Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to structures formed on semiconductor chips that are used for at least partially addressing the thermally induced stresses and metallization system cracking problems in a semiconductor chip that may be caused by the presence of through-silicon vias (TSV's), and which may be due primarily to the significant differences in thermal expansion between the materials of the TSV's and the semiconductor-based materials that generally make up the remainder of the semiconductor chip. One device disclosed herein includes a substrate and a crack-arresting structure positioned above the substrate, the crack-arresting structure comprising a plurality of crack-arresting elements and having a perimeter when viewed from above.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods for forming a semiconductor device are presented. The semiconductor device includes a die which includes a die substrate having first and second major surfaces. The semiconductor device includes a passive component disposed below the second major surface of the die substrate. The passive component is electrically coupled to the die through through silicon via (TSV) contacts.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to structures formed on semiconductor chips that are used for at least partially addressing the thermally induced stresses and metallization system cracking problems in a semiconductor chip that may be caused by the presence of through-silicon vias (TSV's), and which may be due primarily to the significant differences in thermal expansion between the materials of the TSV's and the semiconductor-based materials that generally make up the remainder of the semiconductor chip. One device disclosed herein includes a substrate and a crack-arresting structure positioned above the substrate, the crack-arresting structure comprising a plurality of crack-arresting elements and having a perimeter when viewed from above.

Abstract: Generally, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to interconnect structures used for making electrical connections between semiconductor chips in a stacked or 3D chip configuration, and methods for forming the same. One illustrative method disclosed herein includes forming a conductive via element in a semiconductor substrate, wherein the conductive via element is formed from a front side of the semiconductor substrate so as to initially extend a partial distance through the semiconductor substrate. The illustrative method also includes forming a via opening in a back side of the semiconductor substrate to expose a surface of the conductive via element, and filling the via opening with a layer of conductive contact material.

Abstract: Generally, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to interconnect structures used for making electrical connections between semiconductor chips in a stacked or 3D chip configuration, and methods for forming the same. One illustrative method disclosed herein includes forming a conductive via element in a semiconductor substrate, wherein the conductive via element is formed from a front side of the semiconductor substrate so as to initially extend a partial distance through the semiconductor substrate. The illustrative method also includes forming a via opening in a back side of the semiconductor substrate to expose a surface of the conductive via element, and filling the via opening with a layer of conductive contact material.