Of Specified Material Other Than Unalloyed Aluminum Patents (Class 257/741)
  • Publication number: 20140367856
    Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing process includes the following steps of providing a silicon substrate having at least one connection pad and a protection layer, forming a first seed layer having at least one first section and at least one second section, forming a first photoresist layer, forming a first buffer layer having a coupling portion and a cladding portion, removing the first photoresist layer, removing the second section of the first seed layer to form a first under bump metallurgy layer, forming a support layer on the protection layer and the first buffer layer, the first under bump metallurgy layer has a first ring wall, the first buffer layer has a second ring wall, wherein the first ring wall, the second ring wall and the cladding portion are cladded by the support layer, and forming a connection portion and covering the coupling portion with the connection portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Cheng-Hung Shih, Yung-Wei Hsieh, Kai-Yi Wang
  • Publication number: 20140367855
    Abstract: Self-aligned via interconnects using relaxed patterning exposure. In accordance with a first method embodiment, a method for controlling a computer-aided design (CAD) system for designing physical features of an integrated circuit includes accessing a first pattern for first metal traces on a first metal layer, accessing a second pattern for second metal traces on a second metal layer, vertically adjacent to the first metal layer and accessing a precise pattern of intended interconnections between the first and second metal traces. The precise pattern of intended interconnections is operated on to form an imprecise via pattern that indicates a plurality of general areas in which vias are allowed. The imprecise via pattern is for use in an integrated circuit manufacturing process to form, in conjunction with operations to form the first and second metal layers, a plurality of self-aligned vias for interconnecting the intended interconnections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Michael L. Rieger, Victor Moroz
  • Patent number: 8912642
    Abstract: A packaging substrate includes a first dielectric layer, a first circuit layer, a first metal bump, and a built-up structure. The first metal bump and the first circuit layer are embedded in and exposed from two surfaces of the first dielectric layer. The end of the first metal bump is embedded in the first circuit layer and between the first circuit layer and the first dielectric layer. In addition, a conductive seedlayer is disposed between the first circuit layer and the first metal bump. The built-up structure is disposed on the first circuit layer and the first dielectric layer. The outmost layer of the built-up structure has a plurality of conductive pads. Compared to the prior art, the present invention can effectively improve the warpage problem of the conventional packaging substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Unimicron Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Tzyy-Jang Tseng, Chung-W. Ho
  • Patent number: 8912654
    Abstract: An integrated circuit with a substrate with a lower and an upper surface is described. A via extends between the upper and the lower surface of the substrate. The via contains a conductive filling material that comprises carbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Qimonda AG
    Inventors: Franz Kreupl, Harry Hedler
  • Patent number: 8906787
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention include a versatile and scalable process, “patterned regrowth,” that allows for the spatially controlled synthesis of lateral junctions between electrically conductive graphene and insulating h-BN, as well as between intrinsic and substitutionally doped graphene. The resulting films form mechanically continuous sheets across these heterojunctions. These embodiments represent an element of developing atomically thin integrated circuitry and enable the fabrication of electrically isolated active and passive elements embedded in continuous, one atom thick sheets, which may be manipulated and stacked to form complex devices at the ultimate thickness limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Cornell University
    Inventors: Jiwoong Park, Mark Levendorf, Cheol-Joo Kim, Lola Brown
  • Patent number: 8907437
    Abstract: A current sensor packaged in an integrated circuit package to include a magnetic field sensing circuit, a current conductor and an insulator that meets the safety isolation requirements for reinforced insulation under the UL 60950-1 Standard is presented. The insulator is provided as an insulation structure having at least two layers of thin sheet material. The insulation structure is dimensioned so that plastic material forming a molded plastic body of the package provides a reinforced insulation. According to one embodiment, the insulation structure has two layers of insulating tape. Each insulating tape layer includes a polyimide film and adhesive. The insulation structure and the molded plastic body can be constructed to achieve at least a 500 VRMS working voltage rating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Allegro Microsystems, LLC
    Inventors: Shaun D. Milano, Weihua Chen
  • Patent number: 8907481
    Abstract: A stack of a first and second semiconductor structures is formed. Each semiconductor structure includes: a semiconductor bulk, an overlying insulating layer with metal interconnection levels, and a first surface including a conductive area. The first surfaces of semiconductor structures face each other. A first interconnection pillar extends from the first surface of the first semiconductor structure. A housing opens into the first surface of the second semiconductor structure. The housing is configured to receive the first interconnection pillar. A second interconnection pillar protrudes from a second surface of the second semiconductor structure which is opposite the first surface. The second interconnection pillar is in electric contact with the first interconnection pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS
    Inventor: Laurent-Luc Chapelon
  • Publication number: 20140353791
    Abstract: This invention describes a hermetically sealed package which can be implanted in the body. The package comprise of stacked substrates where surface of one substrate hosts biosensors which are exposed to body fluids to monitor concentrations of substances selected from analytes, metabolites, and proteins, and body physiological parameters. The structure protects from body fluids devices that interface with the biosensor electrodes for electronic data processing, powering, and wireless communication. Biosensor electrodes are electrically connected to various electronic, optoelectronic, MEM devices using novel partial silicon vias (PSVs) that prevents leakage of body fluids. Various devices are located on different substrates which are stacked to save surface area. One of the substrate forms the cover plate which permits light for powering as well as sending receiving coded data including the analyte levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Optoelectronics Systems Consulting, Inc.
    Inventors: Faquir Jain, Fotios Papadimitrakopoulos
  • Publication number: 20140353833
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an integrated chip having one or more back-end-of-the-line (BEOL) stress compensation layers that reduce stress on one or more underlying semiconductor devices, and an associated method of formation. In some embodiments, the integrated chip has a semiconductor substrate with one or more semiconductor devices. A stressed element is located within a back-end-of-the-line stack at a position overlying the one or more semiconductor devices. A stressing layer is located over the stressed element induces a stress upon the stressed element. A stress compensation layer, located over the stressed element, provides a counter-stress to reduce the stress induced on the stressed element by the stressing layer. By reducing the stress induced on the stressed element, stress on the semiconductor substrate is reduced, improving uniformity of performance of the one or more semiconductor devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yen-Ming Peng, Chen-Chung Lai, Kang-Min Kuo, Bor-Zen Tien
  • Publication number: 20140353826
    Abstract: A silicidation blocking process is provided. In one aspect, a silicidation method is provided. The method includes the following steps. A wafer is provided having a semiconductor layer over an oxide layer. An organic planarizing layer (OPL)-blocking structure is formed on one or more regions of the semiconductor layer which will block the one or more regions of the semiconductor layer from silicidation. At least one silicide metal is deposited on the wafer. The wafer is annealed to react the at least one silicide metal with one or more exposed regions of the semiconductor layer. Unreacted silicide metal is removed. Any remaining portions of the OPL-blocking structure are removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Guillorn, Isaac Lauer, Jeffrey W. Sleight
  • Publication number: 20140353825
    Abstract: A silicidation blocking process is provided. In one aspect, a silicidation method is provided. The method includes the following steps. A wafer is provided having a semiconductor layer over an oxide layer. An organic planarizing layer (OPL)-blocking structure is formed on one or more regions of the semiconductor layer which will block the one or more regions of the semiconductor layer from silicidation. At least one silicide metal is deposited on the wafer. The wafer is annealed to react the at least one silicide metal with one or more exposed regions of the semiconductor layer. Unreacted silicide metal is removed. Any remaining portions of the OPL-blocking structure are removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Michael A. Guillorn, Isaac Lauer, Jeffrey W. Sleight
  • Patent number: 8901734
    Abstract: An interconnect pad is formed over a first substrate. A photoresist layer is formed over the first substrate and interconnect pad. A portion of the photoresist layer is removed to form a channel and expose a perimeter of the interconnect pad while leaving the photoresist layer covering a central area of the interconnect pad. A first conductive material is deposited in the channel of the photoresist layer to form a column of conductive material. The remainder of the photoresist layer is removed. A masking layer is formed around the column of conductive material while exposing the interconnect pad within the column of conductive material. A second conductive material is deposited over the first conductive layer. The second conductive material extends above the column of conductive material. The masking layer is removed. The second conductive material is reflowed to form a column interconnect structure over the semiconductor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: STATS ChipPAC, Ltd.
    Inventors: SungWon Cho, TaeWoo Kang
  • Publication number: 20140346674
    Abstract: A structure including an Mx level including a first Mx metal, a second Mx metal, and a third Mx metal abutting and electrically connected in sequence with one another, the second Mx metal including graphene, and an Mx+1 level above the Mx level, the Mx+1 level including an Mx+1 metal and a via, the via electrically connects the third Mx metal to the Mx+1 metal in a vertical orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Junjing Bao, Griselda Bonilla, Samuel S. Choi, Ronald G. Filippi, Andrew T. Kim, Naftali E. Lustig, Andrew H. Simon
  • Publication number: 20140346675
    Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) with a dielectric matrix is disclosed. The dielectric matrix is located between two conductive features. The matrix includes a first nano-scale dielectric block, a second nano-scale dielectric block, and a first nano-air-gap formed by a space between the first nano-scale dielectric block and the second nano-scale dielectric block. The matrix also includes third nano-scale dielectric block and a second nano-air-gap formed by a space between the second nano-scale dielectric block and the third nano-scale dielectric block. The nano-scale dielectric blocks share a first common width, and the nano-air-gaps share a second common width. An interconnect structure integrates the dielectric matrix with the conductive features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Hsin-Yen Huang, Yu-Sheng Chang, Hai-Ching Chen, Tien-I Bao
  • Patent number: 8895843
    Abstract: The present invention provides a thick-film paste for printing the front side of a solar cell device having one or more insulating layers. The thick-film paste comprises an electrically conductive metal and a lead-tellurium-boron-oxide dispersed in an organic medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Alan Frederick Carroll, Kenneth Warren Hang, Brian J. Laughlin, Kurt Richard Mikeska, Carmine Torardi, Paul Douglas Vernooy
  • Patent number: 8896119
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided which has internal bonds which do not melt at the time of mounting on a substrate. A bonding material is used for internal bonding of the semiconductor device. The bonding material is obtained by filling the pores of a porous metal body having a mesh-like structure and covering the surface thereof with Sn or an Sn-based solder alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Senju Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu Sakamoto, Hiroyuki Yamada, Yoshie Yamanaka, Tsukasa Ohnishi, Shunsaku Yoshikawa, Kenzo Tadokoro
  • Patent number: 8889979
    Abstract: The present invention provides a thick-film paste for printing the front side of a solar cell device having one or more insulating layers. The thick-film paste comprises an electrically conductive metal, and a lead-tellurium-lithium-titanium-oxide dispersed in an organic medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Alan Frederick Carroll, Kenneth Warren Hang, Brian J. Laughlin, Kurt Richard Mikeska, Carmine Torardi, Paul Douglas Vernooy
  • Patent number: 8890304
    Abstract: A microelectronic package includes a microelectronic unit and a substrate. The microelectronic unit includes a microelectronic element having contacts on a front face. A dielectric material has a first surface substantially flush with the front face of the microelectronic element. Conductive traces have at least portions extending along the front face away from the contacts, at least some of which also extend along the first surface of the dielectric material. Contacts are connected with the traces, at least some of which are disposed at the first surface of the dielectric material. The substrate has first and second opposed surfaces and an edge extending therebetween, the first surface facing the front face of the microelectronic unit, and the second surface having a plurality of terminals thereon configured for electrical connection with at least one external component. Masses of conductive matrix material join the terminals with the redistribution contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Tessera, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Sato, Kiyoaki Hashimoto, Yoshikuni Nakadaira, Norihito Masuda, Belgacem Haba, Ilyas Mohammed, Philip Damberg
  • Patent number: 8889980
    Abstract: The present invention provides a thick-film paste for printing the front side of a solar cell device having one or more insulating layers. The thick-film paste comprises an electrically conductive metal, and a lead-tellurium-lithium-oxide dispersed in an organic medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Alan Frederick Carroll, Kenneth Warren Hang, Brian J. Laughlin, Kurt Richard Mikeska, Carmine Torardi, Paul Douglas Vernooy
  • Publication number: 20140332958
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a dummy gate in a gate-last process is provided. The method includes: providing a semiconductor substrate; growing a gate oxide layer on the semiconductor substrate; depositing bottom-layer amorphous silicon on the gate oxide layer; depositing an ONO structured hard mask on the bottom-layer amorphous silicon; depositing top-layer amorphous silicon on the ONO structured hard mask; depositing a hard mask layer on the top-layer amorphous silicon; forming photoresist lines having a width ranging from 32 nm to 45 nm on the hard mask layer; and etching the hard mask layer, the top-layer amorphous silicon, the ONO structured hard mask and the bottom-layer amorphous silicon in accordance with the photoresist lines, and removing the photoresist lines, the hard mask layer and the top-layer ?-Si. Correspondingly, a dummy gate in a gate-last process is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Chunlong Li, Junfeng Li, Jiang Yan, Chao Zhao
  • Publication number: 20140332965
    Abstract: An interconnect structure and method of making the same. A preferred interconnect structure has a first interconnect including a first dual damascene via and narrow line and a second interconnect at the same level as the first including a second dual damascene via and wider line. The first and second interconnects may have different aspect ratio and may have different line heights while being co-planar with each other. The second line of the second interconnect may abut or partially surround the first line of the first interconnect. The first interconnect includes a refractory metal material as the main conductor, whereas the second interconnect includes a lower resistivity material as its main conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Junjing Bao, Griselda Bonilla, Samuel S. Choi, Ronald G. Filippi, Naftali E. Lustig, Andrew H. Simon
  • Publication number: 20140332865
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate having an edge, a semiconductor layer provided on a substrate, an electrode pad provided on the semiconductor layer, an inorganic insulating film having a first opening through which an upper surface of the electrode pad is exposed, and a resin film provided on the inorganic insulating film, the resin film having a second opening and a third opening separated from each other, where the upper surface of the electrode pad is exposed through the second opening, where the third opening is located between the second opening and the edge of the substrate, and where a bottom of the third opening is constituted by the resin film or the inorganic insulating film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC DEVICE INNOVATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Haematsu
  • Patent number: 8884432
    Abstract: An interconnection substrate includes a plurality of electrically conductive elements of at least one wiring layer defining first and second lateral directions. Electrically conductive projections for bonding to electrically conductive contacts of at least one component external to the substrate, extend from the conductive elements above the at least one wiring layer. The conductive projections have end portions remote from the conductive elements and neck portions between the conductive elements and the end portions. The end portions have lower surfaces extending outwardly from the neck portions in at least one of the lateral directions. The substrate further includes a dielectric layer overlying the conductive elements and extending upwardly along the neck portions at least to the lower surfaces. At least portions of the dielectric layer between the conductive projections are recessed below a height of the lower surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Tessera, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuo Sakuma, Philip Damberg, Belgacem Haba
  • Patent number: 8878363
    Abstract: An interlayer is used to reduce Fermi-level pinning phenomena in a semiconductive device with a semiconductive substrate. The interlayer may be a rare-earth oxide. The interlayer may be an ionic semiconductor. A metallic barrier film may be disposed between the interlayer and a metallic coupling. The interlayer may be a thermal-process combination of the metallic barrier film and the semiconductive substrate. A process of forming the interlayer may include grading the interlayer. A computing system includes the interlayer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Gilbert Dewey, Niloy Mukherjee, Matthew Metz, Jack T. Kavalieros, Nancy M. Zelick, Robert S. Chau
  • Patent number: 8872301
    Abstract: The presented principles describe an apparatus and method of making the same, the apparatus being a semiconductor circuit device, having shallow trench isolation features bounding an active area and a periphery area on a semiconductor substrate to electrically isolate structures in the active area from structures in the periphery area. The shallow trench isolation feature bounding the active area is shallower than the shallow trench isolation feature bounding the periphery area, with the periphery area shallow trench isolation structure being formed through two or more etching steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Yang Hung, Po-Zen Chen, Szu-Hung Yang, Chih-Cherng Jeng, Chih-Kang Chao, I-I Cheng
  • Patent number: 8872339
    Abstract: A structure includes a substrate, a first supporting member over the substrate, a second supporting member over the substrate, and a layer of material over the substrate and covering the first supporting member and the second supporting member. The first supporting member has a first width, and the second supporting member has a second width. The first supporting member and the second supporting member are separated by a gap region. The first width is at least 10 times the second width, and a gap width of the gap region ranges from 5 to 30 times the second width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Chu Liu, Yi-Shien Mor, Kuei Shun Chen, Yu Lun Liu, Han-Hsun Chang, Shiao-Chian Yeh
  • Patent number: 8871571
    Abstract: A frame includes heat slug pads coupled together in a N×M matrix such that singulation of the heat slug pads consists of one or more passes across the frame, wherein the one or more passes are parallel. A method of attaching heat slug pads to packages includes gathering a plurality of packages, preparing a heat slug frame including a N×M matrix of heat slug pads, dispensing thermally conductive material onto surfaces of the heat slug pads, attaching the plurality of packages onto the heat slug pads, and singulating the heat slug pads, wherein the singulating step consists of one or more parallel passes across the N×M matrix. A method of attaching heat slug foil to packages includes preparing a plurality of packages, laminating the heat slug foil to one side of the plurality of packages using thermally conductive material, and singulating the plurality of packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: UTAC Thai Limited
    Inventor: Saravuth Sirinorakul
  • Publication number: 20140312498
    Abstract: To provide a semiconductor device having improved reliability. In a wiring board of BGA, an insulation layer has thereon a plurality of bonding leads. The insulation layer is comprised of a prepreg having a glass cloth and a resin layer not having the glass cloth. The prepreg has thereon the resin layer. The bonding leads are arranged directly on the soft resin layer and are therefore supported by this soft resin layer. When a load is applied to each of the bonding leads during flip chip bonding, the resin layer sinks, by which a stress applied to a semiconductor chip can be relaxed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Michiaki Sugiyama, Jumpei Konno
  • Publication number: 20140312497
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging a semiconductor chip is presented. A semiconductor device includes a chip, a lead, and an encapsulant. The encapsulant includes a stabilization layer, a laminate molding layer connected to the stabilization layer, and a conductive strip connected to the laminate molding layer. The conductive strip electrically connects the contact area of the chip to the lead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Kok Chai Goh, Meng Tong Ong
  • Patent number: 8860220
    Abstract: An ultrasonic welding tool is used to bond end portions of an external connection terminal to circuit patterns of an insulating substrate, with a Vickers hardness not lower than 90. Bonding end portions are provided integrally with a bar in the external connection terminal. A bonding end portion located substantially in the lengthwise center of the bar is bonded first, then others are bonded alternately in order toward either end. Hardness of the bonding end portions is increased so that strength of the ultrasonic welding portions is increased, and displacement of the bonding end portion in either end from its regular position is suppressed to keep bonding strength high. Bonding strength of the ultrasonic welding portions between the external connection terminal and the circuit patterns of the insulating substrate can be increased so that long-term reliability can be secured in a semiconductor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumihiko Momose, Kazumasa Kido, Yoshitaka Nishimura, Fumio Shigeta
  • Publication number: 20140299987
    Abstract: The semiconductor device has insulating films 40, 42 formed over a substrate 10; an interconnection 58 buried in at least a surface side of the insulating films 40, 42; insulating films 60, 62 formed on the insulating film 42 and including a hole-shaped via-hole 60 and a groove-shaped via-hole 66a having a pattern bent at a right angle; and buried conductors 70, 72a buried in the hole-shaped via-hole 60 and the groove-shaped via-hole 66a. A groove-shaped via-hole 66a is formed to have a width which is smaller than a width of the hole-shaped via-hole 66. Defective filling of the buried conductor and the cracking of the inter-layer insulating film can be prevented. Steps on the conductor plug can be reduced. Accordingly, defective contact with the upper interconnection layer and the problems taking place in forming films can be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: FUJITSU SEMICONDUCTOR LIMITED
    Inventor: Kenichi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8853862
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a contact structure for transistor. The contact structure includes a first epitaxial-grown region between a first and a second gate of, respectively, a first and a second transistor; a second epitaxial-grown region directly on top of the first epitaxial-grown region with the second epitaxial-grown region having a width that is wider than that of the first epitaxial-grown region; and a silicide region formed on a top portion of the second epitaxial-grown region with the silicide region having an interface, with rest of the second epitaxial-grown region, that is wider than that of the first epitaxial-grown region. In one embodiment, the second epitaxial-grown region is at a level above a top surface of the first and second gates of the first and second transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Emre Alptekin, Reinaldo Vega
  • Patent number: 8847394
    Abstract: A disclosed laminated structure includes a wettability-variable layer containing a wettability-variable material whose surface energy changes when energy is applied thereto and including at least a high-surface-energy area having high surface energy and a low-surface-energy area having low surface energy; and a conductive layer formed on the high-surface-energy area. The high-surface-energy area includes a first area and a second area extending from the first area and having a width smaller than that of the first area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Onodera, Hidenori Tomono, Koei Suzuki, Takanori Tano, Takumi Yamaga
  • Publication number: 20140284797
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a power semiconductor device that comprises a base substrate with a conductive layer on a surface of the base substrate and semiconductor components mounted on the base substrate includes forming a hardened layer on the surface of the conductive layer before mounting a semiconductor component on the base substrate. The forming of the hardened layer may optionally be performed using a peening process, for example, a shot peening process, a laser peening process, or an ultrasonic peening process. The conductive layer may comprise a metal such as, for example, aluminum or copper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Yuuji HISAZATO, Hiroki SEKIYA, Yo SASAKI, Kazuya KODANI, Nobumitsu TADA, Hitoshi MATSUMURA, Tomohiro IGUCHI
  • Patent number: 8841768
    Abstract: A chip package is provided, the chip package including: first encapsulation structure; first passivation layer formed over first encapsulation structure and first electrically conductive layer formed over first passivation layer; at least one chip arranged over first electrically conductive layer and passivation layer wherein at least one chip contact pad contacts first electrically conductive layer; at least one cavity formed in first encapsulation structure, wherein at least one cavity exposes a portion of first passivation layer covering at least one chip contact pad; second encapsulation structure disposed over first encapsulation structure and covering at least one cavity, wherein a chamber region over at least one chip contact pad is defined by at least one cavity and second encapsulation structure; wherein second encapsulation structure includes an inlet and outlet connected to chamber region, wherein inlet and outlet control an inflow and outflow of heat dissipating material to and from chamber region
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Carsten Von Koblinski, Michael Knabl, Ursula Meyer, Francisco Javier Santos Rodriguez, Alexander Breymesser, Andre Brockmeier
  • Patent number: 8841190
    Abstract: This invention relates to a MOS device for making the source/drain region closer to the channel region and a method of manufacturing the same, comprising: providing an initial structure, which includes a substrate, an active region, and a gate stack; performing ion implantation in the active region on both sides of the gate stack, such that part of the substrate material undergoes pre-amorphization to form an amorphous material layer; forming a first spacer; with the first spacer as a mask, performing dry etching, thereby forming a recess, with the amorphous material layer below the first spacer kept; performing wet etching using an etchant solution that is isotropic to the amorphous material layer and whose etch rate to the amorphous material layer is greater than or substantially equal to the etch rate to the {100} and {110} surfaces of the substrate material but is far greater than the etch rate to the {111} surface of the substrate material, thus removing the amorphous material layer below the first space
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: The Institute of Microelectronics Chinese Academy of Science
    Inventors: Changliang Qin, Huaxiang Yin
  • Publication number: 20140264340
    Abstract: Various technologies pertaining to characterizing a component of a large surface area array electronic device, such as a focal plane array (FPA), are described. A first semiconductor chip is reversibly hybridized with a second semiconductor chip through use of a conductive layer. Responsive to being reversibly hybridized, at least one of the first semiconductor chip or the second semiconductor chip is characterized as being defective or suitable for deployment. Thereafter, the conductive layer is removed, and the first semiconductor chip is separated from the second semiconductor chip without damaging either of the first semiconductor chip or the second semiconductor chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Seethambal S. Mani, Nathan Paul Young
  • Publication number: 20140264863
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a conductive line is provided. In an embodiment the conductive line is formed by forming two passivation layers, wherein each passivation layer is independently patterned. Once formed, a seed layer is deposited into the two passivation layers, and a conductive material is deposited to fill and overfill the patterns within the two passivation layers. A planarization process such as a chemical mechanical polish may then be utilized in order to remove excess conductive material and form the conductive lines within the two passivation layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Yu Yi Huang, Hung-Jui Kuo, Chung-Shi Liu
  • Publication number: 20140264830
    Abstract: Bumpless build-up layer (BBUL) semiconductor packages with ultra-thin dielectric layers are described. For example, an apparatus includes a semiconductor die including an integrated circuit having a plurality of external conductive bumps. A semiconductor package houses the semiconductor die. The semiconductor package includes a dielectric layer disposed above the plurality of external conductive bumps. A conductive via is disposed in the dielectric layer and coupled to one of the plurality of conductive bumps. A conductive line is disposed on the dielectric layer and coupled to the conductive via.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Weng Hong Teh, Emile Davies-Venn, Ebrahim Andideh, Digvijay A. Raorane, Daniel N. Sobieski
  • Publication number: 20140264862
    Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises a first semiconductor chip including a first substrate and a plurality of first metal lines formed over the first substrate and a second semiconductor chip bonded on the first semiconductor chip, wherein the second semiconductor chip comprises a second substrate and a plurality of second metal lines formed over the second substrate. The semiconductor device further comprises a conductive plug coupled between the first metal lines and the second metal lines, wherein the conductive plug comprises a first portion formed over a first side of a hard mask layer, wherein the first portion is of a first width and a second portion formed over a second side of the hard mask layer, wherein the second portion is of a second width greater than or equal to the first width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
  • Publication number: 20140264885
    Abstract: A plurality of macro and micro alignment marks may be formed on a wafer. The macro alignment marks may be formed in pairs at opposite edges of the wafer. The micro alignment marks may be formed to align to streets on the wafer along a first and second direction. A molding compound may be formed on the wafer. The macro alignment marks may be exposed from the molding compound. A pair of the micro alignment marks may be exposed from the molding compound at opposite ends of the streets along the first and the second direction. The wafer may be aligned to a dicing tool using pairs of the macro alignment marks. The dicing tool may be aligned to the streets using pairs of the micro alignment marks. The wafer may be diced using successive pairs of micro alignment marks along the first and second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Peng Tsai, Wen-Hsiung Lu, Cheng-Ting Chen, Hsien-Wei Chen, Ming-Da Cheng, Chung-Shi Liu
  • Publication number: 20140264861
    Abstract: A method for fabricating one or more conductive lines in an integrated circuit includes providing a layer of copper containing conductive metal in a multi-layer structure fabricated upon a wafer, providing a first hard mask layer over the layer of copper containing conductive metal, performing a first sputter etch of first hard mask layer using a chlorine-based plasma or a sulfur fluoride-based plasma, and performing a second sputter etch of first hard mask layer using a second plasma, wherein a portion of the layer of copper containing conductive metal residing below a portion of the first hard mask layer that remains after the second sputter etch forms the one or more conductive lines. In one embodiment, the second plasma is a fluorocarbon-based plasma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicants: Applied Materials, Incorporated, International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: MARK D. HOINKIS, Eric A. Joseph, Hiroyuki Miyazoe, Chun Yan
  • Publication number: 20140264860
    Abstract: A rectifier diode includes a substrate defining an even number of through holes, one or a number of bare chip diodes placed on the top surface of the substrate with even number of conducting grooves thereof respectively kept in alignment with respective through holes of the substrate, and a conducting unit including a metal interface layer coated on exposed surfaces of each bare chip diode and the substrate using, a conductive metal thin film covered over the metal interface layer and defining an electroplating space within each through hole of the substrate and the corresponding conducting groove of one bare chip diode and a conducting medium coated in each electroplating space to form an electrode pin and a bond pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Jung-Chi HSIEN
  • Patent number: 8836126
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an insulating layer formed over a semiconductor substrate, the insulating layer including oxygen, a first wire formed in the insulating layer, and a second wire formed in the insulating layer over the first wire and containing manganese, oxygen, and copper, the second wire having a projection portion formed in the insulating layer and extending downwardly but spaced apart from the first wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited
    Inventors: Hirosato Ochimizu, Atsuhiro Tsukune, Hiroshi Kudo
  • Publication number: 20140252614
    Abstract: A surface treatment and an apparatus for semiconductor packaging are provided. In an embodiment, a surface of a conductive layer is treated to create a roughened surface. In one example, nanowires are formed on a surface of the conductive layer. In the case of a copper conductive layer, the nanowires may include a CuO layer. In another example, a complex compound is formed on a surface of the conductive layer. The complex compound may be formed using, for example, thiol and trimethyl phosphite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Horng Chang, Jie-Cheng Deng, Tin-Hao Kuo, Ying-Yu Chen
  • Publication number: 20140253137
    Abstract: Methods and systems for the detection of defects in semiconductors, semiconductor devices, or substrates are provided. Semiconductors, semiconductor devices or substrates having novel test patterns and or designs are also provided. The semiconductors, semiconductor devices or substrates have a plurality of line patterns, which, in response to a responsive stimulus such as electron beam irradiation, produces a response. The responsive stimulus may include an electron beam irradiation, and the image data can be collected and processed to produce an image or images that indicate the presence or absence of surface and/or internal defects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yen Chuang, Che-Lun Hung, Hsiao-Leng Li
  • Publication number: 20140252615
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a wiring, a first insulation film, an underlayer deactivation layer, an underlayer, a catalyst layer and a carbon nanotube. The first insulation film is formed on the wiring and includes a hole which exposes the wiring. The underlayer deactivation layer is formed on the first insulation film at a side surface of the hole, and exposes the wiring at a bottom surface of the hole. The underlayer is formed on an exposed surface of the wiring at the bottom surface of the hole and on the underlayer deactivation layer at the side surface of the hole. The catalyst layer is formed on the underlayer at the bottom surface and the side surface of the hole. The carbon nanotube extends from the catalyst layer at the bottom surface of the hole, and fills the hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Tatsuro SAITO, Makoto WADA, Atsunobu ISOBAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20140239498
    Abstract: A trench contact silicide is formed on an inner wall of a contact trench that reaches to a buried conductive layer in a semiconductor substrate to reduce parasitic resistance of a reachthrough structure. The trench contact silicide is formed at the bottom, on the sidewalls of the trench, and on a portion of the top surface of the semiconductor substrate. The trench is subsequently filled with a middle-of-line (MOL) dielectric. A contact via may be formed on the trench contact silicide. The trench contact silicide may be formed through a single silicidation reaction with a metal layer or through multiple silicidation reactions with multiple metal layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Douglas D. Coolbaugh, Jeffrey B. Johnson, Peter J. Lindgren, Xuefeng Liu, James S. Nakos, Bradley A. Orner, Robert M. Rassel, David C. Sheridan
  • Publication number: 20140239499
    Abstract: A semiconductor device with a connection pad in a substrate, the connection pad having an exposed surface made of a metallic material that diffuses less readily into a dielectric layer than does a metal of a wiring layer connected thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Okuyama
  • Patent number: 8816500
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor chip including a first main face and a second main face wherein the second main face is the backside of the semiconductor chip. Further, the semiconductor device includes an electrically conductive layer, in particular an electrically conductive layer, arranged on a first region of the second main face of the semiconductor chip. Further, the semiconductor device includes a polymer structure arranged on a second region of the second main face of the semiconductor chip, wherein the second region is a peripheral region of the second main face of the semiconductor chip and the first region is adjacent to the second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Manfred Schneegans, Ivan Nikitin