Multiple Metal Levels On Semiconductor, Separated By Insulating Layer (e.g., Multiple Level Metallization For Integrated Circuit) Patents (Class 257/758)
  • Patent number: 8928144
    Abstract: A three-dimensional 3D nonvolatile memory device includes vertical channel layers protruding from a substrate; interlayer insulating layers and conductive layer patterns alternately deposited along the vertical channel layers; a barrier metal pattern surrounding each of the conductive layer patterns; a charge blocking layer interposed between the vertical channel layers and the barrier metal patterns; and a diffusion barrier layer interposed between the barrier metal patterns and the charge blocking layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Suk Goo Kim
  • Patent number: 8921982
    Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for improving the reliability of a semiconductor device where spreading of cracking that occurs at the time of dicing to a seal ring can be restricted even in a semiconductor device with a low-k film used as an interlayer insulating film. Dummy vias are formed in each layer on a dicing region side. The dummy vias are formed at the same intervals in a matrix as viewed in a top view. Even in the case where cracking occurs at the time of dicing, the cracking can be prevented from spreading to a seal ring by the dummy vias. As a result, resistance to moisture absorbed in a circuit formation region can be improved, and deterioration in reliability can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuo Tomita
  • Patent number: 8922019
    Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor device wherein an insulation layer has a via opening with an aluminum layer in the via opening and in contact with the last wiring layer of the device. There is a barrier layer on the aluminum layer followed by a copper plug which fills the via opening. Also disclosed is a process for making the semiconductor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mukta G. Farooq, Emily R. Kinser, Ian D. Melville, Krystyna W. Semkow
  • Patent number: 8916974
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for routing signal paths in an integrated circuit. One or more signal routing paths for transferring signals of the integrated circuit may be determined. A dummy fill pattern for the integrated circuit may be determined based on the one or more metal density specifications and at least one design rule for reducing cross coupling capacitance between the dummy fill pattern and the routing paths. The signal routing paths and/or the dummy fill pattern may be incrementally optimized to meet one or more timing requirements of the integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Karan B. Koti, Veena Prabhu
  • Patent number: 8912657
    Abstract: The semiconductor device according to the present invention includes a semiconductor substrate, a first insulating layer laminated on the semiconductor substrate, a first metal wiring pattern embedded in a wire-forming region of the first insulating layer, a second insulating layer laminated on the first insulating layer, a second metal wiring pattern embedded in a wire-forming region of the second insulating layer and first dummy metal patterns embedded each in a wire-opposed region opposing to the wire-forming region of the second insulating layer and in a non-wire-opposed region opposing to a non-wire-forming region other than the wire-forming region of the second insulating layer, the wire-opposed region and the non-wire-opposed region each in a non-wire-forming region other than the wire-forming region of the first insulating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuichi Nakao, Satoshi Kageyama, Masaru Naitou
  • Patent number: 8912639
    Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for configuring a transformer embedded in a multi-layer integrated circuit package are provided. In this regard, a windings ratio of a transformer embedded in a multi-layer IC package bonded to an IC may be configured, via logic, circuitry, and/or code in the IC, based on signal levels at one or more terminals of the transformer. The transformer may comprise a plurality of inductive loops fabricated in transmission line media. The integrated circuit may be flip-chip bonded to the multi-layer package. The IC may comprise a signal strength indicator enabled to measure signal levels input to or output by the transformer. The windings ratio may be configured via one or more switches in the IC and/or in the multi-layer package. The IC and/or the multi-layer package may comprise ferromagnetic material which may improve magnetic coupling of the transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Ahmadreza Rofougaran
  • Patent number: 8912655
    Abstract: When a first wiring and/or a second wiring is formed, a connection portion is formed in the first wiring and/or the second wiring which covers a part of a lower electrode layer outside the memory cell array. An etching suppressing portion is formed above the connection portion. A contact hole is formed in which a portion under the etching suppressing portion reaches up to a connection potion, and the other portion reaches up to the lower electrode layer by performing etching to a laminated body in a range including the etching suppressing portion. The laminated body includes the insulating layer, the first wiring, a memory cell layer, the second wiring, and the etching suppressing portion. The contact layer is formed by burying a conductive material in the contact hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Shingo Nakajima
  • Patent number: 8907497
    Abstract: A device and method for fabricating a device is disclosed. An exemplary device includes a first conductive layer disposed over a substrate, the first conductive layer including a first plurality of conductive lines extending in a first direction. The device further includes a second conductive layer disposed over the first conductive layer, the second conductive layer including a second plurality of conductive lines extending in a second direction. The device further includes a self-aligned interconnect formed at an interface where a first conductive line of the first plurality of conductive lines is in electrical contact with a first conductive line of the second plurality of conductive lines. The device further includes a blocking portion interposed between a second conductive line of the first plurality of conductive lines and a second conductive line of the second plurality of conductive lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Ming Chang, Ken-Hsien Hsieh, Tsong-Hua Ou, Ru-Gun Liu, Fang-Yu Fan, Yuan-Te Hou
  • Publication number: 20140353830
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices with multilayer flex interconnect structures. In some embodiments, a semiconductor device may include a semiconductor chip coupled to a planar substrate and a multilayer flex interconnect structure coupled to the semiconductor chip, the multilayer flex interconnect structure including at least: a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, and a dielectric layer disposed between the first and second conductive layers. The semiconductor device may also include another semiconductor chip coupled to the planar substrate and placed in a side-by-side configuration with respect to the semiconductor chip, where the multilayer flex interconnect structure provides electrical connections between at least two terminals of the semiconductor chip and at least two terminals of the other semiconductor chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Burton J. Carpenter, Jr., Twila J. Eichman
  • Patent number: 8900989
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for forming a semiconductor device. The method includes forming first conductive layer structures in a first dielectric layer on a substrate; forming a patterned photoresist layer having portions that are each disposed over a respective one of the first conductive layer structures; forming an energy removable film (ERF) on the sidewalls of each of the portions; forming a second dielectric layer over the ERFs, the portions of the patterned photoresist layer, and the first dielectric layer; removing the portions to leave behind a plurality of openings; filling a conductive material in the openings, the conductive material defining second conductive layer structures; forming a ceiling layer over the second conductive layer structures, the ERFs, and the second dielectric layer; and applying energy to the ERFs to partially remove the ERFs on the sidewalls of the portions thereby forming air gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Hsiung Tsai, Chung-Ju Lee
  • Patent number: 8896045
    Abstract: A memory cell includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a layer of phase change material extending from a first contact with the first electrode to a second contact with the second electrode, and a sidewall spacer contacting the second electrode and a sidewall of the layer of phase change material adjacent to the second contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Jan Boris Philipp, Thomas Happ
  • Patent number: 8896129
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate including a circuit region where a circuit element is formed, a multilayer wiring layer that is formed on the substrate and composed of a plurality of wiring layers and a plurality of via layers that are laminated, and an electrode pad that is formed on the multilayer wiring layer. An interlayer insulating film is formed in a region of a first wiring layer that is a top layer of the plurality of wiring layers, in the region the electrode pad and the first circuit region overlapping each other in a planar view of the electrode pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Ryo Mori, Kazuki Fukuoka, Naozumi Morino, Yoshinori Deguchi
  • Patent number: 8896124
    Abstract: A circuit device is configured with robust circuit connectors. In connection with various example embodiments, an integrated circuit device includes one or more via network layers below a bond pad contact, connecting the bond pad contact with one or more underlying metal layers. Each via network layer includes a plurality of via strips extending about parallel to the bond pad contact and in different directions to structurally support the bond pad contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Yuan Li, Som Nath, Maarten Jeroen Van Dort
  • Patent number: 8889491
    Abstract: An electronic fuse structure having an Mx level including an Mx dielectric, a fuse line, an Mx cap dielectric above at least a portion of the Mx dielectric, and a modified portion of the Mx cap dielectric directly above at least a portion of the fuse line, where the modified portion of the Mx cap dielectric is chemically different from the remainder of the Mx cap dielectric, an Mx+1 level including an Mx+1 dielectric, a first Mx+1 metal, an Mx+1 cap dielectric above of the Mx+1 dielectric and the first Mx+1 metal, where the Mx+1 level is above the Mx level, and a first via electrically connecting the fuse line to the first Mx+1 metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald G. Filippi, John A. Fitzsimmons, Erdem Kaltalioglu, Ping-Chuan Wang, Lijuan Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140332963
    Abstract: An electronic interconnect structure having a hybridized metal structure near regions of high operating temperature on an integrated circuit, and methods of making the same. The hybridized metal structure features at least two different metals in a single metallization level. The first metal is in a region of high operating temperature and the second region is in a region of normal operating temperatures. In a preferred embodiment the first metal includes aluminum and is in a first level metallization over an active area of the device while the second metal includes copper. In some embodiments, the first and second metals are not in direct physical contact. In other embodiments the first and second metals physically contact each other. In a preferred embodiment, a top surface of the first metal is not co-planar with a top surface of the second metal, despite being in the same metallization level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald G. Filippi, Erdem Kaltalioglu, Ping-Chuan Wang, Lijuan Zhang
  • Patent number: 8883628
    Abstract: A structure comprises a top metal connector formed underneath a bond pad. The bond pad is enclosed by a first passivation layer and a second passivation layer. A polymer layer is further formed on the second passivation layer. The dimension of an opening in the first passivation layer is less than the dimension of the top metal connector. The dimension of the top metal connector is less than the dimensions of an opening in the second passivation layer and an opening in the polymer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yao-Chun Chuang, Chang-Chia Huang, Tsung-Shu Lin, Chen-Cheng Kuo, Chen-Shien Chen
  • Patent number: 8884400
    Abstract: A device includes a metal pad and a passivation layer having a portion overlapping the metal pad. A capacitor includes a bottom capacitor electrode underlying the passivation layer, wherein the bottom capacitor includes the metal pad. The capacitor further includes a top capacitor electrode over the portion of the passivation layer; and a capacitor insulator including the portion of the passivation layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hao-Yi Tsai, Hsien-Wei Chen, Hung-Yi Kuo, Tung-Liang Shao, Ying-Ju Chen, Tsung-Yuan Yu, Jie Chen
  • Patent number: 8884433
    Abstract: A circuit structure includes a semiconductor substrate, first and second metallic posts over the semiconductor substrate, an insulating layer over the semiconductor substrate and covering the first and second metallic posts, first and second bumps over the first and second metallic posts or over the insulating layer. The first and second metallic posts have a height of between 20 and 300 microns, with the ratio of the maximum horizontal dimension thereof to the height thereof being less than 4. The distance between the center of the first bump and the center of the second bump is between 10 and 250 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventors: Mou-Shiung Lin, Chien-Kang Chou, Ke-Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 8883642
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a concave portion on a surface of a substrate to be processed. The method further includes forming a coating film on the substrate to embed the coating film in the concave portion. The method further includes performing a first heat treatment in an atmosphere including an oxidant which contains polar molecules. The method further includes performing a second heat treatment after the first heat treatment by irradiating the coating film with a microwave after or while exposing the coating film to a liquid or a gas containing polar molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Wakana Kai, Tomonori Aoyama
  • Patent number: 8884288
    Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor structure for testing MIM capacitors. The semiconductor structure comprises: a first metal layer comprising at least a first circuit area and a second circuit area; a second metal layer located below the first metal layer with a first dielectric layer lying therebetween and connected with the second circuit area; a top plate located within the first dielectric layer closer to the first metal layer and connected with the first circuit area; a bottom plate located within the first dielectric layer closer to the second metal layer and separated from the top plate with an insulation layer therebetween and connected with the second circuit area. The second metal layer is connected with the substrate through a first electric pathway so as to form a second electric pathway from the top plate to the substrate when an electric leakage region exists in the insulation layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Shanghai Huali Microelectronics Corporation
    Inventors: Qiang Li, Zhuanlan Sun, Changhui Yang
  • Patent number: 8878203
    Abstract: A switching circuit comprises a first transistor and a second transistor formed in an active area of semiconductor substrate. The source and drain regions of the transistors are electrically connected to respective source wires and drain wires through a plurality of intermediate metal layers stacked above the transistor. Electrical connections between different layers are made with a plurality of vias. To improve switching performance, the intermediate wires are disposed such that intermediate wires electrically connected to the transistor source regions are not directly beneath the drain wires. Similarly, intermediate wires electrically connected to drain regions are arranged not to be directly underneath source wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Takayuki Teraguchi
  • Patent number: 8878365
    Abstract: A semiconductor device, including: a semiconductor layer; a first conductive layer formed above the semiconductor layer and having a first width; a second conductive layer connected to the first conductive layer and having a second width which is smaller than the first width; an interlayer dielectric formed above the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer; and an electrode pad formed above the interlayer dielectric. A connection section at which the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are connected is disposed in a specific region positioned inward from a line extending vertically downward from an edge of the electrode pad; and a reinforcing section is provided at the connection section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Yuzawa, Masatoshi Tagaki
  • Patent number: 8878349
    Abstract: A semiconductor chip includes a semiconductor substrate having one surface, an other surface which faces away from the one surface, and through holes which pass through the one surface and the other surface; through electrodes filled in the through holes; and a gettering layer formed of polysilicon interposed between the through electrodes and inner surfaces of the semiconductor substrate whose form is defined by the through holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Gyu Jei Lee, Kang Won Lee, Hyun Joo Kim
  • Patent number: 8878333
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate having a main surface; an electrode in a device region on the main surface; a metal wiring on the main surface and having a first end connected to the electrode; an electrode pad outside the device region and spaced from the metal wiring; an air gap between the main surface and an air gap forming film on the main surface, enveloping the first end of the metal wiring and the electrode, and having a first opening; a resin closing the first opening and covering a second end of the metal wiring; a liquid repellent film facing the air gap and increasing contact angle of the resin, when liquid, relative to contact angles on the semiconductor substrate and the air gap forming film; and a metal film connecting the metal wiring to the electrode pad through a second opening located in the resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Youichi Nogami, Hidetoshi Koyama, Yoshitsugu Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8878364
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device according to an embodiment, includes forming a dielectric film above a substrate; forming an opening in the dielectric film; forming a high melting metal film on a side wall and a bottom surface of the opening; forming a seed film of copper (Cu) on the high melting metal film; performing nitriding process after the seed film is formed; and performing electroplating process, in which a Cu film is buried in the opening while energizing the seed film after performing nitriding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Morita, Akitsugu Hatazaki, Kazumasa Ito, Hiroshi Toyoda
  • Patent number: 8878362
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods related to metallization of semiconductors. A metalized structure can include a first titanium (Ti) layer disposed over a compound semiconductor, a first titanium nitride (TiN) layer disposed over the first Ti layer, and a copper (Cu) layer disposed over the first TiN layer. The first Ti layer and the first TiN layer can be configured as a barrier between the Cu layer and the compound semiconductor. The metalized structure can further include a second TiN layer disposed over the Cu layer and a first platinum (Pt) layer disposed over the second TiN layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Kezia Cheng
  • Patent number: 8872347
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited
    Inventor: Kenichi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8872334
    Abstract: In a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device incorporating a semiconductor element in a multilayered wiring structure including a plurality of wiring layers and insulating layers, a semiconductor element is mounted on a silicon support body whose thickness is reduced to a desired thickness and which are equipped with a plurality of through-vias running through in the thickness direction; an insulating layer is formed to embed the semiconductor element; then, a plurality of wiring layers is formed on the opposite surfaces of the silicon support body in connection with the semiconductor element. Thus, it is possible to reduce warping which occurs in proximity to the semiconductor element in manufacturing, thus improving a warping profile in the entirety of a semiconductor device. Additionally, it is possible to prevent semiconductor elements from becoming useless, improve a yield rate, and produce a thin-type semiconductor device with high-density packaging property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Shintaro Yamamichi, Katsumi Kikuchi, Yoshiki Nakashima, Kentaro Mori
  • Patent number: 8872344
    Abstract: An integrated circuit structure includes a first conductive layer (MET4) including a first forked conductive structure (310), an insulating layer (320, ILD45) substantially disposed over the first forked conductive structure (310), a plurality of conductive vias (331-334) through the insulating layer (ILD45) and electrically connecting with the first forked conductive structure (310), and a second conductive layer (MET5) including a second forked conductive structure (340) substantially disposed over at least a portion of the insulating layer (ILD45) and generally perpendicular to the first forked conductive structure (310), the plurality of conductive vias (331-334) electrically connecting with the second forked conductive structure (340). Other structures, devices, and processes are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Hugh Thomas Mair
  • Patent number: 8872353
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited
    Inventor: Kenichi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8872279
    Abstract: An electrical contact structure distributes current along a length thereof. The electrical contact structure includes a plurality of n metal rectangles on n levels of metal. The rectangle on one metal level is at least as wide in width and vertically covers in width the rectangle on the metal level immediately below. The rectangle on one metal level is shorter in length than and substantially aligned at a first end with the rectangle on the metal level immediately below. Rectangle first ends are substantially aligned. Features of an exemplary FET transistor of this invention are a source and drain terminal electrical contact structure, a multi-level metal ring connecting gate rectangles on both ends, and a wider-than-minimum gate-to-gate spacing. The invention is useful, for example, in an electromigration-compliant, high performance transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Greenberg, Jean-Olivier Plouchart, Alberto Valdes-Garcia
  • Patent number: 8872352
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited
    Inventor: Kenichi Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20140312499
    Abstract: The reliability of wirings, each of which includes a main conductive film containing copper as a primary component, is improved. On an insulating film including the upper surface of a wiring serving as a lower layer wiring, an insulating film formed of a silicon carbonitride film having excellent barrier properties to copper is formed; on the insulating film, an insulating film formed of a silicon carbide film having excellent adhesiveness to a low dielectric constant material film is formed; on the insulating film, an insulating film formed of a low dielectric constant material as an interlayer insulating film is formed; and thereafter a wiring as an upper layer wiring is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Junji NOGUCHI, Takayuki OSHIMA, Noriko MIURA, Kensuke ISHIKAWA, Tomio IWASAKI, Kiyomi KATSUYAMA, Tatsuyuki SAITO, Tsuyoshi TAMARU, Hizuru YAMAGUCHI
  • Patent number: 8866202
    Abstract: A method for reducing capacitances between semiconductor devices is provided. A plurality of contact structures is formed in a dielectric layer. A mask is formed to cover the contact structures wherein the mask has mask features for exposing parts of the dielectric layer wherein the mask features have widths. The widths of the mask features are shrunk with a sidewall deposition. Gaps are etched into the dielectric layer through the sidewall deposition. The gaps are closed to form pockets in the gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: S. M. Reza Sadjadi, Zhi-Song Huang
  • Patent number: 8866257
    Abstract: An electrically reprogrammable fuse comprising an interconnect disposed in a dielectric material, a sensing wire disposed at a first end of the interconnect, a first programming wire disposed at a second end of the interconnect, and a second programming wire disposed at a second end of the interconnect, wherein the fuse is operative to form a surface void at the interface between the interconnect and the sensing wire when a first directional electron current is applied from the first programming wire through the interconnect to the second programming wire, and wherein, the fuse is further operative to heal the surface void between the interconnect and the sensing wire when a second directional electron current is applied from the second programming wire through the interconnect to the first programming wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kaushik Chanda, Lynne M. Gignac, Wai-Kin Ll, Ping-Chaun Wang
  • Publication number: 20140306346
    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 16, 2014
    Inventor: Kenichi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8860135
    Abstract: A method for filling a trench with a metal layer is disclosed. A deposition apparatus having a plurality of supporting pins is provided. A substrate and a dielectric layer disposed thereon are provided. The dielectric layer has a trench. A first deposition process is performed immediately after the substrate is placed on the supporting pins to form a metal layer in the trench, wherein during the first deposition process a temperature of the substrate is gradually increased to reach a predetermined temperature. When the temperature of the substrate reaches the predetermined temperature, a second deposition process is performed to completely fill the trench with the metal layer. The present invention further provides a semiconductor device having an aluminum layer with a reflectivity greater than 1, wherein the semiconductor device is formed by using the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Chi-Mao Hsu, Hsin-Fu Huang, Min-Chuan Tsai, Chien-Hao Chen, Wei-Yu Chen, Chin-Fu Lin, Jing-Gang Li, Min-Hsien Chen, Jian-Hong Su
  • Patent number: 8860222
    Abstract: Semiconductor package device, such as wafer-level package semiconductor devices, are described that have pillars for providing electrical interconnectivity. In an implementation, the wafer-level package devices include an integrated circuit chip having at least one pillar formed over the integrated circuit chip. The pillar is configured to provide electrical interconnectivity with the integrated circuit chip. The wafer-level package device also includes an encapsulation structure configured to support the pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Viren Khandekar, Karthik Thambidurai, Ahmad Ashrafzadeh, Amit Kelkar, Hien D. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8859420
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an interconnect element may include fabricating a metal layer that overlies a carrier layer and that includes a plurality of metal traces; providing a dielectric element to overlie the metal layer and the carrier layer; providing a plurality of metal posts; and removing the carrier layer to expose the first major surface of the dielectric element and the outer surfaces of the plurality of metal traces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Invensas Corporation
    Inventors: Kimitaka Endo, Norihito Masuda, Tomokazu Shimada
  • Patent number: 8859415
    Abstract: A method of forming wiring of a semiconductor device includes: forming an insulating resin on a main surface of a substrate such that an opening portion defining a wiring pattern is provided in the insulating resin; forming a first wiring layer made of a first metal on a bottom surface and side surfaces of the opening portion surrounding and a surface of the insulating resin opposite to the main surface of the substrate, the first wiring layer having a bottom portion formed on the bottom surface of the opening portion and side portions formed on the side surfaces, the bottom portion having a thickness greater than a thickness of at least one of the side portions; and cutting the insulating resin and the first wiring layer such that the insulating resin and the first wiring layer are exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Takayuki Tajima, Akira Tojo
  • Patent number: 8860223
    Abstract: A resistive random access memory may include a memory array and a periphery around the memory array. Decoders in the periphery may be coupled to address lines in the array by forming a metallization in the periphery and the array at the same time using the same metal deposition. The metallization may form row lines in the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Cristina Casellato, Carmela Cupeta, Michele Magistretti, Fabio Pellizzer, Roberto Somaschini
  • Patent number: 8853861
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited
    Inventor: Kenichi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8853830
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor substrate structure for use in a semiconductor substrate stack system is presented. The method includes a semiconductor substrate which includes a front-face, a backside, a bulk layer, an interconnect layer that includes a plurality of inter-metal dielectric layers sandwiched between conductive layers, a contact layer that is between the bulk layer and the interconnect layer, and a TSV structure commencing between the bulk layer and the contact layer and terminating at the backside of the substrate. The TSV structure is electrically coupled to the interconnect layer and the TSV structure is electrically coupled to a bonding pad on the backside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-Pin Chang, Weng-Jin Wu, Wen-Chih Chiou, Chen-Hua Yu
  • Patent number: 8852961
    Abstract: Ferroelectric capacitors (42) are formed over a semiconductor substrate (10), then, a barrier film (46) directly covering the ferroelectric capacitors (42) is formed. Thereafter, wirings (56a etc.) connected to the ferroelectric capacitors (42) are formed. Further, a barrier film (58) is formed at a position higher than the wirings (56a etc.). In forming the barrier film (46), a film stack is formed, the film stack including at least two kinds of diffusion preventive films (46a and 46b) having different components and preventing diffusion of hydrogen or water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited
    Inventor: Wensheng Wang
  • Patent number: 8853858
    Abstract: An integrated circuit structure including reflective metal pads is provided. The integrated circuit structure includes a semiconductor substrate; a first low-k dielectric layer overlying the semiconductor substrate, wherein the first low-k dielectric layer is a top low-k dielectric layer; a second low-k dielectric layer immediately underlying the first low-k dielectric layer; and a reflective metal pad in the second low-k dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Joung-Wei Liou, Keng-Chu Lin, Shwang-Ming Jeng
  • Patent number: 8847395
    Abstract: A microelectronic device, including: a substrate and a plurality of metal interconnection levels stacked on the substrate; a first metal line of a given metal interconnection level; a second metal line of another metal interconnection level located above the given metal interconnection level, the first and second lines are interconnected via at least one semiconductor connection element extending in a direction forming a nonzero angle with the first metal lines and the second metal line; and a gate electrode capable of controlling conduction of the semiconductor connection element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives
    Inventors: Thomas Ernst, Paul-Henry Morel, Sylvain Maitrejean
  • Patent number: 8847403
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited
    Inventor: Kenichi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8841209
    Abstract: A method for forming coreless flip chip ball grid array (FCBGA) substrates comprising the steps of sequentially depositing a pair of laminates, each having a plurality of insulated metallization layers simultaneously respectively on each side of a temporary carrier substrate, and then removing the temporary carrier to separate the pair of laminates, so that each laminate has an outer ball grid metal pad array, and during the depositing of the pair of laminates on the carrier substrate, further depositing a supporting layer of dielectric material enclosing the metal pad array, wherein said supporting layers of dielectric material provides structural support for each of the laminates after the separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sylvie Allard, Jean Audet, Kevin Arthur Dore, Sylvain Pharand, David John Russell
  • Patent number: 8841771
    Abstract: A semiconductor device with a transistor region has a first conductor pattern formed within a multilayer interconnect structure positioned under a signal line and above the transistor region. The first conductor pattern is coupled to ground or a power supply and overlaps the transistor region. The signal line overlaps the first conductor pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Furumiya, Yasutaka Nakashiba, Akira Tanabe
  • Patent number: 8841774
    Abstract: A first wiring (1) has a bending portion (2), a first wiring region (1a) extending from the bending portion (2) in the X direction, and a second wiring region (1b) extending from the bending portion (2) in the Y direction. A via (3) is formed under the wiring (1). The via (3) is formed so as not to overlap with a region of the bending portion (2) in the first wiring region (1a). The length of the via (3) in the X direction (x) is longer than the length thereof in the Y direction (y) and both ends of the via (3) in the Y direction overlap with both ends of the first wiring region (1a) in the Y direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Miwa Ichiryu, Hiroyuki Uehara, Hidetoshi Nishimura