Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
162 words
A merged transistor-diode integrated circuit structure in a body of semiconductor material having a substantially planar upper surface, the structure comprising: a collector region of first conductivity type; a base region of opposite conductivity type in contact with the collector, the base region having a first portion extending along the substantially planar upper surface and extending into the semiconductor material a first distance, and having a second portion extending into the semiconductor material a second distance greater than the first distance; an emitter region of first conductivity type inset into the second portion of the base region; and an electrically conductive region inset into the substantially planar surface of the body, surrounded by and extending completely through the first portion of the base region to the collector region, the electrically conductive region being in electrical contact with both the first portion of the base region and the collector region, thereby forming a diode connected between the collector region and the base region.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
162 words
A merged transistor-diode integrated circuit structure in a body of semiconductor material having a substantially planar upper surface, the structure comprising: a collector region of first conductivity type; a base region of opposite conductivity type in contact with the collector, the base region having a first portion extending along the substantially planar upper surface and extending into the semiconductor material a first distance, and having a second portion extending into the semiconductor material a second distance greater than the first distance; an emitter region of first conductivity type inset into the second portion of the base region; and an electrically conductive region inset into the substantially planar surface of the body, surrounded by and extending completely through the first portion of the base region to the collector region, the electrically conductive region being in electrical contact with both the first portion of the base region and the collector region, thereby forming a diode connected between the collector region and the base region.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
150 words
A merged transistor-diode integrated circuit structure in a body of semiconductor material having a substantially planar upper surface, the structure comprising: a collector region of first conductivity type; an emitter region of first conductivity type inset into the body adjacent the planar surface; an intervening base region of opposite conductivity type disposed between the collector region and the emitter region, a first portion of the base region extending along the planar surface adjacent the emitter region; an electrically conductive region inset into the substantially planar surface of the body, surrounded by and extending completely through the first portion of the base region to the collector region, the electrically conductive region being in electrical contact with both the first portion of the base region and the collector region, thereby forming a diode connected between the collector region and the base region; and wherein the electrically conductive region comprises a metal silicide.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
150 words
A merged transistor-diode integrated circuit structure in a body of semiconductor material having a substantially planar upper surface, the structure comprising: a collector region of first conductivity type; an emitter region of first conductivity type inset into the body adjacent the planar surface; an intervening base region of opposite conductivity type disposed between the collector region and the emitter region, a first portion of the base region extending along the planar surface adjacent the emitter region; an electrically conductive region inset into the substantially planar surface of the body, surrounded by and extending completely through the first portion of the base region to the collector region, the electrically conductive region being in electrical contact with both the first portion of the base region and the collector region, thereby forming a diode connected between the collector region and the base region; and wherein the electrically conductive region comprises a metal silicide.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A structure as in claim 2 wherein an electrode is connected to the metal silicide to provide an ohmic electrical connection to the base region.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
A structure as in claim 3 wherein the metal silicide comprises tantalum-silicide.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
A structure as in claim 3 wherein the first conductivity type comprises N conductivity type.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
A structure as in claim 1 wherein the diode comprises a Schottky diode.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
A structure as in claim 6 further comprising a buried layer disposed beneath and in contact with the collector region.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
A structure as in claim 7 wherein an ohmic electrical contact is made to the collector region by providing an electrical connection to the buried layer.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
Structures in claim 8 wherein the buried layer is doped more strongly with first conductivity type than is the collector region.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
A structure as in claim 1 wherein the collector region comprises an epitaxial layer of semiconductor material.