Via Connections In Multilevel Interconnection Structure (epo) Patents (Class 257/E23.145)
  • Patent number: 11950407
    Abstract: Embodiments herein describe techniques for a memory device including at least two memory cells. A first memory cell includes a first storage cell and a first transistor to control access to the first storage cell. A second memory cell includes a second storage cell and a second transistor to control access to the second storage cell. A shared contact electrode is shared between the first transistor and the second transistor, the shared contact electrode being coupled to a source area or a drain area of the first transistor, coupled to a source area or a drain area of the second transistor, and further being coupled to a bit line of the memory device. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Juan G. Alzate Vinasco, Travis W. Lajoie, Abhishek A. Sharma, Kimberly L Pierce, Elliot N. Tan, Yu-Jin Chen, Van H. Le, Pei-Hua Wang, Bernhard Sell
  • Patent number: 11894269
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an integrated assembly having a stack of alternating first and second levels. The first levels contain conductive material and the second levels contain insulative material. At least some of the first and second levels are configured as steps. Each of the steps has one of the second levels over an associated one of the first levels. A layer is over the steps and is spaced from the stack by an intervening insulative region. Insulative material is over the layer. Conductive interconnects extend through the insulative material, through the layer, through the intervening insulative region and to the conductive material within the first levels of the steps. Some embodiments include methods of forming integrated assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Inventors: John D. Hopkins, Lifang Xu, Nancy M. Lomeli
  • Patent number: 11876055
    Abstract: A semiconductor device, including: a semiconductor substrate formed of silicon carbide, components being formed at one surface of the semiconductor substrate; a periphery portion disposed at a pre-specified region of a periphery of the semiconductor substrate, the components not being formed at the periphery portion; and a plurality of trenches or portions of trenches formed at the periphery portion, an interior of each of the trenches being filled with a material with a different coefficient of thermal expansion from the silicon carbide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: LAPIS SEMICONDUCTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenichi Furuta, Masao Tsujimoto, Nobuhiro Terada, Masahiro Haraguchi, Tsuyoshi Inoue, Yuuichi Kaneko, Hiroki Kuroki, Takaaki Kodaira
  • Patent number: 11856708
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices comprising stretchable 3D circuits and methods for fabricating the circuits. The fabrication process includes providing in the elastomeric polymer as a substrate and providing conductive interconnects within the substrate encased in an insulating polymer, such as polyimide, to provide a stiffness gradient between the conductive interconnects and the flexible elastomeric substrate. The circuit may be fabricated as a multilayer construction using three-dimensional pillars as vias and as external interconnects to the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Gary K. Fedder, Rahul Panat, Jacob Brenneman, Derya Z. Tansel
  • Patent number: 11824052
    Abstract: An optoelectronic device includes an optical integrated circuit having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The optical integrated circuit has an optical zone of the first surface of the optical integrated circuit. The device includes an electrically insulating material disposed over the optical integrated circuit, where the electrically insulating material partially covers the first surface so as to expose the optical zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventor: Mark Andrew Shaw
  • Patent number: 11810895
    Abstract: A multichip module comprises a carrier, a plurality of chips, an electrical insulating layer, and an electrical interconnect structure. The carrier includes a bottom wall and four side walls defining an internal cavity. The chips are positioned in the internal cavity, with each chip including a plurality of bond pads. The electrical insulating layer is formed from electrically insulating material and is positioned on an upper surface of the carrier and the chips. The electrical interconnect structure includes a plurality of interconnect traces, with each interconnect trace formed from electrically conductive material and electrically connected to a first bond pad on a first chip and a second bond pad on a second chip. Each interconnect trace includes a bridge having a segment that is spaced apart from, and positioned above, the electrical insulating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Barbara Diane Young, Steven James Sedlock, Kevin Christopher Ledden, Alan Ahlberg Elliot
  • Patent number: 11791205
    Abstract: A method includes bonding a first wafer to a second wafer. The first wafer includes a plurality of dielectric layers, a metal pipe penetrating through the plurality of dielectric layers, and a dielectric region encircled by the metal pipe. The dielectric region has a plurality of steps formed of sidewalls and top surfaces of portions of the plurality of dielectric layers that are encircled by the metal pipe. The method further includes etching the first wafer to remove the dielectric region and to leave an opening encircled by the metal pipe, extending the opening into the second wafer to reveal a metal pad in the second wafer, and filling the opening with a conductive material to form a conductive plug in the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Ssu-Chiang Weng, Ping-Hao Lin, Fu-Cheng Chang
  • Patent number: 11756825
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure is provided, including a conductive layer, a dielectric layer over the conductive layer, a ruthenium material in the dielectric layer and in contact with a portion of the conductive layer, and a ruthenium oxide material in the dielectric layer laterally between the ruthenium material and the dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shen-Nan Lee, Teng-Chun Tsai, Chen-Hao Wu, Chu-An Lee, Chun-Hung Liao, Tsung-Ling Tsai
  • Patent number: 11749635
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first insulating layer, wire contacts spaced apart from each other by the first insulating layer, and a bonding wire connected to the wire contacts. Each of the wire contacts includes a base part in the first insulating layer and a protrusion part protruding from inside to outside the first insulating layer. The protrusion parts of the wire contacts are in contact with the bonding wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Nam Jae Lee
  • Patent number: 11742322
    Abstract: A semiconductor package includes a redistribution structure, a first die, a second die and a buffer layer. The second die is disposed between the first die and the redistribution structure, and the second die is electrically connected to the first die and bonded to the redistribution structure. The buffer layer is disposed on a first sidewall of the second die, wherein a second sidewall of the buffer layer is substantially flush with a third sidewall of the first die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Chih Yew, Po-Chen Lai, Shu-Shen Yeh, Po-Yao Lin, Shin-Puu Jeng
  • Patent number: 11703640
    Abstract: A two-channel photonic demultiplexer includes an input region to receive a multi-channel optical signal, two output regions, each adapted to receive a corresponding one of two distinct wavelength channels demultiplexed from the multi-channel optical signal, and a dispersive region including a first material and a second material inhomogeneously interspersed to form a plurality of interfaces that collectively structure the dispersive region to optically separate each of the two distinct wavelength channels from the multi-channel optical signal and respectively guide the first distinct wavelength channel to a first output region and the second distinct wavelength channel to the second output region when the input region receives the multi-channel optical signal. At least one of the first material or the second material is structured within the dispersive region to be schematically reproducible by a feature shape with a pre-determined width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventors: Martin Schubert, Brian Adolf, Jesse Lu
  • Patent number: 11699597
    Abstract: A package structure and the manufacturing method thereof are provided. The package structure includes a semiconductor die, conductive through vias, an insulating encapsulant, and a redistribution structure. The conductive through vias are electrically coupled to the semiconductor die. The insulating encapsulant laterally encapsulates the semiconductor die and the conductive through vias, wherein the insulating encapsulant has a recess ring surrounding the semiconductor die, the conductive through vias are located under the recess ring, and a vertical projection of each of the conductive through vias overlaps with a vertical projection of the recess ring. The redistribution structure is electrically connected to the semiconductor die and the conductive through vias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Li-Hui Cheng, Szu-Wei Lu, Ping-Yin Hsieh, Chih-Hao Chen
  • Patent number: 11664347
    Abstract: Circuit boards, LED lighting systems and methods of manufacture are described. A circuit board includes a ceramic carrier and a body on the ceramic carrier. The body includes dielectric layers and slots formed completely through a thickness of the dielectric layers. The slots are filled with a dielectric material. A conductive pad is provided on a surface of each of the slots opposite the ceramic carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: LUMILEDS LLC
    Inventors: Loon-Kwang Tan, Tze Yang Hin
  • Patent number: 11656121
    Abstract: An electronic chip supports an optical device and electric connection zones. An insulating coating coats the electronic chip, covers the electric connection zones and exposes the optical device. An optical plugging element is at least partly fastened onto a first face of the insulating coating and is optically coupled to the optical device. Vias pass through the insulating coating from its first face to a second face opposite to the first face. Inner walls of the vias support electrically conductive paths connected to the electric connection zones of the electronic chip by electrically conductive tracks arranged on the first face of the insulating coating. The electrically conductive paths of the vias further have ends protruding onto the second face of the insulating coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Grenoble 2) SAS
    Inventors: Romain Coffy, Younes Boutaleb
  • Patent number: 11594518
    Abstract: A semiconductor package and a method for manufacturing a semiconductor package are provided. The semiconductor package includes a first processing element, a first I/O element, a second processing element, and a second I/O element. The first processing element is on a substrate. The first I/O element is on the substrate and electrically connected to the first processing element. The second processing element is on the substrate. The second I/O element is on the substrate and electrically connected to the second processing element. The first I/O element is electrically connected to and physically separated from the second I/O element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: ADVANCED SEMICONDUCTOR ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: Chang Chi Lee, Jung Jui Kang, Chiu-Wen Lee, Li Chieh Chen
  • Patent number: 11574865
    Abstract: A method (of manufacturing a semiconductor device) includes: forming via structures in a first via layer over a transistor layer; forming a first via structure of a first deep via arrangement in the first via layer; forming conductive segments in a first metallization layer over the first via layer; forming M_1st routing segments at least a majority of which, relative to a first direction, have corresponding long axes with lengths which at least equal if not exceed a first permissible minimum value for routing segments in the first metallization layer; forming an M_1st interconnection segment having a long axis which is less than the first permissible minimum value and which is included in the first deep via arrangement; and forming via structures in a second via layer over the first metallization layer, including forming a first via structure of the first deep via arrangement in the second via layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Ta-Pen Guo, Chien-Ying Chen, Li-Chun Tien, Lee-Chung Lu
  • Patent number: 11557595
    Abstract: A memory device and a method for manufacturing the memory device are provided. The memory device includes a substrate, a plurality of first gate structures, a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, a third dielectric layer and a contact plug. The first gate structures are formed on an array region of the substrate. The first dielectric layer is formed on top surfaces and sidewalls of the first gate structures. The second dielectric layer is formed on the first dielectric layer and in direct contact with the first dielectric layer. The second dielectric layer and the first dielectric layer are made of the same material. The third dielectric layer is formed between the first gate structures and defines a plurality of contact holes exposing the substrate. The contact plug fills the contact holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: WINBOND ELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Shu-Ming Lee, Tzu-Ming Ou Yang, Meng-Chang Chan
  • Patent number: 11551967
    Abstract: Vias and methods of making the same. The vias including a middle portion located in a via opening in an interconnect-level dielectric layer, a top portion including a top head that extends above the via opening and extends laterally beyond upper edges of the via opening and a bottom portion including a bottom head that extends below the via opening and extends laterally beyond lower edges of the via opening. The via may be formed from a refractory material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Meng-Pei Lu, Ming-Han Lee, Shin-Yi Yang, Tz-Jun Kuo
  • Patent number: 11443983
    Abstract: An integrated circuit structure comprises a dielectric layer on a substrate. An open structure is in the dielectric layer, and a void-free metal-alloy interconnect is formed in the open structure, wherein the void-free metal-alloy interconnect comprise a metal-alloy comprising a combination of two or more metallic elements excluding any mixing effects of a seed layer or liner deposited in the open structure prior to a metal fill material, and excluding effects of any doping material on the metal fill material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Shaestagir Chowdhury, Sirikarn Surawanvijit, Biswadeep Saha, Erica J. Thompson
  • Patent number: 11424187
    Abstract: The present application discloses a semiconductor device and a method for fabricating the semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: NANYA TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tse-Yao Huang
  • Patent number: 10777510
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method of manufacture thereof are provided. The method for manufacturing the semiconductor device includes forming a first dielectric layer on a substrate. Next, forming a first dummy metal layer on the first dielectric layer. Then, forming a second dielectric layer over the first dummy metal layer. Furthermore, forming an opening in the second dielectric layer and the first dummy metal layer. Then, forming a dummy via in the opening, wherein the dummy via extending through the second dielectric layer and at least partially through the first dummy metal layer. Finally, forming a second dummy metal layer on the second dielectric layer and contact the dummy via.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jian-Hong Lin, Kuo-Yen Liu, Hsin-Chun Chang, Tzu-Li Lee, Yu-Ching Lee, Yih-Ching Wang
  • Patent number: 10731273
    Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and apparatuses comprising methods for formation of and apparatuses including a source material for electronic devices. One such apparatus includes a vertical string of memory cells comprising a plurality of alternating levels of conductor and dielectric material, a semiconductor material extending through the plurality of alternating levels of conductor material and dielectric material, and a source material coupled to the semiconductor material. The source material includes a titanium nitride layer and a source polysilicon layer in direct contact with the titanium nitride layer. Other methods and apparatuses are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John Mark Meldrim, Yushi Hu, Yongjun Jeff Hu, Everett Allen McTeer
  • Patent number: 10418314
    Abstract: At least some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a substrate for packaging a semiconductor device. The substrate includes a first dielectric layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a first patterned conductive layer adjacent to the first surface of the first dielectric layer, a second patterned conductive layer adjacent to the second surface of the first dielectric layer and electrically connected to the first patterned conductive layer, and an external connection pad tapered from a top surface to a bottom surface. The second patterned conductive layer includes a pad and a trace adjacent to the pad. The external connection pad is disposed on the pad of the second patterned conductive layer. A bottom width of the external connection pad is greater than or equal to a width of the pad of the second patterned conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: ADVANCED SEMICONDUCTOR ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventor: Wen-Long Lu
  • Patent number: 10344398
    Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and apparatuses comprising methods for formation of and apparatuses including a source material for electronic devices. One such apparatus includes a vertical string of memory cells comprising a plurality of alternating levels of conductor and dielectric material, a semiconductor material extending through the plurality of alternating levels of conductor material and dielectric material, and a source material coupled to the semiconductor material. The source material includes a titanium nitride layer and a source polysilicon layer in direct contact with the titanium nitride layer. Other methods and apparatuses are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John Mark Meldrim, Yushi Hu, Yongjun Jeff Hu, Everett Allen McTeer
  • Patent number: 9966336
    Abstract: A device includes a first low-k dielectric layer, and a copper-containing via in the first low-k dielectric layer. The device further includes a second low-k dielectric layer over the first low-k dielectric layer, and an aluminum-containing metal line over and electrically coupled to the copper-containing via. The aluminum-containing metal line is in the second low-k dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen-Hua Yu, Tien-I Bao
  • Patent number: 9941323
    Abstract: A semiconductor device with a connection pad in a substrate, the connection pad having an exposed surface made of a metallic material that diffuses less readily into a dielectric layer than does a metal of a wiring layer connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Okuyama
  • Patent number: 9859160
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor interconnect structure by providing a semiconductor structure that includes two dielectric layers. The first dielectric layer has an embedded electrically conductive structure. A second dielectric layer is located above the first dielectric layer. The second dielectric layer and the first dielectric layer have a segment of a dielectric capping layer and a segment of a metal capping layer located between them. The segment of the dielectric capping layer is horizontally planar with the segment of the metal capping layer. The segment of metal capping layer covers and abuts at least a portion of a top surface of the first electrically conductive structure. The method includes forming an opening in the second dielectric layer and the metal capping layer that exposes at least a portion of the first electrically conductive structure and a portion of the dielectric capping layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Conal E. Murray, Chih-Chao Yang
  • Patent number: 9741659
    Abstract: Electrical connections for chip scale packaging are disclosed. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a post-passivation layer disposed over a substrate, the substrate having a first direction of coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch. The semiconductor device includes a first opening through the post-passivation layer, the first opening comprising a plurality of elongated apertures. A longest of the plurality of elongated apertures comprises a first dimension, wherein the first dimension is aligned substantially perpendicular to the first direction of coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsien-Wei Chen, Shih-Wei Liang
  • Patent number: 9524935
    Abstract: A methodology enabling filling of high aspect ratio cavities, with no voids or gaps, in an IC device and the resulting device are disclosed. Embodiments include providing active area and/or gate contacts in a first ILD; forming selective protective caps on upper surfaces of the contacts; forming a second ILD on upper surfaces of the protective caps and on an upper surface of the first ILD; forming a hard-mask stack on the second ILD; forming, in the second ILD and hard-mask stack, cavities exposing one or more protective caps; removing selective layers in the stack to decrease depths of the cavities; and filling the cavities with a metal layer, wherein the metal layer in one or more cavities connects to an upper surface of the one or more exposed protective caps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Lee Rullan, Sunil Kumar Singh
  • Patent number: 9040418
    Abstract: Method of forming a capture pad on a semiconductor substrate. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate having an active side and an inactive side and having a plurality of unfilled TSVs extending between the active side and the inactive side; filling the TSVs with a metal; defining capture pad areas on at least one of the active side and the inactive side adjacent to the TSVs, the defined capture pad areas comprising insulator islands and open areas; filling the open areas with the same metal to form a capture pad in direct contact with each of the TSVs, each of the capture pads having an all metal portion that follows an outline of each of the TSVs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mukta G. Farooq, John A. Griesemer, Gary Lafontant, Kevin S. Petrarca, Richard P. Volant
  • Patent number: 9041208
    Abstract: A laminate interconnect structure includes a core material and at least one additional layer adjacent the core material, a first electrically conductive via formed in the core material, and a second electrically conductive via formed in the core material, coaxial with the first electrically conductive via and separated from the first electrically conductive via by a non-conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Avago Technologies General IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Adam Gallegos, Mark Hinton, Nurwati Suwendi Devnani, John Connor
  • Patent number: 9035457
    Abstract: A substrate with integrated passive devices and method of manufacturing the same are presented. The substrate may include through silicon vias, at least one redistribution layer having a 1st passive device pattern and stacked vias, and an under bump metal layer having a 2nd passive device pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Chu-Fu Lin, Ming-Tse Lin, Yung-Chang Lin
  • Patent number: 9030013
    Abstract: A structure includes a substrate, a low-k dielectric layer over the substrate, and a conductive barrier layer extending into the low-k dielectric layer. The conductive barrier layer includes a sidewall portion. A metal line in the low-k dielectric layer adjoins the conductive barrier layer. An organic buffer layer is between the sidewall portion of the conductive barrier layer and the low-k dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Hsien Peng, Hsin-Yen Huang, Hsiang-Huan Lee, Shau-Lin Shue
  • Patent number: 9018649
    Abstract: A nanopatterned surface is prepared by forming a block copolymer film on a miscut crystalline substrate, annealing the block copolymer film, then reconstructing the surface of the annealed block copolymer film The method creates a well-ordered array of voids in the block copolymer film that is maintained over a large area. The nanopatterned block copolymer films can be used in a variety of different applications, including the fabrication of high density data storage media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas P. Russell, Soojin Park, Ting Xu
  • Patent number: 9006804
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device is provided herein and includes the following steps. First, a first interlayer dielectric is formed on a substrate. Then, a gate electrode is formed on the substrate, wherein a periphery of the gate electrode is surrounded by the first interlayer dielectric. Afterwards, a patterned mask layer is formed on the gate electrode, wherein a bottom surface of the patterned mask layer is leveled with a top surface of the first interlayer dielectric. A second interlayer dielectric is then formed to cover a top surface and each side surface of the patterned mask layer. Finally, a self-aligned contact structure is formed in the first interlayer dielectric and the second interlayer dielectric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Ching-Wen Hung, Chih-Sen Huang, Po-Chao Tsao, Shih-Fang Tzou
  • Patent number: 8994184
    Abstract: A semiconductor device has a substrate with a plurality of conductive vias and conductive layer formed over the substrate. A semiconductor die is mounted over a carrier. The substrate is mounted to the semiconductor die opposite the carrier. An encapsulant is deposited between the substrate and carrier around the semiconductor die. A plurality of conductive TMVs is formed through the substrate and encapsulant. The conductive TMVs protrude from the encapsulant to aid with alignment of the interconnect structure. The conductive TMVs are electrically connected to the conductive layer and conductive vias. The carrier is removed and an interconnect structure is formed over a surface of the encapsulant and semiconductor die opposite the substrate. The interconnect structure is electrically connected to the conductive TMVs. A plurality of semiconductor devices can be stacked and electrically connected through the substrate, conductive TMVs, and interconnect structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: STATS ChipPAC, Ltd.
    Inventor: Reza A. Pagaila
  • Patent number: 8987907
    Abstract: A semiconductor device may include a semiconductor layer including at least one unit device, a first interconnection on the semiconductor layer and electrically connected to the at least one unit device, a diffusion barrier layer on the first interconnection, an intermetallic dielectric layer on the diffusion barrier layer, a plug in a first region of the intermetallic dielectric layer and passing through the diffusion barrier layer so that a bottom surface thereof contacts the first interconnection, and a first dummy plug in a second region of the intermetallic dielectric layer, passing through the diffusion barrier layer, and disposed apart from the first interconnection so that a bottom surface of the first dummy plug does not contact the first interconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Min-sung Kang, Se-myeong Jang
  • Patent number: 8981501
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device is disclosed. Provided is a substrate having at least one MOS device, at least one metal interconnection and at least one MOS device formed on a first surface thereof. A first anisotropic etching process is performed to remove a portion of the substrate from a second surface of the substrate and thereby form a plurality of vias in the substrate, wherein the second surface is opposite to the first surface. A second anisotropic etching process is performed to remove another portion of the substrate from the second surface of the substrate and thereby form a cavity in the substrate, wherein the remaining vias are located below the cavity. An isotropic etching process is performed to the cavity and the remaining vias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Meng-Jia Lin, Chang-Sheng Hsu, Kuo-Hsiung Huang, Wei-Hua Fang, Shou-Wei Hsieh, Te-Yuan Wu, Chia-Huei Lin
  • Patent number: 8975753
    Abstract: A three-dimensional interconnect includes a first substrate bonded to a second substrate, the first substrate including a device layer and a bulk semiconductor layer, a metal pad disposed on the second substrate, an electrically insulating layer disposed between the first and second substrates. The structure has a via-hole extending through the device layer, the bulk semiconductor layer and the electrically insulating layer to the metal pad on the second substrate. The structure has a dielectric coating on a sidewall of the via-hole, and a plasma-treated region of the metal pad disposed on the second substrate. The structure includes a via metal monolithically extending from the plasma-treated region of the metal pad through the via-hole and electrically interconnecting the device layer of the first substrate to the metal pad of the second substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Research Triangle Institute
    Inventors: Charles Kenneth Williams, Christopher A. Bower, Dean Michael Malta, Dorota Temple
  • Patent number: 8975751
    Abstract: A microelectronic unit can include a substrate having front and rear surfaces and active semiconductor devices therein, the substrate having a plurality of openings arranged in a symmetric or asymmetric distribution across an area of the rear surface, first and second conductive vias connected to first and second pads exposed at the front surface, pluralities of first and second conductive interconnects extending within respective ones of the openings, and first and second conductive contacts exposed for interconnection with an external element. The plurality of first conductive interconnects can be separated from the plurality of second conductive interconnects by at least one of the plurality of openings, the at least one opening at least partially filled with an insulating material. The distribution of the openings can include at least m openings spaced apart in a first direction and n openings spaced apart in a second direction transverse to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Tessera, Inc.
    Inventors: Ilyas Mohammed, Belgacem Haba, Cyprian Uzoh, Piyush Savalia
  • Patent number: 8970040
    Abstract: A method for forming a contact structure includes forming a stack of alternating active layers and insulating layers. The stack includes first and second sub stacks each with active layers separated by insulating layers. The active layers of each sub stack include an upper boundary active layer. A sub stack insulating layer is formed between the first and second sub stacks with an etching time different from the etching times of the insulating layers for a given etching process. The upper boundary active layers are accessed, after which the remainder of the active layers are accessed to create a stairstep structure of landing areas on the active layers. Interlayer conductors are formed to extend to the landing areas, the interlayer conductors separated from one another by insulating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shih-Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 8970010
    Abstract: Embodiments of a semiconductor wafer having wafer-level die attach metallization on a back-side of the semiconductor wafer, resulting semiconductor dies, and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a semiconductor wafer includes a semiconductor structure and a front-side metallization that includes front-side metallization elements for a number of semiconductor die areas. The semiconductor wafer also includes vias that extend from a back-side of the semiconductor structure to the front-side metallization elements. A back-side metallization is on the back-side of the semiconductor structure and within the vias. For each via, one or more barrier layers are on a portion of the back-side metallization that is within the via and around a periphery of the via. The semiconductor wafer further includes wafer-level die attach metallization on the back-side metallization other than the portions of the back-side metallization that are within the vias and around the peripheries of the vias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Fabian Radulescu, Helmut Hagleitner, Terry Alcorn, William T. Pulz
  • Patent number: 8962473
    Abstract: In a method of fabricating a semiconductor device, an opening is formed inside a dielectric layer above a semiconductor substrate. The opening has a wall. At least one diffusion barrier material is then formed over the wall of the opening by at least two alternating steps, which are selected from the group consisting of a process of physical vapor deposition (PVD) and a process of atomic layer deposition (ALD). A liner layer is formed over the at least one diffusion barrier material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kai-Shiang Kuo, Ken-Yu Chang, Ya-Lien Lee, Hung-Wen Su
  • Patent number: 8962479
    Abstract: A metal cap is formed on an exposed upper surface of a conductive structure that is embedded within an interconnect dielectric material. During the formation of the metal cap, metallic residues simultaneously form on an exposed upper surface of the interconnect dielectric material. A thermal nitridization process or plasma nitridation process is then performed which partially or completely converts the metallic residues into nitrided metallic residues. During the nitridization process, a surface region of the interconnect dielectric material and a surface region of the metal cap also become nitrided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chih-Chao Yang, Stephan A. Cohen
  • Patent number: 8952542
    Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor device, a semiconductor package and a semiconductor process. The semiconductor process includes the following steps: (a) providing a semiconductor wafer having a first surface, a second surface and a passivation layer; (b) applying a first laser on the passivation layer to remove a part of the passivation layer and expose a part of the semiconductor wafer; (c) applying a second laser, wherein the second laser passes through the exposed semiconductor wafer and focuses at an interior of the semiconductor wafer; and (d) applying a lateral force to the semiconductor wafer. Whereby, the cutting quality is ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Pei Hsing Hua, Hui-Shan Chang
  • Patent number: 8952535
    Abstract: A semiconductor device including a first insulation film including a first opening reaching a diffusion region of a transistor; a first barrier metal over the diffused region in the first opening; a first conduction layer formed over the first barrier metal in the first opening and formed of a first conductor; a second barrier metal formed over the first conduction layer in the first opening; a second conduction layer formed over the second barrier metal in the first opening and formed of a second conductor; a third barrier metal formed over the first gate electrode in the second opening; a fourth barrier metal formed in the second opening and contacting with the third barrier metal; and a third conduction layer formed of the second conductor contacting with the fourth barrier metal in the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited
    Inventors: Masaki Haneda, Akiyoshi Hatada
  • Patent number: 8952538
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: an integrated circuit having an electrode pad; a first insulating layer disposed on the integrated circuit; a redistribution layer including a plurality of wirings and disposed on the first insulating layer, at least one of the plurality of wirings being electrically coupled to the electrode pad; a second insulating layer having a opening on at least a portion of the plurality of wirings; a metal film disposed on the opening and on the second insulating layer, and electrically coupled to at least one of the plurality of wirings; and a solder bump the solder bump overhanging at least one of the plurality of wirings not electrically coupled to the metal film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited
    Inventor: Hirohisa Matsuki
  • Patent number: 8946906
    Abstract: To provide a multilayer wiring substrate in which the connection reliability of via conductors is enhanced, via holes are formed in a resin interlayer insulation layer which isolates a lower conductor layer from an upper conductor layer, and via conductors are formed in the via holes for connecting the lower conductor layer and the upper conductor layer. The surface of the resin interlayer insulation layer is a rough surface, and the via holes open at the rough surface of the resin interlayer insulation layer. Stepped portions are formed in opening verge regions around the via holes such that the stepped portions are recessed from peripheral regions around the opening verge regions. The stepped portions are higher in surface roughness than the peripheral regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinnosuke Maeda
  • Patent number: 8912658
    Abstract: An improved interconnect structure including a dielectric layer having a conductive feature embedded therein, the conductive feature having a first top surface that is substantially coplanar with a second top surface of the dielectric layer; a metal cap layer located directly on the first top surface, wherein the metal cap layer does not substantially extend onto the second top surface; a first dielectric cap layer located directly on the second top surface, wherein the first dielectric cap layer does not substantially extend onto the first top surface and the first dielectric cap layer is thicker than the metal cap layer; and a second dielectric cap layer on the metal cap layer and the first dielectric cap layer. A method of forming the interconnect structure is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald Filippi, Ping-Chuan Wang, Griselda Bonilla, Kaushik Chanda, Robert D. Edwards, Andrew H. Simon
  • Patent number: 8912076
    Abstract: An integrated circuit containing a crack deflecting scribe seal which separates an interior region of the integrated circuit from a scribeline immediately outside the integrated circuit and a method of forming the same. The crack deflecting scribe seal includes continuous metal layers and continuous contacts and continuous vias between the continuous metal layers. The continuous metal layers do not extend past the continuous contacts and continuous vias. The continuous contacts and continuous vias are recessed from edges of the underlying continuous metal layers on the scribeline side of the scribe seal, providing an angled outer surface on the scribe seal which may desirably terminate crack propagation or deflect crack propagation upward to a top surface of the scribeline or the crack deflecting scribe seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffrey Alan West, Thomas D. Bonifield, Basab Chatterjee