Patents by Inventor James J. Kelly

James J. Kelly 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: 20210175174
    Abstract: Copper (Cu)-to-Cu bonding techniques for high bandwidth interconnects on a bridge chip attached to chips which are further attached to a packaging substrate are provided. In one aspect, a method of forming an interconnect structure is provided. The method includes: bonding individual chips to at least one bridge chip via Cu-to-Cu bonding to form a multi-chip structure; and bonding the multi-chip structure to a packaging substrate via solder bonding, after the Cu-to-Cu bonding has been performed, to form the interconnect structure including the individual chips bonded to the at least one bridge chip and to the packaging substrate. A structure formed by the method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Inventors: Mukta Ghate Farooq, Ravi K. Bonam, James J. Kelly, Spyridon Skordas
  • Patent number: 10971356
    Abstract: Various methods and structures for fabricating a semiconductor structure. The semiconductor structure includes in a top layer of a semiconductor stack a semiconductor contact located according to a first horizontal pitch. A first metallization layer is disposed directly on the top layer and includes a metallization contact located according to a second horizontal pitch, the second horizontal pitch being different from the first horizontal pitch such that the location of the metallization contact is vertically mismatched from the location of the semiconductor contact. A second metallization layer is disposed directly on the first metallization layer. The second metallization layer includes a super viabar structure that forms an electrical interconnect, in the second metallization layer, between the semiconductor contact in the top layer of the semiconductor stack and the metallization contact in the first metallization layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Su Chen Fan, Hsueh-Chung Chen, Yann Mignot, James J. Kelly, Terence B. Hook
  • Publication number: 20210098334
    Abstract: Structural combinations of TIMs and methods of combining these TIMs in semiconductor packages are disclosed. An embodiment forms the structures by selectively metallizing a backside of a semiconductor chip (chip) on chip hot spots, placing a higher performance thermal interface material (TIM) on the metallized hot spots, selectively metalizing an underside of a lid in one or more metalized lid locations, and assembling a lid over the backside of the chip to create an assembly so that metalized lid locations are in contact with the higher performance TIMs. A lower performance TIM fills the region surrounding the higher performance TIM on the underside of the lid enclosing the chips. Disclosed are methods of disposing both solid and dispensable TIMs, curing and not curing the thermal interface, and structures to keep the TIMs in place while assembly the package and compressing dispensable TIMs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: Kamal K. Sikka, Piyas Bal Chowdhury, James J. Kelly, Jeffrey Allen Zitz, Sushumna Iruvanti, Shidong Li
  • Publication number: 20210091032
    Abstract: Package structures and methods are provided for constructing multi-chip package structures using semiconductor wafer-level-fan-out techniques in conjunction with back-end-of-line fabrication methods to integrate different size chips (e.g., different thicknesses) into a planar package structure. The packaging techniques take into account intra-chip thickness variations and inter-chip thickness differences, and utilize standard back-end-of-line fabrication methods and materials to account for such thickness variations and differences. In addition, the back-end-of-line techniques allow for the formation of multiple layers of wiring and inter-layer vias which provide high density chip-to-chip interconnect wiring for high-bandwidth I/O communication between the package chips, as well as redistribution layers to route power/ground connections between active-side connections of the semiconductor chips to an area array of solder bump interconnects on a bottom side of the multi-chip package structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventors: Ravi K. Bonam, Mukta Ghate Farooq, Dinesh Gupta, James J. Kelly
  • Publication number: 20210091303
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure includes an MRAM metallization stack. A via is disposed within a dielectric cap layer that is on and in contact with the metallization stack. A liner is disposed on sidewalls and a bottom surface of the via. A recessed electrode contact is disposed within a portion of the via and in contact with a first part of the liner in contact with sidewalls of the via. A second part of the liner is in contact with the sidewalls is above a top surface of the contact. A method for forming the semiconductor device structure includes forming a via within a MRAM metallization stack. The via exposes a top surface of the second metal layer. An electrode contact is formed within a portion of the via. A cap layer is formed within a remaining portion of the via in contact with a top surface of the electrode contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventors: Raghuveer PATLOLLA, James J. KELLY, Chih-Chao YANG
  • Patent number: 10943883
    Abstract: Package structures and methods are provided for constructing multi-chip package structures using semiconductor wafer-level-fan-out techniques in conjunction with back-end-of-line fabrication methods to integrate different size chips (e.g., different thicknesses) into a planar package structure. The packaging techniques take into account intra-chip thickness variations and inter-chip thickness differences, and utilize standard back-end-of-line fabrication methods and materials to account for such thickness variations and differences. In addition, the back-end-of-line techniques allow for the formation of multiple layers of wiring and inter-layer vias which provide high density chip-to-chip interconnect wiring for high-bandwidth I/O communication between the package chips, as well as redistribution layers to route power/ground connections between active-side connections of the semiconductor chips to an area array of solder bump interconnects on a bottom side of the multi-chip package structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ravi K. Bonam, Mukta Ghate Farooq, Dinesh Gupta, James J. Kelly
  • Patent number: 10910307
    Abstract: Back end of line metallization structures and processes of fabricating the metallization structures generally include one or more metal filled via structures within a dielectric layer of an interconnect level, wherein at least one of the metal filled via structures includes a bulk metal and a metal alloy overlaying the bulk metal, wherein the bulk metal and metal alloy filled via is coupled to an active circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Raghuveer R. Patlolla, James J. Kelly, Cornelius Brown Peethala, Chih-Chao Yang
  • Publication number: 20210028061
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a dual redistribution layer (RDL) interposer structure is provided. The method includes etching a semiconductor substrate to expose natural crystallographic planes to form trenches. The method also includes depositing conductive material within the trenches of the etched semiconductor substrate to form vias for an interposer structure. The method includes placing back end of line (BEOL) inter-chip wiring on a top side of the interposer structure using a first RDL. The method includes exposing the vias on a back side of the interposer structure. The method further includes forming power RDLs on a back side of the interposer structure using conductive lines in a dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Inventors: Mukta G. Farooq, James J. Kelly
  • Patent number: 10903116
    Abstract: Methods are provided for fabricating void-free metallic interconnect structures with self-formed diffusion barrier layers. A seed layer is deposited to line an etched opening in a dielectric layer. A metallic capping layer is selectively deposited on upper portions and upper sidewall surfaces of the seed layer which define an aperture into the etched opening. An electroplating process is performed to plate metallic material on exposed surfaces of the seed layer within the etched opening, which are not covered by the capping layer to form a metallic interconnect. The capping layer prohibits plating of metallic material on the capping layer and closing the aperture before the electroplating process is complete. A thermal anneal process is performed to cause the metallic material of the metallic capping layer to diffuse though the metallic interconnect and create a self-formed diffusion barrier layer between the metallic interconnect and the surfaces of the etched opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph F. Maniscalco, Koichi Motoyama, James J. Kelly, Hosadurga Shobha, Chih-Chao Yang
  • Patent number: 10903161
    Abstract: Back end of line metallization structures and processes of fabricating the metallization structures generally include one or more metal filled via structures within a dielectric layer of an interconnect level, wherein at least one of the metal filled via structures includes a bulk metal and a metal alloy overlaying the bulk metal, wherein the bulk metal and metal alloy filled via is coupled to an active circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Raghuveer R. Patlolla, James J. Kelly, Cornelius Brown Peethala, Chih-Chao Yang
  • Publication number: 20200388567
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a stack structure having at least first, second and third interconnect levels. Each interconnect level has a patterned metal conductor including a first metallic material. A via spans the second and third interconnect levels and electrically couples with the patterned metal conductor of the first interconnect level. At least a segment of the super via includes a second metallic material different from the first metallic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Inventors: Yann Mignot, James J. Kelly, Muthumanickam Sankarapandian, Yongan Xu, Hsueh-Chung Chen, Daniel J. Vincent
  • Patent number: 10825726
    Abstract: A method and structure of forming an interconnect structure with a sidewall image transfer process such as self-aligned double patterning to reduce capacitance and resistance. In these methods and structures, the spacer is a metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hsueh-Chung Chen, James J. Kelly, Yann Mignot, Cornelius Brown Peethala, Lawrence A. Clevenger
  • Publication number: 20200279925
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes the following steps. At least a first source/drain region and a second source/drain region are formed in a substrate. At least a first sacrificial layer and a second sacrificial layer are respectively formed over the first source/drain region and the second source/drain region. A spacer layer is formed on at least a top surface of the substrate and around sides of the first sacrificial layer and the second sacrificial layer. The spacer layer includes an electrical-isolating material. The first sacrificial layer and a second sacrificial layer are removed to form a first open trench and a second open trench. The first open trench and the second open trench are filled with metal contact material to form a first metal contact and a second metal contact electrically isolated from each other by the spacer layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Inventors: Su Chen Fan, Yann Mignot, Hsueh-Chung Chen, James J. Kelly
  • Publication number: 20200219817
    Abstract: Various methods and structures for fabricating BEOL metallization layer including at least one bulk cobalt contact, the at least one bulk cobalt contact including a replacement non-cobalt metal cap integral to the at least one bulk cobalt contact. The method includes performing selective deposition, by a chemical exchange reaction of metal between a non-cobalt metal and Cobalt in the at least one bulk cobalt contact, of the replacement non-cobalt metal cap integrally formed in a top surface region of the bulk cobalt contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James J. KELLY, Cornelius Brown PEETHALA
  • Publication number: 20200203156
    Abstract: Various methods and structures for fabricating a semiconductor structure. The semiconductor structure includes in a top layer of a semiconductor stack a semiconductor contact located according to a first horizontal pitch. A first metallization layer is disposed directly on the top layer and includes a metallization contact located according to a second horizontal pitch, the second horizontal pitch being different from the first horizontal pitch such that the location of the metallization contact is vertically mismatched from the location of the semiconductor contact. A second metallization layer is disposed directly on the first metallization layer. The second metallization layer includes a super viabar structure that forms an electrical interconnect, in the second metallization layer, between the semiconductor contact in the top layer of the semiconductor stack and the metallization contact in the first metallization layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Inventors: Su Chen FAN, Hsueh-Chung CHEN, Yann MIGNOT, James J. KELLY, Terence B. HOOK
  • Patent number: 10651125
    Abstract: Various methods and structures for fabricating BEOL metallization layer including at least one bulk cobalt contact, the at least one bulk cobalt contact including a replacement non-cobalt metal cap integral to the at least one bulk cobalt contact. The method includes performing selective deposition, by a chemical exchange reaction of metal between a non-cobalt metal and Cobalt in the at least one bulk cobalt contact, of the replacement non-cobalt metal cap integrally formed in a top surface region of the bulk cobalt contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James J. Kelly, Cornelius Brown Peethala
  • Publication number: 20200144178
    Abstract: Back end of line metallization structures and processes of fabricating the metallization structures generally include one or more metal filled via structures within a dielectric layer of an interconnect level, wherein at least one of the metal filled via structures includes a bulk metal and a metal alloy overlaying the bulk metal, wherein the bulk metal and metal alloy filled via is coupled to an active circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Inventors: Raghuveer R. Patlolla, James J. Kelly, Cornelius Brown Peethala, Chih-Chao Yang
  • Publication number: 20200144180
    Abstract: Back end of line metallization structures and processes of fabricating the metallization structures generally include one or more metal filled via structures within a dielectric layer of an interconnect level, wherein at least one of the metal filled via structures includes a bulk metal and a metal alloy overlaying the bulk metal, wherein the bulk metal and metal alloy filled via is coupled to an active circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Inventors: Raghuveer R. Patlolla, James J. Kelly, Cornelius Brown Peethala, Chih-Chao Yang
  • Publication number: 20200135457
    Abstract: Various methods and structures for fabricating a semiconductor structure. The semiconductor structure includes in a top layer of a semiconductor stack a semiconductor contact located according to a first horizontal pitch. A first metallization layer is disposed directly on the top layer and includes a metallization contact located according to a second horizontal pitch, the second horizontal pitch being different from the first horizontal pitch such that the location of the metallization contact is vertically mismatched from the location of the semiconductor contact. A second metallization layer is disposed directly on the first metallization layer. The second metallization layer includes a super viabar structure that forms an electrical interconnect, in the second metallization layer, between the semiconductor contact in the top layer of the semiconductor stack and the metallization contact in the first metallization layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: Su Chen FAN, Hsueh-Chung CHEN, Yann MIGNOT, James J. KELLY, Terence B. HOOK
  • Publication number: 20200118872
    Abstract: A method and structure of forming an interconnect structure with a sidewall image transfer process such as self-aligned double patterning to reduce capacitance and resistance. In these methods and structures, the spacer is a metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: HSUEH-CHUNG CHEN, James J. Kelly, Yann MIGNOT, Cornelius Brown Peethala, Lawrence A. Clevenger