Patent ID: 6620676
Filing Date: 2003-09-16
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A method for processing a semiconductor device, the device including a first area and a second area thereon, the method comprising:removing, from the first area, an initial pad nitride material formed on the device; maintaining, in the second area, said initial pad nitride material; forming isolation trenches within the first area and the second area; forming a first cap oxide over the second area, said first cap oxide over the second area preventing the removal of said initial pad nitride material contained within the second area during the removal of said initial pad nitride material contained within the first area; forming active device areas within the first area; following said forming active device areas within the first area, forming a cap nitride over the first area; forming a second cap oxide over said cap nitride; and removing said initial pad nitride material contained within the second area, said second cap oxide preventing the removal of said cap nitride formed over the first area; wherein said initial pad nitride maintained in the second area helps to protect the second area from wet etch processes implemented during said forming active device areas within the first area.