Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to embodiments of a conductive structure on a conductive barrier layer that separates the conductive structure from a conductive layer on which the conductive barrier layer is present. A gap or crevice extends along respective surfaces of the conductive structure and along respective surfaces of one or more insulating layers. The gap or crevice separates the respective surfaces of the one or more insulating layers from the respective surfaces of the conductive structure. The gap or crevice provides clearance in which the conductive structure may expand into when exposed to changes in temperature. For example, when coupling a wire bond to the conductive structure, the conductive structure may increase in temperature and expand into the gap or crevice. However, even in the expanded state, respective surfaces of the conductive structure do not physically contact the respective surfaces of the one or more insulating layers.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method manufactures a semiconductor device including metallizations having peripheral portions with one or more underlying layers having marginal regions extending facing the peripheral portions. The method includes: providing a sacrificial layer to cover the marginal regions of the underlying layer, providing the metallizations while the marginal regions of the underlying layer are covered by the sacrificial layer, and removing the sacrificial layer so that the marginal regions of the underlying layer extend facing the peripheral portions in the absence of contact interface therebetween, thereby avoiding thermo-mechanical stresses.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes one or more metallizations, such as, e.g., Cu-RDL metallizations, provided on a passivation layer over a dielectric layer. A via is provided through the passivation layer and the dielectric layer in the vicinity of the corners of the metallization. The via may be a “dummy” via without electrical connections to an active device and may be provided at a distance between approximately 1 micron (10?6 m.) and approximately 10 micron (10?5 m.) from each one of said converging sides landing on an underlying metal layer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method manufactures a semiconductor device including metallizations having peripheral portions with one or more underlying layers having marginal regions extending facing the peripheral portions. The method includes: providing a sacrificial layer to cover the marginal regions of the underlying layer, providing the metallizations while the marginal regions of the underlying layer are covered by the sacrificial layer, and removing the sacrificial layer so that the marginal regions of the underlying layer extend facing the peripheral portions in the absence of contact interface therebetween, thereby avoiding thermo-mechanical stresses.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes one or more metallizations, such as, e.g., Cu-RDL metallizations, provided on a passivation layer over a dielectric layer. A via is provided through the passivation layer and the dielectric layer in the vicinity of the corners of the metallization. The via may be a “dummy” via without electrical connections to an active device and may be provided at a distance between approximately 1 micron (10?6 m.) and approximately 10 micron (10?5 m.) from each one of said converging sides landing on an underlying metal layer.