Method for making high voltage transistors insensitive to needle defects in shallow trench isolation

A method for reducing transistor sensitivity to shallow trench isolation defects (STI) includes filling a trench formed in a substrate of a semiconductor device, at least partially, with a first oxide, the trench defines an STI and includes a defect extending from the substrate. A mask defines a planar area within the isolation region including a first lateral distance between an edge of the mask and an edge of the isolation region. The first oxide is at least partially removed beneath the planar area with an oxide etch to expose a top portion of the defect. The top portion of the defect is removed with a semiconductor etch. After removing the top portion of the defect, the trench is at least partially filled with a second oxide. A field plate of a split-gate transistor is formed over the STI.