Abstract: A semiconductor structure and method of manufacturing a semiconductor structure are provided. The semiconductor structure includes a package structure. The package structure includes a passivation layer formed over an interconnect structure; an electrically-conductive structure formed on the passivation layer and extending through the passivation layer to electrically contact the interconnect structure; a dielectric structure formed over the passivation layer and surrounding the electrically-conductive structure to expose at least a portion of a top surface of the electrically-conductive structure; and a metallic protection structure formed on the top surface of the electrically-conductive structure exposed from the dielectric structure. The top surface of the metallic protection structure is aligned with or lower than a top surface of the dielectric structure.

Abstract: Material properties of graphene can be leveraged to improve performance of interconnects in an integrated circuit. One way to circumvent challenges involved in depositing graphene onto a copper surface is to incorporate graphene into the bulk metal layer to create a hybrid metal/graphene interconnect structure. Such a hybrid structure can be created instead of, or in addition to, forming a graphene film on the metal surface as a metal capping layer. A first method for embedding graphene into a copper damascene layer is to alternate the metal fill process with graphene deposition to create a composite graphene matrix. A second method is to implant carbon atoms into a surface layer of metal. A third method is to disperse graphene flakes in a damascene copper plating solution to create a distributed graphene matrix. Any combination of these methods can be used to enhance conductivity of the interconnect.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure and method of manufacturing a semiconductor structure are provided. The semiconductor structure includes a package structure. The package structure includes a passivation layer formed over an interconnect structure; an electrically-conductive structure formed on the passivation layer and extending through the passivation layer to electrically contact the interconnect structure; a dielectric structure formed over the passivation layer and surrounding the electrically-conductive structure to expose at least a portion of a top surface of the electrically-conductive structure; and a metallic protection structure formed on the top surface of the electrically-conductive structure exposed from the dielectric structure. The top surface of the metallic protection structure is aligned with or lower than a top surface of the dielectric structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a structure with passivation layers with rounded corners and a method for forming such a structure. The method includes forming a first insulating layer on a substrate, where the substrate includes a first conductive structure. The method further includes forming an opening in the first insulating layer to expose the first conductive structure and forming a second conductive structure on the first insulating layer, where the second conductive structure is in contact with the first conductive structure through the opening.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a semiconductor structure including at least one capacitor. The method includes: forming a first metal layer; forming a second metal layer; forming a third high resistance (HiR) layer interposed between the first metal layer and the second metal layer, wherein at least one of the first metal layer and the sconed metal layer at least partially overlap with the third HiR layer; and defining at least one of a first capacitor between the first metal layer and the third HiR layer and a second capacitor between the second metal layer and the third HiR layer. Suitably, the method is carried out subsequent to a front-end-of-line (FEOL) portion of a semiconductor fabrication process.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure and method of manufacturing a semiconductor structure are provided. The semiconductor structure includes a package structure. The package structure includes a passivation layer formed over an interconnect structure; an electrically-conductive structure formed on the passivation layer and extending through the passivation layer to electrically contact the interconnect structure; a dielectric structure formed over the passivation layer and surrounding the electrically-conductive structure to expose at least a portion of a top surface of the electrically-conductive structure; and a metallic protection structure formed on the top surface of the electrically-conductive structure exposed from the dielectric structure. The top surface of the metallic protection structure is aligned with or lower than a top surface of the dielectric structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor structure. The method includes receiving layout data representing information for manufacturing the semiconductor structure. A first parasitic capacitance is formed in a first region and a second parasitic capacitance is formed in a second region. The method further includes determining a parasitic capacitance difference between the first region and the second region; and forming a dummy conductor in the second region. A system for manufacturing a semiconductor device is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor structure. The method includes receiving layout data representing information for manufacturing the semiconductor structure having a metal layer over a substrate. A first parasitic capacitance and a second parasitic capacitance are formed between the metal layer and the substrate. The method further includes determining a parasitic capacitance difference between a first region and a second region. The method further includes forming a dummy capacitor to minimize the parasitic capacitance difference. A system for manufacturing a semiconductor device is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor structure. The method includes receiving a layout data representing information for manufacturing the semiconductor structure having a metal layer over a substrate. A first parasitic capacitance and a second parasitic capacitance are formed between the metal layer and the substrate. The method further includes determining a parasitic capacitance difference between a first region and a second region. The method further includes forming a dummy capacitor to minimize the parasitic capacitance difference. A system for manufacturing a semiconductor device is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device. The method includes receiving layout data representing mask information for manufacturing a semiconductive substrate with a conductor over the semiconductive substrate. A first capacitor is formed between the conductor and the semiconductive substrate. The method further includes determining a capacitance difference between capacitances of the first capacitor and a neighboring capacitor. The method further includes forming a dummy capacitor to minimize the capacitance difference. A system for manufacturing a semiconductor device is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device. The method includes receiving layout data representing mask information for manufacturing a semiconductive substrate with a conductor over the semiconductive substrate. A first capacitor is formed between the conductor and the semiconductive substrate. The method further includes determining a difference in capacitances of the first capacitor and a neighboring capacitor. The method further includes forming a dummy capacitor to minimize the capacitance difference. A system for manufacturing a semiconductor device is also provided.