A volatile memory array using vertical thyristors is disclosed together with methods of fabricating the array.

A volatile memory array using vertical thyristors is disclosed together with methods of fabricating the array.

A transient voltage suppressing (TVS) device formed in an epitaxial layer of a first conductivity type supported on a semiconductor substrate. The TVS device further comprises a plurality of contact trenches opened and extended to a lower part of the epitaxial layer filled with a doped polysilicon layer of a second conductivity type wherein the trenches are further surrounded by a heavy dopant region of the second conductivity type. The TVS device further includes a metal contact layer disposed on a top surface of the epitaxial layer electrically connected to a Vcc electrode wherein the metal contact layer further directly contacting the doped polysilicon layer and the heavy dopant region of the second conductivity type.

A semiconductor device is provided. On one main surface side of an n-type semiconductor substrate, a p-type diffusion region to serve as an anode of a diode is formed. A guard ring formed of a p-type diffusion region is formed to surround the anode. On the other main surface side, an n-type ultrahigh-concentration impurity layer and an n-type high-concentration impurity layer to serve as a cathode are formed. In a guard-ring opposed region located in the cathode and opposite to the guard ring, a cathode-side p-type diffusion region is formed. Accordingly, concentration of the electric current on an outer peripheral end portion of the anode is suppressed.

A transient voltage suppressing (TVS) device formed in an epitaxial layer of a first conductivity type supported on a semiconductor substrate. The TVS device further comprises a plurality of contact trenches opened and extended to a lower part of the epitaxial layer filled with a doped polysilicon layer of a second conductivity type wherein the trenches are further surrounded by a heavy dopant region of the second conductivity type. The TVS device further includes a metal contact layer disposed on a top surface of the epitaxial layer electrically connected to a Vcc electrode wherein the metal contact layer further directly contacting the doped polysilicon layer and the heavy dopant region of the second conductivity type.

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a silicon-controlled-rectifier (SCR). The SCR includes a longitudinal silicon fin extending between an anode and a cathode and including a junction region there between. One or more first transverse fins traverses the longitudinal fin at one or more respective tapping points positioned between the anode and the junction region. Other devices and methods are also disclosed.

A volatile memory array using vertical thyristors is disclosed together with methods of fabricating the array.