Semiconductor device comprising a NOR decoder with an inverter

Abstract

A semiconductor device includes a 2-input NOR decoder and an inverter that have six MOS transistors arranged in a line. The MOS transistors of the decoder are formed in a planar silicon layer disposed on a substrate and each have a structure in which a drain, a gate, and a source are arranged vertically and the gate surrounds a silicon pillar. The planar silicon layer includes a first active region having a first conductivity type and a second active region having a second conductivity type. The first and second active regions are connected to each other via a silicon layer on a surface of the planar silicon layer.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a semiconductor device.

2. Description of the Related Art

With the recent increase in the integration of semiconductor integrated circuits, semiconductor chips having as large a number of transistors as 1,000,000,000 (1 Giga (G)), have been developed for state-of-the-art micro-processing units (MPUs). As disclosed by Hirokazu YOSHIZAWA in “Shi mosu opi anpu kairo jitsumu sekkei no kiso (Fundamentals on CMOS OP amp circuit design for practical use)”, CQ Publishing Co., Ltd., p. 23, traditional transistors formed in a planar manner, called planar transistors, require complete isolation of an n-well region that forms a p-channel metal-oxide semiconductor (PMOS) and a p-type silicon substrate (or p-well region) that forms an n-channel metal-oxide semiconductor (NMOS) from each other. In addition, the n-well region and the p-type silicon substrate require body terminals for applying potentials thereto, which will contribute to a further increase in the area of the transistors.

To address the issues described above, a surrounding gate transistor (SGT) having a structure in which a source, a gate, and a drain are arranged in a direction perpendicular to a substrate and in which the gate surrounds an island-shaped semiconductor layer has been proposed, and a method for manufacturing an SGT and a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) inverter, a NAND circuit, or a static random access memory (SRAM) cell which employs SGTs are disclosed. See, for example, Japanese Patent No. 5130596, Japanese Patent No. 5031809, Japanese Patent No. 4756221, and International Publication No. WO2009/096465.

FIGS. 15, 16, and 17 illustrate a circuit diagram and layout diagrams of an inverter that employs SGTs.

FIG. 15 is a circuit diagram of the inverter. The symbol Qp denotes a p-channel MOS transistor (hereinafter referred to as a “PMOS transistor”), the symbol Qn denotes an n-channel MOS transistor (hereinafter referred to as an “NMOS transistor”), the symbol IN denotes an input signal, the symbol OUT denotes an output signal, the symbol Vcc denotes a power supply, and the symbol Vss denotes a reference power supply.

FIG. 16 illustrates a plan view of the layout of the inverter illustrated in FIG. 15, which is formed by SGTs. FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line A-A′ in the plan view of FIG. 16.

In FIGS. 16 and 17, planar silicon layers 2p and 2n are formed on top of an insulating film such as a buried oxide (BOX) film layer 1 disposed on a substrate. The planar silicon layers 2p and 2n are formed as a p+ diffusion layer and an n+ diffusion layer, respectively, through impurity implantation or the like. Reference numeral 3 denotes a silicide layer disposed on surfaces of the planar silicon layers (2p and 2n). The silicide layer 3 connects the planar silicon layers 2p and 2n to each other. Reference numeral 4n denotes an n-type silicon pillar, and reference numeral 4p denotes a p-type silicon pillar. Reference numeral 5 denotes a gate insulating film that surrounds the silicon pillars 4n and 4p. Reference numeral 6 denotes a gate electrode, and reference numeral 6a denotes a gate line. A p+ diffusion layer 7p and an n+ diffusion layer 7n are formed in top portions of the silicon pillars 4n and 4p, respectively, through impurity implantation or the like. Reference numeral 8 denotes a silicon nitride film for protecting the gate insulating film 5 and the like, and reference numerals 9p and 9n denote silicide layers for connection to the p+ diffusion layer 7p and the n+ diffusion layer 7n, respectively. Reference numerals 10p and 10n denote contacts that respectively connect the silicide layers 9p and 9n to metal lines 13a and 13b. Reference numeral 11 denotes a contact that connects the gate line 6a to a metal line 13c.

The silicon pillar 4n, the diffusion layer 2p, the diffusion layer 7p, the gate insulating film 5, and the gate electrode 6 constitute the PMOS transistor Qp. The silicon pillar 4p, the diffusion layer 2n, the diffusion layer 7n, the gate insulating film 5, and the gate electrode 6 constitute the NMOS transistor Qn. The diffusion layers 7p and 7n serve as sources, and the diffusion layers 2p and 2n serve as drains. The power supply Vcc is supplied to the metal line 13a, and the reference power supply Vss is supplied to the metal line 13b. The input signal IN is connected to the metal line 13c. The output signal OUT is output from the silicide layer 3, which connects the drain of the PMOS transistor Qp, or the diffusion layer 2p, to the drain of the NMOS transistor Qn, or the diffusion layer 2n.

In the inverter illustrated in FIGS. 15, 16, and 17, which employs SGTs, the PMOS transistor and the NMOS transistor are structurally isolated completely from each other. This configuration eliminates the need for isolation of wells, unlike planar transistors. In addition, the silicon pillars act as floating bodies. This configuration eliminates the need for any body terminals for supplying potentials to the wells unlike planar transistors. The layout (arrangement) of the inverter is thus compact.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a semiconductor device that takes advantage of the features of SGTs described above and that includes a decoder with a minimum area.

(1) To this end, according to an aspect of the present invention, a semiconductor device includes a NOR decoder and an inverter. The NOR decoder and the inverter include six transistors, each having a source, a drain, and a gate arranged in a layered manner in a direction perpendicular to a substrate, the six transistors being arranged on the substrate in a line in a first direction. Each of the six transistors includes a silicon pillar, an insulator that surrounds a side surface of the silicon pillar, a gate that surrounds the insulator, a source region disposed in an upper portion or a lower portion of the silicon pillar, and a drain region disposed in the upper portion or the lower portion of the silicon pillar, the drain region being located on a side of the silicon pillar opposite to a side of the silicon pillar on which the source region is located. The NOR decoder includes a first n-channel MOS transistor, a second n-channel MOS transistor, a first p-channel MOS transistor, and a second p-channel MOS transistor. The inverter includes a third n-channel MOS transistor and a third p-channel MOS transistor. The gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other. The gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other. The drain regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor are located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillars of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor, respectively, and are connected to one another via silicide regions to form a first output terminal. The source region of the second p-channel MOS transistor is located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillar of the second p-channel MOS transistor. The source region of the first p-channel MOS transistor is connected to the drain region of the second p-channel MOS transistor via a contact. The source regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the second n-channel MOS transistor are connected to a reference power supply line via contacts. The source region of the second p-channel MOS transistor is connected to a power supply line via a silicide region. The gate of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the third p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other and are connected to the first output terminal. The drain region of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the drain region of the third p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other to form a second output terminal. The source region of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the source region of the third p-channel MOS transistor are respectively connected to the reference power supply line and the power supply line. The NOR decoder further includes a first address signal line and a second address signal line. The gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, are connected to the first address signal line. The gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, are connected to the second address signal line. The reference power supply line, the power supply line, the first address signal line, and the second address signal line are arranged to extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

(2) The six transistors may be arranged in a line in an order of one of the third p-channel MOS transistor and the third n-channel MOS transistor, the other of the third p-channel MOS transistor and the third n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, the first n-channel MOS transistor, the first p-channel MOS transistor, and the second p-channel MOS transistor.

(3) The gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor may be connected to each other by using a line of a first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and may be connected to the first address signal line, which is formed of a line of a second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction. The gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor may be connected to each other by using a line of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and may be connected to the second address signal line, which is formed of a line of the second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction.

(4) According to another aspect of the present invention, a semiconductor device includes j first address signal lines, the number of which is equal to j, k second address signal lines, the number of which is equal to k, and j×k pairs of NOR decoders and inverters, the number of which is given by j×k. Each of the j×k pairs of NOR decoders and inverters includes six transistors, each having a source, a drain, and a gate arranged in a layered manner in a direction perpendicular to a substrate, the six transistors being arranged on the substrate in a line in a first direction. Each of the six transistors includes a silicon pillar, an insulator that surrounds a side surface of the silicon pillar, a gate that surrounds the insulator, a source region disposed in an upper portion or a lower portion of the silicon pillar, and a drain region disposed in the upper portion or the lower portion of the silicon pillar, the drain region being located on a side of the silicon pillar opposite to a side of the silicon pillar on which the source region is located. The NOR decoder in each of the j×k pairs at least includes a first n-channel MOS transistor, a second n-channel MOS transistor, a first p-channel MOS transistor, and a second p-channel MOS transistor. The inverter in each of the j×k pairs includes a third n-channel MOS transistor and a third p-channel MOS transistor. The gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other. The gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other. The drain regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor are located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillars of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor, respectively, and are connected to one another via silicide regions to form a first output terminal. The source region of the second p-channel MOS transistor is located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillar of the second p-channel MOS transistor. The source region of the first p-channel MOS transistor is connected to the drain region of the second p-channel MOS transistor via a contact. The source regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the second n-channel MOS transistor are connected to a reference power supply line via contacts. The source region of the second p-channel MOS transistor is connected to a power supply line via a silicide region. The gate of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the third p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other and are connected to the first output terminal. The drain region of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the drain region of the third p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other to form a second output terminal. The source region of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the source region of the third p-channel MOS transistor are respectively connected to the reference power supply line and the power supply line. Each of the j×k pairs of NOR decoders and inverters is configured such that the gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, are connected to any one of the j first address signal lines, and the gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, are connected to any one of the k second address signal lines. The reference power supply line, the power supply line, the j first address signal lines, and the k second address signal lines are arranged to extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

(5) The six transistors may be arranged in a line in an order of one of the third p-channel MOS transistor and the third n-channel MOS transistor, the other of the third p-channel MOS transistor and the third n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, the first n-channel MOS transistor, the first p-channel MOS transistor, and the second p-channel MOS transistor.

(6) Each of the j×k pairs of NOR decoders and inverters may be configured such that the gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other by using a line of a first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and are connected to any one of the j first address signal lines, each of which is formed of a line of a second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction, and the gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other by using a line of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and are connected to any one of the k second address signal lines, each of which is formed of a line of the second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction.

(7) According to still another aspect of the present invention, a semiconductor device includes a NOR decoder and an inverter. The NOR decoder and the inverter include six transistors, each having a source, a drain, and a gate arranged in a layered manner in a direction perpendicular to a substrate, the six transistors being arranged on the substrate in a line in a first direction. Each of the six transistors includes a silicon pillar, an insulator that surrounds a side surface of the silicon pillar, a gate that surrounds the insulator, a source region disposed in an upper portion or a lower portion of the silicon pillar, and a drain region disposed in the upper portion or the lower portion of the silicon pillar, the drain region being located on a side of the silicon pillar opposite to a side of the silicon pillar on which the source region is located. The NOR decoder includes a first n-channel MOS transistor, a second n-channel MOS transistor, a first p-channel MOS transistor, and a second p-channel MOS transistor. The inverter includes a third n-channel MOS transistor and a third p-channel MOS transistor. The gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other. The gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other. The source regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor are located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillars of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor. The drain region of the second p-channel MOS transistor is located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillar of the second p-channel MOS transistor. The drain regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor are connected to one another via contacts to form a first output terminal. The source region of the first p-channel MOS transistor is connected to the drain region of the second p-channel MOS transistor via a silicide region. The source regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the second n-channel MOS transistor are connected to a reference power supply line via silicide regions. The source region of the second p-channel MOS transistor is connected to a power supply line via a contact. The gate of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the third p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other and are connected to the first output terminal. The drain region of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the drain region of the third p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other to form a second output terminal. The source region of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the source region of the third p-channel MOS transistor are respectively connected to the reference power supply line and the power supply line. The NOR decoder further includes a first address signal line and a second address signal line. The gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, are connected to the first address signal line. The gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, are connected to the second address signal line. The reference power supply line, the power supply line, the first address signal line, and the second address signal line are arranged to extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

(8) The six transistors may be arranged in a line in an order of one of the third p-channel MOS transistor and the third n-channel MOS transistor, the other of the third p-channel MOS transistor and the third n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, the first n-channel MOS transistor, the first p-channel MOS transistor, and the second p-channel MOS transistor.

(9) The source regions of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the third p-channel MOS transistor may be located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillars of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the third p-channel MOS transistor, and the six transistors may be arranged in a line in an order of the third p-channel MOS transistor, the third n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, the first n-channel MOS transistor, the first p-channel MOS transistor, and the second p-channel MOS transistor.

(10) The gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor may be connected to each other by using a line of a first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and may be connected to the first address signal line, which is formed of a line of a second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction. The gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor may be connected to each other by using a line of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and may be connected to the second address signal line, which is formed of a line of the second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction.

(11) According to still another aspect of the present invention, a semiconductor device includes j first address signal lines, the number of which is equal to j, k second address signal lines, the number of which is equal to k, and j x k pairs of NOR decoders and inverters, the number of which is given by j×k. Each of the j×k pairs of NOR decoders and inverters includes six transistors, each having a source, a drain, and a gate arranged in a layered manner in a direction perpendicular to a substrate, the six transistors being arranged on the substrate in a line in a first direction. Each of the six transistors includes a silicon pillar, an insulator that surrounds a side surface of the silicon pillar, a gate that surrounds the insulator, a source region disposed in an upper portion or a lower portion of the silicon pillar, and a drain region disposed in the upper portion or the lower portion of the silicon pillar, the drain region being located on a side of the silicon pillar opposite to a side of the silicon pillar on which the source region is located. The NOR decoder in each of the j×k pairs at least includes a first n-channel MOS transistor, a second n-channel MOS transistor, a first p-channel MOS transistor, and a second p-channel MOS transistor. The inverter in each of the j×k pairs includes a third n-channel MOS transistor and a third p-channel MOS transistor. The gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other. The gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other. The source regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor are located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillars of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor. The drain region of the second p-channel MOS transistor is located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillar of the second p-channel MOS transistor. The drain regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor are connected to one another via contacts to form a first output terminal. The source region of the first p-channel MOS transistor is connected to the drain region of the second p-channel MOS transistor via a silicide region. The source regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the second n-channel MOS transistor are connected to a reference power supply line via silicide regions. The source region of the second p-channel MOS transistor is connected to a power supply line via a contact. The gate of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the third p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other and are connected to the first output terminal. The drain region of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the drain region of the third p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other to form a second output terminal. The source region of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the source region of the third p-channel MOS transistor are respectively connected to the reference power supply line and the power supply line. Each of the j×k pairs of NOR decoders and inverters is configured such that the gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, are connected to any one of the j first address signal lines, and the gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, are connected to any one of the k second address signal lines. The reference power supply line, the power supply line, the j first address signal lines, and the k second address signal lines are arranged to extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

(12) The six transistors may be arranged in a line in an order of one of the third p-channel MOS transistor and the third n-channel MOS transistor, the other of the third p-channel MOS transistor and the third n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, the first n-channel MOS transistor, the first p-channel MOS transistor, and the second p-channel MOS transistor.

(13) The source regions of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the third p-channel MOS transistor may be located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillars of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the third p-channel MOS transistor, and the six transistors may be arranged in a line in an order of the third p-channel MOS transistor, the third n-channel MOS transistor, the second re-channel MOS transistor, the first n-channel MOS transistor, the first p-channel MOS transistor, and the second p-channel MOS transistor.

(14) The source regions of the first n-channel MOS transistors, the second n-channel MOS transistors, and the third n-channel MOS transistors in the j×k pairs of NOR decoders and inverters may be connected in common via a silicide layer.

(15) Each of the j×k pairs of NOR decoders and inverters may be configured such that the gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other by using a line of a first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and are connected to any one of the j first address signal lines, each of which is formed of a line of a second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction, and the gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other by using a line of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and are connected to any one of the k second address signal lines, each of which is formed of a line of the second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction.

(16) According to still another aspect of the present invention, a semiconductor device includes a NOR decoder. The NOR decoder includes four transistors, each having a source, a drain, and a gate arranged in a layered manner in a direction perpendicular to a substrate, the four transistors being arranged on the substrate in a line in a first direction. Each of the four transistors includes a silicon pillar, an insulator that surrounds a side surface of the silicon pillar, a gate that surrounds the insulator, a source region disposed in an upper portion or a lower portion of the silicon pillar, and a drain region disposed in the upper portion or the lower portion of the silicon pillar, the drain region being located on a side of the silicon pillar opposite to a side of the silicon pillar on which the source region is located. The NOR decoder includes a first n-channel MOS transistor, a second n-channel MOS transistor, a first p-channel MOS transistor, and a second p-channel MOS transistor. The gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other. The gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other. The drain regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor are located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillars of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor, respectively, and are connected to one another via silicide regions to form a first output terminal. The source region of the second p-channel MOS transistor is located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillar of the second p-channel MOS transistor. The source region of the first p-channel MOS transistor is connected to the drain region of the second p-channel MOS transistor via a contact. The source regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the second n-channel MOS transistor are connected to a reference power supply line via contacts. The source region of the second p-channel MOS transistor is connected to a power supply line via a silicide region. The decoder further includes a first address signal line and a second address signal line. The gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, are connected to the first address signal line. The gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, are connected to the second address signal line. The reference power supply line, the power supply line, the first address signal line, and the second address signal line are arranged to extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

(17) The four transistors may be arranged in a line in an order of the second n-channel MOS transistor, the first n-channel MOS transistor, the first p-channel MOS transistor, and the second p-channel MOS transistor.

(18) The gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor may be connected to each other by using a line of a first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and may be connected to the first address signal line, which is formed of a line of a second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction. The gate of the second n-channel. MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor may be connected to each other by using a line of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and may be connected to the second address signal line, which is formed of a line of the second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction.

(19) According to still another aspect of the present invention, a semiconductor device includes j first address signal lines, the number of which is equal to j, k second address signal lines, the number of which is equal to k, and j×k NOR decoders, the number of which is given by j×k. Each of the j×k NOR decoders includes four transistors, each having a source, a drain, and a gate arranged in a layered manner in a direction perpendicular to a substrate, the four transistors being arranged on the substrate in a line in a first direction. Each of the four transistors includes a silicon pillar, an insulator that surrounds a side surface of the silicon pillar, a gate that surrounds the insulator, a source region disposed in an upper portion or a lower portion of the silicon pillar, and a drain region disposed in the upper portion or the lower portion of the silicon pillar, the drain region being located on a side of the silicon pillar opposite to a side of the silicon pillar on which the source region is located. The NOR decoder at least includes a first n-channel MOS transistor, a second n-channel MOS transistor, a first p-channel MOS transistor, and a second p-channel MOS transistor. The gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other. The gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other. The drain regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor are located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillars of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor, respectively, and are connected to one another via silicide regions to form a first output terminal. The source region of the second p-channel MOS transistor is located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillar of the second p-channel MOS transistor. The source region of the first p-channel MOS transistor is connected to the drain region of the second p-channel MOS transistor via a contact. The source regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the second n-channel MOS transistor are connected to a reference power supply line via contacts. The source region of the second p-channel MOS transistor is connected to a power supply line via a silicide region. Each of the j×k NOR decoders is configured such that the gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, are connected to any one of the j first address signal lines, and the gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, are connected to any one of the k second address signal lines. The reference power supply line, the power supply line, the j first address signal lines, and the k second address signal lines are arranged to extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

(20) The four transistors may be arranged in a line in an order of the second n-channel MOS transistor, the first n-channel MOS transistor, the first p-channel MOS transistor, and the second p-channel MOS transistor.

(21) Each of the j×k NOR decoders may be configured such that the gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other by using a line of a first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and are connected to any one of the j first address signal lines, each of which is formed of a line of a second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction, and the gate of the second re-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other by using a line of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and are connected to any one of the k second address signal lines, each of which is formed of a line of the second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction.

(22) According to still another aspect of the present invention, a semiconductor device includes a NOR decoder. The NOR decoder includes four transistors, each having a source, a drain, and a gate arranged in a layered manner in a direction perpendicular to a substrate, the four transistors being arranged on the substrate in a line in a first direction. Each of the four transistors includes a silicon pillar, an insulator that surrounds a side surface of the silicon pillar, a gate that surrounds the insulator, a source region disposed in an upper portion or a lower portion of the silicon pillar, and a drain region disposed in the upper portion or the lower portion of the silicon pillar, the drain region being located on a side of the silicon pillar opposite to a side of the silicon pillar on which the source region is located. The NOR decoder includes a first n-channel MOS transistor, a second n-channel MOS transistor, a first p-channel MOS transistor, and a second p-channel MOS transistor. The gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other. The gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other. The source regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor are located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillars of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor. The drain region of the second p-channel MOS transistor is located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillar of the second p-channel MOS transistor. The drain regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor are connected to one another via contacts to form a first output terminal. The source region of the first p-channel MOS transistor is connected to the drain region of the second p-channel MOS transistor via a silicide region. The source regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the second n-channel MOS transistor are connected to a reference power supply line via silicide regions. The source region of the second p-channel MOS transistor is connected to a power supply line via a contact. The NOR decoder further includes a first address signal line and a second address signal line. The gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, are connected to the first address signal line. The gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, are connected to the second address signal line. The reference power supply line, the power supply line, the first address signal line, and the second address signal line are arranged to extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

(23) The four transistors may be arranged in a line in an order of the second n-channel MOS transistor, the first n-channel MOS transistor, the first p-channel MOS transistor, and the second p-channel MOS transistor.

(24) The gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor may be connected to each other by using a line of a first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and may be connected to the first address signal line, which is formed of a line of a second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction. The gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor may be connected to each other by using a line of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and may be connected to the second address signal line, which is formed of a line of the second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction.

(25) According to still another aspect of the present invention, a semiconductor device includes j first address signal lines, the number of which is equal to j, k second address signal lines, the number of which is equal to k, and j×k NOR decoders, the number of which is given by j×k. Each of the j×k NOR decoders includes four transistors, each having a source, a drain, and a gate arranged in a layered manner in a direction perpendicular to a substrate, the four transistors being arranged on the substrate in a line in a first direction. Each of the four transistors includes a silicon pillar, an insulator that surrounds a side surface of the silicon pillar, a gate that surrounds the insulator, a source region disposed in an upper portion or a lower portion of the silicon pillar, and a drain region disposed in the upper portion or the lower portion of the silicon pillar, the drain region being located on a side of the silicon pillar opposite to a side of the silicon pillar on which the source region is located. Each of the j×k NOR decoders at least includes a first n-channel MOS transistor, a second n-channel MOS transistor, a first p-channel MOS transistor, and a second p-channel MOS transistor. The gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other. The gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other. The source regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor are located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillars of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor. The drain region of the second p-channel MOS transistor is located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillar of the second p-channel MOS transistor. The drain regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor are connected to one another via contacts to form a first output terminal. The source region of the first p-channel MOS transistor is connected to the drain region of the second p-channel MOS transistor via a silicide region. The source regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the second n-channel MOS transistor are connected to a reference power supply line via silicide regions. The source region of the second p-channel MOS transistor is connected to a power supply line via a contact. Each of the j×k NOR decoders is configured such that the gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, are connected to any one of the j first address signal lines, and the gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, are connected to any one of the k second address signal lines. The reference power supply line, the power supply line, the j first address signal lines, and the k second address signal lines are arranged to extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

(26) The four transistors may be arranged in a line in an order of the second n-channel MOS transistor, the first n-channel MOS transistor, the first p-channel MOS transistor, and the second p-channel MOS transistor.

(27) The source regions of the first n-channel MOS transistors and the second n-channel MOS transistors in the j×k NOR decoders may be connected in common via a silicide layer.

(28) Each of the j×k NOR decoders may be configured such that the gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other by using a line of a first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and are connected to any one of the j first address signal lines, each of which is formed of a line of a second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction, and the gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other by using a line of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and are connected to any one of the k second address signal lines, each of which is formed of a line of the second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an equivalent circuit diagram illustrating a decoder according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a plan view of the decoder according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a plan view of the decoder according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3E is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3F is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3G is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3H is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram illustrating a decoder according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an address map of the decoder according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a plan view of the decoder according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a plan view of the decoder according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6C is a plan view of the decoder according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7E is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7F is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7G is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7H is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7I is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7J is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7K is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7L is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7M is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7N is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7P is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7Q is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7R is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an equivalent circuit diagram illustrating a decoder according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the decoder according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10D is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10E is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10F is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10G is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10H is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10I is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10J is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11A is an equivalent circuit diagram illustrating a decoder according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11B is an equivalent circuit diagram illustrating the decoder according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an address map of the decoder according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13A is a plan view of the decoder according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13B is a plan view of the decoder according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13C is a plan view of the decoder according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13D is a plan view of the decoder according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13E is a plan view of the decoder according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13F is a plan view of the decoder according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14C is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14D is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14E is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14F is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14G is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14H is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14I is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14J is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14K is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14L is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14M is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14N is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14P is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14Q is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14R is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14S is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14T is a cross-sectional view of the decoder according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates an equivalent circuit of an inverter circuit of related art.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a traditional inverter constituted by SGTs.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the traditional inverter constituted by SGTs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Equivalent Circuit Applicable to Exemplary Embodiment of Present Invention

FIG. 1 illustrates an equivalent circuit diagram of a 2-input NOR decoder formed by using a 2-input NOR circuit applicable to the present invention and an inverter. Reference numerals Tn11, Tn12, and Tn13 denote NMOS transistors formed of SGTs, and reference numerals Tp11, Tp12, and Tp13 denote PMOS transistors formed of SGTs. The sources of the NMOS transistors Tn11 and Tn12 are connected to a reference power supply Vss, and the drains of the NMOS transistors Tn11 and Tn12 are connected in common to an output terminal DEC1. The drain of the PMOS transistor Tp11 is connected to the output terminal DEC1, and the source of the PMOS transistor Tp11 is connected to the drain of the PMOS transistor Tp12. The source of the PMOS transistor Tp12 is connected to a power supply Vcc. An address signal line A1 is connected to the gate of the NMOS transistor Tn11 and the gate of the PMOS transistor Tp11, and an address signal line A2 is connected to the gate of the NMOS transistor Tn12 and the gate of the PMOS transistor Tp12.

Further, the drain of the NMOS transistor Tn13 and the drain of the PMOS transistor Tp13 are connected in common to serve as an output SEL1. The reference power supply Vss is supplied to the source of the NMOS transistor Tn13, and the power supply Vcc is supplied to the source of the PMOS transistor Tp13. The NMOS transistors Tn11 and Tn12 and the PMOS transistors Tp11 and Tp12 constitute a 2-input NOR decoder 101, and the NMOS transistor Tn13 and the PMOS transistor Tp13 constitute an inverter 102. The NOR decoder 101 and the inverter 102 constitute a decoder 100 with a negative logic output (the output of a selected decoder is logic “0”).

First Exemplary Embodiment

FIGS. 2A and 2B and FIGS. 3A to 3H illustrate a first exemplary embodiment as an exemplary embodiment in which the equivalent circuit illustrated in FIG. 1 is applied to the present invention. FIG. 2A is a plan view of the layout (arrangement) of the 2-input NOR decoder 101 and the inverter 102 according to this exemplary embodiment, and FIG. 2B is a view illustrating only transistors and gate lines in FIG. 2A. FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line A-A′ in FIG. 2A, FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line B-B′ in FIG. 2A, FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line C-C′ in FIG. 2A, FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line D-D′ in FIG. 2A, FIG. 3E is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line E-E′ in FIG. 2A, FIG. 3F is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line F-F′ in FIG. 2A, FIG. 3G is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line G-G′ in FIG. 2A, and FIG. 3H is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line H-H′ in FIG. 2A.

In FIGS. 2A and 2B and FIGS. 3A to 3H, portions having the same or substantially the same structures as those illustrated in FIGS. 15, 16, and 17 are denoted by equivalent reference numerals in the 100s.

In FIG. 2A, six SGTs constituting the NOR decoder 101 and the inverter 102 illustrated in FIG. 1, namely, the PMOS transistor Tp13, the NMOS transistors Tn13, Tn12, and Tn11, and the PMOS transistors Tp11 and Tp12, are arranged in a line in a lateral direction (defined as a “first direction”) from right to left in this figure.

Further provided in a longitudinal direction (defined as a “second direction perpendicular to the first direction”) in this figure are lines 115a, 115b, 115e, 115g, 115h, 115j, and 115k of a second metal wiring layer described below. The lines 115a, 115b, 115e, 115g, 115h, 115j, and 115k are arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction (the second direction), and respectively form a power supply Vcc, a reference power supply Vss, a reference power supply Vss, a reference power supply Vss, an address signal line A1, an address signal line A2, and a power supply Vcc.

Planar silicon layers 102na, 102nb, 102pa, 102pb, and 102pc are formed on top of an insulating film such as a buried oxide (BOX) film layer 101z disposed on a substrate. The planar silicon layers 102na, 102nb, 102pa, 102pb, and 102pc are formed as an n+ diffusion layer, an n+ diffusion layer, a p+ diffusion layer, a p+ diffusion layer, and a p+ diffusion layer, respectively, through impurity implantation or the like. Reference numeral 103 denotes a silicide layer disposed on surfaces of the planar silicon layers (102na, 102nb, 102pa, 102pb, and 102pc). The silicide layer 103 connects the planar silicon layers 102na and 102pa to each other, and also connects the planar silicon layers 102nb and 102pb to each other. Reference numerals 104p11, 104p12, and 104p13 denote p-type silicon pillars, and reference numerals 104n11, 104n12, and 104n13 denote n-type silicon pillars. Reference numeral 105 denotes a gate insulating film that surrounds the silicon pillars 104p11, 104p12, 104p13, 104n11, 104n12, and 104n13. Reference numeral 106 denotes a gate electrode, and reference numerals 106a, 106b, and 106c denote gate lines. The gate insulating film 105 is also formed to underlie the gate electrode 106 and the gate lines 106a, 106b, and 106c.

In top portions of the silicon pillars 104p11, 104p12, and 104p13, n+ diffusion layers 107n11, 107n12, and 107n13 are respectively formed through impurity implantation or the like. In top portions of the silicon pillars 104n11, 104n12, and 104n13, p+ diffusion layers 107p11, 107p12, and 107p13 are respectively formed through impurity implantation or the like. Reference numeral 108 denotes a silicon nitride film for protecting the gate insulating film 105, and reference numerals 109n11, 109n12, 109n13, 109p11, 109p12, and 109p13 denote silicide layers to be respectively connected to the n+ diffusion layers 107n11, 107n12, and 107n13 and the p+ diffusion layers 107p11, 107p12, and 107p13.

Reference numerals 110n11, 110n12, 110n13, 110p11, 110p12, and 110p13 denote contacts that respectively connect the silicide layers 109n11, 109n12, 109n13, 109p11, 109p12, and 109p13 to lines 113e, 113d, 113b, 113g, 113g, and 113a of a first metal wiring layer. Reference numeral 111a denotes a contact that connects the gate line 106a to a line 113c of the first metal wiring layer, reference numeral 111b denotes a contact that connects the gate line 106b to a line 113f of the first metal wiring layer, and reference numeral 111c denotes a contact that connects the gate line 106c to a line 113h of the first metal wiring layer. Reference numeral 112a denotes a contact that connects the silicide layer 103 connected to the n+ diffusion layer 102nb to the line 113c of the first metal wiring layer, and reference numeral 112b denotes a contact that connects the silicide layer 103 connected to the p+ diffusion layer 102pc to a line 113i of the first metal wiring layer.

Reference numeral 114n11 denotes a contact that connects the line 113e of the first metal wiring layer to the line 115g of the second metal wiring layer, reference numeral 114n12 denotes a contact that connects the line 113d of the first metal wiring layer to the line 115e of the second metal wiring layer, reference numeral 114n13 denotes a contact that connects the line 113b of the first metal wiring layer to the line 115b of the second metal wiring layer, reference numeral 114p13 denotes a contact that connects the line 113a of the first metal wiring layer to the line 115a of the second metal wiring layer, reference numeral 114a denotes a contact that connects the line 113f of the first metal wiring layer to the line 115h of the second metal wiring layer, reference numeral 114b denotes a contact that connects the line 113h of the first metal wiring layer to the line 115j of the second metal wiring layer, and reference numeral 114c denotes a contact that connects the line 113i of the first metal wiring layer to the line 115k of the second metal wiring layer.

The silicon pillar 104p11, the lower diffusion layer 102nb, the upper diffusion layer 107n11, the gate insulating film 105, and the gate electrode 106 constitute the NMOS transistor Tn11. The silicon pillar 104p12, the lower diffusion layer 102nb, the upper diffusion layer 107n12, the gate insulating film 105, and the gate electrode 106 constitute the NMOS transistor Tn12. The silicon pillar 104p13, the lower diffusion layer 102na, the upper diffusion layer 107n13, the gate insulating film 105, and the gate electrode 106 constitute the NMOS transistor Tn13. The silicon pillar 104n11, the lower diffusion layer 102pb, the upper diffusion layer 107p11, the gate insulating film 105, and the gate electrode 106 constitute the PMOS transistor Tp11. The silicon pillar 104n12, the lower diffusion layer 102pc, the upper diffusion layer 107p12, the gate insulating film 105, and the gate electrode 106 constitute the PMOS transistor Tp12. The silicon pillar 104n13, the lower diffusion layer 102pa, the upper diffusion layer 107p13, the gate insulating film 105, and the gate electrode 106 constitute the PMOS transistor Tp13.

Further, the gate line 106b is connected to the gate electrode 106 of the NMOS transistor Tn11 and the gate electrode 106 of the PMOS transistor Tp11, and the gate line 106c is connected to the gate electrode 106 of the NMOS transistor Tn12 and the gate electrode 106 of the PMOS transistor Tp12. The gate electrodes 106 of the NMOS transistor Tn13 and the PMOS transistor Tp13 are connected in common to which the gate line 106a is connected.

The lower diffusion layers 102nb and 102pb are connected to each other by using the silicide layer 103 to serve as a common drain of the NMOS transistor Tn11, the NMOS transistor Tn12, and the PMOS transistor Tp11, and are connected to an output DEC1. The upper diffusion layer 107n11, which is the source of the NMOS transistor Tn11, is connected to the line 113e of the first metal wiring layer via the silicide layer 109n11 and the contact 110n11. The line 113e of the first metal wiring layer is connected to the line 115g of the second metal wiring layer via the contact 114n11, and the reference power supply Vss is supplied to the line 115g of the second metal wiring layer.

The upper diffusion layer 107n12, which is the source of the NMOS transistor Tn12, is connected to the line 113d of the first metal wiring layer via the silicide layer 109n12 and the contact 110n12. The line 113d of the first metal wiring layer is connected to the line 115e of the second metal wiring layer via the contact 114n12, and the reference power supply Vss is supplied to the line 115e of the second metal wiring layer.

The upper diffusion layer 107p11, which is the source of the PMOS transistor Tpll, is connected to the line 113g of the first metal wiring layer via the silicide layer 109p11 and the contact 110p11. The upper diffusion layer 107p12, which is the drain of the PMOS transistor Tp12, is connected to the line 113g of the first metal wiring layer via the silicide layer 109p12 and the contact 110p12.

Here, the source of the PMOS transistor Tp11 and the drain of the PMOS transistor Tp12 are connected to each other via the line 113g of the first metal wiring layer. Further, the lower diffusion layer 102pc serves as the source of the PMOS transistor Tp12, and is connected to the line 113i of the first metal wiring layer via the silicide layer 103 and the contact 112b. The line 113i of the first metal wiring layer is connected to the line 115k of the second metal wiring layer via the contact 114c, and the power supply Vcc is supplied to the line 115k of the second metal wiring layer.

The lower diffusion layer 102na, which is the drain of the NMOS transistor Tn13, and the lower diffusion layer 102pa, which is the drain of the PMOS transistor Tp13, are connected in common via the silicide layer 103 to serve as an output SELl.

The upper diffusion layer 107n13, which is the source of the NMOS transistor Tn13, is connected to the line 113b of the first metal wiring layer via the silicide layer 109n13 and the contact 110n13. The line 113b of the first metal wiring layer is connected to the line 115b of the second metal wiring layer via the contact 114n13, and the reference power supply Vss is supplied to the line 115b of the second metal wiring layer.

The upper diffusion layer 107p13, which is the source of the PMOS transistor Tp13, is connected to the line 113a of the first metal wiring layer via the silicide layer 109p13 and the contact 110p13. The line 113a of the first metal wiring layer is connected to the line 115a of the second metal wiring layer via the contact 114p13, and the power supply Vcc is supplied to the line 115a of the second metal wiring layer. Further, the gate line 106a, which is common to the NMOS transistor Tn13 and the PMOS transistor Tp13, is connected to the silicide layer 103, which is the output DEC1, via the contact 111a, the line 113c of the first metal wiring layer, and the contact 112a.

The line 115h of the second metal wiring layer is supplied with an address signal A1. The line 115h of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 106b via the contact 114a, the line 113f of the first metal wiring layer, and the contact 111b, and accordingly the address signal A1 is supplied to the gate electrode 106 of the NMOS transistor Tn11 and the gate electrode 106 of the PMOS transistor Tp11.

The line 115j of the second metal wiring layer is supplied with an address signal A2. The line 115j of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 106c via the contact 114b, the line 113h of the first metal wiring layer, and the contact 111c, and accordingly the address signal A2 is supplied to the gate electrode 106 of the NMOS transistor Tn12 and the gate electrode 106 of the PMOS transistor Tp12.

It is to be noted that, in FIG. 2A, a size in the longitudinal direction (the second direction) is a minimum processing size determined by the size of an SGT, a margin between an SGT and a lower diffusion layer, and an interval between diffusion layers, and is defined as Ly. That is, a plurality of decoders 100 can be arranged vertically adjacent to one another at a minimum pitch (minimum interval) Ly.

According to this exemplary embodiment, six SGTs constituting a 2-input NOR decoder and an inverter are arranged in a line in a first direction, and the reference power supply Vss, the power supply Vcc, and the address signal lines A1 and A2 are arranged to extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. This configuration provides a semiconductor device including a 2-input NOR decoder and an inverter with a reduced area without using any extra lines or contact regions.

Equivalent Circuit Applicable to Exemplary Embodiment of Present Invention

FIG. 4 illustrates an equivalent circuit diagram of decoders, each constructed by arranging a plurality of 2-input NOR decoders and a plurality of inverters applicable to the present invention.

Six address signal lines A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, and A6 are provided, in which the address signal lines A1 and A2 are selectively connected to the gate of the NMOS transistor Tn11 and the gate of the PMOS transistor Tp11, and the address signal lines A3, A4, A5, and A6 are selectively connected to the gate of the NMOS transistor Tn12 and the gate of the PMOS transistor Tp12. Eight decoders 100-1 to 100-8 are formed by using the six address signals A1 to A6. The address signal lines A1 and A3 are connected to the decoder 100-1. The address signal lines A2 and A3 are connected to the decoder 100-2. The address signal lines A1 and A4 are connected to the decoder 100-3. The address signal lines A2 and A4 are connected to the decoder 100-4. The address signal lines A1 and A5 are connected to the decoder 100-5. The address signal lines A2 and A5 are connected to the decoder 100-6. The address signal lines A1 and A6 are connected to the decoder 100-7. The address signal lines A2 and A6 are connected to the decoder 100-8.

Portions at which address signal lines are connected are indicated by the broken-line circles.

As illustrated in a second exemplary embodiment described below, the address signal line A3 is connected in common to the decoders 100-1 and 100-2, the address signal line A4 is connected in common to the decoders 100-3 and 100-4, the address signal line A5 is connected in common to the decoders 100-5 and 100-6, and the address signal line A6 are connected in common to the decoders 100-7 and 100-8.

FIG. 5 illustrates an address map of the eight decoders illustrated in FIG. 4. An address signal line to be connected to each of the decoder outputs DEC1/SEL1 to DEC8/SEL8 is marked with a circle. Connections are made by using contacts, as described below.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C and FIGS. 7A to 7R illustrate the second exemplary embodiment. This exemplary embodiment illustrates an implementation of the equivalent circuit illustrated in FIG. 4, in which eight decoders, each of which is the decoder 100 illustrated in FIG. 2A, are arranged vertically (in the second direction) in this figure adjacent to one another at a minimum pitch Ly. FIGS. 6A and 6B are plan views of the layout (arrangement) of the 2-input NAND decoders and the inverters according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6C is a view illustrating only the transistors and the gate lines in FIG. 6A. FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line A-A′ in FIG. 6A, FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line B-B′ in FIG. 6A, FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line C-C′ in FIG. 6A, FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line D-D′ in FIG. 6A, FIG. 7E is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line E-E′ in FIG. 6B, FIG. 7F is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line F-F′ in FIG. 6B, FIG. 7G is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line G-G′ in FIG. 6A, FIG. 7H is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line H-H′ in FIG. 6A, FIG. 7I is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line I-I′ in FIG. 6A, FIG. 7J is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line J-J′ in FIG. 6A, FIG. 7K is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line K-K′ in FIG. 6A, FIG. 7L is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line L-L′ in FIG. 6A, FIG. 7M is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line M-M′ in FIG. 6A, FIG. 7N is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line N-N′ in FIG. 6A, FIG. 7P is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line P-P′ in FIG. 6A, FIG. 7Q is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line Q-Q′ in FIG. 6B, and FIG. 7R is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line R-R′ in FIG. 6B.

FIG. 6A illustrates a decoder block 110a illustrated in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6B illustrates a decoder block 110b illustrated in FIG. 4. Although FIGS. 6A and 6B are consecutive views, separate views are presented in FIGS. 6A and 6B in enlarged scale, for convenience.

In FIG. 6A, the transistors constituting the decoder 100-1 illustrated in FIG. 4, namely, the PMOS transistor Tp13, the NMOS transistors Tn13, Tn12, and Tn11, and the PMOS transistors Tp11 and Tp12, are arranged in the top row of FIG. 6A in a line in the lateral direction (the first direction) from right to left in this figure.

The transistors constituting the decoder 100-2, namely, the PMOS transistor Tp23, the NMOS transistors Tn23, Tn22, and Tn21, and the PMOS transistors Tp21 and Tp22, are arranged in the second row from the top in FIG. 6A in a line in the lateral direction (the first direction) from right to left in this figure. Likewise, the decoder 100-3 and the decoder 100-4 are arranged in sequence from top to bottom in FIG. 6A.

The gate line 106c is common to the NMOS transistors Tn12 and Tn22 and the PMOS transistors Tp11 and Tp12, and is formed in the space (dead space) between the lower diffusion layers of the decoder 100-1 and the decoder 100-2. This configuration can minimize the size in the longitudinal direction (the second direction). In addition, the use of a common gate line can reduce the parasitic capacitance of lines. High-speed operation can be achieved.

Also, in FIG. 6B, the transistors constituting the decoder 100-5, namely, the PMOS transistor Tp53, the NMOS transistors Tn53, Tn52, and Tn51, and the PMOS transistors Tp51 and Tp52, are arranged in the top row of FIG. 6B in a line in the lateral direction from right to left in this figure. The transistors constituting the decoder 100-6, namely, the PMOS transistor Tp63, the NMOS transistors Tn63, Tn62, and Tn61, and the PMOS transistors Tp61 and Tp62, are arranged in the second row from the top in FIG. 6B in a line in the lateral direction from right to left in this figure. Likewise, the decoder 100-7 and the decoder 100-8 are arranged in sequence from top to bottom in FIG. 6B. Although the decoders 100-4 and 100-5 are separately illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B for convenience of illustration, in the actual layout, the decoder 100-5 illustrated in FIG. 6B is arranged immediately below the decoder 100-4 illustrated in FIG. 6A so as to be adjacent to the decoder 100-4.

In FIGS. 6A and 6B, lines 115a, 115b, 115c, 115d, 115e, 115f, 115g, 115h, 115i, 115j, and 115k of a second metal wiring layer are arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction (the second direction), and respectively form a power supply Vcc, a reference power supply Vss, address signal lines A3 and A4, a reference power supply Vss, an address signal line A1, a reference power supply Vss, address signal lines A2, A5, and A6, and a power supply Vcc. Since the lines 115a to 115k of the second metal wiring layer are arranged at a minimum pitch (a minimum wiring width and a minimum wiring interval) in the second metal wiring layer, the size in the lateral direction can be minimized in the arrangement.

In FIGS. 6A and 6B and FIGS. 7A to 7R, portions having the same or substantially the same structures as those illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIGS. 3A to 3H are denoted by equivalent reference numerals in the 100s.

The arrangement of the transistors constituting the decoder 100-1, namely, the PMOS transistor Tp13, the NMOS transistors Tn13, Tn12, and Tn11, and the PMOS transistors Tp11 and Tp12, up to the transistors constituting the decoder 100-8, namely, the PMOS transistor Tp83, the NMOS transistors Tn83, Tn82, and Tn81, and the PMOS transistors Tp81 and Tp82, is identical to the arrangement of the PMOS transistor Tp13, the NMOS transistors Tn13, Tn12, and Tn11, and the PMOS transistors Tp11 and Tp12 in FIG. 2A. Note that FIGS. 6A and 6B are different from FIG. 2A in the lines of the second metal wiring layer along which the reference power supply Vss is supplied and in the arrangement positions and the connection portions of the lines of the second metal wiring layer along which address signals are supplied.

In FIGS. 6A and 6B, the following connections are provided.

The line 115a of the second metal wiring layer along which the power supply Vcc is supplied is arranged to extend in the second direction, and is connected to the sources of the PMOS transistors Tp13 and Tp23 to Tp83.

The line 115b of the second metal wiring layer along which the reference power supply Vss is supplied is arranged to extend in the second direction, and is connected to the sources of the NMOS transistors Tn13 and Tn23 to Tn83.

The line 115c of the second metal wiring layer along which an address signal A3 is supplied is arranged to extend in the second direction, and is connected to the gate line 106c via a contact 114s, a line 113s of the first metal wiring layer, and a contact 111s. The line 115c of the second metal wiring layer is then connected to the gate electrodes of the NMOS transistors Tn12 and Tn22 and the gate electrodes of the PMOS transistors Tp12 and Tp22.

The line 115d of the second metal wiring layer along which an address signal A4 is supplied is arranged to extend in the second direction, and is connected to the gate line 106c via a contact 114t, a line 113t of the first metal wiring layer, and a contact 111t. The line 115d of the second metal wiring layer is then connected to the gate electrodes of the NMOS transistors Tn32 and Tn42 and the gate electrodes of the PMOS transistors Tp32 and Tp42.

The line 115e of the second metal wiring layer along which the reference power supply Vss is supplied is arranged to extend in the second direction, and is connected to the sources of the NMOS transistors Tn12 and Tn22 to Tn82.

The line 115f of the second metal wiring layer along which an address signal A1 is supplied is arranged to extend in the second direction. The line 115f of the second metal wiring layer is connected to a gate line 106d via a contact 114j, a line 113j of the first metal wiring layer, and a contact 111j, and is then connected to the gate electrode of the NMOS transistor Tn11. In addition, the line 115f of the second metal wiring layer is also connected to the gate electrode of the PMOS transistor Tp11 via the gate line 106b. Also, the line 115f of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 106d via a contact 114l, a line 113l of the first metal wiring layer, and a contact 111l, and is then connected to the gate electrode of the NMOS transistor Tn31. In addition, the line 115f of the second metal wiring layer is also connected to the gate electrode of the PMOS transistor Tp31 via the gate line 106b. Further, the line 115f of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 106d via a contact 114n, a line 113n of the first metal wiring layer, and a contact 111n, and is then connected to the gate electrode of the NMOS transistor Tn51. In addition, the line 115f of the second metal wiring layer is also connected to the gate electrode of the PMOS transistor Tp51 via the gate line 106b. Further, the line 115f of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 106d via a contact 114q, a line 113q of the first metal wiring layer, and a contact 111q, and is then connected to the gate electrode of the NMOS transistor Tn71. In addition, the line 115f of the second metal wiring layer is also connected to the gate electrode of the PMOS transistor Tp71 via the gate line 106b.

The line 115g of the second metal wiring layer along which the reference power supply Vss is supplied is arranged to extend in the second direction, and is connected to the sources of the NMOS transistors Tn11 and Tn21 to Tn81.

The line 115h of the second metal wiring layer along which an address signal A2 is supplied is arranged to extend in the second direction. The line 115h of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 106b via a contact 114k, a line 113k of the first metal wiring layer, and a contact 111k, and is then connected to the gate electrodes of the NMOS transistor Tn21 and the PMOS transistor Tp21. Also, the line 115h of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 106b via a contact 114m, a line 113m of the first metal wiring layer, and a contact 111m, and is then connected to the gate electrode of the NMOS transistor Tn41 and the gate electrode of the PMOS transistor Tp41. Further, the line 115h of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 106b via a contact 114p, a line 113p of the first metal wiring layer, and a contact 111p, and is then connected to the gate electrode of the NMOS transistor Tn61 and the gate electrode of the PMOS transistor Tp61. Further, the line 115h of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 106b via a contact 114r, a line 113r of the first metal wiring layer, and a contact 111r, and is then connected to the gate electrode of the NMOS transistor Tn81 and the gate electrode of the PMOS transistor Tp81.

The line 115i of the second metal wiring layer along which an address signal A5 is supplied is arranged to extend in the second direction. The line 115i of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 106c via a contact 114u, a line 113u of the first metal wiring layer, and a contact 111u, and is then connected to the gate electrodes of the NMOS transistors Tn52 and Tn62 and the gate electrodes of the PMOS transistors Tp52 and Tp62.

The line 115j of the second metal wiring layer along which an address signal A6 is supplied is arranged to extend in the second direction. The line 115j of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 106c via a contact 114v, a line 113v of the first metal wiring layer, and a contact 111v, and is then connected to the gate electrodes of the NMOS transistors Tn72 and Tn82 and the gate electrodes of the PMOS transistors Tp72 and Tp82.

The line 115k of the second metal wiring layer along which the power supply Vcc is supplied is arranged to extend in the second direction. The line 115k of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the silicide layer 103, which covers the diffusion layer 102pc, via a contact 114c, a line 113i of the first metal wiring layer, and a contact 112b, and is then connected to the sources of the PMOS transistors Tp12 and Tp22 to Tp82. Note that each of the contact 114c, the line 113i of the first metal wiring layer, and the contact 112b is provided at a plurality of locations and the power supply Vcc is supplied.

The arrangement and connections described above can provide eight decoders with a minimum area at a minimum pitch in both the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction.

In this exemplary embodiment, the address signal lines A1 to A6 are set to provide eight decoders. It is easy to increase the number of address signal lines to increase the number of decoders.

According to this exemplary embodiment, a plurality of decoders, each having six SGTs that constitute a 2-input NOR decoder and an inverter and that are arranged in a line in a first direction, are arranged adjacent to each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the reference power supply Vss, the power supply Vcc, and the address signal lines (A1 to A6) are arranged to extend in the second direction. This configuration provides a semiconductor device including 2-input NOR decoders and inverters with a minimum area, which can be arranged at a minimum pitch in both the first direction and the second direction, without using any extra lines or contact regions.

Equivalent Circuit Applicable to Exemplary Embodiment of Present Invention

FIG. 8 illustrates an equivalent circuit diagram of a 2-input NOR decoder and an inverter according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. This exemplary embodiment is different from the first exemplary embodiment and the second exemplary embodiment described above in that the NMOS transistors Tn11, Tn12, and Tn13 and the PMOS transistors Tp11, Tp12, and Tp13 are arranged so that their sources and drains are oriented upside-down. Accordingly, the lines connecting the drains, sources, and gates of the transistors differ. In FIG. 8, the types of the lines are indicated to clearly identify how the lines are provided.

In FIG. 8, reference numerals Tn11, Tn12, and Tn13 denote NMOS transistors formed of SGTs, and reference numerals Tp11, Tp12, and Tp13 denote PMOS transistors formed of SGTs. The sources of the NMOS transistors Tn11 and Tn12 serve as a lower diffusion layer, and are connected to lines of a first metal wiring layer via lines of a silicide layer. The sources of the NMOS transistors Tn11 and Tn12 are further connected to lines of a second metal wiring layer to which a reference power supply Vss is supplied. The drains of the NMOS transistors Tn11 and Tn12 and the drain of the PMOS transistor Tp11 are connected in common to an output line DEC1 formed of a line of the first metal wiring layer. The source of the PMOS transistor Tp11 is connected to the drain of the PMOS transistor Tp12 via a lower diffusion layer and a silicide layer, and the source of the PMOS transistor Tp12 is connected to a line of the second metal wiring layer to which a power supply Vcc is supplied. An address signal line A1 is connected to the gate of the NMOS transistor Tn11 and the gate of the PMOS transistor Tp11 via a line of the second metal wiring layer, a line of the first metal wiring layer, and a gate line, and an address signal line A2 is connected to the gate of the NMOS transistor Tn12 and the gate of the PMOS transistor Tp12 via a line of the second metal wiring layer.

Further, the drain of the NMOS transistor Tn13 and the drain of the PMOS transistor Tp13 are connected in common and are connected to a line of the first metal wiring layer to serve as an output SEL1. The reference power supply Vss is supplied to the lower diffusion layer, which is the source of the NMOS transistor Tn13, via the silicide layer, and the power supply Vcc is supplied to the lower diffusion layer, which is the source of the PMOS transistor Tp13, via a silicide layer.

Third Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 9 and FIGS. 10A to 10J illustrate a third exemplary embodiment as an exemplary embodiment in which the equivalent circuit illustrated in FIG. 8 is applied to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the layout (arrangement) of a 2-input NOR decoder and an inverter according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line A-A′ in FIG. 9, FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line B-B′ in FIG. 9, FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line C-C′ in FIG. 9, FIG. 10D is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line D-D′ in FIG. 9, FIG. 10E is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line E-E′ in FIG. 9, FIG. 1OF is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line F-F′ in FIG. 9, FIG. 10G is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line G-G′ in FIG. 9, FIG. 1014 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line H-H′ in FIG. 9, FIG. 10I is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line I-I′ in FIG. 9, and FIG. 10J is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line J-J′ in FIG. 9.

In FIG. 9 and FIGS. 10A to 10J, portions having the same or substantially the same structures as those illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B and FIGS. 3A to 3H are denoted by equivalent reference numerals in the 200s.

In FIG. 9, the transistors constituting a NOR decoder 201 and an inverter 202 illustrated in FIG. 8, namely, the PMOS transistor Tp13, the NMOS transistors Tn13, Tn12, and Tn11, and the PMOS transistors Tp11 and Tp12, are arranged in a line in a lateral direction (defined as a “first direction”) from right to left in this figure.

Further provided in a longitudinal direction (defined as a “second direction perpendicular to the first direction”) in the figure are lines 215a, 215d, 215h, 215j, and 215k of a second metal wiring layer described below. The lines 215a, 215d, 215h, 215j, and 215k are arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction (the second direction) and respectively form a power supply Vcc, a reference power supply Vss, an address signal line A2, an address signal line A1, and a power supply Vcc.

Planar silicon layers 202pa, 202na, and 202pb are formed on top of an insulating film such as a buried oxide (BOX) film layer 201 z disposed on a substrate. The planar silicon layers 202pa, 202na, and 202pb are formed as a p+ diffusion layer, an n+ diffusion layer, and a p+ diffusion layer, respectively, through impurity implantation or the like. Reference numeral 203 denotes a silicide layer disposed on surfaces of the planar silicon layers (202pa, 202na, and 202pb). Reference numerals 204p11, 204p12, and 204p13 denote p-type silicon pillars, and reference numerals 204n11, 204n12, and 204n13 denote n-type silicon pillars. Reference numeral 205 denotes a gate insulating film that surrounds the silicon pillars 204p11, 204p12, 204p13, 204n11, 204n12, and 204n13. Reference numeral 206 denotes a gate electrode, and reference numerals 206a, 206b, 206c, 206d, and 206e denote gate lines. The gate insulating film 205 is also formed to underlie the gate electrode 206 and the gate lines 206a, 206b, 206c, 206d, and 206e.

In top portions of the silicon pillars 204p11, 204p12, and 204p13, n+ diffusion layers 207n11, 207n12, and 207n13 are respectively formed through impurity implantation or the like. In top portions of the silicon pillars 204n11, 204n12, and 204n13, p+ diffusion layers 207p11, 207p12, and 207p13 are respectively formed through impurity implantation or the like. Reference numeral 208 denotes a silicon nitride film for protecting the gate insulating film 205, and reference numerals 209n11, 209n12, 209n13, 209p11, 209p12, and 209p13 denote silicide layers to be respectively connected to the n+ diffusion layers 207n11, 207n12, and 207n13 and the p+ diffusion layers 207p11, 207p12, and 207p13.

Reference numerals 210n11, 210n12, 210n13, 210p11, 210p12, and 210p13 denote contacts that respectively connect the silicide layers 209n11, 209n12, 209n13, 209n11, 209n12, and 209n13 to the lines 213d, 213d, 213b, 213d, 213g, and 213b of the first metal wiring layer. Reference numeral 211a denotes a contact that connects the gate line 206b to the line 213d of the first metal wiring layer, reference numeral 211b denotes a contact that connects the gate line 206d to a line 213e of the first metal wiring layer, and reference numeral 211c denotes a contact that connects the gate line 206e to a line 213f of the first metal wiring layer. Reference numeral 212a denotes a contact that connects the silicide layer 203 connected to the p+ diffusion layer 202pa to a line 213a of the first metal wiring layer, and reference numeral 212b denotes a contact that connects the silicide layer 203 connected to the n+ diffusion layer 202na to a line 213c of the first metal wiring layer.

Reference numeral 214a denotes a contact that connects the line 213a of the first metal wiring layer to the line 215a of the second metal wiring layer, reference numeral 214b denotes a contact that connects the line 213c of the first metal wiring layer to the line 215d of the second metal wiring layer, reference numeral 214c denotes a contact that connects the line 213e of the first metal wiring layer to the line 215j of the second metal wiring layer, reference numeral 214d denotes a contact that connects the line 213f of the first metal wiring layer to the line 215h of the second metal wiring layer, and reference numeral 214n12 denotes a contact that connects the line 213g of the first metal wiring layer to the line 215k of the second metal wiring layer.

The silicon pillar 204p11, the lower diffusion layer 202na, the upper diffusion layer 207n11, the gate insulating film 205, and the gate electrode 206 constitute the NMOS transistor Tn11. The silicon pillar 204p12, the lower diffusion layer 202na, the upper diffusion layer 207n12, the gate insulating film 205, and the gate electrode 206 constitute the NMOS transistor Tn12. The silicon pillar 204p13, the lower diffusion layer 202na, the upper diffusion layer 207n13, the gate insulating film 205, and the gate electrode 206 constitute the NMOS transistor Tn13. The silicon pillar 204n11, the lower diffusion layer 202pb, the upper diffusion layer 207p11, the gate insulating film 205, and the gate electrode 206 constitute the PMOS transistor Tp11. The silicon pillar 204n12, the lower diffusion layer 202pb, the upper diffusion layer 207p12, the gate insulating film 205, and the gate electrode 206 constitute the PMOS transistor Tp12. The silicon pillar 204n13, the lower diffusion layer 202pa, the upper diffusion layer 207p13, the gate insulating film 205, and the gate electrode 206 constitute the PMOS transistor Tp13.

Further, the gate line 206c is connected to the gate electrode 206 of the NMOS transistor Tn11 and the gate electrode 206 of the PMOS transistor Tp11, and the gate line 206d is further connected to the gate electrode 206 of the PMOS transistor Tp11. The gate line 206e is connected to the gate electrode 206 of the NMOS transistor Tn12 and the gate electrode 206 of the PMOS transistor Tp12. The gate line 206a is connected in common to the gate electrode 206 of the NMOS transistor Tn13 and the gate electrode 206 of the PMOS transistor Tp13, and the gate line 206b is further connected to the gate electrode 206 of the NMOS transistor Tn13.

The n+ diffusion layer 207n11, which is the drain of the NMOS transistor Tn11, the n+ diffusion layer 207n12, which is the drain of the NMOS transistor Tn12, and the p+ diffusion layer 207p11, which is the drain of the PMOS transistor Tp11, are connected in common via the line 213d of the first metal wiring layer to serve as an output line DEC1. The lower diffusion layer 202na, which is the sources of the NMOS transistor Tn11, the NMOS transistor Tn12, and the NMOS transistor Tn13, is connected in common by using the silicide layer 203. The silicide layer 203 is connected to the line 215d of the second metal wiring layer via the contact 212b, the line 213c of the first metal wiring layer, and the contact 214b, and the reference power supply Vss is supplied to the line 215d of the second metal wiring layer. In FIG. 9 and FIGS. 10A to 10J, the contact 212b, the line 213c of the first metal wiring layer, and the contact 214b are placed in each of two, upper and lower portions.

The lower diffusion layer 202pb, which is the source of the PMOS transistor Tp11, is connected to the drain of the PMOS transistor Tp12 via the silicide layer 203. The upper diffusion layer 207p12, which is the source of the PMOS transistor Tp12, is connected to the line 215k of the second metal wiring layer via the silicide layer 209p12, the contact 110p12, the line 213g of the first metal wiring layer, and the contact 214p12. The power supply Vcc is supplied to the line 215k of the second metal wiring layer.

The upper diffusion layer 207p13, which is the drain of the PMOS transistor Tp13, and the upper diffusion layer 207n13, which is the drain of the NMOS transistor Tn13, are connected in common to the line 213b of the first metal wiring layer via the contacts 210p13 and 210n13, respectively, to serve as an output SELl.

The lower diffusion layer 202pa, which is the source of the PMOS transistor Tp13, is connected to the line 215a of the second metal wiring layer via the silicide layer 203, the contact 212a, the line 213a of the first metal wiring layer, and the contact 214a, and the power supply Vcc is supplied to the line 215a of the second metal wiring layer. In FIG. 9 and FIGS. 10A to 10J, the contact 212a, the line 213a of the first metal wiring layer, and the contact 214a are placed in each of two, upper and lower portions.

The line 215j of the second metal wiring layer is supplied with an address signal A1. The line 215j is connected to the line 213e of the first metal wiring layer, which is arranged to extend, via the contact 214c. The line 215j is further connected to the gate line 206d via the contact 211b and accordingly the address signal A1 is supplied to the gate electrode of the PMOS transistor Tp11. The address signal Al is also supplied to the gate electrode of the NMOS transistor Tn11 via the gate line 206c.

The line 215h of the second metal wiring layer is supplied with an address signal A2. The line 215h of the second metal wiring layer is further connected to the gate line 206e via the contact 214d, the line 213f of the first metal wiring layer, and the contact 211c, and accordingly the address signal A2 is supplied to the gate electrode of the NMOS transistor Tn12 and the gate electrode of the PMOS transistor Tp12.

It is to be noted that, in FIG. 9, a size in the longitudinal direction (the second direction) is a minimum processing size determined by the size of an SGT, a margin between an SGT and a lower diffusion layer, and an interval between diffusion layers, and is defined as Ly. That is, a plurality of decoders 200 can be arranged vertically adjacent to one another in an inverted configuration at a minimum pitch (minimum interval) Ly.

According to this exemplary embodiment, six SGTs constituting a 2-input NOR circuit and an inverter are arranged in a line in a first direction, the source regions of the NMOS transistors Tn11, Tn12, and Tn13 are connected in common by using the lower diffusion layer (202na) and the silicide layer 203, the source region of the PMOS transistor Tp11 and the drain region of the PMOS transistor Tp12 are connected in common by using the lower diffusion layer (202pb) and the silicide layer 203, and the reference power supply Vss, the power supply Vcc, and the address signal lines A1 and A2 are arranged to extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. This configuration provides a semiconductor device including a 2-input NOR decoder and an inverter with a minimum area without using any extra lines or contact regions.

Equivalent Circuit Applicable to Exemplary Embodiment of Present Invention

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an equivalent circuit diagram of decoders, each constructed by arranging a plurality of 2-input NOR decoders and a plurality of inverters applicable to the present invention.

Eight address signals A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, and A8 are provided, in which the address signal lines A1 to A4 are selectively connected to the gate of the NMOS transistor Tn11 and the gate of the PMOS transistor Tp11, and the address signal lines A5 to A8 are selectively connected to the gate of the NMOS transistor Tn12 and the gate of the PMOS transistor Tp12. Sixteen decoders 200-1 to 200-16 are formed by using the eight address signal lines A1 to A8. The address signal lines A1 and A5 are connected to the decoder 200-1. The address signal lines A2 and AS are connected to the decoder 200-2. The address signal lines A3 and A5 are connected to the decoder 200-3. The address signal lines A4 and AS are connected to the decoder 200-4. The address signal lines A1 and A6 are connected to the decoder 200-5. The address signal lines A2 and A6 are connected to the decoder 200-6. The address signal lines A3 and A6 are connected to the decoder 200-7. The address signal lines A4 and A6 are connected to the decoder 200-8. The address signal lines A1 and A7 are connected to the decoder 200-9. The address signal lines A2 and A7 are connected to the decoder 200-10. The address signal lines A3 and A7 are connected to the decoder 200-11. The address signal lines A4 and A7 are connected to the decoder 200-12. The address signal lines A1 and A8 are connected to the decoder 200-13. The address signal lines A2 and A8 are connected to the decoder 200-14. The address signal lines A3 and A8 are connected to the decoder 200-15. The address signal lines A4 and A8 are connected to the decoder 200-16.

Portions at which address signal lines are connected are indicated by the broken-line circles.

As illustrated in a fourth exemplary embodiment described below, in FIG. 11A, the address signal line A5 is connected in common to the decoders 200-1 and 200-2 and is also connected in common to the decoders 200-3 and 200-4. The address signal line A6 is connected in common to the decoders 200-5 and 200-6 and is also connected in common to the decoders 200-7 and 200-8. Further, in FIG. 11B, the address signal A7 is connected in common to the decoders 200-9 and 200-10 and is also connected in common to the decoders 200-11 and 200-12. The address signal line A8 is connected in common to the decoders 200-13 and 200-14 and is also connected in common to the decoders 200-15 and 200-16.

In FIGS. 11A and 11B, as described in detail below, the address signal lines A1 to A4 are temporarily connected to lines of a first metal wiring layer through lines of a second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction (the second direction), and are then connected to gate lines. The address signal lines A5, A6, A7, and A8 are also temporarily connected to lines of the first metal wiring layer through lines of the second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction (the second direction), and are then connected to gate lines.

FIG. 12 illustrates an address map of the sixteen decoders illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B. An address signal line to be connected to each of the decoder outputs DEC1/SEL1 to DEC16/SEL16 is marked with a circle. Connections are made by using contacts, as described below.

Fourth Exemplary Embodiment

FIGS. 13A to 13F and FIGS. 14A to 14T illustrate a fourth exemplary embodiment. This exemplary embodiment illustrates an implementation of the equivalent circuit illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, in which the sixteen decoders, each of which is based on the decoder 200 according to the third exemplary embodiment (FIG. 9), are arranged adjacent to one another at a minimum pitch Ly in accordance with FIGS. 11A and 11B. FIGS. 13A to 13D are plan views of the layout (arrangement) of 2-input NOR decoders and inverters according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 13E and 13F are plan views illustrating only contacts and lines of the first metal wiring layer illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13D, respectively. FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line A-A′ in FIG. 13A, FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line B-B′ in FIG. 13A, FIG. 14C is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line C-C′ in FIG. 13A, FIG. 14D is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line D-D′ in FIG. 13A, FIG. 14E is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line E-E′ in FIG. 13A, FIG. 14F is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line F-F′ in FIG. 13B, FIG. 14G is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line G-G′ in FIG. 13B, FIG. 14H is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line H-H′ in FIG. 13C, FIG. 14I is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line I-I′ in FIG. 13C, FIG. 14J is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line J-J′ in FIG. 13D, FIG. 14K is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line K-K′ in FIG. 13D, FIG. 14L is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line L-L′ in FIG. 13A, FIG. 14M is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line M-M′ in FIG. 13A, FIG. 14N is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line N-N′ in FIG. 13A, FIG. 14P is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line P-P′ in FIG. 13A, FIG. 14Q is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line Q-Q′ in FIG. 13A, FIG. 14R is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line R-R′ in FIG. 13A, FIG. 14S is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line S-S′ in FIG. 13A, and FIG. 14T is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut-line T-T′ in FIG. 13A.

FIG. 13A illustrates a decoder block 210a illustrated in FIG. 11A, FIG. 13B illustrates a decoder block 210b illustrated in FIG. 11A, FIG. 13C illustrates a decoder block 210c illustrated in FIG. 11B, and FIG. 13D illustrates a decoder block 210d illustrated in FIG. 11B. Although FIGS. 13A to 13D are consecutive views, separate views are presented in FIGS. 13A to 13D in enlarged scale, for convenience.

In FIG. 13A, the transistors constituting the decoder 200-1 illustrated in FIG. 11A, namely, the PMOS transistor Tp13, the NMOS transistors Tn13, Tn12, and Tn11, and the PMOS transistors Tp11 and Tp12, are arranged in the top row of FIG. 13A in a line in the lateral direction from right to left in this figure.

The transistors constituting the decoder 200-2, namely, the PMOS transistor Tp23, the NMOS transistors Tn23, Tn22, and Tn21, and the PMOS transistors Tp21 and Tp22, are arranged in the second row from the top in FIG. 13A in a line in the lateral direction from right to left in this figure. Likewise, the decoder 200-3 and the decoder 200-4 are arranged in sequence from top to bottom in FIG. 13A.

The decoder 200-2 is constructed by arranging the decoder 200-1 in a vertically inverted configuration, and a gate line 206e is common to the NMOS transistors Tn12 and Tn22, the PMOS transistors Tp11 and Tp12, and is formed in space (dead space) between lower diffusion layers of the decoder 200-1 and the decoder 200-2. This configuration can minimize the size in the longitudinal direction (the second direction). In addition, the use of a common gate line can reduce the parasitic capacitance of lines. High-speed operation can be achieved. Likewise, the decoder 200-4 is also constructed by arranging the decoder 200-3 in an inverted configuration, and a gate line 206e is provided in common.

FIG. 13B illustrates the decoders 200-5 to 200-8, in which the decoder 200-6 is constructed by arranging the decoder 200-5 in an inverted configuration and the decoder 200-8 is constructed by arranging the decoder 200-7 in an inverted configuration. Also in FIGS. 13C and 13D, the decoders 200-9 to 200-12 and the decoders 200-13 to 200-16 are respectively arranged in a manner similar that described above.

In FIGS. 13A to 13D, lines 215a, 215b, 215c, 215d, 215e, 215f, 215g, 215h, 215i, 215j, and 215k of the second metal wiring layer are arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction (the second direction), and are respectively supplied with a power supply Vcc, address signals A8, A7, A6, and A5, a reference power supply Vss, address signals A4, A3, A2, and A1, and the power supply Vcc. Since the lines 215a to 215k of the second metal wiring layer are arranged at a minimum pitch (a minimum wiring width and a minimum wiring interval) in the second metal wiring layer, resulting in the size in the lateral direction being minimized in the arrangement.

In FIGS. 13A to 13F and FIGS. 14A to 14T, portions having the same or substantially the same structures as those illustrated in FIG. 9 and FIGS. 10A to 10J are denoted by equivalent reference numerals in the 200s.

The arrangement of the transistors constituting the decoder 200-1, namely, the PMOS transistor Tp13, the NMOS transistors Tn13, Tn12, and Tn11, and the PMOS transistors Tp11 and Tp12, up to the transistors constituting the decoder 200-16, namely, the PMOS transistor Tp163, the NMOS transistors Tn163, Tn162, and Tn161, and the PMOS transistors Tp161 and Tp162, is identical to the arrangement of the PMOS transistor Tp13, the NMOS transistors Tn13, Tn12, and Tn11, and the PMOS transistors Tp11 and Tp12 in FIG. 9. Note that FIGS. 13A to 13F are different from FIG. 9 in the following points: In FIGS. 13A to 13F, address signal lines A1 to A8 are connected to a gate line 206d or 206e once via lines of the first metal wiring layer that are arranged to extend in the lateral direction (the first direction) through lines of the second metal wiring layer along which the respective address signals are supplied and which are arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction (the second direction) in order to arrange the address signal lines A1 to A8 to extend at a minimum pitch for lines of the second metal wiring layer and selectively connect the address signal lines A1 to A4 to the gate line 206d while selectively connecting the address signal lines A5 to A8 to the gate line 206e.

In FIGS. 13A to 13F and FIGS. 14A to 14T, the following connections are provided.

The line 215a of the second metal wiring layer to which the power supply Vcc is supplied is arranged to extend in the second direction, and is connected to the silicide layer 203, which is shared to connect the lower diffusion layers 202pa, which are the source regions of the PMOS transistors Tp13 and Tp23 to Tp163, via contacts 214a, lines 213a of the first metal wiring layer, and contacts 212a. Note that each of the connection portions (214a, 213a, and 212a) is provided at a plurality of locations. In addition, the lower diffusion layer 202pa and the silicide layer 203, which cover the lower diffusion layer 202pa, are shared by upper and lower adjacent decoders and are connected.

The line 215b of the second metal wiring layer to which the address signal A8 is supplied is arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction (the second direction). As illustrated in FIG. 13D and FIGS. 14J and 14K, the line 215b of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 206e via a contact 214ee, a line 213ee of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the lateral direction (the first direction), and a contact 211ee, and is connected to the gate electrodes of the NMOS transistors Tn132 and Tn142 and the gate electrodes of the PMOS transistors Tp132 and Tp142. Likewise, the line 215b of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 206e via a contact 214ff, a line 213ff of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the lateral direction (the first direction), and a contact 211ff, and is connected to the gate electrodes of the NMOS transistors Tn152 and Tn162 and the gate electrodes of the PMOS transistors Tp152 and Tp162.

The line 215c of the second metal wiring layer to which the address signal A7 is supplied is arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction (the second direction). As illustrated in FIG. 13C and FIGS. 14H and 14I, the line 215c of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 206e via a contact 214y, a line 213y of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the lateral direction (the first direction), and a contact 211y, and is connected to the gate electrodes of the NMOS transistors Tn92 and Tn102 and the gate electrodes of the PMOS transistors Tp92 and Tp102. Likewise, the line 215c of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 206e via a contact 214z, a line 213z of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the lateral direction (the first direction), and a contact 211z, and is connected to the gate electrodes of the NMOS transistors Tn112 and Tn122 and the gate electrodes of the PMOS transistors Tp112 and Tp122.

The line 215d of the second metal wiring layer to which the address signal A6 is supplied is arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction (the second direction). As illustrated in FIG. 13B and FIGS. 14F and 14G, the line 215d of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 206e via a contact 214s, a line 213s of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the lateral direction (the first direction), and a contact 211s, and is connected to the gate electrodes of the NMOS transistors Tn52 and Tn62 and the gate electrodes of the PMOS transistors Tp52 and Tp62. Likewise, the line 215d of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 206e via a contact 214t, a line 213t of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the lateral direction (the first direction), and a contact 211t, and is connected to the gate electrodes of the NMOS transistors Tn72 and Tn82 and the gate electrodes of the PMOS transistors Tp72 and Tp82.

The line 215e of the second metal wiring layer to which the address signal A5 is supplied is arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction (the second direction). As illustrated in FIG. 13A and FIGS. 14C and 14E, the line 215e of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 206e via a contact 214l, a line 213l of the first metal wiring layer, and a contact 211l, and is connected to the gate electrodes of the NMOS transistors Tn12 and Tn22 and the gate electrodes of the PMOS transistors Tp12 and Tp22. Likewise, the line 215e of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 206e via a contact 214m, a line 213m of the first metal wiring layer, and a contact 211m, and is connected to the gate electrodes of the NMOS transistors Tn32 and Tn42 and the gate electrodes of the PMOS transistors Tp32 and Tp42.

The line 215f of the second metal wiring layer to which the reference power supply Vss is supplied is arranged to extend in the second direction, and is connected to the silicide layer 203, which is shared to connect the lower diffusion layers 202na, which are the source regions of the NMOS transistors Tn13, Tn12, Tn11 to Tn163, Tn162, and Tn161, via contacts 214b, lines 213c of the first metal wiring layer, and contacts 212b. Note that each of the connection portions (214b, 213c, and 212b) is provided at a plurality of locations. In addition, the lower diffusion layer 202na and the silicide layer 203, which cover the lower diffusion layer 202na, are shared by upper and lower adjacent decoders and are connected.

The line 215g of the second metal wiring layer to which the address signal A4 is supplied is arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction (the second direction). As illustrated in FIG. 13A and FIGS. 14E and 14Q, the line 215g of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 206d via a contact 214k, a line 213k of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the lateral direction (the first direction), and a contact 211k, and is connected to the gate electrode of the PMOS transistor Tp41. The line 215g of the second metal wiring layer is also connected to the gate electrode of the NMOS transistor Tn41 via a gate line 206c. Likewise, as illustrated in FIG. 13B and FIG. 14G, the line 215g of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 206d via a contact 214r, a line 213r of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the lateral direction (the first direction), and a contact 211r, and is connected to the gate electrode of the PMOS transistor Tp81. The line 215g of the second metal wiring layer is also connected to the gate electrode of the NMOS transistor Tn81 via a gate line 206c. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 13C and FIG. 14I, the line 215g of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 206d via a contact 214x, a line 213x of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the lateral direction (the first direction), and a contact 211x, and is connected to the gate electrode of the PMOS transistor Tp121. The line 215g of the second metal wiring layer is also connected to the gate electrode of the NMOS transistor Tn121 via a gate line 206c. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 13D and FIG. 14K, the line 215g of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 206d via a contact 214dd, a line 213dd of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the lateral direction (the first direction), and a contact 211dd, and is connected to the gate electrode of the PMOS transistor Tp161. The line 215g of the second metal wiring layer is also connected to the gate electrode of the NMOS transistor Tn161 via a gate line 206c.

The line 215h of the second metal wiring layer to which the address signal A3 is supplied is arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction (the second direction). As illustrated in FIG. 13A and FIGS. 14D and 14P, the line 215h of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 206d via a contact 214j, a line 213j of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the lateral direction (the first direction), and a contact 211j, and is connected to the gate electrode of the PMOS transistor Tp31. The line 215h of the second metal wiring layer is also connected to the gate electrode of the NMOS transistor Tn31 via a gate line 206c. Likewise, as illustrated in FIG. 13B, the line 215h of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 206d via a contact 214q, a line 213q of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the lateral direction (the first direction), and a contact 211q, and is connected to the gate electrode of the PMOS transistor Tp71. The line 215h of the second metal wiring layer is also connected to the gate electrode of the NMOS transistor Tn71 via a gate line 206c. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 13C, the line 215h of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 206d via a contact 214w, a line 213w of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the lateral direction (the first direction), and a contact 211w, and is connected to the gate electrode of the PMOS transistor Tp111. The line 215h of the second metal wiring layer is also connected to the gate electrode of the NMOS transistor Tn111 via a gate line 206c. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 13D, the line 215h of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 206d via a contact 214cc, a line 213cc of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the lateral direction (the first direction), and a contact 211cc, and is connected to the gate electrode of the PMOS transistor Tp151. The line 215h of the second metal wiring layer is also connected to the gate electrode of the NMOS transistor Tn151 via a gate line 206c.

The line 215i of the second metal wiring layer to which the address signal A2 is supplied is arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction (the second direction). As illustrated in FIG. 13A and FIGS. 14C and 14N, the line 215i of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 206d via a contact 214i, a line 213i of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the lateral direction (the first direction), and a contact 211i, and is connected to the gate electrode of the PMOS transistor Tp21. The line 215i of the second metal wiring layer is also connected to the gate electrode of the NMOS transistor Tn21 via a gate line 206c. Likewise, as illustrated in FIG. 13B and FIG. 14F, the line 215i of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 206d via a contact 214p, a line 213p of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the lateral direction (the first direction), and a contact 211p, and is connected to the gate electrode of the PMOS transistor Tp61. The line 215i of the second metal wiring layer is also connected to the gate electrode of the NMOS transistor Tn61 via a gate line 206c. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 13C and FIG. 14H, the line 215i of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 206d via a contact 214v, a line 213v of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the lateral direction (the first direction), and a contact 211v, and is connected to the gate electrode of the PMOS transistor Tp101. The line 215i of the second metal wiring layer is also connected to the gate electrode of the NMOS transistor Tn101 via a gate line 206c. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 13D, the line 215i of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 206d via a contact 214bb, a line 213bb of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the lateral direction (the first direction), and a contact 211bb, and is connected to the gate electrode of the PMOS transistor Tp141. The line 215i of the second metal wiring layer is also connected to the gate electrode of the NMOS transistor Tn141 via a gate line 206c.

The line 215j of the second metal wiring layer to which the address signal A1 is supplied is arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction (the second direction). As illustrated in FIG. 13A and FIG. 14A, the line 215j of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 206d via a contact 214h, a line 213h of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction (the second direction), and a contact 211h, and is connected to the gate electrode of the PMOS transistor Tp11. The line 215j of the second metal wiring layer is also connected to the gate electrode of the NMOS transistor Tn11 via a gate line 206c. Likewise, as illustrated in FIG. 13B, the line 215j of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 206d via a contact 214n, a line 213n of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction (the second direction), and a contact 211n, and is connected to the gate electrode of the PMOS transistor Tp51. The line 215j of the second metal wiring layer is also connected to the gate electrode of the NMOS transistor Tn51 via a gate line 206c. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 13C, the line 215j of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 206d via a contact 214u, a line 213u of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction (the second direction), and a contact 211u, and is connected to the gate electrode of the PMOS transistor Tp91. The line 215j of the second metal wiring layer is also connected to the gate electrode of the NMOS transistor Tn91 via a gate line 206c. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 13D, the line 215j of the second metal wiring layer is connected to the gate line 206d via a contact 214aa, a line 213aa of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction (the second direction), and a contact 211aa, and is connected to the gate electrode of the PMOS transistor Tp131. The line 215j of the second metal wiring layer is also connected to the gate electrode of the NMOS transistor Tn131 via a gate line 206c.

The line 215k of the second metal wiring layer to which the power supply Vcc is supplied is arranged to extend in the second direction, and is connected to the sources of the PMOS transistors Tp12 and Tp22 to Tp 162 via contacts 210n12 to 210n162, lines 213g of the first metal wiring layer, and contacts 210n12 to 210n162, respectively.

The arrangement and connections described above can provide sixteen decoders with a minimum area at a minimum pitch in both the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction.

In this exemplary embodiment, the address signal lines A1 to A8 are set to provide sixteen decoders. It is easy to increase the number of address signal lines to increase the number of decoders. For an additional address signal line, similarly to the address signal lines A1 to A8, a line of the second metal wiring layer is arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction (the second direction) and is connected to the gate lines 206d or 206e by using a line of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the lateral direction (the first direction). This configuration enables the additional line of the second metal wiring layer to also be arranged at a minimum pitch that is determined by processing. Thus, large-scale decoders with a minimum area can be achieved.

According to this exemplary embodiment, a plurality of decoders, each having six SGTs that constitute a 2-input NOR decoder and an inverter and that are arranged in a line in a first direction, are arranged adjacent to each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the reference power supply Vss, the power supply Vcc, and the address signal lines (A1 to A8) are arranged to extend in the second direction. In addition, any one of the address signal lines (A1 to A8) is connected to a gate line of the corresponding one of the 2-input NOR decoders via a line of a first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction. This configuration provides a semiconductor device including 2-input NOR decoders and inverters with a minimum area, which can be arranged at a minimum pitch in both the first direction and the second direction without any limitation as to the number of input address signal lines and also without using any extra lines or contact regions.

While in this exemplary embodiment, six SGTs are arranged such that the PMOS transistor Tp13, the NMOS transistor Tn13, the NMOS transistor Tn12, the NMOS transistor Tn11, the PMOS transistor Tp11, and the PMOS transistor Tp12 are arranged in order from right to left, the essence of the present invention is that six SGTs constituting a 2-input NOR decoder and an inverter are arranged in a line to provide a decoder with a minimum area, in which connections to lines of lower diffusion layers (silicide layers), lines of upper metal layers, and gate lines are made by effectively using lines of a second metal wiring layer and lines of a first metal wiring layer. The arrangement of the SGTs, the method for providing gate lines, the positions of the gate lines, the method for providing lines of metal wiring layers, the positions of the lines of the metal wiring layers, and so on not illustrated in the drawings of the exemplary embodiments also fall within the technical scope of the present invention so long as these are based on the arrangement methods disclosed herein.

In this exemplary embodiment, a NOR decoder including four SGTs and an inverter including two SGTs, which is also used as a buffer, are combined to provide a six-SGT negative logic decoder. The essence of the present invention is that a 2-input NOR decoder including four SGTs is efficiently arranged to have a minimum wiring area, and includes the layout arrangement of a NOR decoder including four SGTs. In this case, a decoder with a positive logic output (the output of a selected decoder is logic “1”) is provided. In addition, a NOR decoder including four SGTs may be combined with a buffer including two inverters (four SGTs) to provide a positive logic NOR decoder with eight SGTs. This also falls within the technical scope of the present invention.

While the foregoing exemplary embodiments have been described as adopting the BOX structure, the exemplary embodiments may be easily achieved by using a typical CMOS structure and are not limited to the BOX structure.

In the exemplary embodiments, for convenience of description, a silicon pillar of a PMOS transistor is defined as an n-type silicon layer and a silicon pillar of an NMOS transistor is defined as a p-type silicon layer. In a process for miniaturization, however, it is difficult to control densities through impurity implantation. Thus, a so-called neutral (or intrinsic) semiconductor with no impurity implantation is used for both the silicon pillar of a PMOS transistor and the silicon pillar of an NMOS transistor, and differences in work function that is unique to a metal gate material may be used for channel control, that is, thresholds of PMOS and NMOS transistors.

In the exemplary embodiments, furthermore, lower diffusion layers or upper diffusion layers are covered with silicide layers. Silicide is used to make resistance low and any other low-resistance material may be used. A general term of metal composites is defined as silicide.

Claims

1. A semiconductor device comprising: a NOR decoder; andan inverter,the NOR decoder and the inverter including six transistors, each having a source, a drain, and a gate arranged in a layered manner in a direction perpendicular to a substrate, the six transistors being arranged on the substrate in a line in a first direction,each of the six transistors including a silicon pillar,an insulator that surrounds a side surface of the silicon pillar,a gate that surrounds the insulator,a source region disposed in an upper portion or a lower portion of the silicon pillar, anda drain region disposed in the upper portion or the lower portion of the silicon pillar, the drain region being located on a side of the silicon pillar opposite to a side of the silicon pillar on which the source region is located,the NOR decoder including a first n-channel MOS transistor,a second n-channel MOS transistor,a first p-channel MOS transistor, anda second p-channel MOS transistor,the inverter including a third n-channel MOS transistor, anda third p-channel MOS transistor,the gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor being connected to each other,the gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor being connected to each other,the drain regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor being located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillars of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor, respectively, and being connected to one another via silicide regions to form a first output terminal,the source region of the second p-channel MOS transistor being located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillar of the second p-channel MOS transistor,the source region of the first p-channel MOS transistor being connected to the drain region of the second p-channel MOS transistor via a contact,the source regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the second n-channel MOS transistor being connected to a reference power supply line via contacts,the source region of the second p-channel MOS transistor being connected to a power supply line via a silicide region,the gate of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the third p-channel MOS transistor being connected to each other and being connected to the first output terminal,the drain region of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the drain region of the third p-channel MOS transistor being connected to each other to form a second output terminal,the source region of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the source region of the third p-channel MOS transistor being respectively connected to the reference power supply line and the power supply line,the NOR decoder further including a first address signal line, anda second address signal line,the gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, being connected to the first address signal line,the gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, being connected to the second address signal line,the reference power supply line, the power supply line, the first address signal line, and the second address signal line being arranged to extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

2. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the six transistors are arranged in a line in an order of one of the third p-channel MOS transistor and the third n-channel MOS transistor, the other of the third p-channel MOS transistor and the third n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, the first n-channel MOS transistor, the first p-channel MOS transistor, and the second p-channel MOS transistor.

3. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other by using a line of a first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and are connected to the first address signal line, which is formed of a line of a second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction, andthe gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other by using a line of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and are connected to the second address signal line, which is formed of a line of the second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction.

4. A semiconductor device comprising: j first address signal lines, the number of which is equal to j;k second address signal lines, the number of which is equal to k; andj×k pairs of NOR decoders and inverters, the number of which is given by j×k,each of the j×k pairs of NOR decoders and inverters including six transistors, each having a source, a drain, and a gate arranged in a layered manner in a direction perpendicular to a substrate, the six transistors being arranged on the substrate in a line in a first direction,each of the six transistors including a silicon pillar,an insulator that surrounds a side surface of the silicon pillar,a gate that surrounds the insulator,a source region disposed in an upper portion or a lower portion of the silicon pillar, anda drain region disposed in the upper portion or the lower portion of the silicon pillar, the drain region being located on a side of the silicon pillar opposite to a side of the silicon pillar on which the source region is located,the NOR decoder in each of the j×k pairs at least including a first n-channel MOS transistor,a second n-channel MOS transistor,a first p-channel MOS transistor, anda second p-channel MOS transistor,the inverter in each of the j×k pairs including a third n-channel MOS transistor, anda third p-channel MOS transistor,the gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor being connected to each other,the gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor being connected to each other,the drain regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor being located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillars of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor, respectively, and being connected to one another via silicide regions to form a first output terminal,the source region of the second p-channel MOS transistor being located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillar of the second p-channel MOS transistor,the source region of the first p-channel MOS transistor being connected to the drain region of the second p-channel MOS transistor via a contact,the source regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the second n-channel MOS transistor being connected to a reference power supply line via contacts,the source region of the second p-channel MOS transistor being connected to a power supply line via a silicide region,the gate of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the third p-channel MOS transistor being connected to each other and being connected to the first output terminal,the drain region of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the drain region of the third p-channel MOS transistor being connected to each other to form a second output terminal,the source region of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the source region of the third p-channel MOS transistor being respectively connected to the reference power supply line and the power supply line,each of the j×k pairs of NOR decoders and inverters being configured such that the gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, are connected to any one of the j first address signal lines, andthe gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, are connected to any one of the k second address signal lines,the reference power supply line, the power supply line, the j first address signal lines, and the k second address signal lines being arranged to extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

5. The semiconductor device according to claim 4, wherein the six transistors are arranged in a line in an order of one of the third p-channel MOS transistor and the third n-channel MOS transistor, the other of the third p-channel MOS transistor and the third n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, the first n-channel MOS transistor, the first p-channel MOS transistor, and the second p-channel MOS transistor.

6. The semiconductor device according to claim 4, wherein each of the j×k pairs of NOR decoders and inverters is configured such thatthe gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other by using a line of a first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and are connected to any one of the j first address signal lines, each of which is formed of a line of a second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction, andthe gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other by using a line of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and are connected to any one of the k second address signal lines, each of which is foniied of a line of the second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction.

7. A semiconductor device comprising: a NOR decoder; andan inverter,the NOR decoder and the inverter including six transistors, each having a source, a drain, and a gate arranged in a layered manner in a direction perpendicular to a substrate, the six transistors being arranged on the substrate in a line in a first direction,each of the six transistors including a silicon pillar,an insulator that surrounds a side surface of the silicon pillar,a gate that surrounds the insulator,a source region disposed in an upper portion or a lower portion of the silicon pillar, anda drain region disposed in the upper portion or the lower portion of the silicon pillar, the drain region being located on a side of the silicon pillar opposite to a side of the silicon pillar on which the source region is located,the NOR decoder including a first n-channel MOS transistor,a second n-channel MOS transistor,a first p-channel MOS transistor, anda second p-channel MOS transistor,the inverter including a third n-channel MOS transistor, anda third p-channel MOS transistor,the gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor being connected to each other,the gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor being connected to each other,the source regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor being located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillars of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor,the drain region of the second p-channel MOS transistor being located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillar of the second p-channel MOS transistor,the drain regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor being connected to one another via contacts to form a first output terminal,the source region of the first p-channel MOS transistor being connected to the drain region of the second p-channel MOS transistor via a silicide region,the source regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the second n-channel MOS transistor being connected to a reference power supply line via silicide regions,the source region of the second p-channel MOS transistor being connected to a power supply line via a contact,the gate of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the third p-channel MOS transistor being connected to each other and being connected to the first output terminal,the drain region of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the drain region of the third p-channel MOS transistor being connected to each other to form a second output terminal,the source region of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the source region of the third p-channel MOS transistor being respectively connected to the reference power supply line and the power supply line,the NOR decoder further including a first address signal line, anda second address signal line,the gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, being connected to the first address signal line,the gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, being connected to the second address signal line,the reference power supply line, the power supply line, the first address signal line, and the second address signal line being arranged to extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

8. The semiconductor device according to claim 7, wherein the six transistors are arranged in a line in an order of one of the third p-channel MOS transistor and the third n-channel MOS transistor, the other of the third p-channel MOS transistor and the third n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, the first n-channel MOS transistor, the first p-channel MOS transistor, and the second p-channel MOS transistor.

9. The semiconductor device according to claim 8, wherein the source regions of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the third p-channel MOS transistor are located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillars of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the third p-channel MOS transistor, andthe six transistors are arranged in a line in an order of the third p-channel MOS transistor, the third n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, the first n-channel MOS transistor, the first p-channel MOS transistor, and the second p-channel MOS transistor.

10. The semiconductor device according to claim 7, wherein the gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other by using a line of a first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and are connected to the first address signal line, which is formed of a line of a second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction, andthe gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other by using a line of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and are connected to the second address signal line, which is formed of a line of the second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction.

11. A semiconductor device comprising: j first address signal lines, the number of which is equal to j;k second address signal lines, the number of which is equal to k; andj×k pairs of NOR decoders and inverters, the number of which is given by j×k,each of the j×k pairs of NOR decoders and inverters including six transistors, each having a source, a drain, and a gate arranged in a layered manner in a direction perpendicular to a substrate, the six transistors being arranged on the substrate in a line in a first direction,each of the six transistors including a silicon pillar,an insulator that surrounds a side surface of the silicon pillar,a gate that surrounds the insulator,a source region disposed in an upper portion or a lower portion of the silicon pillar, anda drain region disposed in the upper portion or the lower portion of the silicon pillar, the drain region being located on a side of the silicon pillar opposite to a side of the silicon pillar on which the source region is located,the NOR decoder in each of the j×k pairs at least including a first n-channel MOS transistor,a second n-channel MOS transistor,a first p-channel MOS transistor, anda second p-channel MOS transistor,the inverter in each of the j×k pairs including a third n-channel MOS transistor, anda third p-channel MOS transistor,the gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor being connected to each other,the gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor being connected to each other,the source regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor being located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillars of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor,the drain region of the second p-channel MOS transistor being located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillar of the second p-channel MOS transistor,the drain regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor being connected to one another via contacts to form a first output terminal,the source region of the first p-channel MOS transistor being connected to the drain region of the second p-channel MOS transistor via a silicide region,the source regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the second n-channel MOS transistor being connected to a reference power supply line via silicide regions,the source region of the second p-channel MOS transistor being connected to a power supply line via a contact,the gate of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the third p-channel MOS transistor being connected to each other and being connected to the first output terminal,the drain region of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the drain region of the third p-channel MOS transistor being connected to each other to form a second output terminal,the source region of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the source region of the third p-channel MOS transistor being respectively connected to the reference power supply line and the power supply line,each of the j×k pairs of NOR decoders and inverters being configured such that the gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, are connected to any one of the j first address signal lines, andthe gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, are connected to any one of the k second address signal lines,the reference power supply line, the power supply line, the j first address signal lines, and the k second address signal lines being arranged to extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

12. The semiconductor device according to claim 11, wherein the six transistors are arranged in a line in an order of one of the third p-channel MOS transistor and the third n-channel MOS transistor, the other of the third p-channel MOS transistor and the third n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, the first n-channel MOS transistor, the first p-channel MOS transistor, and the second p-channel MOS transistor.

13. The semiconductor device according to claim 12, wherein the source regions of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the third p-channel MOS transistor are located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillars of the third n-channel MOS transistor and the third p-channel MOS transistor, andthe six transistors are arranged in a line in an order of the third p-channel MOS transistor, the third n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, the first n-channel MOS transistor, the first p-channel MOS transistor, and the second p-channel MOS transistor.

14. The semiconductor device according to claim 13, wherein the source regions of the first n-channel MOS transistors, the second n-channel MOS transistors, and the third n-channel MOS transistors in the j×k pairs of NOR decoders and inverters are connected in common via a silicide layer.

15. The semiconductor device according to claim 11, wherein each of the j×k pairs of NOR decoders and inverters is configured such thatthe gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other by using a line of a first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and are connected to any one of the j first address signal lines, each of which is formed of a line of a second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction, andthe gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other by using a line of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and are connected to any one of the k second address signal lines, each of which is formed of a line of the second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction.

16. A semiconductor device comprising a NOR decoder including four transistors, each having a source, a drain, and a gate arranged in a layered manner in a direction perpendicular to a substrate, the four transistors being arranged on the substrate in a line in a first direction,each of the four transistors including a silicon pillar,an insulator that surrounds a side surface of the silicon pillar,a gate that surrounds the insulator,a source region disposed in an upper portion or a lower portion of the silicon pillar, anda drain region disposed in the upper portion or the lower portion of the silicon pillar, the drain region being located on a side of the silicon pillar opposite to a side of the silicon pillar on which the source region is located,the NOR decoder including a first n-channel MOS transistor,a second n-channel MOS transistor,a first p-channel MOS transistor, anda second p-channel MOS transistor,the gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor being connected to each other,the gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor being connected to each other,the drain regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor being located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillars of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor, respectively, and being connected to one another via silicide regions to form a first output terminal,the source region of the second p-channel MOS transistor being located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillar of the second p-channel MOS transistor,the source region of the first p-channel MOS transistor being connected to the drain region of the second p-channel MOS transistor via a contact,the source regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the second n-channel MOS transistor being connected to a reference power supply line via contacts,the source region of the second p-channel MOS transistor being connected to a power supply line via a silicide region,the decoder further including a first address signal line, anda second address signal line,the gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, being connected to the first address signal line,the gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, being connected to the second address signal line,the reference power supply line, the power supply line, the first address signal line, and the second address signal line being arranged to extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

17. The semiconductor device according to claim 16, wherein the four transistors are arranged in a line in an order of the second n-channel MOS transistor, the first n-channel MOS transistor, the first p-channel MOS transistor, and the second p-channel MOS transistor.

18. The semiconductor device according to claim 16, wherein the gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other by using a line of a first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and are connected to the first address signal line, which is formed of a line of a second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction, andthe gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other by using a line of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and are connected to the second address signal line, which is formed of a line of the second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction.

19. A semiconductor device comprising: j first address signal lines, the number of which is equal to j;k second address signal lines, the number of which is equal to k; andj×k NOR decoders, the number of which is given by j×k,each of the j×k NOR decoders including four transistors, each having a source, a drain, and a gate arranged in a layered manner in a direction perpendicular to a substrate, the four transistors being arranged on the substrate in a line in a first direction,each of the four transistors including a silicon pillar,an insulator that surrounds a side surface of the silicon pillar,a gate that surrounds the insulator,a source region disposed in an upper portion or a lower portion of the silicon pillar, anda drain region disposed in the upper portion or the lower portion of the silicon pillar, the drain region being located on a side of the silicon pillar opposite to a side of the silicon pillar on which the source region is located,the NOR decoder at least including a first n-channel MOS transistor,a second n-channel MOS transistor,a first p-channel MOS transistor, anda second p-channel MOS transistor,the gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor being connected to each other,the gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor being connected to each other,the drain regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor being located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillars of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor, respectively, and being connected to one another via silicide regions to form a first output terminal,the source region of the second p-channel MOS transistor being located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillar of the second p-channel MOS transistor,the source region of the first p-channel MOS transistor being connected to the drain region of the second p-channel MOS transistor via a contact,the source regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the second n-channel MOS transistor being connected to a reference power supply line via contacts,the source region of the second p-channel MOS transistor being connected to a power supply line via a silicide region,each of the j×k NOR decoders being configured such that the gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, are connected to any one of the j first address signal lines, andthe gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, are connected to any one of the k second address signal lines,the reference power supply line, the power supply line, the j first address signal lines, and the k second address signal lines being arranged to extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

20. The semiconductor device according to claim 19, wherein the four transistors are arranged in a line in an order of the second n-channel MOS transistor, the first n-channel MOS transistor, the first p-channel MOS transistor, and the second p-channel MOS transistor.

21. The semiconductor device according to claim 19, wherein each of the j×k NOR decoders is configured such thatthe gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other by using a line of a first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and are connected to any one of the j first address signal lines, each of which is formed of a line of a second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction, andthe gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other by using a line of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and are connected to any one of the k second address signal lines, each of which is formed of a line of the second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction.

22. A semiconductor device comprising a NOR decoder including four transistors, each having a source, a drain, and a gate arranged in a layered manner in a direction perpendicular to a substrate, the four transistors being arranged on the substrate in a line in a first direction,each of the four transistors including a silicon pillar,an insulator that surrounds a side surface of the silicon pillar,a gate that surrounds the insulator,a source region disposed in an upper portion or a lower portion of the silicon pillar, anda drain region disposed in the upper portion or the lower portion of the silicon pillar, the drain region being located on a side of the silicon pillar opposite to a side of the silicon pillar on which the source region is located,the NOR decoder including a first n-channel MOS transistor,a second n-channel MOS transistor,a first p-channel MOS transistor, anda second p-channel MOS transistor,the gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor being connected to each other,the gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor being connected to each other,the source regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor being located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillars of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor,the drain region of the second p-channel MOS transistor being located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillar of the second p-channel MOS transistor,the drain regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor being connected to one another via contacts to form a first output terminal,the source region of the first p-channel MOS transistor being connected to the drain region of the second p-channel MOS transistor via a silicide region,the source regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the second n-channel MOS transistor being connected to a reference power supply line via silicide regions,the source region of the second p-channel MOS transistor being connected to a power supply line via a contact,the NOR decoder further including a first address signal line, anda second address signal line,the gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, being connected to the first address signal line,the gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, being connected to the second address signal line,the reference power supply line, the power supply line, the first address signal line, and the second address signal line being arranged to extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

23. The semiconductor device according to claim 22, wherein the four transistors are arranged in a line in an order of the second n-channel MOS transistor, the first n-channel MOS transistor, the first p-channel MOS transistor, and the second p-channel MOS transistor.

24. The semiconductor device according to claim 22, wherein the gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other by using a line of a first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and are connected to the first address signal line, which is formed of a line of a second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction, andthe gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other by using a line of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and are connected to the second address signal line, which is formed of a line of the second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction.

25. A semiconductor device comprising: j first address signal lines, the number of which is equal to j;k second address signal lines, the number of which is equal to k; andj×k NOR decoders, the number of which is given by j×k,each of the j×k NOR decoders including four transistors, each having a source, a drain, and a gate arranged in a layered manner in a direction perpendicular to a substrate, the four transistors being arranged on the substrate in a line in a first direction,each of the four transistors including a silicon pillar,an insulator that surrounds a side surface of the silicon pillar,a gate that surrounds the insulator,a source region disposed in an upper portion or a lower portion of the silicon pillar, anda drain region disposed in the upper portion or the lower portion of the silicon pillar, the drain region being located on a side of the silicon pillar opposite to a side of the silicon pillar on which the source region is located,each of the j×k NOR decoders at least including a first n-channel MOS transistor,a second n-channel MOS transistor,a first p-channel MOS transistor, anda second p-channel MOS transistor,the gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor being connected to each other,the gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor being connected to each other,the source regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor being located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillars of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor,the drain region of the second p-channel MOS transistor being located closer to the substrate than the silicon pillar of the second p-channel MOS transistor,the drain regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor, the second n-channel MOS transistor, and the first p-channel MOS transistor being connected to one another via contacts to form a first output terminal,the source region of the first p-channel MOS transistor being connected to the drain region of the second p-channel MOS transistor via a silicide region,the source regions of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the second n-channel MOS transistor being connected to a reference power supply line via silicide regions,the source region of the second p-channel MOS transistor being connected to a power supply line via a contact,each of the j×k NOR decoders being configured such that the gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, are connected to any one of the j first address signal lines, andthe gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor, which are connected to each other, are connected to any one of the k second address signal lines,the reference power supply line, the power supply line, the j first address signal lines, and the k second address signal lines being arranged to extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

26. The semiconductor device according to claim 25, wherein the four transistors are arranged in a line in an order of the second n-channel MOS transistor, the first n-channel MOS transistor, the first p-channel MOS transistor, and the second p-channel MOS transistor.

27. The semiconductor device according to claim 25, wherein the source regions of the first n-channel MOS transistors and the second n-channel MOS transistors in the j×k NOR decoders are connected in common via a silicide layer.

28. The semiconductor device according to claim 25, wherein each of the j×k NOR decoders is configured such thatthe gate of the first n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the first p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other by using a line of a first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and are connected to any one of the j first address signal lines, each of which is formed of a line of a second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction, andthe gate of the second n-channel MOS transistor and the gate of the second p-channel MOS transistor are connected to each other by using a line of the first metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the first direction and are connected to any one of the k second address signal lines, each of which is formed of a line of the second metal wiring layer arranged to extend in the second direction.