Abstract: A method for making, and a programmable structure for use in a semiconductor chip is provided. The method includes forming a lower metallization layer, and forming an upper metallization layer. The upper metallization layer has a first portion and a second portion. An eroded via is formed between the lower metallization layer and the first portion of the upper metallization layer, and a conductive via is formed between the lower metallization layer and the second portion of the upper metallization layer. The method then includes applying a current between the lower metallization layer and the second portion of the upper metallization layer. The current is configured to cause electromigration in the lower metallization layer such that some of the electromigration fills the eroded via between the lower metallization layer and first portion of the upper metallization layer. The current, if programming is desired, is applied from pads of the semiconductor chip either directly or by way of a programming circuit.

Abstract: Metal bond pads are formed over active circuitry in a semiconductor chip in a reliable and cost effective manner. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a metal bond pad is formed over circuitry in the semiconductor chip. A metal layer is formed over the circuitry and the metal bond pad, and a diffusion barrier layer is formed between the metal layer and the metal bond pad. In this manner, additional metal can be formed on the pad site using only one additional mask step, and thicker metal at the pad site improves the reliability of the chip by providing for a metal cushion at the pad useful in subsequent wire bonding processes.

Abstract: Metal bond pads are formed over active circuitry in a semiconductor chip in a reliable and cost effective manner. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a metal bond pad is formed over circuitry in the semiconductor chip. A metal layer is formed over the circuitry and the metal bond pad, and a photoresist mask is patterned over the metal layer. The metal layer is etched and the portion of the metal layer not masked with the photoresist is removed. In this manner, additional metal can be formed on the pad site using only one additional mask step, and the thicker metal at the pad site improves the reliability of the chip by providing for a metal cushion at the pad useful in subsequent wire bonding processes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for forming an aligned via under a trench to prevent voiding in a dual damascene process. The trench is formed in an oxide layer that is formed over a first metal layer and the first metal layer is formed over a semiconductor substrate. The method includes forming an etch stop layer over the oxide layer and forming a set of adjacent trenches in the oxide layer through a portion of the etch stop layer. The method also includes forming a resist layer at least partially over the etch stop layer. The resist layer is formed in a via pattern to expose the set of adjacent trenches through the via pattern. The method further includes etching the oxide layer under the set of adjacent trenches until the oxide layer is etched through to expose at least a portion of the first metal layer so as to form a via under each of the adjacent trenches.

Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor integrated circuit device having a plurality of metallization levels of patterned metallization lines that are resistant to electromigration voiding, and methods for making the electromigration void resistant metallization lines. The semiconductor integrated circuit device includes a metallization line having a first end and a second end. Oxide feature regions are defined in the metallization line, and the oxide feature regions are arranged along the metallization line between the first end and the second end. Each one of the oxide feature regions are configured to be separated from a previous oxide feature region by about a Blech length or less, and each of the oxide feature regions are configured to define a region of increased metallization atom concentration and a corresponding increased back-flow force. The oxide feature regions therefore define a composite metallization interconnect line, which is well configured to retard electromigration voiding.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for encapsulating a via over a first metal layer of a semiconductor substrate in a damascene processing to prevent voiding. The method includes forming an intermetal oxide (IMO) layer over the first metal layer and forming a via in the IMO layer such that the via exposes a portion of the first metal layer and a side wall of the via in the IMO layer. The method also includes conformally forming a first barrier layer over the IMO layer and the via such that a portion of the first barrier layer is deposited over the side wall of the IMO layer and the exposed portion of the first metal layer. The method further includes depositing a second metal layer over the first barrier layer such that the second metal layer fills the via within the first barrier layer portion deposited in the via to form a metal via.

Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor chip and method for making a semiconductor chip having strategically placed composite metallization. The semiconductor chip includes a topmost metallization layer that defines a plurality of patterned features including a plurality of input/output metallization pads for receiving an associated plurality of gold bonding wires. An inter-metal oxide layer that is defined under the topmost metallization layer. The semiconductor chip further includes an underlying metallization layer that is defined under the inter-metal oxide layer in order to electrically isolate the topmost metallization layer from the underlying metallization layer. The underlying metallization has a plurality of patterned features, and portions of the plurality of patterned features lie at least partially in locations that are underlying the plurality of input/output metallization pads.