Patents Assigned to Ziptronix, Inc.
  • Patent number: 9716033
    Abstract: A method of three-dimensionally integrating elements such as singulated die or wafers and an integrated structure having connected elements such as singulated dies or wafers. Either or both of the die and wafer may have semiconductor devices formed therein. A first element having a first contact structure is bonded to a second element having a second contact structure. First and second contact structures can be exposed at bonding and electrically interconnected as a result of the bonding. A via may be etched and filled after bonding to expose and form an electrical interconnect to interconnected first and second contact structures and provide electrical access to this interconnect from a surface. Alternatively, first and/or second contact structures are not exposed at bonding, and a via is etched and filled after bonding to electrically interconnect first and second contact structures and provide electrical access to interconnected first and second contact structure to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: ZIPTRONIX, INC.
    Inventors: Paul M. Enquist, Gaius Gillman Fountain, Jr., Qin-Yi Tong
  • Patent number: 9698126
    Abstract: A method of integrating a first substrate having a first surface with a first insulating material and a first contact structure with a second substrate having a second surface with a second insulating material and a second contact structure. The first insulating material is directly bonded to the second insulating material. A portion of the first substrate is removed to leave a remaining portion. A third substrate having a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) substantially the same as a CTE of the first substrate is bonded to the remaining portion. The bonded substrates are heated to facilitate electrical contact between the first and second contact structures. The third substrate is removed after heating to provided a bonded structure with reliable electrical contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: ZIPTRONIX, INC.
    Inventors: Paul M. Enquist, Gaius Gillman Fountain
  • Publication number: 20170062366
    Abstract: A method for forming a direct hybrid bond and a device resulting from a direct hybrid bond including a first substrate having a first set of metallic bonding pads, preferably connected to a device or circuit, capped by a conductive barrier, and having a first non-metallic region adjacent to the metallic bonding pads on the first substrate, a second substrate having a second set of metallic bonding pads capped by a second conductive barrier, aligned with the first set of metallic bonding pads, preferably connected to a device or circuit, and having a second non-metallic region adjacent to the metallic bonding pads on the second substrate, and a contact-bonded interface between the first and second set of metallic bonding pads capped by conductive barriers formed by contact bonding of the first non-metallic region to the second non-metallic region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: ZIPTRONIX, INC.
    Inventor: Paul M. ENQUIST
  • Patent number: 9564414
    Abstract: A device integration method and integrated device. The method may include the steps of directly bonding a semiconductor device having a substrate to an element; and removing a portion of the substrate to expose a remaining portion of the semiconductor device after bonding. The element may include one of a substrate used for thermal spreading, impedance matching or for RF isolation, an antenna, and a matching network comprised of passive elements. A second thermal spreading substrate may be bonded to the remaining portion of the semiconductor device. Interconnections may be made through the first or second substrates. The method may also include bonding a plurality of semiconductor devices to an element, and the element may have recesses in which the semiconductor devices are disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: ZIPTRONIX, INC.
    Inventors: Paul M. Enquist, Gaius Gillman Fountain, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9431368
    Abstract: A method may include the steps of directly bonding a semiconductor device having a substrate to an element; and removing a portion of the substrate to expose a remaining portion of the semiconductor device after bonding. The element may include one of a substrate used for thermal spreading, impedance matching or for RF isolation, an antenna, and a matching network comprised of passive elements. A second thermal spreading substrate may be bonded to the remaining portion of the semiconductor device. Interconnections may be made through the first or second substrates. The method may also include bonding a plurality of semiconductor devices to an element, and the element may have recesses in which the semiconductor devices are disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: ZIPTRONIX, INC.
    Inventors: Paul M. Enquist, Gaius Gillman Fountain, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9391143
    Abstract: A method for bonding at low or room temperature includes steps of surface cleaning and activation by cleaning or etching. The method may also include removing by-products of interface polymerization to prevent a reverse polymerization reaction to allow room temperature chemical bonding of materials such as silicon, silicon nitride and SiO2. The surfaces to be bonded are polished to a high degree of smoothness and planarity. VSE may use reactive ion etching or wet etching to slightly etch the surfaces being bonded. The surface roughness and planarity are not degraded and may be enhanced by the VSE process. The etched surfaces may be rinsed in solutions such as ammonium hydroxide or ammonium fluoride to promote the formation of desired bonding species on the surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: ZIPTRONIX, INC.
    Inventors: Qin-Yi Tong, Gaius Gillman Fountain, Jr., Paul M. Enquist
  • Patent number: 9385024
    Abstract: A bonded device structure including a first substrate having a first set of metallic bonding pads, preferably connected to a device or circuit, and having a first non-metallic region adjacent to the metallic bonding pads on the first substrate, a second substrate having a second set of metallic bonding pads aligned with the first set of metallic bonding pads, preferably connected to a device or circuit, and having a second non-metallic region adjacent to the metallic bonding pads on the second substrate, and a contact-bonded interface between the first and second set of metallic bonding pads formed by contact bonding of the first non-metallic region to the second non-metallic region. At least one of the first and second substrates may be elastically deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: ZIPTRONIX, INC.
    Inventors: Qin-Yi Tong, Paul M. Enquist, Anthony Scot Rose
  • Patent number: 9331149
    Abstract: A method for bonding at low or room temperature includes steps of surface cleaning and activation by cleaning or etching. The method may also include removing by-products of interface polymerization to prevent a reverse polymerization reaction to allow room temperature chemical bonding of materials such as silicon, silicon nitride and SiO2. The surfaces to be bonded are polished to a high degree of smoothness and planarity. VSE may use reactive ion etching or wet etching to slightly etch the surfaces being bonded. The surface roughness and planarity are not degraded and may be enhanced by the VSE process. The etched surfaces may be rinsed in solutions such as ammonium hydroxide or ammonium fluoride to promote the formation of desired bonding species on the surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: ZIPTRONIX, INC.
    Inventors: Qin-Yi Tong, Gaius Gillman Fountain, Jr., Paul M. Enquist
  • Publication number: 20150340285
    Abstract: A method of three-dimensionally integrating elements such as singulated die or wafers and an integrated structure having connected elements such as singulated dies or wafers. Either or both of the die and wafer may have semiconductor devices formed therein. A first element having a first contact structure is bonded to a second element having a second contact structure. First and second contact structures can be exposed at bonding and electrically interconnected as a result of the bonding. A via may be etched and filled after bonding to expose and form an electrical interconnect to interconnected first and second contact structures and provide electrical access to this interconnect from a surface. Alternatively, first and/or second contact structures are not exposed at bonding, and a via is etched and filled after bonding to electrically interconnect first and second contact structures and provide electrical access to interconnected first and second contact structure to a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Applicant: ZIPTRONIX, INC.
    Inventors: Paul M. ENQUIST, Gaius Gillman FOUNTAIN, JR., Qin-Yi TONG
  • Patent number: 9184125
    Abstract: A method of integrating a first substrate having a first surface with a first insulating material and a first contact structure with a second substrate having a second surface with a second insulating material and a second contact structure. The first insulating material is directly bonded to the second insulating material. A portion of the first substrate is removed to leave a remaining portion. A third substrate having a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) substantially the same as a CTE of the first substrate is bonded to the remaining portion. The bonded substrates are heated to facilitate electrical contact between the first and second contact structures. The third substrate is removed after heating to provided a bonded structure with reliable electrical contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: ZIPTRONIX, INC.
    Inventors: Paul M. Enquist, Gaius Gillman Fountain
  • Patent number: 9171756
    Abstract: A method of three-dimensionally integrating elements such as singulated die or wafers and an integrated structure having connected elements such as singulated dies or wafers. Either or both of the die and wafer may have semiconductor devices formed therein. A first element having a first contact structure is bonded to a second element having a second contact structure. First and second contact structures can be exposed at bonding and electrically interconnected as a result of the bonding. A via may be etched and filled after bonding to expose and form an electrical interconnect to interconnected first and second contact structures and provide electrical access to this interconnect from a surface. Alternatively, first and/or second contact structures are not exposed at bonding, and a via is etched and filled after bonding to electrically interconnect first and second contact structures and provide electrical access to interconnected first and second contact structure to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: ZIPTRONIX, INC.
    Inventors: Paul M. Enquist, Gaius Gillman Fountain, Jr., Qin-Yi Tong
  • Publication number: 20150303263
    Abstract: A method for bonding at low or room temperature includes steps of surface cleaning and activation by cleaning or etching. The method may also include removing by-products of interface polymerization to prevent a reverse polymerization reaction to allow room temperature chemical bonding of materials such as silicon, silicon nitride and SiO2. The surfaces to be bonded are polished to a high degree of smoothness and planarity. VSE may use reactive ion etching or wet etching to slightly etch the surfaces being bonded. The surface roughness and planarity are not degraded and may be enhanced by the VSE process. The etched surfaces may be rinsed in solutions such as ammonium hydroxide or ammonium fluoride to promote the formation of desired bonding species on the surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Applicant: Ziptronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Qin-Yi Tong, Gaius Gillman Fountain, JR., Paul M. Enquist
  • Publication number: 20150287692
    Abstract: A device integration method and integrated device. The method may include the steps of directly bonding a semiconductor device having a substrate to an element; and removing a portion of the substrate to expose a remaining portion of the semiconductor device after bonding. The element may include one of a substrate used for thermal spreading, impedance matching or for RF isolation, an antenna, and a matching network comprised of passive elements. A second thermal spreading substrate may be bonded to the remaining portion of the semiconductor device. Interconnections may be made through the first or second substrates. The method may also include bonding a plurality of semiconductor devices to an element, and the element may have recesses in which the semiconductor devices are disposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Applicant: ZIPTRONIX, INC.
    Inventors: Paul M. ENQUIST, Gaius Gillman FOUNTAIN, JR.
  • Patent number: 9130021
    Abstract: A method of three-dimensionally integrating elements such as singulated die or wafers and an integrated structure having connected elements such as singulated dies or wafers. Either or both of the die and wafer may have semiconductor devices formed therein. A first element having a first contact structure is bonded to a second element having a second contact structure. First and second contact structures can be exposed at bonding and electrically interconnected as a result of the bonding. A via may be etched and filled after bonding to expose and form an electrical interconnect to interconnected first and second contact structures and provide electrical access to this interconnect from a surface. Alternatively, first and/or second contact structures are not exposed at bonding, and a via is etched and filled after bonding to electrically interconnect first and second contact structures and provide electrical access to interconnected first and second contact structure to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: ZIPTRONIX, INC.
    Inventors: Paul M. Enquist, Gaius Gillman Fountain, Jr., Qin-Yi Tong
  • Patent number: 9082627
    Abstract: A method for bonding at low or room temperature includes steps of surface cleaning and activation by cleaning or etching. The method may also include removing by-products of interface polymerization to prevent a reverse polymerization reaction to allow room temperature chemical bonding of materials such as silicon, silicon nitride and SiO2. The surfaces to be bonded are polished to a high degree of smoothness and planarity. VSE may use reactive ion etching or wet etching to slightly etch the surfaces being bonded. The surface roughness and planarity are not degraded and may be enhanced by the VSE process. The etched surfaces may be rinsed in solutions such as ammonium hydroxide or ammonium fluoride to promote the formation of desired bonding species on the surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: ZIPTRONIX, INC.
    Inventors: Qin-Yi Tong, Gaius Gillman Fountain, Jr., Paul M. Enquist
  • Publication number: 20150064498
    Abstract: A method of bonding includes using a bonding layer having a fluorinated oxide. Fluorine may be introduced into the bonding layer by exposure to a fluorine-containing solution, vapor or gas or by implantation. The bonding layer may also be formed using a method where fluorine is introduced into the layer during its formation. The surface of the bonding layer is terminated with a desired species, preferably an NH2 species. This may be accomplished by exposing the bonding layer to an NH4OH solution. High bonding strength is obtained at room temperature. The method may also include bonding two bonding layers together and creating a fluorine distribution having a peak in the vicinity of the interface between the bonding layers. One of the bonding layers may include two oxide layers formed on each other. The fluorine concentration may also have a second peak at the interface between the two oxide layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Ziptronix, Inc.
    Inventor: Qin-Yi TONG
  • Publication number: 20140370658
    Abstract: A bonded device structure including a first substrate having a first set of metallic bonding pads, preferably connected to a device or circuit, and having a first non-metallic region adjacent to the metallic bonding pads on the first substrate, a second substrate having a second set of metallic bonding pads aligned with the first set of metallic bonding pads, preferably connected to a device or circuit, and having a second non-metallic region adjacent to the metallic bonding pads on the second substrate, and a contact-bonded interface between the first and second set of metallic bonding pads formed by contact bonding of the first non-metallic region to the second non-metallic region. At least one of the first and second substrates may be elastically deformed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: Ziptronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Qin-Yi TONG, Paul M. ENQUIST, Anthony Scot ROSE
  • Patent number: 8846450
    Abstract: A bonded device structure including a first substrate having a first set of metallic bonding pads, preferably connected to a device or circuit, and having a first non-metallic region adjacent to the metallic bonding pads on the first substrate, a second substrate having a second set of metallic bonding pads aligned with the first set of metallic bonding pads, preferably connected to a device or circuit, and having a second non-metallic region adjacent to the metallic bonding pads on the second substrate, and a contact-bonded interface between the first and second set of metallic bonding pads formed by contact bonding of the first non-metallic region to the second non-metallic region. At least one of the first and second substrates may be elastically deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ziptronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Qin-yi Tong, Paul M. Enquist, Anthony Scott Rose
  • Patent number: 8841002
    Abstract: A method of bonding includes using a bonding layer having a fluorinated oxide. Fluorine may be introduced into the bonding layer by exposure to a fluorine-containing solution, vapor or gas or by implantation. The bonding layer may also be formed using a method where fluorine is introduced into the layer during its formation. The surface of the bonding layer is terminated with a desired species, preferably an NH2 species. This may be accomplished by exposing the bonding layer to an NH4OH solution. High bonding strength is obtained at room temperature. The method may also include bonding two bonding layers together and creating a fluorine distribution having a peak in the vicinity of the interface between the bonding layers. One of the bonding layers may include two oxide layers formed on each other. The fluorine concentration may also have a second peak at the interface between the two oxide layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Ziptronix, Inc.
    Inventor: Qin-Yi Tong
  • Publication number: 20140206176
    Abstract: A method for bonding at low or room temperature includes steps of surface cleaning and activation by cleaning or etching. The method may also include removing by-products of interface polymerization to prevent a reverse polymerization reaction to allow room temperature chemical bonding of materials such as silicon, silicon nitride and SiO2. The surfaces to be bonded are polished to a high degree of smoothness and planarity. VSE may use reactive ion etching or wet etching to slightly etch the surfaces being bonded. The surface roughness and planarity are not degraded and may be enhanced by the VSE process. The etched surfaces may be rinsed in solutions such as ammonium hydroxide or ammonium fluoride to promote the formation of desired bonding species on the surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: ZIPTRONIX, INC.
    Inventors: Qin-Yi TONG, Gaius Gillman FOUNTAIN, JR., Paul M. ENQUIST