Patents Issued in November 2, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170317031
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a package substrate and its fabrication method. The package substrate comprises: a first wiring layer including at least one first metal wire; a conductive connecting unit including a first connecting unit and a second connecting unit on the first wiring layer; a circuit chip having at least one connection terminal and disposed on the first connecting unit; a molding compound layer covering the wiring layer, the conductive connecting unit and the circuit chip; and a second wiring layer including at least one second metal wire and connected to the second connecting unit; wherein the first connecting unit is configured for connecting one of the at least one connection terminal with one of the at least one first metal wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: CHU-CHIN HU, SHIH-PING HSU, CHIN-MING LIU
  • Publication number: 20170317032
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a metal-containing structure such as a copper-containing wire or plug and a composite capping layer formed over the metal-containing structure. The composite capping layer includes a manganese-containing layer disposed over the metal-containing structure, a silicon-containing low-k dielectric layer disposed over the manganese-containing layer, and an intermediate layer between the manganese-containing layer and the silicon-containing low-k dielectric layer. The intermediate layer is the reaction product of the manganese-containing layer and the silicon-containing low-k dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Donald F. Canaperi, Son V. Nguyen, Takeshi Nogami, Deepika Priyadarshini
  • Publication number: 20170317033
    Abstract: A package carrier includes a carrier and a light absorption layer. The light absorption layer is disposed on the carrier. The light absorption layer includes a notch at the periphery of the carrier, and the notch is light transmissive so as to expose the carrier to light in a normal direction of the carrier. A semiconductor manufacturing process is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Shih-Hui Wang, Chih-Hung Cheng, Yung-Chi Lin, Wen-Chih Chiou
  • Publication number: 20170317034
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: receiving a semiconductor structure having a chip region, a seal ring region surrounding the chip region, and a scribe region surroundingly defined around the seal ring region, the semiconductor structure including: a semiconductor chip in the chip region; and a molding compound disposed around the semiconductor chip and distributed in the chip region, the seal ring region and the scribe region; forming an insulating film over the chip region of the semiconductor structure and the seal ring region of the semiconductor structure; forming a seal ring over the seal ring region of the semiconductor structure and laterally adjacent to the insulating film, in which the seal ring has an exposed lateral surface facing away from the insulating film; and forming a protective layer that defines a substantially smooth and inclined lateral surface over the exposed lateral surface of the seal ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zi-Jheng LIU, Jo-Lin LAN, Yu-Hsiang HU, Hung-Jui KUO
  • Publication number: 20170317035
    Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor device including a semiconductor substrate including a main chip area and a scribe lane area adjacent to the main chip area, the scribe lane area including a first region adjacent to the main chip area and a second region adjacent to the first region; an insulating layer disposed on the semiconductor substrate; first embossing structures disposed on a first surface of the insulating layer in a first area of the insulating layer corresponding to the first region; second embossing structures disposed on the first surface of the insulating layer in a second area of the insulating layer corresponding to the second region; and dam structures provided in the first area of the insulating layer at positions corresponding to the first embossing structures, the dam structures extending in a direction perpendicular to a second surface of the insulating layer that is adjacent to the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sun-dae Kim, Hyung-gil Baek, Yun-rae Cho, Nam-gyu Baek
  • Publication number: 20170317036
    Abstract: A package comprising an electronic chip with at least one electric contact structure, an electrically conductive chip carrier having at least one coupling cavity, and a coupling structure located at least partially in the at least one coupling cavity and electrically contacting the at least one electric contact structure with the chip carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Edward MYERS, Thomas BEMMERL, Melissa STAHL
  • Publication number: 20170317037
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes providing a semiconductor substrate, forming a plurality of integrated circuit (IC) devices on the semiconductor substrate, and forming a seal ring structure surrounding each of the IC devices. Forming the seal ring structure includes forming a plurality of interlayer dielectric layers on the semiconductor substrate, and forming a plurality of hollow through-hole structures within each of the interlayer dielectric layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: LONG LING
  • Publication number: 20170317038
    Abstract: Package structures and methods for forming the same are provided. The package structure includes an integrated circuit die and a first shielding feature over a base layer. The package structure also includes a package layer encapsulating the integrated circuit die and the first shielding feature. The package structure further includes a second shielding feature extending from the side surface of the base layer towards the first shielding feature to electrically connect to the first shielding feature. The side surface of the second shielding feature faces away from the side surface of the base layer and is substantially coplanar with the side surface of the package layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Yu-Peng TSAI, Sheng-Feng WENG, Sheng-Hsiang CHIU, Meng-Tse CHEN, Chih-Wei LIN, Wei-Hung LIN, Ming-Da CHENG, Ching-Hua HSIEH, Chung-Shi LIU
  • Publication number: 20170317039
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide a bonding pad structure that is capable of handling increased bonding loads. In one embodiment, the bonding pad structure includes a continuous metal layer, a first discontinuous metal layer, a second discontinuous metal layer, and dielectric material. The first discontinuous metal layer and the second discontinuous metal layer each include a plurality of holes that are arranged in a pattern. The plurality of holes of the first discontinuous metal layer overlaps at least two of the plurality of holes of the second discontinuous metal layer. The dielectric material is formed between the metal layers and fills the plurality of holes of the first and second discontinuous metal layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Dario Vitello, Federico Frego, Salvatore Latino
  • Publication number: 20170317040
    Abstract: Provided is a substrate structure, including: a substrate body having a conductive contact; an insulating layer formed on the substrate body with the conductive contact exposed therefrom; and an insulating protection layer formed on a portion of a surface of the insulating layer, and having a plurality of openings corresponding to the conductive contact, wherein at least one of the openings is disposed at an outer periphery of the conductive contact. Accordingly, the insulating protection layer uses the openings to dissipate and disperse residual stresses in a manufacturing process of high operating temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Fang-Yu Liang, Hung-Hsien Chang, Yi-Che Lai, Wen-Tsung Tseng, Chen-Yu Huang
  • Publication number: 20170317041
    Abstract: A stackable semiconductor package and manufacturing method thereof are provided. The stackable semiconductor package includes carrier, first RDL, encapsulation layer, vertical interposers, second RDL, and chip. The carrier has first surface in which the first RDL and the encapsulation layer are formed thereon. The first RDL includes first pads and second pads. The encapsulation layer covers the first RDL and has outer surface. The vertical interposers are disposed in the encapsulation layer to electrically connect with the first RDL. The second RDL is formed on the outer surface to electrically connect with the vertical interposers. The carrier includes terminal holes and chip-accommodating hole. The terminal holes correspondingly expose the second pads. The chip-accommodating hole exposes the first pads. The chip is mounted on the encapsulation layer through the chip-accommodating hole to electrically connect with the first pads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: Powertech Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Yun-Hsin Yeh, Hung-Hsin Hsu
  • Publication number: 20170317042
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a conductive liner over a first landing pad in a first region and over a second landing pad in a second region. The method further includes depositing a first conductive material within first openings within a resist layer formed over the conductive liner. The first conductive material overfills to form a first pad and a first layer of a second pad. The method further includes depositing a second resist layer over the first conductive material, and patterning the second resist layer to form second openings exposing the first layer of the second pad without exposing the first pad. A second conductive material is deposited over the second layer of the second pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Manfred Schneegans, Bernhard Weidgans, Franziska Haering
  • Publication number: 20170317043
    Abstract: The semiconductor die includes a base body, protruding portions and bonding pads. The base body has sidewalls. The protruding portions are laterally protruding from the sidewalls respectively. The bonding pads are disposed on the protruding portions respectively. The wafer dicing method includes following operations. Chips are formed on a semiconductor wafer. Bonding pads are formed at a border line between every two of the adjacent chips. A scribe line is formed and disposed along the bonding pads. A photolithographic pattern is formed on a top layer of the semiconductor wafer to expose the scribe line. The scribe line is etched to a depth in the semiconductor wafer substantially below the top layer to form an etched pattern. A back surface of the semiconductor wafer is thinned until the etched pattern in the semiconductor wafer is exposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yueh-Chuan LEE, Chia-Chan CHEN
  • Publication number: 20170317044
    Abstract: A solder bump structure for a ball grid array (BGA) includes at least one under bump metal (UBM) layer and a solder bump formed over the at least one UBM layer. The solder bump has a bump width and a bump height and the ratio of the bump height over the bump width is less than 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Jung-Hua Chang, Cheng-Lin Huang, Jing-Cheng Lin
  • Publication number: 20170317045
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a semiconductor package includes locating, on a substrate, a semiconductor device having an external terminal provided on a top surface thereof, forming a resin insulating layer covering the semiconductor device, forming an opening, exposing the external terminal, in the resin insulating layer, performing plasma treatment on a bottom surface of the opening, performing chemical treatment on the bottom surface of the opening after the plasma treatment, and forming a conductive body to be connected with the external terminal exposed in the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Toshiyuki INAOKA, Atsuhiro URATSUJI
  • Publication number: 20170317046
    Abstract: A sintering paste includes solvent and nanomicrocrystallite (NMC) particles. Each NMC particle is a single crystallite having at least one dimension in the range of 1 nm to 100 nm and at least one dimension in the range of 0.1 ?m to 1000 ?m. The sintering paste may be used in a pressureless sintering process to form a low porosity joint having high bond strength, high electrical and thermal conductivity, and high thermal stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: Indium Corporation
    Inventors: Sihai Chen, Ning-Cheng Lee
  • Publication number: 20170317047
    Abstract: An anisotropic electrically conductive film has a structure wherein the electrically conductive particles are disposed on or near the surface of an electrically insulating adhesive base layer, or a structure wherein an electrically insulating adhesive base layer and an electrically insulating adhesive cover layer are laminated together and the electrically conductive particles are disposed near the interface therebetween. Electrically conductive particle groups configured from two or more electrically conductive particles are disposed in a lattice point region of a planar lattice pattern. A preferred lattice point region is a circle centered on a lattice point. A radius of the circle is not less than two times and not more than seven times the average particle diameter of the electrically conductive particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: DEXERIALS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasushi AKUTSU
  • Publication number: 20170317048
    Abstract: The present invention provides a conductive bonded assembly utilizing particles of Ni or an Ni alloy as conductive particles so as to enable firing under non-pressing conditions and further realize an excellent bonding strength, electron migration characteristic, and ion migration characteristic. The conductive bonded assembly of the present invention is a conductive bonded assembly of an electronic component which has a first bondable member (for example, electrode material), a second bondable member (for example, a semiconductor device on an Si or SiC substrate), and a conductive bonding layer bonding these bondable members together, where the bonding layer is an Ni sintered body formed by a sintered body of Ni particles which has a porosity of 30% or less, and, further, can be obtained by heating and sintering the Ni particles at the time of firing where the Ni sintered bonding layer is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: NIPPON STEEL & SUMITOMO METAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Norie MATSUBARA, Shinji ISHIKAWA, Tomohiro UNO, Takayuki SHIMIZU, Naoya KITAMURA
  • Publication number: 20170317049
    Abstract: A power semiconductor contact structure for power semiconductor modules, which has at least one substrate 1 and a metal moulded body 2 as an electrode, which are sintered one on top of the other by means of a substantially uninterrupted sintering layer 3a with regions of varying thickness. The metal moulded body 2 takes the form here of a flexible contacting film 5 of such a thickness that this contacting film is sintered with its side 4 facing the sintering layer 3a onto the regions of varying thickness of the sintering layer substantially over the full surface area. A description is also given of a method for forming a power semiconductor contact structure in a power semiconductor module that has a substrate and a metal moulded body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Martin Becker, Ronald Eisele, Frank Osterwald, Jacek Rudzki
  • Publication number: 20170317050
    Abstract: A method for integrating III-V semiconductor materials onto a rigid host substrate deposits a thin layer of reactive metal film on the rigid host substrate. The layer can also include a separation layer of unreactive metal or dielectric, and can be patterned. The unreactive metal pattern can create self-aligned device contacts after bonding is completed. The III-V semiconductor material is brought into contact with the thin layer of reactive metal. Bonding is by a low temperature heat treatment under a compressive pressure. The reactive metal and the functional semiconductor material are selected to undergo solid state reaction and form a stable alloy under the low temperature heat treatment without degrading the III-V material. A semiconductor device of the invention includes a functional III-V layer bonded to a rigid substrate via an alloy of a component of the functional III-V layer and a metal that bonds to the rigid substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Shadi A. Dayeh, Renjie Chen
  • Publication number: 20170317051
    Abstract: A method for cohesively connecting a first component of a power semiconductor module to a second component of a power semiconductor module by sintering, the method comprising the steps of: applying a layer of unsintered sinter material to a predetermined bonding surface of the first component, arranging the second component on the surface layer of unsintered sinter material, attaching the second component to the first component by applying pressure and/or temperature on a locally delimited partial area within the predetermined bonding surface, processing the first and/or second component and/or other components of the power semiconductor module, and complete-area sintering of the sinter material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Martin Becker, Ronald Eisele, Frank Osterwald, Jacek Rudzki, Holger Ulrich
  • Publication number: 20170317052
    Abstract: Wafer bonding edge protection techniques are provided. In one aspect, a method of forming Cu interconnects in a wafer includes: forming a dielectric layer on the wafer; forming a first mask on the dielectric layer; patterning the first mask with a footprint/location of the Cu interconnects, wherein the patterning of the first mask is performed over an entire surface of the wafer; forming a second mask on the first mask, wherein the second mask covers a portion of the patterned first mask at an edge region of the wafer; patterning trenches in the dielectric layer through the first mask and the second mask, wherein the second mask blocks formation of the trenches at the edge region of the wafer and thereby provides edge protection during patterning of the trenches; and forming the Cu interconnects in the trenches. A wafer bonding method and interconnect structure are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Joshua M. Rubin
  • Publication number: 20170317053
    Abstract: A method includes forming a first plurality of redistribution lines, forming a first metal post over and electrically connected to the first plurality of redistribution lines, and bonding a first device die to the first plurality of redistribution lines. The first metal post and the first device die are encapsulated in a first encapsulating material. The first encapsulating material is then planarized. The method further includes forming a second metal post over and electrically connected to the first metal post, attaching a second device die to the first encapsulating material through an adhesive film, encapsulating the second metal post and the second device die in a second encapsulating material, planarizing the second encapsulating material, and forming a second plurality of redistributions over and electrically coupling to the second metal post and the second device die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Jui-Pin Hung, Feng-Cheng Hsu, Shin-Puu Jeng
  • Publication number: 20170317054
    Abstract: A package structure includes a molding material, at least one through-via, at least one conductor, at least one dummy structure and an underfill. The through-via extends through the molding material. The conductor is present on the through-via. The dummy structure is present on the molding material and includes a dielectric material. The underfill is at least partially present between the conductor and the dummy structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Chiang TSAO, Hsiu-Jen LIN, Chun-Cheng LIN, Chih-Wei LIN, Ming-Da CHENG, Ching-Hua HSIEH, Chung-Shi LIU
  • Publication number: 20170317055
    Abstract: Examples of techniques for an integrated wafer-level processing system are disclosed. In one example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, an integrated wafer-level processing system includes a memory wafer and a processing element connected to the memory wafer via a data connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Philip G. Emma, Hillery C. Hunter, John U. Knickerbocker
  • Publication number: 20170317056
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor chip including a semiconductor substrate having a front surface and a rear surface which faces away from the front surface. The semiconductor chip includes a fixed metal layer formed over the front surface of the semiconductor substrate, and having first metal lines formed in the fixed metal layer. The semiconductor chip includes a configurable metal layer formed over the fixed metal layer to have one surface which faces the fixed metal layer and the other surface which faces away from the one surface, and having second metal lines formed in the configurable metal layer such that at least one end of the second metal lines disposed on the one surface are respectively connected with the first metal lines and other ends of the second metal lines facing away from the at least one end are disposed at predetermined positions on the other surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Sang Eun LEE, Eun KO, Yong Jae PARK
  • Publication number: 20170317057
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes the following operations: (i) receiving a precursor package including a precursor substrate and a plurality of semiconductor packages on the precursor substrate, in which a gap is presented between the precursor substrate and each of the semiconductor packages; (ii) forming underfill material filling the gaps; (iii) cutting the precursor substrate along a region between adjacent ones of the semiconductor packages to form a plurality of discrete package-on-package devices; and (iv) applying supplemental underfill material to one of the package-on-package devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ying-Ju CHEN, Jie CHEN, Hsien-Wei CHEN
  • Publication number: 20170317058
    Abstract: A chip package structure is provided. The chip package structure includes a substrate. The chip package structure includes a chip package stacked over the substrate. The chip package structure includes first conductive bumps arranged between and in direct contact with the chip package and the substrate providing a clearance. The chip package structure includes a chip structure having a first face and an opposing second face arranged in the clearance between the chip package and the substrate and adjacent to the first conductive bumps. The chip structure contains at least one chip. The chip package structure includes a solder cap connecting the first face of the chip structure and the chip package. The chip package structure includes a second conductive bump connecting the second face of the chip structure and the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shao-Yun CHEN, Hsien-Wei CHEN, An-Jhih SU
  • Publication number: 20170317059
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a first support platelet and a second support platelet that is disposed opposite and at a distance from the first support platelet. At least one first electronic chip is mounted on the first support platelet on a side facing the second support platelet. A second electronic chip is mounted on the second support platelet on a side facing the first support platelet. A heat sink that includes at least one interposition plate is interposed between the first and second electronic chips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Grenoble 2) SAS
    Inventors: Benoit Besancon, Norbert Chevrier, Jean-Michel Riviere
  • Publication number: 20170317060
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: one or more semiconductor dice, a die pad supporting the semiconductor die or dice, a package molded onto the semiconductor die or dice supported by said die pad, wherein the die pad is exposed at the surface of the package, and the exposed die pad with an etched pattern therein to form at least one electrical contact land in the die pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Federico Giovanni ZIGLIOLI
  • Publication number: 20170317061
    Abstract: The present technology relates to a semiconductor apparatus, a production method, and an electronic apparatus that enable semiconductor apparatuses to be laminated and the laminated semiconductor apparatuses to be identified. A semiconductor apparatus that is laminated and integrated with a plurality of semiconductor apparatuses, includes a first penetrating electrode for connecting with the other semiconductor apparatuses and a second penetrating electrode that connects the first penetrating electrode and an internal device, the second penetrating electrode being arranged at a position that differs for each of the laminated semiconductor apparatuses. The second penetrating electrode indicates a lamination position at a time of lamination. An address of each of the laminated semiconductor apparatuses in a lamination direction is identified by writing using external signals after lamination. The present technology is applicable to a memory chip and an FPGA chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Hiroshi TAKAHASHI, Tomofumi ARAKAWA, Minoru ISHIDA
  • Publication number: 20170317062
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor package includes providing a lower semiconductor package including a lower package substrate, and a lower dummy ball and a lower solder ball on a top surface of the lower package substrate, providing an upper semiconductor package including an upper package substrate, and an upper dummy ball and an upper solder ball on a bottom surface of the upper package substrate, joining the upper dummy ball to the lower dummy ball at a first temperature to form a solder joint, and joining the upper solder ball to the lower solder ball at a second temperature to form a connection terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: HONGBIN SHI, JUNHO LEE
  • Publication number: 20170317063
    Abstract: A method of forming an integrated circuit is disclosed. The method includes generating, by a processor, a layout design of the integrated circuit, outputting the integrated circuit based on the layout design, and removing a portion of a conductive structure of the integrated circuit to form a first conductive structure and a second conductive structure. Generating the layout design includes generating a standard cell layout having a set of conductive feature layout patterns, placing a power layout pattern with the standard cell layout according to at least one design criterion, and extending at least one conductive feature layout pattern of the set of conductive feature layout patterns in at least one direction to a boundary of the power layout pattern. The power layout pattern includes a cut feature layout pattern. The cut feature layout pattern identifies a location of the removed portion of the conductive structure of the integrated circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Fong-Yuan CHANG, Jyun-Hao CHANG, Sheng-Hsiung CHEN, Po-Hsiang HUANG, Lipen YUAN
  • Publication number: 20170317064
    Abstract: A rectangular-shaped interlevel connection layout structure is defined to electrically connect a first layout structure in a first chip level with a second layout structure in a second chip level. The rectangular-shaped interlevel connection layout structure is defined by an as-drawn cross-section having at least one dimension larger than a corresponding dimension of either the first layout structure, the second layout structure, or both the first and second layout structures. A dimension of the rectangular-shaped interlevel connection layout structure can exceed a normal maximum size in one direction in exchange for a reduced size in another direction. The rectangular-shaped interlevel connection layout structure can be placed in accordance with a gridpoint of a virtual grid defined by two perpendicular sets of virtual lines. Also, the first and/or second layout structures can be spatially oriented and/or placed in accordance with one or both of the two perpendicular sets of virtual lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Scott T. Becker
  • Publication number: 20170317065
    Abstract: The present disclosure allows for reducing parasitic capacitance of a bit line, and a drop in access performance in an SRAM cell including fin-type transistors. The SRAM cell is defined by transistors each of which has a fin structure and by a local metal interconnection layer. Bit lines are formed on the local metal interconnection layer, and diffusion layer contacts corresponding to bit line nodes are connected through vias to the bit lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Masanobu HIROSE
  • Publication number: 20170317066
    Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor device with a reduced variation in temperature among a plurality of unit transistors. A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate; and a transistor group including at least one column in which a plurality of unit transistors are aligned and arranged along a first axis on the semiconductor substrate. A first column of the at least one column includes: a first group of transistors including two of the unit transistors that are adjacent to each other with a first distance therebetween, and a second group of transistors including two of the unit transistors that are adjacent to each other with a second distance therebetween, the first group of transistors is disposed at a position closer to a center of the first column along the first axis than the second group of transistors, and the first distance is larger than the second distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Yuri Honda, Fumio Harima, Kazuhito Nakai
  • Publication number: 20170317067
    Abstract: An optoelectronic semiconductor device and an apparatus with an optoelectronic semiconductor device are disclosed. In an embodiment the optoelectronic semiconductor component has an emission region including a semiconductor layer sequence having a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer, and an active region arranged between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer for generating radiation, and a protection diode region. The semiconductor component has a contact for electrically contacting the semiconductor component externally. The contact has a first contact region that is connected to the emission region in an electrically conductive manner. The contact has further a second contact region that is spaced apart from the first contact region and connected to the protection diode region in an electrically conductive manner. The first contact region and the second contact region can be electrically contacted externally by a mutual end of a connecting line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Juergen Moosburger, Andreas Ploessl
  • Publication number: 20170317068
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, an element region including an active element formed at the semiconductor substrate, a channel stopper formed in an outer peripheral region of the semiconductor substrate, and an insulating film that covers a surface of the semiconductor substrate and that has a first contact hole by which the channel stopper is exposed. The semiconductor device further includes a first field plate, a second field plate, and an equipotential ring electrode. The first field plate is formed on the insulating film, and faces the semiconductor substrate between the channel stopper and the element region through the insulating film. The second field plate is embedded in the insulating film, and faces the semiconductor substrate between the first field plate and the channel stopper through the insulating film. The equipotential ring electrode is formed along an outer peripheral region of the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventor: Hiroyuki KANEDA
  • Publication number: 20170317069
    Abstract: The present invention is provided with a Si substrate, an ESD protection circuit formed in the Si substrate, pads formed on the surface of the Si substrate and electrically connected to first and second input/output terminals of the ESD protection circuit, a rewiring layer formed on the surface of the Si substrate for electrically connecting the pads and metal plated films, and an insulating resin film formed on the rear surface of the Si substrate. Thus, provided is an ESD protection device which can suppress the influence of external noise, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Noboru Kato, Toshiyuki Nakaiso
  • Publication number: 20170317070
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device for protecting circuits from transient electrical events is disclosed. An integrated circuit device includes a semiconductor substrate having formed therein a bidirectional semiconductor rectifier (SCR) having a cathode/anode electrically connected to a first terminal and an anode/cathode electrically connected to a second terminal. The integrated circuit device additionally includes a plurality of metallization levels formed above the semiconductor substrate. The integrated circuit device further includes a triggering device formed in the semiconductor substrate on a first side and adjacent to the bidirectional SCR.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Javier Alejandro Salcedo, David J. Clarke
  • Publication number: 20170317071
    Abstract: A method incudes forming a first plurality of fins having a first width in a first region of a semiconductor substrate. A second plurality of fins having a second width greater than the first width is formed in a second region of a semiconductor substrate. A doped region is formed in a surface portion of the second plurality of fins to define an anode region of a diode. A junction is defined between the doped region and a cathode region of the second plurality of fins. A first contact interfacing with the anode region is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Kasun Anupama Punchihewa, Jagar Singh
  • Publication number: 20170317072
    Abstract: A cascode switch structure includes a group III-V transistor structure having a first current carrying electrode, a second current carrying electrode and a first control electrode. A semiconductor MOSFET device includes a third current carrying electrode electrically connected to the second current carrying electrode, a fourth current carrying electrode electrically connected to the first control electrode, and a second control electrode. A first diode includes a first cathode electrode electrically connected to the first current carrying electrode and a first anode electrode. A second diode includes a second anode electrode electrically connected to the first anode electrode and a second cathode electrode electrically connected to the fourth current carrying electrode. In one embodiment, the group III-V transistor structure, the first diode, and the second diode are integrated within a common substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Balaji PADMANABHAN, Prasad VENKATRAMAN, Zia HOSSAIN, Chun-Li LIU, Jason MCDONALD, Ali SALIH, Alexander YOUNG
  • Publication number: 20170317073
    Abstract: Disclosed is a FinFET varactor with low threshold voltage and methods of making the same. A disclosed method includes receiving a semiconductor layer over a substrate and having channel, source, and drain regions. The method includes forming a well in the semiconductor layer to have a first dopant, and implanting a second dopant into the well. The first and second dopants are of opposite doping types. A first portion of the well has a higher concentration of the second dopant than the first dopant. A second portion of the well under the first portion has a higher concentration of the first dopant than the second dopant. The method further includes forming a gate stack over the channel region, and forming source and drain features in the source and drain regions. The first portion of the well electrically connects the source and drain features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Fu-Huan Tsai, Han-Min Tsai, Chia-Chung Chen, Chi-Feng Huang, Victor Chiang Liang
  • Publication number: 20170317074
    Abstract: A semiconductor arrangement and method of forming the same are described. A semiconductor arrangement includes a first gate structure on a first side of an active area and a second gate structure on a second side of the active area, where the first gate structure and the second gate structure share the active area. A method of forming the semiconductor arrangement includes forming a deep implant of the active area before forming the first gate structure, and then forming a shallow implant of the active area. Forming the deep implant prior to forming the first gate structure alleviates the need for an etching process that degrades the first gate structure. The first gate structure thus has a desired configuration and is able to be formed closer to other gate structures to enhance device density.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Harry-Hak-Lay CHUANG, Wei Cheng WU, Shih-Chang LIU, Ming Chyi LIU
  • Publication number: 20170317075
    Abstract: A diode includes an anode electrode layer; a cathode electrode layer; a buffer layer of a first conductivity type formed between the anode electrode layer and the cathode electrode layer in a region extending to a location at a distance of 30 ?m or more from the cathode electrode layer; a first semiconductor layer of the first conductivity type formed in a region between the anode electrode layer and the cathode electrode layer, and being in contact with the buffer layer of the first conductivity type; and a second semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type formed in a region between the anode electrode layer and the first semiconductor layer of the first conductivity type. The carrier concentration in the first semiconductor layer is lower than the carrier concentration in the buffer layer. The carrier concentration in the buffer layer is less than 1×1015 cm?3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Taiga ARAI, Masatoshi WAKAGI, Tetsuya ISHIMARU, Mutsuhiro MORI
  • Publication number: 20170317076
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, first and second gate structures are formed. The first (second) gate structure includes a first (second) gate electrode layer and first (second) sidewall spacers disposed on both side faces of the first (second) gate electrode layer. The first and second gate electrode layers are recessed and the first and second sidewall spacers are recessed, thereby forming a first space and a second space over the recessed first and second gate electrode layers and first and second sidewall spacers, respectively. First and second protective layers are formed in the first and second spaces, respectively. First and second etch-stop layers are formed on the first and second protective layers, respectively. A first depth of the first space above the first side wall spacers is different from a second depth of the first space above the first gate electrode layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Hsiang-Ku SHEN, Chih Wei LU, Janet CHEN, Jeng-Ya David YEH
  • Publication number: 20170317077
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device includes forming a first fin and a second fin on a substrate, the first fin arranged in parallel with the second fin, the first fin arranged a first distance from the second fin, the first fin and the second fin extending from a first source/drain region through a channel region and into a second source/drain region on the substrate. The method further includes forming a third fin on the substrate, the third fin arranged in parallel with the first fin and between the first fin and the second fin, the third fin arranged a second distance from the first fin, the second distance is less than the first distance, the third fin having two distal ends arranged in the first source/drain region. A gate stack is formed over the first fin and the second fin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Bruce B. Doris, Terence B. Hook
  • Publication number: 20170317078
    Abstract: An embodiment method includes forming first dummy gate stack and a second dummy gate stack over a semiconductor fin. A portion of the semiconductor fin is exposed by an opening between the first dummy gate stack and the second dummy gate stack. The method further includes etching the portion of the semiconductor fin to extend the opening into the semiconductor fin. A material of the semiconductor fin encircles the opening in a top-down view of the semiconductor fin. The method further includes epitaxially growing a source/drain region in the opening on the portion of the semiconductor fin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Che-Cheng Chang, Chih-Han Lin, Horng-Huei Tseng
  • Publication number: 20170317079
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate having an active pattern, a conductive pattern crossing the active pattern, a spacer structure on at least one side surface of the conductive pattern, and a capping structure on the conductive pattern. The capping structure includes a first capping pattern and a second capping pattern. The second capping pattern is disposed on a top surface of the first capping pattern and a top surface of the spacer structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: YOONJAE KIM, CHEOL KIM, YONG-HOON SON, JIN-HYUK YOO, WOOJIN JUNG
  • Publication number: 20170317080
    Abstract: A method for integrating a vertical transistor and a three-dimensional channel transistor includes forming narrow fins and wide fins in a substrate; forming a first source/drain (S/D) region at a base of the narrow fin and forming a gate dielectric layer and a gate conductor layer over the narrow fin and the wide fin. The gate conductor layer and the gate dielectric layer are patterned to form a vertical gate structure and a three-dimensional (3D) gate structure. Gate spacers are formed over sidewalls of the gate structures. A planarizing layer is deposited over the vertical gate structure and the 3D gate structure. A top portion of the narrow fin is exposed. S/D regions are formed on opposite sides of the 3D gate structure to form a 3D transistor, and a second S/D region is formed on the top portion of the narrow fin to form a vertical transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Kangguo Cheng, Xin Miao, Wenyu Xu, Chen Zhang