Semiconductor Memory Integration in Metal Wiring Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies face challenges in integrating high-density memory cells within metal wiring layers of semiconductor logic circuits, which is essential for efficient memory integration.

Innovation Solution

The integration of high-density memory arrays in semiconductor logic circuits involves stacking metal layers, a selector layer, and a memory layer, with bit lines and word lines, and locating these arrays in lower wiring layers to optimize space and functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If memory cells are integrated in metal wiring layers, then memory integration density is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory integration densityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nested doll by integrating memory cells within the metal wiring layer structure itself. The memory cell includes a first conductor pattern, second conductor pattern, and insulator pattern arranged in a nested configuration where conductive elements are positioned within the wiring layer framework, allowing memory functionality to be embedded within the existing metal interconnect structure without requiring separate dedicated memory regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from planar memory integration to three-dimensional stacking. Multiple memory cells are arranged in vertical stacks across multiple metal wiring layers, with bit lines extending vertically through multiple layers and word lines positioned at different heights. This vertical arrangement enables high-density memory integration by utilizing the third dimension (depth/layer stacking) rather than expanding horizontally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If high-density memory arrays are integrated, then area consumption is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechip area consumptionVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the memory array into multiple individual memory cells, each with its own bit line and word line connections. These segmented cells are distributed across multiple metal wiring layers rather than forming a single large monolithic memory structure. This segmentation allows for more manageable manufacturing processes and enables precise control of each cell's dimensions and positioning while achieving high overall density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by assigning different structural characteristics to different parts of the memory cell structure. The bit lines and word lines have specific thicknesses and spacing optimized for their local function, the insulator patterns have tailored dimensions to define cell boundaries precisely, and the conductor patterns have localized geometries that optimize electrical connectivity. This localized optimization allows high-density integration while maintaining manufacturability through standardized process parameters at each location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20250054522A1Semiconductor device including memory cells and method for manufacturing thereof
Publication Date: 2025.02.13 TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO LTD
  • US20250054522A1 patent drawing
  • US20250054522A1 patent drawing
  • US20250054522A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A semiconductor device includes logic circuitry including a transistor disposed over a substrate, multiple layers each including metal wiring layers and an interlayer dielectric layer, respectively, disposed over the logic circuitry, and memory arrays. The multiple layers of metal wiring include, in order closer to the substrate, first, second, third and fourth layers, and the memory arrays include lower multiple layers disposed in the third layer.