Method of optimized stitching for digital micro-mirror device
A method of providing a reticle layout for a die having at least three patterns, namely a right pattern, a center pattern, and a left pattern, where the center pattern is oversized relative to the photolithography step size. To avoid the non-uniformity effects resulting from stitching the center pattern, the center pattern size is minimized. This is accomplished by moving portions of the center pattern to the left and right patterns.
This invention relates to semiconductor fabrication, and more particularly to a method of reducing the effects of non-uniformity in stitched patterns of an integrated circuit.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONAlmost all of today's computer chips are built on silicon wafers. Semiconductor manufacturers produce many kinds of ICs or chips. The precise process followed to make a chip varies according to the type of chip and the manufacturing company. However most wafer processing involves the same basic steps.
Once wafer processing is complete, each chip (or die) on the wafer is tested for electrical performance, cut apart with wafer saws, and put into individual protective packages. Once packaged, chips are tested again to make sure they function properly before being shipped to distributors or placed in electronic products It sometimes occurs that a single pattern is larger than the field size of the photolithographic stepper. When this occurs, the pattern is subdivided and the patterns are “stitched” to form the original pattern. If there are non-uniformities existing across the exposure field of the photolithographic stepper, then these non-uniformities may show up as discontinuities across the stitch.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONOne aspect of the invention is a method of laying out a photolithography reticle for a layer of a semiconductor die, the layer having at least three patterns to be stitched in series, that is, a first end pattern, a center pattern, and a second end pattern. It is first determined whether the step size of the photolithography equipment is smaller than a pattern to be printed. If so, then stitching must be employed. To optimize stitching so as to reduce the effects of non-uniformities, the center pattern is made smaller by moving portions of the center pattern to the first end pattern and to the second end pattern.
An advantage of the invention is that it minimizes non-uniformity effects resulting from stitching the center pattern. It avoids the “worst case” situation, in which non uniformities meet in the middle of the stitched (composite) die.
In the case of a die used to make an image-generating array, such as a digital micro-mirror device, non uniformity effects resulting from stitching can result in visible differences at the stitch line. When the patterns are adjusted as described above, these visible effects are minimized.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Relating the patterns of
For a large DMD, stitching is used to increase the size of the center array. In the example of
Referring again to
Analogous non-uniformity problems might exist in integrated circuits other than a DMD. In general, an integrated circuit having a central array of like elements might have non-uniformity problems when the central array is sufficiently large so as to call for stitching. Brightness discontinuity is but one example of a non-uniformity effect resulting from stitching. Depending on the type of center array, different types of non-uniformity effects other than those involving brightness levels might occur.
Ideally, the center pattern 43 is made as small as possible, given the constraints of the overall die size and the allowable field size of the stepper. The remaining (minimized) center pattern 43 may be, but is not necessarily, smaller than the portions of the center pattern moved to the end segments 42 and 44.
It should be understood that the same concepts equivalently apply to a die having a series of top-to-bottom patterns rather than a series of left-to-right patterns. In this case, the improved reticle layout could be used to reduce the effect of top-to-bottom discontinuities. In other words, the concepts described herein are applicable regardless of whether the patterns are to be stitched vertically or horizontally.
In general, the invention is applicable when the resulting die is to be comprised of a series of at least three adjoining patterns with a central “oversized” pattern. An example of other devices in which the reticle layout may be improved according to the present invention are devices other than DMD's that are used to generate images, such as LCD arrays.
Other EmbodimentsAlthough the present invention has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims
1-10. (canceled)
11. At least three photolithographic reticles for patterning a semiconductor substrate with a composite image, said photolithographic reticles comprising:
- a first reticle providing an image for a first perimeter portion of said composite image;
- a second reticle providing an image for a second perimeter portion of said composite image; and
- at least one central reticle providing an image for a central portion of said composite image, said central portion of said composite image having a smaller area than at least one of said first perimeter and said second perimeter portions.
12. The reticles of claim 11, said first perimeter portion of said composite image being larger than all other said portions.
13. The reticles of claim 11, said first perimeter portion and said second perimeter portion being larger than all other said portions.
14. The reticles of claim 11, said reticles designed for use on a stepper and wherein at least one of said first and said second reticles provides substantially the largest image said stepper supports.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 5, 2006
Publication Date: Aug 17, 2006
Inventors: Jack Smith (Parker, TX), James Huffman (Cambridge)
Application Number: 11/398,093
International Classification: G03C 5/00 (20060101); H01L 21/302 (20060101); H01L 21/461 (20060101);