Patents by Inventor C. Alexander Ernst

C. Alexander Ernst has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20190131272
    Abstract: A semiconductor device, semiconductor device assembly, and method of forming a semiconductor device assembly that includes a barrier on a pillar. The semiconductor device assembly includes a semiconductor device disposed over another semiconductor device. At least one pillar extends from one semiconductor device towards a pad on the other semiconductor device. The barrier on the exterior of the pillar may be a standoff to control a bond line between the semiconductor devices. The barrier may reduce solder bridging and may prevent reliability and electromigration issues that can result from the IMC formation between the solder and copper portions of a pillar. The barrier may help align the pillar with a pad when forming a semiconductor device assembly and may reduce misalignment due to lateral movement of the semiconductor devices. Windows or slots in the barrier may permit the expansion of solder in predetermined directions while preventing bridging in other directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Inventors: Brandon P. Wirz, Benjamin L. McClain, C. Alexander Ernst, Jeremy E. Minnich
  • Patent number: 10276539
    Abstract: A semiconductor device, semiconductor device assembly, and method of forming a semiconductor device assembly that includes a barrier on a pillar. The semiconductor device assembly includes a semiconductor device disposed over another semiconductor device. At least one pillar extends from one semiconductor device towards a pad on the other semiconductor device. The barrier on the exterior of the pillar may be a standoff to control a bond line between the semiconductor devices. The barrier may reduce solder bridging and may prevent reliability and electromigration issues that can result from the IMC formation between the solder and copper portions of a pillar. The barrier may help align the pillar with a pad when forming a semiconductor device assembly and may reduce misalignment due to lateral movement of the semiconductor devices. Windows or slots in the barrier may permit the expansion of solder in predetermined directions while preventing bridging in other directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon P. Wirz, Benjamin L. McClain, C. Alexander Ernst, Jeremy E. Minnich