Patents by Inventor Mark A. DiRocco

Mark A. DiRocco 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: 9658255
    Abstract: According to a method herein, a multi-level inductor is created around a through-silicon-via (TSV) in a semiconductor substrate. A voltage induced in the multi-level inductor by current flowing in the TSV is sensed, using a computerized device. The voltage is compared to a reference voltage, using the computerized device. An electrical signature of the TSV is determined based on the comparing the voltage to the reference voltage, using the computerized device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. DiRocco, Kirk D. Peterson, Norman W. Robson, Keith C. Stevens
  • Patent number: 9372208
    Abstract: According to a method herein, a multi-level inductor is created around a through-silicon-via (TSV) in a semiconductor substrate. A voltage induced in the multi-level inductor by current flowing in the TSV is sensed, using a computerized device. The voltage is compared to a reference voltage, using the computerized device. An electrical signature of the TSV is determined based on the comparing the voltage to the reference voltage, using the computerized device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. DiRocco, Kirk D. Peterson, Norman W. Robson, Keith C. Stevens
  • Patent number: 9269642
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to methods of testing an integrated circuit of a wafer and testing structures for integrated circuits. The methods include depositing a sacrificial material over a first conductor material of the integrated circuit, and contacting a test probe to the deposited sacrificial material. The methods can also include testing the integrated circuit using the test probe contacting the sacrificial material. Finally, the methods can include removing the sacrificial material over the first conductor material of the integrated circuit subsequent to the testing of the integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.
    Inventors: Michael T. Coster, Mark A. DiRocco, Jeffrey P. Gambino, Kirk D. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20150362534
    Abstract: According to a method herein, a multi-level inductor is created around a through-silicon-via (TSV) in a semiconductor substrate. A voltage induced in the multi-level inductor by current flowing in the TSV is sensed, using a computerized device. The voltage is compared to a reference voltage, using the computerized device. An electrical signature of the TSV is determined based on the comparing the voltage to the reference voltage, using the computerized device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Publication date: December 17, 2015
    Inventors: Mark A. DiRocco, Kirk D. Peterson, Norman W. Robson, Keith C. Stevens
  • Publication number: 20150185273
    Abstract: According to a method herein, a multi-level inductor is created around a through-silicon-via (TSV) in a semiconductor substrate. A voltage induced in the multi-level inductor by current flowing in the TSV is sensed, using a computerized device. The voltage is compared to a reference voltage, using the computerized device. An electrical signature of the TSV is determined based on the comparing the voltage to the reference voltage, using the computerized device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. DiRocco, Kirk D. Peterson, Norman W. Robson, Keith C. Stevens
  • Patent number: 8937010
    Abstract: A method and structure for encoding information on an integrated circuit chip. The method includes selecting a set of chip pads of the integrated circuit chip for encoding the information; encoding the information during a wirebonding process, the wirebonding process comprising forming ball bonds on chip pads of the integrated circuit chip and wedge bonds on leadframe fingers adjacent to one or more edges of the integrated circuit chip, the ball bonds and the wedge bonds connected by respective and integral wires; and wherein the information is encoded by varying one or more wirebonding parameters on each chip pad of the set of chip pads, the wirebonding parameters selected from the group consisting of the location of a ball bond, the diameter of a ball bond, both the location and diameter of a ball bond, the location of a wedge bond and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William E. Bentley, Jr., Nathanial W. Bowe, Alfred J. Brignull, Mark A. DiRocco, Thomas C. Rudick
  • Publication number: 20140367684
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to methods of testing an integrated circuit of a wafer and testing structures for integrated circuits. The methods include depositing a sacrificial material over a first conductor material of the integrated circuit, and contacting a test probe to the deposited sacrificial material. The methods can also include testing the integrated circuit using the test probe contacting the sacrificial material. Finally, the methods can include removing the sacrificial material over the first conductor material of the integrated circuit subsequent to the testing of the integrated circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Michael T. Coster, Mark A. DiRocco, Jeffrey P. Gambino, Kirk D. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20140239469
    Abstract: A method and structure for encoding information on an integrated circuit chip. The method includes selecting a set of chip pads of the integrated circuit chip for encoding the information; encoding the information during a wirebonding process, the wirebonding process comprising forming ball bonds on chip pads of the integrated circuit chip and wedge bonds on leadframe fingers adjacent to one or more edges of the integrated circuit chip, the ball bonds and the wedge bonds connected by respective and integral wires; and wherein the information is encoded by varying one or more wirebonding parameters on each chip pad of the set of chip pads, the wirebonding parameters selected from the group consisting of the location of a ball bond, the diameter of a ball bond, both the location and diameter of a ball bond, the location of a wedge bond and combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: William E. Bentley, Jr., Nathanial W. Bowe, Alfred J. Brignull, Mark A. DiRocco, Thomas C. Rudick