Patent ID: 7651913
Filing Date: 2010-01-26
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method of forming a non-volatile memory (NVM) structure in a semiconductor substrate having a first conductivity type, the method comprising: forming spaced apart drain and source regions in the semiconductor substrate, the drain and source regions having a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type and defining a substrate channel region therebetween; forming a layer of gate dielectric material over the substrate channel region; forming a polysilicon floating gate having a first portion formed on the gate dielectric material and over the substrate channel region; forming a control gate diffusion region in the semiconductor substrate and overlapped by a second portion of the polysilicon floating gate with silicon oxide formed between the control gate diffusion region and the second portion of the polysilicon floating gate; forming a conductive protective shield over the floating gate electrode and separated therefrom by intervening dielectric material; and forming a conductive interconnect element to electrically connect the conductive protective shield and the control gate diffusion region.