Patents by Inventor Gary LaFontant
Gary LaFontant has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9040418Abstract: Method of forming a capture pad on a semiconductor substrate. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate having an active side and an inactive side and having a plurality of unfilled TSVs extending between the active side and the inactive side; filling the TSVs with a metal; defining capture pad areas on at least one of the active side and the inactive side adjacent to the TSVs, the defined capture pad areas comprising insulator islands and open areas; filling the open areas with the same metal to form a capture pad in direct contact with each of the TSVs, each of the capture pads having an all metal portion that follows an outline of each of the TSVs.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2013Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Mukta G. Farooq, John A. Griesemer, Gary Lafontant, Kevin S. Petrarca, Richard P. Volant
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Patent number: 8772949Abstract: Method of forming a capture pad on a semiconductor substrate. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate having an active side and an inactive side and having a plurality of unfilled TSVs extending between the active side and the inactive side; filling the TSVs with a metal such that the metal is recessed with respect to at least one of the active side and the inactive side and does not entirely fill the TSVs; defining capture pad areas on the at least one of the active side and inactive side adjacent to the recessed TSVs; filling the capture pad areas and recessed TSVs with the same metal to form a capture pad in direct contact with each of the TSVs, each of the capture pads having an all metal portion that follows an outline of each of the TSVs. Also disclosed is a semiconductor substrate having a capture pad.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2012Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Mukta G. Farooq, John A. Griesemer, Gary Lafontant, Kevin S. Petrarca, Richard P. Volant
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Publication number: 20140124946Abstract: Method of forming a capture pad on a semiconductor substrate. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate having an active side and an inactive side and having a plurality of unfilled TSVs extending between the active side and the inactive side; filling the TSVs with a metal such that the metal is recessed with respect to at least one of the active side and the inactive side and does not entirely fill the TSVs; defining capture pad areas on the at least one of the active side and inactive side adjacent to the recessed TSVs; filling the capture pad areas and recessed TSVs with the same metal to form a capture pad in direct contact with each of the TSVs, each of the capture pads having an all metal portion that follows an outline of each of the TSVs. Also disclosed is a semiconductor substrate having a capture pad.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2012Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Mukta G. Farooq, John A. Griesemer, Gary Lafontant, Kevin S. Petrarca, Richard P. Volant
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Publication number: 20140127904Abstract: Method of forming a capture pad on a semiconductor substrate. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate having an active side and an inactive side and having a plurality of unfilled TSVs extending between the active side and the inactive side; filling the TSVs with a metal; defining capture pad areas on at least one of the active side and the inactive side adjacent to the TSVs, the defined capture pad areas comprising insulator islands and open areas; filling the open areas with the same metal to form a capture pad in direct contact with each of the TSVs, each of the capture pads having an all metal portion that follows an outline of each of the TSVs.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2013Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Mukta G. Farooq, John A. Griesemer, Gary Lafontant, Kevin S. Petrarca, Richard P. Volant
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Patent number: 8674506Abstract: Structures and methods to reduce maximum current density in a solder ball are disclosed. A method includes forming a contact pad in a last wiring level and forming a plurality of wires of the contact pad extending from side edges of the contact pad to respective ones of a plurality of vias. Each one of the plurality of wires has substantially the same electrical resistance.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2013Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Raschid J. Bezama, Timothy H. Daubenspeck, Gary LaFontant, Ian D. Melville, Ekta Misra, George J. Scott, Krystyna W. Semkow, Timothy D. Sullivan, Robin A. Susko, Thomas A. Wassick, Xiaojin Wei, Steven L. Wright
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Publication number: 20130234329Abstract: Structures and methods to reduce maximum current density in a solder ball are disclosed. A method includes forming a contact pad in a last wiring level and forming a plurality of wires of the contact pad extending from side edges of the contact pad to respective ones of a plurality of vias. Each one of the plurality of wires has substantially the same electrical resistance.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2013Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: Intetnational Business Machines CorporationInventors: Raschid J. BEZAMA, Timothy H. DAUBENSPECK, Gary LaFONTANT, Ian D. MELVILLE, Ekta MISRA, George J. SCOTT, Krystyna W. SEMKOW, Timothy D. SULLIVAN, Robin A. SUSKO, Thomas A. WASSICK, Xiaojin WEI, Steven L. WRIGHT
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Patent number: 8487447Abstract: A semiconductor structure which includes a plurality of stacked semiconductor chips in a three dimensional configuration. There is a first semiconductor chip in contact with a second semiconductor chip. The first semiconductor chip includes a through silicon via (TSV) extending through the first semiconductor chip; an electrically conducting pad at a surface of the first semiconductor chip, the TSV terminating in contact at a first side of the electrically conducting pad; a passivation layer covering the electrically conducting pad, the passivation layer having a plurality of openings; and a plurality of electrically conducting structures formed in the plurality of openings and in contact with a second side of the electrically conducting pad, the contact of the plurality of electrically conducting structures with the electrically conducting pad being offset with respect to the contact of the TSV with the electrically conducting pad.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2011Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Mario J. Interrante, Gary LaFontant, Michael J. Shapiro, Thomas A. Wassick, Bucknell C. Webb
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Patent number: 8446006Abstract: Structures and methods to reduce maximum current density in a solder ball are disclosed. A method includes forming a contact pad in a last wiring level and forming a plurality of wires of the contact pad extending from side edges of the contact pad to respective ones of a plurality of vias. Each one of the plurality of wires has substantially the same electrical resistance.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Raschid J. Bezama, Timothy H. Daubenspeck, Gary LaFontant, Ian D. Melville, Ekta Misra, George J. Scott, Krystyna W. Semkow, Timothy D. Sullivan, Robin A. Susko, Thomas A. Wassick, Xiaojin Wei, Steven L. Wright
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Publication number: 20120292779Abstract: A semiconductor structure which includes a plurality of stacked semiconductor chips in a three dimensional configuration. There is a first semiconductor chip in contact with a second semiconductor chip. The first semiconductor chip includes a through silicon via (TSV) extending through the first semiconductor chip; an electrically conducting pad at a surface of the first semiconductor chip, the TSV terminating in contact at a first side of the electrically conducting pad; a passivation layer covering the electrically conducting pad, the passivation layer having a plurality of openings; and a plurality of electrically conducting structures formed in the plurality of openings and in contact with a second side of the electrically conducting pad, the contact of the plurality of electrically conducting structures with the electrically conducting pad being offset with respect to the contact of the TSV with the electrically conducting pad.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: MARIO J. INTERRANTE, Gary LaFontant, Michael J. Shapiro, Thomas A. Wassick, Bucknell C. Webb
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Patent number: 8298929Abstract: Semiconductor structures, methods of manufacture and design structures are provided. The structure includes at least one offset crescent shaped solder via formed in contact with an underlying metal pad of a chip. The at least one offset crescent shaped via is offset with respect to at least one of the underlying metal pad and an underlying metal layer in direct electrical contact with an interconnect of the chip which is in electrical contact with the underlying metal layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2010Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Timothy H. Daubenspeck, Gary Lafontant, Ekta Misra, David L. Questad, George J. Scott, Krystyna W. Semkow, Timothy D. Sullivan, Thomas A. Wassick, Steven L. Wright
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Patent number: 8288270Abstract: The embodiments provide a method for reducing electromigration in a circuit containing a through-silicon via (TSV) and the resulting novel structure for the TSV. A TSV is formed through a semiconductor substrate. A first end of the TSV connects to a first metallization layer on a device side of the semiconductor substrate. A second end of the TSV connects to a second metallization layer on a grind side of the semiconductor substrate. A first flat edge is created on the first end of the TSV at the intersection of the first end of the TSV and the first metallization layer. A second flat edge is created on the second end of the TSV at the intersection of the second end of the TSV and the second metallization layer. On top of the first end a metal contact grid is placed, having less than eighty percent metal coverage.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2012Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Mukta G Farooq, John A Griesemer, Gary LaFontant, William Francis Landers, Timothy Dooling Sullivan
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Publication number: 20120199983Abstract: The embodiments provide a method for reducing electromigration in a circuit containing a through-silicon via (TSV) and the resulting novel structure for the TSV. A TSV is formed through a semiconductor substrate. A first end of the TSV connects to a first metallization layer on a device side of the semiconductor substrate. A second end of the TSV connects to a second metallization layer on a grind side of the semiconductor substrate. A first flat edge is created on the first end of the TSV at the intersection of the first end of the TSV and the first metallization layer. A second flat edge is created on the second end of the TSV at the intersection of the second end of the TSV and the second metallization layer. On top of the first end a metal contact grid is placed, having less than eighty percent metal coverage.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Mukta G. Farooq, John A. Griesemer, Gary LaFontant, William Francis Landers, Timothy Dooling Sullivan
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Publication number: 20120199975Abstract: The embodiments provide a method for reducing electromigration in a circuit containing a through-silicon via (TSV) and the resulting novel structure for the TSV. A TSV is formed through a semiconductor substrate. A first end of the TSV connects to a first metallization layer on a device side of the semiconductor substrate. A second end of the TSV connects to a second metallization layer on a grind side of the semiconductor substrate. A first flat edge is created on the first end of the TSV at the intersection of the first end of the TSV and the first metallization layer. A second flat edge is created on the second end of the TSV at the intersection of the second end of the TSV and the second metallization layer. On top of the first end a metal contact grid is placed, having less than eighty percent metal coverage.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2011Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Mukta G. Farooq, John A. Griesemer, Gary LaFontant, William Francis Landers, Timothy Dooling Sullivan
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Patent number: 8237288Abstract: The embodiments provide a method for reducing electromigration in a circuit containing a through-silicon via (TSV) and the resulting novel structure for the TSV. A TSV is formed through a semiconductor substrate. A first end of the TSV connects to a first metallization layer on a device side of the semiconductor substrate. A second end of the TSV connects to a second metallization layer on a grind side of the semiconductor substrate. A first flat edge is created on the first end of the TSV at the intersection of the first end of the TSV and the first metallization layer. A second flat edge is created on the second end of the TSV at the intersection of the second end of the TSV and the second metallization layer. On top of the first end a metal contact grid is placed, having less than eighty percent metal coverage.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2011Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Mukta G Farooq, John A Griesemer, Gary LaFontant, William Francis Landers, Timothy Dooling Sullivan
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Publication number: 20120139123Abstract: Semiconductor structures, methods of manufacture and design structures are provided. The structure includes at least one offset crescent shaped solder via formed in contact with an underlying metal pad of a chip. The at least one offset crescent shaped via is offset with respect to at least one of the underlying metal pad and an underlying metal layer in direct electrical contact with an interconnect of the chip which is in electrical contact with the underlying metal layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2010Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Timothy H. Daubenspeck, Gary Lafontant, Ekta Misra, David L. Questad, George J. Scott, Krystyna W. Semkow, Timothy D. Sullivan, Thomas A. Wassick, Steven L. Wright
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Publication number: 20110206379Abstract: An apparatus and method for receiving electrical signals and transmitting optical signals includes a substrate having an electrical circuit. An electrical-to-optical module is mounted on the substrate, and the module includes an array of photodetectors communicating with the electrical circuit. The photodetectors may include VCSEL arrays or PD arrays. The module receives electrical signals from the electrical circuit and provides a plurality of corresponding light signals. An electrical transport is embedded in the substrate, and the electrical transport electrically communicates with the array of photodetectors. An optical interface provides electrical communication between an optical fiber and the electrical circuit. A heat transfer device may be positioned adjacent the photodetectors to transfer heat generated by the photodetectors.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2010Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Russell A. Budd, Warren D. Dyckman, Gary Lafontant, Frank R. Libsch
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Publication number: 20110147922Abstract: Structures and methods to reduce maximum current density in a solder ball are disclosed. A method includes forming a contact pad in a last wiring level and forming a plurality of wires of the contact pad extending from side edges of the contact pad to respective ones of a plurality of vias. Each one of the plurality of wires has substantially the same electrical resistance.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Raschid J. BEZAMA, Timothy H. DAUBENSPECK, Gary LaFONTANT, Ian D. MELVILLE, Ekta MISRA, George J. SCOTT, Krystyna W. SEMKOW, Timothy D. SULLIVAN, Robin A. SUSKO, Thomas A. WASSICK, Xiaojin WEI, Steven L. WRIGHT
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Patent number: 7271681Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for adjusting the size of clearance holes for impedance control in multilayer electronic packaging and printed circuit boards. The method comprises: providing parameters for a structure having a clearance hole and at least one via passing through the clearance hole; calculating a characteristic impedance for the at least one via; and adjusting at least a size of the clearance hole until the characteristic impedance for the at least one via is approximately equal to a desired characteristic impedance.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Warren D. Dyckman, Gary LaFontant, Edward R. Pillai
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Publication number: 20070008049Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for adjusting the size of clearance holes for impedance control in multilayer electronic packaging and printed circuit boards. The method comprises: providing parameters for a structure having a clearance hole and at least one via passing through the clearance hole; calculating a characteristic impedance for the at least one via; and adjusting at least a size of the clearance hole until the characteristic impedance for the at least one via is approximately equal to a desired characteristic impedance.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2005Publication date: January 11, 2007Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Warren Dyckman, Gary LaFontant, Edward Pillai