Patents Examined by Thanhha Pham
  • Patent number: 9806148
    Abstract: Isolator structures for an integrated circuit with reduced effective parasitic capacitance. Disclosed embodiments include an isolator structure with parallel conductive elements forming a capacitor or inductive transformer, overlying a semiconductor structure including a well region of a first conductivity type formed within an tank region of a second conductivity type. The tank region is surrounded by doped regions and a buried doped layer of the first conductivity type, forming a plurality of diodes in series to the substrate. The junction capacitances of the series diodes have the effect of reducing the parasitic capacitance apparent at the isolator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Raja Selvaraj, Anant Shankar Kamath, Byron Lovell Williams, Thomas D. Bonifield, John Kenneth Arch
  • Patent number: 9806035
    Abstract: A non-leaded semiconductor device comprises a sealing body for sealing a semiconductor chip, a tab in the interior of the sealing body, suspension leads for supporting the tab, leads having respective surfaces exposed to outer edge portions of a back surface of the sealing body, and wires connecting pads formed on the semiconductor chip and the leads. End portions of the suspension leads positioned in an outer periphery portion of the sealing body are unexposed to the back surface of the sealing body, but are covered with the sealing body. Stand-off portions of the suspending leads are not formed in resin molding. When cutting the suspending leads, corner portions of the back surface of the sealing body are supported by a flat portion of a holder portion in a cutting die having an area wider than a cutting allowance of the suspending leads, whereby chipping of the resin is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Tadatoshi Danno, Hiroyoshi Taya, Yoshiharu Shimizu
  • Patent number: 9793433
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an ultraviolet (UV) light emitting device includes receiving a UV transmissive substrate, forming a first UV transmissive layer comprising aluminum nitride upon the UV transmissive substrate using a first deposition technique at a temperature less than about 800 degrees Celsius or greater than about 1200 degrees Celsius, forming a second UV transmissive layer comprising aluminum nitride upon the first UV transmissive layer comprising aluminum nitride using a second deposition technique that is different from the first deposition technique, at a temperature within a range of about 800 degrees Celsius to about 1200 degrees Celsius, forming an n-type layer comprising aluminum gallium nitride layer upon the second UV transmissive layer, forming one or more quantum well structures comprising aluminum gallium nitride upon the n-type layer, and forming a p-type nitride layer upon the one or more quantum well structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: RAYVIO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yitao Liao, Robert Walker, Doug Collins
  • Patent number: 9793366
    Abstract: An array substrate, a method for fabricating the same, a display panel and a display device are disclosed. The array substrate comprises a display area and a non-display area that is outside the display area. The method comprises: forming a metal layer on a base substrate, the metal layer comprising a conductive pattern in the display area and a first electrode in the non-display area; forming a protective layer on the metal layer, a thickness of the protection layer in the non-display area being less than a thickness of the protection layer in the display area; forming a display electrode layer on the protection layer and removing the display electrode layer in the non-display area; and removing the protection layer in the non-display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zheng Liu, Dong Li, Xiaolong Li
  • Patent number: 9786570
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to form films on sensitive substrates while preventing damage to the sensitive substrate are provided herein. In certain embodiments, methods involve forming a bilayer film on a sensitive substrate that both protects the underlying substrate from damage and possesses desired electrical properties. Also provided are methods and apparatus for evaluating and optimizing the films, including methods to evaluate the amount of substrate damage resulting from a particular deposition process and methods to determine the minimum thickness of a protective layer. The methods and apparatus described herein may be used to deposit films on a variety of sensitive materials such as silicon, cobalt, germanium-antimony-tellerium, silicon-germanium, silicon nitride, silicon carbide, tungsten, titanium, tantalum, chromium, nickel, palladium, ruthenium, or silicon oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Hu Kang, Shankar Swaminathan, Adrien LaVoie, Jon Henri
  • Patent number: 9783895
    Abstract: In an aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided comprising the steps of: (a) providing a silicon-containing substrate, (b) depositing a first metal on the substrate, (c) etching the substrate produced by step (b) using a first etch, and (d) etching the substrate produced by step (c) using a second etch, wherein the second etch is more aggressive towards the deposited metal than the first etch, wherein the result of step (d) comprises silicon nanowires. The method may further comprise, for example, steps (b1) subjecting the first metal to a treatment which causes it to agglomerate and (b2) depositing a second metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Advanced Silicon Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Joanne Yim, Jeffrey B. Miller, Michael Jura, Marcie R. Black, Joanne Forziati, Brian P. Murphy, Adam Standley
  • Patent number: 9786589
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a package structure carries out in following way. A flexible circuit board is provided. The flexible circuit board defines a bent area and a laminated area. The flexible circuit board includes a first dielectric layer, a first conductive pattern and a bearing layer located at opposite sides. The bearing layer corresponds to the laminated area. A second dielectric layer and a second conductive pattern are formed on the first conductive pattern. A third dielectric layer and a third conductive pattern are formed on the bearing layer. All of the second and third dielectric layers, and the second and third conductive pattern corresponds to the laminated area. A first solder resist layer is formed on the second conductive layer. The first solder resist layer defines a plurality of openings, a portion of the second conductive pattern is exposed from the openings defining a plurality of first pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignees: Qi Ding Technology Qinghuangdao Co., Ltd., Zhen Ding Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei-Shuo Su
  • Patent number: 9773675
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to precision material modification of three dimensional (3D) features or advanced processing techniques. Directional ion implantation methods are utilized to selectively modify desired regions of a material layer to improve etch characteristics of the modified material. For example, a modified region of a material layer may exhibit improved etch selectivity relative to an unmodified region of the material layer. Methods described herein are useful for manufacturing 3D hardmasks which may be advantageously utilized in various integration schemes, such as fin isolation and gate-all-around, among others. Multiple directional ion implantation processes may also be utilized to form dopant gradient profiles within a modified layer to further influence etching processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Ludovic Godet, Srinivas D. Nemani, Erica Chen, Jun Xue, Ellie Y. Yieh, Gary E. Dickerson
  • Patent number: 9768085
    Abstract: A test device includes a diode junction layer having a first dopant conductivity region and a second dopant conductivity region formed within the diode junction layer on opposite sides of a diode junction. A first portion of vertical transistors is formed over the first dopant conductivity region as a device under test, and a second portion of vertical transistors is formed over the second dopant conductivity region. A common source/drain region is formed over the first and second portions of vertical transistors. Current through the first portion of vertical transistors permits measurement of a resistance at a probe contact connected to the common source/drain region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kangguo Cheng, Zuoguang Liu, Xin Miao, Wenyu Xu, Chen Zhang
  • Patent number: 9761484
    Abstract: Interconnect structures and processes generally include creating point defects in exposed surfaces of the dielectric layer to create a point defect region at a relatively shallow depth, wherein the point defect region is a fraction of the dielectric layer and is created with exposure to silicon, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, or mixtures thereof such that the point defect region contains Si, C, N O, or mixtures containing at least one of the foregoing. A seed layer can be deposited and includes at least one alloying element that is effective to form an in situ self-aligned liner layer with the Si, C, N O, or mixtures containing at least one of the foregoing within the point defect region, which is formed at a depth of less than 10 nanometers. The in situ liner layer within the dielectric layer maximizes the volume fraction of the conductor of the interconnect structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chih-Chao Yang
  • Patent number: 9754962
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes interlayer dielectrics stacked and spaced apart from each other, a channel layer passing through the interlayer dielectrics, line pattern regions each surrounding a sidewall of the channel layer to be disposed between the interlayer dielectrics, a barrier pattern formed along a surface of each of the line pattern regions and the sidewall of the channel layer, a reaction preventing pattern formed on the barrier pattern along a surface of a first region of each of the line pattern regions, the first region being adjacent to the channel layer, a protection pattern filled in the first region on the reaction preventing pattern, and a first metal layer filled in a second region of each of the line pattern regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Chan Sun Hyun, Myung Kyu Ahn, Woo June Kwon
  • Patent number: 9748248
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate including a trench; a gate dielectric layer formed over a surface of the trench; a gate electrode positioned in the trench at a level lower than a top surface of the substrate, and including a first buried portion and a second buried portion over the first buried portion; and a first doping region and a second doping region formed in the substrate on both sides of the gate electrode, and overlapping with the second buried portion, wherein the first buried portion includes a first barrier which has a first work function, and the second buried portion includes a second barrier which has a second work function lower than the first work function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Dong-Kyun Kang
  • Patent number: 9748105
    Abstract: Implementations described herein generally relate to methods for forming tungsten materials on substrates using vapor deposition processes. The method comprises positioning a substrate having a feature formed therein in a substrate processing chamber, depositing a first film of a bulk tungsten layer by introducing a continuous flow of a hydrogen containing gas and a tungsten halide compound to the processing chamber to deposit the first tungsten film over the feature, etching the first film of the bulk tungsten layer using a plasma treatment to remove a portion of the first film by exposing the first film to a continuous flow of the tungsten halide compound and an activated treatment gas and depositing a second film of the bulk tungsten layer by introducing a continuous flow of the hydrogen containing gas and the tungsten halide compound to the processing chamber to deposit the second tungsten film over the first tungsten film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Kai Wu, Sang Ho Yu
  • Patent number: 9741657
    Abstract: A through-silicon-via (TSV) structure is formed within a trench located within a semiconductor structure. The TSV structure may include a first electrically conductive liner layer located on an outer surface of the trench and a first electrically conductive structure located on the first electrically conductive liner layer, whereby the first electrically conductive structure partially fills the trench. A second electrically conductive liner layer is located on the first electrically conductive structure, a dielectric layer is located on the second electrically conductive liner layer, while a third electrically conductive liner layer is located on the dielectric layer. A second electrically conductive structure is located on the third electrically conductive liner layer, whereby the second electrically conductive structure fills a remaining opening of the trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald G. Filippi, Erdem Kaltalioglu, Shahab Siddiqui, Ping-Chuan Wang, Lijuan Zhang
  • Patent number: 9735116
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of integrated circuit devices on the semiconductor substrate, and a seal ring structure surrounding each one of the integrated circuit devices. The seal ring structure includes a plurality of interlayer dielectric layers and a plurality of hollow through-hole structures disposed within each of the interlayer dielectric layers. Each of the hollow through-hole structure within an interlayer dielectric layer includes a through-hole disposed within one of the interlayer dielectric layers, a diffusion barrier layer formed at the bottom, sidewalls and the top of the through-hole, and a seed layer disposed on the diffusion barrier layer. The diffusion barrier layer and the seed layer cover the top of the through-hole so that the through-hole has a void to form the hollow through-hole structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Semiconductor Manufacturing International (Shanghai) Corporation
    Inventor: Long Ling
  • Patent number: 9735077
    Abstract: A method of forming an electrical device is provided that includes forming microprocessor devices on a microprocessor die; forming memory devices on an memory device die; forming component devices on a component die; and forming a plurality of packing devices on a packaging die. Transferring a plurality of each of said microprocessor devices, memory devices, component devices and packaging components to a supporting substrate, wherein the packaging components electrically interconnect the memory devices, component devices and microprocessor devices in individualized groups. Sectioning the supporting substrate to provide said individualized groups of memory devices, component devices and microprocessor devices that are interconnected by a packaging component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Qianwen Chen, Li-Wen Hung, Wanki Kim, John U. Knickerbocker, Kenneth P. Rodbell, Robert L. Wisnieff
  • Patent number: 9728427
    Abstract: A method includes followings operations. A substrate including a first surface and a second surface is provided. The substrate and a transparent film are heated to attach the transparent film on the first surface. A first coefficient of a thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch is between the substrate and the transparent film. The substrate and the transparent film are cooled. A polymeric material is disposed on the second surface. A second CTE mismatch is between the substrate and the polymeric material. The second CTE mismatch is counteracted by the first CTE mismatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Chen-Hua Yu, Chih-Fan Huang, Chun-Hung Lin, Ming-Da Cheng, Chung-Shi Liu, Mirng-Ji Lii
  • Patent number: 9721871
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems associated with a heat exchanger for cooling an IC package are disclosed herein. In embodiments, a heat exchanger may include a base plate having a bottom side to be thermally coupled to the IC package, and a fin side, wherein the fin side is to include a plurality of fins to dissipate thermal energy emanated from the IC package. The heat exchanger may further include a manifold structure disposed on top of the base plate, having one or more layers, to regulate a coolant fluid flow to cool the plurality of fins, wherein the one or more layers are to include a plurality of channels and ports complementarily organized to distribute the coolant fluid flow to the plurality of fins tailored to a thermal energy emanation pattern of the integrated circuit package. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Emery E. Frey, Eric D. McAfee, Shankar Krishnan, Juan G. Cevallos, Roger D. Flynn
  • Patent number: 9721978
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide a thin film transistor (TFT) device, a manufacturing method of the TFT device, and a display apparatus including the TFT device. An etch stop layer (ESL) material is formed on an active layer on a substrate. An electrical conductive layer material is formed on the ESL material for forming a source electrode and a drain electrode. The electrical conductive layer material is patterned to form a first portion of the source electrode containing a first via-hole through the source electrode, and to form a first portion of the drain electrode containing a second via-hole through the drain electrode. The ESL material is patterned to form an etch stop layer (ESL) pattern including a first ESL via-hole connecting to the first via-hole through the source electrode and including a second ESL via-hole connecting to the second via-hole through the drain electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., CHONGQING BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wu Wang, Haijun Qiu, Fei Shang, Guolei Wang
  • Patent number: 9704753
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to semiconductors, and more particularly, to a structure and method of minimizing shorting between epitaxial regions in small pitch fin field effect transistors (FinFETs). In an embodiment, a dielectric region may be formed in a middle portion of a gate structure. The gate structure be formed using a gate replacement process, and may cover a middle portion of a first fin group, a middle portion of a second fin group and an intermediate region of the substrate between the first fin group and the second fin group. The dielectric region may be surrounded by the gate structure in the intermediate region. The gate structure and the dielectric region may physically separate epitaxial regions formed on the first fin group and the second fin group from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kangguo Cheng, Balasubramanian Pranatharthiharan, Alexander Reznicek, Charan V. Surisetty