US20030025177A1 - Optically and electrically programmable silicided polysilicon fuse device - Google Patents
Optically and electrically programmable silicided polysilicon fuse device Download PDFInfo
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- US20030025177A1 US20030025177A1 US09/921,136 US92113601A US2003025177A1 US 20030025177 A1 US20030025177 A1 US 20030025177A1 US 92113601 A US92113601 A US 92113601A US 2003025177 A1 US2003025177 A1 US 2003025177A1
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- silicide
- fuse device
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L23/00—Details of semiconductor or other solid state devices
- H01L23/52—Arrangements for conducting electric current within the device in operation from one component to another, i.e. interconnections, e.g. wires, lead frames
- H01L23/522—Arrangements for conducting electric current within the device in operation from one component to another, i.e. interconnections, e.g. wires, lead frames including external interconnections consisting of a multilayer structure of conductive and insulating layers inseparably formed on the semiconductor body
- H01L23/532—Arrangements for conducting electric current within the device in operation from one component to another, i.e. interconnections, e.g. wires, lead frames including external interconnections consisting of a multilayer structure of conductive and insulating layers inseparably formed on the semiconductor body characterised by the materials
- H01L23/5329—Insulating materials
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L23/00—Details of semiconductor or other solid state devices
- H01L23/52—Arrangements for conducting electric current within the device in operation from one component to another, i.e. interconnections, e.g. wires, lead frames
- H01L23/522—Arrangements for conducting electric current within the device in operation from one component to another, i.e. interconnections, e.g. wires, lead frames including external interconnections consisting of a multilayer structure of conductive and insulating layers inseparably formed on the semiconductor body
- H01L23/5222—Capacitive arrangements or effects of, or between wiring layers
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L23/00—Details of semiconductor or other solid state devices
- H01L23/52—Arrangements for conducting electric current within the device in operation from one component to another, i.e. interconnections, e.g. wires, lead frames
- H01L23/522—Arrangements for conducting electric current within the device in operation from one component to another, i.e. interconnections, e.g. wires, lead frames including external interconnections consisting of a multilayer structure of conductive and insulating layers inseparably formed on the semiconductor body
- H01L23/525—Arrangements for conducting electric current within the device in operation from one component to another, i.e. interconnections, e.g. wires, lead frames including external interconnections consisting of a multilayer structure of conductive and insulating layers inseparably formed on the semiconductor body with adaptable interconnections
- H01L23/5256—Arrangements for conducting electric current within the device in operation from one component to another, i.e. interconnections, e.g. wires, lead frames including external interconnections consisting of a multilayer structure of conductive and insulating layers inseparably formed on the semiconductor body with adaptable interconnections comprising fuses, i.e. connections having their state changed from conductive to non-conductive
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L23/00—Details of semiconductor or other solid state devices
- H01L23/52—Arrangements for conducting electric current within the device in operation from one component to another, i.e. interconnections, e.g. wires, lead frames
- H01L23/522—Arrangements for conducting electric current within the device in operation from one component to another, i.e. interconnections, e.g. wires, lead frames including external interconnections consisting of a multilayer structure of conductive and insulating layers inseparably formed on the semiconductor body
- H01L23/525—Arrangements for conducting electric current within the device in operation from one component to another, i.e. interconnections, e.g. wires, lead frames including external interconnections consisting of a multilayer structure of conductive and insulating layers inseparably formed on the semiconductor body with adaptable interconnections
- H01L23/5256—Arrangements for conducting electric current within the device in operation from one component to another, i.e. interconnections, e.g. wires, lead frames including external interconnections consisting of a multilayer structure of conductive and insulating layers inseparably formed on the semiconductor body with adaptable interconnections comprising fuses, i.e. connections having their state changed from conductive to non-conductive
- H01L23/5258—Arrangements for conducting electric current within the device in operation from one component to another, i.e. interconnections, e.g. wires, lead frames including external interconnections consisting of a multilayer structure of conductive and insulating layers inseparably formed on the semiconductor body with adaptable interconnections comprising fuses, i.e. connections having their state changed from conductive to non-conductive the change of state resulting from the use of an external beam, e.g. laser beam or ion beam
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L23/00—Details of semiconductor or other solid state devices
- H01L23/58—Structural electrical arrangements for semiconductor devices not otherwise provided for, e.g. in combination with batteries
- H01L23/64—Impedance arrangements
- H01L23/66—High-frequency adaptations
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L2924/00—Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
- H01L2924/0001—Technical content checked by a classifier
- H01L2924/0002—Not covered by any one of groups H01L24/00, H01L24/00 and H01L2224/00
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L2924/00—Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
- H01L2924/30—Technical effects
- H01L2924/301—Electrical effects
- H01L2924/3011—Impedance
Definitions
- the invention relates to integrated circuit devices, and more particularly, to fusible link devices in semiconductor integrated circuits in which the laser fuse is made in the poly-Si level, as opposed to the metal level, which can be placed in oxide.
- Programmable links are electrical interconnects which are broken or created at selected electronic nodes by the end user after the integrated circuit device has been fabricated in order to activate or deactivate the selected electronic nodes.
- programmable links are used widely in programmable read-only memory devices (PROMs).
- PROMs programmable read-only memory devices
- the fusible link Upon obtaining a PROM device, typically it will consist of an X-Y lattice of conductors or semiconductors. The lattice comprises a cross-over point of a conducting link, which is referred to as a fusible link, that connects a transistor to this lattice network.
- the fusible link is blown at selected nodes to create an open circuit.
- the combination of blown and unblown links constitutes a digital bit pattern of ones and zeros that constitute data which the user stores in the PROM.
- fusible link PROM systems Some of the key disadvantages of fusible link PROM systems is that, because of the nature of the conducting material in the link, high voltage and high current levels are usually needed during programming in order to complete blowing of the fusible link. Because the link is relatively high in conductance, it requires a considerable amount of power dissipation to blow it. Further, the size and shape of the fusible link must be exacting so that the link will function effectively as a conductor if it is not blown and be a completely open circuit if it is blown.
- a second type of programmable link has also been utilized frequently.
- the second type of programmable link is referred to as an anti-fuse link, and enjoys considerable use in integrated circuit applications.
- the programming mechanism instead of the programming mechanism causing an open circuit as is the case with fusible links, the programming mechanism creates a short circuit or low resistance link.
- the anti-fuse link consists of two conductor and/or semiconductor materials with a dielectric or insulating material between them. During programming, the insulating or dielectric material at selected points in between the conductive material is broken down by a predetermined applied voltage to electrically connect the conducting or semiconducting materials together.
- a silicide agglomeration fuse device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,708,291.
- the fusible link device is disposed on a semiconductor substrate and comprises:
- a silicide layer formed on the polysilicon layer having a second resistance lower than the first resistance, the silicide layer agglomerating to form an electrical discontinuity in response to a predetermined programming potential being applied across the silicide layer, such that the resistance of the fusible link device can be selectively increased and;
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,969,404 disclose a fusible link device on a semiconductor substrate for providing discretionary electrical connections.
- the fusible link device has a first un-programmed resistance and includes a polysilicon layer and a silicide layer.
- the silicide layer is formed on the polysilicon layer, and agglomerates to form an electrical discontinuity in response to a predetermined programming potential being applied across the silicide layer, such that the resistance of the fusible link device can be selectively increased to a second programmed resistance.
- a polysilicon fuse array structure for integrated circuits is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,968.
- the semiconductor structure comprises:
- a polysilicon strip connecting the first and second electrical conductors and forming a fuse between the first and second electrical conductors, the polysilicon strip including a narrow middle section, whereby the fuse will be opened by a current which is passed from the first electrical conductor through the polysilicon strip into the second electrical conductor;
- a second patterned signal layer electrically separated from the first patterned signal layer, the second electrical conductor residing in the second patterned signal layer.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,104,079 disclose closely pitched polysilicon fuses and a method for making the same.
- tungsten barriers are formed adjacent to the fuse elements and the tungsten barriers are made compatible with the process to form a crack stop.
- the tungsten is stacked at the via level on top of the tungsten at the contact level in the crack stop, and the interlevel dielectric is used as a cover for the fuse. In this way, the tungsten fuse barrier process is made compatible with the polysilicon fuse crack stop process.
- An electrically global fuse in a reduced co-sectional area is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,222,244 B1.
- the semiconductor fuse is positioned between conductors for connecting at least two wiring lines.
- the fuse comprises spacers positioned on adjacent one's of the conductors, and the fuse element is positioned between the spacers and connected to the wiring lines.
- a space between the conductors comprises the first width comprising a smallest possible photolithographic width and the fuse element has a second width smaller than the first width. This fuse protects the semiconductor device from excessive voltage and/or current or selectively and permanently connect/disconnect semiconductor devices from one another.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,266,829 disclose an electrically programmable low-impedance, anti-fuse element. It consists of a capacitor-like structure having a first electrode and a second electrode with a dielectric layer in between, characterized by a high impedance and very low leakage current before programming and a low-resistance after programming. A plurality of these anti-fuses is disposed in a semiconductor integrated circuit, and maybe selectively blown to create low impedance interconnects at selected locations within the integrated circuit. The anti-fuses may be blown either before or after packaging of the integrated circuit die.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,882,998 disclose a low power programmable fuse structure and method of making the same.
- the method comprises:
- forming a silicide metal over the doped polysilicon strip such that a thinner layer of the silicide metal is formed over the increased dopant concentration region and a thicker layer of the silicide metal is formed over other regions of the doped polysilicon strip.
- One object of the present invention is to provide programmable fuses in integrated circuits that reduce the damage to interlevel dielectrics and neighboring structures by avoiding using fuses in the final metal level (which may be placed in oxide), and where some damage to the structure still occurs.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide programmable fuse links for use in integrated circuits that, unlike all currently known methods of programming, are free from physical damage to the structure.
- a further object of the present invention is to provide programmable fuses for use in integrated circuits that utilize less energy in comparison to ablation or melting techniques, and that reduces the pitch and damage to nearby structures upon programming.
- a yet further object of the present invention is to provide programmable fuses for use in integrated circuits that are capable of being programmed by optical means, of shorter wavelengths, and thereby reducing the focal spot size of the optical beam that lead to reduced pitch, but which also lends itself to being electrically programmed as well as optically programmed.
- FIG. 1 is a microphotograph of a fuse link of the prior art in which there are metal lines on oxide/low dielectric constant materials, and in which there is a splatter.
- FIG. 2 is a microphotograph of a fuse link of the prior art in which there is a metal line on oxide/low-dielectric constant materials, and in which there is a crack.
- FIG. 3 is a microphotograph of the silicided polysilicon based fuse of the invention after programming.
- FIG. 4 shows a top view of a microphotograph of a fusible link device of the present invention comprising a large array structure of an eFuse bank in which silicided poly-Si lines are programmed by a thick-oxide.
- FIG. 5 shows a top view of a microphotograph of a single fusible link device of the present invention comprising an eFuse in which silicided Poly-Si lines are programmed by a thick-oxide.
- FIG. 1 shows a microphotograph of a fuse link, wherein metal lines on oxide/low dielectric constant materials evidence a splatter formed by the high energy needed to program this fuse.
- a still further disadvantage in addition to the splatter created from high energy when programming the prior art fuse link is that cracks 11 are created upon programming, as can be seen in the microphotograph of FIG. 2.
- FIG. 3 The invention silicided polysilicon based fuse device that may be programmed either optically or electrically is shown in FIG. 3.
- FIG. 3 which comprises a top view as well as a cross sectional side view of the silicided polysilicon based fuse device, there is a silicon substrate 20 with an insulating layer 21 disposed above.
- the fuse device section FDS is disposed on the insulating layer 21 , as a part of a larger integrated circuit device.
- the polysilicon layer 22 may be doped p-type; however, other embodiments or configurations may include other types of doping including n-type or the formation of p-n junctions in the polysilicon layer 22 .
- the fuse device section FDS includes a Cobalt silicide (CoSi 2 ) layer 23 disposed on the polysilicon layer 22 , and a transparent passivation layer 24 on the CoSi 2 layer 23 .
- the fuse device section FDS is characterized by a resistance in the silicided polysilicon before it is programmed or blown. As may be seen from FIG. 3, in the programmed state, the higher resistance is obtained because of the removal of the CoSi 2 in some regions. It is apparent that the fuse link has not been physically ruptured in order to achieve this higher resistance state. Furthermore, the passivation layer 24 is unperturbed during the entire process.
- the SiN layer functions as an encapsulation or barrier layer, which while allowing the transmission of optical energy, allows for the change in the resistance of the silicided polysilicon layer without rupturing this layer.
- CoSi 2 is preferred as the silicide
- other silicides such as titanium, tungsten, or platinum silicides are equally operable.
- SiN is the preferred encapsultation layer; however, any transparent, encapsulation or barrier layer will suffice.
- FIG. 4 shows a microphotograph of the present invention structure comprising a large array of fuse links, showing silicided poly-Si links that are programmed.
- the programming in this embodiment is done at about 3.3V and about 10 mA for about 200 microseconds, whereupon current is caused to flow between contacts 30 as shown in FIG. 5.
- the current flows through the fuse link to affect a change in the resistance of the fuse link, without rupturing the link 31 .
- the basic resistivity fuse link is changed.
- the silicided polysilicon based fuse device of the invention may be programmed by the application of optical energy in the visible and NIR (near infrared) range realizing the increased local resistivity, again without any rupture. Further, there is no absorption in the inter-level dielectrics, oxide and nitride.
- the novel inventive structure removes the disadvantages of metal-link laser fuses, provides flexibility in product choice and test flow, and allows programming by either laser or electrical means, and in so doing, induces a large resistance change in excess of 10 5 ohms, without rupture of the link.
Abstract
A silicided polysilicon based fuse device that is programmable by optical and electrical energy in the polysilicon layer without damage to nearby structures, comprising:
a Si substrate;
an insulating layer disposed on the substrate; and
a fuse device section comprising poly-Si/a silicide/ and a barrier layer, the fuse device section forming an electrical discontinuity in the poly Si layer in response to an electrical pulse or an optical pulse applied to it.
Description
- 1. Field of Invention
- The invention relates to integrated circuit devices, and more particularly, to fusible link devices in semiconductor integrated circuits in which the laser fuse is made in the poly-Si level, as opposed to the metal level, which can be placed in oxide.
- 2. The Prior Art
- In general, today, integrated circuits are made with internal connections that are set during manufacturing; however, due to high development costs, lengthy lead times, and the high tooling costs of these circuits, the end user prefers circuits which can be programmed in the field. These circuits are typically referred to as programmable circuits since they usually contain programmable links.
- Programmable links are electrical interconnects which are broken or created at selected electronic nodes by the end user after the integrated circuit device has been fabricated in order to activate or deactivate the selected electronic nodes.
- As a case in point, programmable links are used widely in programmable read-only memory devices (PROMs). In this connection, it is pointed out that the most common form of programmable link is the fusible link. Upon obtaining a PROM device, typically it will consist of an X-Y lattice of conductors or semiconductors. The lattice comprises a cross-over point of a conducting link, which is referred to as a fusible link, that connects a transistor to this lattice network. To program the PROM, the fusible link is blown at selected nodes to create an open circuit. The combination of blown and unblown links constitutes a digital bit pattern of ones and zeros that constitute data which the user stores in the PROM.
- Some of the key disadvantages of fusible link PROM systems is that, because of the nature of the conducting material in the link, high voltage and high current levels are usually needed during programming in order to complete blowing of the fusible link. Because the link is relatively high in conductance, it requires a considerable amount of power dissipation to blow it. Further, the size and shape of the fusible link must be exacting so that the link will function effectively as a conductor if it is not blown and be a completely open circuit if it is blown.
- A second type of programmable link has also been utilized frequently. The second type of programmable link is referred to as an anti-fuse link, and enjoys considerable use in integrated circuit applications. In the anti-fuse link, instead of the programming mechanism causing an open circuit as is the case with fusible links, the programming mechanism creates a short circuit or low resistance link. The anti-fuse link consists of two conductor and/or semiconductor materials with a dielectric or insulating material between them. During programming, the insulating or dielectric material at selected points in between the conductive material is broken down by a predetermined applied voltage to electrically connect the conducting or semiconducting materials together.
- A silicide agglomeration fuse device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,708,291. The fusible link device is disposed on a semiconductor substrate and comprises:
- a polysilicon layer having a first resistance;
- a silicide layer formed on the polysilicon layer, the silicide layer having a second resistance lower than the first resistance, the silicide layer agglomerating to form an electrical discontinuity in response to a predetermined programming potential being applied across the silicide layer, such that the resistance of the fusible link device can be selectively increased and;
- nine contacts electrically coupled to either end of the silicide layer for receiving the programming potential.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,969,404 disclose a fusible link device on a semiconductor substrate for providing discretionary electrical connections. The fusible link device has a first un-programmed resistance and includes a polysilicon layer and a silicide layer. The silicide layer is formed on the polysilicon layer, and agglomerates to form an electrical discontinuity in response to a predetermined programming potential being applied across the silicide layer, such that the resistance of the fusible link device can be selectively increased to a second programmed resistance.
- A polysilicon fuse array structure for integrated circuits is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,968. The semiconductor structure comprises:
- a first electrical conductor;
- a second electrical conductor electrically separated from the first electrical conductor;
- a polysilicon strip connecting the first and second electrical conductors and forming a fuse between the first and second electrical conductors, the polysilicon strip including a narrow middle section, whereby the fuse will be opened by a current which is passed from the first electrical conductor through the polysilicon strip into the second electrical conductor;
- a first patterned signal layer, the first electrical conductor and the polysilicon strip residing in the first patterned signal layer; and
- a second patterned signal layer electrically separated from the first patterned signal layer, the second electrical conductor residing in the second patterned signal layer.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,104,079 disclose closely pitched polysilicon fuses and a method for making the same. In the method for decreasing the pitch of polysilicon fuses tungsten barriers are formed adjacent to the fuse elements and the tungsten barriers are made compatible with the process to form a crack stop. The tungsten is stacked at the via level on top of the tungsten at the contact level in the crack stop, and the interlevel dielectric is used as a cover for the fuse. In this way, the tungsten fuse barrier process is made compatible with the polysilicon fuse crack stop process.
- An electrically global fuse in a reduced co-sectional area is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,222,244 B1. The semiconductor fuse is positioned between conductors for connecting at least two wiring lines. The fuse comprises spacers positioned on adjacent one's of the conductors, and the fuse element is positioned between the spacers and connected to the wiring lines. A space between the conductors comprises the first width comprising a smallest possible photolithographic width and the fuse element has a second width smaller than the first width. This fuse protects the semiconductor device from excessive voltage and/or current or selectively and permanently connect/disconnect semiconductor devices from one another.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,266,829 disclose an electrically programmable low-impedance, anti-fuse element. It consists of a capacitor-like structure having a first electrode and a second electrode with a dielectric layer in between, characterized by a high impedance and very low leakage current before programming and a low-resistance after programming. A plurality of these anti-fuses is disposed in a semiconductor integrated circuit, and maybe selectively blown to create low impedance interconnects at selected locations within the integrated circuit. The anti-fuses may be blown either before or after packaging of the integrated circuit die.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,882,998 disclose a low power programmable fuse structure and method of making the same.
- The method comprises:
- providing a substrate having a filed oxide region;
- forming a mask over the doped polysilicon strip such that a window exposing the doped polysilicon strip is defined at about the center of the doped polysilicon strip;
- applying an increased implant dose over the mask and the exposed doped polysilicon strip lying within the window to produce an increased dopant concentration region in the doped polysilicon strip, the increased implant dose being between about 3.1015 cm−2 and about 6×1015 atoms cm−2; and
- forming a silicide metal over the doped polysilicon strip such that a thinner layer of the silicide metal is formed over the increased dopant concentration region and a thicker layer of the silicide metal is formed over other regions of the doped polysilicon strip.
- There is a need in the art of utilizing programmable fuses in integrated circuits to reduce the damage to SILK by other than the current method of using fuses in the final metal level which may be placed in oxide, and wherein some damage to the structure still results.
- There is a further need in the art of providing programmable fuse links for use in integrated circuits to alleviate physical damage to the structure, as is typically the case when the fuses are electrically programmed.
- There is a further need in the art of providing programmable fuses for use in integrated circuits to be able to utilize less energy when compared to ablation or melting, and to reduce the pitch and damage to nearby structures.
- Finally, there is a need in the art of providing programmable fuses for use in integrated circuits to eliminate refractory metals that are normally needed as liners for poly-Si lines, to be able to use shorter wavelengths, and thereby tighter focal spots that lead to reduced pitch, but which also lends itself to being electrically programmed (and thereby provide the improved flexibility of affecting programming with either optical energy or electrical energy).
- One object of the present invention is to provide programmable fuses in integrated circuits that reduce the damage to interlevel dielectrics and neighboring structures by avoiding using fuses in the final metal level (which may be placed in oxide), and where some damage to the structure still occurs.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide programmable fuse links for use in integrated circuits that, unlike all currently known methods of programming, are free from physical damage to the structure.
- A further object of the present invention is to provide programmable fuses for use in integrated circuits that utilize less energy in comparison to ablation or melting techniques, and that reduces the pitch and damage to nearby structures upon programming.
- A yet further object of the present invention is to provide programmable fuses for use in integrated circuits that are capable of being programmed by optical means, of shorter wavelengths, and thereby reducing the focal spot size of the optical beam that lead to reduced pitch, but which also lends itself to being electrically programmed as well as optically programmed.
- FIG. 1 is a microphotograph of a fuse link of the prior art in which there are metal lines on oxide/low dielectric constant materials, and in which there is a splatter.
- FIG. 2 is a microphotograph of a fuse link of the prior art in which there is a metal line on oxide/low-dielectric constant materials, and in which there is a crack.
- FIG. 3 is a microphotograph of the silicided polysilicon based fuse of the invention after programming.
- FIG. 4 shows a top view of a microphotograph of a fusible link device of the present invention comprising a large array structure of an eFuse bank in which silicided poly-Si lines are programmed by a thick-oxide.
- FIG. 5 shows a top view of a microphotograph of a single fusible link device of the present invention comprising an eFuse in which silicided Poly-Si lines are programmed by a thick-oxide.
- Reference is now made to FIG. 1 which shows a microphotograph of a fuse link, wherein metal lines on oxide/low dielectric constant materials evidence a splatter formed by the high energy needed to program this fuse. When programming similar fuse links found in the prior art, a large pitch is needed and this is another disadvantage attendant to the use of this fuse link. Further disadvantages associated with the large pitch that is needed for programming in the prior art fuse link is the damage caused to the layers beneath the fuse, and that the fuses are isolated in a fuse box (and this causes an area penalty). Additionally, there are complications in back-end integration—such as flip chip bonding—when utilizing this prior art poly-Si based fuse link.
- A still further disadvantage in addition to the splatter created from high energy when programming the prior art fuse link is that
cracks 11 are created upon programming, as can be seen in the microphotograph of FIG. 2. - The invention silicided polysilicon based fuse device that may be programmed either optically or electrically is shown in FIG. 3. In this figure, which comprises a top view as well as a cross sectional side view of the silicided polysilicon based fuse device, there is a silicon substrate20 with an insulating
layer 21 disposed above. In this embodiment of the fuse device, the fuse device section FDS is disposed on the insulatinglayer 21, as a part of a larger integrated circuit device. The polysilicon layer 22 may be doped p-type; however, other embodiments or configurations may include other types of doping including n-type or the formation of p-n junctions in the polysilicon layer 22. The fuse device section FDS includes a Cobalt silicide (CoSi2) layer 23 disposed on the polysilicon layer 22, and atransparent passivation layer 24 on the CoSi2 layer 23. In operation, the fuse device section FDS is characterized by a resistance in the silicided polysilicon before it is programmed or blown. As may be seen from FIG. 3, in the programmed state, the higher resistance is obtained because of the removal of the CoSi2 in some regions. It is apparent that the fuse link has not been physically ruptured in order to achieve this higher resistance state. Furthermore, thepassivation layer 24 is unperturbed during the entire process. - It is believed that any dopants in the polysilicon that may contribute to any residual conduction have also rendered inactive due to programming. The SiN layer functions as an encapsulation or barrier layer, which while allowing the transmission of optical energy, allows for the change in the resistance of the silicided polysilicon layer without rupturing this layer.
- In the context of the invention, while CoSi2 is preferred as the silicide, other silicides such as titanium, tungsten, or platinum silicides are equally operable. Also, in the context of the invention the SiN is the preferred encapsultation layer; however, any transparent, encapsulation or barrier layer will suffice.
- FIG. 4 shows a microphotograph of the present invention structure comprising a large array of fuse links, showing silicided poly-Si links that are programmed. Preferably, the programming in this embodiment is done at about 3.3V and about 10 mA for about 200 microseconds, whereupon current is caused to flow between
contacts 30 as shown in FIG. 5. The current flows through the fuse link to affect a change in the resistance of the fuse link, without rupturing thelink 31. In other words, the basic resistivity fuse link is changed. The silicided polysilicon based fuse device of the invention may be programmed by the application of optical energy in the visible and NIR (near infrared) range realizing the increased local resistivity, again without any rupture. Further, there is no absorption in the inter-level dielectrics, oxide and nitride. - The novel inventive structure removes the disadvantages of metal-link laser fuses, provides flexibility in product choice and test flow, and allows programming by either laser or electrical means, and in so doing, induces a large resistance change in excess of 105 ohms, without rupture of the link.
Claims (18)
1. A silicided polysilicon based fuse device that is programmable by optical and electrical energy in the polysilicon layer without damage to nearby structures, comprising:
a Si substrate;
an insulating layer disposed on said substrate; and
a fuse device section comprising poly Si/a silicide/and a barrier layer, said fuse device section showing a local increase in its resistance due to the application of an electrical pulse applied across it or by the application of an optical beam over it.
2. The silicided Poly silicon based fuse device of claim 1 wherein said barrier layer is SiN.
3. The silicided Poly silicon based fuse device of claim 1 wherein said insulating layer silicon dioxide.
4. The silicided Poly silicon based fuse device of claim 3 wherein said insulating layer is silicon nitride.
5. The silicided Poly silicon based fuse device of claim 1 wherein said silicide is selected from the group consisting of cobalt silicide, titanium silicide, tantalum silicide and platinum silicide.
6. The silicided poly silicon based fuse device of claim 3 , wherein said silicide is cobalt silicide.
7. The silicided Poly silicon based fuse device of claim 3 wherein said silicide is titanium silicide.
8. The silicided Poly silicon based fuse device of claim 3 wherein said silicide is tungsten silicide.
9. The silicided Poly silicon based fuse device of claim 3 , wherein said silicide is tantalum silicide.
10. The silicided Poly silicon based fuse device of claim 3 , wherein said silicide is platinum silicide.
11. The silicided Poly silicon based fuse device of claim 2 , wherein said silicide is selected from the group consisting of cobalt silicide, titanium silicide, tungsten silicide, titanium silicide and platinum silicide.
12. The silicided Poly silicon based fuse device of claim 11 , wherein said silicide is cobalt silicide.
13. The silicided Poly silicon based fuse device of claim 11 , wherein said silicide is titanium silicide.
14. The silicided Poly silicon based fuse device of claim 11 , wherein said silicide is tungsten silicide.
15. The silicided Poly silicon based fuse device of claim 11 , wherein said silicide is tantalum silicide.
16. The silicided Poly silicon based fuse device of claim 11 , wherein said silicide is platinum silicide
17. The silicided Poly silicon based fuse device of claim 11 , wherein the programming potential is about 3.3V.
18. The silicided Poly silicon based fuse device of claim 11 , wherein the programming is by an optical beam.
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/921,136 US20030025177A1 (en) | 2001-08-03 | 2001-08-03 | Optically and electrically programmable silicided polysilicon fuse device |
CNA028167856A CN1547773A (en) | 2001-08-03 | 2002-08-02 | Optically and electrically programmable silicided polysilicon fuse device |
PCT/EP2002/008647 WO2003015168A1 (en) | 2001-08-03 | 2002-08-02 | Optically and electrically programmable silicided polysilicon fuse device |
TW091117508A TW561604B (en) | 2001-08-03 | 2002-08-02 | Optically and electrically programmable silicided polysilicon fuse device |
EP02751171A EP1412981A1 (en) | 2001-08-03 | 2002-08-02 | Optically and electrically programmable silicided polysilicon fuse device |
US10/669,026 US7029955B2 (en) | 2001-08-03 | 2003-09-23 | Optically and electrically programmable silicided polysilicon fuse device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/921,136 US20030025177A1 (en) | 2001-08-03 | 2001-08-03 | Optically and electrically programmable silicided polysilicon fuse device |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/669,026 Continuation US7029955B2 (en) | 2001-08-03 | 2003-09-23 | Optically and electrically programmable silicided polysilicon fuse device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20030025177A1 true US20030025177A1 (en) | 2003-02-06 |
Family
ID=25444962
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/921,136 Abandoned US20030025177A1 (en) | 2001-08-03 | 2001-08-03 | Optically and electrically programmable silicided polysilicon fuse device |
US10/669,026 Expired - Fee Related US7029955B2 (en) | 2001-08-03 | 2003-09-23 | Optically and electrically programmable silicided polysilicon fuse device |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/669,026 Expired - Fee Related US7029955B2 (en) | 2001-08-03 | 2003-09-23 | Optically and electrically programmable silicided polysilicon fuse device |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20030025177A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1412981A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1547773A (en) |
TW (1) | TW561604B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2003015168A1 (en) |
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US20050093091A1 (en) * | 2003-11-04 | 2005-05-05 | International Business Machines Corporation | Structure and programming of laser fuse |
US20050121741A1 (en) * | 2003-12-03 | 2005-06-09 | Voldman Steven H. | Apparatus and method for electronic fuse with improved ESD tolerance |
US20050122204A1 (en) * | 2003-12-03 | 2005-06-09 | International Business Machines Corporation | Apparatus and method for electronic fuse with improved esd tolerance |
US20050145982A1 (en) * | 2004-01-05 | 2005-07-07 | Victorio Chavarria | Integrated fuse for multilayered structure |
US20070111403A1 (en) * | 2005-11-15 | 2007-05-17 | Chun Jiang | Polycide fuse with reduced programming time |
US20090051002A1 (en) * | 2007-08-22 | 2009-02-26 | International Business Machines Corporation | Electrical fuse having a thin fuselink |
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WO2004100271A1 (en) * | 2003-04-11 | 2004-11-18 | International Business Machines Corporation | Programmable semiconductor device |
US7857510B2 (en) * | 2003-11-08 | 2010-12-28 | Carl F Liepold | Temperature sensing circuit |
CN1324679C (en) * | 2004-11-24 | 2007-07-04 | 联华电子股份有限公司 | Utilization of electric silicon fuse assembly |
US20060267136A1 (en) * | 2005-05-24 | 2006-11-30 | International Business Machines Corporation | Integrated circuit (ic) with on-chip programmable fuses |
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-
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- 2001-08-03 US US09/921,136 patent/US20030025177A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2002
- 2002-08-02 EP EP02751171A patent/EP1412981A1/en not_active Ceased
- 2002-08-02 WO PCT/EP2002/008647 patent/WO2003015168A1/en active Application Filing
- 2002-08-02 TW TW091117508A patent/TW561604B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2002-08-02 CN CNA028167856A patent/CN1547773A/en active Pending
-
2003
- 2003-09-23 US US10/669,026 patent/US7029955B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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US7384824B2 (en) | 2003-11-04 | 2008-06-10 | International Business Machines Corporation | Structure and programming of laser fuse |
US20050093091A1 (en) * | 2003-11-04 | 2005-05-05 | International Business Machines Corporation | Structure and programming of laser fuse |
US20060145291A1 (en) * | 2003-11-04 | 2006-07-06 | International Business Machines Corporation | Structure and programming of laser fuse |
US7106164B2 (en) | 2003-12-03 | 2006-09-12 | International Business Machines Corporation | Apparatus and method for electronic fuse with improved ESD tolerance |
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US20050122204A1 (en) * | 2003-12-03 | 2005-06-09 | International Business Machines Corporation | Apparatus and method for electronic fuse with improved esd tolerance |
US20080254609A1 (en) * | 2003-12-03 | 2008-10-16 | International Business Machines Corporation | Apparatus and method for electronic fuse with improved esd tolerance |
US7943437B2 (en) | 2003-12-03 | 2011-05-17 | International Business Machines Corporation | Apparatus and method for electronic fuse with improved ESD tolerance |
US20050121741A1 (en) * | 2003-12-03 | 2005-06-09 | Voldman Steven H. | Apparatus and method for electronic fuse with improved ESD tolerance |
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US20050145982A1 (en) * | 2004-01-05 | 2005-07-07 | Victorio Chavarria | Integrated fuse for multilayered structure |
US20070111403A1 (en) * | 2005-11-15 | 2007-05-17 | Chun Jiang | Polycide fuse with reduced programming time |
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US7759766B2 (en) | 2007-08-22 | 2010-07-20 | International Business Machines Corporation | Electrical fuse having a thin fuselink |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1412981A1 (en) | 2004-04-28 |
US7029955B2 (en) | 2006-04-18 |
US20040056325A1 (en) | 2004-03-25 |
TW561604B (en) | 2003-11-11 |
CN1547773A (en) | 2004-11-17 |
WO2003015168A1 (en) | 2003-02-20 |
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Legal Events
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