Abstract: A semiconductor structure is provided. The semiconductor structure includes a semiconductor chip and a scribe line adjoining the semiconductor chip. A conductive feature is formed in the scribe line and exposed on the surface of the scribe lines, wherein the conductive feature has an edge facing the semiconductor chip. A kerf path is in the scribe line. A first cut is formed in the conductive feature, wherein the first cut extends from the first edge to the kerf path.

Abstract: An integrated circuit structure is provided. The integrated circuit structure includes a semiconductor substrate; a dielectric layer over the semiconductor substrate; a metal fuse in the dielectric layer; a dummy pattern adjacent the metal fuse; and a metal line in the dielectric layer, wherein a thickness of the metal fuse is substantially less than a thickness of the metal line.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a daisy chain adjacent to an edge of a semiconductor chip. The daisy chain includes a plurality of horizontal metal lines distributed in a plurality of metallization layers, wherein the horizontal metal lines are serially connected; a plurality of connecting pads in a same layer and electrically connecting the horizontal metal lines, wherein the connecting pads are physically separated from each other; and a plurality of vertical metal lines, each connecting one of the connecting pads to one of the horizontal metal lines, wherein one of the plurality of connecting pads is connected to one of the plurality of horizontal metal lines by only one of the plurality of vertical metal lines; and a seal ring adjacent and electrically disconnected from the daisy chain.

Abstract: A novel die saw crack stopper that consists of placing formations into the scribe line of multiple metal layers of a die. These formations comprise multiple right-angle shapes that are interconnected at right angles. In an embodiment the formations have an overall shape that has a special meaning, such as the Chinese symbol for “Stop”, , a modified Yin-Yang design, the Buddhist “Wan” symbol, the Christian Cross, or the like. The formations in a single layer can be placed such that they are located adjacent to each other along an axis that runs substantially parallel with the scribe line. These formations can also be connected to other formations in other metal layers located either above or below the formation.

Abstract: Reinforced semiconductor structures are provided. An exemplary embodiment of a reinforced semiconductor structure comprises a semiconductor wafer comprising a plurality of dielectric layers formed thereon. At least one scribe line region is defined over the semiconductor wafer, separating the semiconductor wafer with at least two active regions thereover. A plurality of first non-dielectric pillars are formed in the topmost layer of the dielectric layers in the scribe line region and surround the test pad along a periphery. A plurality of second non-dielectric pillars and first vias are formed in a first low-k dielectric layer underlying the topmost low-k layer in the scribe line region, wherein the second non-dielectric pillars electrically connect the first non-dielectric pillars by the first vias, respectively.

Abstract: Bonding pad structures and integrated circuits having the same are provided. An exemplary embodiment of a bond pad structure comprises a bond pad layer. A passivation layer partially covers the bond pad layer from edges thereof and exposes a bonding surface, wherein the passivation layer is formed with a recess on at least one edge of the bonding surface to thereby define a probe needle contact area for probe needle testing and a wire bonding area for wire bonding on the bonding surface, and the probe needle contact area and the wire bonding area have a non-overlapping relationship.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer structure includes a plurality of dies, a first scribe line extending along a first direction, a second scribe line extending along a second direction and intersecting the first scribe line, wherein the first and the second scribe lines have an intersection region. A test line is formed in the scribe line, wherein the test line crosses the intersection region. Test pads are formed in the test line and only outside a free region defined substantially in the intersection region.

Abstract: An interconnect structure includes at least a first interconnect layer and a second interconnect layer. Each of the first and second interconnect layers has a pad structure and each pad structure has a respective pad density. The pad density of the pad structure of the second interconnect layer is different from the pad density of the pad structure of the first interconnect layer. The pad structures of the first and second interconnect layers are connected to each other.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for inserting dummy patterns in sparsely populated portions of a metal layer. The dummy pattern counters the effects of variations of pattern density in a semiconductor layout which can cause uneven post-polish film thickness. An algorithm according to one embodiment of the disclosure determines the size and location of the dummy patterns based on the patterns in the metal layer by first surrounding the metal structure with small dummy pattern and then filling any remaining voids with large dummy patterns.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for inserting dummy patterns in sparsely populated portions of a metal layer. The dummy pattern counters the effects of variations of pattern density in a semiconductor layout which can cause uneven post-polish film thickness. An algorithm according to one embodiment of the disclosure determines the size and location of the dummy patterns based on the patterns in the metal layer by first surrounding the metal structure with small dummy pattern and then filling any remaining voids with large dummy patterns.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer includes one or more dies, each of which has a boundary surrounding an integrated circuitry for separating one from another. One or more pattern units are disposed adjacent to the die for monitoring a fabrication process thereof. A protection structure is disposed between the die and the pattern units for preventing the die from damage during a separation of the die from the semiconductor wafer. Thus, the semiconductor wafer is adapted to prevent damage during a die separation process.

Abstract: A wafer carrier assembly for a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus and a polishing method using the same are provided. The present wafer carrier assembly comprises a first plate, a second plate and a flexible membrane. The first plate has a plurality of protrusions formed on a bottom surface thereof and the second plate has a plurality of apertures passing through. Each of the protrusions is matched with one of the apertures to enable the first plate and the second plate to detachably combine together. The flexible membrane is positioned under the second plate and contacts it. A surface of the flexible membrane opposite to the surface of the flexible membrane contacting the second plate provides a wafer-receiving surface.

Abstract: The present invention related to a CMP equipment, compatible with the existing manufacture processes. The CMP equipment of the present invention employs strip polishing platens that can be smaller than the wafer size, so that the layout is compact and the space is effectively utilized, leading to high throughput and efficient production management. The present invention provides a CMP equipment that offers greater flexibility in performing CMP for different fabrication processes through the choices of various polishing pads and/or polishing slurry.

Abstract: A wafer carrier assembly for a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus and a polishing method using the same are provided. The present wafer carrier assembly comprises a first plate, a second plate and a flexible membrane. The first plate has a plurality of protrusions formed on a bottom surface thereof and the second plate has a plurality of apertures passing through. Each of the protrusions is matched with one of the apertures to enable the first plate and the second plate to detachably combine together. The flexible membrane is positioned under the second plate and contacts it. A surface of the flexible membrane opposite to the surface of the flexible membrane contacting the second plate provides a wafer-receiving surface.

Abstract: A method for planarization of a semiconductor wafer with a high selectivity is describe. The semiconductor wafer has a hard mask, a stop layer disposed on the hard mask, and a barrier layer disposed on the stop layer. The method includes performing a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process on the barrier layer so as to expose the stop layer, and removing the stop layer. The polishing selectivity of the barrier layer relative to the stop layer is greater than 50. Since the material of stop layer is different from the material of barrier layer, the high selectivity is easily achieved. Thus, the surface of semiconductor wafer can be highly planarized.

Abstract: A wafer carrier assembly for a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus and a polishing method using the same are provided. The present wafer carrier assembly comprises a first plate, a second plate and a flexible membrane. The first plate has a plurality of protrusions formed on a bottom surface thereof and the second plate has a plurality of apertures passing through. Each of the protrusions is matched with one of the apertures to enable the first plate and the second plate to detachably combine together. The flexible membrane is positioned under the second plate and contacts it. A surface of the flexible membrane opposite to the surface of the flexible membrane contacting the second plate provides a wafer-receiving surface.

Abstract: A method for planarization of a semiconductor wafer with a high selectivity is described. The semiconductor wafer has a hard mask, a stop layer disposed on the hard mask, and a barrier layer disposed on the stop layer. The method includes performing a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process on the barrier layer so as to expose the stop layer, and removing the stop layer. The polishing selectivity of the barrier layer relative to the stop layer is greater than 50. Since the material of stop layer is different from the material of barrier layer, the high selectivity is easily achieved. Thus, the surface of semiconductor wafer can be highly planarized.