Abstract: Methodology and system for using vacuum pods to store/transport semiconductor wafers to efficiently reduce contamination of the wafers while reducing cost, cycle time, and process steps and tools without the need for a complete reconfiguration of processes/tools in the fabrication facility are disclosed.

Abstract: A positioning frame structure for the centering and positioning of an IC is disclosed, in which the positioning frame structure comprises an IC carrier having a first chamber defined therein and an IC positioning magnet disposed in the first chamber of the IC carrier. The positioning frame structure further comprises an IC holder disposed over the IC positioning magnet, and the IC is held on the IC holder, so as to provide centering and positioning of the IC relative to the IC positioning magnet. The present invention can be used to control the centering and positioning of the IC and the positioning magnet on the carrier. The positioning magnet can be made to be larger than the IC. In addition, a large air gap can be obtained so as to facilitate the subsequent operation of the IC. Furthermore, without the operation using adhesive, the technical solution of the present invention saves the cost of operation.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first isolation layer formed in a trench in a substrate. The isolation layer includes a first oxide layer formed in the trench and a second oxide layer formed over the first oxide layer, wherein the first oxide layer and the second oxide layer have a same composition.

Abstract: An integrated circuit structure includes a semiconductor substrate, a semiconductor strip over a portion of the semiconductor substrate, and a Shallow Trench Isolation (STI) region on a side of the semiconductor strip. The STI region includes a dielectric layer, which includes a sidewall portion on a sidewall of the semiconductor strip and a bottom portion. The dielectric layer has a first etching rate when etched using a diluted HF solution. The STI region further includes a dielectric region over the bottom portion of the dielectric layer. The dielectric region has an edge contacting an edge of the sidewall portion of the dielectric layer. The dielectric region has a second etching rate when etched using the diluted HF solution, wherein the second etching rate is smaller than the first etching rate.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a via-hole etching method related to semiconductor manufacturing field, and the method overcomes the defects of an uncontrollable end point of a via-hole and an unfavorable profile-angle in a conventional via-hole etching method. The via-hole etching method includes: forming a structure for via-hole etching, includes: a low-temperature poly-silicon layer, a gate insulating layer, a gate metal layer and an interlayer insulating layer, which are sequentially formed on a substrate; forming a mask layer comprising a via-hole masking pattern on the structure for via-hole etching; by using a first etching process, etching the structure for via-hole etching to a first thickness of the gate insulating layer; by using a second etching process, etching the structure for via-hole etching to etch away the remaining thickness of the gate insulating layer, and uncovering the low-temperature poly-silicon layer; removing the mask layer to form a via-hole structure.

Abstract: An interconnect and a method of forming an interconnect for a semiconductor device is provided. Conductive lines having different widths are formed. Wider conductive lines are used where the design includes an overlying via, and narrower lines are used in which an overlying via is not included. An overlying dielectric layer is formed and trenches and vias are formed extending through the overlying dielectric layer to the wider conductive lines. Voids or air gaps may be formed adjacent select conductive lines, such as the narrower lines.

Abstract: A technique includes applying a liquid dielectric composition onto a substrate, where the composition includes metal ions, at least partially curing the composition to form a dielectric layer with the metal ions, patterning the dielectric layer to form electron-rich regions at a surface thereof, heating the patterned dielectric layer to drive the metal ions to the electron-rich regions thereof, thereby forming a metal barrier layer on at least a portion of the surface of the dielectric layer, and depositing one or more metal layers onto the metal barrier layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and method of formation are provided. A semiconductor device includes a first material comprising STI adjacent a fin. The STI is substantially uniform, such that a top surface of the STI has few to no defects and little to no concavity. To form the STI, the first material is implanted with a dopant, which forms an etch stop layer, such that the first material height is reduced by etching rather than CMP. Etching results in a better uniformity of the first material than CMP. STI that is substantially uniform comprises a better current barrier between adjacent fins than a device that comprises STI that is not substantially uniform.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming a trench in a passivating layer between neighboring fins. A barrier is formed in the trench. Conductive contacts are formed in the passivating layer to provide electrical connectivity to the fins. The conductive contacts are in direct contact with sidewalls of the barrier. A semiconductor device includes a passivating layer over a pair of fins. A barrier extends through the passivating layer and between the pair of fins and that electrically isolates the fins. Electrical contacts are formed through the passivating layer to the fins. The electrical contacts directly contact sidewalls of the barrier.

Abstract: Conductive structures and method of manufacture thereof are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of forming a conductive structure includes providing a substrate having a recess formed therein, the recess lined with a first seed layer and partially filled with a first conductive material; removing a portion of the first seed layer free from the first conductive material to form an exposed surface of the recess; lining the exposed surface of the recess with a second seed layer; and filling the recess with a second conductive material, the second conductive material covering the first conductive material and the second seed layer.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method which enable a material to be fully embedded into a recess portion with a deposition film left in the recess portion. A method in one embodiment comprises: a first irradiation step of irradiating a deposition film formed on an opening portion of a recess portion in a substrate with a particle beam in a direction at a first angle with respect to a substrate in-plane direction, to remove part of the deposition film in a thickness direction; and a second irradiation step of, after the first irradiation step, irradiating the deposition film with the particle beam in a direction at a second angle which is closer to perpendicular to the substrate in-plane direction than the first angle is, to remove part of the remaining deposition film in the thickness direction.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a method includes forming a second hardmask layer adjacent to a first sidewall structure and adjacent to a mandrel of a semiconductor device. A top portion of the mandrel is exposed prior to formation of the second hardmask layer. The method further includes removing the first sidewall structure to expose a first portion of a first hardmask layer. The method also includes etching the first portion of the first hardmask layer to expose a second portion of a dielectric material. The method also includes etching the second portion of the dielectric material to form a first trench. The method also includes forming a first metal structure within the first trench.

Abstract: A method for forming at least one Ag or Ag based alloy feature in an integrated circuit, including providing a blanket layer of Ag or Ag based alloy in a multi-layer structure on a substrate. The method further includes providing a hard mask layer over the blanket layer of Ag or Ag based alloy. The method further includes performing an etch of the blanket layer of Ag or Ag based alloy, wherein a portion of the blanket layer of Ag or Ag based alloy that remains after the etch forms one or more conductive lines. The method further includes forming a liner that surrounds the one or more conductive lines. The method further includes depositing a dielectric layer on the multi-layer structure.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device is disclosed. The method includes forming a first gate structure over a substrate, forming a source/drain feature in the substrate adjacent the first gate structure, forming a dielectric layer over the first gate structure and the source/drain feature, removing a portion of the dielectric layer to form a first trench exposing the first gate structure and the source/drain feature, forming a first conductive feature in the first trench, removing a first portion of the first gate structure to form a second trench and forming a second conductive feature in the second trench.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, which includes a through hole that extends through the semiconductor substrate. An insulative layer includes a first surface, an opposite second surface covering the semiconductor substrate, and an opening aligned with the through hole. An insulative film covers an inner wall surface of the semiconductor substrate and the opening. A through electrode is formed in the through hole and the opening inward from the insulative film. The through electrode includes a first end surface that forms a pad exposed from the first surface of the insulative layer. The first end surface of the through electrode is flush with the first surface of the insulative layer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, die are singulated from a wafer having a back layer by placing the wafer onto a first carrier substrate with the back layer adjacent the carrier substrate, forming singulation lines through the wafer to expose the back layer within the singulation lines, and using a mechanical device to apply localized pressure to the wafer to separate the back layer in the singulation lines. The localized pressure can be applied through the first carrier substrate proximate to the back layer, or can be applied through a second carrier substrate attached to a front side of the wafer opposite to the back layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for plasma dicing a substrate. The method comprising providing a process chamber having a wall; providing a plasma source adjacent to the wall of the process chamber; providing a work piece support within the process chamber; placing the substrate onto a support film on a frame to form a work piece work piece; loading the work piece onto the work piece support; providing a cover ring disposed above the work piece; generating a plasma through the plasma source; and etching the work piece through the generated plasma.

Abstract: One illustrative method disclosed herein involves forming a first fin for a first FinFET device in and above a semiconducting substrate, wherein the first fin is comprised of a first semiconductor material that is different from the material of the semiconducting substrate and, after forming the first fin, forming a second fin for a second FinFET device that is formed in and above the semiconducting substrate, wherein the second fin is comprised of a second semiconductor material that is different from the material of the semiconducting substrate and different from the first semiconductor material.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device having a first region, a second region, and a third region between the first and second regions includes forming first and second preliminary active patterns protruding from a substrate in the first and second regions, respectively, forming mask patterns exposing the third region on the substrate, performing a first etching process using the mask patterns an etch mask to form first and second active patterns, respectively, and forming gate structures on the substrate.

Abstract: Methods are provided for manufacturing semiconductor devices include forming a first fin protruding on a substrate and extending in a first direction; forming first and second sacrificial gate insulating layers on the first fin, the first and second sacrificial gate insulating layers intersecting the first fin and being spaced apart from each other; forming first and second sacrificial gate electrodes respectively on the first and second sacrificial gate insulating layers; forming a first insulating layer on the first and second sacrificial gate electrodes; removing a portion of the first insulating layer to expose the second sacrificial gate electrode; removing the exposed second sacrificial gate electrode using a first etching process to expose the second sacrificial gate insulating layer; removing the exposed second sacrificial gate insulating layer using a second etching process different from the first etching process to form a first trench which exposes the first fin; forming a first recess in the expos

Abstract: After forming a gate stack straddling a portion of each semiconductor fin of a plurality of semiconductor fins located over a substrate, a gate liner is formed on sidewalls of a lower portion of the gate stack that contacts the plurality of semiconductor fins and a gate spacer having a width greater than a width of the gate liner is formed on sidewalls of an upper portion of the gate stack that is located above the plurality of semiconductor fins. The width of the gate spacer thus is not limited by the fin pitch, and can be optimized to improve the device performance.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for forming a semiconductor device includes: first, a substrate is provided, a fin structure is formed on the substrate, and a plurality of gate structures are formed on the fin structure, next, a hard mask layer and a first photoresist layer are formed on the fin structure, an first etching process is then performed on the first photoresist layer, afterwards, a plurality of patterned photoresist layers are formed on the remaining first photoresist layer and the remaining hard mask layer, where each patterned photoresist layer is disposed right above each gate structure, and the width of each patterned photoresist is larger than the width of each gate structure, and the patterned photoresist layer is used as a hard mask to perform an second etching process to form a plurality of second trenches.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a dual silicide device includes growing source and drain (S/D) regions for an N-type device, forming a protection layer over a gate structure and the S/D regions of the N-type device and growing S/D regions for a P-type device. A first dielectric layer is conformally deposited and portions removed to expose the S/D regions. Exposed S/D regions for the P-type device are silicided to form a liner. A second dielectric layer is conformally deposited. A dielectric fill is formed over the second dielectric layer. Contact holes are opened through the second dielectric layer to expose the liner for the P-type device and expose the protection layer for the N-type device. The S/D regions for the N-type device are exposed by opening the protection layer. Exposed S/D regions adjacent to the gate structure are silicided to form a liner for the N-type device. Contacts are formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a semiconductor device, and more particularly, to a structure and method of forming a compressive strained layer and a tensile strained layer on the same wafer. A lower epitaxial layer may be formed adjacent to a tensile strained layer. An upper epitaxial layer may be formed over a portion of the lower epitaxial layer. Thermal oxidation may convert the upper epitaxial layer to an upper oxide layer, and thermal condensation may causes a portion of the lower epitaxial layer to become a compressive strained layer. The upper oxide layer and a remaining portion of the lower epitaxial layer may be removed, leaving the tensile strained layer and the compressive strained layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a forming method of forming a through electrode, in a second substrate joined on a first substrate having an electrode pad, to electrically connect a pattern to be formed on the second substrate to the electrode pad, the method comprising steps of detecting a position of a first mark formed on the first substrate and a position of a second mark formed on the second substrate in a state in which the first substrate and the second substrate are joined, determining, based on the position of the first mark and the position of the second mark detected in the detecting, a point to form the through electrode in the second substrate so as to electrically connect the pattern to the electrode pad, and forming the through electrode at the determined point.

Abstract: Methods and design structures for extraction of transistor channel width are disclosed. Embodiments may include determining effective channel widths of transistors of a plurality of integrated circuits as a function of drawn channel widths of the transistors, and determining a target channel width for a target transistor based on the effective channel widths.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a semiconductor process, which includes: (a) providing a semiconductor element; (b) attaching the semiconductor element to a carrier by an adhesive layer, so that the adhesive layer is sandwiched between the semiconductor element and the carrier; and (c) cutting the semiconductor element to form a plurality of semiconductor units. Thereby, the gaps between the semiconductor units are fixed after the cutting process, so as to facilitate testing the semiconductor units.

Abstract: A polishing system receives one or more target parameters for a selected peak in a spectrum of light, polishes a substrate, measures a current spectrum of light reflected from the substrate while the substrate is being polished, identifies the selected peak in the current spectrum, measures one or more current parameters of the selected peak in the current spectrum, compares the current parameters of the selected peak to the target parameters, and ceases to polish the substrate when the current parameters and the target parameters have a pre defined relationship.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for detecting when a microelectronic substrate is no longer properly secured or lost from a rotating chuck. A microelectronic substrate may be secured to a rotating chuck that may rotate the substrate when exposing the substrate to the chemicals during a treatment in a process chamber. The rotating chuck may include one or more detectors to detect the position of a gripping mechanism that secure the microelectronic substrate. The detectors may generate an electrical signal that correlates to the position of the microelectronic substrate. When the electrical signal(s) exceed a threshold the system may stop rotating the chuck to prevent additional damage to the process chamber.

Abstract: Via chain and serpentine/comb test structures are in kerf areas of a wafer. The via chain test structures comprise a first via chain and a second via chain in a first kerf area. The via chain test structures are formed such that geometrically shaped portions of the first via chain and geometrically shaped portions of the second via chain alternate along the length of the first kerf area.

Abstract: A marker pattern for enhancing resolution of a defect location along an axis in semiconductor defect analysis, and in particular, a marker pattern providing greater resolution in locating bit line defects using thermal laser stimulation methods such as OBIRCH. In an example, the marker pattern may consist of large markers, each having a set of associated small markers. Each of the small markers may be offset along an axis from each other. By identifying the small marker and its associated large marker which align with the defect, the bit line containing the defect may be more easily identified.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus comprising: an input pad; an output pad; a wire, coupled to the input pad and the output pad, the wire positioned at a periphery of a semiconductor die, the wire extending substantially along a perimeter of the semiconductor die; and one or more diodes, coupled at various sections of the wire, and positioned along the perimeter of the semiconductor die and surrounding the semiconductor die.

Abstract: Provided is a test pattern structure for determining overlay accuracy in a semiconductor device. The test pattern structure includes one or more resistor structures formed by patterning a lower silicon layer. Each includes a zigzag portion with leads at different spatial locations. An upper pattern is formed and includes at least one pattern feature formed over the resistor or resistors. The portions of the resistor or resistors not covered by the upper pattern feature will become silicided during a subsequent silicidation process. Resistance is measured to determine overlay accuracy as the resistor structures are configured such that the resistance of the resistor structure is determined by the degree of silicidation of the resistor structure which is determined by the overlay accuracy between the upper and lower patterns.

Abstract: A system and method for a low-k dielectric layer are provided. A preferred embodiment comprises forming a matrix and forming a porogen within the matrix. The porogen comprises an organic ring structure with fewer than fifteen carbons and a large percentage of single bonds. Additionally, the porogen may have a viscosity greater than 1.3 and a Reynolds numbers less than 0.5.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus includes a plurality of discrete modules and a plastic housing. Each module includes a semiconductor die encapsulated by a mold compound, a plurality of leads electrically connected to the semiconductor die and protruding out of the mold compound and a first cooling plate at least partly uncovered by the mold compound. The plastic housing surrounds the periphery of each module to form a multi-die module. The plastic housing includes a first singular plastic part which receives the modules and a second singular plastic part attached to a periphery of the first plastic part. The second plastic part has cutouts which expose the first cooling plates and a sealing structure containing a sealing material which forms a water-tight seal around the periphery of each module at a side of the modules with the first cooling plates.

Abstract: A package for a semiconductor device or circuit comprises a semiconductor switch module having a metallic base on an exterior side and metallic pads. A sealed metallic enclosure holds the semiconductor switch module. The metallic enclosure has a set of dielectric regions with embedded or pass-through electrical terminals that are electrically insulated or isolated from the sealed metallic enclosure. The electrical terminals are electrically connected to the metallic pads. A housing is adapted for housing the semiconductor switch module within the metallic enclosure. The housing comprises chamber for holding or circulating a coolant overlying the metallic base.

Abstract: A semiconductor assembly for use with forced liquid and gas cooling. A relatively rigid nano-structure (for example, array of elongated nanowires) extends from an interior surface of a cap toward a top surface of a semiconductor chip, but, because of the rigidness and structural integrity of the nano-structure built into the cap, and of the cap itself, the nano-structure is reliably spaced apart from the top surface of the chip, which helps allow for appropriate cooling fluid flows. The cap piece and nano-structures built into the cap may be made of silicon or silicon compounds.

Abstract: A method of and device for making a semiconductor package. The method comprises etching a first side of a metallic piece forming a leadframe with one or more wire bonding pads, applying a first protective layer on the first side, etching a second side of the metallic piece forming one or more conductive terminals, and applying a second protective layer on the second side. The semiconductor package comprises wire bonding pads in pillars structure surrounding a die attached to the leadframe. One or more terminals are on the bottom side of the semiconductor package.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a base member and a first semiconductor chip mounted over the base member. The first semiconductor chip including a first circuit, a second circuit, and a third circuit arranged between the first circuit and the second circuit and a plurality of pads. The first, second and third circuits are arranged along a first side of the first semiconductor chip. In plan view, the pads are located outside of the circuits and include a plurality of first pads arranged at a first pitch, and a plurality of second pads arranged at the first pitch. A distance between a first pad group comprised of the first pads and a second pad group comprised of the second pads is larger than the first pitch. Further, in a plan view, a part of the third circuit is located between the first pad group and the second pad group.

Abstract: In one implementation, a semiconductor package includes a first conductive carrier including a first die paddle of the semiconductor package, and a control transistor having a drain attached to the first die paddle. The semiconductor package also includes a second conductive carrier attached to the first conductive carrier and including a second die paddle of the semiconductor package, and a sync transistor having a drain attached to the second die paddle. The second die paddle couples a source of the control transistor to the drain of the sync transistor.

Abstract: A package structure is provided, which includes: a dielectric layer having opposite first and second surfaces; a first circuit layer embedded in the dielectric layer and having a surface exposed from the first surface of the dielectric layer; a plurality of conductive posts embedded in the dielectric layer and electrically connected to the first circuit layer and having one ends exposed from the second surface of the dielectric layer; a second circuit layer formed on the second surface of the dielectric layer and electrically connected the ends of the conductive posts exposed from the second surface of the dielectric layer; and a plurality of protruding elements formed on the surface of the first circuit layer exposed from the first surface of the dielectric layer, thereby providing a large contact area so as to strengthen bonding between a semiconductor chip and the first circuit layer of the package structure.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) device is provided. The IC device includes an IC die having opposing first and second surfaces, a carrier coupled to the first surface of the IC die, a laminate coupled to the carrier and the second surface of the IC die, and a trace located on a surface of the laminate and electrically coupled to a bond pad located on the second surface of the IC die. The trace is configured to couple the bond pad to a circuit board.

Abstract: A printed wiring board includes a resin insulating layer, a wiring conductor layer embedded in the insulating layer such that the conductor layer has a first surface exposed on a first surface side of the insulating layer, and a conductor post formed on a second surface of the conductor layer on the opposite side with respect to the first surface such that the conductor post has a side surface covered by the insulating layer. The conductor post has an end surface on the opposite with respect to the conductor layer such that the end surface of the conductor post is exposed on a second surface side of the insulating layer, and the conductor post has an end portion on a wiring conductor layer side such that the side surface in the end portion is a curved side surface which is bending outward increasingly toward from the conductor layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device package includes a substrate and a semiconductor device disposed on a surface of the substrate. The semiconductor device includes a first contact pad and a second contact pad disposed on an upper surface of the semiconductor device. The semiconductor device package further includes a conductive bar disposed on the first contact pad, and a conductive pillar disposed on the second contact pad. A method of making a semiconductor device package includes (a) providing a substrate; (b) mounting a semiconductor device on the substrate, wherein the semiconductor device comprises a first contact pad and a second contact pad on an upper surface of the semiconductor device; (c) forming a dielectric layer on the substrate to cover the semiconductor device; (d) exposing the second contact pad by forming a hole in the dielectric layer; and (e) applying a conductive material over the dielectric layer and filling the hole.

Abstract: An integrated circuit may have interconnect circuitry which may include a sequence of tiles. Each tile may include a predetermined routing of multiple wires on multiple tracks. Wires may change tracks within a tile through wire twisting or through via connections and wires in another metal layer. Wires that change tracks may reduce the overlap between pairs of adjacent wires, thereby reducing the coupling capacitance between the respective wires. Reducing the coupling capacitance may result in reduced crosstalk between the wires which may speed up the signal transition along those wires compared to the signal transition in conventional interconnect circuitry. At the same time, sub-optimal wire stitching in a routing tile that connects a wire that ends in the next routing tile to a wire that starts in the routing tile, whereby the two wires overlap each other may enable beneficial crosstalk, which may further improve signal transition time.

Abstract: A semiconductor package structure includes a base. A first die is mounted on the base. The first die comprises a plurality of first pads with a first pad area arranged in a first tier. A plurality of second pads with a second pad area is arranged in a second tier. A second die is mounted on the base. The second die includes a plurality of third pads arranged in a third tier. A first bonding wire has two terminals respectively coupled to one of the first pads and one of the third pads. A second bonding wire has two terminals respectively coupled to one of the third pads and one of the second pads.

Abstract: A metal first, via first process for forming interconnects within a metallization layer of a semiconductor device is provided. In an embodiment a conductive material is deposited and the conductive material is patterned into a conductive line and a via. A dielectric material is deposited over the conductive line and the via, and the dielectric material and the via are planarized.

Abstract: An interconnect structure and a method of forming an interconnect structure are disclosed. The interconnect structure includes a low-k (LK) dielectric layer over a substrate; a first conductive feature and a second conductive feature in the LK dielectric layer; a first spacer along a first sidewall of the first conductive feature; a second spacer along a second sidewall of the second conductive feature, wherein the second sidewall of the second conductive feature faces the first sidewall of the first conductive feature; an air gap between the first spacer and the second spacer; and a third conductive feature over the first conductive feature, wherein the third conductive feature is connected to the first conductive feature.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure with an improved metal structure is described. The semiconductor structure can include a substrate having an upper surface, an interconnect layer over the upper surface, and an additional structure deposited over the interconnect layer. The interconnect layer can include a patterned seed layer over the substrate, at least two metal lines over the seed layer, and a dielectric material between adjacent metal lines. A barrier layer can be deposited over the at least two metal lines. Methods of making the semiconductor structures are also described.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solid state image sensor is provided. The method includes forming electrically conductive layer and an interlayer insulation film above a first region and a second region, performing an annealing process after forming the conductive layer and the interlayer insulation film, and forming a protective film above the interlayer insulation film and the electrically conductive layer. The electrically conductive layer includes a light shielding layer arranged above the second region. The interlayer insulation film includes a first portion located above the first region and a second portion located above the second region and below the light shielding layer. Before performing the annealing process, an average hydrogen concentration of the second portion is higher than an average hydrogen concentration of the first portion.