Embedded DRAM with noise protecting shielding conductor
First Claim
1. A dynamic random access memory (DRAM) segment embedded in a system level integrated circuit (SLIC) having a plurality of layers of metal conductors, the DRAM segment comprising a plurality of memory cells formed in a matrix, each memory cell including a charge storage capacitor to establish a data bit signal from each cell, said DRAM segment further comprising:
- a shielding conductor formed above and spaced from the matrix of memory cells to shield the memory cells from noise signals;
means for connecting the shielding conductor to one of a reference or potential source; and
some of the metal conductors are positioned in at least one layer spaced on an opposite side of the shielding conductor from the memory cells.
12 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A shielding conductor is spaced from a matrix of memory cells in a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) to shield the memory cells from noise signals, such as the noise created by components of a system level integrated circuit (SLIC). The shielding conductor is connected to one of a reference or potential source, preferably external to the DRAM segment. The shielding conductor distributes the effect of noise and maintains a uniform reference potential with respect to the DRAM components with which it overlays or connects. The shielding conductor comprises a plurality of connected intersecting conductors which form a mesh which overlays substantially the entire matrix. The mesh is connected to components, such as an isolating well or a capacitor reference potential conductor, at a plurality of spaced-apart locations over the entire matrix. The shielding conductor may also be a single integral conductor which overlays the entire matrix, including the bit and word lines.
28 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A dynamic random access memory (DRAM) segment embedded in a system level integrated circuit (SLIC) having a plurality of layers of metal conductors, the DRAM segment comprising a plurality of memory cells formed in a matrix, each memory cell including a charge storage capacitor to establish a data bit signal from each cell, said DRAM segment further comprising:
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a shielding conductor formed above and spaced from the matrix of memory cells to shield the memory cells from noise signals; means for connecting the shielding conductor to one of a reference or potential source; and some of the metal conductors are positioned in at least one layer spaced on an opposite side of the shielding conductor from the memory cells. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A dynamic random access memory (DRAM) segment comprising a plurality of memory cells formed in a matrix, each memory cell including a charge storage capacitor to establish a data bit signal from each cell, said DRAM segment further comprising:
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a shielding conductor spaced from the matrix of memory cells to shield the memory cells from noise signals, means for connecting the shielding conductor to one of a reference or potential source, and each memory cell includes a capacitor and a transistor connected to conduct charge to and conduct charge from the memory cell capacitor, and the memory cell capacitor includes an oxide dielectric material which is formed between plates of the capacitor and simultaneously with a gate of the transistor.
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19. A dynamic random access memory (DRAM) segment embedded in a system level integrated circuit (SLIC), the SLIC includes a plurality of layers of metal conductors, the DRAM segment comprising a plurality of memory cells formed in a matrix, each memory cell including a charge storage capacitor to establish a data bit signal from each cell, each memory cell further comprising a word line and at least one bit line connected to the memory cell, said DRAM segment further comprising:
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a mesh of shielding conductors spaced above, positioned over and covering substantially the entire matrix of memory cells, bit lines and word lines, the mesh comprising a plurality of individual shielding conductors which intersect with and connect to one another; and means for connecting the mesh to one of a reference or potential source; and
wherein;the mesh is further positioned beneath at least one layer of metal conductors of the SLIC to shield the memory cells and bit and word lines from noise signals induced by signals conducted in the metal conductors of the SLIC.
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20. A dynamic random access memory (DRAM) segment embedded in a system level integrated circuit (SLIC), the SLIC includes a plurality of layers of metal conductors, the DRAM segment comprising a plurality of memory cells formed in a matrix, each memory cell including a charge storage capacitor to establish a data bit signal from each cell, each memory cell further comprising a word line and at least one bit line connected to the memory cell, said DRAM segment further comprising:
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a single integral shielding conductor spaced above, positioned over and substantially covering the entire matrix of memory cells and bit and word lines; and means for connecting the shielding conductor to one of a reference or potential source; and
wherein;the shielding conductor is further positioned beneath at least one layer of metal conductors of the SLIC to shield the memory cells and bit and word lines from noise signals induced by the signals conducted in the metal conductors of the SLIC.
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Specification