Abstract: A dummy cell pattern for shallow trench isolation (STI). Active and shallow trench isolation areas are bounded by a circumference. An active area pattern completely overlaps the active area and a first polysilicon pattern in the shallow trench isolation area is outside the active area pattern. Layout methods using the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dummy cell pattern for shallow trench isolation (STI). Active and shallow trench isolation areas are bounded by a circumference. An active area pattern completely overlaps the active area and a first polysilicon pattern in the shallow trench isolation area is outside the active area pattern. Layout methods using the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dummy cell pattern for shallow trench isolation (STI). Active and shallow trench isolation areas are bounded by a circumference. An active area pattern completely overlaps the active area and a first polysilicon pattern in the shallow trench isolation area is outside the active area pattern. Layout methods using the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A seal ring structure is disclosed for protecting a core circuit region of an integrated circuit chip. The seal ring structure includes a metallization layer, having a bridge sublevel and a plug sublevel. An upper-level bridge is formed on the bridge sublevel at a predetermined location between a peripheral edge of the integrated circuit chip and the core circuit region. A lower-level bridge is formed on the plug sublevel in substantial alignment with the upper-level bridge, wherein the lower-level bridge has a width substantially the same as that of the upper-level bridge.

Abstract: A bond pad structure of an integrated circuit is provided. The bond pad structure includes a conductive bond pad, a first dielectric layer underlying the bond pad, and an Mtop plate located in the first dielectric layer and underlying the bond pad. The Mtop plate is a solid conductive plate and is electrically coupled to the bond pad. The bond pad structure further includes a first passivation layer over the first dielectric layer wherein the first passivation layer has at least a portion under a middle portion of the bond pad. At least part of an active circuit is located under the bond pad.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate with a dielectric layer thereon, a stack of interconnection structures in the dielectric layer, each interconnection structure including a conductive layer and a layer of plugs connecting the conductive layer, at least a layer of plugs including a crack stopper, and a bonding pad structure with a predetermined bump area thereon, overlying the stack of interconnection structures, wherein the crack stopper is formed along an edge of a projection area corresponding to the predetermined bump area.

Abstract: A dummy cell pattern for shallow trench isolation (STI). Active and shallow trench isolation areas are bounded by a circumference. An active area pattern completely overlaps the active area and a first polysilicon pattern in the shallow trench isolation area is outside the active area pattern. Layout methods using the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dummy cell pattern for shallow trench isolation (STI). Active and shallow trench isolation areas are bounded by a circumference. An active area pattern completely overlaps the active area and a first polysilicon pattern in the shallow trench isolation area is outside the active area pattern. Layout methods using the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A semiconductor device, comprising: a substrate with a dielectric layer thereon; a stack of interconnection structures in the dielectric layer, each interconnection structure comprising a conductive layer and a layer of plugs connecting the conductive layer, at least a layer of plugs comprising a crack stopper; and a bonding pad structure with a predetermined bump area thereon, overlying the stack of interconnection structures; wherein the crack stopper is formed along an edge of a projection area corresponding to the predetermined bump area.

Abstract: Dishing is known to be a problem after CMP of dielectric layers in which the distribution of embedded metal is non-uniform. This problem has been solved by populating those areas where the density of embedded metal is low with unconnected regions that, instead of being uniformly filled with metal, are made up of metallic patterns whose combined area within a given region is about half the total area of the region itself. Two examples of such patterns are a line stripe pattern (similar to a parquet flooring tile) and a checker board pattern. Data is presented comparing the parasitic capacitances resulting from the use of patterns of this type relative to conventional solid patterns. The effect of aligning the regions so as to reduce their degree of overlap with wiring channels is also discussed.

Abstract: A method for forming an interconnection structure in an integrated circuit includes the following steps. A dielectric layer is formed on a semiconductor substrate. An opening is formed on the dielectric layer. A barrier layer is formed over inner walls of the opening and the dielectric layer. A conductive layer is deposited on the barrier layer and filling the opening. Then, a step of planarization is performed to form the interconnection structure, such that a peripheral edge of a top surface of the interconnection structure is no lower than a top surface of the barrier layer.

Abstract: A bond pad structure of an integrated circuit is provided. The bond pad structure includes a conductive bond pad, a first dielectric layer underlying the bond pad, and an Mtop plate located in the first dielectric layer and underlying the bond pad. The Mtop plate is a solid conductive plate and is electrically coupled to the bond pad. The bond pad structure further includes a first passivation layer over the first dielectric layer wherein the first passivation layer has at least a portion under a middle portion of the bond pad. At least part of an active circuit is located under the bond pad.

Abstract: The invention provides a bonding pad structure. At least one lower circuit layer is disposed overlying the substrate, wherein the lower circuit layer is a layout of circuit under pad. A top circuit layer is disposed overlying the lower circuit layer, wherein the top circuit layer comprises a top interconnect dielectric layer and a top interconnect pattern in the top interconnect dielectric layer. A top connecting layer is disposed overlying the top circuit layer, electrically connecting the top interconnect pattern. A top pad layer is disposed overlying the top connecting layer. A bonding ball is disposed overlying the top pad layer, wherein sides of the top interconnect pattern do not overlap a region extending inwardly and outwardly from a boundary of the bonding ball within distance of about 2.5?m.

Abstract: Described are methods and structures for mitigating the effects of mechanical stresses placed on the layers of semiconductor devices, and specifically disclosed are methods and structures for mitigating the diminished chemical bonds between etch-stop layers and other semiconductor device layers. The disclosed methods and structures use different structures and/or processes for some of the etch-stop layers in a device.

Abstract: Described are methods and structures for mitigating the effects of mechanical stresses placed on the layers of semiconductor devices, and specifically disclosed are methods and structures for mitigating the diminished chemical bonds between etch-stop layers and other semiconductor device layers. The disclosed methods and structures use different structures and/or processes for some of the etch-stop layers in a device.

Abstract: A structure for reducing stress-induced voiding in an interconnect of an integrated circuit, the interconnect having a first portion and at least a second portion narrower than the first portion. The structure comprises at least one interior slot disposed in the first portion in proximity to the intersection of the first portion and the second portion. The present invention also includes methods of making the interconnect and the structure. A conductive interconnect structure comprises a first portion and at least a second portion narrower than the first portion; and a stress reducing structure comprising a transition portion formed at an intersection of the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A structure for reducing stress-induced voiding in an interconnect of an integrated circuit, the interconnect having a first portion and at least a second portion narrower than the first portion. The structure comprises at least one interior slot disposed in the first portion in proximity to the intersection of the first portion and the second portion. The present invention also includes methods of making the interconnect and the structure. A conductive interconnect structure comprises a first portion and at least a second portion narrower than the first portion; and a stress reducing structure comprising a transition portion formed at an intersection of the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A method for forming an interconnection structure in an integrated circuit includes the following steps. A dielectric layer is formed on a semiconductor substrate. An opening is formed on the dielectric layer. A barrier layer is formed over inner walls of the opening and the dielectric layer. A conductive layer is deposited on the barrier layer and filling the opening. Then, a step of planarization is performed to form the interconnection structure, such that a peripheral edge of a top surface of the interconnection structure is no lower than a top surface of the barrier layer.

Abstract: A seal ring structure is disclosed for protecting a core circuit region of an integrated circuit chip. The seal ring structure includes a metallization layer, having a bridge sublevel and a plug sublevel. An upper-level bridge is formed on the bridge sublevel at a predetermined location between a peripheral edge of the integrated circuit chip and the core circuit region. A lower-level bridge is formed on the plug sublevel in substantial alignment with the upper-level bridge, wherein the lower-level bridge has a width substantially the same as that of the upper-level bridge.

Abstract: A wafer device is disclosed for improving reliability of circuits fabricated in an active area on a silicon substrate. A seal ring is fabricated around the active area, and a shallow trench isolation is also formed between the seal ring and a scribe line by etching into a portion of the silicon substrate, wherein the seal ring and the shallow trench isolation prevent die saw induced crack from propagating to the active area when the active area is cut along the scribe line.