Patents by Inventor Kay Houston

Kay Houston 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).

  • Patent number: 5811352
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing semiconductor device having conductive metal leads 14 with improved reliability, and device for same, comprising conductive metal leads 14 on a substrate 12, a first insulating material 18 at least between the conductive metal leads 14, and dummy leads 16 proximate the conductive metal leads 14. Heat from the conductive metal leads 14 is transferable to the dummy leads 16, and the dummy leads 16 are capable of dissipating the heat. The first insulating material 18 has a dielectric constant of less than 3.5. An optional heatsink 22 may be formed in contact with the first dummy leads 16 to further dissipate the Joule's heat from the conductive metal leads 14. An advantage of the invention is to improve reliability of metal leads for circuits using low-dielectric constant materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Ken Numata, Kay Houston