ONE TIME PROGRAMMING MEMORY CELL WITH GATE-ALL-AROUND TRANSISTOR FOR PHYSICALLY UNCLONABLE FUNCTION TECHNOLOGY
20240023328 ยท 2024-01-18
Inventors
Cpc classification
H10B20/25
ELECTRICITY
International classification
Abstract
An antifuse-type OTP memory cell at least includes a first nanowire, a second nanowire, a first gate structure, a first drain/source structure and a second drain/source structure. The first gate structure includes a first gate dielectric layer, a second gate dielectric layer and a first gate layer. The first nanowire is surrounded by the first gate dielectric layer. The second nanowire is surrounded by the second gate dielectric layer. The first gate dielectric layer and the second gate dielectric layer are surrounded by the first gate layer. The first drain/source structure is electrically contacted with a first terminal of the first nanowire and a first terminal of the second nanowire. The second drain/source structure is electrically contacted with a second terminal of the first nanowire. The second drain/source structure is not electrically contacted with a second terminal of the second nanowire.
Claims
1. An antifuse-type one time programming (OTP) memory cell for a physically unclonable function technology, the antifuse-type OTP memory cell comprising: a first nanowire; a second nanowire; a first gate structure comprising a first spacer, a second spacer, a first gate dielectric layer, a second gate dielectric layer and a first gate layer, wherein a central region of the first nanowire is surrounded by the first gate dielectric layer, a central region of the second nanowire is surrounded by the second gate dielectric layer, the first gate dielectric layer and the second gate dielectric layer are surrounded by the first gate layer, the first gate layer is connected with an antifuse control line, a first side region of the first nanowire is surrounded by the first spacer, a second side region of the first nanowire is surrounded by the second spacer, a first side region of the second nanowire is surrounded by the first spacer, and a second side region of the second nanowire is surrounded by the second spacer; a first drain/source structure electrically contacted with a first terminal of the first nanowire and a first terminal of the second nanowire; a second drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the first nanowire, wherein the second drain/source structure is not electrically contacted with a second terminal of the second nanowire; a first transistor comprising a first drain/source terminal, a gate terminal and a second drain/source terminal, wherein the second drain/source terminal of the first transistor is connected with the first drain/source structure; and a second transistor comprising a first drain/source terminal, a gate terminal and a second drain/source terminal, wherein the first drain/source terminal of the second transistor is connected with the second drain/source structure.
2. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first nanowire and the second nanowire are vertically arranged along a line that is perpendicular to a surface of a substrate, and the first gate structure is formed above the substrate.
3. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first nanowire and the second nanowire are horizontally arranged in a direction parallel to a surface of a substrate, and the first gate structure is formed above the substrate.
4. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first transistor is a first select transistor, and the second transistor is a second select transistor, wherein a first drain/source terminal of the first select transistor is connected with a first bit line, a gate terminal of the first select transistor is connected with a first word line, a second drain/source terminal of the first select transistor is connected with the first drain/source structure, a first drain/source terminal of the second select transistor is connected with the second drain/source structure, a gate terminal of the second select transistor is connected with a second word line, and a second drain/source terminal of the second select transistor is connected with a second bit line, wherein a region between the antifuse control line and the first bit line is an enroll path, and a region between the antifuse control line and the second bit line is a first read path.
5. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 4, wherein when an enroll action is performed, the enroll path is turned on, the first read path is turned off, the antifuse control line receives an enroll voltage, and the first bit line receives a ground voltage, so that one of the first gate dielectric layer and the second gate dielectric layer is ruptured.
6. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 5, wherein when a read action is performed, the enroll path is turned off, the first read path is turned on, the antifuse control line receives a read voltage, and the second bit line receives the ground voltage, so that the second bit line receives a read current, wherein a one-bit random code is determined according to a magnitude of the read current.
7. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first select transistor comprises: a third nanowire, wherein a first terminal of the third nanowire is electrically contacted with the first drain/source structure; a second gate structure comprising a third spacer, a fourth spacer, a third gate dielectric layer and a second gate layer, wherein a central region of the third nanowire is surrounded by the third gate dielectric layer, the third gate dielectric layer is surrounded by the second gate layer, the second gate layer is connected with the first word line, a first side region of the third nanowire is surrounded by the third spacer, and a second side region of the third nanowire is surrounded by the fourth spacer; and a third drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the third nanowire, wherein the third drain/source structure is connected with the first bit line.
8. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second select transistor comprises: a fourth nanowire, wherein a first terminal of the fourth nanowire is electrically contacted with the second drain/source structure; a third gate structure comprising a fifth spacer, a sixth spacer, a fourth gate dielectric layer and a third gate layer, wherein a central region of the fourth nanowire is surrounded by the fourth gate dielectric layer, the fourth gate dielectric layer is surrounded by the third gate layer, the third gate layer is connected with the second word line, a first side region of the fourth nanowire is surrounded by the fifth spacer, and a second side region of the fourth nanowire is surrounded by the sixth spacer; and a fourth drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the fourth nanowire, wherein the fourth drain/source structure is connected with the second bit line.
9. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second select transistor comprises: a fourth drain/source structure electrically contacted with the second terminal of the second nanowire; a fourth nanowire, wherein a first terminal of the fourth nanowire is electrically contacted with the second drain/source structure; a fifth nanowire, wherein a first terminal of the fifth nanowire is electrically contacted with the fourth drain/source structure; a third gate structure comprising a fifth spacer, a sixth spacer, a fourth gate dielectric layer, a fifth gate dielectric layer and a third gate layer, wherein a central region of the fourth nanowire is surrounded by the fourth gate dielectric layer, a central region of the fifth nanowire is surrounded by the fifth gate dielectric layer, the fourth gate dielectric layer and the fifth nanowire are surrounded by the third gate layer, the third gate layer is connected with the second word line, a first side region of the fourth nanowire is surrounded by the fifth spacer, a second side region of the fourth nanowire is surrounded by the sixth spacer, a first side region of the fifth nanowire is surrounded by the fifth spacer, and a second side region of the fifth nanowire is surrounded by the sixth spacer; a fifth drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the fourth nanowire, wherein the fifth drain/source structure is connected with the second bit line; and a sixth drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the fifth nanowire, wherein the sixth drain/source structure is connected with a third bit line.
10. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 9, wherein a region between the antifuse control line and the third bit line is a second read path, wherein when a read action is performed, the enroll path is turned off, the first read path and the second read path are turned on, the antifuse control line receives a read voltage, the second bit line receives a ground voltage, and the third bit line receives the ground voltage, so that the second bit line receives a first read current and the third bit line receives a second read current, wherein a one-bit random code is determined according to a magnitude of the first read current and a magnitude of the second read current.
11. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a first select transistor and a second select transistor, wherein the first transistor is a first following transistor, and the second transistor is a second following transistor, wherein a first drain/source terminal of the first select transistor is connected with a first bit line, a gate terminal of the first select transistor is connected with a first word line, a first drain/source terminal of the first following transistor is connected with a second drain/source terminal of the first select transistor, a gate terminal of the first following transistor is connected with a first following control line, a second drain/source terminal of the first following transistor is connected with the first drain/source structure, a first drain/source terminal of the second following transistor is connected with the second drain/source structure, a gate terminal of the second following transistor is connected with a second following control line, a first drain/source terminal of the second select transistor is connected with a second drain/source terminal of the second following transistor, a gate terminal of the second select transistor is connected with a second word line, and a second drain/source terminal of the second select transistor is connected with a second bit line, wherein a region between the antifuse control line and the first bit line is an enroll path, and a region between the antifuse control line and the second bit line is a first read path.
12. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 11, wherein when an enroll action is performed, the enroll path is turned on, the first read path is turned off, the antifuse control line receives an enroll voltage, and the first bit line receives a ground voltage, so that one of the first gate dielectric layer and the second gate dielectric layer is ruptured.
13. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 12, wherein when a read action is performed, the enroll path is turned off, the first read path is turned on, the antifuse control line receives a read voltage, and the second bit line receives the ground voltage, so that the second bit line receives a read current, wherein a one-bit random code is determined according to a magnitude of the read current.
14. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first following transistor comprises: a third nanowire, wherein a first terminal of the third nanowire is electrically contacted with the first drain/source structure; a second gate structure comprising a third spacer, a fourth spacer, a third gate dielectric layer and a second gate layer, wherein a central region of the third nanowire is surrounded by the third gate dielectric layer, the third gate dielectric layer is surrounded by the second gate layer, the second gate layer is connected with the first following control line, a first side region of the third nanowire is surrounded by the third spacer, and a second side region of the third nanowire is surrounded by the fourth spacer; and a third drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the third nanowire.
15. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first select transistor comprises: a fourth nanowire, wherein a first terminal of the fourth nanowire is electrically contacted with the third drain/source structure; a third gate structure comprising a fifth spacer, a sixth spacer, a fourth gate dielectric layer and a third gate layer, wherein a central region of the fourth nanowire is surrounded by the fourth gate dielectric layer, the fourth gate dielectric layer is surrounded by the third gate layer, the third gate layer is connected with the first word line, a first side region of the fourth nanowire is surrounded by the fifth spacer, and a second side region of the fourth nanowire is surrounded by the sixth spacer; and a fourth drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the fourth nanowire, wherein the fourth drain/source structure is connected with the first bit line.
16. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 15, wherein the second following transistor comprises: a fifth nanowire, wherein a first terminal of the fifth nanowire is electrically contacted with the second drain/source structure; a fourth gate structure comprising a seventh spacer, an eighth spacer, a fifth gate dielectric layer and a fourth gate layer, wherein a central region of the fifth nanowire is surrounded by the fifth gate dielectric layer, the fifth gate dielectric layer is surrounded by the fourth gate layer, the fourth gate layer is connected with the second following control line, a first side region of the fifth nanowire is surrounded by the seventh spacer, and a second side region of the fifth nanowire is surrounded by the eighth spacer; and a fifth drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the fifth nanowire.
17. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 16, wherein the second select transistor comprises: a sixth nanowire, wherein a first terminal of the sixth nanowire is electrically contacted with the fifth drain/source structure; a fifth gate structure comprising a ninth spacer, an eighth spacer, a sixth gate dielectric layer and a fifth gate layer, wherein a central region of the sixth nanowire is surrounded by the sixth gate dielectric layer, the sixth gate dielectric layer is surrounded by the fifth gate layer, the fifth gate layer is connected with the second word line, a first side region of the sixth nanowire is surrounded by the ninth spacer, and a second side region of the sixth nanowire is surrounded by the tenth spacer; and a sixth drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the sixth nanowire, wherein the sixth drain/source structure is connected with the second bit line.
18. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 15, wherein the second following transistor comprises: a fifth drain/source structure electrically contacted with the second terminal of the second nanowire; a fifth nanowire, wherein a first terminal of the fifth nanowire is electrically contacted with the second drain/source structure; a sixth nanowire, wherein a first terminal of the sixth nanowire is electrically contacted with the fifth drain/source structure; a fourth gate structure comprising a seventh spacer, an eighth spacer, a fifth gate dielectric layer, a sixth gate dielectric layer and a fourth gate layer, wherein a central region of the fifth nanowire is surrounded by the fifth gate dielectric layer, a central region of the sixth nanowire is surrounded by the sixth gate dielectric layer, the fifth gate dielectric layer and the sixth gate dielectric layer are surrounded by the fourth gate layer, the fourth gate layer is connected with the second following control line, a first side region of the fifth nanowire is surrounded by the seventh spacer, a second side region of the fifth nanowire is surrounded by the eighth spacer, a first side region of the sixth nanowire is surrounded by the seventh spacer, and a second side region of the sixth nanowire is surrounded by the eighth spacer; a sixth drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the fifth nanowire; and a seventh drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the sixth nanowire.
19. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 18, wherein the second select transistor comprises: a seventh nanowire, wherein a first terminal of the seventh nanowire is electrically contacted with the sixth drain/source structure; an eighth nanowire, wherein a first terminal of the eighth nanowire is electrically contacted with the seventh drain/source structure; a fifth gate structure comprising a ninth spacer, a tenth spacer, a seventh gate dielectric layer, an eighth gate dielectric layer and a fifth gate layer, wherein a central region of the seventh nanowire is surrounded by the seventh gate dielectric layer, a central region of the eighth nanowire is surrounded by the eighth gate dielectric layer, the seventh gate dielectric layer and the eighth nanowire are surrounded by the fifth gate layer, the fifth gate layer is connected with the second word line, a first side region of the seventh nanowire is surrounded by the ninth spacer, a second side region of the seventh nanowire is surrounded by the tenth spacer, a first side region of the eighth nanowire is surrounded by the ninth spacer, and a second side region of the eighth nanowire is surrounded by the tenth spacer; an eighth drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the seventh nanowire, wherein the eighth drain/source structure is connected with the second bit line; and a ninth drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the eighth nanowire, wherein the ninth drain/source structure is connected with a third bit line.
20. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 19, wherein a region between the antifuse control line and the third bit line is a second read path, wherein when a read action is performed, the enroll path is turned off, the first read path and the second read path are turned on, the antifuse control line receives a read voltage, the second bit line receives a ground voltage, and the third bit line receives the ground voltage, so that the second bit line receives a first read current and the third bit line receives a second read current, wherein a one-bit random code is determined according to a magnitude of the first read current and a magnitude of the second read current.
21. An antifuse-type one time programming (OTP) memory cell for a physically unclonable function technology, the antifuse-type OTP memory cell comprising: a first nanowire; a first gate structure comprising a first spacer, a second spacer, a first gate dielectric layer and a first gate layer, wherein a central region of the first nanowire is surrounded by the first gate dielectric layer, the first gate dielectric layer is surrounded by the first gate layer, the first gate layer is connected with an antifuse control line, a first side region of the first nanowire is surrounded by the first spacer, and a second side region of the first nanowire is surrounded by the second spacer; a first drain/source structure electrically contacted with a first terminal of the first nanowire; a second nanowire; a second gate structure comprising a third spacer, a fourth spacer, a second gate dielectric layer and a second gate layer, wherein a central region of the second nanowire is surrounded by the second gate dielectric layer, the second gate dielectric layer is surrounded by the second gate layer, the second gate layer is connected with the antifuse control line, a first side region of the second nanowire is surrounded by the third spacer, and a second side region of the second nanowire is surrounded by the fourth spacer; a second drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the first nanowire and a first terminal of the second nanowire; a third drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the second nanowire; a first transistor comprising a first drain/source terminal, a gate terminal and a second drain/source terminal, wherein the second drain/source terminal of the first transistor is connected with the first drain/source structure; and a second transistor comprising a first drain/source terminal, a gate terminal and a second drain/source terminal, wherein the first drain/source terminal of the second transistor is connected with the third drain/source structure.
22. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 21, wherein the first transistor is a first select transistor, and the second transistor is a second select transistor, wherein a first drain/source terminal of the first select transistor is connected with a first bit line, a gate terminal of the first select transistor is connected with a word line, a second drain/source terminal of the first select transistor is connected with the first drain/source structure, a first drain/source terminal of the second select transistor is connected with the third drain/source structure, a gate terminal of the second select transistor is connected with the word line, and a second drain/source terminal of the second select transistor is connected with a second bit line.
23. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 22, wherein when an enroll action is performed, a first enroll path between the antifuse control line and the first bit line and a second enroll path between the antifuse control line and the second bit line are turned on, the antifuse control line receives an enroll voltage, the first bit line receives a ground voltage, and the second bit line receives the ground voltage, so that one of the first gate dielectric layer and the second gate dielectric layer is ruptured.
24. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 23, wherein when a read action is performed, a first read path between the antifuse control line and the first bit line and a second read path between the antifuse control line and the second bit line are turned on, the antifuse control line receives a read voltage, the first bit line receives the ground voltage, and the second bit line receives the ground voltage, so that the first bit line receives a first read current and the second bit line receives a second read current, wherein a one-bit random code is determined according to a magnitude of the first read current and a magnitude of the second read current.
25. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 22, wherein the first select transistor comprises: a third nanowire, wherein a first terminal of the third nanowire is electrically contacted with the first drain/source structure; a third gate structure comprising a fifth spacer, a sixth spacer, a third gate dielectric layer and a third gate layer, wherein a central region of the third nanowire is surrounded by the third gate dielectric layer, the third gate dielectric layer is surrounded by the third gate layer, the third gate layer is connected with the word line, a first side region of the third nanowire is surrounded by the fifth spacer, and a second side region of the third nanowire is surrounded by the sixth spacer; and a fourth drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the third nanowire, wherein the fourth drain/source structure is connected with the first bit line.
26. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 25, wherein the second select transistor comprises: a fourth nanowire, wherein a first terminal of the fourth nanowire is electrically contacted with the third drain/source structure; a fourth gate structure comprising a seventh spacer, an eighth spacer, a fourth gate dielectric layer and a fourth gate layer, wherein a central region of the fourth nanowire is surrounded by the fourth gate dielectric layer, the fourth gate dielectric layer is surrounded by the fourth gate layer, the fourth gate layer is connected with the word line, a first side region of the fourth nanowire is surrounded by the seventh spacer, and a second side region of the fourth nanowire is surrounded by the eighth spacer; and a fifth drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the fourth nanowire, wherein the fifth drain/source structure is connected with the second bit line.
27. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 21, further comprising a first select transistor and a second select transistor, wherein the first transistor is a first following transistor, and the second transistor is a second following transistor, wherein a first drain/source terminal of the first select transistor is connected with a first bit line, a gate terminal of the first select transistor is connected with a word line, a first drain/source terminal of the first following transistor is connected with a second drain/source terminal of the first select transistor, a gate terminal of the first following transistor is connected with a following control line, a second drain/source terminal of the first following transistor is connected with the first drain/source structure, a first drain/source terminal of the second following transistor is connected with the third drain/source structure, a gate terminal of the second following transistor is connected with the following control line, a first drain/source terminal of the second select transistor is connected with a second drain/source terminal of the second following transistor, a gate terminal of the second select transistor is connected with the word line, and a second drain/source terminal of the second select transistor is connected with a second bit line.
28. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 27, wherein when an enroll action is performed, a first enroll path between the antifuse control line and the first bit line and a second enroll path between the antifuse control line and the second bit line are turned on, the antifuse control line receives an enroll voltage, the first bit line receives a ground voltage, and the second bit line receives the ground voltage, so that one of the first gate dielectric layer and the second gate dielectric layer is ruptured.
29. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 28, wherein when a read action is performed, a first read path between the antifuse control line and the first bit line and a second read path between the antifuse control line and the second bit line are turned on, the antifuse control line receives a read voltage, the first bit line receives the ground voltage, and the second bit line receives the ground voltage, so that the first bit line receives a first read current and the second bit line receives a second read current, wherein a one-bit random code is determined according to a magnitude of the first read current and a magnitude of the second read current.
30. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 27, wherein the first following transistor comprises: a third nanowire, wherein a first terminal of the third nanowire is electrically contacted with the first drain/source structure; a third gate structure comprising a fifth spacer, a sixth spacer, a third gate dielectric layer and a third gate layer, wherein a central region of the third nanowire is surrounded by the third gate dielectric layer, the third gate dielectric layer is surrounded by the third gate layer, the third gate layer is connected with the following control line, a first side region of the third nanowire is surrounded by the fifth spacer, and a second side region of the third nanowire is surrounded by the sixth spacer; and a fourth drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the third nanowire.
31. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 30, wherein the first select transistor comprises: a fourth nanowire, wherein a first terminal of the third nanowire is electrically contacted with the fourth drain/source structure; a fourth gate structure comprising a seventh spacer, an eighth spacer, a fourth gate dielectric layer and a fourth gate layer, wherein a central region of the fourth nanowire is surrounded by the fourth gate dielectric layer, the fourth gate dielectric layer is surrounded by the fourth gate layer, the fourth gate layer is connected with the word line, a first side region of the fourth nanowire is surrounded by the seventh spacer, and a second side region of the fourth nanowire is surrounded by the eighth spacer; and a fifth drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the fourth nanowire, wherein the fifth drain/source structure is connected with the first bit line.
32. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 31, wherein the second following transistor comprises: a fifth nanowire, wherein a first terminal of the fifth nanowire is electrically contacted with the third drain/source structure; a fifth gate structure comprising a ninth spacer, a tenth spacer, a fifth gate dielectric layer and a fifth gate layer, wherein a central region of the fifth nanowire is surrounded by the fifth gate dielectric layer, the fifth gate dielectric layer is surrounded by the fifth gate layer, the fifth gate layer is connected with the following control line, a first side region of the fifth nanowire is surrounded by the ninth spacer, and a second side region of the fifth nanowire is surrounded by the tenth spacer; and a sixth drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the fifth nanowire.
33. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 32, wherein the second select transistor comprises: a sixth nanowire, wherein a first terminal of the sixth nanowire is electrically contacted with the sixth drain/source structure; a sixth gate structure comprising an eleventh spacer, a twelfth spacer, a six gate dielectric layer and a sixth gate layer, wherein a central region of the sixth nanowire is surrounded by the sixth gate dielectric layer, the sixth nanowire is surrounded by the sixth gate layer, the sixth gate layer is connected with the word line, a first side region of the sixth nanowire is surrounded by the eleventh spacer, and a second side region of the sixth nanowire is surrounded by the twelfth spacer; and a seventh drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the sixth nanowire, wherein the seventh drain/source structure is connected with the second bit line.
34. An antifuse-type one time programming (OTP) memory cell for a physically unclonable function technology, the antifuse-type OTP memory cell comprising: a first nanowire; a second nanowire; a first gate structure comprising a first spacer, a second spacer, a first gate dielectric layer, a second gate dielectric layer and a first gate layer, wherein a central region of the first nanowire is surrounded by the first gate dielectric layer, a central region of the second nanowire is surrounded by the second gate dielectric layer, the first gate dielectric layer and the second gate dielectric layer are surrounded by the first gate layer, the first gate layer is connected with an antifuse control line, a first side region of the first nanowire is surrounded by the first spacer, a second side region of the first nanowire is surrounded by the second spacer, a first side region of the second nanowire is surrounded by the first spacer, and a second side region of the second nanowire is surrounded by the second spacer; a first drain/source structure electrically contacted with a first terminal of the first nanowire, wherein the first drain/source structure is not electrically contacted with a first terminal of the second nanowire; a third nanowire, wherein a first terminal of the third nanowire is electrically contacted with a second terminal of the first nanowire; a fourth nanowire, wherein a first terminal of the fourth nanowire is electrically contacted with a second terminal of the second nanowire; a second gate structure comprising a third spacer, a fourth spacer, a third gate dielectric layer, a fourth gate dielectric layer and a second gate layer, wherein a central region of the third nanowire is surrounded by the third gate dielectric layer, a central region of the fourth nanowire is surrounded by the fourth gate dielectric layer, the third gate dielectric layer and the fourth gate dielectric layer are surrounded by the second gate layer, a first side region of the third nanowire is surrounded by the third spacer, a second side region of the third nanowire is surrounded by the fourth spacer, a first side region of the fourth nanowire is surrounded by the third spacer, and a second side region of the fourth nanowire is surrounded by the fourth spacer; a second drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the third nanowire and a second terminal of the fourth nanowire, wherein the second drain/source structure, the third nanowire, the fourth nanowire and the second gate structure are collaboratively formed as a first transistor; and a second transistor comprising a first drain/source terminal, a gate terminal and a second drain/source terminal, wherein the first drain/source terminal of the second transistor is connected with the first drain/source structure.
35. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 34, wherein the first nanowire and the second nanowire are vertically arranged along a line that is perpendicular to a surface of a substrate, and the first gate structure is formed above the substrate.
36. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 34, wherein the first nanowire and the second nanowire are horizontally arranged in a direction parallel to a surface of a substrate, and the first gate structure is formed above the substrate.
37. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 34, wherein the first transistor is a first select transistor, and the second transistor is a second select transistor, wherein the second drain/source structure is connected with a first bit line, the second gate layer is connected with a first word line, a first drain/source terminal of the second select transistor is connected with the first drain/source structure, a gate terminal of the second select transistor is connected with a second word line, and a second drain/source terminal of the second select transistor is connected with a second bit line, wherein a region between the antifuse control line and the first bit line is an enroll path, and a region between the antifuse control line and the second bit line is a first read path.
38. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 37, wherein when an enroll action is performed, the enroll path is turned on, the first read path is turned off, the antifuse control line receives an enroll voltage, and the first bit line receives a ground voltage, so that one of the first gate dielectric layer and the second gate dielectric layer is ruptured.
39. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 38, wherein when a read action is performed, the enroll path is turned off, the first read path is turned on, the antifuse control line receives a read voltage, and the second bit line receives the ground voltage, so that the second bit line receives a read current, wherein a one-bit random code is determined according to a magnitude of the read current.
40. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 37, wherein the second select transistor comprises: a fifth nanowire, wherein a first terminal of the fifth nanowire is electrically contacted with the first drain/source structure; a third gate structure comprising a fifth spacer, a sixth spacer, a fifth gate dielectric layer and a third gate layer, wherein a central region of the fifth nanowire is surrounded by the fifth gate dielectric layer, the fifth gate dielectric layer is surrounded by the third gate layer, the third gate layer is connected with the second word line, a first side region of the fifth nanowire is surrounded by the fifth spacer, and a second side region of the fifth nanowire is surrounded by the sixth spacer; and a third drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the fifth nanowire, wherein the fifth drain/source structure is connected with the second bit line.
41. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 37, wherein the second select transistor comprises: a third drain/source structure electrically contacted with the first terminal of the second nanowire; a fifth nanowire, wherein a first terminal of the fifth nanowire is electrically contacted with the first drain/source structure; a sixth nanowire, wherein a first terminal of the sixth nanowire is electrically contacted with the third drain/source structure; a third gate structure comprising a fifth spacer, a sixth spacer, a fifth gate dielectric layer, a sixth gate dielectric layer and a third gate layer, wherein a central region of the fifth nanowire is surrounded by the fifth gate dielectric layer, a central region of the sixth nanowire is surrounded by the sixth gate dielectric layer, the fifth gate dielectric layer and the sixth nanowire are surrounded by the third gate layer, the third gate layer is connected with the second word line, a first side region of the fifth nanowire is surrounded by the fifth spacer, a second side region of the fifth nanowire is surrounded by the sixth spacer, a first side region of the sixth nanowire is surrounded by the fifth spacer, and a second side region of the sixth nanowire is surrounded by the sixth spacer; a fourth drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the fifth nanowire, wherein the fourth drain/source structure is connected with the second bit line; and a fifth drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the sixth nanowire, wherein the fifth drain/source structure is connected with a third bit line.
42. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 41, wherein a region between the antifuse control line and the third bit line is a second read path, wherein when a read action is performed, the enroll path is turned off, the first read path and the second read path are turned on, the antifuse control line receives a read voltage, the second bit line receives a ground voltage, and the third bit line receives the ground voltage, so that the second bit line receives a first read current and the third bit line receives a second read current, wherein a one-bit random code is determined according to a magnitude of the first read current and a magnitude of the second read current.
43. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 34, further comprising a first select transistor and a second select transistor, wherein the first transistor is a first following transistor, and the second transistor is a second following transistor, wherein a first drain/source terminal of the first select transistor is connected with a first bit line, a gate terminal of the first select transistor is connected with a first word line, a second drain/source terminal of the first select transistor is connected with the second drain/source structure, the second gate layer is connected with a first following control line, a first drain/source terminal of the second following transistor is connected with the first drain/source structure, a gate terminal of the second following transistor is connected with a second following control line, a first drain/source terminal of the second select transistor is connected with a second drain/source terminal of the second following transistor, a gate terminal of the second select transistor is connected with a second word line, and a second drain/source terminal of the second select transistor is connected with a second bit line, wherein a region between the antifuse control line and the first bit line is an enroll path, and a region between the antifuse control line and the second bit line is a first read path.
44. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 43, wherein when an enroll action is performed, the enroll path is turned on, the first read path is turned off, the antifuse control line receives an enroll voltage, and the first bit line receives a ground voltage, so that one of the first gate dielectric layer and the second gate dielectric layer is ruptured.
45. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 44, wherein when a read action is performed, the enroll path is turned off, the first read path is turned on, the antifuse control line receives a read voltage, and the second bit line receives the ground voltage, so that the second bit line receives a read current, wherein a one-bit random code is determined according to a magnitude of the read current.
46. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 43, wherein the first select transistor comprises: a fifth nanowire, wherein a first terminal of the fifth nanowire is electrically contacted with the second drain/source structure; a third gate structure comprising a fifth spacer, a sixth spacer, a fifth gate dielectric layer and a third gate layer, wherein a central region of the fifth nanowire is surrounded by the fifth gate dielectric layer, the fifth gate dielectric layer is surrounded by the third gate layer, the third gate layer is connected with the first word line, a first side region of the fifth nanowire is surrounded by the fifth spacer, and a second side region of the fifth nanowire is surrounded by the sixth spacer; and a third drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the fifth nanowire, wherein the third drain/source structure is connected with the first bit line.
47. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 46, wherein the second following transistor comprises: a sixth nanowire, wherein a first terminal of the sixth nanowire is electrically contacted with the first drain/source structure; a fourth gate structure comprising a seventh spacer, an eighth spacer, a sixth gate dielectric layer and a fourth gate layer, wherein a central region of the sixth nanowire is surrounded by the sixth gate dielectric layer, the sixth gate dielectric layer is surrounded by the fourth gate layer, the fourth gate layer is connected with the second following control line, a first side region of the sixth nanowire is surrounded by the seventh spacer, and a second side region of the sixth nanowire is surrounded by the eighth spacer; and a fourth drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the sixth nanowire.
48. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 47, wherein the second select transistor comprises: a seventh nanowire, wherein a first terminal of the seventh nanowire is electrically contacted with the fourth drain/source structure; a fifth gate structure comprising a ninth spacer, an tenth spacer, a seventh gate dielectric layer and a fifth gate layer, wherein a central region of the seventh nanowire is surrounded by the seventh gate dielectric layer, the seventh gate dielectric layer is surrounded by the fifth gate layer, the fifth gate layer is connected with the second word line, a first side region of the seventh nanowire is surrounded by the ninth spacer, and a second side region of the seventh nanowire is surrounded by the tenth spacer; and a fifth drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the seventh nanowire, wherein the fifth drain/source structure is connected with the second bit line.
49. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 46, wherein the second following transistor comprises: a fourth drain/source structure electrically contacted with the first terminal of the second nanowire; a sixth nanowire, wherein a first terminal of the sixth nanowire is electrically contacted with the first drain/source structure; a seventh nanowire, wherein a first terminal of the seventh nanowire is electrically contacted with the fourth drain/source structure; a fourth gate structure comprising a seventh spacer, an eighth spacer, a sixth gate dielectric layer, a seventh gate dielectric layer and a fourth gate layer, wherein a central region of the sixth nanowire is surrounded by the sixth gate dielectric layer, a central region of the seventh nanowire is surrounded by the seventh gate dielectric layer, the sixth gate dielectric layer and the seventh gate dielectric layer are surrounded by the fourth gate layer, the fourth gate layer is connected with the second following control line, a first side region of the sixth nanowire is surrounded by the seventh spacer, a second side region of the sixth nanowire is surrounded by the eighth spacer, a first side region of the seventh nanowire is surrounded by the seventh spacer, and a second side region of the seventh nanowire is surrounded by the eighth spacer; a fifth drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the sixth nanowire; and a sixth drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the seventh nanowire.
50. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 49, wherein the second select transistor comprises: an eighth nanowire, wherein a first terminal of the eighth nanowire is electrically contacted with the fifth drain/source structure; a ninth nanowire, wherein a first terminal of the ninth nanowire is electrically contacted with the sixth drain/source structure; a fifth gate structure comprising a ninth spacer, a tenth spacer, an eighth gate dielectric layer, a ninth gate dielectric layer and a fifth gate layer, wherein a central region of the eighth nanowire is surrounded by the eighth gate dielectric layer, a central region of the ninth nanowire is surrounded by the ninth gate dielectric layer, the eighth gate dielectric layer and the ninth nanowire are surrounded by the fifth gate layer, the fifth gate layer is connected with the second word line, a first side region of the eighth nanowire is surrounded by the ninth spacer, a second side region of the eighth nanowire is surrounded by the tenth spacer, a first side region of the ninth nanowire is surrounded by the ninth spacer, and a second side region of the ninth nanowire is surrounded by the tenth spacer; a seventh drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the eighth nanowire, wherein the seventh drain/source structure is connected with the second bit line; and an eighth drain/source structure electrically contacted with a second terminal of the ninth nanowire, wherein the eighth drain/source structure is connected with a third bit line.
51. The antifuse-type OTP memory cell as claimed in claim 50, wherein a region between the antifuse control line and the third bit line is a second read path, wherein when a read action is performed, the enroll path is turned off, the first read path and the second read path are turned on, the antifuse control line receives a read voltage, the second bit line receives a ground voltage, and the third bit line receives the ground voltage, so that the second bit line receives a first read current and the third bit line receives a second read current, wherein a one-bit random code is determined according to a magnitude of the first read current and a magnitude of the second read current.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The above objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] The present invention provides a one time programming memory cell with a gate-all-around (GAA) transistor for a physically unclonable function (PUF) technology. As used herein, the term ruptured may be referred to as quantum-tunneling technique. In detail, after energy accumulated on the gate terminals of a GAA transistors reaches a certain level, quantum-tunneling may occur on the GAA transistor. The energy accumulated on the gate terminals of the GAA transistor will be released via a gate leakage path of which undergoing quantum-tunneling. Thus, GAA transistors would generate a quantum-tunneling current higher than a predetermined threshold value. The mechanism of quantum-tunneling mentioned above may be similar to a gate oxide breakdown, but is not limited to a hard/destructive breakdown. For example, the quantum-tunneling may be a soft breakdown that leverages trap-assisted tunneling, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For better comprehension, the GAA transistor which generates a quantum-tunneling current higher than the predetermined threshold value may be referred to as being ruptured, and the GAA transistor which generates a quantum-tunneling current lower than the predetermined threshold value (or does not undergo the quantum-tunneling) may be referred to as being unruptured.
[0037]
[0038] As shown in
[0039] As shown in
[0040] As shown in
[0041] As shown in
[0042] It is noted that the number of nanowires in the GAA transistor is not restricted. For example, the GAA transistor comprises plural nanowires.
[0043] As shown in
[0044] As shown in
[0045] As shown in
[0046] As shown in
[0047] As shown in 1C, the four nanowires 230, 240, 250 and 260 in the GAA transistor are vertically arranged along a line that is perpendicular to a surface of the substrate sub. It is noted that the arrangement of the nanowires in the GAA transistor is not restricted.
[0048]
[0049] As shown in
[0050] As shown in
[0051] As shown in
[0052] As shown in
[0053] Moreover, the nanowires 130, 230, 240, 250, 260, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360 and 370 as shown in
[0054]
[0055]
[0056] The first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 comprises a drain/source structure 427, a drain/source structure 429, a gate structure and four nanowires 420, 422, 424 and 426. The gate structure is formed over the semiconductor sub. The gate structure comprises two spacers 438, 439, gate dielectric layers 430, 432, 434, 436 and a gate layer 431. The gate dielectric layer 430 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 420. The gate dielectric layer 432 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 422. The gate dielectric layer 434 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 424. The gate dielectric layer 436 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 426. The gate layer 431 surrounds the gate dielectric layers 430, 432, 434 and 436. The first side regions of the nanowires 420, 422, 424 and 426 are surrounded by the spacer 438. The second side regions of the nanowires 420, 422, 424 and 426 are surrounded by the spacer 439. The spacers 438 and 439 are formed on the semiconductor substrate sub. The nanowires 420, 422, 424 and 426 that are surrounded by the gate structure are nanowire channel regions of the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1. The two drain/source structures 427 and 429 are respectively located on both sides of the gate structure. The drain/source structure 427 is electrically contacted with the first terminals of the nanowires 420, 422, 424 and 426. The drain/source structure 429 is electrically contacted with the second terminals of the nanowires 420, 422, 424 and 426. In an embodiment, the drain/source structure 427, the drain/source structure 429 and the nanowires 420, 422, 424 and 426 may have the same dopant type.
[0057] The antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF comprises the drain/source structure 429, a drain/source structure 459, a gate structure and four nanowires 450, 452, 454 and 456. The gate structure is formed over the semiconductor sub. The gate structure comprises two spacers 468, 469, gate dielectric layers 460, 462, 464, 466 and a gate layer 461. The gate dielectric layer 460 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 450. The gate dielectric layer 462 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 452. The gate dielectric layer 464 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 454. The gate dielectric layer 466 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 456. The gate layer 461 surrounds the gate dielectric layers 460, 462, 464 and 466. The first side regions of the nanowires 450, 452, 454 and 456 are surrounded by the spacer 468. The second side regions of the nanowires 450, 452, 454 and 456 are surrounded by the spacer 469. The spacers 468 and 469 are formed on and contacted with the semiconductor substrate sub. The nanowires 450, 452, 454 and 456 that are surrounded by the gate structure are nanowire channel regions of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF.
[0058] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the two drain/source structures 429 and 459 are respectively located on both sides of the gate structure. The drain/source structure 429 is electrically contacted with the first terminals of the nanowires 450, 452, 454 and 456. The drain/source structure 459 is electrically contacted with the second terminals of the nanowires 450 and 452. That is, the drain/source structure 459 is not electrically contacted with the second terminals of the nanowires 454 and 456. In an embodiment, the drain/source structure 429, the drain/source structure 459 and the nanowires 450, 452, 454 and 456 may have the same dopant type.
[0059] The second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2 comprises the drain/source structure 459, a drain/source structure 479, a gate structure and four nanowires 470, 472, 474 and 476. The gate structure is formed over the semiconductor sub. The gate structure comprises two spacers 488, 489, gate dielectric layers 480, 482, 484, 486 and a gate layer 481. The gate dielectric layer 480 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 470. The gate dielectric layer 482 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 472. The gate dielectric layer 484 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 474. The gate dielectric layer 486 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 476. The gate layer 481 surrounds the gate dielectric layers 480, 482, 484 and 486. The first side regions of the nanowires 470, 472, 474 and 476 are surrounded by the spacer 488. The second side regions of the nanowires 470, 472, 474 and 476 are surrounded by the spacer 489. The spacers 488 and 489 are formed on the semiconductor substrate sub. The nanowires 470, 472, 474 and 476 that are surrounded by the gate structure are nanowire channel regions of the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2.
[0060] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the two drain/source structures 459 and 479 are respectively located on both sides of the gate structure. The drain/source structure 459 is electrically contacted with the second terminals of the nanowires 470 and 472. That is, the drain/source structure 459 is not electrically contacted with the second terminals of the nanowires 474 and 476. The drain/source structure 479 is electrically contacted with the second terminals of the nanowires 470, 472, 474 and 476. In an embodiment, the drain/source structure 459, the drain/source structure 479 and the nanowires 470, 472, 474 and 476 may have the same dopant type.
[0061] In the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1, the drain/source structure 427 is connected with a first bit line BL.sub.1, and the gate layer 431 is connected with a first word line WL.sub.1. In the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF, the gate layer 461 is connected with an antifuse control line AF. In the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2, the drain/source structure 479 is connected with a second bit line BL.sub.2, and the gate layer 481 is connected with a second word line WL.sub.2.
[0062]
[0063] In the OTP memory cell of the first embodiment, the region between the first bit line BL.sub.1 and the antifuse control line AF is an enroll path. When the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 is turned on, the enroll path is turned on. When the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 is turned off, the enroll path is turned off. Similarly, the region between the second bit line BL.sub.2 and the antifuse control line AF is a read path. When the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2 is turned on, the read path is turned on. When the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2 is turned off, the read path is turned off.
[0064] Please refer to
[0065] In the enroll path, the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 is turned on. Consequently, the ground voltage (0V) of the first bit line BL.sub.1 is transmitted to the drain/source structure 429 and the nanowires 450, 452, 454 and 456 of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF through the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1. Consequently, when the antifuse control line AF receives the enroll voltage V.sub.ENRL, the voltage stress between the nanowires 450, 452, 454 and 456 and the gate layer 461 of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF is equal to the enroll voltage V.sub.ENRL. Under this circumstance, one of the gate dielectric layers 460, 462, 464 and 466 of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF is ruptured.
[0066] Due to the process variation of the OTP memory cell, it is unable to predict which of the gate dielectric layers 460, 462, 464 and 466 of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF is ruptured when the enroll action is performed. Consequently, the PUF technology can be applied to the antifuse-type OTP memory cell of the first embodiment.
[0067] For example, in the OTP memory cell as shown in
[0068] Alternatively, in the OTP memory cell as shown in
[0069] In
[0070] In the OTP memory cell of the first embodiment, only the nanowires 450 and 452 of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF are connected with the drain/source structure 459. However, the nanowires 454 and 456 of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF are not connected with the drain/source structure 459. Since the nanowires 454 and 456 of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF are not connected between the second bit line BL.sub.2 and the antifuse control line AF, the nanowires 454 and 456 are not included in the read path. That is, only the nanowires 450 and 452 of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF are included in the read path.
[0071] Please refer to
[0072] As shown in
[0073] Similarly, if the gate dielectric layer 460 of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF is ruptured, the read path (i.e., the second bit line BL.sub.2) generates a higher read current I.sub.RD when the read action is performed. The operating principles are similar to those mentioned above, and not redundantly described herein.
[0074] As shown in
[0075] Similarly, if the gate dielectric layer 464 of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF is ruptured, no read current is generated by the OTP memory cell. That is, the magnitude of the current flowing through the read path (i.e., the second bit line BL.sub.2) is nearly zero when the read action is performed. The operating principles are similar to those mentioned above, and not redundantly described herein.
[0076] As mentioned above, the read action is performed after the enroll action is completed. When the read action is performed, one bit of a random code can be determined according to the magnitude of the read current I.sub.RD in the second bit line BL.sub.2. For example, a current comparator is provided. The current comparator receives the read current I.sub.RD and a reference current Iref. If the magnitude of the read current I.sub.RD is higher than the magnitude of the reference current Iref, a first logic value (e.g., 0) is determined as the random code. Whereas, if the magnitude of the read current IRS is lower than the magnitude of the reference current Iref, a second logic value (e.g., 1) is determined as the random code.
[0077] From the above description, the present invention provides the OTP memory cell for the PUF technology. In the OTP memory cell, the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF is a GAA transistor. The antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF comprises plural nanowires. These nanowires are divided into second groups. The first terminals of the nanowires in the first group are electrically contacted with the first drain/source structure. The second terminals of the nanowires in the first group are electrically contacted with the second drain/source structure. The first terminals of the nanowires in the second group are electrically contacted with the first drain/source structure. The second terminals of the nanowires in the second group are not electrically contacted with the second drain/source structure.
[0078] For example, in the OTP memory cell of
[0079] If one of the gate dielectric layers 460 and 462 surrounding the nanowires 450 and 452 in the first group is ruptured after the enroll action is completed, the implementation of the read action can confirm that the one-bit random code has the first logic value (e.g., 0) according to the magnitude of the read current I.sub.RD. Whereas, if one of the gate dielectric layers 464 and 466 surrounding the nanowires 454 and 456 in the second group is ruptured after the enroll action is completed, the implementation of the read action can confirm that the one-bit random code has the second logic value (e.g., 1) according to the magnitude of the read current I.sub.RD.
[0080] In the OTP memory cell of the first embodiment, each of the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1, the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2 and the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF has four nanowires. It is noted that numerous modifications and alterations may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention. For example, in some other embodiments, the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 has X nanowires, the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2 has Y nanowires, and the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF has Z nanowires. Moreover, the Z nanowires of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF are divided into a first group and a second group. The first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 is electrically connected with the first group of nanowires and the second group of nanowires in the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF. The second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2 is electrically connected with the first group of nanowires in the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF only.
[0081] For example, in a variant example of the OTP memory cell of the first embodiment, the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 has 1 nanowire (X=1), the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2 has 1 nanowire (Y=1), and the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF has two nanowires (Z=2). Due to this structural design, the antifuse-type OTP memory cell for the PUF technology has the smallest size.
[0082] It is noted that the structure of the OTP memory cell of the first embodiment may be properly modified. For example, as shown in
[0083] Moreover, each of the GAA transistors used in the OTP memory cell of the first embodiment may have the structure as shown in
[0084] The first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 comprises a drain/source structure 536, a drain/source structure 538, a gate structure and plural nanowires. The plural nanowires are vertically arranged along two lines. For example, the nanowire 510 and other two nanowires (not shown) are arranged along the first line, and the nanowire 512 and other two nanowires (not shown) are arranged along the second line. The gate structure comprises two spacers 532, 534, plural gate dielectric layers (e.g., 520 and 522) and a gate layer 525. All of the plural nanowires 510, 512 are surrounded by the gate structure. The drain/source structure 536 is electrically contacted with the first terminals of all of the plural nanowires 510, 512. The drain/source structure 538 is electrically contacted with the second terminals of all of the plural nanowires 510, 512. Moreover, the drain/source structure 536 is connected with a first bit line BL.sub.1, and the gate layer 525 is connected with a first word line WL.sub.1.
[0085] The antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF comprises the drain/source structure 538, a drain/source structure 568, a gate structure and plural nanowires. The plural nanowires are vertically arranged along two lines. For example, the nanowire 540 and other two nanowires (not shown) are arranged along the first line, and the nanowire 542 and other two nanowires (not shown) are arranged along the second line. The gate structure comprises two spacers 562, 564, plural gate dielectric layers (e.g., 550 and 552) and a gate layer 545. All of the plural nanowires 540, 542 are surrounded by the gate structure. The drain/source structure 538 is electrically contacted with the first terminals of all of the plural nanowires 540, 542. The drain/source structure 568 is electrically contacted with the second terminals of the nanowires in the first line (i.e., the nanowire 540 and the other two nanowires) only. The drain/source structure 568 is not electrically contacted with the second terminals of the nanowires in the second line (i.e., the nanowire 542 and the other two nanowires). Moreover, the gate layer 545 is connected with an antifuse control line AF.
[0086] The second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2 comprises the drain/source structure 568, a drain/source structure 598, a gate structure and plural nanowires. The plural nanowires are vertically arranged along two lines. For example, the nanowire 570 and other two nanowires (not shown) are arranged along the first line, and the nanowire 572 and other two nanowires (not shown) are arranged along the second line. The gate structure comprises two spacers 592, 594, plural gate dielectric layers (e.g., 580 and 582) and a gate layer 575. All of the plural nanowires 570, 572 are surrounded by the gate structure. The drain/source structure 568 is electrically contacted with the first terminals of (i.e., the nanowire 570 and the other two nanowires). The drain/source structure 598 is electrically contacted with the second terminals of all of the plural nanowires 570, 572. Moreover, the drain/source structure 598 is connected with a second bit line BL.sub.2, and the gate layer 575 is connected with a second word line WL.sub.2. In another variant example of the OTP memory cell as shown in
[0087] The methods of performing the enroll action and the read action on the OTP memory cell of
[0088] In another variant example of the OTP memory cell of the first embodiment, only the antifuse transistor is implemented with the GAA transistor, but the select transistors are implemented with other appropriate transistors such as fin field-effect transistors (Fin-FETs). For example, in another embodiment, the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF with the structure of the GAA transistor as shown in
[0089] Take the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF with the structure of the GAA transistor as shown in
[0090]
[0091] In the OTP memory cell of the second embodiment, the drain/source structure 457 is electrically contacted with the second terminals of the nanowires 454 and 456 of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF, and the drain/source structure 457 is also electrically contacted with the first terminals of the nanowires 474 and 476 of the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2. The drain/source structure 477 is electrically contacted with the second terminals of the nanowires 474 and 476 of the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2. Moreover, the drain/source structure 477 is connected with the third bit line BL.sub.3. In this embodiment, the drain/source structure 479 is electrically contacted with the second terminals of the nanowires 470 and 472 of the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2. Moreover, the drain/source structure 479 is connected with the second bit line BL.sub.2. The drain/source structure 457 is not electrically contacted with the drain/source structure 459. The drain/source structure 477 is not electrically contacted with the drain/source structure 479.
[0092] In the OTP memory cell of the second embodiment, the region between the first bit line BL.sub.1 and the antifuse control line AF is an enroll path. When the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 is turned on, the enroll path is turned on. When the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 is turned off, the enroll path is turned off. In other words, the enroll path in the OTP memory cell of the second embodiment is identical to the enroll path in the OTP memory cell of the first embodiment.
[0093] The methods of performing the enroll action on the OTP memory cell of the second embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment. That is, after the enroll action is completed, one of the four gate dielectric layers 460, 462, 464 and 466 of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF is ruptured. Due to the process variation of the OTP memory cell, it is unable to predict which of the gate dielectric layers 460, 462, 464 and 466 of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF is ruptured when the enroll action is performed. Consequently, the PUF technology can be applied to the antifuse-type OTP memory cell of the second embodiment.
[0094] In the OTP memory cell of the second embodiment, the region between the second bit line BL.sub.2 and the antifuse control line AF is a first read path, and the region between the third bit line BL.sub.3 and the antifuse control line AF is a second read path. When the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2 is turned on, both of the first read path and the second read path are turned on. When the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2 is turned off, both of the first read path and the second read path are turned off.
[0095]
[0096] When the read action is performed, the first bit line BL.sub.1 is in the floating state, the first word line WL.sub.1 is in the floating state, the antifuse control line AF receives a read voltage V.sub.RD, the second word line WL.sub.2 receives the on voltage VON, the second bit line BL.sub.2 receives the ground voltage (0V), and the third bit line BL.sub.3 receives the ground voltage (0V). For example, the read voltage V.sub.RD is in the range between 0.75V and 1.2V. Under this circumstance, the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2 is turned on, and the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 is turned off. That is, the first read path and the second read path are turned on, and the enroll path is turned off.
[0097] As shown in
[0098] Similarly, if the gate dielectric layer 462 of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF is ruptured, the first read path (i.e., the second bit line BL.sub.2) generates a higher read current I.sub.RD1 and the read current I.sub.RD2 in the second read path (i.e., the third bit line BL.sub.3) is very low (e.g., nearly zero) when the read action is performed. The operating principles are similar to those mentioned above, and not redundantly described herein.
[0099] As shown in
[0100] Similarly, if the gate dielectric layer 464 of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF is ruptured, the second read path (i.e., the third bit line BL.sub.3) generates a higher read current I.sub.RD2 and the read current I.sub.RD1 in the first read path (i.e., the second bit line BL.sub.2) is very low (e.g., nearly zero) when the read action is performed. The operating principles are similar to those mentioned above, and not redundantly described herein.
[0101] As mentioned above, the read action is performed after the enroll action is completed. When the read action is performed, one bit of a random code can be determined according to the magnitude of the read current I.sub.RD1 in the second bit line BL.sub.2 and the magnitude of the read current I.sub.RD2 in the third bit line BL.sub.3. For example, a current comparator is provided. The current comparator receives the read current I.sub.RD1 and the read current I.sub.RD2. If the magnitude of the read current I.sub.RD1 is higher than the magnitude of the read current I.sub.RD2, a first logic value (e.g., 0) is determined as the random code. Whereas, if the magnitude of the read current I.sub.RD1 is lower than the magnitude of the read current I.sub.RD2, a second logic value (e.g., 1) is determined as the random code.
[0102]
[0103] In the third embodiment, the OTP memory cell comprises five GAA transistors. The structure of each of the five GAA transistors is similar to that of
[0104] The first following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL1 comprises a drain/source structure 627, the drain/source structure 429, a gate structure and four nanowires 620, 622, 624 and 626. The gate structure is formed over the semiconductor sub. The gate structure comprises two spacers 638, 639, gate dielectric layers 630, 632, 634, 636 and a gate layer 631. The gate dielectric layer 630 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 620. The gate dielectric layer 632 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 622. The gate dielectric layer 634 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 624. The gate dielectric layer 636 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 626. The gate layer 631 surrounds the gate dielectric layers 630, 632, 634 and 636. The first side regions of the nanowires 620, 622, 624 and 626 are surrounded by the spacer 638. The second side regions of the nanowires 620, 622, 624 and 626 are surrounded by the spacer 639. The spacers 638 and 639 are formed on the semiconductor substrate sub. The nanowires 620, 622, 624 and 626 that are surrounded by the gate structure are nanowire channel regions of the first following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL1. The two drain/source structures 627 and 429 are respectively located on both sides of the gate structure. The drain/source structure 627 is electrically contacted with the first terminals of the nanowires 620, 622, 624 and 626. The drain/source structure 429 is electrically contacted with the second terminals of the nanowires 620, 622, 624 and 626. In an embodiment, the drain/source structure 627, the drain/source structure 429 and the nanowires 620, 622, 624 and 626 may have the same dopant type.
[0105] The second following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL2 comprises the drain/source structure 459, a drain/source structure 679, a gate structure and four nanowires 670, 672, 674 and 676. The gate structure is formed over the semiconductor sub. The gate structure comprises two spacers 688, 689, gate dielectric layers 680, 682, 684, 686 and a gate layer 681. The gate dielectric layer 680 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 670. The gate dielectric layer 682 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 672. The gate dielectric layer 684 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 674. The gate dielectric layer 686 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 676. The gate layer 681 surrounds the gate dielectric layers 680, 682, 684 and 686. The first side regions of the nanowires 670, 672, 674 and 676 are surrounded by the spacer 688. The second side regions of the nanowires 670, 672, 674 and 676 are surrounded by the spacer 689. The spacers 688 and 689 are formed on the semiconductor substrate sub. The nanowires 670, 672, 674 and 676 that are surrounded by the gate structure are nanowire channel regions of the second following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL2.
[0106] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the two drain/source structures 459 and 679 are respectively located on both sides of the gate structure. The drain/source structure 459 is electrically contacted with the second terminals of the nanowires 670 and 672 and one terminal of the nanowires 450, 452. That is, the drain/source structure 459 is not electrically contacted with the second terminals of the nanowires 674 and 676 and the nanowires 454, 456. The drain/source structure 679 is electrically contacted with the second terminals of the nanowires 670, 672, 674 and 676. In an embodiment, the drain/source structure 459, the drain/source structure 679 and the nanowires 670, 672, 674 and 676 may have the same dopant type.
[0107] In the first following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL1, the gate layer 631 is connected with a first following control line FL.sub.1. In the second following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL2, the gate layer 681 is connected with a second following control line FL.sub.2.
[0108] In the OTP memory cell of the third embodiment, the region between the first bit line BL.sub.1 and the antifuse control line AF is an enroll path. When the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 and the first following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL1 are turned on, the enroll path is turned on. When the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 and the first following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL1 are turned off, the enroll path is turned off. Similarly, the region between the second bit line BL.sub.2 and the antifuse control line AF is a read path. When the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2 and the second following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL2 are turned on, the read path is turned on. When the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2 and the second following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL2 are turned off, the read path is turned off.
[0109] The methods of performing the enroll action and the read action on the OTP memory cell of the third embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment. The methods of performing the enroll action and the read action will be described as follows.
[0110] When the enroll action is performed, the first bit line BL.sub.1 receives a ground voltage (0V), the first word line WL.sub.1 receives a first on voltage V.sub.ON1, the first following control line FL.sub.1 receives a second on voltage V.sub.ON2, the antifuse control line AF receives an enroll voltage V.sub.ENRL, the second word line WL.sub.2 is in a floating state, the second following control line FL.sub.2 is in the floating state, and the second bit line BL.sub.2 is in the floating state. For example, the enroll voltage V.sub.ENRL is in the range between 3V and 6V, the first on voltage V.sub.ON1 is in the range between 0.4V and 3V, and the second on voltage V.sub.ON2 is in the range between 0.4V and 3V. Under this circumstance, the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 and the first following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL1 are turned on, and the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2 and the second following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL2 are turned off. That is, the enroll path is turned on, and the read path is turned off.
[0111] In the enroll path, the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 and the first following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL1 are turned on. Consequently, the ground voltage (0V) of the first bit line BL.sub.1 is transmitted to the drain/source structure 429 and the nanowires 450, 452, 454 and 456 of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF through the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 and the first following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL1. Consequently, when the antifuse control line AF receives the enroll voltage V.sub.ENRL, the voltage stress between the nanowires 450, 452, 454 and 456 and the gate layer 461 of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF is equal to the enroll voltage V.sub.ENRL. Under this circumstance, one of the gate dielectric layers 460, 462, 464 and 466 of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF is ruptured.
[0112] Due to the process variation of the OTP memory cell, it is unable to predict which of the gate dielectric layers 460, 462, 464 and 466 of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF is ruptured when the enroll action is performed. Consequently, the PUF technology can be applied to the antifuse-type OTP memory cell of the third embodiment.
[0113] Similarly, in the OTP memory cell of the third embodiment, only the nanowires 450 and 452 of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF are connected with the drain/source structure 459. However, the nanowires 454 and 456 of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF are not connected with the drain/source structure 459. Since the nanowires 454 and 456 of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF are not connected between the second bit line BL.sub.2 and the antifuse control line AF, the nanowires 454 and 456 are not included in the read path. That is, only the nanowires 450 and 452 of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF are included in the read path.
[0114] When the read action is performed, the first bit line BL.sub.1 is in the floating state, the first word line WL.sub.1 is in the floating state, the first following control line FL.sub.1 is in the floating state, the antifuse control line AF receives a read voltage V.sub.RD, the second word line WL.sub.2 receives the first on voltage V.sub.ON1, the second following control line FL.sub.2 receives the second on voltage V.sub.ON2, and the second bit line BL.sub.2 receives the ground voltage (0V). For example, the read voltage V.sub.RD is in the range between 0.75V and 1.2V. Under this circumstance, the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2 and the second following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL2 are turned on, and the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 and the first following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL1 are turned off. That is, the read path is turned on, and the enroll path is turned off.
[0115] For example, if the gate dielectric layer 460 or the gate dielectric layer 462 of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF is ruptured, the read path (i.e., the second bit line BL.sub.2) generates a higher read current I.sub.RD when the read action is performed. Whereas, if the gate dielectric layer 464 or the gate dielectric layer 466 of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF is ruptured, the read current I.sub.RD generated by the read path (i.e., the second bit line BL.sub.2) is very low (i.e., nearly zero) when the read action is performed.
[0116] As mentioned above, the read action is performed after the enroll action is completed. When the read action is performed, one bit of a random code can be determined according to the magnitude of the read current I.sub.RD on the second bit line BL.sub.2. For example, a current comparator is provided. The current comparator receives the read current I.sub.RD and a reference current Iref. If the magnitude of the read current I.sub.RD is higher than the magnitude of the reference current Iref, a first logic value (e.g., 0) is determined as the random code. Whereas, if the magnitude of the read current I.sub.RD is lower than the magnitude of the reference current Iref, a second logic value (e.g., 1) is determined as the random code.
[0117] From the above description, the present invention provides the OTP memory cell for the PUF technology. In the OTP memory cell, the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF is a GAA transistor. The antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF comprises plural nanowires. These nanowires are divided into second groups. The first terminals of the nanowires in the first group are electrically contacted with the first drain/source structure. The second terminals of the nanowires in the first group are electrically contacted with the second drain/source structure. The first terminals of the nanowires in the second group are electrically contacted with the first drain/source structure. The second terminals of the nanowires in the second group are not electrically contacted with the second drain/source structure.
[0118] If one of the gate dielectric layers surrounding the nanowires in the first group is ruptured after the enroll action is completed, the implementation of the read action can confirm that the one-bit random code has the first logic value (e.g., 0) according to the magnitude of the read current I.sub.RD. Whereas, if one of the gate dielectric layers surrounding the nanowires in the second group is ruptured after the enroll action is completed, the implementation of the read action can confirm that the one-bit random code has the second logic value (e.g., 1) according to the magnitude of the read current I.sub.RD.
[0119] In the OTP memory cell of the third embodiment, each of the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1, the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2, the first following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL1, the second following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL2 and the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF has four nanowires. It is noted that numerous modifications and alterations may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention. For example, in some other embodiments, the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 has X nanowires, the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2 has Y nanowires, the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF has Z nanowires, the first following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL1 has V nanowires, and the second following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL2 has W nanowires. Moreover, the Z nanowires of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF are divided into a first group and a second group. The first following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL1 is electrically connected with the first group of nanowires and the second group of nanowires in the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF. The second following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL2 is electrically connected with the first group of nanowires in the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF only.
[0120] For example, in a variant example of the OTP memory cell of the third embodiment, the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 has 1 nanowire (X=1), the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2 has 1 nanowire (Y=1), the first following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL1 has 1 nanowire (V=1), the second following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL2 has 1 nanowire (W=1), and the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF has two nanowires (Z=2). Due to this structural design, the antifuse-type OTP memory cell for the PUF technology has the smallest size.
[0121] It is noted that the structure of the OTP memory cell of the third embodiment may be properly modified. For example, as shown in
[0122] Moreover, each of the GAA transistors used in the OTP memory cell of the third embodiment may have the structure as shown in
[0123] The first following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL1 comprises a drain/source structure 736, the drain/source structure 538, a gate structure and plural nanowires. The plural nanowires are vertically arranged along two lines. For example, the nanowire 710 and other two nanowires (not shown) are arranged along the first line, and the nanowire 712 and other two nanowires (not shown) are arranged along the second line. The gate structure comprises two spacers 732, 734, plural gate dielectric layers (e.g., 720 and 722) and a gate layer 725. All of the plural nanowires 710, 712 are surrounded by the gate structure. The drain/source structure 736 is electrically contacted with the first terminals of all of the plural nanowires 710, 712. The drain/source structure 538 is electrically contacted with the second terminals of all of the plural nanowires 710, 712. Moreover, the gate layer 725 is connected with a first following control line FL.sub.1.
[0124] The second following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL2 comprises the drain/source structure 568, a drain/source structure 798, a gate structure and plural nanowires. The plural nanowires are vertically arranged along two lines. For example, the nanowire 770 and other two nanowires (not shown) are arranged along the first line, and the nanowire 772 and other two nanowires (not shown) are arranged along the second line. The gate structure comprises two spacers 792, 794, plural gate dielectric layers (e.g., 780 and 782) and a gate layer 775. All of the plural nanowires 770, 772 are surrounded by the gate structure. The drain/source structure 568 is electrically contacted with the first terminals of (i.e., the nanowire 770 and the other two nanowires). The drain/source structure 568 is electrically contacted with the second terminals of all of the plural nanowires 770, 772. Moreover, the gate layer 775 is connected with a second following control line FL.sub.2.
[0125] In a variant example of the OTP memory cell as shown in
[0126] The methods of performing the enroll action and the read action on the OTP memory cell of
[0127] In another variant example of the OTP memory cell of the third embodiment, only the antifuse transistor is implemented with the GAA transistor, but the select transistors and the following transistors are implemented with other appropriate transistors such as fin field-effect transistors (Fin-FETs). For example, in another embodiment, the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF with the structure of the GAA transistor as shown in
[0128] Take the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF with the structure of the GAA transistor as shown in
[0129]
[0130] In the OTP memory cell of the fourth embodiment, the drain/source structure 457 is electrically contacted with the second terminals of the nanowires 454 and 456 of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF, and the drain/source structure 457 is also electrically contacted with the first terminals of the nanowires 674 and 676 of the second following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL2. The drain/source structure 677 is electrically contacted with the second terminals of the nanowires 674 and 676 of the second following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL2, and the drain/source structure 677 is electrically contacted with the first terminals of the nanowires 474 and 476 of the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2. The drain/source structure 477 is electrically contacted with the second terminals of the nanowires 474 and 476 of the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2. Moreover, the drain/source structure 477 is connected with the third bit line BL.sub.3. In this embodiment, the drain/source structure 479 is electrically contacted with the second terminals of the nanowires 470 and 472 of the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2. Moreover, the drain/source structure 479 is connected with the second bit line BL.sub.2. The drain/source structure 677 is not electrically contacted with the drain/source structure 679. The drain/source structure 477 is not electrically contacted with the drain/source structure 479.
[0131] In the OTP memory cell of the fourth embodiment, the region between the first bit line BL.sub.1 and the antifuse control line AF is an enroll path. When the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 and the first following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL1 are turned on, the enroll path is turned on. When the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 and the first following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL1 are turned off, the enroll path is turned off. In other words, the enroll path in the OTP memory cell of the fourth embodiment is identical to the enroll path in the OTP memory cell of the third embodiment.
[0132] The methods of performing the enroll action on the OTP memory cell of the fourth embodiment are similar to those of the third embodiment. That is, after the enroll action is completed, one of the four gate dielectric layers 460, 462, 464 and 466 of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF is ruptured. Due to the process variation of the OTP memory cell, it is unable to predict which of the gate dielectric layers 460, 462, 464 and 466 of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF is ruptured when the enroll action is performed. Consequently, the PUF technology can be applied to the antifuse-type OTP memory cell of the fourth embodiment.
[0133] In the OTP memory cell of the fourth embodiment, the region between the second bit line BL.sub.2 and the antifuse control line AF is a first read path, and the region between the third bit line BL.sub.3 and the antifuse control line AF is a second read path. When the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2 and the second following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL2 are turned on, both of the first read path and the second read path are turned on. When the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2 and the second following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL2 are turned off, both of the first read path and the second read path are turned off.
[0134] For example, when the read action is performed, the first bit line BL.sub.1 is in the floating state, the first word line WL.sub.1 is in the floating state, the first following control line FL.sub.1 is in the floating state, the antifuse control line AF receives a read voltage V.sub.RD, the second word line WL.sub.2 receives the first on voltage V.sub.ON1, the second following control line FL.sub.2 receives the second on voltage V.sub.ON2, the second bit line BL.sub.2 receives the ground voltage (0V), and the third bit line BL.sub.3 receives the ground voltage (0V). Under this circumstance, the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2 and the second following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL2 are turned on, and the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 and the first following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL1 are turned off. That is, the first read path and the second read path are turned on, and the enroll path is turned off.
[0135] For example, if the gate dielectric layer 460 or the gate dielectric layer 462 of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF is ruptured, the first read path (i.e., the second bit line BL.sub.2) generates a higher read current and the read current in the second read path (i.e., the third bit line BL.sub.3) is very low (e.g., nearly zero) when the read action is performed. Whereas, if the gate dielectric layer 464 or the gate dielectric layer 466 of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF is ruptured, the read current in the second read path (i.e., the third bit line BL.sub.3) generates a higher read current and the read current in the first read path (i.e., the second bit line BL.sub.2) is very low (e.g., nearly zero) when the read action is performed.
[0136] As mentioned above, the read action is performed after the enroll action is completed. When the read action is performed, one bit of a random code can be determined according to the magnitude of the read current in the second bit line BL.sub.2 and the magnitude of the read current in the third bit line BL.sub.3.
[0137] Moreover, when the read action is performed, the OTP memory cell possibly generates a leakage current. The generation of the leakage current may influence the read result. Take the OTP memory cell of the first embodiment for example. As shown in
[0138] For solving the above drawbacks, the structure of the OTP memory in the first embodiment and shown in
[0139] In comparison with the OTP memory cell of the first embodiment, the OTP memory cell of this embodiment is not equipped with the drain/source structure 429. That is, the second terminals of the nanowires 420, 422, 424 and 426 in the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 are in direct contact with the first terminals of the nanowires 450, 452, 454 and 456 in the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF, respectively. The other structures of the OTP memory cell of this embodiment are similar to those of OTP memory cell of the first embodiment, and not redundantly described herein.
[0140] Similarly, in a variant example of the OTP memory cell as shown in
[0141] The methods of performing the enroll action and the read action on the OTP memory cell of the fifth embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment, and not redundantly described herein.
[0142] In a variant example of the OTP memory cell of the fifth embodiment, the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 has 2 nanowires (X=2), the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2 has 1 nanowire (Y=1), and the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF has two nanowires (Z=2). Moreover, the two nanowires of the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 are in direct contact with the two nanowires of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF, respectively. Due to this structural design, the antifuse-type OTP memory cell for the PUF technology has the smallest size.
[0143] As shown in
[0144] Moreover, the structure of the OTP memory in the third embodiment and shown in
[0145] In comparison with the OTP memory cell of the third embodiment, the OTP memory cell of this embodiment is not equipped with the drain/source structure 429. That is, the second terminals of the nanowires 620, 622, 624 and 626 in the first following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL1 are in direct contact with the first terminals of the nanowires 450, 452, 454 and 456 in the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF, respectively. The other structures of the OTP memory cell of the sixth embodiment are similar to those of OTP memory cell of the third embodiment, and not redundantly described herein.
[0146] In a variant example of
[0147] Similarly, in a variant example of the OTP memory cell as shown in
[0148] The methods of performing the enroll action and the read action on the OTP memory cell of the sixth embodiment are similar to those of the third embodiment, and not redundantly described herein.
[0149] In a variant example of the OTP memory cell of the sixth embodiment, the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 has 1 nanowire (X=1), the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2 has 1 nanowire (Y=1), the first following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL1 has 2 nanowires (V=2), the second following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL2 has 1 nanowire (W=1), and the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF has two nanowires (Z=2). Moreover, the two nanowires of the first following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL1 are in direct contact with the two nanowires of the antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF, respectively. Due to this structural design, the antifuse-type OTP memory cell for the PUF technology has the smallest size.
[0150] As shown in
[0151] The present invention also provides an OTP differential cell with GAA transistors by for the PUF technology.
[0152] The first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 comprises a drain/source structure 827, a drain/source structure 829, a gate structure and four nanowires 820, 822, 824 and 826. The gate structure is formed over the semiconductor sub. The gate structure comprises two spacers 838, 839, gate dielectric layers 830, 832, 834, 836 and a gate layer 831. The gate dielectric layer 830 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 820. The gate dielectric layer 832 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 822. The gate dielectric layer 834 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 824. The gate dielectric layer 836 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 826. The gate layer 831 surrounds the gate dielectric layers 830, 832, 834 and 836. The first side regions of the nanowires 820, 822, 824 and 826 are surrounded by the spacer 838. The second side regions of the nanowires 820, 822, 824 and 826 are surrounded by the spacer 839. The spacers 838 and 839 are formed on the semiconductor substrate sub. The nanowires 820, 822, 824 and 826 that are surrounded by the gate structure are nanowire channel regions of the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1. The two drain/source structures 827 and 829 are respectively located on both sides of the gate structure. The drain/source structure 827 is electrically contacted with the first terminals of the nanowires 820, 822, 824 and 826. The drain/source structure 829 is electrically contacted with the second terminals of the nanowires 820, 822, 824 and 826. In an embodiment, the drain/source structure 827, the drain/source structure 829 and the nanowires 820, 822, 824 and 826 may have the same dopant type.
[0153] The first antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF1 comprises the drain/source structure 829, a drain/source structure 849, a gate structure and four nanowires 840, 842, 844 and 846. The gate structure is formed over the semiconductor sub. The gate structure comprises two spacers 858, 859, gate dielectric layers 850, 852, 854, 856 and a gate layer 851. The gate dielectric layer 850 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 840. The gate dielectric layer 852 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 842. The gate dielectric layer 854 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 844. The gate dielectric layer 856 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 846. The gate layer 851 surrounds the gate dielectric layers 850, 852, 854 and 856. The first side regions of the nanowires 840, 842, 844 and 846 are surrounded by the spacer 858. The second side regions of the nanowires 840, 842, 844 and 846 are surrounded by the spacer 859. The spacers 858 and 859 are formed on the semiconductor substrate sub. The nanowires 840, 842, 844 and 846 that are surrounded by the gate structure are nanowire channel regions of the first antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF1. The two drain/source structures 829 and 849 are respectively located on both sides of the gate structure. The drain/source structure 829 is electrically contacted with the first terminals of the nanowires 840, 842, 844 and 846. The drain/source structure 849 is electrically contacted with the second terminals of the nanowires 840, 842, 844 and 846. In an embodiment, the drain/source structure 829, the drain/source structure 849 and the nanowires 840, 842, 844 and 846 may have the same dopant type.
[0154] The second antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF2 comprises the drain/source structure 849, a drain/source structure 869, a gate structure and four nanowires 860, 862, 864 and 866. The gate structure is formed over the semiconductor sub. The gate structure comprises two spacers 878, 879, gate dielectric layers 870, 872, 874, 876 and a gate layer 871. The gate dielectric layer 870 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 860. The gate dielectric layer 872 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 862. The gate dielectric layer 874 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 864. The gate dielectric layer 876 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 866. The gate layer 871 surrounds the gate dielectric layers 870, 872, 874 and 876. The first side regions of the nanowires 860, 862, 864 and 866 are surrounded by the spacer 878. The second side regions of the nanowires 860, 862, 864 and 866 are surrounded by the spacer 879. The spacers 878 and 879 are formed on the semiconductor substrate sub. The nanowires 860, 862, 864 and 866 that are surrounded by the gate structure are nanowire channel regions of the second antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF2. The two drain/source structures 849 and 869 are respectively located on both sides of the gate structure. The drain/source structure 849 is electrically contacted with the first terminals of the nanowires 860, 862, 864 and 866. The drain/source structure 869 is electrically contacted with the second terminals of the nanowires 860, 862, 864 and 866. In an embodiment, the drain/source structure 849, the drain/source structure 869 and the nanowires 860, 862, 864 and 866 may have the same dopant type.
[0155] The second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2 comprises the drain/source structure 869, a drain/source structure 889, a gate structure and four nanowires 880, 882, 884 and 886. The gate structure is formed over the semiconductor sub. The gate structure comprises two spacers 898, 899, gate dielectric layers 890, 892, 894, 896 and a gate layer 891. The gate dielectric layer 890 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 880. The gate dielectric layer 892 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 882. The gate dielectric layer 894 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 884. The gate dielectric layer 896 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 886. The gate layer 891 surrounds the gate dielectric layers 890, 892, 894 and 896. The first side regions of the nanowires 880, 882, 884 and 886 are surrounded by the spacer 898. The second side regions of the nanowires 880, 882, 884 and 886 are surrounded by the spacer 899. The spacers 898 and 899 are formed on the semiconductor substrate sub. The nanowires 880, 882, 884 and 886 that are surrounded by the gate structure are nanowire channel regions of the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2. The two drain/source structures 869 and 889 are respectively located on both sides of the gate structure. The drain/source structure 869 is electrically contacted with the first terminals of the nanowires 880, 882, 884 and 886. The drain/source structure 889 is electrically contacted with the second terminals of the nanowires 880, 882, 884 and 886. In an embodiment, the drain/source structure 869, the drain/source structure 889 and the nanowires 880, 882, 884 and 886 may have the same dopant type.
[0156] In the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1, the drain/source structure 827 is connected with a first bit line BL.sub.1, and the gate layer 831 is connected with a word line WL. In the first antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF1, the gate layer 851 is connected with an antifuse control line AF. In the second antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF2, the gate layer 871 is connected with the antifuse control line AF. In the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2, the drain/source structure 889 is connected with a second bit line BL.sub.2, and the gate layer 891 is connected with the word line WL.
[0157]
[0158] Since the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 is turned on, the ground voltage (0V) of the first bit line BL.sub.1 is transmitted to the drain/source structure 829 and the nanowires 840, 842, 844 and 846 of the first antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF1 through the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1. Moreover, since the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2 is turned on, the ground voltage (0V) of the second bit line BL.sub.2 is transmitted to the drain/source structure 869 and the nanowires 860, 862, 864 and 866 of the second antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF2 through the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2. Consequently, when the antifuse control line AF receives the enroll voltage V.sub.ENRL, the voltage stress between the nanowires 840, 842, 844 and 846 and the gate layer 851 of the first antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF1 is equal to the enroll voltage V.sub.ENRL. Moreover, the voltage stress between the nanowires 860, 862, 864 and 866 and the gate layer 871 of the second antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF2 is equal to the enroll voltage V.sub.ENRL. Under this circumstance, one of the eight gate dielectric layers 850, 852, 854, 856, 870, 872, 874 and 876 is ruptured.
[0159] Due to the process variation of the OTP memory cell, it is unable to predict which of the gate dielectric layers 850, 852, 854, 856, 870, 872, 874 and 876 of the first antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF1 and the second antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF2 is ruptured when the enroll action is performed. Consequently, the PUF technology can be applied to the antifuse-type OTP memory cell of the seventh embodiment.
[0160] For example, in the OTP memory cell as shown in
[0161] Similarly, if one of the other gate dielectric layers 850, 852 and 854 of the first antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF1 is ruptured when the enroll action is performed, the magnitude of the first enroll current I.sub.ENRL1 in the first bit line BL.sub.1 is higher than the magnitude of the second enroll current I.sub.ENRL2 in the second bit line BL.sub.2. Whereas, if one of the gate dielectric layers 870, 872, 874 and 876 of the second antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF2 is ruptured when the enroll action is performed, the magnitude of the second enroll current I.sub.ENRL2 in the second bit line BL.sub.2 is higher than the magnitude of the first enroll current I.sub.ENRL1 in the first bit line BL.sub.1.
[0162]
[0163] For example, in the OTP memory cell as shown in
[0164] That is, if one of the other gate dielectric layers 850, 852, 854 and 856 of the first antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF1 is ruptured when the read action is performed, the magnitude of the first read current I.sub.RD1 in the first bit line BL.sub.1 is higher than the magnitude of the second read current I.sub.RD2 in the second bit line BL.sub.2. Whereas, if one of the gate dielectric layers 870, 872, 874 and 876 of the second antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF2 is ruptured when the read action is performed, the magnitude of the second read current I.sub.RD2 in the second bit line BL.sub.2 is higher than the magnitude of the first read current I.sub.RD1 in the first bit line BL.sub.1.
[0165] As mentioned above, the read action is performed after the enroll action is completed. When the read action is performed, one bit of a random code can be determined according to the magnitude of the first read current I.sub.RD1 in the first bit line BL.sub.1 and the magnitude of the second read current I.sub.RD2 in the second bit line BL.sub.2. For example, a current comparator is provided. The current comparator receives the first read current I.sub.RD1 and the second read current I.sub.RD2. If the magnitude of the first read current I.sub.RD1 is higher than the magnitude of the second read current I.sub.RD2, a first logic value (e.g., 0) is determined as the random code. Whereas, if the magnitude of the first read current I.sub.RD1 is lower than the magnitude of the second read current I.sub.RD2, a second logic value (e.g., 1) is determined as the random code.
[0166] In a variant example of the OTP memory cell of the seventh embodiment, each of the four transistors has the structure of the GAA transistor as shown in
[0167] For example, in a variant example of the OTP memory cell of the seventh embodiment, the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 has 1 nanowire (X=1), the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2 has 1 nanowire (Y=1), the first antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF1 has 1 nanowire (P=1), and the second antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF2 has 1 nanowire (Q=1). Due to this structural design, the antifuse-type OTP memory cell for the PUF technology has the smallest size.
[0168]
[0169] In comparison with the OTP memory cell of the seventh embodiment, the OTP memory cell of the eighth embodiment further comprises the first following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL1 and the second following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL2. The first following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL1 is arranged between the first antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF1 and the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1. The second following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL2 is arranged between the second antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF2 and the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1.
[0170] The structures of the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1, the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2, the first antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF1 and the second antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF2 are similar to those of the OTP memory cell of the seventh embodiment. For succinctness, only the structures of the first following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL1 and the second following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL2 will be described as follows.
[0171] The first following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL1 comprises a drain/source structure 927, the drain/source structure 829, a gate structure and four nanowires 920, 922, 924 and 926. The gate structure is formed over the semiconductor sub. The gate structure comprises two spacers 938, 939, gate dielectric layers 930, 932, 934, 936 and a gate layer 931. The gate dielectric layer 930 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 920. The gate dielectric layer 932 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 922. The gate dielectric layer 934 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 924. The gate dielectric layer 936 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 926. The gate layer 931 surrounds the gate dielectric layers 930, 932, 934 and 936. The first side regions of the nanowires 920, 922, 924 and 926 are surrounded by the spacer 938. The second side regions of the nanowires 920, 922, 924 and 926 are surrounded by the spacer 939. The spacers 938 and 939 are formed on the semiconductor substrate sub. The nanowires 920, 922, 924 and 926 that are surrounded by the gate structure are nanowire channel regions of the first following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL1. The two drain/source structures 927 and 829 are respectively located on both sides of the gate structure. The drain/source structure 927 is electrically contacted with the first terminals of the nanowires 920, 922, 924 and 926. The drain/source structure 829 is electrically contacted with the second terminals of the nanowires 920, 922, 924 and 926. In an embodiment, the drain/source structure 927, the drain/source structure 829 and the nanowires 920, 922, 924 and 926 may have the same dopant type.
[0172] The second following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL2 comprises the drain/source structure 987, the drain/source structure 869, a gate structure and four nanowires 980, 982, 984 and 986. The gate structure is formed over the semiconductor sub. The gate structure comprises two spacers 998, 999, gate dielectric layers 990, 992, 994, 996 and a gate layer 991. The gate dielectric layer 990 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 980. The gate dielectric layer 992 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 982. The gate dielectric layer 994 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 984. The gate dielectric layer 996 surrounds the central region of the nanowire 986. The gate layer 991 surrounds the gate dielectric layers 990, 992, 994 and 996. The first side regions of the nanowires 980, 982, 984 and 986 are surrounded by the spacer 998. The second side regions of the nanowires 980, 982, 984 and 986 are surrounded by the spacer 999. The spacers 998 and 999 are formed on the semiconductor substrate sub. The nanowires 980, 982, 984 and 986 that are surrounded by the gate structure are nanowire channel regions of the second following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL2. The two drain/source structures 987 and 869 are respectively located on both sides of the gate structure. The drain/source structure 987 is electrically contacted with the second terminals of the nanowires 980, 982, 984 and 986. The drain/source structure 869 is electrically contacted with the second terminals of the nanowires 980, 982, 984 and 986. In an embodiment, the drain/source structure 987, the drain/source structure 869 and the nanowires 980, 982, 984 and 986 may have the same dopant type. In the first following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL1, the gate layer 931 is connected with a following control line FL. In the second following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL2, the gate layer 991 is also connected with the following control line FL.
[0173] When the enroll action is performed, the first bit line BL.sub.1 receives a ground voltage (0V), the word line WL receives a first on voltage V.sub.ON1, the following control line FL receives a second on voltage V.sub.ON2, the antifuse control line AF receives an enroll voltage V.sub.ENRL, and the second bit line BL.sub.2 receives the ground voltage (0V). For example, the enroll voltage V.sub.ENRL is in the range between 3V and 6V, the first on voltage V.sub.ON1 is in the range between 0.4V and 3V, and the second on voltage V.sub.ON2 is in the range between 0.4V and 3V. Under this circumstance, the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1, the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2, the first following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL1 and the second following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL2 are turned on. That is, the first enroll path and the second enroll path are turned on.
[0174] In the first enroll path, the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 and the first following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL1 are turned on. Consequently, the ground voltage (0V) of the first bit line BL.sub.1 is transmitted to the drain/source structure 829 and the nanowires 840, 842, 844 and 846 of the first antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF1 through the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 and the first following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL1. In the second enroll path, the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2 and the second following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL2 are turned on. Consequently, the ground voltage (0V) of the second bit line BL.sub.2 is transmitted to the drain/source structure 869 and the nanowires 860, 862, 864 and 866 of the second antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF2 through the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2 and the second following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL2. Consequently, when the antifuse control line AF receives the enroll voltage V.sub.ENRL, the voltage stress between the nanowires 840, 842, 844 and 846 and the gate layer 851 of the first antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF1 is equal to the enroll voltage V.sub.ENRL. Moreover, the voltage stress between the nanowires 860, 862, 864 and 866 and the gate layer 871 of the second antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF2 is equal to the enroll voltage V.sub.ENRL. Under this circumstance, one of the eight gate dielectric layers 850, 852, 854, 856, 870, 872, 874 and 876 is ruptured.
[0175] Due to the process variation of the OTP memory cell, it is unable to predict which of the gate dielectric layers 850, 852, 854, 856, 870, 872, 874 and 876 of the first antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF1 and the second antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF2 is ruptured when the enroll action is performed. Consequently, the PUF technology can be applied to the antifuse-type OTP memory cell of the eighth embodiment.
[0176] For example, if one of the gate dielectric layers 850, 852, 854 and 856 of the first antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF1 is ruptured when the enroll action is performed, the magnitude of the first enroll current I.sub.ENRL1 in the first bit line BL.sub.1 is higher than the magnitude of the second enroll current I.sub.ENRL2 in the second bit line BL.sub.2. Whereas, if one of the gate dielectric layers 870, 872, 874 and 876 of the second antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF2 is ruptured when the enroll action is performed, the magnitude of the second enroll current I.sub.ENRL2 in the second bit line BL.sub.2 is higher than the magnitude of the first enroll current I.sub.ENRL1 in the first bit line BL.sub.1.
[0177] When the read action is performed, the first read path and the second read path are turned on. For example, if one of the other gate dielectric layers 850, 852, 854 and 856 of the first antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF1 is ruptured when the read action is performed, the magnitude of the first read current I.sub.RD1 in the first bit line BL.sub.1 is higher than the magnitude of the second read current I.sub.RD2 in the second bit line BL.sub.2. Whereas, if one of the gate dielectric layers 870, 872, 874 and 876 of the second antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF2 is ruptured when the read action is performed, the magnitude of the second read current I.sub.RD2 in the second bit line BL.sub.2 is higher than the magnitude of the first read current I.sub.RD1 in the first bit line BL.sub.1.
[0178] As mentioned above, the read action is performed after the enroll action is completed. When the read action is performed, one bit of a random code can be determined according to the magnitude of the first read current I.sub.RD1 in the first bit line BL.sub.1 and the magnitude of the second read current I.sub.RD2 in the second bit line BL.sub.2. For example, a current comparator is provided. The current comparator receives the first read current I.sub.RD1 and the second read current I.sub.RD2. If the magnitude of the first read current I.sub.RD1 is higher than the magnitude of the second read current I.sub.RD2, a first logic value (e.g., 0) is determined as the random code. Whereas, if the magnitude of the first read current I.sub.RD1 is lower than the magnitude of the second read current I.sub.RD2, a second logic value (e.g., 1) is determined as the random code.
[0179] In a variant example of the OTP memory cell of the seventh embodiment, each of the six transistors has the structure of the GAA transistor as shown in
[0180] For example, in a variant example of the OTP memory cell of the seventh embodiment, the first select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel1 has 1 nanowire (X=1), the second select transistor M.sub.GAA_sel2 has 1 nanowire (Y=1), the first following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL1 has 1 nanowire (V=1), the second following transistor M.sub.GAA_FL2 has 1 nanowire (W=1), the first antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF1 has 1 nanowire (P=1), and the second antifuse transistor M.sub.GAA_AF2 has 1 nanowire (Q=1). Due to this structural design, the antifuse-type OTP memory cell for the PUF technology has the smallest size.
[0181] From the above descriptions, the present invention provides an OTP memory cell with gate-all-around (GAA) transistors for a physically unclonable function (PUF) technology. Each OTP memory cell can generate one bit of the random code. Moreover, plural OTP memory cells can be used to generate a unique identity code (ID code) of the semiconductor chip. For example, after 128 OTP memory cells are subjected to an enroll action and a read action sequentially, a 128-bit random code can be generated. By using the 128-bit random code, the data in the semiconductor chip can be effectively protected.
[0182] While the invention has been described in terms of what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention needs not be limited to the disclosed embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims which are to be accorded with the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures.