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US5561624A
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Read-only-memory array with coding after metallization
Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp
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Filing: 1995-06-26
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Granted: 1996-10-01
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Expires: 2015-06-26
Abstract
Abstract A ROM array with coding after metallization comprises a plurality of first bit lines, a plurality of second bit lines, a plurality of third bit lines, a plurality of word lines, a plurality of first control lines, a plurality of second control lines and a plurality of selecting lines. Memory cells of the ROM array are formed by the intersection of the word lines and the first and second bit lines, wherein the word lines are polysilicon gates and the bit lines are drain/source diffusion regions. The third bit lines are metal lines above the first bit lines. The third bit lines are not wide enough to cover spacings between the first and second bit lines, thus exposing spaces for code implantation. The first and second control lines intersect the first and second bit lines to form a number of switches for controlling data reading paths to The memory cells. The positions and ON/OFF states of the switches are designed to provide at least two data reading paths to each memory cell. Thus, the sensing currents in the bit lines are increased and become more uniform.
Inventors
- 👤 Hsin-Li Chen
- 👤 Te-Sun Wu
- 👤 Kai-Chi Hsieh
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 09:14
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11C; G11C17/00; G11C17/08; G11C17/10; G11C17/12; G11C17/126; H; H10; H10B; H10B20/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
250 words
A bank structure of a ROM array on a semiconductor substrate, comprising: a plurality of first bit lines, formed by diffusion regions on the semiconductor substrate, extending in a first direction which is from a first side to a second side of the bank structure; a plurality of second bit lines, formed by diffusion regions on the semiconductor substrate, extending in the first direction between every two neighboring the first bit lines; a plurality of third bit lines, formed by metal lines on top of the first bit lines, extending in the first direction; wherein the third bit lines are not wide enough to overlap a spacing between each neighboring first and second bit lines; a plurality of word lines, extending in a second direction on the semiconductor substrate, intersecting the first and second bit lines to form a plurality of memory cells; a plurality of first control lines, extending in the second direction, intersecting even numbers of the first bit lines on the first side of the bank structure to form a plurality of switches, and intersecting the first bit lines on the second side of the ROM array to form a plurality of switches; and a plurality of second control lines, extending in the second direction, intersecting the first bit lines on the first side of the bank structure to form a plurality of switches, and intersecting odd numbers of the first bit lines on the second side of the bank structure to form a plurality of switches.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
250 words
A bank structure of a ROM array on a semiconductor substrate, comprising: a plurality of first bit lines, formed by diffusion regions on the semiconductor substrate, extending in a first direction which is from a first side to a second side of the bank structure; a plurality of second bit lines, formed by diffusion regions on the semiconductor substrate, extending in the first direction between every two neighboring the first bit lines; a plurality of third bit lines, formed by metal lines on top of the first bit lines, extending in the first direction; wherein the third bit lines are not wide enough to overlap a spacing between each neighboring first and second bit lines; a plurality of word lines, extending in a second direction on the semiconductor substrate, intersecting the first and second bit lines to form a plurality of memory cells; a plurality of first control lines, extending in the second direction, intersecting even numbers of the first bit lines on the first side of the bank structure to form a plurality of switches, and intersecting the first bit lines on the second side of the ROM array to form a plurality of switches; and a plurality of second control lines, extending in the second direction, intersecting the first bit lines on the first side of the bank structure to form a plurality of switches, and intersecting odd numbers of the first bit lines on the second side of the bank structure to form a plurality of switches.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The bank structure of claim 1, wherein the switches are transistors of which sources and drains are formed by the first and the second bit lines and gates are formed by the control lines.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The bank structure of claim 1, wherein the control lines consist essentially of polysilicon.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The bank structure of claim 1, wherein the memory cells are transistors of which sources and drains are formed by the first and the second bit lines and gates are formed by the word lines.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The bank structure of claim 1, wherein the word lines consist essentially of polysilicon.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The bank structure of claim 1, wherein the memory cells are coded by implanting ions into the spacing between the first and second bit lines after forming the third bit lines.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The bank structure of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of selecting lines extending in the second direction on the first and second side of the bank structure.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
The bank structure of claim 7, wherein: at least two data reading paths are formed to each the memory cell by the controlling of the selecting lines, the control lines and the word lines; and the sensing current is increased and made more uniform.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-10-01 | 2000-04-01 | 2000-10-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-10-01 | 2004-04-01 | 2004-10-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-10-01 | 2008-04-01 | 2008-10-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |