Low Q associated with passive components of monolithic integrated circuits (ICs) when operated at microwave frequencies can be avoided or mitigated using high resistivity (e.g., 100 Ohm-cm) semiconductor substrates and lower resistance inductors for the IC. This eliminates significant in-substrate electromagnetic coupling losses from planar inductors and interconnections overlying the substrate. The active transistor(s) are formed in the substrate proximate the front face. Planar capacitors are also formed over the front face of the substrate. Various terminals of the transistor(s), capacitor(s) and inductor(s) are coupled to a ground plane on the rear face of the substrate using through-substrate-vias to minimize parasitic resistance. Parasitic resistance associated with the planar inductors and heavy current carrying conductors is minimized by placing them on the outer surface of the IC where they can be made substantially thicker and of lower resistance. The result is a monolithic microwave IC previously unobtainable.

A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type formed on a substrate; a first trench formed in the semiconductor layer including a first trench gate; a second trench formed in the semiconductor layer and extending into the substrate and including a second trench gate; a first transistor device formed in the semiconductor layer adjacent the first trench. The second trench encircles active area of the first transistor device to provide electrical isolation of the first transistor device.

A semiconductor device includes an inductor disposed on a surface of an intermetallic dielectric layer at a location below which no virtual interconnect members are present. Thus, parasitic capacitance is reduced or eliminated and the Q value of the inductor is high.

A semiconductor device includes first through fourth areas, first through fourth gate stacks, the first gate stack includes a first high-dielectric layer, a first TiN layer to contact the first high-dielectric layer, and a first gate metal on the first TiN layer, the second gate stack includes a second high-dielectric layer, a second TiN layer to contact the second high-dielectric layer, and a second gate metal on the second TiN layer, the third gate stack includes a third high-dielectric layer, a third TiN layer to contact the third high-dielectric layer, and a third gate metal on the third TiN layer, and the fourth gate stack includes a fourth high-dielectric layer, a fourth TiN layer to contact the fourth high-dielectric layer, and a fourth gate metal on the fourth TiN layer, the first through fourth thicknesses of the TiN layers being different.

Some embodiments include integrated circuits having first and second transistors. The first transistor is wider than the second transistor. The first and second transistors have first and second active regions, respectively. Dielectric features are associated with the first active region and break up the first active region. The second active region is not broken up to the same extent as the first active region. Some embodiments include methods of forming transistors. Active areas of first and second transistors are formed. The active area of the first transistor is wider than the active area of the second transistor. Dielectric features are formed in the active area of the first transistor. The active area of the first transistor is broken up to a different extent than the active area of the second transistor. The active areas of the first and second transistors are simultaneously doped.

Systems and methods for controlling current or mitigating electromagnetic or radiation interference effects using structures configured to cooperatively control a common semi-conductive channel region (SCR). One embodiment includes providing a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) section formed with an exemplary SCR and two junction field effect transistor (JFET) gates on opposing sides of the MOSFET's SCR such that operation of the JFET modulates or controls current through the MOSFET's. With two JFET gate terminals to modulate various embodiments' signal(s), an improved mixer, demodulator, and gain control element in, e.g., analog circuits can be realized. Additionally, a direct current (DC)-biased terminal of one embodiment decreases cross-talk with other devices. A lens structure can also be incorporated into MOSFET structures to further adjust operation of the MOSFET. An embodiment can also include a current leakage mitigation structure configured to reduce or eliminate current leakage between MOSFET and JFET structures.

In described examples, an embedded thermoelectric device is formed by forming isolation trenches in a substrate, concurrently between CMOS transistors and between thermoelectric elements of the embedded thermoelectric device. Dielectric material is formed in the isolation trenches to provide field oxide which laterally isolates the CMOS transistors and the thermoelectric elements. Germanium is implanted into the substrate in areas for the thermoelectric elements, and the substrate is subsequently annealed, to provide a germanium density of at least 0.10 atomic percent in the thermoelectric elements between the isolation trenches. The germanium may be implanted before the isolation trenches are formed, after the isolation trenches are formed and before the dielectric material is formed in the isolation trenches, and/or after the dielectric material is formed in the isolation trenches.

A method of forming an integrated circuit. The method includes forming at least one transistor and at least one electrical fuse over a substrate. Forming the at least one transistor includes forming a gate dielectric structure over a substrate and a work-function metallic layer over the gate dielectric structure. Forming the at least one transistor further includes forming a conductive layer over the work-function metallic layer and a source/drain (S/D) region being disposed adjacent to each sidewall of the gate dielectric structure. Forming the at least one transistor further includes forming a diffusion barrier layer between the gate dielectric structure and the work-function layer. Forming the at least one electrical fuse includes forming a first semiconductor layer over the substrate. Forming the at least one electrical fuse includes forming a first silicide layer on the first semiconductor layer, wherein the diffusion barrier layer is formed before the first silicide layer.

A semiconductor device includes dummy gate structures formed on a dielectric layer over a substrate and forming a gap therebetween. A trench silicide structure is formed in the gap on the dielectric layer and extends longitudinally beyond the gap on end portions. The trench silicide structure forms a resistive element. Self-aligned contacts are formed through an interlevel dielectric layer and land on the trench silicide structure beyond the gap on the end portions.

A semiconductor device includes dummy gate structures formed on a dielectric layer over a substrate and forming a gap therebetween. A trench silicide structure is formed in the gap on the dielectric layer and extends longitudinally beyond the gap on end portions. The trench silicide structure forms a resistive element. Self-aligned contacts are formed through an interlevel dielectric layer and land on the trench silicide structure beyond the gap on the end portions.