Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
149 words
A method for producing a bipolar transistor in which a base region (9) is formed in a semiconductor body, an emitter region (17) is formed in the base region, and electrodes (23,24,25) and conductor lines are formed, characterised by the steps of forming a semiconductor layer (10) on an anti-oxidation masking layer (8) placed on the base region (9); selectively etching the semiconductor layer (10) to form a first opening (11) for defining an emitter region and a second opening (12) for a base electrode; introducing impurities into the base region (9) through the first opening (11) to form the emitter region (17); converting the semiconductor layer (10) into an oxide layer (19); selectively etching the anti-oxidation masking layer (6) by using the oxide layer (19) as a mask to form an emitter electrode opening (20) and a base electrode opening (21); and forming electrodes (23,24,25) and conductor lines.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
149 words
A method for producing a bipolar transistor in which a base region (9) is formed in a semiconductor body, an emitter region (17) is formed in the base region, and electrodes (23,24,25) and conductor lines are formed, characterised by the steps of forming a semiconductor layer (10) on an anti-oxidation masking layer (8) placed on the base region (9); selectively etching the semiconductor layer (10) to form a first opening (11) for defining an emitter region and a second opening (12) for a base electrode; introducing impurities into the base region (9) through the first opening (11) to form the emitter region (17); converting the semiconductor layer (10) into an oxide layer (19); selectively etching the anti-oxidation masking layer (6) by using the oxide layer (19) as a mask to form an emitter electrode opening (20) and a base electrode opening (21); and forming electrodes (23,24,25) and conductor lines.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to Claim 1, characterised in that the semiconductor body (1) comprises a semiconductor substrate (2) and an epitaxial layer (3) thereon.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterised in that the semiconductor layer (10) comprises polycrystalline silicon.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
35 words
A method according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the anti-oxidation masking layer (8) is formed by depositing silicon nitride on the surface of the base region (9) by a chemical vapour deposition process.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
31 words
A method according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the anti-oxidation masking layer (8) is formed by thermally nitriding the surface of the base region (9) of the semiconductor body.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
30 words
A method according to any preceding claim, characterised in that in the converting step the semiconductor layer (10) is thermally oxidized to form the oxide layer (19) of silicon dioxide.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
A bipolar transistor produced by a method according to any preceding claim.