Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a bond pad structure of an integrated circuit (IC). The bond structure includes a bond pad and an intervening metal layer positioned below the bond pad. The intervening metal layer has a first face and a second face. A first via layer is in contact with the first face of intervening metal layer. The first via layer has a first via pattern. The bond structure also includes a second via layer in contact with the second face of the intervening metal layer. The second via layer has a second via pattern that is different than first via pattern. The second via pattern includes a first group of elongated vias extending in parallel with one another in a first direction and a second group of vias in between the first group of elongated vias. The second group of vias extend in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for artificial retinal prosthesis with color vision comprising an artificial retinal prosthesis implanted in a user's body. The artificial retinal prosthesis comprises a plurality of pixel units and a color shutter integrated with the plurality of pixel units structurally. The plurality of pixel units are used to receive an external visual image that enters the eyes of the user, and output a spatiotemporal electrical stimulation to the user's optic nerve according to the external visual image. The color shutter connects with the plurality of pixel units, and determines a spectrum that is allowed to enter the eyes to allow the user to generate a color image perception. By allowing stimulation of the artificial retinal prosthesis to vary with different spaces and times, and synchronously controlling the spectrum that is allowed to enter the eyes, thereby assisting the patient in obtaining color visual perception.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for artificial retinal prosthesis comprising a pixel array, a correlated double sampling unit, an analog-to-digital converter, a digital core, and a digital-to-analog converter. The system stimulates retinal cells row-to-row, and therefore can effectively reduce large transient currents and avoid unfavorable condition of power drop due to large transient currents.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an integrated chip having a photodetector arranged within a semiconductor substrate having a first doping type. One or more dielectric materials are disposed within a trench defined by interior surfaces of the semiconductor substrate. A doped epitaxial material arranged within the trench at a location laterally between the one or more dielectric materials and the photodetector. The doped epitaxial material has a second doping type that is different than the first doping type.

Abstract: A method for forming an integrated circuit (IC) package is provided. In some embodiments, a semiconductor workpiece comprising a scribe line, a first IC die, a second IC die, and a passivation layer is formed. The scribe line separates the first and second IC dies, and the passivation layer covers the first and second IC dies. The first IC die comprises a circuit and a pad structure electrically coupled to the circuit. The pad structure comprises a first pad, a second pad, and a bridge. The bridge is within the scribe line and connects the first pad to the second pad. The passivation layer is patterned to expose the first pad, but not the second pad, and testing is performed on the circuit through the first pad. The semiconductor workpiece is cut along the scribe line to individualize the first and second IC dies, and to remove the bridge.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a bond pad structure of an integrated circuit (IC). In one embodiment the bond structure includes a bond pad and an intervening metal layer positioned below the bond pad. The intervening metal layer has a first face and a second face. A first via layer is in contact with the first face of intervening metal layer. The first via layer has a first via pattern. The bond structure also includes a second via layer in contact with the second face of the intervening metal layer. The second via layer has a second via pattern that is different than first via pattern.

Abstract: A photosensor device and the method of making the same are provided. In one embodiment, the device includes at least one pixel cell. The at least one pixel cell includes a substrate formed from a semiconductor material, and includes first and second photosensor regions. The first photosensor region is disposed in the substrate and includes a first dopant of a first conductivity type. The second photosensor region is disposed above the first photosensor region and includes a second dopant of a second conductivity type. The second photosensor region can have an increase in dopant concentration from an outer edge to a center portion therein.

Abstract: A method for forming an integrated circuit (IC) package is provided. In some embodiments, a semiconductor workpiece comprising a scribe line, a first IC die, a second IC die, and a passivation layer is formed. The scribe line separates the first and second IC dies, and the passivation layer covers the first and second IC dies. The first IC die comprises a circuit and a pad structure electrically coupled to the circuit. The pad structure comprises a first pad, a second pad, and a bridge. The bridge is within the scribe line and connects the first pad to the second pad. The passivation layer is patterned to expose the first pad, but not the second pad, and testing is performed on the circuit through the first pad. The semiconductor workpiece is cut along the scribe line to individualize the first and second IC dies, and to remove the bridge.

Abstract: A method for forming an image sensor device on a substrate is disclosed. The method includes (a) recessing a portion of the substrate thereby forming a first shallow trench; (b) forming a spacer layer surrounding at least part of a sidewall of the first shallow trench; and (c) forming a first deep trench that extends below the first shallow trench by further recessing the substrate while using the spacer layer as a mask.

Abstract: A method for forming a backside illuminated (BSI) image sensor device structure is provided. The BSI image sensor includes a first substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a plurality of pixel regions formed at the top surface of the first substrate. The BSI image sensor also includes a grid structure through the first substrate and between two adjacent pixel regions. The grid structure extends continuously through the first substrate in a vertical direction and has a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface of the grid structure protrudes above the bottom surface of the first substrate, and the bottom surface is leveled with the top surface of the first substrate.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical system structure and a method for fabricating the same are provided. A method for fabricating a MEMS structure includes the following steps. A first substrate is provided, wherein a transistor, a first dielectric layer and an interconnection structure are formed thereon. A second substrate is provided, wherein a second dielectric layer and a thermal stability layer are formed on the second substrate. The first substrate is bonded to the second substrate, and the second substrate removed. A conductive layer is formed within the second dielectric layer and electrically connected to the interconnection structure. The thermal stability layer is located between the conductive layer and the interconnection structure. A growth temperature of a material of the thermal stability layer is higher than a growth temperature of a material of the conductive layer and a growth temperature of a material of the interconnection structure.

Abstract: A method for forming an image sensor device on a substrate is disclosed. The method includes (a) recessing a portion of the substrate thereby forming a first shallow trench; (b) forming a spacer layer surrounding at least part of a sidewall of the first shallow trench; and (c) forming a first deep trench that extends below the first shallow trench by further recessing the substrate while using the spacer layer as a mask.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical system structure and a method for fabricating the same are provided. A method for fabricating a MEMS structure includes the following steps. A first substrate is provided, wherein a transistor, a first dielectric layer and an interconnection structure are formed thereon. A second substrate is provided, wherein a second dielectric layer and a thermal stability layer are formed on the second substrate. The first substrate is bonded to the second substrate, and the second substrate removed. A conductive layer is formed within the second dielectric layer and electrically connected to the interconnection structure. The thermal stability layer is located between the conductive layer and the interconnection structure. A growth temperature of a material of the thermal stability layer is higher than a growth temperature of a material of the conductive layer and a growth temperature of a material of the interconnection structure.

Abstract: A toner cartridge includes a housing, a photosensitive drum, a connecting unit having a coupling member rotatable about a second imaginary axis, and a linking unit disposed on the photosensitive drum and rotatable about a first imaginary axis. When the coupling member is at a first position, the first and second imaginary axes are not parallel, and the coupling member doesn't contact the linking unit. When the toner cartridge is installed in an electronic imaging device and the coupling member is moved to a second position, the first and second imaginary axes are coaxial, the coupling member and the linking unit are engaged and driven to rotate by the electronic imaging device, thereby transmitting rotary kinetic energy to the photosensitive drum. Because the coupling member is movable between the first and second positions, the toner cartridge is installed in and removed from the electronic imaging device easily and smoothly.

Abstract: The semiconductor die includes a base body, protruding portions and bonding pads. The base body has sidewalls. The protruding portions are laterally protruding from the sidewalls respectively. The bonding pads are disposed on the protruding portions respectively. The wafer dicing method includes following operations. Chips are formed on a semiconductor wafer. Bonding pads are formed at a border line between every two of the adjacent chips. A scribe line is formed and disposed along the bonding pads. A photolithographic pattern is formed on a top layer of the semiconductor wafer to expose the scribe line. The scribe line is etched to a depth in the semiconductor wafer substantially below the top layer to form an etched pattern. A back surface of the semiconductor wafer is thinned until the etched pattern in the semiconductor wafer is exposed.

Abstract: A method for forming a backside illuminated (BSI) image sensor device structure is provided. The BSI image sensor includes a first substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a plurality of pixel regions formed at the top surface of the first substrate. The BSI image sensor also includes a grid structure through the first substrate and between two adjacent pixel regions. The grid structure extends continuously through the first substrate in a vertical direction and has a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface of the grid structure protrudes above the bottom surface of the first substrate, and the bottom surface is leveled with the top surface of the first substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for testing a retinal implant. After an implantable device for interfacing with retinal cells is provided, an external stimulus is applied to the implantable device so that the implantable device transmits a first pulse to a processing device through a wireless interface. When a conversion unit is controlled to gradually decrease an output voltage until the implantable device outputs an output voltage lower than a reference voltage, the implantable device transmits a signal different from the first pulse to the processing device through the wireless interface. The processing device determines a current value of a pixel unit according to a time difference between the first pulse and the signal.

Abstract: A piezoresistive microphone includes a substrate, an insulating layer, and a polysilicon layer. A first pattern is disposed within the polysilicon layer. The first pattern includes numerous first opening. A second pattern is disposed within the polysilicon layer. The second pattern includes numerous second openings. The first pattern surrounds the second pattern. Each first opening and each second opening are staggered. A first resistor is disposed in the polysilicon and between the first pattern and the second pattern. The first resistor is composed of numerous first heavily doped regions and numerous first lightly doped regions. The first heavily doped regions and the first lightly doped regions are disposed in series. The first heavily doped region and the first lightly doped region are disposed alternately. A cavity is disposed in the insulating layer and the substrate.