Cvd oxide coding method for ultra-high density mask read-only-memory

Abstract

An improved Read-Only-Memory (ROM) structure and a method of manufacturing said ROM device structure having an ultra-high-density of coded ROM cells, was achieved. The array of programmed ROM cells are composed of a single field effect transistor (FET) in each ROM cell. The improved ROM process utilizes the patterning of a ROM code insulating layer over each coded FET (cell) that is selected to remain in an off-state (nonconducting) when a gate voltage is applied. The remaining FETs (cells) have a thin gate oxide which switch to the on-state (conducting) when a gate voltage is applied. The thick ROM code insulating layer eliminates the need to code the FETs in the ROM memory cells by conventional high dose ion implantation. This eliminated the counter-doping of the buried bit lines by the implantation allowing for much tighter ground rules for the spacing between buried bit line. The elimination of the implant also reduces substantially the stand-by leakage current that is so important in battery operated electronic equipment, such as lap-top computers. The gate capacitance of the off-state cells is also substantially reduced because of the thick insulating layer, thereby reducing the RC time delay in the word lines and improving circuit performance.