Abstract: A semiconductor package includes a semiconductor die, a redistribution circuit structure, a supporting structure and a protective layer. The redistribution circuit structure is located on and electrically coupled to the semiconductor die. The supporting structure is located on an outer surface of the redistribution circuit structure, wherein the supporting structure is overlapped with at least a part of the semiconductor die or has a sidewall substantially aligned with a sidewall of the semiconductor die in a vertical projection on the redistribution circuit structure along a stacking direction of the redistribution circuit structure and the supporting structure. The protective layer is located on the supporting structure, wherein the supporting structure is sandwiched between the protective layer and the redistribution circuit structure.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device is described. The method includes forming a plurality of fins over a substrate, and forming dummy gates patterned over the fins. Each dummy gate has a spacer on sidewalls of the patterned dummy gates. The method also includes forming recesses in the fins by using the patterned dummy gates as a mask, forming a passivation layer over the fins and in the recesses in the fins, and patterning the passivation layer to leave a remaining passivation layer in some of the recesses in the fins.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a substrate including a semiconductor material. The semiconductor device includes a conduction channel of a transistor disposed above the substrate. The conduction channel and the substrate include a similar semiconductor material. The semiconductor device includes a source/drain region extending from an end of the conduction channel. The semiconductor device includes a dielectric structure. The source/drain region is electrically coupled to the conduction channel and electrically isolated from the substrate by the dielectric structure.

Abstract: A semiconductor package includes a semiconductor die, a redistribution circuit structure, a supporting structure and a protective layer. The redistribution circuit structure is located on and electrically coupled to the semiconductor die. The supporting structure is located on an outer surface of the redistribution circuit structure, wherein the supporting structure is overlapped with at least a part of the semiconductor die or has a sidewall substantially aligned with a sidewall of the semiconductor die in a vertical projection on the redistribution circuit structure along a stacking direction of the redistribution circuit structure and the supporting structure. The protective layer is located on the supporting structure, wherein the supporting structure is sandwiched between the protective layer and the redistribution circuit structure.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards image sensors including composite backside illuminated (CBSI) structures to enhance performance. In some embodiments, a first trench isolation structure extends into a backside of a substrate to a first depth and comprises a pair of first trench isolation segments. A photodetector is in the substrate, between and bordering the first trench isolation segments. A second trench isolation structure is between the first trench isolation segments and extends into the backside of the substrate to a second depth less than the first depth. The second trench isolation structure comprises a pair of second trench isolation segments. An absorption enhancement structure overlies the photodetector, between the second trench isolation segments, and is recessed into the backside of the semiconductor substrate. The absorption enhancement structure and the second trench isolation structure collectively define a CBSI structure.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device is described. A plurality of fins is formed over a substrate. Dummy gates are formed patterned over the fins, each dummy gate having a spacer on sidewalls of the patterned dummy gates. Recesses are formed in the fins using the patterned dummy gates as a mask. A passivation layer is formed over the fins and in the recesses in the fins. The passivation layer is patterned to leave a remaining passivation layer only in some of the recesses in the fins. Source and drain regions are epitaxially formed only in the recesses in the fins without the remaining passivation layer.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes: forming a fin protruding above a substrate; forming isolation regions on opposing sides of the fin; forming a dummy gate over the fin; reducing a thickness of a lower portion of the dummy gate proximate to the isolation regions, where after reducing the thickness, a distance between opposing sidewalls of the lower portion of the dummy gate decreases as the dummy gate extends toward the isolation regions; after reducing the thickness, forming a gate fill material along at least the opposing sidewalls of the lower portion of the dummy gate; forming gate spacers along sidewalls of the dummy gate and along sidewalls of the gate fill material; and replacing the dummy gate with a metal gate.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacture are described herein. A method includes forming an opening through an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer to expose a contact etch stop layer (CESL) disposed over a conductive feature in a metallization layer. The opening is formed using photo sensitive materials, lithographic techniques, and a dry etch process that stops on the CESL. Once the CESL is exposed, a CESL breakthrough process is performed to extend the opening through the CESL and expose the conductive feature. The CESL breakthrough process is a flexible process with a high selectivity of the CESL to ILD layer. Once the CESL breakthrough process has been performed, a conductive fill material may be deposited to fill or overfill the opening and is then planarized with the ILD layer to form a contact plug over the conductive feature in an intermediate step of forming a semiconductor device.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards image sensors including composite backside illuminated (CBSI) structures to enhance performance. In some embodiments, a first trench isolation structure extends into a backside of a substrate to a first depth and comprises a pair of first trench isolation segments. A photodetector is in the substrate, between and bordering the first trench isolation segments. A second trench isolation structure is between the first trench isolation segments and extends into the backside of the substrate to a second depth less than the first depth. The second trench isolation structure comprises a pair of second trench isolation segments. An absorption enhancement structure overlies the photodetector, between the second trench isolation segments, and is recessed into the backside of the semiconductor substrate. The absorption enhancement structure and the second trench isolation structure collectively define a CBSI structure.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacture are described herein. A method includes forming an opening through an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer to expose a contact etch stop layer (CESL) disposed over a conductive feature in a metallization layer. The opening is formed using photo sensitive materials, lithographic techniques, and a dry etch process that stops on the CESL. Once the CESL is exposed, a CESL breakthrough process is performed to extend the opening through the CESL and expose the conductive feature. The CESL breakthrough process is a flexible process with a high selectivity of the CESL to ILD layer. Once the CESL breakthrough process has been performed, a conductive fill material may be deposited to fill or overfill the opening and is then planarized with the ILD layer to form a contact plug over the conductive feature in an intermediate step of forming a semiconductor device.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a substrate including a semiconductor material. The semiconductor device includes a conduction channel of a transistor disposed above the substrate. The conduction channel and the substrate include a similar semiconductor material. The semiconductor device includes a source/drain region extending from an end of the conduction channel. The semiconductor device includes a dielectric structure. The source/drain region is electrically coupled to the conduction channel and electrically isolated from the substrate by the dielectric structure.

Abstract: A method includes forming a redistribution structure, which formation process includes forming a plurality of dielectric layers over a carrier, forming a plurality of redistribution lines extending into the plurality of dielectric layers, and forming a reinforcing patch over the carrier. The method further includes bonding a package component to the redistribution structure, with the package component having a peripheral region overlapping a portion of the reinforcing patch. And de-bonding the redistribution structure and the first package component from the carrier.

Abstract: A circuit includes an array including a plurality of memory cells; a driver operatively coupled to the array and configured to provide an access signal controlling an access to one or more of the plurality of memory cells; and a timing controller operatively coupled to the driver. The timing controller is configured to: receive a control signal; and in response to the control signal transitioning from a first logic state to a second logic state, adjust a pulse width of the access signal within a single clock cycle containing a first phase and a second phase, wherein the first phase includes reading a first data bit stored in a first one of the one or more memory cells and the second phase includes writing a second data bit into the first memory cell.

Abstract: The present disclosure, in some embodiments, relates to an image sensor integrated chip. The image sensor integrated chip includes a plurality of gate structures arranged along a first side of a substrate within a plurality of pixel regions. An etch block structure is arranged on the first side of the substrate between neighboring ones of the plurality of gate structures. A contact etch stop layer (CESL) is arranged on the etch block structure between the neighboring ones of the plurality of gate structures. An isolation structure is disposed between one or more sidewalls of the substrate and extends from a second side of the substrate to the first side of the substrate. The etch block structure is vertically between the isolation structure and the CESL.

Abstract: An eye-bolt assembly includes an eye bolt and a base portion. The eye bolt includes a ring portion, a stem portion, and at least one winged extension. The ring portion is attached a first end of the stem portion. The at least one winged extension is attached to a second end of the stem portion. The base portion receives and securely locks the eye bolt therein. The base portion includes a collar and a platform secured to the collar. The collar forms a first aperture therein. The platform forms a second aperture therein. The platform includes a spring being located at least partially within the second aperture. A first end of the spring is attached to the platform. The second aperture formed in the platform is in spaced communication with the first aperture formed in the collar.

Abstract: A method includes bonding a tier-1 device die to a carrier, forming a first gap-filling region to encapsulate the tier-1 device die, forming a first redistribution structure over and electrically connected to the tier-1 device die, and bonding a tier-2 device die to the tier-1 device die. The tier-2 device die is over the tier-1 device die, and the tier-2 device die extends laterally beyond a corresponding edge of the tier-1 device die. The method further includes forming a second gap-filling region to encapsulate the tier-2 device die, removing the carrier, and forming a through-dielectric via penetrating through the first gap-filling region. The through-dielectric via is overlapped by, and is electrically connected to, the tier-2 device die. A second redistribution structure is formed, wherein the first redistribution structure and the second redistribution structure are on opposing sides of the tier-1 device die.

Abstract: A measurement pattern for monitoring overlay shift of bonded wafers includes a top wafer pattern and a bottom wafer pattern. The top wafer pattern includes a first portion with a width Wx1 measured along a first axis. The bottom wafer pattern includes a first part with a width Wx2 measured along the first axis, wherein the first portion of the top wafer pattern and the first part of the bottom wafer pattern are separated by a target distance Dx, and wherein the measurement pattern satisfies the following measurement formulas: Tx > Dx - Sx ; ? Tx < Dx - Sx + Wx ? 2 ; ? Tx > Sx ; ? Tx < Dx - Sx + Wx ? 1 ; wherein, Tx represents a searching distance for finding an end-point of the first portion or an end-point of the first part; and Sx represents an actual shifting amount of the first portion.

Abstract: A method includes forming a first and a second dummy gate stack crossing over a semiconductor region, forming an ILD to embed the first and the second dummy gate stacks therein, replacing the first and the second dummy gate stacks with a first and a second replacement gate stack, respectively, performing a first etching process to form a first opening. A portion of the first replacement gate stack and a portion of the second replacement gate stack are removed. The method further includes filling the first opening to form a dielectric isolation region, performing a second etching process to form a second opening, with the ILD being etched, and the dielectric isolation region being exposed to the second opening, forming a contact spacer in the second opening, and filling a contact plug in the second opening. The contact plug is between opposite portions of the contact spacer.

Abstract: A fan management system includes a fan and a server. The fan includes a driving circuit, and the driving circuit is configured for driving the fan. The fan operates in an operation mode. The server is connected to the fan and is configured for controlling the operation of the fan. The driving circuit outputs a digital label signal when the fan operates abnormally, and the server obtains a production history, an operation information and a warning message of the fan through the digital label signal. The server adjusts the operation mode of the fan according to the warning message simultaneously.

Abstract: A reflective mask includes a substrate, a reflective multilayer disposed on the substrate, a capping layer disposed on the reflective multilayer, and an absorber layer disposed on the capping layer. The absorber layer includes one or more alternating pairs of a first Cr based layer and a second Cr based layer different from the first Cr based layer.