Practical Electron Microscopy and Database

An Online Book, Second Edition by Dr. Yougui Liao (2006)

Practical Electron Microscopy and Database - An Online Book

Chapter/Index: Introduction | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | Appendix

Failure of Static Random-Access Memory (SRAM)

For SRAM (static random-access memory) chips, a part or the entire chip will not be operable even if just one out of millions of transistors cannot work correctly.

Figure 2310 shows a failure of S-RAM cell induced by uncontrolled diffusion of Ni under a spacer. Note that the failing S-RAM cell was first localized on a wafer by the voltage-contrast method using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

TEM bright field image of a Ni encroachment (as indicated by the arrow) in an S-RAM cell

Figure 2310. TEM bright field image of a Ni encroachment (as indicated by the arrow) in an S-RAM cell. [1]

 

 

 

 

[1] S. Pokrant, R. Pantel, M. Cheynet, Physical characterization by valence electron energy loss spectroscopy, 83 (11–12) 2364–2367 (2006).