Transistors Having One Or More Dummy Lines With Different Collective Widths Coupled Thereto

Abstract

In an embodiment, an array of transistors has a first line coupled to a first transistor. The first line extends over a second transistor that is successively adjacent to the first transistor and over a third transistor that is successively adjacent to the second transistor. A second line is coupled to the second transistor and extends over the third transistor. One or more first dummy lines are coupled to the first line and extend from the first transistor to the second transistor. One or more second dummy lines are coupled to the second line and extend from the second transistor to the third transistor. A collective width of the one or more first dummy lines is greater than a collective width of the one or more second dummy lines.

Description

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to transistors, and, in particular, the present disclosure relates to transistors having one or more dummy lines with different collective widths coupled thereto.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Transistors, such as field effect transistors (FETs), may be used on the periphery of a memory device. Some of these transistors might be configured to selectively couple access lines (e.g., word lines) to voltage sources, such as high-voltage sources, for supplying voltages to the access-lines. For example, these transistors might be between the voltage sources and respective access lines. Such transistors might be called string drivers, such as access-line (e.g., word-line) drivers, for example. Some such transistors, for example, might have a relatively high source-drain breakdown voltage Bvdss (e.g., above about 15 volts to about 80 volts or greater).

[0003] Some memory devices might include stacked memory arrays, e.g., often referred to as three-dimensional memory arrays. For example, a stacked memory array might include a plurality of vertical strings (e.g., NAND strings) of memory cells, e.g., coupled in series, between a source and a data line, such as a bit line. For example, the memory cells at a common location (e.g., at a common vertical level) might be commonly coupled to an access line (e.g., a local word line), that might, in turn, be selectively coupled to a voltage source by a transistor. A conductive line (e.g., that might be called a runner) might couple an access line to a source/drain of a respective transistor, while another source/drain of the respective transistor might be coupled to a respective voltage source by another conductive line (e.g., runner).

[0004] The term vertical may be defined, for example, as a direction that is perpendicular to a base structure, such as a surface of an integrated circuit die. It should be recognized the term vertical takes into account variations from "exactly" vertical due to routine manufacturing and/or assembly variations and that one of ordinary skill in the art would know what is meant by the term vertical.

[0005] For some stacked memory arrays, the transistors might be located under (e.g., at a vertical level under) the memory array. However, electric fields that might be produced during fabrication processes in the memory array above the transistors, for example, might have negative effects on various characteristics of the transistors, such as causing changes in the source-drain breakdown voltage Bvdss of the transistors, in the drain-to-source current when the transistor is on, in the drain-to-source saturation current Idss for a saturated condition, e.g., when the control gate of the transistor and the drain of the transistor are at the same voltage, e.g., that is greater than zero volts, etc.

[0006] For the reasons stated above, and for other reasons stated below which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for alternatives to existing transistor configurations for use in memory devices with stacked memory arrays and other applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a portion of an array of transistors, according to the background art.

[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of a portion of an array of transistors, according to the background art.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a portion of the array of transistors with dummy lines, according to an embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of a portion of an array of transistors, according to an embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of a portion of an array of double-gated transistors, according to an embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 4C illustrates a cross-section of a portion of an array of transistors with one or more dummy runners, according to an embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of an array of transistors with dummy lines, according to another embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of an electronic system, according to an embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a portion of a stacked memory array, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments. In the drawings, like numerals describe substantially similar components throughout the several views. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0017] The term semiconductor can refer to, for example, a layer of material, a wafer, or a substrate, and includes any base semiconductor structure. "Semiconductor" is to be understood as including silicon-on-sapphire (SOS) technology, silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology, thin film transistor (TFT) technology, doped and undoped semiconductors, epitaxial layers of a silicon supported by a base semiconductor structure, as well as other semiconductor structures well known to one skilled in the art. Furthermore, when reference is made to a semiconductor in the following description, previous process steps may have been utilized to form regions/junctions in the base semiconductor structure, and the term semiconductor can include the underlying layers containing such regions/junctions.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a portion of an array of transistors 100, according to the background art. For example, transistors 100 may be field effect transistors (FETs). A plurality of transistors 100 (e.g., transistors 100.sub.1 to 100.sub.8) may be commonly coupled to each control line 110. Each of the transistors 100 might include a source/drain 115 and a source/drain 117. Transistors 100 might have a relatively high drain-source breakdown voltage (e.g., above about 15 volts to about 80 volts or greater). For example, the drain-source breakdown voltage may be defined as the voltage at which the transistor (e.g., the source or drain) breaks down while the transistor is turned off.

[0019] A contact 120, such as a global access- (e.g., word-) line contact, might be coupled to the source/drain 115 of each transistor 100, and a contact 122 might be coupled to the source/drain 117 of each transistor 100. For example, contacts 120.sub.1 to 120.sub.8 might be respectively coupled to the source/drains 115 of transistors 100.sub.1 to 100.sub.8. Contacts 120 and 122 might be electrical conductors, for example.

[0020] Contacts 120.sub.1 to 120.sub.8 might be respectively coupled to different lines (e.g., that might be called global access, e.g., word, lines) that may be respectively coupled to respective voltage sources (not shown). That is, for example, a respective voltage source might be coupled to each of the source/drains 115 of transistors 100.sub.1 to 100.sub.8.

[0021] Contacts 122.sub.1 to 122.sub.8 might be respectively coupled to lines 130.sub.1 to 130.sub.8 (e.g., that might be respectively called runners 130.sub.1 to 130.sub.8) by lines 128.sub.1 to 128.sub.8, such as transverse lines, that might be transverse to lines 130.sub.1 to 130.sub.8. That is, for example, the runners 130.sub.1 to 130.sub.8 might be respectively coupled the source/drains 117 of transistors 100.sub.1 to 100.sub.8 by lines 128.sub.1 to 128.sub.8 and contacts 122.sub.1 to 122.sub.8. In some examples, runners 130.sub.1 to 130.sub.8 might respectively include lines 128.sub.1 to 128.sub.8 as portions thereof. Runners 130.sub.1 to 130.sub.8 might be respectively coupled to access lines (e.g., word lines) (not shown in FIG. 1) that might be respectively commonly coupled to different pluralities of memory cells. Lines 128 and runners 130 might be conductors for example.

[0022] A plurality of memory cells commonly coupled to an access line might include a memory cell (e.g., a non-volatile memory cell) at a particular vertical level from each of a plurality of series-coupled vertical strings of memory cells of a stacked (e.g., three-dimensional) memory array. The array of transistors in FIG. 1 might be below the memory array, for example.

[0023] In some examples, lines, such as runners 135, e.g., that might be coupled to other circuitry, might be between the transistors 100 commonly coupled to one of the control lines 110 and the transistors 100 commonly coupled to the other one of the control lines 110. For example, runners 135 might be between the contacts 122 coupled to the source/drains 117 of the transistors 100 commonly coupled to one of the control lines 110 and the contacts 122 coupled to the source/drains 117 of the transistors 100 commonly coupled to the other one of the control lines 110. Runners 135 might be electrical conductors, for example.

[0024] At least a portion of each of runners 130.sub.1 to 130.sub.8 might be parallel to a respective control line 110, while at least a portion of some (e.g., each) of lines 128.sub.1 to 128.sub.8 might be perpendicular to runners 130.sub.1 to 130.sub.8, and thus to a respective control line 110. For example, lines 128 might extend in a direction from a respective source/drain 117 toward a respective source/drain 115. As used herein, the term parallel means parallel to within routine processing and/or assembly variations, and the term perpendicular means perpendicular to within routine processing and/or assembly variations and that one of ordinary skill in the art would know what is meant by the terms parallel and perpendicular.

[0025] Each of transistors 100.sub.1 to 100.sub.8 might be configured to selectively couple a voltage source to a respective access line. For example, an activated transistor 100 might couple a voltage source to a respective access line through a respective line 128 and a respective runner 130.

[0026] Starting with a transistor 100.sub.1, the number of runners 130 between the contacts 120 and 122 might increase with each successive transistor 100 along the length of a control line 110 from transistor 100.sub.1. Each successive transistor along the length of a control line 110 might add another runner 130. For example, only runner 130.sub.1 might be between the contacts 120.sub.1 and 122.sub.1 respectively coupled to source/drains 115 and 117 of transistor 100.sub.1. Runners 130.sub.1 and 130.sub.2 might be between contacts 120.sub.2 and 122.sub.2 respectively coupled to source/drains 115 and 117 of transistor 100.sub.2, runners 130.sub.1 to 130.sub.3 between contacts 120.sub.3 and 122.sub.3 respectively coupled to source/drains 115 and 117 of transistor 100.sub.3, runners 130.sub.1 to 130.sub.4 between contacts 120.sub.4 and 122.sub.4 respectively coupled to source/drains 115 and 117 of transistor 100.sub.4, etc. up to runners 130.sub.1 to 130.sub.8 between contacts 120.sub.8 and 122.sub.8 respectively coupled to source/drains 115 and 117 of transistor 100.sub.8.

[0027] For example, a runner 130.sub.1 might be coupled to a transistor 100.sub.1 and might extend over and be electrically isolated from transistors 100.sub.2 to 100.sub.8. A runner 130.sub.2 might be coupled to a transistor 100.sub.2, might be successively (e.g., immediately) adjacent to runner 130.sub.1, and might extend over and be electrically isolated from transistors 100.sub.3 to 100.sub.8. A runner 130.sub.3 might be coupled to a transistor 100.sub.3, might be successively (e.g., immediately) adjacent to runner 130.sub.2, and might extend over and be electrically isolated from transistors 100.sub.4 to 100.sub.8. Runners 130.sub.1 to 130.sub.8 might be electrically isolated from each other, for example.

[0028] The lengths of lines 128 coupled to the source/drains 117 might become progressively shorter as each runner 130 is added. For successively (e.g., immediately) adjacent transistors 100, the length of the line 128 coupled between, and thus the distance between, the contact 122 coupled to the source/drain 117 of one of those transistors 100 and the runner 130 coupled to that contact 122 might be different than the length of the line 128 coupled between, and thus the distance between, the contact 122 coupled to the source/drain 117 of the other of those transistors 100 and the runner 130 coupled to that contact 122. For example, the length of line 128.sub.1 coupled between the contact 122.sub.1 coupled to the source/drain 117 of transistor 100.sub.1 and the runner 130.sub.1 coupled to line 128.sub.1 might be greater than the length of line 128.sub.2 coupled between the contact 122.sub.2 coupled to the source/drain 117 of transistor 100.sub.2 and the runner 130.sub.2 coupled to line 128.sub.2. That is, for example, the distance between the contact 122.sub.1 coupled to the source/drain 117 of transistor 100.sub.1 and the runner 130.sub.1 coupled to the source/drain 117 of transistor 100.sub.1 might be greater than the distance between the contact 122.sub.2 coupled to the source/drain 117 of transistor 100.sub.2 and the runner 130.sub.2 coupled to the source/drain 117 of transistor 100.sub.2.

[0029] Regions 140 between the lines 128 of successively adjacent transistors 100 may be devoid of any runners. For example, a region 140 might extend (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to a respective control line 110 and thus a respective runner 130) from a runner 135 that might be over the source drains 117 of the successively adjacent transistors 100 to the runner 130 that is coupled to the line 128 that is coupled to the source/drain 117 of one of the successively adjacent transistors 100 and that is electrically isolated from the source/drain 117 of other one of the successively adjacent transistors 100.

[0030] A width W of a region 140 might be the distance the region 140 extends (e.g., in the direction perpendicular to a respective control line 110 and thus a respective runner 130) from a runner 135 that might be over the source drains 117 of the successively adjacent transistors 100 to the runner 130 that is coupled to the line 128 that is coupled to the source/drain 117 of one of the successively adjacent transistors 100 and that is electrically isolated from the source/drain 117 of other one of the successively adjacent transistors 100. For example, the width W.sub.1 of region 140.sub.1 might be the distance from runner 130.sub.1 to the runner 135 over the source/drains 117 of transistors 100.sub.1 and 100.sub.2, as shown in FIG. 1. Note that widths W.sub.1 to W.sub.7 respectively of the regions 140.sub.1 to 140.sub.7 might respectively decrease, starting from between lines 128.sub.1 and 128.sub.2, e.g., starting from width W.sub.1 of region 140.sub.1, along the length of the respective control line 110.

[0031] A region 140.sub.1 might be between the lines 128.sub.1 and 128.sub.2 respectively of successively adjacent transistors 100.sub.1 and 100.sub.2, a region 140.sub.2 between the lines 128.sub.2 and 128.sub.3 respectively of successively adjacent transistors 100.sub.2 and 100.sub.3, a region 140.sub.3 between the lines 128.sub.3 and 128.sub.4 respectively of successively adjacent transistors 100.sub.3 and 100.sub.4, a region 140.sub.4 between the lines 128.sub.4 and 128.sub.5 respectively of successively adjacent transistors 100.sub.4 and 100.sub.5, a region 140.sub.5 between the lines 128.sub.5 and 128.sub.6 respectively of successively adjacent transistors 100.sub.5 and 100.sub.6, a region 140.sub.6 between the lines 128.sub.6 and 128.sub.7 respectively of successively adjacent transistors 100.sub.6 and 100.sub.7, and a region 140.sub.7 between the lines 128.sub.7 and 128.sub.8 respectively of successively adjacent transistors 100.sub.7 and 100.sub.8.

[0032] Region 140.sub.1 might extend from the runner 135 that is over the source/drains 117 of the transistors 100.sub.1 to 100.sub.8 to the runner 130.sub.1 that is coupled to the line 128.sub.1 that is coupled to the source/drain 117 of transistor 100.sub.1 and that is electrically isolated from the source/drain 117 of transistor 100.sub.2. Region 140.sub.2 might extend from the runner 135 that is over the source/drains 117 of the transistors 100.sub.1 to 100.sub.8 to the runner 130.sub.2 that is coupled to the line 128.sub.2 that is coupled to the source/drain 117 of transistor 100.sub.2 and that is electrically isolated from the source/drain 117 of transistor 100.sub.3.

[0033] Width W.sub.2 of region 140.sub.2 might be less than width W.sub.1 of region 140.sub.1, width W.sub.3 of region 140.sub.3 less than width W.sub.2 of region 140.sub.2, width W.sub.4 of region 140.sub.4 less than width W.sub.3 of region 140.sub.3, width W.sub.5 of region 140.sub.5 less than width W.sub.4 of region 140.sub.4, width W.sub.6 of region 140.sub.6 less than width W.sub.5 of region 140.sub.5, and width W.sub.7 of region 140.sub.7 less than width W.sub.6 of region 140.sub.6.

[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of a portion of an array of transistors, such as a portion of the array of transistors in FIG. 1, including a transistor 100 and a portion of region 140 devoid of any runners 130 over a semiconductor 200, e.g., that might have a p-type conductivity. The transistor 100 might be below a memory array (e.g., a three-dimensional memory array), for example. A control gate 205 of transistor 100 might be formed over a gate dielectric 207 and might be coupled to or form a portion of a respective control line 110. A dielectric 210, such as nitride, might be over, e.g., might encapsulate, the transistor 100. A conductor 215, e.g., of metal, polysilicon, etc. might be over transistor 100 and might be coupled to the memory array. For example, conductor 215 might be over a dielectric 220 that is over dielectric 210. Runners 130 and lines 128 might be at the same vertical level that is above the vertical levels of dielectric 210 and control gate 205, and thus a control line 110, and that is below vertical level of conductor 215.

[0035] During fabrication of the memory array, high aspect-ratio (e.g., high depth-to-breadth-ratio) openings might be formed. For example, the openings might be for contacts that couple upper conductors in the memory array to conductor 215 or for stacks of memory cells formed over conductor 215, e.g., when conductor 215 might be polysilicon.

[0036] The openings might be formed using plasma etching, for example, that might produce ultraviolet and/or electric fields. For example, it is believed that in some instances, the plasma etch might produce a charge on conductor 215 that might produce an electric field between conductor 215 and dielectric 210. For example, when dielectric 210 is a nitride, it is believed that the electric field might, in some instances, cause the nitride to trap an electric charge, such as a positive electric charge, as a result of the electric field. It is believed that the positive electric charge might, in some instances, induce a negative electric charge on the source/drain regions of transistor 100, such as the source/drain region 117 in FIG. 2. It is believed that in some instances, the negative charge might cause the source/drain regions to appear to have a higher n-type doping than intended. In some instances, the apparent higher n-type doping, might cause a reduction in the source-drain breakdown voltage Bvdss of transistor 100, a change (e.g., reduction) in the saturation current Idss of transistor 100, a change (e.g., reduction) in the drain-to-source current when transistor 100 is on, and/or leakage in the junction between a contact, such as a contact 120 and/or a contact 122, and its respective source/drain, e.g., source/drain 115 and/or source/drain 117.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a portion of the array of transistors 100 described in conjunction with FIG. 1 with dummy lines, such as dummy runners 310, located in the regions 140 that were devoid of runners in FIG. 1. For example, dummy runners 310.sub.1 to 310.sub.8 might be respectively in the regions 140.sub.1 to 140.sub.8. Dummy runners 310 might be electrical conductors, for example.

[0038] Alternatively, the portion of the array of transistors 100 in FIG. 3 might be a portion of an array of double-gated transistors. For example, the portion of the array of transistors 100 in FIG. 3 might be the right side of the array of double-gated transistors and the left side of the array of double gated transistors might be a mirror image of the right side of the array of double-gated transistors, and thus a mirror image of the portion of the array of transistors 100 in FIG. 3. Therefore, the following discussion of FIG. 3 applies to the respective sides of an array of double-gated transistors.

[0039] For example, the source/drain 115 of a respective double-gated transistor might be between the two control gates of a respective double-gated transistor. Respective control lines 110 might be respectively commonly coupled to the respective control gates of the dual-gate transistors, for example, so that the source/drains 115 are between the control lines 110.

[0040] Dummy runners 310.sub.1 to 310.sub.8 might be respectively coupled to the lines 128.sub.1 to 128.sub.8 that are respectively coupled contacts 122.sub.1 to 122.sub.8 that are respectively coupled to the source/drains 117 of transistors 100.sub.1 to 100.sub.8. Therefore, for example, dummy runners 310.sub.1 to 310.sub.8 might be respectively coupled to transistors 100.sub.1 to 100.sub.8, e.g., respectively through lines 128.sub.1 to 128.sub.8 and respectively through contacts 122.sub.1 to 122.sub.8. Dummy runners 310.sub.1 to 310.sub.8 might also be respectively coupled to runners 130.sub.1 to 130.sub.8, e.g., through lines 128.sub.1 to 128.sub.8. Dummy runners 310 might be parallel to runners 130 and perpendicular to lines 128, for example.

[0041] A number of dummy runners 310 respectively coupled to the lines 128 coupled to the contacts 122 coupled to the source/drains 117 of successively (e.g., immediately) adjacent transistors 100 might be different, for example. That is, for example, the number of dummy runners 310 coupled to a first one of a pair of successively adjacent transistors 100 might be different than the number of dummy runners 310 coupled to a second one of the pair of successively adjacent transistors 100. For example, the number of dummy runners 310 coupled to the first one of the pair of successively adjacent transistors 100 might be one greater than the number of dummy runners 310 coupled to the second one of the pair of successively adjacent transistors 100. The dummy runners 310 coupled to first one of the pair of successively adjacent transistors 100 might be coupled to only the first one of the pair of successively adjacent transistors 100 and might be electrically isolated from the second one of the pair of successively adjacent transistors 100, while the dummy runners 310 coupled to the second one of the pair of successively adjacent transistors 100 might be coupled to only the second one of the pair of successively adjacent transistors 100 and electrically isolated from the first one of the pair of successively adjacent transistors 100.

[0042] The dummy runners 310 coupled to the first one of the pair of successively adjacent transistors 100 might extend to the second one of the pair of successively adjacent transistors 100. The dummy runners 310 coupled to the second one of the pair of successively adjacent transistors 100 might extend to a third transistor 100 successively adjacent to the second one of the pair of successively adjacent transistors 100, where the second one of the successively adjacent transistors 100 might be between the first one of the pair of successively adjacent transistors 100 and the third transistor 100 and where the dummy lines 310 coupled to the second one of the pair of successively adjacent transistors 100 might be electrically isolated from third transistor 100.

[0043] In FIG. 3, different numbers of dummy runners might be respectively between different respective pairs of the respective lines 128. For example, dummy runners 310.sub.1 might be between a pair of successively adjacent lines 128.sub.1 and 128.sub.2; dummy runners 310.sub.2 might be between a pair of successively adjacent lines 128.sub.2 and 128.sub.3, dummy runners 310.sub.3 might be between a pair of successively adjacent lines 128.sub.3 and 128.sub.4; dummy runners 310.sub.4 might be between a pair of successively adjacent lines 128.sub.4 and 128.sub.5; etc. The respective lines 128 of each of the different respective pairs of lines 128 might be respectively coupled to a pair of successively adjacent transistors 100. For example, lines 128.sub.1 and 128.sub.2 might be respectively coupled to the pair of successively adjacent transistors 100.sub.1 and 100.sub.2; lines 128.sub.2 and 128.sub.3 might be respectively coupled to the pair of successively adjacent transistors 100.sub.2 and 100.sub.3; lines 128.sub.3 and 128.sub.4 might be respectively coupled to the pair of successively adjacent transistors 100.sub.3 and 100.sub.4; lines 128.sub.4 and 128.sub.5 might be respectively coupled to the pair of successively adjacent transistors 100.sub.4 and 100.sub.5; etc.

[0044] Line 128.sub.2 might be common to the pair of lines 128.sub.1 and 128.sub.2 and the pair of lines 128.sub.2 and 128.sub.3, line 128.sub.3 might be common to pair of lines 128.sub.2 and 128.sub.3 and the pair of lines 128.sub.3 and 128.sub.4, etc. Transistor 100.sub.2 might be common to the pair of successively adjacent transistors 100.sub.1 and 100.sub.2 and the pair of successively adjacent transistors 100.sub.2 and 100.sub.3, transistor 100.sub.3 might be common to the pair of successively adjacent transistors 100.sub.2 and 100.sub.3 and the pair of successively adjacent transistors 100.sub.3 and 100.sub.4, etc.

[0045] FIG. 4A is an enlarged top plan view of a portion 400.sub.1 of an array of transistors 100. The portion 400.sub.1 in FIG. 4A might be a portion of an array of double-gated transistors 100. For example, the portion 400.sub.1 in FIG. 4A might be the right side of the array of double-gated transistors 100 in the top plan view of FIG. 4B. The array of double-gated transistors 100 in FIG. 4B might include a portion 400.sub.2 that forms the left side of the array of double-gated transistors 100. For example, portions 400.sub.1 and 400.sub.2 in FIG. 4B might be mirror images of each other. That is, the array of double-gated transistors 100 in FIG. 4B might be symmetric about the central axis 410.

[0046] Each of the double-gated transistors 100.sub.i-1, 100.sub.i, and 100.sub.i+1 in FIG. 4B might have a source/drain 115 between its control gates. The control gates on either side of the source/drains 115 of double-gated transistors 100.sub.i-1, 100.sub.i, and 100.sub.i+1 might be commonly coupled to (e.g., or form a portion of) a respective control line 110. The contacts 120.sub.i-1 to 120.sub.i+1 that may be respectively coupled to the source/drains 115 of double-gated transistors 100.sub.i-1 to 100.sub.i+1 might lie on the central axis 410, for example.

[0047] The respective control gates of double-gated transistors 100.sub.i-1, 100.sub.i, and 100.sub.i+1 might be between a source/drain 115 and a respective source/drain 117. As such, the respective control lines 110 might be between a source/drain 115 and a respective source/drain 117 of double-gated transistors 100.sub.i-1, 100.sub.i, and 100.sub.i+1. Note that common numbering is used to denote similar (e.g., the same) components in portions 400.sub.1 and 400.sub.2 in FIG. 4B.

[0048] FIGS. 4A and 4B show a transistor 100.sub.i-1 successively (e.g., immediately) adjacent to a transistor 100.sub.i successively (e.g., immediately) adjacent to a transistor 100.sub.i+1. One or more dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 might be between a line 128.sub.i-1 that is coupled to a contact 122.sub.i-1 that is coupled to a source/drain 117 of transistor 100.sub.i-1 and a line 128.sub.i that is coupled to a contact 122.sub.i that is coupled to a source/drain 117 of transistor 100.sub.i. The one or more dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 might be coupled to, e.g., by direct contact with, line 128.sub.i-1. For example, the one or more dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 might be coupled to transistor 100.sub.i-1, e.g., through line 128.sub.i-1 and a contact 122.sub.i-1. The one or more dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 might also be coupled to runner 130.sub.i-1, e.g., through line 128.sub.i-1.

[0049] The one or more dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 might only be coupled to line 128.sub.i-1, and thus to runner 130.sub.i-1 and contact 122.sub.i-1 and thus to the source/drain 117 of transistor 100.sub.i-1, for example, and be electrically isolated from line 128.sub.i, and thus be electrically isolated from runner 130.sub.i-1 and contact 122.sub.i-1 and thus be electrically isolated from the source/drain 117 of transistor 100.sub.i. There might be a space, e.g., containing a dielectric, between an end of each of the dummy runners 310.sub.i-1, e.g., opposite to an end of the respective dummy runner 310.sub.i-1 that is coupled to line 128.sub.i-1, and line 128.sub.i, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The one or more dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 might extend from (e.g., a vertical location directly above) transistor 100.sub.i-1 to (e.g., a vertical location directly above) transistor 100.sub.i, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. One of the dummy runners 310.sub.i-1, e.g., the dummy runner 310.sub.i-1 successively (e.g., immediately) adjacent to runner 130.sub.i-1, might be directly aligned (e.g., directly in line) with runner 130.sub.i.

[0050] One or more dummy runners 310.sub.i might be between a line 128.sub.i that is coupled to a contact 122.sub.i that is coupled to a source/drain 117 of transistor 100.sub.i and a line 128.sub.i+1 that is coupled to a contact 122.sub.i+1 that is coupled to a source/drain 117 of transistor 100.sub.i+1. The one or more dummy runners 310.sub.i might be coupled to, e.g., by direct contact with, line 128.sub.i. For example, the one or more dummy runners 310.sub.i might be coupled to transistor 100.sub.i, e.g., through line 128.sub.i and contact 122.sub.i. The one or more dummy runners 310.sub.i might also be coupled to runner 130.sub.i, e.g., through line 128.sub.i.

[0051] The one or more dummy runners 310.sub.i might only be coupled to line 128.sub.i, and thus to runner 130.sub.i and contact 122.sub.i and thus to the source/drain 117 of transistor 100.sub.i, for example, and electrically isolated from line 128.sub.i-1, and thus electrically isolated from runner 130.sub.i-1 and contact 122.sub.i-1 and thus electrically isolated from the source/drain 117 of transistor 100.sub.i-1, and electrically isolated from line 128.sub.i+1, and thus electrically isolated from runner 130.sub.i+1 and contact 122.sub.i+1 and thus electrically isolated from the source/drain 117 of transistor 100.sub.i+1. There might be a space, e.g., containing a dielectric, between an end of each of the dummy runners 310.sub.i (e.g., opposite to an end of the respective dummy runner 310.sub.i-1 that is coupled to line 128.sub.i) and line 128.sub.i+1, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The one or more dummy runners 310.sub.i might extend from (e.g., a vertical location directly above) transistor 100.sub.i to (e.g., a vertical location directly above) transistor 100.sub.i+1, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

[0052] One of the dummy runners 310.sub.i, e.g., the dummy runner 310.sub.i successively (e.g., immediately) adjacent to runner 130.sub.i, might be directly aligned (e.g., directly in line) with runner 130.sub.i+1. Runner 130.sub.i might be between runner 130.sub.i-1 and that one dummy runner 310.sub.i, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

[0053] A distance (e.g., a width) d.sub.i-1, in a direction (e.g., from source/drains 115 of transistors 100.sub.i-1 and 100.sub.i toward source/drains 117 of transistors 100.sub.i-1 and 100.sub.i) perpendicular to a control line 110, and thus to runners 130 and dummy runners 310, spanned by the runner 130.sub.i-1 coupled to transistor 100.sub.i-1 and the dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 coupled to transistor 100.sub.i-1 might be greater than a distance (e.g., a width) d.sub.i, in a direction (e.g., from source/drains 115 of transistors 100.sub.i and 100.sub.i+1 toward source/drains 117 of transistors 100.sub.i and 100.sub.i+1) perpendicular to control line 110, and thus to runners 130 and dummy runners 310, spanned by the runner 130.sub.i coupled to transistor 100.sub.i and the dummy runners 310.sub.i coupled to transistor 100.sub.i, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. For example, the distance d.sub.i-1 might include the collective widths (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to a control line 110) of runner 130.sub.i-1 and the respective dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 and the collective widths (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the control line 110) of the space (e.g., containing a dielectric) between runner 130.sub.i-1 and the dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 and the spaces (e.g., each containing a dielectric) between the dummy runners 310.sub.i. The distance d.sub.i, for example, might include the collective widths (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the control line 110) of runner 130.sub.i and the respective dummy runners 310.sub.i and the collective widths (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the control line 110) of the space (e.g., containing a dielectric) between runner 130.sub.i and the dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 and the spaces (e.g., each containing a dielectric) between the dummy runners 310.sub.i.

[0054] The one or more dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 coupled to line 128.sub.i-1, and thus to runner 130.sub.i-1 and transistor 100.sub.i-1, might span a greater distance, in a direction perpendicular to a control line 110, and thus to runners 130 and dummy runners 310, than the one or more dummy runners 310.sub.i coupled to line 128.sub.i, and thus to runner 130.sub.i and transistor 100.sub.i. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a distance (e.g., a width) W.sub.wi-1 spanned by dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 in a direction (e.g., from source/drains 115 of transistors 100.sub.i-1 and 100.sub.i toward source/drains 117 of transistors 100.sub.i-1 and 100.sub.i) perpendicular to control line 110 might be greater than a distance (e.g., a width) W.sub.wi spanned by dummy runners 310.sub.i in a direction (e.g., from source/drains 115 of transistors 100.sub.i and 100.sub.i+1 toward source/drains 117 of transistors 100.sub.i and 100.sub.i+1) perpendicular to control line 110. For example, the distance W.sub.wi-1 spanned by dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 might include the collective widths (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to a control line 110) of dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 and the collective widths (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to control line 110) of the spaces between dummy runners 310.sub.i-1. The distance W.sub.wi for example, spanned by dummy runners 310.sub.i might include the collective widths (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to control line 110) of dummy runners 310.sub.i and the collective widths (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to a control line 110) of the spaces between dummy runners 310.sub.i.

[0055] The number of dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 coupled to line 128.sub.i-1, and thus to runner 130.sub.i-1 and transistor 100.sub.i-1, might be greater than, e.g., one greater than, the number of dummy runners 310.sub.i coupled to line 128.sub.i, and thus to runner 130.sub.i and transistor 100.sub.i. For example, the one or more dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 might include two or more dummy runners 310.sub.i-1.

[0056] The width of each of the dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 might be the same as the width of each of the dummy runners 310.sub.i, and the width of each of the spaces between dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 might be the same as the width of each of the spaces between dummy runners 310.sub.i. Therefore, the distance W.sub.wi-1 might be greater than the distance W.sub.wi as a result of the number of dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 being greater than the number of dummy runners 310.sub.i and the number of the spaces respectively between dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 being greater than the number of the spaces respectively between dummy runners 310.sub.i.

[0057] The collective width of the one or more dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 might be greater than the collective width of the one or more dummy runners 310.sub.i. The one or more dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 might include only a single dummy runner 310.sub.i-1, and the one or more dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 might include only a single dummy runner 310.sub.i, in which case the collective widths are the widths of the single dummy runners. Alternatively, the one or more dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 might include two or more dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 and collective width of the two or more dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 might be greater than the collective width of the one or more dummy runners 310.sub.i as a result of the number of dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 being greater than (e.g., by one dummy runner) the number of dummy runners 310.sub.i, e.g., when each of the dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 have the same width as each of the dummy runners 310.sub.i.

[0058] Runners 130.sub.i-1 and 130.sub.i might also have the same widths and the space between runner 130.sub.i-1 and dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 and the space between runner 130.sub.i and dummy runners 310.sub.i might also have the same widths. Therefore, the distance d.sub.i-1 might be greater than the distance d.sub.i as a result of the number of dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 being greater than the number of dummy runners 310.sub.i and the number of spaces between the dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 being greater than the number of spaces between the dummy runners 310.sub.i. For some embodiments, the dummy runners 310 might have the same pitch (e.g., center-to-center spacing) and same widths as the runners 130. As used herein entities, such as distances, widths, pitches, etc., being the same might be the same to within routine processing and/or assembly variations and that one of ordinary skill in the art would know what is meant by entities being the same.

[0059] The one or more dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 extending from transistor 100.sub.i-1 to transistor 100.sub.i might be over a portion (e.g., a portion of dielectric 210 and/or control gate 205, FIGS. 2 and 4C) of transistor 100.sub.i on one side of the line 128.sub.i coupled to transistor 100.sub.i, and the one or more dummy runners 310.sub.i extending from transistor 100.sub.i to transistor 100.sub.i+1 might be over another portion (e.g., another portion of dielectric 210 and/or control gate 205) of transistor 100.sub.i on the other side of line 128.sub.i. The one or more dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 might be electrically isolated from transistor 100.sub.i and the one or more dummy runners 310.sub.i might be coupled to transistor 100.sub.i, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. For example, the one or more dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 might be electrically isolated from line 128.sub.i, while the one or more dummy runners 310.sub.i might be coupled to line 128.sub.i. Therefore, the width W.sub.wi-1 spanned by the one or more dummy runners 310.sub.i-1 on the one side of line 128.sub.i might be greater than the width W.sub.wi spanned by the one or more dummy runners 310.sub.i on the other side of line 128.sub.i. For example, there might be more dummy runners (e.g., one more dummy runner) on the one side of line 128.sub.i than on the other.

[0060] FIG. 4C illustrates a cross-section of a portion of an array of transistors 100 with one or more dummy runners 310. The one or more dummy runners 310 might be at the same vertical level as runners 130 and lines 128. That is, for example, the one or more dummy runners 310 might be at a vertical level that is above the vertical levels of control gate 205, and thus a control line 110, and dielectric 210 and that is below the vertical level of conductor 215. For example, the one or more dummy runners 310 might be between dielectric 210 and conductor 215. The source/drains 117 might be coupled to ground, for example, during fabrication of a memory array that might be above the arrays of transistors in FIGS. 3,4A, and 4B. For example, the one or more dummy runners 310 might be coupled to ground.

[0061] As indicated above in conjunction with FIG. 2, the fabrication of the memory array might produce a charge on conductor 215 that might produce an electric field between conductor 215 and dielectric 210. The electric field might cause dielectric 210 to trap an electric charge, e.g., when dielectric 210 is a nitride.

[0062] The one or more (e.g., grounded) dummy runners 310 might act to protect dielectric 210 from the electric field, and thus might act to reduce the likelihood of dielectric 210 trapping charge that might possibly induce a negative charge on source/drain regions 115 and 117. For example, the one or more (e.g., grounded) dummy runners 310 might act to reduce the likelihood of a reduction in the source-drain breakdown voltage Bvdss of the transistor 100, a reduction in the saturation current Idss of transistor 100, a reduction in the drain-to-source current when transistor 100 is on, and/or leakage in the junction between a contact and source/drain 115 and/or source/drain 117, e.g., due the possibility of the negative charge that might possibly be induced on source/drain regions 115 and 117.

[0063] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of an array of transistors 100. The portion of the array of transistors 100 in FIG. 5 might be a portion of an array of double-gated transistors. For example, the portion of the array of transistors 100 in FIG. 5 might be the right side of the array of double-gated transistors and the left side of the array of double gated transistors might be a mirror image of the right side of the array of double-gated transistors and thus a mirror image of the portion of the array of transistors in FIG. 5. Therefore, the following discussion of FIG. 5 applies to the respective sides of an array of double-gated transistors.

[0064] , showing a transistor 100.sub.i-1 successively adjacent to a transistor 100.sub.i successively adjacent to a transistor 100.sub.i+1. A single dummy line, e.g., dummy runner, 510.sub.i-1, such as a plate, might be between a line 128.sub.i-1 that is coupled to a contact 122.sub.i-1 that is coupled to a source/drain 117 of transistor 100.sub.i-1 and a line 128.sub.i that is coupled to a contact 122.sub.i that is coupled to a source/drain 117 of transistor 100.sub.i. Dummy runner 510.sub.i-1 might be coupled to, e.g., by direct contact with, line 128.sub.i-1. Dummy runner 510.sub.i-1 might be coupled to transistor 100.sub.i-1, e.g., through line 128.sub.i-1 and contact 122.sub.i-1. Dummy runner 510.sub.i-1 might also be coupled to runner 130.sub.i-1, e.g., through line 128.sub.i-1 and/or by direct contact with runner 130.sub.i+1. Dummy runner 510.sub.i-1 might be an electrical conductor, for example.

[0065] Dummy runner 510.sub.i-1 might be between the conductor 215 and the dielectric 210 in FIG. 4C, e.g., in place of the dummy runners 310. That is, for example, dummy runner 510.sub.i-1 might be at the same vertical level as runners 130 and lines 128, and thus at a vertical level that is above the vertical levels of control gate 205, and thus control line 110, and dielectric 210 and below the vertical of conductor 215. For example, one or more dummy runners might include the single dummy runner 510.sub.i+1.

[0066] Dummy runner 510.sub.i-1 might only be coupled to line 128.sub.i-1 and/or to runner 130.sub.i-1, and thus contact 122.sub.i-1 and thus to the source/drain 117 of transistor 100.sub.i-1, for example. Dummy runner 510.sub.i-1 might be electrically isolated from line 128.sub.i, and thus from runner 130.sub.i and contact 122.sub.i and thus from the source/drain 117 of transistor 100.sub.i. There might be a space, e.g., containing a dielectric, between dummy runner 510.sub.i-1 and line 128.sub.i, as shown in FIG. 5. Dummy runner 510.sub.i-1 might extend from (e.g., a vertical location directly above) transistor 100.sub.i-1 to (e.g., a vertical location directly above) transistor 100.sub.i, as shown in FIG. 5. Dummy runner 510.sub.i-1 might form a portion of runner 130.sub.i-1, for example.

[0067] A single dummy line, e.g., dummy runner, 510.sub.i, such as a plate, might be between a line 128.sub.i that is coupled to a contact 122.sub.i that is coupled to a source/drain 117 of transistor 100.sub.i and a line 128.sub.i+1 that is coupled to a contact 122.sub.i+1 that is coupled to a source/drain 117 of transistor 100.sub.i+1. Dummy runner 510.sub.i might be coupled to, e.g., by direct contact with, line 128.sub.i. Dummy runner 510.sub.i might be coupled to transistor 100.sub.i, e.g., through line 128.sub.i and contact 122.sub.i. Dummy runner 510.sub.i might also be coupled to runner 130.sub.i, e.g., through line 128.sub.i and/or by direct contact with runner 130.sub.i. Dummy runner 510.sub.i might be an electrical conductor, for example.

[0068] Dummy runner 510.sub.i might between the conductor 215 and the dielectric 210 in FIG. 4C, e.g., in place of the dummy runners 310. That is, for example, dummy runner 510.sub.i might be at the same vertical level as dummy runner 510.sub.i-1, runners 130, and lines 128. For example, one or more dummy runners might include the single dummy runner 510.sub.i.

[0069] Dummy runner 510.sub.i might only be coupled to line 128.sub.i and/or to runner 130.sub.i, and thus contact 122.sub.i and thus to the source/drain 117 of transistor 100.sub.i, for example. Dummy runner 510.sub.i might be electrically isolated from line 128.sub.i+1, and thus from runner 130.sub.i+1 and contact 122.sub.i+1 and thus from the source/drain 117 of transistor 100.sub.i+1. There might be a space, e.g., containing a dielectric, between dummy runner 510.sub.i and line 128.sub.i+1, as shown in FIG. 5. Dummy runner 510.sub.i might extend from (e.g., a vertical location directly above) transistor 100.sub.i to (e.g., a vertical location directly above) transistor 100.sub.i+1, as shown in FIG. 5. Dummy runner 510.sub.i might form a portion of runner 130.sub.i, for example.

[0070] A distance (e.g., a width) D.sub.i-1, in a direction (e.g., from source/drains 115 of transistors 100.sub.i-1 and 100.sub.i toward source/drains 117 of transistors 100.sub.i-1 and 100.sub.i) perpendicular to a control line 110, and thus to runners 130, spanned by the runner 130.sub.i-1 coupled to transistor 100.sub.i-1 and the dummy runner 510.sub.i-1 coupled to transistor 100.sub.i-1 might be greater than a distance (e.g., a width) D.sub.i, in a direction (e.g., from source/drains 115 of transistors 100.sub.i and 100.sub.1+1 toward source/drains 117 of transistors 100.sub.i and 100.sub.1+1) perpendicular to control line 110, and thus to runners 130 and dummy runners 310, spanned by the runner 130.sub.i coupled to transistor 100.sub.i and the dummy runner 510.sub.i coupled to transistor 100.sub.1, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0071] Dummy runner 510.sub.i-1 might span a greater distance, in a direction (e.g., from source/drains 115 of transistors 100.sub.i-1 and 100.sub.i toward source/drains 117 of transistors 100.sub.i-1 and 100.sub.i) perpendicular to a control line 110, and thus to runners 130, than dummy runner 510.sub.i. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a distance (e.g., a width) WW.sub.i-1 spanned by dummy runner 510.sub.i-1 in a direction perpendicular to control line 110 might be greater than a distance (e.g., a width) WW.sub.i spanned by dummy runner 510.sub.i in a direction perpendicular to a control line 110.

[0072] Note that the dummy runner 510.sub.i+1, extending from transistor 100.sub.i-1 to transistor 100.sub.i, might be over a portion (e.g., a portion of dielectric 210 and/or control gate 205, FIGS. 2 and 4C) of transistor 100.sub.i on one side of the line 128.sub.i coupled to transistor 100.sub.i, and the dummy runner 510.sub.i, extending from transistor 100.sub.i to transistor 100.sub.i+1, might be over another portion (e.g., another portion of dielectric 210 and/or control gate 205) of transistor 100.sub.i on the other side of line 128.sub.i. Dummy runner 510.sub.i-1 might be electrically isolated from transistor 100.sub.i, and dummy runner 510.sub.i might be coupled to transistor 100.sub.i, as shown in FIG. 5. For example, dummy runner 510.sub.i-1 might be electrically isolated from line 128.sub.i, while dummy runner 510.sub.i might be coupled to line 128.sub.i. Therefore, the width WW.sub.i-1 spanned by the dummy runner 510.sub.i-1 on the one side of line 128.sub.i might be greater than the width WW.sub.i spanned by the dummy runner 510.sub.i on the other side of line 128.sub.i.

[0073] The dummy runners 510 might be grounded, for example, during the fabrication of the memory array above the transistor array in FIG. 5, e.g., as a result of source/drains 117 being grounded. A grounded dummy runner 510 might act to protect dielectric 210 (FIG. 4C), and thus might act to reduce the likelihood of dielectric 210 trapping a charge that might possibly induce a negative charge on source/drain regions 115 and 117. For example, a grounded dummy runner 510 might act to reduce the likelihood of a reduction in the source-drain breakdown voltage Bvdss of the transistor 100, a reduction in the saturation current Idss of transistor 100, a reduction in the drain-to-source current when transistor 100 is on, e.g., when the control gate is biased above zero volts, and/or leakage in the junction between a contact and source/drain 115 and/or source/drain 117, e.g., due the possibility of the negative charge that might possibly be induced on source/drain regions 115 and 117.

[0074] FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of an electronic device, e.g., an integrated circuit device, such a memory device 600, in communication with a controller 630, such as a memory controller, e.g. a host controller, as part of an electronic system, according to an embodiment. Memory device 600 might be a NAND flash memory device, for example.

[0075] Controller 630 might include a processor, for example. Controller 630 might be coupled to host, for example, and may receive command signals (or commands), address signals (or addresses), and data signals (or data) from the host and may output data to the host.

[0076] Memory device 600 includes an array of memory cells 604. Memory array 604 may be a stacked memory array, e.g., often referred to as three-dimensional memory array. Transistors, such as transistors 100, e.g., in FIGS. 3-5, might be coupled to access lines and/or control lines in memory array 604. For example, a plurality of transistors 100, such as the arrays of transistors 100 in FIGS. 3-5, might be located under memory array 604.

[0077] For example an array of transistors, e.g., located under memory array 604, might include a first line that might be coupled to a first transistor, where the first line might extend over a second transistor that might be successively adjacent to the first transistor and over a third transistor that might be successively adjacent to the second transistor. A second line might be coupled to the second transistor and might extend over the third transistor. One or more first dummy lines might be coupled to the first line and might extend from the first transistor to the second transistor. One or more second dummy lines might be coupled to the second line and might extend from the second transistor to the third transistor. A collective width of the one or more first dummy lines might be greater than a collective width of the one or more second dummy lines.

[0078] A row decoder 608 and a column decoder 610 might be provided to decode address signals. Address signals are received and decoded to access memory array 604.

[0079] Memory device 600 may also include input/output (I/O) control circuitry 612 to manage input of commands, addresses, and data to the memory device 600 as well as output of data and status information from the memory device 600. An address register 614 is in communication with I/O control circuitry 612, row decoder 608, and column decoder 610 to latch the address signals prior to decoding. A command register 624 is in communication with I/O control circuitry 612 and control logic 616 to latch incoming commands. Control logic 616 controls access to the memory array 604 in response to the commands and generates status information for the external controller 630. The control logic 616 is in communication with row decoder 608 and column decoder 610 to control the row decoder 608 and column decoder 610 in response to the addresses.

[0080] Control logic 616 can be included in controller 630, for example. Controller 630 can include other circuitry, firmware, software, or the like, whether alone or in combination. Controller 630 can be an external controller (e.g., in a separate die from the memory array 604, whether wholly or in part) or an internal controller (e.g., included in a same die as the memory array 604).

[0081] Control logic 616 is also in communication with a cache register 618. Cache register 618 latches data, either incoming or outgoing, as directed by control logic 616 to temporarily store data while the memory array 604 is busy writing or reading, respectively, other data.

[0082] During a write operation, data is passed from the cache register 618 to data register 620 for transfer to the memory array 604; then new data is latched in the cache register 618 from the I/O control circuitry 612. During a read operation, data is passed from the cache register 618 to the I/O control circuitry 612 for output to controller 630 and subsequent output to a host; then new data is passed from the data register 620 to the cache register 618. A status register 622 is in communication with I/O control circuitry 612 and control logic 616 to latch the status information for output to the controller 630.

[0083] Memory device 600 receives control signals at control logic 616 from controller 630 over a control link 632. The control signals may include at least a chip enable CE#, a command latch enable CLE, an address latch enable ALE, and a write enable WE#. Memory device 600 receives command signals (which represent commands), address signals (which represent addresses), and data signals (which represent data) from controller 630 over a multiplexed input/output (I/O) bus 634 and outputs data to controller 630 over I/O bus 634.

[0084] For example, the commands are received over input/output (I/O) pins [7:0] of I/O bus 634 at I/O control circuitry 612 and are written into command register 624. The addresses are received over input/output (I/O) pins [7:0] of bus 634 at I/O control circuitry 612 and are written into address register 614. The data are received over input/output (I/O) pins [7:0] for an 8-bit device or input/output (I/O) pins [15:0] for a 16-bit device at I/O control circuitry 612 and are written into cache register 618. The data are subsequently written into data register 620 for programing memory array 604. For another embodiment, cache register 618 may be omitted, and the data are written directly into data register 620. Data are also output over input/output (I/O) pins [7:0] for an 8-bit device or input/output (I/O) pins [15:0] for a 16-bit device.

[0085] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that additional circuitry and signals can be provided, and that the memory device of FIG. 6 has been simplified. It should be recognized that the functionality of the various block components described with reference to FIG. 6 may not necessarily be segregated to distinct components or component portions of an integrated circuit device. For example, a single component or component portion of an integrated circuit device could be adapted to perform the functionality of more than one block component of FIG. 6. Alternatively, one or more components or component portions of an integrated circuit device could be combined to perform the functionality of a single block component of FIG. 6.

[0086] Additionally, while specific I/O pins are described in accordance with popular conventions for receipt and output of the various signals, it is noted that other combinations or numbers of I/O pins may be used in the various embodiments.

[0087] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of an example of a portion of a stacked (e.g., a three-dimensional) memory array, such as a portion of memory array 604. In FIG. 7, vertical strings 702 (e.g., NAND strings) of series-coupled memory cells may be coupled between a source 703 and a data line, such as a bit line 704. For example, vertical strings 702.sub.1 to 702.sub.N may be respectively coupled between source 703 and bit lines 704.sub.1 to 704.sub.N.

[0088] A select transistor 710, such as a drain select transistor, may be coupled between a respective string 702 and a respective bit line 704, and may be configured to selectively couple the respective string 702 to the respective bit line 704. A select transistor 712, such as a source select transistor, may be coupled between a respective string 702 and the source 703, and may be configured to selectively couple the respective string 702 to the source 703.

[0089] Memory cells at a common vertical level within the strings 702 might be commonly coupled to a respective one of a plurality of access lines (e.g., word lines). For example, the memory cells at one vertical level might be commonly coupled to a word line 715. The word lines 715, for example, might be commonly coupled to a transistor 718. For example, a transistor 718 may be configured to selectively couple the commonly coupled word lines 715 to a voltage source.

[0090] Select transistors 710 may be commonly coupled to select lines 720, such as drain select lines, and select transistors 712 may be commonly coupled to select lines 725, such as source select lines. Select lines 720 might be commonly coupled to a transistor 730. For example, transistor 730 may be configured to selectively couple the commonly coupled select lines 720 to a voltage source. Select lines 725 might be commonly coupled to a transistor 735. For example, transistor 735 may be configured to selectively couple the commonly coupled select lines 725 to a voltage source.

[0091] Transistors 718, 730, and 735 might be configured as the transistors 100 described above in conjunction with FIGS. 3-5 and might be commonly coupled to a control line 750 that may be configured as the control lines 110 described above in conjunction with FIGS. 3-5. For example, transistors 718, 730, and 735 might be in an array of transistors, such as the arrays of transistors 100 in FIGS. 3, 4A, 4B, and 5, e.g., having the dummy runners described above in conjunction with FIGS. 3, 4A, 4B, 4C, and 5. For some embodiments, transistors 718, 730, and 735 may be under the array shown in FIG. 7.

CONCLUSION

[0092] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement that is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. Many adaptations of the embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments.

Claims

1. An array of transistors, comprising: a first line coupled to a first transistor, the first line extending over a second transistor that is successively adjacent to the first transistor and over a third transistor that is successively adjacent to the second transistor; a second line coupled to the second transistor and extending over the third transistor; one or more first dummy lines coupled to the first line and extending from the first transistor to the second transistor; and one or more second dummy lines coupled to the second line and extending from the second transistor to the third transistor; wherein a collective width of the one or more first dummy lines is greater than a collective width of the one or more second dummy lines.

2. The array of transistors of claim 1, wherein the one or more first dummy lines comprise only a single first dummy line and the one or more second dummy lines comprise only a single second dummy line, and wherein the collective width of the one or more first dummy lines comprises a width of the first dummy line and the collective width of the one or more second dummy lines comprises a width of the second dummy line.

3. The array of transistors of claim 1, wherein the first, second, and third transistors are commonly coupled to a control line.

4. The array of transistors of claim 3, wherein the collective width of the one or more first dummy lines and the collective width of the one or more second dummy lines is in a direction perpendicular to the control line.

5. The array of transistors of claim 1, wherein the collective width of the one or more first dummy lines being greater than the collective width of the one or more second dummy lines comprises the one or more first dummy lines comprising two or more first dummy lines and the two or more first dummy lines comprising more dummy lines than the one or more second dummy lines.

6. The array of transistors of claim 5, wherein the two or more first dummy lines comprise one more dummy line than the one or more second dummy lines.

7. The array of transistors of claim 1, wherein the one or more first dummy lines are electrically isolated from the second and third transistors and the one or more second dummy lines are electrically isolated from the first and third transistors.

8. The array of transistors of claim 1, wherein the one or more first dummy lines are parallel to at least a portion of each of the first and second lines and the one or more second dummy lines are parallel to at least a portion of each of the first and second lines.

9. The array of transistors of claim 1, wherein the one or more first dummy lines terminate at the second transistor and the one or more second dummy lines terminate at the third transistor.

10. The array of transistors of claim 1, wherein the array of transistors is under a stacked memory array.

11. The array of transistors of claim 1, wherein the first and second transistors are configured to selectively couple a voltage source to access lines in a memory array that are coupled to the first and second lines.

12. The array of transistors of claim 1, wherein the first line is coupled to a source/drain of the first transistor and the second line is coupled to a source/drain of the second transistor.

13. The array of transistors of claim 1, wherein one of the one or more first dummy lines is immediately adjacent to the first line and is aligned with the second line.

14. The array of transistors of claim 1, wherein the one or more first dummy lines comprise a plurality of first dummy lines and the one or more second dummy lines comprise a plurality of second dummy lines, and wherein a distance comprising the collective width of the plurality of first dummy lines and a collective width of spaces between the plurality of first dummy lines is greater than a distance comprising the collective width of the plurality of second dummy lines and a collective width of spaces between the plurality of second dummy lines.

15. The array of transistors of claim 1, wherein the first, second, and third transistors are double-gate transistors.

16. An array of transistors, comprising: a plurality of successively adjacent transistors commonly coupled to a control line, each of the plurality of successively adjacent transistors coupled to a respective runner by a respective line that is transverse to its respective runner, the respective runners being successively adjacent to each other; and different numbers of dummy runners respectively between different respective pairs of the respective lines, the respective lines of each of the different respective pairs respectively coupled to successively adjacent transistors of a respective pair of successively adjacent transistors; wherein the number of dummy runners between each pair of the different respective pairs of the respective lines is coupled to one of the respective lines of that respective pair and is electrically isolated from the other one of the respective lines of that respective pair.

17. The array of transistors of claim 16, wherein the different numbers of dummy runners respectively between the different respective pairs of the respective lines comprise a first number of dummy runners between a first pair of lines of the respective pairs of the respective lines respectively coupled to successively adjacent transistors of a first pair of successively adjacent transistors and a second number of dummy runners between a second pair of lines of the respective pairs of the respective lines respectively coupled to successively adjacent transistors of a second pair of successively adjacent transistors, wherein one of the respective lines of the first pair of lines and one of the respective lines of the second pair of lines is a same line common to first and second pairs of lines.

18. The array of transistors of claim 17, wherein the first number of dummy runners is one dummy runner greater than the second number of dummy runners.

19. The array of transistors of claim 18, wherein the first number of dummy runners is electrically isolated from the same line common to the first and second pairs of lines and the second number of dummy runners is coupled to the same line common to the first and second pairs of lines.

20. The array of transistors of claim 19, wherein the respective runner that is coupled to the same line common to the first and second pairs of lines is aligned with one of the dummy runners of the first number of dummy runners.

21. An array of transistors, comprising: a first line comprising a first portion coupled to a source/drain of a first transistor and a second portion that extends from the first transistor and over a second transistor that is successively adjacent to the first transistor and over a third transistor that is successively adjacent to the second transistor; a second line comprising a first portion coupled to a source/drain of the second transistor and a second portion adjacent and parallel to the second portion of the first line, the second portion of the second line extending from the second transistor and over the third transistor; a third line comprising a first portion coupled to a source/drain of the third transistor and a second portion adjacent and parallel to the second portion of the second line; a first number of dummy lines between the first portions of the first and second lines and coupled to the first portion of the first line; and a second number dummy lines between the first portions of the second and third lines and coupled to the first portion of the second line; wherein the first number is greater than the second number.

22. The array of transistors of claim 21, wherein the first number of dummy lines between the first portions of the first and second lines is electrically isolated from the first portion of the second line and the second number dummy lines between the first portions of the second and third lines is electrically isolated from the first portion of the third line.

23. The array of transistors of claim 21, wherein the first portions of the first, second, and third lines are perpendicular to the second portions of the first, second, and third lines.

24. The array of transistors of claim 21, wherein the first number of dummy lines is one dummy line greater than the second number of dummy lines.

25. The array of transistors of claim 24, wherein the first number of dummy lines and the second number dummy lines have the same pitch as the first, second and third lines.