Semiconductor device, memory system and electronic apparatus

A semiconductor device is provided with a memory cell. The semiconductor device includes a first gate&#8212;gate electrode layer, a second gate&#8212;gate electrode layer, a first drain&#8212;drain wiring layer, a second drain&#8212;drain wiring layer, a first drain-gate wiring layer and second drain-gate wiring layers. The first drain-gate wiring layer and an upper layer and a lower layer of the second drain-gate wiring layer are located in different layers, respectively. The width of the first gate&#8212;gate electrode layer in the first load transistor is larger than the width of the first gate&#8212;gate electrode layer in the first driver transistor.

Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-88309, filed on Mar. 26, 2001, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-330784, filed on Oct. 29, 2001 are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to semiconductor devices, such as, for example, static random access memories (SRAMs), and memory systems and electronic apparatuses provided with the same.

SRAMs, one type of semiconductor memory devices, do not require a refreshing operation and therefore have a property that can simplify the system and lower power consumption. For this reason, the SRAMs are prevailingly used as memories for electronic equipment, such as, for example, mobile phones.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention may provide a semiconductor device that can reduce its cell area.

The present invention may further provide a memory system and an electronic apparatus that includes a semiconductor device in accordance with the present invention.

1. Semiconductor Device

A semiconductor device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a first gate gate electrode layer including a gate electrode of a first load transistor and a gate electrode of a first driver transistor and a second gate gate electrode layer including a gate electrode of a second load transistor and a gate electrode of a second driver transistor. The semiconductor device also includes a first drain drain wiring layer which forms a part of a connection layer that electrically connects a drain region of the first load transistor and a drain region of the first driver transistor and a second drain drain wiring layer which forms a part of a connection layer that electrically connects a drain region of the second load transistor and a drain region of the second driver transistor. The semiconductor device further includes a first drain-gate wiring layer which forms a part of a connection layer that electrically connects the first gate gate electrode layer and the second drain drain wiring layer and a second drain-gate wiring layer which forms a part of a connection layer that electrically connects the second gate gate electrode layer and the first drain drain wiring layer, wherein the first drain-gate wiring layer and the second drain-gate wiring layer are located in different layers, respectively, and wherein a width of the first gate gate electrode layer in the first load transistor is larger than the width of the first gate gate electrode layer in the first driver transistor.

2. Memory System

A memory system in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention is provided with the semiconductor device of the first aspect of the present invention.

3. Electronic Apparatus

An electronic apparatus in accordance with a third aspect of the present invention is provided with the semiconductor device of the first aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

An embodiment of the present invention is described. The present embodiment is the one in which a semiconductor device in accordance with the present invention is applied to in an SRAM.

1. Equivalent Circuit of SRAM

A semiconductor device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a first gate gate electrode layer including a gate electrode of a first load transistor and a gate electrode of a first driver transistor and a second gate gate electrode layer including a gate electrode of a second load transistor and a gate electrode of a second driver transistor. The semiconductor device also includes a first drain drain wiring layer which forms a part of a connection layer that electrically connects a drain region of the first load transistor and a drain region of the first driver transistor and a second drain drain wiring layer which forms a part of a connection layer that electrically connects a drain region of the second load transistor and a drain region of the second driver transistor. The semiconductor device further includes a first drain-gate wiring layer which forms a part of a connection layer that electrically connects the first gate gate electrode layer and the second drain drain wiring layer and a second drain-gate wiring layer which forms a part of a connection layer that electrically connects the second gate gate electrode layer and the first drain drain wiring layer, wherein the first drain-gate wiring layer and the second drain-gate wiring layer are located in different layers, respectively, and wherein a width of the first gate gate electrode layer in the first load transistor is larger than the width of the first gate gate electrode layer in the first driver transistor.

The wiring layer means a conductive layer disposed over a field or an interlayer dielectric layer.

In accordance with this aspect of the present invention, the second drain-gate wiring layer is located in a layer over the first drain-gate wiring layer. In other words, the first drain-gate wiring layer and the second drain-gate wiring layer are located in different layers, respectively. As a result, the pattern density of a wiring layer in each of the layers where the first drain-gate wiring layer and the second drain-gate wiring layer are formed, respectively, can be reduced and the cell area may be smaller compared to the case where the first drain-gate wiring layer and the second drain-gate wiring layer are formed in the same layer.

The width of the first gate gate electrode layer in the first load transistor is larger than the width of the first gate gate electrode layer in the first driver transistor. As a result, for the reasons described below, leak current in the first load transistor can be decreased.

The semiconductor device of this aspect may take at least any one of the following features.

(a) A width of the second gate gate electrode layer in the second load transistor may be larger than the width of the second gate gate electrode layer in the second driver transistor. In this feature, leak current in the second load transistor can be decreased for the reasons described below.

(b) The semiconductor device may comprise a first adjacent memory cell which is located adjacent to a side of the memory cell where the first gate gate electrode layer is provided, the first adjacent memory cell may include a third gate gate electrode layer having a gate electrode of a third load transistor and a gate electrode of a third driver transistor, the first load transistor and the third load transistor commonly may use a first impurity layer as a source region, a first contact section may be provided on the first impurity layer, and the first contact section may be provided in a region other than a region between the first gate gate electrode layer and the third gate gate electrode layer

In this feature, a sufficient space between the first or third gate gate electrode layer and the first contact section can be secured, so that short circuit between them can be decreased.

(c) The semiconductor device may comprise, a second adjacent memory cell which is located adjacent to a side of the memory cell where the second gate gate electrode layer is provided, the second adjacent memory cell may include a fourth gate gate electrode layer having a gate electrode of a fourth load transistor and a gate electrode of a fourth driver transistor, the second load transistor and the fourth load transistor may commonly use a second impurity layer as a source region, a second contact section may be provided on the second impurity layer, and the second contact section may be provided in a region other than a region between the second gate gate electrode layer and the fourth gate gate electrode.

(d) The first drain-gate wiring layer may be electrically connected to the second drain drain wiring layer through a contact section, and the second drain-gate wiring layer may be electrically connected to the second gate gate electrode layer through a contact section, and electrically connected to the first drain drain wiring layer through a contact section.

(e) The first drain-gate wiring layer may be located in a layer lower than the second drain-gate wiring layer.

(f) The first drain-gate wiring layer may be located in a layer in which the first gate gate electrode layer is provided.

(g) The second drain-gate wiring layer may be formed across a plurality of layers.

In the feature of (g), the second drain-gate wiring layer may include a lower layer of the second drain-gate wiring layer and an upper layer of the second drain-gate wiring layer, and the upper layer may be located in a layer over the lower layer, and electrically connected to the lower layer.

Further, in this feature, the upper layer may be electrically connected to the lower layer through a contact section.

Further, in this feature, the first gate gate electrode layer, the second gate gate electrode layer and the first drain-gate wiring layer may be located in a first conductive layer, the first drain drain wiring layer, the second drain drain wiring layer and the lower layer may be located in a second conductive layer, and the upper layer may be located in a third conductive layer.

FIG. 1 shows a relationship between an equivalent circuit of an SRAM in accordance with the present embodiment and corresponding conductive layers. The SRAM of the present embodiment is a type in which one memory cell is formed with six MOS field effect transistors. In other words, one CMOS inverter is formed with an n-channel type driver transistor Q 3 and a p-channel type load transistor Q 5 . Also, one CMOS inverter is formed with an n-channel type driver transistor Q 4 and a p-channel type load transistor Q 6 . These two CMOS inverters are cross-coupled to form a flip-flop. Further, one memory cell is formed from this flip-flop and n-channel type transfer transistors Q 1 and Q 2 .

2. Structure of SRAM

A structure of the SRAM is described below. First, each figure is briefly described.

FIG. 1 shows a relationship between an equivalent circuit of an SRAM in accordance with the present embodiment and corresponding conductive layers. FIG. 2 schematically shows a plan view of a field of the memory cell of the SRAM in accordance with the present embodiment. FIG. 3 schematically shows a plan view of a first conductive layer of the memory cell of the SRAM in accordance with the present embodiment. FIG. 4 schematically shows a plan view of a second conductive layer of the memory cell of the SRAM in accordance with the present embodiment. FIG. 5 schematically shows a plan view of a third conductive layer of the memory cell of the SRAM in accordance with the present embodiment. FIG. 6 schematically shows a plan view of a fourth conductive layer of the memory cell of the SRAM in accordance with the present embodiment. FIG. 7 schematically shows a plan view of the field and the first conductive layer of the memory cell of the SRAM in accordance with the present embodiment. FIG. 8 schematically shows a plan view of the field and the second conductive layer of the memory cell of the SRAM in accordance with the present embodiment. FIG. 9 schematically shows a plan view of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer of the memory cell of the SRAM in accordance with the present embodiment. FIG. 10 schematically shows a plan view of the second conductive layer and the third conductive layer of the memory cell of the SRAM in accordance with the present embodiment. FIG. 11 schematically shows a plan view of the third conductive layer and the fourth conductive layer of the memory cell of the SRAM in accordance with the present embodiment. FIG. 12 schematically shows a cross-sectional view taken along a line A A shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 11 . FIG. 13 schematically shows a cross-sectional view taken along a line B B shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 11 .

The SRAM is formed including an element forming region formed in a field, a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, a third conductive layer, and a fourth conductive layer. The structure of each of the field, and the first through fourth conductive layers is concretely described below.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the field is described. The field includes first through fourth active regions 14 , 15 , 16 and 17 , and an element isolation region 12 . The first through fourth active regions 14 , 15 , 16 and 17 are defined by the element isolation region 12 . A region on the side where the first and second active regions 14 and 15 are formed is an n-type well region W 10 , and a region on the side where the third and fourth active regions 16 and 17 are formed is a p-type well region W 20 .

The first active region 14 and the second active region 15 are disposed in a symmetrical relation in a plane configuration. Also, the third active region 16 and the fourth active region 17 are disposed in a symmetrical relation in a plane configuration.

The first load transistor Q 5 is formed in the first active region 14 . In the first active region 14 , a first p -type impurity layer 14 a and a second p -type impurity layer 14 b are formed. The first p -type impurity layer 14 a functions as a source of the first load transistor Q 5 . The second p -type impurity layer 14 b functions as a drain of the first load transistor Q 5 .

The second load transistor Q 6 is formed in the second active region 15 . In the second active region 15 , a third p -type impurity layer 15 a and a fourth p -type impurity layer 15 b are formed. The third p -type impurity layer 15 a functions as a source of the second load transistor Q 6 . The fourth p -type impurity layer 15 b functions as a drain of the second load transistor Q 6 .

In the third active region 16 , the first driver transistor Q 3 and the first transfer transistor Q 1 are formed. In the third active region 16 , first through third n -type impurity layers 16 a , 16 b and 16 c that are to become components of the transistors Q 1 and Q 3 , and a fifth p -type impurity layer 16 d that composes a well contact region are formed. The first n -type impurity layer 16 a functions as a source or a drain of the first transfer transistor Q 1 . The second n -type impurity layer 16 b functions as a drain of the first driver transistor Q 3 and a source or a drain of the first transfer transistor Q 1 . The third n -type impurity layer 16 c functions as a source of the first driver transistor Q 3 .

In the fourth active region 17 , the second driver transistor Q 4 and the second transfer transistor Q 2 are formed. In the fourth active region 17 , fourth through sixth n -type impurity layers 17 a , 17 b and 17 c that are to become components of the transistors Q 2 and Q 4 , and a sixth p -type impurity layer 17 d that composes a well contact region are formed. The fourth n -type impurity layer 17 a functions as a source or a drain of the second transfer transistor Q 2 . The fifth n -type impurity layer 17 b functions as a drain of the second driver transistor Q 4 and a source or a drain of the second transfer transistor Q 2 . The sixth n -type impurity layer 17 c functions as a source of the second driver transistor Q 4 .

2.2 First Conductive Layer

Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 7 , the first conductive layer will be described. It is noted that the first conductive layer means a conductive layer that is formed on the field (semiconductor layer) 10 .

The first conductive layer includes a first gate gate electrode layer 20 , a second gate gate electrode layer 22 , a first drain-gate wiring layer 30 and an auxiliary word line 24 .

The first gate gate electrode layer 20 and the second gate gate electrode layer 22 are formed in a manner to extend along a Y direction. The first drain-gate wiring layer 30 and the auxiliary word line 24 are formed in a manner to extend along an X direction.

Components of the first conductive layer are described concretely below.

1) First Gate Gate Electrode Layer

The first gate gate electrode layer 20 is formed in a manner to traverse the first active region 14 and the third active region 16 , as shown in FIG. 7 . The first gate gate electrode layer 20 functions as a gate electrode of the first load transistor Q 5 and the first driver transistor Q 3 .

The first gate gate electrode layer 20 is formed in a manner to pass between the first p -type impurity layer 14 a and the second p -type impurity layer 14 b , in the first active region 14 . In other words, the first gate gate electrode layer 20 , the first p -type impurity layer 14 a and the second p -type impurity layer 14 b form the first load transistor Q 5 . Also, the first gate gate electrode layer 20 is formed in a manner to pass between the second n -type impurity layer 16 a and the third n -type impurity layer 16 c , in the third active region 16 . In other words, the first gate gate electrode layer 20 , the second n -type impurity layer 16 a and the third n -type impurity layer 16 c form the first driver transistor Q 3 .

The width W 1 of the first gate gate electrode layer 20 in the first load transistor Q 5 is set to be larger than the width W 2 of the first gate gate electrode layer 20 in the first driver transistor Q 3 . The resultant effects will be described below in a section Effects . The width W 1 of the first gate gate electrode layer 20 in the first load transistor Q 5 is not limited to a particular value unless it is larger than the width W 2 of the first gate gate electrode layer 20 , and for example, may be 0.14 m to 0.18 m. The width W 2 of the first gate gate electrode layer 20 in the first driver transistor Q 3 is not limited to a particular value unless it is smaller than the width W 1 of the first gate gate electrode layer 20 , and for example, may be 0.12 m to 0.16 m.

The first drain-gate wiring layer 30 is formed in a manner to extend in the X direction from a side section of the first gate gate electrode layer 20 toward the second gate gate electrode layer 22 . Also, as shown in FIG. 7 , the first drain-gate wiring layer 30 is formed at least between the first active region 14 and the third active region 16 .

3) Second Gate Gate Electrode Layer

The second gate gate electrode layer 22 is formed in a manner to traverse the second active region 15 and the fourth active region 17 , as shown in FIG. 7 . The second gate gate electrode layer 22 functions as a gate electrode of the second load transistor Q 6 and the second driver transistor Q 4 .

The second gate gate electrode layer 22 is formed in a manner to pass between the third p -type impurity layer 15 a and the fourth p -type impurity layer 15 b , in the second active region 15 . In other words, the second gate gate electrode layer 22 , the third p -type impurity layer 15 a and the fourth p -type impurity layer 15 b form the second load transistor Q 6 . Also, the second gate gate electrode layer 22 is formed in a manner to pass between the fifth n -type impurity layer 17 b and the sixth n -type impurity layer 17 c , in the fourth active region 17 . In other words, the second gate gate electrode layer 22 , the fifth n -type impurity layer 17 b and the sixth n -type impurity layer 17 c form the second driver transistor Q 4 .

The width W 3 of the second gate gate electrode layer 22 in the second load transistor Q 6 is set to be larger than the width W 4 of the second gate gate electrode layer 22 in the second driver transistor Q 4 . The resultant effects will be described below in the section Effects . The width W 3 of the second gate gate electrode layer 22 in the second load transistor Q 6 is not limited to a particular value unless it is larger than the width W 4 of the second gate gate electrode layer 22 , and for example, may be 0.14 m to 0.18 m. The width W 4 of the second gate gate electrode layer 22 in the second driver transistor Q 4 is not limited to a particular value unless it is smaller than the width W 3 of the second gate gate electrode layer 22 , and for example, may be 0.12 m to 0.16 m.

4) Auxiliary Word Line

The auxiliary word line 24 is formed in a manner to traverse the third active region 16 and the fourth active region 17 , as shown in FIG. 7 . The auxiliary word line 24 functions as a gate electrode of the first and second transfer transistors Q 1 and Q 2 .

The auxiliary word line 24 is formed in a manner to pass between the first n -type impurity layer 16 a and the second n -type impurity layer 16 b , in the third active region 16 . In other words, the auxiliary word line 24 , the first n -type impurity layer 16 a and the second n -type impurity layer 16 b form the first transfer transistor Q 1 . Also, the auxiliary word line 24 is formed in a manner to pass between the fourth n -type impurity layer 17 a and the fifth n -type impurity layer 17 b , in the fourth active region 17 . In other words, the auxiliary word line 24 , the fourth n -type impurity layer 17 a and the fifth n -type impurity layer 17 b form the second transfer transistor Q 2 .

5) Cross-Sectional Structure of First Conductive Layer and Others

The first conductive layer may be formed by successively depositing a polysilicon layer and a silicide layer in layers.

As shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 , a first interlayer dielectric layer 90 is formed on the field and the first conductive layer. The first inter layer dielectric layer 90 may be formed through a planarization process utilizing, for example, a chemical mechanical polishing method.

2.3 Second Conductive Layer

Referring to FIG. 4 , FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 , the second conductive layer will be described below. It is noted that the second conductive layer means a conductive layer that is formed on the first interlayer dielectric layer 90 .

The second conductive layer includes, as shown in FIG. 4 , a first drain drain wiring layer 40 , a second drain drain wiring layer 42 , a lower layer 32 a of the second drain-gate wiring layer, a first BL contact pad layer 70 a , a first bar-BL contact pad layer 72 a , a first Vss contact pad layer 74 a and a Vdd contact pad layer 76 .

The first drain drain wiring layer 40 , the second drain drain wiring layer 42 and the lower layer 32 a of the second drain-gate wiring layer are formed in a manner to extend along the Y direction. The first drain drain wiring layer 40 , the second drain drain wiring layer 42 and the lower layer 32 a of the second drain-gate wiring layer are successively disposed in the X direction.

Components of the second conductive layer are concretely described below.

1) First Drain Drain Wiring Layer

The first drain drain wiring layer 40 has portions that overlap the first active region 14 and the third active region 16 as viewed in a plan view (see FIG. 8 ). More concretely, one end portion 40 a of the first drain drain wiring layer 40 is located above the second p -type impurity layer 14 b . The one end portion 40 a of the first drain drain wiring layer 40 and the second p -type impurity layer 14 b are electrically connected to each other through a contact section between the field and the second conductive layer (herein blew referred to as a field/second-layer contact section ) 80 . The other end portion 40 b of the first drain drain wiring layer 40 is located above the second n -type impurity layer 16 b . The other end portion 40 b of the first drain drain wiring layer 40 and the second n -type impurity layer 16 b are electrically connected to each other through the field/second-layer contact section 80 .

2) Second Drain Drain Wiring Layer

The second drain drain wiring layer 42 has portions that overlap the second active region 15 and the fourth active region 17 as viewed in a plan view (see FIG. 8 ). More concretely, one end portion 42 a of the second drain drain wiring layer 42 is located above the fourth p -type impurity layer 15 b . The one end portion 42 a of the second drain drain wiring layer 42 and the fourth p -type impurity layer 15 b are electrically connected to each other through the field/second-layer contact section 80 . The other end portion 42 b of the second drain drain wiring layer 42 is located above the fifth n -type impurity layer 17 b . The other end portion 42 b of the second drain drain wiring layer 42 and the fifth n -type impurity layer 17 b are electrically connected to each other through the field/second-layer contact section 80 .

Further, the second drain drain wiring layer 42 has a portion that overlaps an end portion 30 a of the first drain-gate wiring layer 30 as viewed in a plan view (see FIG. 9 ). The second drain drain wiring layer 42 and the end portion 30 a of the first drain-gate wiring layer 30 are electrically connected to each other through a contact section between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer (hereafter referred to as a first-layer/second-layer contact section ) 82 .

3) Lower layer of Second Drain-Gate Wiring Layer

The lower layer 32 a of the second drain-gate wiring layer is formed on the opposite side of the first drain drain wiring layer 40 with respect to the second drain drain wiring layer 42 as being a reference. The lower layer 32 a of the second drain-gate wiring layer has a portion that overlaps the second gate gate electrode layer 22 as viewed in a plan view (see FIG. 9 ). The lower layer 32 a of the second drain-gate wiring layer, and the second gate gate electrode layer 22 are electrically connected to each other through the first-layer/second-layer contact section 82 .

4) First BL Contact Pad Layer

The first BL contact pad layer 70 a is located above the first n -type impurity layer 16 a in the third active region 16 (see FIG. 8 ). The first BL contact pad layer 70 a and the first n -type impurity layer 16 a are electrically connected to each other through the field/second-layer contact section 80 .

5) First Bar-BL Contact Pad Layer

The first bar-BL contact pad layer 72 a is located above the fourth n -type impurity layer 17 a in the fourth active region 17 (see FIG. 8 ). The first bar-BL contact pad layer 72 a and the fourth n -type impurity layer 17 a are electrically connected to each other through the field/second-layer contact section 80 .

6) First Vss Contact Pad Layer

The first Vss contact pad layers 74 a are located above the sources of the driver transistors Q 3 and Q 4 (for example, the third n -type impurity layer 16 c ) and the well contact region (for example, the fifth p -type impurity layer 16 d ) (see FIG. 8 ). Each of the first Vss contact pad layers 74 a is electrically connected to the source of each of the driver transistors Q 3 and Q 4 (for example, the third n -type impurity layer 16 c ) through the field/second-layer contact section 80 . Also, the first Vss contact pad layer 74 a is electrically connected to the well contact region (for example, the fourth p -type impurity layer 16 d ) through the field/second-layer contact section 80 .

7) Vdd Contact Pad Layer

Each of the Vdd contact pad layers 76 is located above the source (for example, the first p -type impurity layer 14 a ) of each of the load transistors Q 5 and Q 6 . Each of the Vdd contact pad layers 76 is electrically connected to the source (for example, the first p -type impurity layer 14 a ) of each of the load transistors Q 5 and Q 6 through the field/second-layer contact section 80 .

8) Cross-Sectional Structure of Second Conductive Layer

A cross-sectional structure of the second conductive layer will be described with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 . The second conductive layer may be formed only from, for example, a nitride layer of a refractory metal. The thickness of the second conductive layer may be for example 100 nm to 200 nm, and more specifically be 140 nm to 160 nm. The nitride layer of a refractory metal may be formed from, for example, titanium nitride. Because the second conductive layer is formed from a nitride layer of a refractory metal, the thickness of the second conductive layer can be made smaller, and miniaturizing processing thereof can be readily conducted. Accordingly, the cell area can be reduced.

Also, the second conductive layer may be composed in either one of the following embodiments. 1) It may have a structure in which a nitride layer of a refractory metal is formed on a metal layer formed from a refractory metal. In this case, the metal layer formed from a refractory metal is an under-layer, and may be composed of a titanium layer, for example. Titanium nitride may be listed as a material of the nitride layer of a refractory metal. 2) The second conductive layer maybe composed only of a metal layer of a refractory metal.

A cross-sectional structure of the field/second-layer contact section 80 will be described with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 . The field/second-layer contact section 80 is formed in a manner to fill a through hole 90 a that is formed in the first interlayer dielectric layer 90 . The field/second-layer contact section 80 includes a barrier layer 80 a , and a plug 80 b formed over the barrier layer 80 a . Titanium and tungsten may be listed as material of the plugs. The barrier layer 80 a may be formed from a metal layer of a refractory metal, and a nitride layer of a refractory metal formed over the metal layer. For example, titanium may be listed as material of the metal layer of a refractory metal. Titanium nitride, for example, may be listed as material of the nitride layer of a refractory metal.

Among the field/second-layer contact section 80 , the contact section 80 that connects the source of the load transistors Q 5 and Q 6 (for example, the first p -type impurity layer 14 a or the third p -type impurity layer 15 a ) and the Vdd contact pad layer 76 may be provided in the following manner. It is noted that, as shown in FIG. 16 , the case in which the load transistor Q 5 in one memory cell MC and the load transistor Q 6 in an adjacent memory cell commonly use one impurity layer 14 a as their source is considered. In this case, the field/second-layer contact section 80 can be provided in a region other than the area between the gate gate electrode layer 20 in one memory cell MC and the gate gate electrode layer 22 in another memory cell MC. The resultant effects will be described below in the section Effects .

A cross-sectional structure of the first-layer/second-layer contact section 82 will be described with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 . The first-layer/second-layer contact section 82 is formed in a manner to fill a through hole 90 b that is formed in the first interlayer dielectric layer 90 . The first-layer/second-layer contact section 82 may have the same structure as that of the field/second-layer contact section 80 described above.

A second interlayer dielectric layer 92 is formed in a manner to cover the second conductive layer. The second interlayer dielectric layer 92 may be formed through a planarization process using, for example, a chemical mechanical polishing method.

2.4 Third Conductive Layer

The third conductive layer will be described below with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 10 . It is noted that the third conductive layer means a conductive layer that is formed on the second interlayer dielectric layer 92 (see FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 ).

The third conductive layer includes an upper layer 32 b of the second drain-gate wiring layer, a main word line 50 , a Vdd wiring 52 , a second BL contact pad layer 70 b , a second bar-BL contact pad layer 72 b and a second Vss contact pad layer 74 b.

The upper layer 32 b of the second drain-gate wiring layer, the main word line 50 and the Vdd wiring 53 are formed in a manner to extend along the X direction. The second BL contact pad layer 70 b , the second bar-BL contact pad layer 72 b and the second Vss contact pad layer 74 b are formed in a manner to extend in the Y direction.

Components of the third conductive layer are concretely described below.

1) Upper Layer of the Second Drain-Gate Wiring Layer

The upper layer 32 b of the second drain-gate wiring layer is formed in a manner to traverse the second drain drain wiring layer 42 in the second conductive layer, as shown in FIG. 10 . More concretely, the upper layer 32 b of the second drain-gate wiring layer is formed from an area above the end portion 40 b of the first drain drain wiring layer 40 to an area above an end portion 32 a 1 of the lower layer 32 a of the second drain-gate wiring layer. The upper layer 32 b of the second drain-gate wiring layer is electrically connected to the end portion 40 b of the first drain drain wiring layer 40 through a contact section between the second conductive layer and the third conductive layer (herein after referred to as a second-layer/third-layer contact section ) 84 . Also, the upper layer 32 b of the second drain-gate wiring layer is electrically connected to the end portion 32 a 1 of the lower layer 32 a of the second drain-gate wiring layer through the second-layer/third-layer contact section 84 .

As shown in FIG. 1 , the first drain drain wiring layer 40 in the second conductive layer and the second gate gate electrode layer 22 in the first conductive layer are electrically connected to each other through the second-layer/third-layer contact section 84 , the upper layer 32 b of the second drain-gate wiring layer, the second-layer/third-layer contact section 84 , the lower layer 32 a of the second drain-gate wiring layer, and the first-layer/second-layer contact section 82 .

The Vdd wiring 52 is formed in a manner to pass over the Vdd contact pad layer 76 , as shown in FIG. 10 . The Vdd wiring 52 is electrically connected to the Vdd contact pad layer 76 through the second-layer/third-layer contact section 84 .

3) Second BL Contact Pad Layer

The second BL contact pad layer 70 b is located above the first BL contact pad layer 70 a . The second BL contact pad layer 70 b is electrically connected to the first BL contact pad layer 70 a through the second-layer/third-layer contact section 84 .

4) Second Bar-BL Contact Pad Layer

The second bar-BL contact pad layer 72 b is located above the first bar-BL contact pad layer 72 a . The second bar-BL contact pad layer 72 b is electrically connected to the first bar-BL contact pad layer 72 a through the second-layer/third-layer contact section 84 .

5) Second Vss Contact Pad Layer

The second Vss contact pad layer 74 b is located above the second Vss contact pad layer 74 a . The second Vss contact pad layer 74 b is electrically connected to the first Vss contact pad layer 74 a through the second-layer/third-layer contact section 84 .

6) Cross-Sectional Structure of Third Conductive Layer

A cross-sectional structure of the third conductive layer will be described with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 . The third conductive layer has a structure in which, for example, a nitride layer of a refractory metal, a metal layer, and a nitride layer of a refractory metal, in this order from the bottom, are successively stacked in layers. For example, titanium nitride may be listed as material of the nitride layer of a refractory metal. Aluminum, copper or an alloy of these metals, for example, may be listed as material of the metal layer.

A cross-sectional structure of the second-layer/third-layer contact section 84 will be described. The second-layer/third-layer contact section 84 is formed in a manner to fill a through hole 92 a formed in the second interlayer dielectric layer 92 . The second-layer/third-layer contact section 84 may be provided with the same structure as that of the field/second-layer contact section 80 described above.

A third interlayer dielectric layer 94 is formed in a manner to cover the third conductive layer. The third interlayer dielectric layer 94 may be formed through a planarization process using, for example a chemical mechanical polishing method.

2.5 Fourth Conductive Layer

The fourth conductive layer will be described below with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 11 . It is noted that the fourth conductive layer means a conductive layer that is formed on the third interlayer dielectric layer 94 .

The fourth conductive layer includes a bit line 60 , a bit-bar line 62 and a Vss wiring 64 .

The bit line 60 , the bit-bar line 62 and the Vss wiring 64 are formed in a manner to extend along the Y direction.

Compositions of the bit line 60 , the bit-bar line 62 and the Vss wiring 64 are concretely described below.

1) Bit Line

The bit line 60 is formed in a manner to pass over the second BL contact pad layer 70 b , as shown in FIG. 11 . The bit line 60 is electrically connected to the second BL contact pad layer 70 b through a contact section between the third conductive layer and the fourth conductive layer (herein below referred to as a third-layer/fourth-layer contact section ) 86 .

The bit-bar line 62 is formed in a manner to pass over the second bar-BL contact pad layer 72 b , as shown in FIG. 11 . The bit-bar line 62 is electrically connected to the second bar-BL contact pad layer 72 b through the third-layer/fourth-layer contact section 86 .

The Vss wiring 64 is formed in a manner to pass over the second Vss contact pad layer 74 b , as shown in FIG. 11 . The Vss wiring 64 is electrically connected to the second Vss contact pad layer 74 b through the third-layer/fourth-layer contact section 86 .

4) Cross-Sectional Structure of Fourth Conductive Layer

A cross-sectional structure of the fourth conductive layer will be described with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 . The fourth conductive layer may have the same structure as the structure of the third conductive layer described above.

A cross-sectional structure of the third-layer/fourth-layer contact section 86 will be described. The third-layer/fourth-layer contact section 86 is formed in a manner to fill a through hole 94 a that is formed in the third interlayer dielectric layer 94 . The third-layer/fourth-layer contact section 86 may have the same structure as the structure of the field/second-layer contact section 80 described above.

Although not shown in FIG. 12 or FIG. 13 , a passivation layer may be formed on the fourth conductive layer.

Effects provided by the semiconductor device in accordance with the present embodiment are described below.

(1) A first drain-gate wiring layer and a second drain-gate wiring layer could be formed in the same conductive layer. However, in this case, it is difficult to reduce the cell area due to the high pattern density of the conductive layer where the first and second drain-gate wiring layers are formed.

However, in accordance with the present embodiment, the first drain-gate wiring layer 30 is located in the first conductive layer. Also, the second drain-gate wiring layer has a structure that is divided into the lower layer 32 a of the second drain-gate wiring layer and the upper layer 32 b of the second drain-gate wiring layer. The lower layer 32 a of the second drain-gate wiring layer is located in the second conductive layer, and the upper layer 32 b of the second drain-gate wiring layer is located in the third conductive layer. Consequently, the first drain-gate wiring layer and the second drain-gate wiring layer are formed in different layers, respectively. Accordingly, since the first drain-gate wiring layer and the second drain-gate wiring layer are not formed in the same layer, the pattern density of the wiring layer can be reduced. As a result, by the memory cell in accordance with the present embodiment, the cell area can be reduced.

(2) The shorter the gate length, the larger the leak current becomes due to the short channel effect. However, the width W 1 of the first gate gate electrode layer 20 in the first load transistor Q 5 is set to be larger than the width W 2 of the first gate gate electrode layer 20 in the first driver transistor Q 3 . In other words, the gate length of the first load transistor Q 5 is larger than the gate length of the first driver transistor Q 3 . Accordingly, leak current in the first load transistor Q 5 (in particular, leak current during a standby period) can be decreased, compared to the case in which the width W 1 in the first load transistor Q 5 is the same as or smaller than the width W 2 in the first driver transistor Q 3 .

It is noted that a longer gate length makes the current more difficult to flow, such that the current performance of the transistor is lowered accordingly. However, the load transistor is accepted as long as a certain amount of current flows therein. For this reason, as long as a certain amount of current flows, the memory cell characteristic is not adversely affected even when the current performance of the load transistor lowers.

(3) Also, the width W 3 of the second gate gate electrode layer 22 in the second load transistor Q 6 is set to be larger than the width W 4 of the second gate gate electrode layer 22 in the second driver transistor Q 4 . As a result, leak current at the second load transistor Q 6 can be decreased.

(4) When the contact section 80 is provided in a region other than the area between the gate gate electrode layer 20 in one memory cell MC and the gate gate electrode layer 22 in another adjacent memory cell MC, the following effects are obtained.

As an example for comparison, as shown in FIG. 17 , a contact section 180 may be provided between a gate gate electrode layer 120 in one memory cell MC and a gate gate electrode layer 122 in another memory cell adjacent to that memory cell. When the contact section 180 is provided between the gate gate electrode layers 120 and 122 , short circuit would likely occur between them because it is difficult to secure room between the gate gate electrode layers 120 and 122 and the contact section 180 .

However, in accordance with the present embodiment, the contact section 80 is provided in a region other than the area between the gate gate electrode layer 20 in one memory cell MC and the gate gate electrode layer 22 in another adjacent memory cell MC. For this reason, a sufficient space can be provided between the gate gate electrode layers 20 and 22 and the contact section 80 . AS a result, the gate gate electrode layers 20 and 22 and the contact section 80 are prevented from being short-circuited.

4. Example of Application of SRAM to Electronic Apparatus

The SRAM in accordance with the present embodiment may be applied to electronic apparatus, such as, for example, mobile equipment. FIG. 14 shows a block diagram of a part of a mobile telephone system. A CPU 540 , an SRAM 550 and a DRAM 560 are mutually connected via a bus line. Further, the CPU 540 is connected to a keyboard 510 and an LCD driver 520 via the bus line. The LCD driver 520 is connected to a liquid crystal display section 530 via the bus line. The CPU 540 , the SRAM 550 and the DRAM 560 compose a memory system.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a mobile telephone 600 that is provided with the mobile telephone system shown in FIG. 14 . The mobile telephone 600 is provided with a main body section 610 including a keyboard 612 , a liquid crystal display section 614 , a receiver section 616 and an antenna section 618 , and a lid section 620 including a transmitter section 622 .

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and a variety of modifications can be made within the scope of the subject matter of the present invention.

It is noted that, in the embodiment described above, the load transistor and the driver transistor on the left side are defined as the first load transistor and the first driver transistor, respectively. However, the load transistor and the driver transistor on the right side may be defined as the first load transistor and the first driver transistor, respectively.