Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 8
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 20
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 238000001465 metallisation Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 6
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229910021332 silicide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- FVBUAEGBCNSCDD-UHFFFAOYSA-N silicide(4-) Chemical compound [Si-4] FVBUAEGBCNSCDD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titanium Chemical compound [Ti] RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000002513 implantation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000000206 photolithography Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910021420 polycrystalline silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000010936 titanium Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052719 titanium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- ZOXJGFHDIHLPTG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Boron Chemical compound [B] ZOXJGFHDIHLPTG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicon Chemical compound [Si] XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- NRTOMJZYCJJWKI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titanium nitride Chemical compound [Ti]#N NRTOMJZYCJJWKI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000008186 active pharmaceutical agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052796 boron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011156 evaluation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- BHEPBYXIRTUNPN-UHFFFAOYSA-N hydridophosphorus(.) (triplet) Chemical compound [PH] BHEPBYXIRTUNPN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000010354 integration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 description 1
- WFKWXMTUELFFGS-UHFFFAOYSA-N tungsten Chemical compound [W] WFKWXMTUELFFGS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052721 tungsten Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010937 tungsten Substances 0.000 description 1
- WQJQOUPTWCFRMM-UHFFFAOYSA-N tungsten disilicide Chemical compound [Si]#[W]#[Si] WQJQOUPTWCFRMM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910021342 tungsten silicide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11C—STATIC STORES
- G11C17/00—Read-only memories programmable only once; Semi-permanent stores, e.g. manually-replaceable information cards
- G11C17/08—Read-only memories programmable only once; Semi-permanent stores, e.g. manually-replaceable information cards using semiconductor devices, e.g. bipolar elements
- G11C17/10—Read-only memories programmable only once; Semi-permanent stores, e.g. manually-replaceable information cards using semiconductor devices, e.g. bipolar elements in which contents are determined during manufacturing by a predetermined arrangement of coupling elements, e.g. mask-programmable ROM
- G11C17/12—Read-only memories programmable only once; Semi-permanent stores, e.g. manually-replaceable information cards using semiconductor devices, e.g. bipolar elements in which contents are determined during manufacturing by a predetermined arrangement of coupling elements, e.g. mask-programmable ROM using field-effect devices
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a ROM memory cell not decodable by visual inspection.
- ROM memory cells not decodable by visual inspection are used inside smart devices, such as smart cards, to store confidential data (for example personal identification codes to be used in bank transactions or with SIM cards).
- ROM memory cells not decodable by visual inspection are also used to store suitable algorithms which can encrypt confidential data.
- Reading of the ROM memory cell content is carried out by feeding the NMOS transistors with a drain-source voltage V DS of approximately 1.0 V and a gate-source voltage V GS comprised between the two aforementioned threshold voltage values (for example the gate-source voltage V GS can have a value of approximately 2.5 V).
- FIG. 1 showing the characteristic which associates the gate-source voltage V GS with the drain-source current I DS of an NMOS transistor
- the drain-source current I DS is greater than the reference current I REF (curve “R”)
- the NMOS transistor is at a logic state “1”, corresponding to the switched on condition.
- the drain-source current I DS is lower than the reference current I REF
- the NMOS transistor is at a logic state “0” corresponding to the switched off condition.
- the ROM memory cells incorporated in the smart devices cannot be of the flash EEPROM or EPROM type since both can have problems of retention of the charge stored, which, over a period of time, can lead to loss of the data stored. It is therefore necessary to use alternative approaches.
- the NMOS transistor representing the logic state “1” (low-threshold transistor) is generally carried out such that it is altogether similar to standard NMOS transistors present in the smart device, whereas the NMOSFET transistor representing the logic state “0” (high-threshold transistor) is carried out using two alternative approaches.
- FIG. 2 shows a transverse cross-section of a first embodiment of a ROM memory cell 1 incorporated in a smart device 50 and comprising a semiconductor material substrate 2 with P ⁇ -type conductivity.
- the ROM memory cell 1 includes a first low-threshold transistor 4 and a second high-threshold transistor 7 .
- the first transistor 4 is formed by a first conductive region 3 , of type N + , defining a drain region, and by a first source region 6 a , of type N + , both formed in a first portion 5 of the substrate 2 .
- the second transistor 7 is formed by a second source region 6 b , of type N + , providing in a second portion 8 of the substrate 2 adjacent to the first portion 5 and joined to the first source region 6 a such as to form a second conductive region 6 , and by a third conductive region 9 , of type N + , defining a drain region of the second transistor 7 .
- the ROM memory cell 1 additionally comprises first and second extension regions 10 , 11 , of type N, operating respectively as a drain extension region and a source extension region of the first transistor 4 , and third and fourth extension regions 12 , 13 of type N operating respectively as a source extension region and a drain extension region of the second transistor 7 .
- the first and second extension regions 10 , 11 extend laterally and in a position adjacent respectively to the first and second conductive regions 3 , 6 , and face one another.
- the first and second extension regions 10 , 11 delimit a portion of substrate 2 forming a first channel region 15 .
- the third and fourth extension regions 12 , 13 extend laterally and in a position adjacent respectively to the second and third conductive regions 6 , 9 , and face one another.
- the third and fourth extension regions 12 , 13 delimit a portion of substrate 2 forming a second channel region 18 .
- the second channel region 18 accommodates an implanted region 19 , which is more doped than the substrate 2 , to increase the threshold voltage of the second transistor 7 .
- first gate region 20 of polycrystalline silicon of the first transistor 4 .
- second gate region 21 of polycrystalline silicon of the second transistor 7 .
- the first gate region 20 is isolated from the first channel region 15 by means of a first gate oxide layer 24
- the second gate region 21 is isolated from the second channel region 18 by means of a second gate oxide layer 25 .
- the first gate region 20 and the first gate contact region 31 are laterally adjoined by first oxide spacers 40 .
- second gate region 21 and the second gate contact region 32 are laterally adjoined by second oxide spacers 41 .
- This first embodiment of the ROM memory cell 1 has the disadvantage that it is relatively costly to carry out, since it is necessary to add to the process phases commonly used additional phases of photolithography and implantation for defining the implanted region 19 .
- FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of a second embodiment of the ROM memory cell 1 , in which parts corresponding to the first embodiment in FIG. 2 have been provided with the same reference numbers.
- the formation of the implanted region 19 and of the third and fourth extension regions 12 , 13 is not provided.
- the lack of definition of the third and fourth extension regions 12 , 13 means that the second gate region 21 is not fully superimposed on the second channel region 18 , which also extends partially below the second oxide spacers 41 .
- the application of a gate-source voltage V GS to the second transistor 7 is not sufficient to take the latter into a condition of conduction, i.e., to form a continuous reversal region between the second source region 6 b and its drain region 9 .
- this second embodiment of the ROM memory cell 1 has reduced manufacturing costs, since it does not require the operations of photolithography and implantation dedicated to the formation of the implanted region 19 , it nevertheless has the disadvantage that it is difficult to control, since its satisfactory functioning depends on the dimensions of the oxide spacers 41 .
- the technical problem of the present invention is to provide a ROM memory cell not decodable by visual inspection.
- the ROM memory cell comprises a substrate of semiconductor material having a first conductivity type, in particular P ⁇ .
- a first MOS device having a first threshold voltage is formed in a first portion of the substrate, and a MOS device having a second threshold voltage, greater than the first threshold voltage, is formed in a second portion of the substrate adjacent to the first portion.
- the second MOS device is a diode, reverse biased during a reading phase of the ROM memory cell and includes an anode region having the first conductivity type and a cathode region having a second conductivity type.
- the anode region has a level of doping higher than that of the substrate.
- FIG. 1 shows the current-voltage characteristics used for evaluation of the electrical state of an NMOSFET transistor
- FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of a known ROM memory cell
- FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of a known ROM memory cell
- FIG. 4 shows a first embodiment of a ROM memory cell according to the invention.
- FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of a ROM memory cell according to the invention.
- FIG. 4 shows a ROM memory cell 100 , which is included in a smart device 200 , comprising a substrate 102 of semiconductor material, which has conductivity of type P ⁇ .
- the memory cell 100 is similar to the ROM memory cell 1 in FIG. 2, except for the fact that the second source region 6 b and the third extension region 12 are replaced by an active region 103 , which has the same type of conductivity as the substrate 102 , and in particular of type P + .
- the other parts of the ROM memory cell 100 are the same as those of the known ROM memory cell 1 in FIG. 2; they are therefore provided with the same reference numbers as those previously used, and will not be described again.
- the second transistor 7 operates as a diode having an anode region defined by the active region 103 , and a cathode region defined by the third conductive region 9 and by the fourth extension region 13 .
- the presence of the metal silicide also permits easy connection between the first source region 6 a and the active region 103 , thus defining a common contact region 110 .
- connection regions 104 , 105 , 106 are formed inside an isolating layer 107 of BPSG (Boron Phosphorous Silicon Glass) previously deposited on the surface of the ROM memory cell, as shown in FIG. 5.
- the connection regions 104 , 105 extend in the isolating layer 107 until they contact the conductive regions 3 , 9 respectively, whereas the connection region 106 extends in the isolating layer 107 until it contacts the first source region 6 a and the active region 103 , short-circuiting the latter.
- the connection regions 104 , 105 , 106 have walls 108 which are covered by a double layer of titanium/titanium nitride, and are filled with conductive material, typically tungsten.
- the first and the second gate contact regions 31 , 32 are tungsten silicide.
- the diode is reverse biased.
- the application of a reading voltage between the second gate region 21 and the active region 103 is not sufficient to form a continuous reversal region between the anode region and the cathode region of the diode in the brief period of time in which the ROM memory cell 100 is being read, and nor is it sufficient in stationary conditions.
- the ROM memory cell according to the invention has manufacturing costs which are relatively low, since additional process phases are not involved.
- the active region 103 is formed together with the regions of type P + contained in the PMOSFET transistors present inside the smart device.
- the ROM memory cell has a high level of reliability since, unlike the ROM memory cell shown in FIG. 3, its satisfactory functioning is not dependent on the dimensions of the oxide spacers.
- the present ROM memory cell is not decodable by simple visual inspection since, in addition to the presence of a protective screen of the conventional type, the presence of regions of type P, instead of type N, in the high-threshold transistors, cannot be identified without sectioning the cell.
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Abstract
The ROM memory cell, not decodable by visual inspection comprises a substrate of semiconductor material having a first conductivity type, in particular P−. A first MOS device having a first threshold voltage is formed in a first portion of the substrate, and a MOS device having a second threshold voltage, greater than the first threshold voltage, is formed in a second portion of the substrate adjacent to the first portion. The second MOS device is a diode reverse biased during a reading phase of the ROM memory cell and comprises a source region having the first conductivity type and a drain region having a second conductivity type. The source region has a level of doping higher than that of the substrate.
Description
- The present invention relates to a ROM memory cell not decodable by visual inspection.
- As is known, ROM memory cells not decodable by visual inspection are used inside smart devices, such as smart cards, to store confidential data (for example personal identification codes to be used in bank transactions or with SIM cards).
- ROM memory cells not decodable by visual inspection are also used to store suitable algorithms which can encrypt confidential data.
- In both cases, to make the data contained in the ROM memory cells difficult to interpret externally, it is necessary to provide the cells with a protective screen, made from a dedicated metallization layer covering all of the ROM memory cells and not having any other function.
- In general, in CMOS integration processes, the ROM memory cells are represented by NMOS transistors having two different values of the threshold voltage V th (for example Vth=0.7 V and Vth=5.0 V).
- Reading of the ROM memory cell content is carried out by feeding the NMOS transistors with a drain-source voltage V DS of approximately 1.0 V and a gate-source voltage VGS comprised between the two aforementioned threshold voltage values (for example the gate-source voltage VGS can have a value of approximately 2.5 V). The obtained drain-source current IDS is then compared with a reference current IREF which, for example, can have a value corresponding to the half-sum of the drain-source currents of an NMOS transistor with a high threshold (Vth=5.0 V), and of a NMOS transistor with a low threshold (Vth=0.7 V).
- With reference to FIG. 1 showing the characteristic which associates the gate-source voltage V GS with the drain-source current IDS of an NMOS transistor, if the drain-source current IDS is greater than the reference current IREF (curve “R”), the NMOS transistor is at a logic state “1”, corresponding to the switched on condition. On the other hand, if the drain-source current IDS is lower than the reference current IREF, the NMOS transistor is at a logic state “0” corresponding to the switched off condition.
- It is known that the ROM memory cells incorporated in the smart devices cannot be of the flash EEPROM or EPROM type since both can have problems of retention of the charge stored, which, over a period of time, can lead to loss of the data stored. It is therefore necessary to use alternative approaches. For this purpose, the NMOS transistor representing the logic state “1” (low-threshold transistor) is generally carried out such that it is altogether similar to standard NMOS transistors present in the smart device, whereas the NMOSFET transistor representing the logic state “0” (high-threshold transistor) is carried out using two alternative approaches.
- For this purpose, FIG. 2 shows a transverse cross-section of a first embodiment of a
ROM memory cell 1 incorporated in asmart device 50 and comprising asemiconductor material substrate 2 with P−-type conductivity. - The
ROM memory cell 1 includes a first low-threshold transistor 4 and a second high-threshold transistor 7. Thefirst transistor 4 is formed by a firstconductive region 3, of type N+, defining a drain region, and by afirst source region 6 a, of type N+, both formed in afirst portion 5 of thesubstrate 2. Thesecond transistor 7 is formed by asecond source region 6 b, of type N+, providing in asecond portion 8 of thesubstrate 2 adjacent to thefirst portion 5 and joined to thefirst source region 6 a such as to form a secondconductive region 6, and by a thirdconductive region 9, of type N+, defining a drain region of thesecond transistor 7. - The
ROM memory cell 1 additionally comprises first and 10, 11, of type N, operating respectively as a drain extension region and a source extension region of thesecond extension regions first transistor 4, and third and 12, 13 of type N operating respectively as a source extension region and a drain extension region of thefourth extension regions second transistor 7. - The first and
10, 11 extend laterally and in a position adjacent respectively to the first and secondsecond extension regions 3, 6, and face one another. The first andconductive regions 10, 11, delimit a portion ofsecond extension regions substrate 2 forming afirst channel region 15. Similarly, the third and 12, 13 extend laterally and in a position adjacent respectively to the second and thirdfourth extension regions 6, 9, and face one another. The third andconductive regions 12, 13 delimit a portion offourth extension regions substrate 2 forming asecond channel region 18. - The
second channel region 18 accommodates an implantedregion 19, which is more doped than thesubstrate 2, to increase the threshold voltage of thesecond transistor 7. - Above the
first channel region 15, there is formed afirst gate region 20 of polycrystalline silicon of thefirst transistor 4. Similarly, above thesecond channel region 18, there is formed asecond gate region 21 of polycrystalline silicon of thesecond transistor 7. Thefirst gate region 20 is isolated from thefirst channel region 15 by means of a firstgate oxide layer 24, whereas thesecond gate region 21 is isolated from thesecond channel region 18 by means of a secondgate oxide layer 25. Above the first and 20, 21, and above the first, second and thirdsecond gate regions 3, 6, 9, there are present a firstconductive regions gate contact region 31, a secondgate contact region 32, a firstdrain contact region 33, a commonsource contact region 34, and a seconddrain contact region 35 of a metal silicide, for example titanium. Thefirst gate region 20 and the firstgate contact region 31 are laterally adjoined byfirst oxide spacers 40. Similarly, thesecond gate region 21 and the secondgate contact region 32 are laterally adjoined bysecond oxide spacers 41. - This first embodiment of the
ROM memory cell 1 has the disadvantage that it is relatively costly to carry out, since it is necessary to add to the process phases commonly used additional phases of photolithography and implantation for defining the implantedregion 19. - FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of a second embodiment of the
ROM memory cell 1, in which parts corresponding to the first embodiment in FIG. 2 have been provided with the same reference numbers. In the second embodiment, the formation of the implantedregion 19 and of the third and 12, 13 is not provided.fourth extension regions - In particular, the lack of definition of the third and
12, 13 means that thefourth extension regions second gate region 21 is not fully superimposed on thesecond channel region 18, which also extends partially below thesecond oxide spacers 41. In these design conditions, the application of a gate-source voltage VGS to thesecond transistor 7 is not sufficient to take the latter into a condition of conduction, i.e., to form a continuous reversal region between thesecond source region 6 b and itsdrain region 9. This is owing to the fact that the portions of thesecond channel region 18 which are below thesecond spacers 41 cannot reverse their conductivity (from N to P), in the short period of time in whichROM memory cell 1 reading takes place. - Although this second embodiment of the
ROM memory cell 1 has reduced manufacturing costs, since it does not require the operations of photolithography and implantation dedicated to the formation of the implantedregion 19, it nevertheless has the disadvantage that it is difficult to control, since its satisfactory functioning depends on the dimensions of theoxide spacers 41. - The technical problem of the present invention is to provide a ROM memory cell not decodable by visual inspection.
- According to one embodiment of the invention, the ROM memory cell comprises a substrate of semiconductor material having a first conductivity type, in particular P −. A first MOS device having a first threshold voltage is formed in a first portion of the substrate, and a MOS device having a second threshold voltage, greater than the first threshold voltage, is formed in a second portion of the substrate adjacent to the first portion. The second MOS device is a diode, reverse biased during a reading phase of the ROM memory cell and includes an anode region having the first conductivity type and a cathode region having a second conductivity type. The anode region has a level of doping higher than that of the substrate.
- The characteristics and advantages of the ROM memory cell according to the invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment provided purely by way of non-limiting example with reference to the attached drawings, wherein
- FIG. 1 shows the current-voltage characteristics used for evaluation of the electrical state of an NMOSFET transistor;
- FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of a known ROM memory cell;
- FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of a known ROM memory cell;
- FIG. 4 shows a first embodiment of a ROM memory cell according to the invention; and
- FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of a ROM memory cell according to the invention.
- FIG. 4 shows a
ROM memory cell 100, which is included in asmart device 200, comprising asubstrate 102 of semiconductor material, which has conductivity of type P−. - In greater detail, the
memory cell 100 is similar to theROM memory cell 1 in FIG. 2, except for the fact that thesecond source region 6 b and thethird extension region 12 are replaced by anactive region 103, which has the same type of conductivity as thesubstrate 102, and in particular of type P+. - Otherwise, the other parts of the
ROM memory cell 100 are the same as those of the knownROM memory cell 1 in FIG. 2; they are therefore provided with the same reference numbers as those previously used, and will not be described again. - In the above-described conditions, the
second transistor 7 operates as a diode having an anode region defined by theactive region 103, and a cathode region defined by the thirdconductive region 9 and by thefourth extension region 13. - The presence of the metal silicide also permits easy connection between the
first source region 6 a and theactive region 103, thus defining acommon contact region 110. - If the
ROM memory cell 100 manufacturing process does not include the use of the metal silicide, the definition of the contacts of the ROM memory cell takes place by forming 104, 105, 106 inside anconnection regions isolating layer 107 of BPSG (Boron Phosphorous Silicon Glass) previously deposited on the surface of the ROM memory cell, as shown in FIG. 5. The 104, 105 extend in theconnection regions isolating layer 107 until they contact the 3, 9 respectively, whereas theconductive regions connection region 106 extends in theisolating layer 107 until it contacts thefirst source region 6 a and theactive region 103, short-circuiting the latter. The 104, 105, 106 haveconnection regions walls 108 which are covered by a double layer of titanium/titanium nitride, and are filled with conductive material, typically tungsten. - In this case, the first and the second
31, 32 are tungsten silicide.gate contact regions - During the
ROM memory cell 100 reading phase, the diode is reverse biased. In addition, the application of a reading voltage between thesecond gate region 21 and theactive region 103 is not sufficient to form a continuous reversal region between the anode region and the cathode region of the diode in the brief period of time in which theROM memory cell 100 is being read, and nor is it sufficient in stationary conditions. - The advantages of the ROM memory cell described are as follows.
- Firstly, the ROM memory cell according to the invention has manufacturing costs which are relatively low, since additional process phases are not involved. In fact, the
active region 103 is formed together with the regions of type P+ contained in the PMOSFET transistors present inside the smart device. - In addition, the ROM memory cell, according to the invention has a high level of reliability since, unlike the ROM memory cell shown in FIG. 3, its satisfactory functioning is not dependent on the dimensions of the oxide spacers.
- In addition, the present ROM memory cell is not decodable by simple visual inspection since, in addition to the presence of a protective screen of the conventional type, the presence of regions of type P, instead of type N, in the high-threshold transistors, cannot be identified without sectioning the cell.
- Finally, it is apparent that modifications and variants can be made to the ROM memory cell described, without departing from the context of the present invention.
Claims (7)
1. A ROM memory cell not decodable by visual inspection, comprising:
a semiconductor material substrate having a first conductivity type;
a first MOS device formed in a first portion of the substrate and having a first threshold voltage; and
a second MOS device formed in a second portion of said substrate, adjacent to said first portion, and having a second threshold voltage greater than the first threshold voltage, wherein said second MOS device is a diode, reverse biased during a ROM memory cell reading phase.
2. A cell according to claim 1 , wherein said second MOS device comprises a first active region having said first conductivity type and a second active region having a second conductivity type.
3. A cell according to claim 2 , wherein said first active region has a level of doping higher than that of said substrate.
4. A cell according to claim 2 , wherein said first active region is a source region of said second MOS device and said second active region is a drain region of said second MOS device.
5. A cell according to claim 2 , wherein said first conductivity type is P and said second conductivity type is N.
6. A cell according claim 2 , wherein said first active region is connected to a conductive region of said second conductivity type and belonging to said first MOS device by means of a common metallization layer.
7. A cell according to claim 2 , wherein said first active region is connected to a conductive region of said second type of conductivity and belonging to said first MOS device by means of a connection region extending in a aperture of a isolation layerformed above said ROM memory cell.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| ITTO2000A000543 | 2000-06-06 | ||
| IT2000TO000543A IT1320408B1 (en) | 2000-06-06 | 2000-06-06 | ROM MEMORY CELL NOT DECODABLE BY VISUAL INSPECTION. |
| ITTO00A0543 | 2000-06-06 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| US20020034106A1 true US20020034106A1 (en) | 2002-03-21 |
| US6420765B1 US6420765B1 (en) | 2002-07-16 |
Family
ID=11457796
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US09/875,448 Expired - Lifetime US6420765B1 (en) | 2000-06-06 | 2001-06-05 | ROM memory cell not decodable by visual inspection |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US6420765B1 (en) |
| IT (1) | IT1320408B1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN103022040A (en) * | 2011-09-28 | 2013-04-03 | 无锡华润上华科技有限公司 | Read only memory and production method thereof |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7085149B2 (en) * | 2004-01-23 | 2006-08-01 | Agere Systems Inc. | Method and apparatus for reducing leakage current in a read only memory device using transistor bias |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR0135798B1 (en) * | 1994-08-17 | 1998-04-24 | 김광호 | Mask rom for the current amplification |
| US6084275A (en) * | 1998-05-04 | 2000-07-04 | Texas Instruments - Acer Incorporated | Double coding mask read only memory (mask ROM) for minimizing band-to-band leakage |
-
2000
- 2000-06-06 IT IT2000TO000543A patent/IT1320408B1/en active
-
2001
- 2001-06-05 US US09/875,448 patent/US6420765B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN103022040A (en) * | 2011-09-28 | 2013-04-03 | 无锡华润上华科技有限公司 | Read only memory and production method thereof |
| US9368505B2 (en) | 2011-09-28 | 2016-06-14 | Csmc Technologies Fab2 Co., Ltd. | Read-only memory and its manufacturing method |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| IT1320408B1 (en) | 2003-11-26 |
| US6420765B1 (en) | 2002-07-16 |
| ITTO20000543A1 (en) | 2001-12-06 |
| ITTO20000543A0 (en) | 2000-06-06 |
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