INTEGRATED CIRCUIT STRUCTURE INCLUDING A METAL-INSULATOR-METAL (MIM) CAPACITOR MODULE AND A THIN-FILM RESISTOR (TFR) MODULE

Abstract

An integrated circuit structure including a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor module and a thin-film resistor (TFR) module is provided. The MIM capacitor module includes a bottom electrode base formed in a lower metal layer, a bottom electrode formed in a dielectric region between the lower metal layer and an upper metal layer, an insulator formed over the bottom electrode, and a top electrode formed in the upper metal layer over the insulator. The bottom electrode includes a cup-shaped bottom electrode component and a bottom electrode fill component formed in an interior opening defined by the cup-shaped bottom electrode component. The TFR module includes a pair of metal heads formed in the dielectric region and a resistor element connected across the pair of metal heads. Each metal head includes a cup-shaped head component and a head fill component formed in an interior opening defined by the cup-shaped head component.

Claims

1. An integrated circuit structure, comprising: (a) a metal-insulator-metal capacitor module, comprising: a bottom electrode base formed in a lower metal layer; a bottom electrode formed in a dielectric region between the lower metal layer and an upper metal layer, the bottom electrode comprising: a cup-shaped bottom electrode component; and a bottom electrode fill component formed in an interior opening defined by the cup-shaped bottom electrode component; an insulator formed over the bottom electrode; and a top electrode formed in the upper metal layer over the insulator; and (b) a thin-film resistor module, comprising: a pair of metal heads formed in the dielectric region between the lower metal layer and the upper metal layer, wherein each metal head comprises: a cup-shaped head component; and a head fill component formed in an interior opening defined by the cup-shaped head component; and a resistor element connected across the pair of metal heads.

2. The integrated circuit structure of claim 1, wherein the thin-film resistor module includes a pair of head bases formed in the lower metal layer, wherein each metal head is conductively connected to a respective head base.

3. The integrated circuit structure of claim 1, wherein: the cup-shaped head component of each metal head and the cup-shaped bottom electrode component are formed from a conformal metal; and the head fill component of each metal head and the bottom electrode fill component are formed from a fill metal different than the conformal metal.

4. The integrated circuit structure of claim 3, wherein the conformal metal comprises tungsten, and the fill metal comprises titanium nitride.

5. The integrated circuit structure of claim 1, wherein the insulator has a uniform vertical thickness across a full lateral width of the insulator.

6. The integrated circuit structure of claim 1, wherein the insulator is formed over a planarized support surface including a planarized top surface of the cup-shaped bottom electrode component and a planarized top surface of the bottom electrode fill component.

7. The integrated circuit structure of claim 6, comprising a resistor film region formed on the planarized support surface, the resistor film region having a uniform vertical thickness across a full lateral width of the resistor film region; wherein the insulator is formed on the resistor film region, the insulator having a uniform vertical thickness across a full lateral width of the insulator.

8. The integrated circuit structure of claim 1, wherein: the insulator is formed on a planarized support surface including (a) a planarized top surface of the cup-shaped bottom electrode component, (b) a planarized top surface of the bottom electrode fill component, and (c) planarized top surface areas of the dielectric region on opposite sides of the bottom electrode; and the insulator extends laterally across and beyond a full width of the bottom electrode, such that the insulator extends over the planarized top surface areas of the dielectric region on opposite sides of the bottom electrode.

9. The integrated circuit structure of claim 1, wherein: the thin-film resistor module includes a resistor element insulator cap element formed on the resistor element; and the resistor element insulator cap element is formed from a common insulator material as the insulator.

10. The integrated circuit structure of claim 1, wherein: the lower metal layer comprises a lower interconnect layer; and the upper metal layer comprises an upper interconnect layer.

11. The integrated circuit structure of claim 1, wherein: the lower metal layer comprises a silicided polysilicon layer, wherein the bottom electrode base formed in the lower metal layer comprises a metal silicide region formed on a polysilicon region; and the upper metal layer comprises a first metal interconnect layer.

12. The integrated circuit structure of claim 1, wherein the metal-insulator-metal capacitor module comprises: a bottom electrode connection element formed in the upper metal layer; and a bottom electrode contact formed in the dielectric region between the lower metal layer and the upper metal layer; wherein the bottom electrode contact provides a conductive connection between the bottom electrode connection element formed in the upper metal layer and the bottom electrode base formed in the lower metal layer.

13. The integrated circuit structure of claim 1, further comprising an interconnect structure including: a lower interconnect element formed in the lower metal layer; and an upper interconnect contact formed in the upper metal layer and connected to the lower interconnect element by at least one interconnect via.

14. The integrated circuit structure of claim 13, wherein the at least one interconnect via and the cup-shaped bottom electrode component are formed from a common conformal metal.

15. A method of forming an integrated circuit structure, the method comprising: forming a lower metal layer including a bottom electrode base; depositing a dielectric region over the lower metal layer; patterning and etching the dielectric region to form a bottom electrode tub opening and a pair of head tub openings; forming a bottom electrode in the bottom electrode tub opening, the bottom electrode including: a cup-shaped bottom electrode component; and a bottom electrode fill component in an interior opening defined by the cup-shaped bottom electrode component; forming a metal head in each of the pair of head tub openings, each metal head including: a cup-shaped head component; and a head fill component in an interior opening defined by the cup-shaped head component; forming a resistor element connected across the pair of metal heads; forming an insulator over the bottom electrode; and forming an upper metal layer over the dielectric region and including a top electrode over the insulator.

16. The method of claim 15, comprising performing a planarization process to define a planarized support surface including a planarized top surface of the cup-shaped bottom electrode component and a planarized top surface of the bottom electrode fill component; and forming the insulator over the planarized support surface.

17. The method of claim 15, comprising forming the insulator with a uniform vertical thickness across a full lateral width of the insulator.

18. The method of claim 15, comprising performing a planarization process to define a planarized support surface including (a) a planarized top surface of the cup-shaped bottom electrode component, (b) a planarized top surface of the bottom electrode fill component, and (c) planarized top surface areas of the dielectric region on opposite sides of the bottom electrode; wherein the insulator extends laterally across and beyond a full width of the bottom electrode, such that the insulator extends over the planarized top surface areas of the dielectric region on opposite sides of the bottom electrode.

19. A method of forming an integrated circuit structure, the method comprising: forming a lower metal layer including: a bottom electrode base; and a pair of head bases; forming a dielectric region over the lower metal layer; forming openings in the dielectric region, including (a) a bottom electrode opening and (b) a pair of head openings; depositing a conformal metal extending into the bottom electrode opening and each head opening; depositing a fill metal over the conformal metal layer and extending into the electrode opening and each head opening; performing a planarization process to remove portions of both the conformal metal and the fill metal, wherein: remaining portions of the conformal metal and fill metal in the bottom electrode opening define a bottom electrode including (a) a cup-shaped bottom electrode component and (b) a bottom electrode fill component in an interior opening defined by the cup-shaped bottom electrode component; and remaining portions of the conformal metal and fill metal in each of the pair of head openings define a pair of metal heads, each metal head including (a) a cup-shaped head component and (b) a head fill component in an interior opening defined by the cup-shaped head component; forming a resistor element spanning the pair of metal heads; forming an insulator over the bottom electrode; and forming an upper metal layer, including forming a top electrode over the insulator.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein: the planarization process defines a planarized support surface including (a) a planarized top surface of the cup-shaped bottom electrode component, (b) a planarized top surface of the bottom electrode fill component, and (c) planarized top surface areas of the dielectric region on opposite sides of the bottom electrode; and the insulator extends laterally across and beyond a full width of the bottom electrode, such that the insulator extends over the planarized top surface areas of the dielectric region on opposite sides of the bottom electrode.

21. The method of claim 19, comprising: forming an insulator layer over the bottom electrode and over the pair of metal heads; and etching the insulator layer to form (a) the insulator over the bottom electrode and (b) an insulator cap element over the resistor element.

22. The method of claim 19, comprising: depositing a resistor film over the bottom electrode and over the pair of metal heads; and depositing an insulator layer over the resistor film; and after depositing an insulator layer over the resistor film, patterning and etching the resistor film and the insulator layer; wherein remaining portions of the resistor film define (a) a resistor film region over the bottom electrode and (b) the resistor element spanning the pair of metal heads; and wherein remaining portions of the insulator layer define (a) the insulator over the bottom electrode and (b) an insulator cap element over the resistor element.

23. The method of claim 19, wherein: the lower metal layer comprises a lower interconnect layer; and the upper metal layer comprises an upper interconnect layer.

24. The method of claim 19, wherein: the lower metal layer comprises a silicided polysilicon layer, wherein each of (a) the bottom electrode base and (b) each head base comprises a metal silicide region formed on a respective polysilicon region; and the upper metal layer comprises a first metal interconnect layer.

25. The method of claim 19, further comprising: forming an interconnect via opening in the dielectric region; depositing the conformal metal into the interconnect via opening; wherein a portion of the conformal metal in the interconnect via opening after the planarization process defines an interconnect via; and wherein the interconnect via conductively connects a lower interconnect element formed in the lower metal layer to an upper interconnect element formed in the upper metal layer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] Example aspects of the present disclosure are described below in conjunction with the figures, in which:

[0051] FIGS. 1A-1F are cross-sectional side views showing an example prior art process for forming an example MIM capacitor module;

[0052] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of two example prior art thin-film resistors (TFR);

[0053] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional side view an example integrated structure including an example MIM capacitor module, TFR module, and interconnect structure formed between two metal interconnect layers in an integrated circuit structure, according to one example;

[0054] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side view an example integrated structure including an example MIM capacitor module, TFR module, and interconnect structure formed between a silicided polysilicon layer and a first metal interconnect layer in an integrated circuit structure, according to one example;

[0055] FIGS. 4-13 are cross-sectional side views showing an example process of forming an integrated circuit structure including the example MIM capacitor module, TFR module and interconnect structure shown in FIG. 3A along with an example interconnect structure;

[0056] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example method of forming an example integrated circuit structure including an example MIM capacitor module and an example TFR module, according to one example; and

[0057] FIGS. 15A-15B illustrate a flowchart showing another example method of forming an example integrated circuit structure including an example MIM capacitor module and an example TFR module, according to another example.

[0058] It should be understood the reference number for any illustrated element that appears in multiple different figures has the same meaning across the multiple figures, and the mention or discussion herein of any illustrated element in the context of any particular figure also applies to each other figure, if any, in which that same illustrated element is shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] The present disclosure provides an integrated circuit (IC) structure including both an MIM capacitor module and a TFR module formed in a dielectric region between two metal layers in the IC structure, e.g., an inter-metal dielectric (IMD) region or a pre-metal dielectric (PMD) region.

[0060] The MIM capacitor module includes (a) a bottom electrode base formed in a lower metal layer M.sub.x, (b) a bottom electrode conductively coupled to the bottom electrode base, (c) an insulator formed over the bottom electrode, and (d) a top electrode formed in an upper metal layer M.sub.x+1 over the insulator. The MIM capacitor module may also include (e) a bottom electrode connection element formed in the upper metal layer M.sub.x+1, and (f) a bottom electrode contact conductively connecting the bottom electrode connection element to the bottom electrode base.

[0061] The TFR module includes (a) a pair of head bases formed in the lower metal layer M.sub.x, (b) a pair of metal heads, each conductively connected to one of the head bases, and (c) a resistor element spanning across and conductively connected to the pair of metal heads. The TFR module may also include a resistor element insulator cap element over the resistor element, and a metal cap element over the resistor element insulator cap element, wherein the resistor element insulator cap element is formed from a common resistor film as the insulator of the MIM capacitor module and the metal cap element is formed in the same upper metal layer M.sub.x+1 as the top electrode and bottom electrode contact of the MIM capacitor module.

[0062] Thus, the bottom electrode of the MIM capacitor module and each metal head of the TFR module are formed between the lower metal layer M.sub.x and upper metal layer M.sub.x+1. In addition, the bottom electrode and each metal head may be formed as a multi-component structure using a damascene process. The bottom electrode of the MIM capacitor module may include a cup-shaped bottom electrode component and a bottom electrode fill component formed in an interior opening defined by the cup-shaped bottom electrode component. Similarly, each metal head of the TFR module may include a cup-shaped head component and a head fill component formed in an interior opening defined by the cup-shaped head component. The cup-shaped bottom electrode component of the bottom electrode, and the cup-shaped head component of each metal head of the TFR module, may be formed from a common conformal metal, e.g., tungsten. The bottom electrode fill component of the bottom electrode, and the head fill component of each metal head of the TFR module, may be formed from a fill metal, e.g., titanium nitride.

[0063] The insulator of the MIM capacitor module may be formed on a planarized support surface (e.g., including a planarized upper surface of the bottom electrode). The insulator may have a uniform thickness across a full lateral width of the insulator, which may provide an improved capacitor breakdown voltage as compared with certain conventional capacitor modules. In addition, by forming the bottom electrode from refractory metals, e.g., tungsten and titanium nitride, the top surface of the bottom electrode that interfaces the insulator may be free of hillocks that are common in certain conventional capacitors (e.g., capacitor modules using an aluminum bottom electrode), which may provide a higher and more consistent capacitor breakdown voltage as compared with such conventional capacitor modules. Also, the top electrode and the bottom electrode may each have a substantial thickness, e.g., a thickness of at least 4000 Å, which may provide improved performance in particular applications (e.g., RF applications) as compared with certain conventional capacitor modules having a thinner top electrode and/or bottom electrode.

[0064] As mentioned above, the MIM capacitor module and TFR module are formed between two metal layers, in particular the lower metal layer M.sub.x (in which the bottom electrode base of the MIM capacitor, and the pair of head bases of the TFR module, are formed) and an upper metal layer M.sub.x+1 (in which the top electrode and bottom electrode connection element of the MIM capacitor module, and the metal cap element over the resistor element of the TFR module, are formed). As used herein, a “metal layer,” for example in the context of the lower metal layer M.sub.x and upper metal layer M.sub.x+1, may comprise any metal or metalized layer or layers, including:

[0065] (a) a metal interconnect layer, e.g., comprising aluminum, copper, or other metal formed by a damascene process or deposited by a subtractive patterning process (e.g., deposition, patterning, and etching of a metal layer), or

[0066] (b) a silicided polysilicon layer including a number of silicided polysilicon structures (i.e., polysilicon structures having a metal silicide layer formed thereon), for example a silicided polysilicon gate of a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET).

[0067] For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, an MIM capacitor module and TFR module may be constructed between two adjacent metal interconnect layers M.sub.x and M.sub.x+1 at any depth in an integrated circuit structure. As another example, as shown in FIG. 3B, an MIM capacitor module and TFR module may be constructed between a silicided polysilicon layer and a first metal interconnect layer (commonly referred to as the metal-1 layer), wherein the silicided polysilicon layer defines the lower metal layer M.sub.x where x=0 (i.e., M.sub.0) and the first metal interconnect layer (Metal-1 layer) defines the upper metal layer M.sub.x+1 (i.e., M.sub.1).

[0068] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional side view an example integrated circuit structure 300a including an example MIM capacitor module 302a, an example TFR module 304a, and (optionally) an example interconnect structure 306a, all formed between two metal interconnect layers M.sub.x and M.sub.x+1, according to some examples. In some examples, integrated circuit structure 300a includes the MIM capacitor module 302a, TFR module 304a, and interconnect structure 306a. In other examples, integrated circuit structure 300a includes the MIM capacitor module 302a and TFR module 304a, but not the interconnect structure 306a. Thus, the optional interconnect structure 306a is indicated in FIG. 3A with a dashed line.

[0069] The example MIM capacitor module 300a includes (a) a bottom electrode base 310 formed in a lower metal interconnect layer M.sub.x, (b) a bottom electrode 312 conductively coupled to the bottom electrode base 310, (c) an insulator 314 formed over the bottom electrode 312, and (d) a top electrode 316 formed in an upper metal interconnect layer M.sub.x+1 over the insulator 314. A resistor film region 322 may be arranged between the insulator 314 and underlying bottom electrode 312. The MIM capacitor module 302a also includes a bottom electrode connection element 318 formed in the upper metal interconnect layer M.sub.x+1, and a bottom electrode contact 320 conductively connecting the bottom electrode connection element 318 to the bottom electrode base 310.

[0070] The bottom electrode 312 is formed in a dielectric region 324 formed in a via layer V.sub.x between the metal interconnect layer M.sub.x and upper metal interconnect layer M.sub.x+1. The bottom electrode 312 may be formed using a damascene process, as described below. In the illustrated example, the bottom electrode 312 includes (a) a cup-shaped bottom electrode component 330 formed in a tub opening 331 formed in the dielectric region 324 and (b) a bottom electrode fill component 332 formed in an interior opening 333 defined by the cup-shaped bottom electrode component 330.

[0071] In some examples, the bottom electrode contact 320 is formed as a via, and may also be referred to as a bottom electrode via.

[0072] In some examples, the insulator 314 may be formed over a planarized support surface 340. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the insulator 314 may be formed on the resistor film region 322 formed on the planarized support surface 340. The planarized support surface 340, which may be formed by a chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) or other planarization process, includes (a) a planarized top surface 341 of the cup-shaped bottom electrode component 330, (b) a planarized top surface 342 of the bottom electrode fill component 332, and (c) a planarized top surface 347 of the dielectric region 324, including top surface areas of the dielectric region 324 on opposite lateral sides (in the x-direction, or in both the x-direction and y-direction) of each of the bottom electrode 312.

[0073] The planarized support surface 340 may free of metal hillocks, as the bottom electrode 312 is formed from refractory metals (e.g., tungsten and titanium nitride) which resist the formation of hillocks, unlike the aluminum bottom electrode of the example prior art MIM capacitor module 10 shown in FIG. 1F discussed above. Forming the insulator 314 on a surface free of hillocks may provide a higher and more consistent capacitor breakdown voltage, e.g., as compared with a conventional capacitor module having a bottom electrode including hillocks.

[0074] The surface roughness of the planarized support surface 340 may depend on the specific process parameters implemented (e.g., CMP process parameters). In some examples, the planarized support surface 340 has a root-mean-square (RMS) surface roughness of less than 50 Å. In some examples, the planarized support surface 340 has an RMS surface roughness of less than 20 Å.

[0075] As mentioned above, insulator 314 may be formed on resistor film region 322 formed on the planarized support surface 340. The lateral width W.sub.ins of the insulator 314 in the x-direction may be coextensive with the lateral width W.sub.te of the overlying top electrode 316, as a result of an anisotropic metal etch extending through both the top electrode 316 and insulator 314, e.g., as shown in FIG. 13 discussed below.

[0076] In some examples, e.g., as shown in FIG. 3A, a lateral width W.sub.te of the top electrode 316 and a corresponding lateral width W.sub.ins of insulator 314 are greater than a lateral width W.sub.be of the underlying bottom electrode 312 in the x-direction, such that the insulator 314 extends across and beyond the full lateral width W.sub.be of the bottom electrode 312 and onto the planarized top surface areas 347 of dielectric region 324 on opposite sides of the bottom electrode 312 in the x-direction. In other words, the insulator 314 extends across the planarized top surface 341 of the cup-shaped bottom electrode component 330, the planarized top surface 342 of the bottom electrode fill component 332, and the planarized top surface areas 347 of the dielectric region 324. In some examples, the insulator 314 extends laterally across the full lateral width W.sub.be of the bottom electrode 312 in both the x-direction and y-direction, and additionally extends over portions of the dielectric region 324 on all lateral sides of the bottom electrode 312, such that a perimeter of the insulator 314 surrounds a perimeter of the bottom electrode 312, from a top view.

[0077] The insulator 314 has a uniform thickness T.sub.ins across the full lateral width W.sub.ins of the insulator 314. For example, in some examples the thickness T.sub.ins of the insulator 314 varies by less than 10% across the full lateral width W.sub.ins of the insulator 314. In some implementations the thickness T.sub.ins of the insulator 314 varies by less than 5%, or even less than 1%, across the full lateral width W.sub.ins of the insulator 314.

[0078] This uniform thickness T.sub.ins across the full lateral width W.sub.ins of the insulator 314 may provide an increased and predictable breakdown voltage for the resulting MIM capacitor module 302a, e.g., as compared with a capacitor module having a partially etched thickness or otherwise varying thickness, e.g., the prior art MIM capacitor module 10 shown in FIG. 1F and discussed above.

[0079] Further, by forming the bottom electrode 312 between two metal layers M.sub.x and M.sub.x+1 the bottom electrode 312 may have a thickness T.sub.be extending across the full thickness of the dielectric region 324 between the metal layers M.sub.x and M.sub.x+1. In addition, by forming the top electrode 316 from the metal interconnect layer M.sub.x+1, the top electrode 316 may have a thickness T.sub.te defined by the thickness of the metal interconnect layer M.sub.x+1. Thus, the bottom electrode thickness T.sub.be and top electrode thickness T.sub.te may be sufficient to provide target performance characteristics for various applications (e.g., including RF applications), as compared with certain conventional capacitor modules having a thinner top electrode and/or bottom electrode. In some examples, the bottom electrode thickness T.sub.be may be at least 4000 Å, and the top electrode thickness T.sub.te may be at least 4000 Å.

[0080] Next, as shown in FIG. 3A, the example TFR module 304a includes (a) a pair of head bases 350a and 350b formed in the lower metal interconnect layer M.sub.x, (b) a pair of metal heads 352a and 352b, each conductively coupled to a respective head base 350a, 350b, and (c) a resistor element 354 connected across the pair of metal heads 352a and 352b. The example TFR module 304a also includes (a) an insulator cap element 360 (formed from an insulator layer used to form the insulator 314 of the MIM capacitor module 302a), and (b) a metal resistor cap element 362 formed in the upper metal interconnect layer M.sub.x+1 over the insulator cap element 360.

[0081] Metal heads 352a and 352b are formed in the via layer V.sub.x between the lower metal interconnect layer M.sub.x and upper metal interconnect layer M.sub.x+1, e.g., using a damascene process. For example, each metal head 352a and 352b may include (a) a cup-shaped head component 364 formed in a head opening 365 formed in the dielectric region 324 and (b) a head fill component 368 formed in an interior opening 369 defined by the cup-shaped head component 364.

[0082] The resistor element 354 is formed on the polished, planarized support surface 340. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the resistor element 354 may be formed on a portion of the planarized support surface 340 including (a) a planarized top surface 345 of each cup-shaped head component 368, (b) a planarized top surface 346 of each head fill component 368, and (c) a planarized top surface areas 347 of the dielectric region 324 laterally between and adjacent the pair of metal heads 352a and 352b.

[0083] The resistor element 354 of the TFR module 304a may be formed from a common resistor film as the resistor film region 322 formed between the insulator 314 and underlying bottom electrode 312 of the MIM capacitor module 302a, as described below. Further, the insulator cap element 360 of the TFR module 304a may be formed from a common insulator layer as the insulator 314 of the MIM capacitor module 302a, as described below.

[0084] The (optional) interconnect structure 306a includes a lower interconnect element 380 formed in the lower metal interconnect layer M.sub.x, an upper interconnect contact 382 formed in the upper metal interconnect layer M.sub.x+1, and an interconnect via 384 formed in the via layer V.sub.x and conductively connected between the lower interconnect element 380 and upper interconnect contact 382.

[0085] The cup-shaped bottom electrode component 330 of the bottom electrode 312, the cup-shaped head component 364 of each metal head 352a, 352b, the bottom electrode contact 320, and the interconnect via 384 may be formed from a conformal metal, e.g., tungsten. In some examples, the cup-shaped bottom electrode component 330, the cup-shaped head components 364 of metal heads 352a and 352b, the bottom electrode contact 320, and the interconnect via 384 may be formed simultaneously by deposition of tungsten or other conformal metal, as discussed below with reference to FIG. 6. In some examples, an adhesive layer 326 (e.g., a TiN layer with a thickness in the range of 50-300 Å) is deposited prior to deposition of the conformal metal to improve adhesion between the conformal metal and surrounding areas of the dielectric region 324, in particular in the tub opening 331 and head openings 365.

[0086] The bottom electrode fill component 332 of the bottom electrode 312, and the head fill component 368 of each metal head 352a, 352b may be formed from a “fill metal” that may be different than the conformal metal that forms the cup-shaped bottom electrode component 330, each cup-shaped head component 364, the bottom electrode contact 320, and the interconnect via 384. For example, the fill metal forming the bottom electrode fill component 332 and each head fill component 368 may comprise TiN or other refractory metal different than the conformal metal. In some examples, the bottom electrode fill component 332 and the head fill components 368 may be formed simultaneously by deposition of the fill metal, as discussed below with reference to FIG. 7.

[0087] The example TFR module 304a shown in FIG. 3A may include various advantages or improvements over certain conventional designs, e.g., the example prior art TFR designs shown in FIG. 2. First, the construction of TFR module 304a may be simplified, as compared with conventional methods. For example, the TFR module 304a may be constructed using only a single added mask added to the relevant background IC fabrication process. In addition, the metal heads 352a, 352b of the TFR module 304a may be built currently with the bottom electrode 312 of the MIM capacitor module 302a and/or interconnect via 384. The metal heads 352a, 352b may be formed with a relatively large contact areas and low resistance.

[0088] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side view an example integrated circuit structure 300b including an example MIM capacitor module 302b, an example TFR module 304b, and (optionally) an example interconnect structure 306b, all formed between a silicided polysilicon layer and a first metal interconnect layer (commonly referred to as the metal-1 layer), according to one example. In this example, the silicided polysilicon layer defines a lower metal layer M.sub.0 (i.e., lower metal layer M.sub.x where x=0) and the first metal interconnect layer (Metal-1) defines an upper metal layer M.sub.1.

[0089] Integrated circuit structure 300b is similar to integrated circuit structure 300a shown in FIG. 3A and discussed above, with the exception that the illustrated structures of integrated circuit structure 300b (MIM capacitor module 302b, TFR module 304b, and optional interconnect structure 306b) are formed between the silicided polysilicon layer M.sub.0 and first metal interconnect layer M.sub.1, rather than between two metal interconnect layers M.sub.x and M.sub.x+1.

[0090] In some examples, integrated circuit structure 300b includes the MIM capacitor module 302b, TFR module 304b, and interconnect structure 306b. In other examples, integrated circuit structure 300b includes the MIM capacitor module 302b and TFR module 304b, but not the interconnect structure 306b. Thus, the optional interconnect structure 306b is indicated in FIG. 3B with a dashed line.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 3B, a bottom electrode base 310′ of the MIM capacitor module 300b, a pair of head bases 350a′ and 350b′ of the TFR module 304b, and a lower interconnect element 380′ of the interconnect structure 306b are each formed as a silicided polysilicon structure including a metal silicide layer formed on a respective polysilicon structure in the silicided polysilicon layer M.sub.0. More particularly, bottom electrode base 310′ comprises a metal silicide layer 392a formed on a top surface of a polysilicon structure 390a; head base 350a′ comprises a metal silicide layer 392b formed on a top surface of a polysilicon structure 390b; head base 350b′ comprises a metal silicide layer 392c formed on a top surface of a polysilicon structure 390c; and lower interconnect element 380′ comprises a metal silicide layer 392d formed on a top surface of a polysilicon structure 390d. Metal silicide layers 392a-392d may comprise any suitable metal silicide layer, for example titanium silicide (TiSi2), cobalt silicide (CoSi2), or nickel silicide (NiSi), having a thickness in the range of 100-300 Å or other suitable thickness.

[0092] FIGS. 4-13 are cross-sectional side views showing an example process for forming the example integrated circuit structure 300a shown in FIG. 3A, including the example MIM capacitor module 302a, the example TFR module 304a, and the example interconnect structure 306a, according to one example.

[0093] First, as shown in FIG. 4, a lower metal interconnect layer M.sub.x is formed over a dielectric region 402, e.g., a pre-metal dielectric (PMD) region or inter-metal dielectric (IMD) region. Metal layer M.sub.x may be formed from aluminum, copper, or other suitable metal. Metal layer M.sub.x may be deposited, patterned, and etched to form (a) the bottom electrode base 310 of the MIM capacitor module 302a, (b) the pair of head bases 350a and 350b of the TFR module 304a, and (c) the lower interconnect element 380 of the interconnect structure 306a. Alternatively, the bottom electrode base 310, head bases 350a and 350b, and lower interconnect element 380 may be formed by a damascene process. Each of the bottom electrode base 310, head bases 350a and 350b, and lower interconnect element 380 may comprise a wire or other laterally elongated structure (e.g., elongated in the y-axis direction), or a discrete pad (e.g., having a square, circular, or substantially square or circular shape in the x-y plane), or any other suitable shape and structure.

[0094] A resist strip may be performed to remove remaining portions of the photomask used for patterning the metal layer M.sub.x. A dielectric region 324 may be formed over metal layer M.sub.x, e.g., by performing an oxide deposition (e.g., using high density plasma (HDP) and PECVD processes) followed by a CMP process to planarize the oxide. Dielectric region 324 may be an inter-metal dielectric (IMD) region.

[0095] Next, as shown in FIG. 5A (cross-sectional side view) and corresponding FIG. 5B (top view), the dielectric region 324 is patterned and etched (e.g., using a plasma etch) to concurrently form (a) at least one interconnect via opening 410 for various interconnect structures, (b) a bottom electrode contact opening 412, (c) the tub opening 331 for forming the bottom electrode 312 of the MIM capacitor module 302a, and (d) the pair of head openings 365 for forming the pair of metal heads 352a and 352b of the TFR module 304a.

[0096] The interconnect via opening 410 and bottom electrode contact opening 412 may each be formed as a narrow via opening with a lateral diameter or width W.sub.via. In contrast, the tub opening 331 and each head opening 365 may have a substantially larger width (x-direction) and/or length (y-direction) than the narrow via openings 310 and 312. The shape and dimensions of the tub opening 331 and head openings 365 may be selected based on various parameters, e.g., for effective manufacturing of the MIM capacitor module 302a and TFR module 304a (e.g., effective deposition of the conformal metal and fill metal (e.g., tungsten and TiN, respectively) into the openings 331 and 365) and/or for desired performance characteristics of the resulting MIM capacitor module 302a and TFR module 304a. In some examples, the tub opening 331 and head openings 365 may each have a square or rectangular shape from a top view, e.g., as shown in FIG. 5B. In other examples, the tub opening 331 may have a circular or oval shape from the top view.

[0097] As noted above, an x-direction width W.sub.tub and/or y-direction length L.sub.tub of the tub opening 331 may be substantially larger than the width W.sub.via of each via opening. For example, in some embodiments, the width W.sub.tub and/or length L.sub.tub of the tub opening 331 is at least twice as large as the width W.sub.via of each via opening. In particular embodiments, the width W.sub.tub and/or length L.sub.tub of the tub opening 331 is at least five times as large, ten times as large, or 20 times as large, as the width W.sub.via of each via opening. In some examples, the width W.sub.via of each via opening is in the range of 0.1-0.5 μm, whereas the width W.sub.tub and length L.sub.tub of the tub opening 331 are each the range of 1-100 μm.

[0098] In addition, an x-direction width W.sub.head and/or y-direction length L.sub.head of each head opening 365 may be substantially larger than the width W.sub.via of each via opening. For example, in some embodiments, the width W.sub.head and/or length L.sub.head of the tub opening 365 is at least twice as large as the width W.sub.via of each via opening. In particular embodiments, the width W.sub.head and/or length L.sub.head of each head opening 365 is at least five times as large, ten times as large, or 20 times as large as the width W.sub.via of each via opening. In some examples, the width W.sub.via of each via opening is in the range of 0.1-0.5 μm, whereas the width W.sub.head and length L.sub.head of each head opening 365 are each the range of 0.5-10 μm.

[0099] After the etch to create the openings 410, 412, 331, and 365, any remaining photoresist material may be removed by a resist strip.

[0100] Next, as shown in FIG. 6, adhesive layer 326 (e.g., comprising titanium nitride, TiN) is deposited over the integrated circuit structure 300a and into the openings 410, 412, 331, and 365, e.g., with a thickness in the range of 50-300 Å, in one example. A conformal metal layer 420, e.g., tungsten (W), is then deposited over adhesive layer 326, e.g., by Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) deposition, with a thickness, in one example, in the range of 1000-5000 Å. As shown, the conformal metal layer 420 (a) fills the interconnect via opening 410 to form an interconnect via 384, (b) fills the bottom electrode contact opening 412 to form the bottom electrode contact 320, (c) partially fills the tub opening 331 to form the cup-shaped bottom electrode component 330 in the tub opening 331, and (d) partially fills each head opening 365 to form the cup-shaped head component 364 in each head opening 365. The cup-shaped bottom electrode component 330 defines an interior opening 333, and each cup-shaped head component 364 defines an interior opening 369.

[0101] The interconnect via 384, bottom electrode contact 320, cup-shaped bottom electrode component 330, and cup-shaped head components 364 are further processed as discussed below, including a CMP process shown in FIG. 8A, which defines a final form of each respective element 384, 320, and 330, and 364.

[0102] The deposited conformal metal layer 420 layer may have high tensile stresses, due to inherent material properties of the conformal metal, e.g., tungsten. As a result, a deposition thickness substantially above about 5000 Å (e.g., a thickness of 7000 Å) may result in a cracking or peeling of the conformal metal layer 420, or a warping or breakage of the underlying silicon wafer (not shown), e.g., during a subsequent CMP process. However, these dimensions are not meant to be limiting in any way.

[0103] Next, as shown in FIG. 7, a fill metal layer 430 is deposited over the integrated circuit structure 300 to fill the interior opening 333 of the cup-shaped bottom electrode component 330 and the interior opening 369 of each cup-shaped head component 364. The fill metal layer 330 may deposited with sufficient thickness to fill the interior openings 333 and 369 at least to the top of the dielectric region 324. The portion of the fill metal layer 430 filling interior opening 333 of the cup-shaped bottom electrode component 330 defines the bottom electrode fill component 332, and the portion of the fill metal layer 430 filling the interior opening 369 of each cup-shaped head component 364 defines a respective head fill component 368.

[0104] The fill metal layer 430 may be deposited by a reactive PVD or CVD process without generating hillocks, which may provide an increased breakdown voltage for the resulting MIM capacitor module 302a, as compared with prior art designs that enable or encourage hillock formation on the capacitor bottom electrode (and/or other capacitor components), e.g., as discussed above regarding the example prior art capacitor module 10 shown in FIG. 1F.

[0105] In some examples, the fill metal layer 430 comprises titanium nitride (TiN) or other refractory metal (different from the conformal metal of the conformal metal layer 420) that has inherent compressive stresses (e.g., for a layer thickness of less than 1 μm). The inherent compressive stresses of the fill metal layer 430 (e.g., titanium nitride layer) may counteract the inherent tensile stresses of the underlying conformal metal layer 420 (e.g., tungsten layer), to thereby reduce the risk of inter-layer peeling, silicon wafer breakage, or other mechanical failure. In another example, the fill metal layer 430 is formed of aluminum, which may provide reduced resistance for the resulting bottom electrode 312 and metal heads 352a, 352b, but may introduce the possibility of hillock formation.

[0106] Next, as shown in FIG. 8A (cross-sectional side view) and corresponding FIG. 8B (top view), a planarization process (e.g., CMP process) is performed to remove upper portions of the fill metal layer 430, the conformal metal layer 420, and adhesive layer 326, and thereby define the final form of (a) the interconnect via 384, (b) the bottom electrode contact 320, (c) the cup-shaped bottom electrode component 330 and bottom electrode fill component 332 of the bottom electrode 312 of the MIM capacitor module 302a, and (d) the cup-shaped head component 364 and head fill component 368 of each metal head 352a, 352b of the TFR module 304a. The planarization process may be designed to stop on the dielectric region 324.

[0107] The planarization process (e.g., CMP process) defines a polished, planarized support surface 340 that includes (a) the planarized top surface 341 of the cup-shaped bottom electrode component 330, (b) the planarized top surface 342 of the bottom electrode fill component 332, (c) the planarized top surface 345 of each cup-shaped head component 368, (d) the planarized top surface 346 of each head fill component 368, and (e) the planarized top surface 347 of the dielectric region 324, including top surface areas of the dielectric region 324 on opposite lateral sides (in the x-direction, or in both the x-direction and y-direction) of each of the bottom electrode 312 and each metal head 352a, 352b.

[0108] The planarized support surface 340 provides a smooth, planarized surface free of hillocks. For example, the planarized top surfaces 341, 342, 345, and 346 (components of the planarized support surface 340) provide smooth, planarized surfaces of refractory metals used as the conformal metal layer 420 and fill metal layer 430 (e.g., tungsten and titanium nitride, as discussed above) that are free of hillocks, suitable for supporting the insulator 314 and resistor element 354. As discussed below, the resistor element 354 is formed from a resistor film 404 formed directly on the planarized support surface 340, whereas the insulator 314 is formed on a resistor film region 322 formed from the same resistor film 404. As discussed below, the resistor film 404 is formed as a planar layer with a uniform thickness across the planarized support surface 340; thus, the insulator 314 formed on the resistor film region 322 is also formed as a planar structure with a uniform thickness across the lateral width of the insulator 314 (in the x-direction, or both the x-direction and y-direction).

[0109] Next, as shown in FIG. 9, a resistor film 404 is deposited over the structure 300, followed by deposition of an insulator layer 406. In some examples, the resistor film 404 may comprise SiCCr, SiCr, NiCr, TaN, or other suitable material, deposited with a thickness T.sub.resistor, which in one example may be in the range of 100-1000 Å, for example by a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process, and having a sheet resistance, in one example, in the range of 200-1,000 ohms per square. The insulator layer 406 may comprise silicon nitride (Si.sub.3N.sub.4, κ˜7) deposited with a thickness T.sub.ins, in one example in the range of 400-600 Å, for example by a PECVD deposition process. In other examples, the insulator layer 406 may comprise silicon oxide (Sift) or a high-k dielectric material, e.g., Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (κ˜10), Ta.sub.2O.sub.5 (κ˜25), HfO.sub.2 (κ˜22), or ZrO.sub.2 (κ˜35), e.g., deposited by a PECVD deposition process or an ALD (atomic layer deposition) process.

[0110] A photoresist layer is then deposited and patterned to form a photomask 410 over the insulator layer 406. The patterned photomask 410 includes a first photomask region 410a over the bottom electrode 312 of the MIM capacitor module 302a, and a second photomask 410b extending over the pair of metal heads 352a, 352b of the TFR module 304a. A lateral width W.sub.be resist of the first photomask region 410a extends laterally across and beyond a lateral width W.sub.be of the bottom electrode 312 in the x-direction, or in both the x-direction and y-direction. Similarly, a lateral width W.sub.tfr_resist of the second photomask region 410b extends laterally across and beyond a lateral width W.sub.heads extending across both metal heads 352a, 352b in the x-direction, or in both the x-direction and y-direction.

[0111] Next, as shown in FIG. 10, an etch is performed to remove portions of the insulator layer 406 and the resistor film 404 uncovered by the patterned photomask 410, leaving (a) a first resistor film region 404a and a first insulator layer region 406a below the first photomask region 410a and (b) a second resistor film region 404b and a second insulator layer region 406b below the second photomask region 410b. A lateral width of each of the first resistor film region 404a (W.sub.region_404a) and the first insulator layer region 406a (W.sub.region_406a) corresponds with the lateral width W.sub.be resist of the first photomask region 410a, such that each extends laterally across and beyond the lateral width W.sub.be of the bottom electrode in the x-direction, or in both the x-direction and y-direction. Similarly, a lateral width of each of the second resistor film region 404b (W.sub.region_404b) and the second insulator layer region 406b (W.sub.region_406b) corresponds with the lateral width W.sub.tfr_resist of the second photomask region 410b, such that each extends laterally across and beyond the lateral width W.sub.heads extending across both metal heads 352a, 352b in the x-direction, or in both the x-direction and y-direction.

[0112] Next an upper metal interconnect layer M.sub.x+1 is formed over the integrated circuit structure 300a. First, as shown in FIG. 11, an upper metal layer 430, e.g., comprising aluminum, copper, or other suitable metal, is deposited over the dielectric region 324 and the first and second insulator layer region 406a, 406bb.

[0113] Next, as shown in FIG. 12, a photoresist layer is deposited and patterned to form a photomask 440 including (a) a first photomask element 440a for forming an upper interconnect contact 382, as discussed below), (b) a second photomask element 440b (for forming the bottom electrode connection element 318, as discussed below), (c) a third photomask element 440c (for forming the top electrode 316 and underlying insulator 314 and resistor film region 322, as discussed below), and (d) a fourth photomask element 440d (for forming the metal resistor cap element 362 and underlying insulator cap element 360 and resistor element 354, as discussed below).

[0114] As shown, a width W.sub.te_resist of the third photomask element 440c may be larger than the width W.sub.be of the bottom electrode 312 but smaller than the width of the first resistor film region 404a and first insulator layer region 406a (W.sub.region_404a=W.sub.region_406a), such that the subsequent metal etch to form the top electrode 316 (see FIG. 13) self-aligns the lateral edges (in the x-direction, or both the x-direction and y-direction) of the top electrode 316 with the underlying insulator 314 and resistor film region 322 (see FIG. 13), while also preventing any etching of the bottom electrode 312.

[0115] Similarly, a width W.sub.tfr_cap_resist of the third photomask element 440d may be larger than the width W.sub.heads extending across both metal heads 352a, 352b but smaller than the width of the second resistor film region 404b and second insulator layer region 406b (W.sub.region_404b=W.sub.region_406b), such that the subsequent metal etch to form the metal resistor cap element 362 (see FIG. 13) self-aligns the lateral edges (in the x-direction, or both the x-direction and y-direction) of the metal resistor cap element 362 with the underlying resistor element 354 and insulator cap element 360 (see FIG. 13), while also preventing any etching of the metal heads 352a, 352b.

[0116] FIG. 13 shows the results of the metal etch through the photomask 440 shown in FIG. 12, and after removal of the photomask 440, e.g., by a resist strip process. The etch may be selective to etch through structures not covered by the photomask 440 (including portions of the upper metal layer 430, first and second insulator layer regions 406a, 406b, and portions of the first and second resistor film regions 404a, 404b not covered by the photomask 440, as shown in FIG. 12), but stop in the dielectric region 324, e.g., at a depth of 500-1000 Å into the dielectric region 324, for example. As shown, the etch forms (a) the upper interconnect element 382 in contact with the interconnect via 384, (b) the bottom electrode connection element 318 in contact with the bottom electrode contact 320, (c) the top electrode 316 and underlying insulator 314 and underlying resistor film region 322, and (d) the metal resistor cap element 362 and underlying insulator cap element 360 and resistor element 354.

[0117] As shown, as a result of the metal etch, the lateral edges of the top electrode 316 are aligned with corresponding lateral edges of the insulator 314 and the resistor film region 322. A lateral width of the top electrode 316 (W.sub.te), the insulator 314 (W.sub.ins), and the resistor film region 322 (W.sub.resistor_film_region) each extends laterally across and beyond the lateral width W.sub.be of the bottom electrode in the x-direction, or in both the x-direction and y-direction.

[0118] Similarly, the lateral edges of the metal resistor cap element 362 are aligned with corresponding lateral edges of the underlying insulator cap element 360 and resistor element 354. A lateral width of metal resistor cap element 362 (W.sub.metal_cap), the insulator cap element 360 (W.sub.ins_cap), and the resistor element 354 (W.sub.tfr_element) each extends laterally across and beyond the lateral width W.sub.heads extending across both metal heads 352a, 352b in the x-direction, or in both the x-direction and y-direction.

[0119] Each of the resistor film region 322 and the resistor element 354 has the thickness (T.sub.resistor) of the resistor film 404 from which they are formed, which thickness T.sub.resistor is uniform across the full lateral width (in the x-direction, or in both the x-direction and y-direction) of the resistor film region 322 and resistor element 354, respectively. Similarly, each of the insulator 314 and the insulator cap element 360 has the thickness (T.sub.ins) of the insulator layer 406 from which they are formed, which thickness T.sub.ins is uniform across the full lateral width (in the x-direction, or in both the x-direction and y-direction) of the insulator 314 and insulator cap element 360, respectively.

[0120] In some examples, FIG. 13 shows the completed of MIM capacitor module 302a, TFR module 304a and interconnect structure 306a. After forming the MIM capacitor module 302a, TFR module 304a and interconnect structure 306a the process may continue with construction of additional interconnect structures, e.g., by forming further metal interconnect layers and/or dielectric layers.

[0121] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example method 1400 of forming an example integrated circuit structure including an example MIM capacitor module and an example TFR module, according to one example. At 1402, a lower metal layer M.sub.x is formed, including a bottom electrode base. In one example, the lower metal layer M.sub.x comprise a lower interconnect metal layer (e.g., comprising aluminum). In another example, the lower metal layer M.sub.x comprises a silicided polysilicon layer. At 1404, a dielectric region (e.g., an oxide region) is deposited over the lower metal layer M.sub.x, and planarized, for example by a CMP process.

[0122] Next, as indicated by the dashed line box in FIG. 14, a damascene process may be performed at 1406-1412 to form a bottom electrode and a bottom electrode contact of the MIM capacitor module and a pair of metal heads of the TFR module.

[0123] First, at 1406, the dielectric region is patterned and etched to form a tub opening and a pair of head openings. At 1408, a bottom electrode is formed in the bottom electrode tub opening, the bottom electrode including (a) a cup-shaped bottom electrode component and (b) a bottom electrode fill component in an interior opening defined by the cup-shaped bottom electrode component.

[0124] At 1410, which may be performed concurrently with 1408, a metal head is formed in each of the pair of head tub openings, each metal head including (a) a cup-shaped head component; and (b) a head fill component in an interior opening defined by the cup-shaped head component.

[0125] At 1412, a planarization process is performed to define a planarized support surface including (a) a planarized top surface of the cup-shaped bottom electrode component, (b) a planarized top surface of the bottom electrode fill component, and (c) planarized top surface areas of the dielectric region on opposite sides of the bottom electrode.

[0126] At 1414, a resistor element connected across the pair of metal heads is formed from a resistor film formed on the planarized support surface.

[0127] At 1416, an insulator is formed on the bottom electrode of the MIM capacitor module. The insulator may be formed over the planarized support surface, and may extend laterally across and beyond a full width of the bottom electrode, such that the insulator extends over the planarized top surface areas of the dielectric region on opposite sides of the bottom electrode, in the x-direction or in both the x-direction and y-direction. The insulator may have a uniform vertical thickness across a full lateral width of the insulator. In some examples, as explained above, the insulator is formed over the resistor film, such that a resistor film region (formed on the planarized support surface) is arranged between the insulator and the planarized support surface. Like the insulator, the resistor film region may have a uniform vertical thickness across a full lateral width of the resistor film region.

[0128] At 1418, an upper metal layer is formed over the dielectric region, the upper metal layer including a top electrode over the insulator.

[0129] FIGS. 15A-15B illustrate a flowchart showing an example method 1500 of forming an example integrated circuit structure including an example MIM capacitor module and a TFR module, according to one example. At 1502, a lower metal layer M.sub.x is formed, including a bottom electrode base and a pair of head bases. In one example, the lower metal layer M.sub.x comprise a lower interconnect metal layer (e.g., comprising aluminum). In another example, the lower metal layer M.sub.x comprises a silicided polysilicon layer. At 1504, a dielectric region (e.g., an oxide region) is deposited over the lower metal layer M.sub.x, and planarized, for example by a CMP process.

[0130] Next, as indicated by the dashed line box in FIG. 15A, a damascene process may be performed at 1506-1512 to form a bottom electrode and a pair of metal heads. At 1506, the dielectric region is patterned and etched to form (a) a tub opening and a pair of head openings. At 1508, a conformal metal (e.g., tungsten) is deposited and extends into the bottom electrode opening and the pair of head openings. At 1510, a fill metal (e.g., titanium nitride (TiN)) is deposited over the conformal metal and extends into the tub opening and the pair of head openings.

[0131] At 1512, a planarization process is performed to remove portions of conformal metal and fill metal, wherein (a) remaining portions of conformal metal and fill metal in bottom electrode opening define a bottom electrode including a cup-shaped bottom electrode component and a bottom electrode fill component in an interior opening defined by the cup-shaped bottom electrode component and (b) remaining portions of conformal metal and fill metal in each head opening define a metal head including a cup-shaped head component and a head fill component in an interior opening defined by the cup-shaped head component. The planarization process may define a planarized support surface including (a) a planarized top surface of the cup-shaped bottom electrode component, (b) a planarized top surface of the bottom electrode fill component, (c) planarized top surface areas of the dielectric region on opposite sides of the bottom electrode, (d) a planarized top surface area of the cup-shaped head component of each metal head, (e) a planarized top surface area of the fill component of each metal head, and (f) planarized top surface areas of the dielectric region laterally between and adjacent the pair of metal heads.

[0132] At 1514, a resistor element connected across the pair of metal heads is formed from a resistor film formed on the planarized support surface.

[0133] At 1516, an insulator is formed over the bottom electrode. The insulator may be formed over the planarized support surface, and may extend laterally across and beyond a full width of the bottom electrode, such that the insulator extends over the planarized top surface areas of the dielectric region on opposite sides of the bottom electrode (in x-direction or in both x-direction and y-direction). In some examples, the insulator may be formed as a planar insulator having a uniform vertical thickness across a full lateral width of the insulator. In some examples, as explained above, the insulator is formed over the resistor film, such that a resistor film region (arranged on the planarized support surface) is arranged between the insulator and the planarized support surface. Like the insulator, the resistor film region may have a uniform vertical thickness across a full lateral width of the resistor film region.

[0134] At 1518, an upper metal layer is formed over the dielectric region, the upper metal layer including a top electrode over the insulator.