Abstract: Methods of blocking ionizing radiation to reduce soft errors and resulting IC chips are disclosed. One embodiment includes forming a front end of line (FEOL) for an integrated circuit (IC) chip; and forming at least one back end of line (BEOL) dielectric layer including ionizing radiation blocking material therein. Another embodiment includes forming a front end of line (FEOL) for an integrated circuit (IC) chip; and forming an ionizing radiation blocking layer positioned in a back end of line (BEOL) of the IC chip. The ionizing radiation blocking material or layer absorbs ionizing radiation and reduces soft errors within the IC chip.

Abstract: A substrate includes a plurality of semiconductor chips arranged in a grid pattern and laterally spaced from one another by channel regions. The substrate includes a vertical stack of a semiconductor layer and at least one dielectric material layer embedding metal interconnect structures. The at least one dielectric material layer are removed along the channel regions and around vertices of the grid pattern so that each semiconductor chip includes corner surfaces that are not parallel to lines of the grid pattern. The corner surfaces can include straight surfaces or convex surfaces. The semiconductor chips are diced and subsequently bonded to a packaging substrate employing an underfill material. The corner surfaces reduce mechanical stress applied to the metal interconnect layer during the bonding process and subsequent thermal cycling processes.

Abstract: Multi-Project Wafers includes a plurality of chiplets from different IP owners. Non-relevant chiplets are implemented with IP protection to inhibit IP disclosure of non-relevant IP owners.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer includes a nonstick region. During integrated circuit fabrication processes, the wafer may be inserted into an electrodeposition (e.g. plating, etc.) tool. The tool may contact the nonstick region to e.g. prevent leaks, prevent plating upon a shorting layer of the wafer, etc. When the wafer is removed the nonstick region has a propensity to not transfer to the tool, improving tool availability and reducing wafer scraps. The nonstick region may contain a nonstick seal formed from a liquid photoresist based material, an organic dielectric, etc.

Abstract: Multi-Project Wafers includes a plurality of chiplets from different IP owners. Non-relevant chiplets are implemented with IP protection to inhibit IP disclosure of non-relevant IP owners.

Abstract: Multi-Project Wafers includes a plurality of chiplets from different IP owners. Non-relevant chiplets are implemented with IP protection to inhibit IP disclosure of non-relevant IP owners.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bonded semiconductor integrated circuits, more specifically to a structure to protect against crack propagation into any layer of such integrated circuits. Embodiments of the present invention may include a first semiconductor substrate having a first layer bonded to second layer of a substantially thinner second semiconductor substrate by a bonding layer. The first layer may contain a crack stop. The crack stop may be in contact with a circumferential wall, made up of posts, that extends through the bonding layer, the second layer, and the second substrate.

Abstract: Methods of blocking ionizing radiation to reduce soft errors and resulting IC chips are disclosed. One embodiment includes forming a front end of line (FEOL) for an integrated circuit (IC) chip; and forming at least one back end of line (BEOL) dielectric layer including ionizing radiation blocking material therein. Another embodiment includes forming a front end of line (FEOL) for an integrated circuit (IC) chip; and forming an ionizing radiation blocking layer positioned in a back end of line (BEOL) of the IC chip. The ionizing radiation blocking material or layer absorbs ionizing radiation and reduces soft errors within the IC chip.

Abstract: A substrate includes a plurality of semiconductor chips arranged in a grid pattern and laterally spaced from one another by channel regions. The substrate includes a vertical stack of a semiconductor layer and at least one dielectric material layer embedding metal interconnect structures. The at least one dielectric material layer are removed along the channel regions and around vertices of the grid pattern so that each semiconductor chip includes corner surfaces that are not parallel to lines of the grid pattern. The corner surfaces can include straight surfaces or convex surfaces. The semiconductor chips are diced and subsequently bonded to a packaging substrate employing an underfill material. The corner surfaces reduce mechanical stress applied to the metal interconnect layer during the bonding process and subsequent thermal cycling processes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor device wherein an insulation layer has a via opening with an aluminum layer in the via opening and in contact with the last wiring layer of the device. There is a barrier layer on the aluminum layer followed by a copper plug which fills the via opening. Also disclosed is a process for making the semiconductor device.

Abstract: A structure to prevent propagation of a crack into the active region of a 3D integrated circuit, such as a crack initiated by a flaw at the periphery of a thinned substrate layer or a bonding layer, and methods of forming the same is disclosed.

Abstract: A structure to prevent propagation of a crack into the active region of a 3D integrated circuit, such as a crack initiated by a flaw at the periphery of a thinned substrate layer or a bonding layer, and methods of forming the same is disclosed.

Abstract: A wafer and a fabrication method include a base structure including a substrate for fabricating semiconductor devices. The base structure includes a front side where the semiconductor devices are formed and a back side opposite the front side. An integrated layer is formed in the back side of the base structure including impurities configured to alter etch selectivity relative to the base structure such that the integrated layer is selectively removable from the base structure to remove defects incurred during fabrication of the semiconductor devices.

Abstract: A structure and method for producing the same is disclosed. The structure includes an organic passivation layer with solids suspended therein. Preferential etch to remove a portion of the organic material and expose portions of such solids creates enhanced surface roughness, which provides a significant advantage with respect to adhesion of that passivation layer to the packaging underfill material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of making a semiconductor device wherein an insulation layer has a copper plug in contact with the last wiring layer of the device. There may also be a barrier layer separating the copper plug from the insulation layer. There may also be a cap layer over the copper plug to protect it from oxidation. There may also be a dielectric layer over the cap layer.

Abstract: A substrate includes a plurality of semiconductor chips arranged in a grid pattern and laterally spaced from one another by channel regions. The substrate includes a vertical stack of a semiconductor layer and at least one dielectric material layer embedding metal interconnect structures. The at least one dielectric material layer are removed along the channel regions and around vertices of the grid pattern so that each semiconductor chip includes corner surfaces that are not parallel to lines of the grid pattern. The corner surfaces can include straight surfaces or convex surfaces. The semiconductor chips are diced and subsequently bonded to a packaging substrate employing an underfill material. The corner surfaces reduce mechanical stress applied to the metal interconnect layer during the bonding process and subsequent thermal cycling processes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of making a semiconductor device wherein an insulation layer has a copper plug in contact with the last wiring layer of the device. There may also be a barrier layer separating the copper plug from the insulation layer. There may also be a cap layer over the copper plug to protect it from oxidation. There may also be a dielectric layer over the cap layer.

Abstract: Structures and methods to reduce maximum current density in a solder ball are disclosed. A method includes forming a contact pad in a last wiring level and forming a plurality of wires of the contact pad extending from side edges of the contact pad to respective ones of a plurality of vias. Each one of the plurality of wires has substantially the same electrical resistance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor device wherein an insulation layer has a via opening with an aluminum layer in the via opening and in contact with the last wiring layer of the device. There is a barrier layer on the aluminum layer followed by a copper plug which fills the via opening. Also disclosed is a process for making the semiconductor device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor device wherein an insulation layer has a copper plug in contact with the last wiring layer of the device. There may also be a barrier layer separating the copper plug from the insulation layer. In a further embodiment, there may also be an aluminum layer between the insulation layer and copper plug. Also disclosed is a process for making the semiconductor device.