Patents by Inventor Shu-Ting Tsai
Shu-Ting Tsai 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).
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Patent number: 10283547Abstract: An image sensor includes a sensor portion and an ASIC portion bonded to the sensor portion. The sensor portion includes a first substrate having radiation-sensing pixels, a first interconnect structure, a first isolation layer, and a first dielectric layer. The ASIC portion includes a second substrate, a second isolation layer, and a second dielectric layer. The material compositions of the first and second isolation layers and the first and second dielectric layers are configured such that the first and second isolation layers may serve as barrier layers to prevent copper diffusion into oxide. The first and second isolation layers may also serve as etching-stop layers in the formation of the image sensor.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2016Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: U-Ting Chen, Shu-Ting Tsai, Cheng-Ying Ho, Tzu-Hsuan Hsu, Shih Pei Chou
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Publication number: 20190131330Abstract: A stacked integrated circuit (IC) device and a method are disclosed. The stacked IC device includes a first semiconductor element and a second semiconductor element bonded on the first semiconductor element. The first semiconductor element includes a first substrate, a common conductive feature in the first substrate, a first inter-level dielectric (ILD) layer, a first interconnection feature and a conductive plug connecting the first interconnection feature to the common conductive feature. The second semiconductor element includes a second substrate, a second ILD layers over the second substrate and a second interconnection feature in second ILD layers. The device also includes a conductive deep plug connecting to the common conductive feature in the first semiconductor element and the second interconnection feature. The conductive deep plug is separated with the conductive plug by the first ILD layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2018Publication date: May 2, 2019Inventors: Chun-Chieh Chuang, Dun-Nian Yaung, Jen-Cheng Liu, Feng-Chi Hung, Tzu-Hsuan Hsu, Shu-Ting Tsai, Min-Feng Kao
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Patent number: 10269843Abstract: A backside illumination (BSI) image sensor and a method of forming the same are provided. A method includes forming a plurality of photosensitive pixels in a substrate, the substrate having a first surface and a second surface, the second surface being opposite the first surface, the substrate having one or more active devices on the first surface. A first portion of the second surface is protected. A second portion of the second surface is patterned to form recesses in the substrate. An anti-reflective layer is formed on sidewalls of the recesses. A metal grid is formed over the second portion of the second surface, the anti-reflective layer being interposed between the substrate and the metal grid.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2018Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Hung-Wen Hsu, Jiech-Fun Lu, Yeur-Luen Tu, U-Ting Chen, Shu-Ting Tsai, Hsiu-Yu Cheng
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Publication number: 20190115322Abstract: An interconnect apparatus and a method of forming the interconnect apparatus is provided. Two integrated circuits are bonded together. A first opening is formed through one of the substrates. A multi-layer dielectric film is formed along sidewalls of the first opening. One or more etch processes form one or more spacer-shaped structures along sidewalls of the first opening. A second opening is formed extending from the first opening to pads in the integrated circuits. A dielectric liner is formed, and the opening is filled with a conductive material to form a conductive plug.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2018Publication date: April 18, 2019Inventors: Shu-Ting Tsai, Dun-Nian Yaung, Jen-Cheng Liu, U-Ting Chen, Shih Pei Chou
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Publication number: 20190051559Abstract: A stacked integrated circuit (IC) device and a method are disclosed. The stacked IC device includes a first semiconductor element. The first substrate includes a dielectric block in the first substrate; and a plurality of first conductive features formed in first inter-metal dielectric layers over the first substrate. The stacked IC device also includes a second semiconductor element bonded on the first semiconductor element. The second semiconductor element includes a second substrate and a plurality of second conductive features formed in second inter-metal dielectric layers over the second substrate. The stacked IC device also includes a conductive deep-interconnection-plug coupled between the first conductive features and the second conductive features. The conductive deep-interconnection-plug is isolated by dielectric block, the first inter-metal-dielectric layers and the second inter-metal-dielectric layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2018Publication date: February 14, 2019Inventors: Shu-Ting Tsai, Jeng-Shyan Lin, Dun-Nian Yaung, Jen-Cheng Liu, Feng-Chi Hung, Chih-Hui Huang, Sheng-Chau Chen, Shih-Pei Chou, Chia-Chieh Lin
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Publication number: 20190046806Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises a first chip bonded on a second chip. The first chip comprises a first substrate and first interconnection components formed in first IMD layers. The second chip comprises a second substrate and second interconnection components formed in second IMD layers. The device further comprises a first conductive plug formed within the first substrate and the first IMD layers, wherein the first conductive plug is coupled to a first interconnection component and a second conductive plug formed through the first substrate and the first IMD layers and formed partially through the second IMD layers, wherein the second conductive plug is coupled to a second interconnection component.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2018Publication date: February 14, 2019Inventors: Shu-Ting Tsai, Jeng-Shyan Lin, Chun-Chieh Chuang, Dun-Nian Yaung, Jen-Cheng Liu, Feng-Chi Hung
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Patent number: 10163956Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first semiconductor chip including a first substrate, a plurality of first inter-metal dielectric layers and a plurality of first metal lines, a second semiconductor chip having a surface in contact with a surface of the first semiconductor chip, wherein the second semiconductor chip comprises a second substrate, a plurality of second inter-metal dielectric layers and a plurality of second metal lines and a conductive plug coupled between the first metal lines and the second metal lines, wherein the conductive plug comprises a first portion over a first side of a hard mask layer and a second portion over a second side of the hard mask layer, wherein the hard mask layer is a ring-shaped layer, and wherein the conductive plug is formed in a center opening of the ring-shaped layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2016Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Jeng-Shyan Lin, Shu-Ting Tsai, Dun-Nian Yaung, Jen-Cheng Liu, Feng-Chi Hung, Shih Pei Chou, Min-Feng Kao, Szu-Ying Chen
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Publication number: 20180366447Abstract: An interconnect apparatus and a method of forming the interconnect apparatus is provided. Two integrated circuits are bonded together. A first opening is formed through one of the substrates. A multi-layer dielectric film is formed along sidewalls and a bottom of the first opening. A second opening is formed extending from the first opening to pads in the integrated circuits. A dielectric liner is formed, and the opening is filled with a conductive material to form a conductive plug.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2018Publication date: December 20, 2018Inventors: Shu-Ting Tsai, Dun-Nian Yaung, Jen-Cheng Liu, Chun-Chieh Chuang, Chia-Chieh Lin, U-Ting Chen
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Patent number: 10157959Abstract: A stacked integrated circuit (IC) device and a method are disclosed. The stacked IC device includes a first semiconductor element and a second semiconductor element bonded on the first semiconductor element. The first semiconductor element includes a first substrate, a common conductive feature in the first substrate, a first inter-level dielectric (ILD) layer, a first interconnection feature and a conductive plug connecting the first interconnection feature to the common conductive feature. The second semiconductor element includes a second substrate, a second ILD layers over the second substrate and a second interconnection feature in second ILD layers. The device also includes a conductive deep plug connecting to the common conductive feature in the first semiconductor element and the second interconnection feature. The conductive deep plug is separated with the conductive plug by the first ILD layer.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2018Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING, COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Chun-Chieh Chuang, Dun-Nian Yaung, Jen-Cheng Liu, Feng-Chi Hung, Tzu-Hsuan Hsu, Shu-Ting Tsai, Min-Feng Kao
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Patent number: 10157891Abstract: An interconnect apparatus and a method of forming the interconnect apparatus is provided. Two integrated circuits are bonded together. A first opening is formed through one of the substrates. A multi-layer dielectric film is formed along sidewalls of the first opening. One or more etch processes form one or more spacer-shaped structures along sidewalls of the first opening. A second opening is formed extending from the first opening to pads in the integrated circuits. A dielectric liner is formed, and the opening is filled with a conductive material to form a conductive plug.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2017Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Shu-Ting Tsai, Dun-Nian Yaung, Jen-Cheng Liu, U-Ting Chen, Shih Pei Chou
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Patent number: 10092768Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises a first chip bonded on a second chip. The first chip comprises a first substrate and first interconnection components formed in first IMD layers. The second chip comprises a second substrate and second interconnection components formed in second IMD layers. The device further comprises a first conductive plug formed within the first substrate and the first IMD layers, wherein the first conductive plug is coupled to a first interconnection component and a second conductive plug formed through the first substrate and the first IMD layers and formed partially through the second IMD layers, wherein the second conductive plug is coupled to a second interconnection component.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2017Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Shu-Ting Tsai, Jeng-Shyan Lin, Chun-Chieh Chuang, Dun-Nian Yaung, Jen-Cheng Liu, Feng-Chi Hung
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Patent number: 10096515Abstract: A stacked integrated circuit (IC) device and a method are disclosed. The stacked IC device includes a first semiconductor element. The first substrate includes a dielectric block in the first substrate; and a plurality of first conductive features formed in first inter-metal dielectric layers over the first substrate. The stacked IC device also includes a second semiconductor element bonded on the first semiconductor element. The second semiconductor element includes a second substrate and a plurality of second conductive features formed in second inter-metal dielectric layers over the second substrate. The stacked IC device also includes a conductive deep-interconnection-plug coupled between the first conductive features and the second conductive features. The conductive deep-interconnection-plug is isolated by dielectric block, the first inter-metal-dielectric layers and the second inter-metal-dielectric layers.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2013Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Shu-Ting Tsai, Jeng-Shyan Lin, Dun-Nian Yaung, Jen-Cheng Liu, Feng-Chi Hung, Chih-Hui Huang, Sheng-Chau Chen, Shih-Pei Chou, Chia-Chieh Lin
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Patent number: 10056353Abstract: An interconnect apparatus and a method of forming the interconnect apparatus is provided. Two integrated circuits are bonded together. A first opening is formed through one of the substrates. A multi-layer dielectric film is formed along sidewalls and a bottom of the first opening. A second opening is formed extending from the first opening to pads in the integrated circuits. A dielectric liner is formed, and the opening is filled with a conductive material to form a conductive plug.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2013Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Shu-Ting Tsai, Dun-Nian Yaung, Jen-Cheng Liu, Chun-Chieh Chuang, Chia-Chieh Lin, U-Ting Chen
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Publication number: 20180226449Abstract: An interconnect apparatus and a method of forming the interconnect apparatus is provided. Two substrates, such as wafers, dies, or a wafer and a die, are bonded together. A first mask is used to form a first opening extending partially to an interconnect formed on the first wafer. A dielectric liner is formed, and then another etch process is performed using the same mask. The etch process continues to expose interconnects formed on the first substrate and the second substrate. The opening is filled with a conductive material to form a conductive plug.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2018Publication date: August 9, 2018Inventors: Shih Pei Chou, Hung-Wen Hsu, Ching-Chung Su, Chun-Han Tsao, Chia-Chieh Lin, Shu-Ting Tsai, Jiech-Fun Lu, Shih-Chang Liu, Yeur-Luen Tu, Chia-Shiung Tsai
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Publication number: 20180197903Abstract: A backside illumination (BSI) image sensor and a method of forming the same are provided. A method includes forming a plurality of photosensitive pixels in a substrate, the substrate having a first surface and a second surface, the second surface being opposite the first surface, the substrate having one or more active devices on the first surface. A first portion of the second surface is protected. A second portion of the second surface is patterned to form recesses in the substrate. An anti-reflective layer is formed on sidewalls of the recesses. A metal grid is formed over the second portion of the second surface, the anti-reflective layer being interposed between the substrate and the metal grid.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2018Publication date: July 12, 2018Inventors: Hung-Wen Hsu, Jiech-Fun Lu, Yeur-Luen Tu, U-Ting Chen, Shu-Ting Tsai, Hsiu-Yu Cheng
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Publication number: 20180130836Abstract: A stacked integrated circuit (IC) device and a method are disclosed. The stacked IC device includes a first semiconductor element and a second semiconductor element bonded on the first semiconductor element. The first semiconductor element includes a first substrate, a common conductive feature in the first substrate, a first inter-level dielectric (ILD) layer, a first interconnection feature and a conductive plug connecting the first interconnection feature to the common conductive feature. The second semiconductor element includes a second substrate, a second ILD layers over the second substrate and a second interconnection feature in second ILD layers. The device also includes a conductive deep plug connecting to the common conductive feature in the first semiconductor element and the second interconnection feature. The conductive deep plug is separated with the conductive plug by the first ILD layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2018Publication date: May 10, 2018Inventors: Chun-Chieh Chuang, Dun-Nian Yaung, Jen-Cheng Liu, Feng-Chi Hung, Tzu-Hsuan Hsu, Shu-Ting Tsai, Min-Feng Kao
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Publication number: 20180102351Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed. In some embodiments, a semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor chip including a first substrate and a first conductive feature formed over the first substrate, and a second semiconductor chip bonded to the first semiconductor chip. The second semiconductor chip includes a second substrate and a second conductive feature formed over the second substrate. A conductive plug is disposed through the first conductive feature and is coupled to the second conductive feature. The conductive plug includes a first portion disposed over the first conductive feature, the first portion having a first width, and a second portion disposed beneath or within the first conductive feature. The second portion has a second width. The first width is greater than the second width.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2017Publication date: April 12, 2018Inventors: Shu-Ting Tsai, Dun-Nian Yaung, Jen-Cheng Liu, Szu-Ying Chen, U-Ting Chen
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Patent number: 9941249Abstract: A stacked semiconductor device and a method of forming the stacked semiconductor device are provided. A plurality of integrated circuits are bonded to one another to form the stacked semiconductor device. After each bonding step to bond an additional integrated circuit to a stacked semiconductor device formed at the previous bonding step, a plurality of conductive plugs are formed to electrically interconnect the additional integrated circuit to the stacked semiconductor device formed at the previous bonding step.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Shu-Ting Tsai, Szu-Ying Chen, Jeng-Shyan Lin, Tzu-Hsuan Hsu, Feng-Chi Hung, Dun-Nian Yaung
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Patent number: 9941320Abstract: An interconnect apparatus and a method of forming the interconnect apparatus is provided. Two substrates, such as wafers, dies, or a wafer and a die, are bonded together. A first mask is used to form a first opening extending partially to an interconnect formed on the first wafer. A dielectric liner is formed, and then another etch process is performed using the same mask. The etch process continues to expose interconnects formed on the first substrate and the second substrate. The opening is filled with a conductive material to form a conductive plug.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Shih Pei Chou, Hung-Wen Hsu, Ching-Chung Su, Chun-Han Tsao, Chia-Chieh Lin, Shu-Ting Tsai, Jiech-Fun Lu, Shih-Chang Liu, Yeur-Luen Tu, Chia-Shiung Tsai
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Patent number: 9917121Abstract: A backside illumination (BSI) image sensor and a method of forming the same are provided. A method includes forming a plurality of photosensitive pixels in a substrate, the substrate having a first surface and a second surface, the second surface being opposite the first surface, the substrate having one or more active devices on the first surface. A first portion of the second surface is protected. A second portion of the second surface is patterned to form recesses in the substrate. An anti-reflective layer is formed on sidewalls of the recesses. A metal grid is formed over the second portion of the second surface, the anti-reflective layer being interposed between the substrate and the metal grid.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Hung-Wen Hsu, Jiech-Fun Lu, Yeur-Luen Tu, U-Ting Chen, Shu-Ting Tsai, Hsiu-Yu Cheng