Of Specified Configuration Patents (Class 257/773)
  • Patent number: 9456490
    Abstract: Improved signal path in radio-frequency (RF) module having laminate substrate. In some embodiments, a laminate substrate for mounting RF components can include N conductor pads positioned at different layers of the laminate substrate. Such conductor pads can include an input pad, an output pad, and at least one intermediate pad between the input and output pads. The laminate substrate can further include a connection feature formed between each neighboring pair among the N conducting pads to provide a signal path between the input pad and the output pad. First and second connection features associated with each of the at least one intermediate pad can be positioned near opposite ends of the intermediate pad to thereby reduce parasitic effects associated with the N conductor pads. Examples of methods and devices related to such laminate substrate are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventors: Ambarish Roy, Stephen Richard Moreschi
  • Patent number: 9449908
    Abstract: A first protective layer is formed on a first die and a second die, and openings are formed within the first protective layer. The first die and the second die are encapsulated such that the encapsulant is thicker than the first die and the second die, and vias are formed within the openings. A redistribution layer can also be formed to extend over the encapsulant, and the first die may be separated from the second die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hui-Min Huang, Chih-Wei Lin, Tsai-Tsung Tsai, Ming-Da Cheng, Chung-Shi Liu, Chen-Hua Yu
  • Patent number: 9443905
    Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) scalable magnetic memory array and a method for implementing the three-dimensional (3D) scalable magnetic memory array for use in Solid-State Drives (SSDs) are provided. A three-dimensional (3D) scalable magnetic memory array includes an interlayer dielectric (IDL) stack of word planes separated by a respective IDL. A plurality of pillar holes is formed in the IDL stack in a single etch step; each of the pillar holes including an oxide barrier coating, and a first conductor M1, and a second conductor M2 forming magnetic pillar memory cells. The first conductor M1 is formed of a magnetic material, and the second conductor M2 is more electrically conductive than the conductor M1; and each of the magnetic pillar memory cell inside the pillar holes have a programmable area using unpatterned programmable magnetic media proximate to a respective one of the word planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: HGST Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Zvonimir Z. Bandic, Jeffery Robinson Childress, Luiz M. Franca-Neto, Jordan Asher Katine, Neil Leslie Robertson
  • Patent number: 9437492
    Abstract: A method of assembling semiconductor devices with semiconductor dies of alternative different configurations uses the same substrate panel. The dies of the selected configuration are placed in an array, mounted, and connected to internal electrical contact pads on a first face of the panel using main fiducial markings and an array of subsidiary fiducial markings corresponding universally to arrays of semiconductor dies of the different alternative configurations. The pitch of the subsidiary fiducial markings is equal to the spacing between adjacent rows of the internal electrical contact pads on the panel and is a sub-multiple of the pitch of the array of dies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: Kai Yun Yow, Chee Seng Foong, Lan Chu Tan
  • Patent number: 9431324
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a substrate having a plurality of active regions; a plurality of bit lines extending in a first direction, the plurality of bit lines being separate from the substrate with an insulating layer therebetween; a plurality of first insulating lines extending in a second direction that is different from the first direction, wherein the plurality of first insulating lines intersect the plurality of bit lines and have upper surfaces having levels which are higher than those of upper surfaces of the plurality of bit lines relative to the substrate; and a plurality of first contact structures connected to the plurality of active regions, the plurality of first contact structures being disposed in an area defined by the plurality of bit lines and the plurality of first insulating lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seok-ho Shin
  • Patent number: 9419411
    Abstract: A semiconductor laser diode is disclosed. The semiconductor laser diode including a primary surface constituted by two short sides and two long sides, comprises: an active layer; an electrode provided above the active layer; a first pad connected to the electrode; a second pad connected to the first pad; an inner interconnection configured to connect the electrode to the first pad electrically, the inner interconnection being provided along the long sides; and an outer interconnection configured to connect the first pad to the second pad electrically, the outer interconnection being provided along the long sides, the outer interconnection having a width along the short sides narrower than a width of the first pad along the short sides and a width of the second pad along the short sides. The active layer, the first pad, and the second pad are arranged along the long sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Device Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Taguchi
  • Patent number: 9419009
    Abstract: A 3D nonvolatile memory device is disclosed. The 3D nonvolatile memory device includes a word line stack in which a plurality of word lines are stacked therein and includes a cell region and a slimming region, and pass transistors located below the word line stack, and electrically coupled to the slimming region. A width of the slimming region is larger than that of the cell region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Sung Lae Oh, Dae Sung Eom
  • Patent number: 9419069
    Abstract: A semiconductor component and methods for manufacturing the semiconductor component that includes a three dimensional helically shaped common mode choke. In accordance with embodiments, a transient voltage suppression device may be coupled to the monolithically integrated common mode choke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Phillip Holland, Rong Liu, Umesh Sharma, David D Marreiro, Der Min Liou, Sudhama C Shastri
  • Patent number: 9418939
    Abstract: A NAND-based non-volatile memory contact structure includes a trench located adjacent to layered alternating conducting and insulating layers, the layers lining sides and bottom of the trench. A portion of the trench is removed to expose a surface in which electrical connections to the conducting layers are provided on one level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Tsung Wu, Shih-Ping Hong
  • Patent number: 9406712
    Abstract: A structure includes a first chip having a first substrate, and first dielectric layers underlying the first substrate, with a first metal pad in the first dielectric layers. A second chip includes a second substrate, second dielectric layers over the second substrate and bonded to the first dielectric layers, and a second metal pad in the second dielectric layers. A conductive plug includes a first portion extending from a top surface of the first substrate to a top surface of the first metal pad, and a second portion extending from the top surface of the first metal pad to a top surface of the second metal pad. An edge of the second portion is in physical contact with a sidewall of the first metal pad. A dielectric layer spaces the first portion of the conductive plug from the first plurality of dielectric layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shu-Ting Tsai, Dun-Nian Yaung, Jen-Cheng Liu, Shih Pei Chou, U-Ting Chen, Chia-Chieh Lin
  • Patent number: 9385028
    Abstract: Methods are described for forming “air gaps” between adjacent metal lines on patterned substrates. The common name “air gap” will be used interchangeably with the more technically accurate “gas pocket” and both reflect a variety of pressures and elemental ratios. The air gaps are produced within narrow gaps between copper lines while wide gaps retain dielectric material. Retention of the dielectric material within the wide gaps enables formation of a desirable planar top surface. Using a hardmask layer and a selective dry-etch process enables a wet processing step to be avoided right before the formation of the air gaps. The air gaps can have a dielectric constant approaching one, favorably reducing interconnect capacitance compared with typical low-k dielectric materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Srinivas D. Nemani, Takehito Koshizawa
  • Patent number: 9384314
    Abstract: A method that minimizes adjustment of a wiring layer in reducing a warpage of a multilayered substrate and enables location of a part of a wiring layer that needs correction in order to reduce the warpage. The difference in average coefficient of thermal expansion, ??, varies in a substrate. The method focuses in on the difference in ?? with a great length scale (low frequency) having a relatively significant effect on the warpage compared to the difference in ?? with a smaller length scale (high frequency) and corrects only the difference in ?? with a greater length scale. The distribution of the difference in ?? in a plane of substrate is determined. Then digital filtering is performed to extract only the difference in ?? with a low frequency and the difference in ?? between before and after correction, thereby revealing a part that requires correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sayuri Hada, Keiji Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 9376751
    Abstract: An operation method of a plasma processing device, includes performing a plasma process on a workpiece by supplying first high frequency power of a predetermined output to an electrode and generating plasma; and performing a charge storage process before the plasma process when a time interval from an end of a previous operation of the plasma processing device exceeds a predetermined interval, the charge storage process including supplying, to the electrode, second high frequency power of a lower output than the predetermined output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Shigehiro Miura, Hitoshi Kato, Jun Sato, Takeshi Kobayashi, Masato Yonezawa
  • Patent number: 9373625
    Abstract: A semiconductor device including a storage node contact that surrounds three sidewalls of an active region to increase the contact area between the storage node contact and the active region is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Seung Hwan Kim, Jeong Hoon Park
  • Patent number: 9362257
    Abstract: The invention provides a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) module, which includes a MEMS die stacked on an electronic circuit die. The electronic circuit die includes a substrate, the substrate including at least one through-silicon via (TSV) penetrating through the substrate; and at least one electronic circuit. The electronic circuit includes a circuit region, and a signal transmission layer directly connecting the TSV. At least one wire is connected between a middle part of the MEMS die and the TSV. There is no signal communication at the interfacing location where the MEMS die is stacked on and bonded with the electronic circuit die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: RICHTEK TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION R.O.C.
    Inventors: Chiung-Cheng Lo, Yu-Fu Kang, Ning-Yuan Wang, Chiung-Wen Lin
  • Patent number: 9349697
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to connections for integrated circuit (IC) dies. For example, in an embodiment an integrated circuit (IC) die is provided. The IC die includes a plurality of clusters of pads formed on a surface of the IC die, each cluster being associated with a respective circuit formed in the IC die. Each cluster includes a plurality of micropads each electrically coupled to the circuit associated with the cluster through a respective via and a sacrificial pad coupled to the circuit through the plurality of micropads, the sacrificial pad being larger than each of the micropads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Lynn Ooi, Sampath K. V. Karikalan
  • Patent number: 9349436
    Abstract: A semiconductor cell comprises a plurality of metal layers. A first layer comprises a VDD conductor, a bit-line, and a complimentary bit-line. Each of the VDD conductor, the bit-line, and the complementary bit-line extend in a first direction. A second layer comprises a first VSS conductor and a first word-line. The VSS conductor and the first word-line extend in a second direction different than the first direction. A third layer comprises a second VSS conductor. The second VSS conductor extends in the first direction. A fourth layer comprises a second word-line. The second word-line extends in the second direction. The first word-line is electrically coupled to the second word-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jhon Jhy Liaw
  • Patent number: 9343406
    Abstract: A method of forming a doped TaN Cu barrier adjacent to a Ru layer of a Cu interconnect structure and the resulting device are provided. Embodiments include forming a cavity in a SiO-based ILD; conformally forming a doped TaN layer in the cavity and over the ILD; conformally forming a Ru layer on the doped TaN layer; depositing Cu over the Ru layer and filling the cavity; planarizing the Cu, Ru layer, and doped TaN layer down to an upper surface of the ILD; forming a dielectric cap over the Cu, Ru layer, and doped TaN layer; and filling spaces formed between the dielectric cap and the doped TaN layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.
    Inventors: Xunyuan Zhang, Kunaljeet Tanwar
  • Patent number: 9343356
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of forming a back-end-of-the-line metal interconnect layer. The method is performed by depositing one or more self-assembled monolayers on a semiconductor substrate to define a metal interconnect layer area. A metal interconnect layer having a plurality of metal structures is formed on the semiconductor substrate within the metal interconnect layer area. An inter-level dielectric layer is then formed onto the surface of the semiconductor substrate in areas between the plurality of metal structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Liang Kuo, Tz-Jun Kuo, Hsiang-Huan Lee
  • Patent number: 9343411
    Abstract: Techniques and structure are disclosed for enhancing fracture resistance of back-end interconnects and other such interconnect structures by increasing via density. Increased via density can be provided, for example, within the filler/dummified portion(s) of adjacent circuit layers within a die. In some cases, an electrically isolated (floating) filler line of an upper circuit layer may include a via which lands on a floating filler line of a lower circuit layer in a region corresponding to where the filler lines cross/intersect. In some such cases, the floating filler line of the upper circuit layer may be formed as a dual-damascene structure including such a via. In some embodiments, a via similarly may be provided between a floating filler line of the upper circuit layer and a sufficiently electrically isolated interconnect line of the lower circuit layer. The techniques/structure can be used to provide mechanical integrity for the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher J. Jezewski, Mauro J. Kobrinsky, Daniel Pantuso, Siddharth B. Bhingarde, Michael P. O'Day
  • Patent number: 9337117
    Abstract: A package comprises a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device comprises an active surface and side surfaces. The active surface has a contact pad. The package also comprises a mold covering the side surfaces of the semiconductor device. The package further comprises an interconnection line coupled with the contact pad and extending over the active surface of the semiconductor device. The package additionally comprises an under-bump metallurgy (UBM) layer over the interconnection line. The package also comprises a seal ring structure extending around and outside an upper periphery of the semiconductor device on the mold, the seal ring structure comprising a seal layer extending on a same level as at least one of the interconnection line or the UBM layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Ying Yang, Hsien-Wei Chen, Tsung-Yuan Yu, Shih-Wei Liang
  • Patent number: 9324344
    Abstract: A head gimbal assembly for a disk drive includes a flexure tail terminal region having flexure bond pads in electrical communication with the head. Each of the flexure bond pads is aligned with one of a plurality of flexible printed circuit (FPC) bond pads. An anisotropic conductive film is disposed between the FPC and the flexure tail terminal region. The flexure tail terminal region overlaps the anisotropic conductive film in a bonding area. Each of the flexure bond pads is bonded to one of the plurality of FPC bond pads by the anisotropic conductive film in a bonding area. A conductive layer of the flexure tail terminal region includes an exposed conductive ground pad that is disposed outside of the bonding area, and/or disposed outside of an application area of a thermode tool that is pressed against the flexure tail terminal region during the bonding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yih-Jen Dennis Chen, Yanning Liu, Kia Moh Teo
  • Patent number: 9312208
    Abstract: A through silicon via structure is disclosed. The through silicon via includes: a substrate; a first dielectric layer disposed on the substrate and having a plurality of first openings, in which a bottom of the plurality of first openings is located lower than an original surface of the substrate; a via hole disposed through the first dielectric layer and the substrate, in which the via hole not overlapping for all of the plurality of first openings; a second dielectric layer disposed within the plurality of first openings and on a sidewall of the via hole while filling the plurality of first openings; and a conductive material layer disposed within the via hole having the second dielectric layer on the sidewall of the via hole, thereby forming a through silicon via.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Hsin-Yu Chen, Home-Been Cheng, Yu-Han Tsai, Ching-Li Yang
  • Patent number: 9306046
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor element with a plurality of gates, an emitter pattern insulated from the plurality of gates and an emitter electrode formed on the emitter pattern, the semiconductor element being formed such that a main current flows into the emitter electrode via the emitter pattern, a first solder formed on a part of the emitter electrode, a second solder formed on a part of the emitter electrode apart from the first solder, and a terminal connected to the emitter electrode by means of the first solder and the second solder, wherein the semiconductor element includes a first solder region, a second solder region and an intermediate region, a density of the gates in each of the solder regions are equal, and a current density of the main current in the intermediate region is lower than current densities of the main currents in the other solder regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shigeo Toi
  • Patent number: 9299647
    Abstract: An interconnect assembly for an embedded chip package includes a dielectric layer, first metal layer comprising upper contact pads, second metal layer comprising lower contact pads, and metalized connections formed through the dielectric layer and in contact with the upper and lower contact pads to form electrical connections therebetween. A first surface of the upper contact pads is affixed to a top surface of the dielectric layer and a first surface of the lower contact pads is affixed to a bottom surface of the dielectric layer. An input/output (I/O) of a first side of the interconnect assembly is formed on a surface of the lower contact pads that is opposite the first surface of the lower contact pads, and an I/O of a second side of the interconnect assembly is formed on a surface of the upper contact pads that is opposite the first surface of the upper contact pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Paul Alan McConnelee, Kevin Matthew Durocher, Scott Smith, Donald Paul Cunningham
  • Patent number: 9293438
    Abstract: A method of making an electronic device includes forming an electrically conductive pattern on a substrate, forming a cover layer on the substrate and the electrically conductive pattern, and forming openings in the cover layer and being aligned with the electrically conductive pattern. The method also includes positioning an IC on the cover layer so that bond pads of the IC are aligned with the openings, and heating under pressure the cover layer to both mechanically secure and electrically interconnect the IC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: HARRIS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Louis Joseph Rendek, Jr., Casey Philip Rodriguez, Travis L. Kerby, Michael Raymond Weatherspoon
  • Patent number: 9287325
    Abstract: A vertical type semiconductor device and a fabrication method thereof are provided. The vertical type semiconductor device includes a pillar structure having a stacking structure of a conductive layer and a data storage material and formed on a common source region, and a gate electrode formed to surround the data storage material of the pillar structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Kang Sik Choi
  • Patent number: 9277639
    Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor circuit board in which a conductor portion is provided on an insulating substrate, wherein a surface roughness of a semiconductor element-mounting section of the conductor portion is 0.3 ?m or lower in arithmetic average roughness Ra, 2.5 ?m or lower in ten-point average roughness Rzjis, 2.0 ?m or smaller in maximum height Rz, and 0.5 ?m or lower in arithmetic average waviness Wa. Further, assuming that a thickness of the insulating substrate is t1 and a thickness of the conductor portion is t2, the thickness of t1 and t2 satisfy a relation: 0.1?t2/t1?50. Due to above structure, even if an amount of heat generation of the semiconductor element is increased, there can be provided a semiconductor circuit board and a semiconductor device having excellent TCT characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA MATERIALS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiromasa Kato, Masanori Hoshino
  • Patent number: 9270251
    Abstract: A carrier for mounting a piezoelectric device, e.g., a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device, on a circuit board and a method of mounting a piezoelectric device on a circuit board using such a carrier are disclosed. The carrier includes a carrier bottom, a plurality of metal contacts, and a carrier lid attached to the carrier bottom. The carrier bottom has an opening extending partially through the carrier bottom from a top surface thereof and the opening is configured such that when a piezoelectric device to be mounted in the carrier is inserted into the carrier bottom, the piezoelectric device is at least partially recessed within the carrier bottom. The metal contacts include a cantilevered end configured for electrical connection to a piezoelectric device. The carrier lid is configured to retain a piezoelectric device within the carrier bottom and to apply substantially even pressure across a top surface of a piezoelectric device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Adaptive Methods, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Owen, Conrad Zeglin, Barclay Roman, Mark Meister
  • Patent number: 9263421
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a chip carrier having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The device further includes a first semiconductor chip mounted on the first surface of the chip carrier. A second semiconductor chip is mounted on the second surface of the chip carrier, wherein a portion of a first surface of the second semiconductor chip which faces the chip carrier projects over an edge of the chip carrier. A first electrical conductor is coupled to an electrode formed on the portion of the first surface of the second semiconductor chip that projects over the edge of the chip carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Boon Seong Lee, Chee Voon Tan
  • Patent number: 9263297
    Abstract: A method for self-aligned double patterning without needing atomic layer deposition techniques is disclosed. Techniques include using a staircase etch technique to preferentially shrink one material without shrinking an underlying material, followed by a resist-based chemical polishing and planarization technique that yields a narrowed and protruding feature (single-layer thickness) that is sufficiently physically supported, and that can be transferred to one or more underlying layers. After removing a resist coating, the result is a pattern that has been doubled without using ALD techniques. Such techniques improve efficiencies over conventional techniques for self-aligned double patterning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Anton deVilliers
  • Patent number: 9263405
    Abstract: A semiconductor device having a semiconductor substrate is provided. The semiconductor substrate includes an integrated circuit, which includes multi-layer structured metallization and inter-metal dielectric. The integrated circuit is below a passivation, which is over a metal structure. The metal structure includes a metal pad and an under bumper metallurgy, which is over and aligned with the metal pad. The metal pad is electrically connected to the integrated circuit, and the under bumper metallurgy is configured to electrically connect to a conductive component of another semiconductor device. The integrated circuit further includes a conductive trace, which is below and aligned with the metal structure. The conductive trace is connected to a power source such that an electromagnetic field is generated at the conductive trace when an electric current from the power source passes through the conductive trace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Chun Miao, Shih-Wei Liang, Kai-Chiang Wu, Yen-Ping Wang
  • Patent number: 9255001
    Abstract: A monopolar and bipolar micro device transfer head array and method of forming a monopolar and bipolar micro device transfer array are described. In an embodiment, a micro device transfer head array includes a base substrate, a first insulating layer formed over the base substrate, and an array of mesa structures. A second insulating layer may be formed over the mesa structure, a patterned metal layer over the second insulating layer, and a dielectric layer covering the metal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: LuxVue Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dariusz Golda, Andreas Bibl
  • Patent number: 9251948
    Abstract: A transformer structure includes a first coil having two sections of spiral, with a top section including a plurality of metal layers occupying top X metal layers and a bottom section including a plurality of metal layers occupying bottom Z metal layers, where X and Z represent a number of metal layers having a specific number selected to provide a particular performance of the first coil. A second coil of the transformer is disposed between the two sections of the first coil and includes a plurality of metal layers where Y represents a number of vertically adjacent metal layers, with the specific number chosen to provide the particular performance, such that a sum X+Y+Z represents a total number of vertical metal layers for the transformer structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert L. Barry, Venkata Nr. Vanukuru
  • Patent number: 9252135
    Abstract: Packaged semiconductor devices and methods of packaging semiconductor devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, a packaged semiconductor device includes an integrated circuit die, a molding compound disposed around the integrated circuit die, and an interconnect structure disposed over the integrated circuit die and the molding compound. The molding compound is thicker than the integrated circuit die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen-Hua Yu, Chung-Shi Liu, Chih-Fan Huang, Chih-Wei Lin, Wei-Hung Lin, Ming-Da Cheng
  • Patent number: 9245770
    Abstract: A semiconductor device has a semiconductor die disposed over a substrate. The semiconductor die and substrate are placed in a chase mold. An encapsulant is deposited over and between the semiconductor die and substrate simultaneous with bonding the semiconductor die to the substrate in the chase mold. The semiconductor die is bonded to the substrate using thermocompression by application of force and elevated temperature. An electrical interconnect structure, such as a bump, pillar bump, or stud bump, is formed over the semiconductor die. A flux material is deposited over the interconnect structure. A solder paste or SOP is deposited over a conductive layer of the substrate. The flux material and SOP provide temporary bond between the semiconductor die and substrate. The interconnect structure is bonded to the SOP. Alternatively, the interconnect structure can be bonded directly to the conductive layer of the substrate, with or without the flux material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: STATS ChipPAC, Ltd.
    Inventors: KyungMoon Kim, KooHong Lee, JaeHak Yee, YoungChul Kim, Lan Hoang, Pandi C. Marimuthu, Steve Anderson, HeeJo Chi
  • Patent number: 9245824
    Abstract: Through-via structures and methods of their formation are disclosed. In one such method, a first etch through at least a first dielectric material of a wiring layer is performed such that a first hole outlining a collar structure for the through-via is formed. In addition, a stress-abating dielectric material is deposited in the hole such that the stress-abating dielectric material is disposed at least laterally from the first dielectric material. Further, a second etching through at least a semiconductor material of a semiconductor layer that is disposed below the wiring layer is performed, where the second etching forms a via hole in the semiconductor material. Additionally, at least a portion of the via hole is filled with conductive material to form the through-via such that the stress-abating dielectric material, at least in the wiring layer, provides a buffer between the conductive material and the first dielectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.
    Inventors: Christopher V. Jahnes, Xiao Hu Liu, Bucknell C. Webb
  • Patent number: 9245829
    Abstract: This invention provides a substrate structure that can effectively prevent scattering of solder balls which are produced due to explosion attributable to evaporation of flux during reflow soldering, and spreading of molten solder to the surroundings. On a substrate, a semiconductor chip is mounted via solder paste. The substrate is provided with a groove portion which continuously or discontinuously surrounds the solder paste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Shintaro Hara, Shoichi Konagata, Yuzo Iwasaki, Tomonori Shiraishi
  • Patent number: 9240374
    Abstract: Semiconductor device and method for forming a semiconductor device are presented. The method includes providing a substrate prepared with intermediate dielectric layer having interconnect levels. The interconnect levels include M1 to MX metal levels, where 1 is the lowest level and X corresponds to a number of metal level. The metal level MX includes a metal pad having an oxidized portion. An upper level having an upper dielectric layer is formed over the dielectric layer having MX. The upper dielectric layer includes a plurality of via contacts over the metal pad and a metal line over the via contacts. The oxidized portion remains within the metal pad and prevents punch through between MX and its adjacent underlying metal level MX-1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Singapore Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei Shao, Wanbing Yi, Shunqiang Gong, Chao Zhu, Juan Boon Tan
  • Patent number: 9236337
    Abstract: A semiconductor package includes a substrate having a vent hole extending through the substrate, a semiconductor chip mounted on an upper surface of the substrate, a plurality of solder ball pads formed on a lower surface of the substrate, and an encapsulant covering the upper surface of the substrate, the semiconductor chip, and an entirety of the lower surface of the substrate except for regions in which the solder ball pads are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chan Park
  • Patent number: 9236333
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a base member and a first semiconductor chip mounted over the base member. The first semiconductor chip including a first circuit, a second circuit, and a third circuit arranged between the first circuit and the second circuit and a plurality of pads. The first, second and third circuits are arranged along a first side of the first semiconductor chip. In plan view, the pads are located outside of the circuits and include a plurality of first pads arranged at a first pitch, and a plurality of second pads arranged at the first pitch. A distance between a first pad group comprised of the first pads and a second pad group comprised of the second pads is larger than the first pitch. Further, in a plan view, a part of the third circuit is located between the first pad group and the second pad group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masato Numazaki
  • Patent number: 9236325
    Abstract: Through-via structures and methods of their formation are disclosed. One such structure includes a conductor structure, a dielectric via lining and a stress-abating dielectric material. The conductor structure is formed of conducting material extending through a wiring layer of a semiconductor device and through a semiconductor layer below the wiring layer. Here, the wiring layer of the semiconductor device includes a first dielectric material. The dielectric via lining extends along the conductor structure at least in the semiconductor layer. Further, the stress-abating dielectric material is disposed between the conductor structure and the first dielectric material in at least the wiring layer, where the stress-abating dielectric material is disposed over portions of the semiconductor layer that are outside outer boundaries of the via lining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.
    Inventors: Christopher V. Jahnes, Xiao Hu Liu, Bucknell C. Webb
  • Patent number: 9236396
    Abstract: A monolithic three dimensional NAND string includes a semiconductor channel, at least one end part of the semiconductor channel extending substantially perpendicular to a major surface of a substrate and a plurality of control gate electrodes extending substantially parallel to the major surface of the substrate. The NAND string also includes a memory film located between the semiconductor channel and the plurality of control gate electrodes and a blocking dielectric containing a plurality of clam-shaped portions each having two horizontal portions connected by a vertical portion. The NAND string also includes a plurality of discrete cover silicon oxide segments located between the memory film and each respective clam-shaped portion of the blocking dielectric containing a respective control gate electrode. Each of the plurality of cover silicon oxide segments has curved upper and lower sides and substantially straight vertical sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Sateesh Koka, Senaka Kanakamedala, Yanli Zhang, Raghuveer S. Makala, Rahul Sharangpani, George Matamis, Wei Zhao
  • Patent number: 9236439
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a junction region on both sides of a trench in a semiconductor substrate, a first gate electrode with a first workfunction buried in the trench, and a second gate electrode formed of a polycide layer having a second workfunction overlapping with the junction region at an upper part of the first gate electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: SK HYNIX INC.
    Inventor: Young Doo Jeong
  • Patent number: 9224662
    Abstract: A semiconductor apparatus is disclosed, which includes a semiconductor element provided on a plane; a sealing resin that seals the semiconductor element; a terminal that is electrically connected to the semiconductor element and includes a part that projects from a predetermined surface of the sealing resin; and a concave portion that is recessed toward a side of the semiconductor element from the predetermined surface, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane. A side of the concave portion on the side of the semiconductor element includes a rounded shape, when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takuya Kadoguchi, Takahiro Hirano, Tomomi Okumura, Keita Fukutani, Masayoshi Nishihata
  • Patent number: 9224649
    Abstract: A microelectronic assembly includes a substrate and an electrically conductive element. The substrate can have a CTE less than 10 ppm/° C., a major surface having a recess not extending through the substrate, and a material having a modulus of elasticity less than 10 GPa disposed within the recess. The electrically conductive element can include a joining portion overlying the recess and extending from an anchor portion supported by the substrate. The joining portion can be at least partially exposed at the major surface for connection to a component external to the microelectronic unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: TESSERA, INC.
    Inventors: Vage Oganesian, Belgacem Haba, Ilyas Mohammed, Piyush Savalia, Craig Mitchell
  • Patent number: 9223305
    Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing system includes circuitry configured to execute: displaying a screen for selecting an inspection set including inspection items having a manipulation item and/or a check item; retrieving the inspection items, arranging the inspection items in the order of workflow, and displaying each inspection item on a screen with an execution attribute indicating whether each inspection item is “automatic” or “manual” execution; receiving an inspection start command and reading the first inspection item from a storage unit. The circuitry also executes steps corresponding to the following cases (a) to (d) until there are no more inspection items: (a) the read-out inspection item being the manipulation item and “automatic”; (b) the read-out inspection item being the manipulation item and “manual”; (c) the read-out inspection item being the check item and “automatic”; and (d) the read-out inspection item being the check item and “manual”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Gaku Ikeda, Koichi Miyashita, Takamasa Chikuma, Satoshi Gomi, Chunmui Li, Kunio Takano
  • Patent number: 9215799
    Abstract: The terminal unit includes a main board, electronic components implemented on the main board, a sub-board covering above the electronic components and a frame member so disposed between the main board and the sub-board as to surround the electronic components. A flexible printed circuit covers an outer side of a wall portion of the frame member and is so wound around the frame member from upper and lower sides of the wall portion as to cover at least part of an inner side of the wall portion. A wiring pattern formed on the flexible printed circuit is electrically connected to the electronic components, and information to be protected that is stored on the electronic components becomes unreadable if the wiring pattern is cut off or short-circuited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shunjiro Takemori, Shigeru Narakino
  • Patent number: 9209131
    Abstract: Some features pertain to an integrated device that includes a substrate, several metal layers coupled to the substrate, several dielectric layers coupled to the substrate, a first metal redistribution layer coupled to one of the metal layers, and a second metal redistribution layer coupled to the first metal redistribution layer. The first and second metal redistribution layers are configured to operate as a toroid inductor in the integrated device. In some implementations, the integrated device also includes a third metal redistribution layer. The third metal redistribution layer is coupled to the first and second metal redistribution layers. The third metal redistribution layer is a via. In some implementations, the first, second, and third metal redistribution layers are configured to operate as a toroid inductor in the integrated device. In some implementations, the first, second, and third redistribution layers form a set of windings for the toroid inductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Shiqun Gu, Ryan David Lane, Urmi Ray
  • Patent number: 9209123
    Abstract: Both enhancement of embeddability of a wiring groove and suppression of the generation of a coupling failure between a wiring and a coupling member are simultaneously achieved. In a cross-section perpendicular to a direction passing through the contact and a direction in which the second wiring extends, the center of the contact is more close to a first side surface of the second wiring than the center of the second wiring. In addition, when a region where the first side surface of the second wiring overlaps the contact in the direction in which the second wiring extends, is set to be an overlapping region, at least the lower part of the overlapping region has an inclination steeper than that of other portions of the side surface of the second wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Teruhiro Kuwajima