Patents Examined by David E. Graybill
  • Patent number: 8143689
    Abstract: A sensor device for sensing air flow speed at the exterior of an aircraft, comprising a substrate having an upper side on which is mounted a diaphragm over an aperture or recess in the substrate, the diaphragm being thermally and electrically insulative, and mounting on its upper surface a heating element comprising a layer of resistive material, and wherein electrical connections to the heating element are buried in the diaphragm and/or the substrate, and provide electrical terminals at the lower side of the substrate. The heating element is exposed to the environment, but the remaining electrical parts of the device are not exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: BAE Systems PLC
    Inventors: Clyde Warsop, Andrew Julian Press, Martyn John Hucker
  • Patent number: 7888172
    Abstract: A chip package structure is provided, includes a chip that having a plurality of pads and an adhesive layer on the back side; an encapsulated structure is covered around the four sides of the chip to expose the pads, and the through holes is formed within the encapsulated structure; a patterned first protective layer is formed on the portion surface of encapsulated structure, the portion of active surface of the chips, and the pads of the chip and the through holes are to be exposed; a metal layer is formed on the portion surface of the patterned first protective layer and formed to electrically connect the pads and to fill with the through holes; the patterned second protective layer is formed on the patterned first protective layer and the portion of metal layer, and the portion surface of metal layer is to be exposed; a patterned UBM layer is formed on the exposed surface of the metal layer and the portion surface of the patterned second protective layer; and the conductive elements is formed on the patter
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignees: Chipmos Technologies Inc, Chipmos Technologies (Bermuda) Ltd
    Inventor: Cheng-Tang Huang
  • Patent number: 7335517
    Abstract: A multichip semiconductor device is disclosed in which chips are stacked each of which comprises a semiconductor substrate formed on top with circuit components and an interlayer insulating film formed on the top of the semiconductor substrate. At least one of the chips has a connect plug of a metal formed in a through hole that passes through the semiconductor substrate and the interlayer insulating film. The chip with the connect plug is electrically connected with another chip by that connect plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Nobuo Hayasaka, Katsuya Okumura, Keiichi Sasaki, Mie Matsuo
  • Patent number: 7318844
    Abstract: The manufacturing method for an electroceramic component (1), for example a varistor (1), comprises a laser irradiation of a part (5; 6) of the surface of an electroceramic body (2) before a metallization (3; 4) is applied to the part (5; 6) of the surface. By means of the laser irradiation it is possible to produce a micro-roughness and/or a chemical modification of the surface which permits good adhesion of the metallization, and it is possible to reduce or eliminate areas of unevenness or waviness of that part (5; 6) of the surface of the electroceramic body (2) which is to be metallized. In addition, improved transverse conductivity can be produced, by virtue of which a low contact resistance and a very homogeneous current distribution is achieved, in particular near to the metallization (3; 4). In addition it is possible to remove residues which originate in particular from a sinter support or from the application of a passivation layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventors: Reto Kessler, Felix Greuter, Michael Hagemeister
  • Patent number: 7300823
    Abstract: Apparatus for housing a micromechanical structure, and a method for producing the housing. The apparatus has a substrate having a main side on which the micromechanical structure is formed, a photo-resist material structure surrounding the micromechanical structure to form a cavity together with the substrate between the substrate and the photo-resist material structure, wherein the cavity separates the micromechanical structure and the photo-resist material structure and has an opening, and a closure for closing the opening to close the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Martin Franosch, Andreas Meckes, Winfried Nessler, Klaus-Gunter Oppermann
  • Patent number: 7298021
    Abstract: An electronic device is provided using wiring comprising aluminum to prevent hillock or whisker from generating, wherein the wiring contains oxygen atoms at a concentration of 8×1018 atoms·cm?3 or less, carbon atoms at a concentration of 5×1018 atoms·cm?3 or less, and nitrogen atoms at a concentration of 7×1017 atoms·cm?3 or less; furthermore, a silicon nitride film is formed on the aluminum gate, and an anodic oxide film is formed on the side planes thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Satoshi Teramoto
  • Patent number: 7291385
    Abstract: A conductive film comprising: a support; a particle-containing layer; and a metal thin film layer, in this order, wherein the particle-containing layer contains particles having a mean particle size of from 1 to 10 ?m and a heat decomposed material of a metal acetylide and has irregularities derived from a shape of the particles formed on a surface thereof, and the metal thin film layer contains a metal element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Ken Kawata, Akihiko Koshika
  • Patent number: 7285764
    Abstract: An imaging device comprising: a photoelectric conversion element generating photo-generated charges; an accumulation well accumulating the charges; a modulation well storing the charges; a modulation transistor having a channel threshold voltage controlled by the stored charges and outputting a corresponding signal; a transfer control element having a control end coupled to a control end of the modulation transistor and controlling the potential barrier of a transfer channel between the accumulation and modulation wells, and controlling transfer of the charges; an unwanted electric charge discharging control element controlling the potential barrier of an unwanted electric charge discharging channel coupled to the accumulation well, and discharging charges overflowing from the accumulation well during a period except for the charges transfer period; and a residual charge discharging control element controlling the potential barrier of a residual electric charge discharging channel coupled to the modulation we
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kazunobu Kuwazawa, Yutaka Maruo, Sanae Nishida, Yoshitaka Narita
  • Patent number: 7279410
    Abstract: A method for forming an inlaid interconnect structure for ICs. The method includes forming an etch stop layer, opening a portion of the etch stop layer on an IC die, forming a dielectric layer and cap layer over the etch stop layer, forming a photoresist pattern, and etching the cap and dielectric to form an opening that is then filled with a conductive material (e.g., metal). The method may further include forming a barrier layer within the opening of the etch stop layer. According to another aspect of the invention, a first and second etch stop layer are formed over the substrate and the second etch stop layer is patterned to define two regions, wherein a second region having the first and second etch stop layers experiences a faster etch rate than the first region. The dielectric layer and cap layers are then deposited over both regions and two via or trench openings are formed therethrough in the regions, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynne A. Okada, Fei Wang, James Kai
  • Patent number: 7279378
    Abstract: An structure for electrically isolating a semiconductor device is formed by implanting dopant into a semiconductor substrate that does not include an epitaxial layer. Following the implant the structure is exposed to a very limited thermal budget so that dopant does not diffuse significantly. As a result, the dimensions of the isolation structure are limited and defined, thereby allowing a higher packing density than obtainable using conventional processes which include the growth of an epitaxial layer and diffusion of the dopants. In one group of embodiments, the isolation structure includes a deep layer and a sidewall which together form a cup-shaped structure surrounding an enclosed region in which the isolated semiconductor device may be formed. The sidewalls may be formed by a series of pulsed implants at different energies, thereby creating a stack of overlapping implanted regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignees: Advanced Analogic Technologies, Inc., Advanced Analogic Technologies (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Richard K. Williams, Michael E. Cornell, Wai Tien Chan
  • Patent number: 7276386
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the steps of forming barrier metals on first electrodes provided on a chip of the semiconductor device, implementing a predetermined test on the semiconductor device by applying a signal to the semiconductor device via at least one of the barrier metals, and forming second protruded electrodes on the barrier metals. The predetermined tests are implemented before forming second protruded electrodes on the barrier metals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Katsumi Miyata, Eiji Watanabe, Hiroyuki Yoda
  • Patent number: 7276394
    Abstract: A low temperature method for producing a substantially flat large area image sensor assembly, the method includes the steps of providing a die attach substrate having a substantially planar surface; providing a lead frame having a bonding surface and a plurality of leads extending there from; adhering an imager die to the substantially planar surface of the die attach substrate with a low curing temperature first adhesive; and adhering the die attach substrate with adhered imager die to a bonding surface of the lead frame with a low curing temperature second adhesive for producing an image sensor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Jaime I. Waldman, Mario J. Ciminelli, Michael A. Marcus
  • Patent number: 7271038
    Abstract: A ruthenium (Ru) film is formed on a substrate as part of a two-stage methodology. During the first stage, the Ru film is formed on the substrate in a manner in which the Ru nucleation rate is greater than the Ru growth rate. During the second stage, the Ru film is formed on the substrate in a manner in which the Ru growth rate is greater than the Ru nucleation rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seok-jun Won, Cha-young Yoo
  • Patent number: 7265029
    Abstract: Methods for fabricating a semiconductor substrate. In an embodiment, the technique includes providing an intermediate support, providing a nucleation layer, and providing at least one bonding layer between the intermediate support and the nucleation layer to improve the bonding energy therebetween, and to form an intermediate assembly. The method also includes providing at least one layer of a semiconductor material upon the nucleation layer, bonding a target substrate to the deposited semiconductor material to form a final support assembly comprising the target substrate, the deposited semiconductor material, and the intermediate assembly, and processing the final support assembly to remove the intermediate assembly. The result is a semiconductor substrate that includes the at least one layer of semiconductor material on the target substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: S.O.I.Tec Silicon on Insulator Technologies
    Inventors: Fabrice Letertre, Bruno Ghyselen, Olivier Rayssac
  • Patent number: 7259450
    Abstract: A plurality of semiconductor die is packaged into one component. The inventive design comprises devices which have been singularized, packaged and thoroughly tested for functionality and adherence to required specifications. A plurality of packaged devices is then received by a housing. The conductive leads of the packaged devices are electrically coupled with pads manufactured into the housing. These pads are connected to traces within the housing, which terminate externally to the housing. Input/output leads are then electrically coupled with the traces, or are coupled with the traces as the housing is manufactured. The input/output leads provide means for connecting the housing with the electronic device or system into which it is installed. A lid received by the housing hermetically seals the packaged die in the housing, and prevents moisture or other contaminants which may impede the proper functionality of the die from entering the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan G. Wood, Eugene H. Cloud, Larry D. Kinsman
  • Patent number: 7259043
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer design and process having test pads (36) reducing cracks generated during the wafer saw process from extending into and damaging adjacent die. The present invention provides a plurality of circular test pads (36) in a wafer scribe street (34) such that any cracks generated in the test pad during wafer saw self terminate in the periphery of the circular test pad. By providing a curved test pad periphery, cracks will tend to propagate along the edges of the test pads and self terminate therein. The circular test pads avoid any sharp corners as is conventional in rectangular test pads which tend to facilitate the extension of cracks from corners to extend into the adjacent wafer die (32). The present invention utilizes existing semiconductor fab processing and utilizes new reticle sets to define the curved test pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Ruben A. Rolda, Jr., Richard Valerio, Jenny OLero
  • Patent number: 7256069
    Abstract: A carrier for use in a chip-scale package, including a polymeric film with apertures defined therethrough. The apertures, which are alignable with corresponding bond pads of a semiconductor device, each include a quantity of conductive material extending substantially through the length thereof. The carrier may also include laterally extending conductive traces in contact with or otherwise in electrical communication with the conductive material in the apertures of the carrier. Contacts may be disposed on a backside surface of the carrier. The contacts may communicate with the conductive material disposed in the apertures of the carrier. A conductive bump, such as a solder bump, may be disposed adjacent each or any of the contacts. A chip-scale package including the carrier of the present invention is also within the scope of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Salman Akram, Alan G. Wood
  • Patent number: 7253034
    Abstract: This invention provides a separation by implanted oxygen (SIMOX) method for forming planar hybrid orientation semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrates having different crystal orientations, thereby making it possible for devices to be fabricated on crystal orientations providing optimal performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin K. Chan, Joel P. de Souza, Alexander Reznicek, Devendra K. Sadana, Katherine L. Saenger
  • Patent number: 7250330
    Abstract: A method of making an electronic package is described, wherein a substrate is provided with a pattern of conductive pads and a portion of solder positioned on selected ones of the pattern of copper pads. The solder is then reflowed to form partial hemispherically shaped caps on the selected copper pads. The partial hemispherically shaped caps are then coated with a solder flux. A thin semiconductor chip with a pattern of conductive elements, corresponding to partial hemispherically shaped capped pads, is then positioned on the substrate so that the conductive elements of the thin semiconductor chip substantially line up with the partial hemispherically shaped capped pads of the substrate. The solder is then heated to reflow temperature and an electrical couple is formed between the thin semiconductor chip and the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Thomas, Charles G. Woychik
  • Patent number: 7243423
    Abstract: A semiconductor device package includes multiple built-up layers of metal sandwiching non-conductive layers. The metal layers have grids of degassing holes arranged in rows and columns. The rows and columns are locatable via a first coordinate system. Signal traces are embedded within the non-conductive layers such that the signal traces are also sandwiched between the metal layers with degassing holes. The signal traces generally run at zero degrees, 45 degrees, and 90 degrees relative to a second coordinate system. The first coordinate system is rotated relative to the second coordinate system to lower impedance variations of different traces. Impedance variations decrease due to the decreased variation in the number of degassing holes passed over or under by a trace. The grid of degassing holes on one metal layer can be offset in two dimensions relative to the degassing holes on another layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Dustin P. Wood