Patent ID: 6576487
Filing Date: 2003-06-10
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A method of characterizing a first shallow trench isolation process, comprising:forming a first array of isolation regions using the first shallow trench isolation process, wherein each of the isolation regions in the first array have a first length, and wherein the first array has a first area associated therewith; forming a second array of isolation regions using the first shallow trench isolation process, wherein each of the isolation regions in the second array have a second length, and wherein the second array has a second area associated therewith, and wherein the first area and second areas are different and the first and second lengths are not equal; forming a first conductive layer over the first array and a second conductive layer over the second array, wherein the first and second conductive layers are electrically isolated from one another; biasing the first conductive layer and determining a first current associated therewith; biasing the second conductive layer and determining a second current associated therewith; evaluating a variation between isolation regions in an interior portion of the first and second arrays and an outer edge of the first and second arrays using the first and second currents.