Of Inductor (epo) Patents (Class 257/E21.022)
  • Publication number: 20130207230
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure having an in situ chip-level ferrite bead inductor and method for forming the same. Embodiments include a substrate, a first dielectric layer formed on the substrate, a lower ferrite layer formed on the first dielectric layer, and an upper ferrite layer spaced apart from the lower ferrite layer in the structure. A first metal layer may be formed above the lower ferrite layer and a second metal layer formed below the upper ferrite layer, wherein at least the first or second metal layer has a coil configuration including multiple turns. At least one second dielectric layer may be disposed between the first and second metal layers. The ferrite bead inductor has a small form factor and is amenable to formation using BEOL processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun-De Jin, Tzu-Jin Yeh
  • Patent number: 8487379
    Abstract: A design structure is embodied in a machine readable medium for designing, manufacturing, or testing a design. The design structure includes a high resistivity substrate and a buried inductor formed directly in the high resistivity substrate and devoid of an insulating layer therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Max G. Levy, Steven H. Voldman
  • Patent number: 8482422
    Abstract: A thin film deposition apparatus to remove static electricity generated between a substrate and a mask, and a method of manufacturing an organic light-emitting display device using the thin film deposition apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-Soon Ji, Tae-Seung Kim, Jong-Woo Lee, Chengguo An
  • Publication number: 20130154053
    Abstract: A device using an inductor with one or more through vias, and a method of manufacture is provided. In an embodiment, an inductor is formed in one or more of the metallization layers. One or more through vias are positioned directly below the inductor. The through vias may extend through one or more dielectric layers interposed between a substrate and the inductors. Additionally, the through vias may extend completely or partially through the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsiao-Tsung Yen, Yu-Ling Lin
  • Patent number: 8466537
    Abstract: Magnetic laminations are formed in the openings of a first non-conductive structure, which is formed in the opening of a second non-conductive structure that has a maximum aspect ratio that is less than the maximum aspect ratio of the first non-conductive structure. The second non-conductive structure is more crack resistant than the first non-conductive structure, and thereby protects the first non-conductive structure and the magnetic laminations from environmental contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Andrei Papou, William French, Peter J. Hopper
  • Patent number: 8466536
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is presented here. The semiconductor device includes an integrated inductor formed on a semiconductor substrate, a transistor arrangement formed on the semiconductor substrate to modulate loop current induced by the integrated inductor, dielectric material to insulate the integrated inductor from the transistor arrangement, and a controller coupled to the transistor arrangement. The controller is used to select conductive and nonconductive operating states of the transistor arrangement. A conductive operating state of the transistor arrangement allows formation of induced loop current in the transistor arrangement, and a nonconductive operating state of the transistor arrangement inhibits formation of induced loop current in the transistor arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Alvin Leng Sun Loke, Tin Tin Wee
  • Publication number: 20130127009
    Abstract: An spiral inductor (300) formed on a semiconductor substrate (102). One or more insulating layers (104, 303) is disposed on a first surface of the semiconductor substrate. A spiral structure (106) is formed of a first conductive material layer disposed on the insulating layer. The spiral structure has a terminal end (105) at a location enclosed by one or more coils of the spiral. A ground plane (302) is formed of a second conductive material and disposed on a second surface located on a side of the substrate opposed from the first surface. The ground plane is defected so as to define a signal trace (308) formed from a portion of the ground plane. A conductive via (304) extends through the one or more insulating layers, and through the semiconductor substrate, to form an electrical connection between the ground plane and the terminal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: HARRIS CORPORATION
    Inventor: David M. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130113448
    Abstract: A coil inductor and buck voltage regulator incorporating the coil inductor are provided which can be fabricated on a microelectronic element such as a semiconductor chip, or on an interconnection element such as a semiconductor, glass or ceramic interposer element. When energized, the coil inductor has magnetic flux extending in a direction parallel to first and second opposed surfaces of the microelectronic or interconnection element, and whose peak magnetic flux is disposed between the first and second surfaces. In one example, the coil inductor can be formed by first conductive lines extending along the first surface of the microelectronic or interconnection element, second conductive lines extending along the second surface of the microelectronic or interconnection element, and a plurality of conductive vias, e.g., through silicon vias, extending in direction of a thickness of the microelectronic or interconnection element. A method of making the coil inductor is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: MICHAEL J. SHAPIRO, GARY D. CARPENTER, ALAN J. DRAKE, RACHEL GORDIN, EDMUND J. SPROGIS
  • Publication number: 20130105941
    Abstract: An Integrated Circuit (IC) and a method of making the same. In one embodiment, the IC includes: a substrate; a first set of trenches formed in a first surface of the substrate; a second set of trenches formed in a second surface of the substrate; and at least one through silicon via connecting the first set of trenches and the second set of trenches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel S. Vanslette, John J. Ellis-Monaghan, Renata A. Camillo-Castillo, Robert M. Rassel
  • Patent number: 8415790
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a semiconductor package and a method for making the same. The semiconductor package includes a substrate, a first capacitor, a first protective layer, a first metal layer and a second protective layer. The substrate has at least one via structure. The first capacitor is disposed on a first surface of the substrate. The first protective layer encapsulates the first capacitor. The first metal layer is disposed on the first protective layer, and includes a first inductor. The second protective layer encapsulates the first inductor. Whereby, the first inductor, the first capacitor and the via structure are integrated into the semiconductor package, so that the size of the product is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Advance Semiconductor Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Chien-Hua Chen, Teck-Chong Lee
  • Patent number: 8410578
    Abstract: A semiconductor component and methods for manufacturing the semiconductor component that includes a monolithically integrated passive device. In accordance with embodiments, the monolithically integrated passive device includes an inductor formed from damascene structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Sallie Hose, Peter A. Burke, Li Jiang, Sudhama C. Shastri
  • Patent number: 8410576
    Abstract: An inductor is formed on a wafer by attaching a first core structure to the wafer with a pick and place operation, forming a coil with one or more thick metal layers over the first core structure, and then attaching a second core structure to the first core structure with the pick and place operation after the coil has been formed. In addition, the pick and place operation can also be used to attach one or more integrated circuits to the wafer to form an integrated inductive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Smeys, Andrei Papou
  • Publication number: 20130075860
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a inductor carrier comprises the steps of providing a substrate with a protective layer; forming a first photoresist layer on protective layer; patterning the first photoresist layer to form a first opening and first apertures; forming a first metal layer within first opening and first apertures; removing the first photoresist layer; forming a first dielectric layer on protective layer; forming a second photoresist layer on first dielectric layer; patterning the second photoresist layer to form a second aperture and a plurality of third apertures; forming a second metal layer within second aperture and third apertures; removing the second photoresist layer; forming a second dielectric layer on first dielectric layer; forming a third photoresist layer on second dielectric layer; patterning the third photoresist layer to form a fifth aperture and sixth apertures; forming a third metal layer within fifth aperture and sixth apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: CHIPBOND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chih-Ming Kuo, You-Ming Hsu
  • Publication number: 20130062725
    Abstract: A galvanic isolation system provides galvanic isolation in digital transfer integrated circuits by using conductivity modulation of the semiconductor substrate. Modulation of the conductivity of the substrate affects eddy current losses of a (differential) RF inductor that is isolated from the substrate by a sufficient amount of dielectric material, which provides a basis for signal transfer from the modulated substrate to the inductor across the isolation barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Peter J. Hopper, Peter Smeys, William French, Andrei Papou, Chaudhuri Dutt Adilti
  • Patent number: 8390094
    Abstract: An inexpensive variable inductor has inductance value continuously changeable without reducing a Q value. When a control voltage is applied to a control terminal of a MOS transistor from a power supply, a continuity region is formed in a channel, and a region between main terminals becomes conductive. When the control voltage is changed, length of the continuity region in the channel is changed. This changes length of a path area of an induced current, flowing in an induced current film. Thus, the amount of induced current is increased or decreased. Therefore, when the control voltage of the MOS transistor is changed, the inductance value of the coil is continuously changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Taiyo Yuden Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunihiko Nakajima, Hideo Ishihara, Yuichi Sasajima
  • Patent number: 8384189
    Abstract: The present invention extends the above referenced continuation-in-part application by in addition creating high quality electrical components, such as inductors, capacitors or resistors, on a layer of passivation or on the surface of a thick layer of polymer. In addition, the process of the invention provides a method for mounting discrete electrical components at a significant distance removed from the underlying silicon surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Megica Corporation
    Inventor: Mou-Shing Lin
  • Publication number: 20130043557
    Abstract: The present disclosure involves a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a substrate having a horizontal surface. The semiconductor device includes an interconnect structure formed over the horizontal surface of the substrate. The interconnect structure includes an inductor coil that is wound substantially in a vertical plane that is orthogonal to the horizontal surface of the substrate. The interconnect structure includes a capacitor disposed proximate to the inductor coil. The capacitor has an anode component and a cathode component. The inductor coil and the capacitor each include a plurality of horizontally extending elongate members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Hsiu-Ying Cho
  • Publication number: 20130032923
    Abstract: A system and method for providing an integrated inductor with a high Quality factor (Q) is provided. An embodiment comprises a magnetic core that is in a center of a conductive spiral. The magnetic core increases the inductance of the integrated inductor to allow the inductor to be used in applications such as a RF choke. The magnetic core may be formed in the same manner and time as an underbump metallization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yen-Liang Lin, Mirng-Ji Lii, Chen-Shien Chen, Ching-Wen Hsiao, Tsung-Ding Wang
  • Patent number: 8362587
    Abstract: An interconnect for transmitting an electric signal between electronic devices includes a first coupling element electromagnetically coupled to, and immediately juxtaposed to, a second coupling element. The first coupling element is mounted on and is electrically connected to a first electronic device having a first integrated circuit. The second coupling element may be mounted on and electrically connected to the first electronic device, and electrically connected to an interconnect on a second electronic device, or the second coupling element may be mounted on and electrically connected to the second electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Scanimetrics Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher V. Sellatmamby, Steven H. Slupsky, Brian Moore
  • Publication number: 20130015554
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer contains a substrate having a plurality of active devices formed thereon. An analog circuit is formed on the substrate. The analog circuit can be an inductor, metal-insulator-metal capacitor, or resistor. The inductor is made with copper. A through substrate via (TSV) is formed in the substrate. A conductive material is deposited in the TSV in electrical contact with the analog circuit. An under bump metallization layer is formed on a backside of the substrate in electrical contact with the TSV. A solder material is deposited on the UBM layer. The solder material is reflowed to form a solder bump. A wire bond is formed on a top surface of the substrate. A redistribution layer is formed between the TSV and UBM. The analog circuit electrically connects through the TSV to the solder bump on the back side of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: STATS ChipPAC, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yaojian Lin, Haijing Cao, Qing Zhang, Kang Chen, Jianmin Fang
  • Patent number: 8354325
    Abstract: A toroidal inductor formed in a semiconductor substrate. Through-silicon vias are used to connect metal layers formed on top and bottom surfaces of the semiconductor substrate. In one embodiment, the vias are elongated and laid out in two concentric circles, an inner circle enclosed by an outer circle. The vias of the outer concentric circle are longer than the vias of the inner circle so that spaces between vias are the same for both circles. In another embodiment, each elongated via may include a plurality of circular vias formed in a line. Metals layers on the top and bottom of the semiconductor substrate are patterned to form wedge shaped connectors between the inner and outer vias to form the spirals of the toroidal inductor. The wedge shaped connectors with elongated vias allow spacing between spirals to be constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Thuy B. Dao, Qiang Li, Melvy F. Miller
  • Publication number: 20130009279
    Abstract: Integrated circuits with phase-locked loops are provided. Phase-locked loops may include an oscillator, a phase-frequency detector, a charge pump, a loop filter, a voltage-controlled oscillator, and a programmable divider. The voltage-controlled oscillator may include multiple inductors, an oscillator circuit, and a buffer circuit. A selected one of the multiple inductors may be actively connected to the oscillator circuit. The voltage-controlled oscillators may have multiple oscillator circuits. Each oscillator circuit may be connected to a respective inductor, may include a varactor, and may be powered by a respective voltage regulator. Each oscillator circuit may be coupled to a respective input transistor pair in the buffer circuit through associated coupling capacitors. A selected one of the oscillator circuits may be turned on during normal operation by supplying a high voltage to the selected one of the oscillator circuit and by supply a ground voltage to the remaining oscillator circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Weiqi Ding, Sergey Shumarayev, Wilson Wong, Ali Atesoglu, Sharat Babu Ippili
  • Publication number: 20130005109
    Abstract: A toroidal inductor formed in a semiconductor substrate. Through-silicon vias are used to connect metal layers formed on top and bottom surfaces of the semiconductor substrate. In one embodiment, the vias are elongated and laid out in two concentric circles, an inner circle enclosed by an outer circle. The vias of the outer concentric circle are longer than the vias of the inner circle so that spaces between vias are the same for both circles. In another embodiment, each elongated via may include a plurality of circular vias formed in a line. Metals layers on the top and bottom of the semiconductor substrate are patterned to form wedge shaped connectors between the inner and outer vias to form the spirals of the toroidal inductor. The wedge shaped connectors with elongated vias allow spacing between spirals to be constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Thuy B. Dao, Qiang Li, Melvy F. Miller
  • Publication number: 20120319200
    Abstract: A monolithically integrated circuit, particularly an integrated circuit for radio frequency power applications, may include a transistor and a spiral inductor. The spiral inductor is arranged above the transistor. An electromagnetic coupling is created between the transistor and the inductor. The transistor may have a finger type layout to prevent any significant eddy currents caused by the electromagnetic coupling from occurring. The chip area needed for the circuit may be reduced by such arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Torkel ARNBORG
  • Patent number: 8324066
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes fabricating an active layer on a first side of a semiconductor substrate. The method also includes fabricating a metal layer on a second side of the semiconductor substrate. The metal layer includes a passive device embedded within the metal layer. The passive device can electrically couple to the active layer with through vias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Jonghae Kim, Shiqun Gu, Brian Matthew Henderson, Thomas R. Toms, Matthew Nowak
  • Publication number: 20120299151
    Abstract: A semiconductor device has an RF balun formed over a substrate. The RF balun includes a first conductive trace wound to exhibit inductive properties with a first end coupled to a first terminal of the semiconductor device and second end coupled to a second terminal of the semiconductor device. A first capacitor is coupled between the first and second ends of the first conductive trace. A second conductive trace is wound to exhibit inductive properties with a first end coupled to a third terminal of the semiconductor device and second end coupled to a fourth terminal of the semiconductor device. The first conductive trace is formed completely within the second conductive trace. The first conductive trace and second conductive trace can have an oval, circular, or polygonal shape separated by 50 micrometers. A second capacitor is coupled between the first and second ends of the second conductive trace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: STATS CHIPPAC, LTD.
    Inventors: Robert C. Frye, Kai Liu
  • Patent number: 8314496
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and an inductor are provided. The semiconductor device includes a top level interconnect metal layer (Mtop) pattern. A below-to-top level interconnect metal layer (Mtop?1) pattern is disposed directly below the top level interconnect metal layer pattern. A first via plug pattern is vertically disposed between the top level interconnect metal layer pattern and the below-to-top level interconnect metal layer pattern, electrically connected to the top level interconnect metal layer pattern and the below-to-top level interconnect metal layer pattern. The top level interconnect metal layer pattern, the below-to-top level interconnect metal layer pattern and the first via plug pattern have profiles parallel with each other from a top view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Silicon Motion, Inc.
    Inventor: Te-Wei Chen
  • Patent number: 8310024
    Abstract: The chip comprises a network of trench capacitors and an inductor, wherein the trench capacitors are coupled in parallel with a pattern of interconnects that is designed so as to limit generation of eddy current induced by the inductor in the interconnects. This allows the use of the chip as a portion of a DC-DC converter, that is integrated in an assembly of a first chip and this—second chip. The inductor of this integrated DC-DC converter may be defined elsewhere within the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Derk Reefman, Freddy Roozeboom, Johan H. Klootwijk
  • Publication number: 20120261787
    Abstract: Passive devices fabricated on glass substrates, methods of manufacture and design structures are provided. The method includes forming an opaque or semi-opaque layer on at least a first side of a glass substrate. The method further includes forming one or more passive devices on the opaque or semi-opaque layer on a second side of the glass substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Anthony K. STAMPER
  • Patent number: 8288277
    Abstract: A method of processing a substrate with a conductive film formed thereover and method of forming a micromagnetic device. In one embodiment, the method of processing the substrate includes reducing a temperature of the substrate to a stress-compensating temperature, and maintaining the temperature of the substrate at the stress-compensating temperature for a period of time. The method also includes increasing the temperature of the substrate above the stress-compensating temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Enpirion, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Takahashi, Trifon M. Liakopoulos
  • Patent number: 8274136
    Abstract: A semiconductor patch antenna for microwave radiation having a wide pin-junction or pn-junction with the depletion region or embodiments having a separating buried oxide (SiO2) layer between p- and n-doped regions as the natural resonator volume. Embodiments that do not include a metal ground plane and/or a metal patch are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Sergey N. Makarov, Reinhold Ludwig, Francesca Scire-Scappuzzo, John McNeill
  • Publication number: 20120235275
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an on-chip electronic device and a method for manufacturing the same. The on-chip electronic device according to the present invention comprises a substrate, a porous layer, a plurality of magnetic bodies, and an electronic member layer. The porous layer is disposed on the substrate and has a plurality of voids; each of the plurality of magnetic bodies is disposed in the plurality of voids, respectively; and the electronic member layer is disposed on one side of the porous layer, such as upper side of or lower sider of the porous layer. Because the plurality of magnetic bodies is used as the core of the inductance, the inductance is increased effectively and the area of the on-chip electronic device is reduced. Besides the manufacturing method according to the present invention is simple and compatible with the current CMOS process, the manufacturing cost can be lowered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: NATIONAL CHIAO TUNG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: YU-TING CHENG, TZU-YUAN CHAO, KUAN-MING CHEN, HSIN-FU HSU
  • Publication number: 20120238069
    Abstract: A method includes forming an ESD active device on a substrate, forming a ground plane on a backside of the substrate and forming at least one through wafer via electrically connected to a negative power supply of the ESD active device and the ground plane to provide a low series resistance path to the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Steven H. VOLDMAN
  • Publication number: 20120223411
    Abstract: Sub-100 nanometer semiconductor devices and methods and program products for manufacturing devices are provided, in particular inductors comprising a plurality of spaced parallel metal lines disposed on a dielectric surface and each having width, heights, spacing and cross-sectional areas determined as a function of Design Rule Check rules. For one planarization process rule a metal density ratio of 80% metal to 20% dielectric surface is determined and produced. In one example a sum of metal line spacing gaps is less than a sum of metal line interior sidewall heights. In one aspect at least one of line height, width and line spacing dimensions is selected to optimize one or more chip yield, chip performance, chip manufacturability and inductor Q factor parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Choongyeun Cho, Daeik Kim, Jonghae Kim, Moon J. Kim, Jean-Olivier Plouchart, Robert E. Trzcinski
  • Patent number: 8232173
    Abstract: Structures with high-Q value inductors, design structure for high-Q value inductors and methods of fabricating such structures is disclosed herein. A method in a computer-aided design system for generating a functional design model of an inductor is also provided. The method includes: generating a functional representation of a plurality of vertical openings simultaneously formed in a substrate, wherein a first of the plurality of vertical openings is used as through silicon vias and is etched deeper than a second of the plurality of vertical openings used for high-Q inductors; generating a functional representation of a dielectric layer formed in the plurality of vertical openings; and generating a functional representation of a metal layer deposited on the dielectric layer in the plurality of vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hanyi Ding, Mete Erturk, Robert A. Groves, Zhong-Xiang He, Peter J. Lindgren, Anthony K. Stamper
  • Patent number: 8222714
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the semiconductor package includes a substrate having multiple layers, from a first layer to a final layer, a die coupled to the first layer, an electrical connector such as a solder ball coupled to the final layer, and a spiral trace disposed and electrically coupled between the die and the electrical connector. Inductance of the spiral trace is selected such that the package has a predetermined impedance. Material, cross-sectional area, number and density of windings, and total overall length of the spiral trace are selected accordingly. In other embodiments, the semiconductor package includes a substrate with multiple layers; a die coupled to the first of the layers; an electrical connector coupled to the final layer; and a spiral trace, in or on the substrate. The spiral trace is near the die, and electrically coupled between the die and the electrical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Hao Shi, Jung-Hoon Chun, Xingchao Yuan
  • Patent number: 8222697
    Abstract: Provided is a CMOS RF IC comprises an inductor that is formed in the uppermost two or more metal layers among a plurality of metal layers; and a DC bias circuit that is formed in a metal layer provided at the bottom of the metal layers in which the inductor is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu Sin Kim, Chang Seok Lee, Nam Jin Oh, Shinichi Iizuka
  • Patent number: 8217492
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a first integrated circuit die having a first circuit and a first inductive interface and a second integrated circuit die having a second circuit and a second inductive interface. A substrate is coupled to support the first integrated circuit die and the second integrated circuit die, the substrate including a magnetic communication path aligned with the first inductive interface and the second inductive interface, to magnetically communicate signals between the first circuit and the second circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Ahmadreza (Reza) Rofougaran
  • Patent number: 8188570
    Abstract: A design structure is embodied in a machine readable medium for designing, manufacturing, or testing a design. The design structure includes a high resistivity substrate and a buried inductor formed directly in the high resistivity substrate and devoid of an insulating layer therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Max G. Levy, Steven H. Voldman
  • Publication number: 20120104546
    Abstract: Structures with high-Q value inductors, design structure for high-Q value inductors and methods of fabricating such structures is disclosed herein. A method in a computer-aided design system for generating a functional design model of an inductor is also provided. The method includes: generating a functional representation of a plurality of vertical openings simultaneously formed in a substrate, wherein a first of the plurality of vertical openings is used as through silicon vias and is etched deeper than a second of the plurality of vertical openings used for high-Q inductors; generating a functional representation of a dielectric layer formed in the plurality of vertical openings; and generating a functional representation of a metal layer deposited on the dielectric layer in the plurality of vertical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hanyi DING, Mete ERTURK, Robert A. GROVES, Zhong-Xiang HE, Peter J. LINGREN, Anthony K. STAMPER
  • Publication number: 20120098621
    Abstract: Integrated circuits are disclosed including at least one inductor-capacitor component, where each of the inductor-capacitor components includes an inductor and a capacitor constructed between the inductor and a substrate. The inductor includes at least one metal loop over a shield pattern forming a first capacitor terminal over patterned oxide layer with a second capacitor layer between the patterned oxide layer and the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: Qualcomm Atheros, Inc.
    Inventor: Lalitkumar Nathawad
  • Patent number: 8164157
    Abstract: This patent pertains to a new technique of increasing the amount of energy absorbed by an antenna. It accomplishes this by broadcasting a spike that attracts the signal when the fields of its oscillating charge are at their strongest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: David Robert Morgan
  • Patent number: 8164159
    Abstract: A reference signal generator includes an integrated circuit substrate having a semiconductor resonator therein. The resonator includes an inductor extending adjacent a first surface of the integrated circuit substrate. A vertically-stacked composite of at least first and second electrically insulating dielectric layers is provided on the integrated circuit substrate. The vertically-stacked composite covers a portion of the first surface, which extends opposite the inductor. A first electrically conductive shielding layer is provided on a portion of the second electrically insulating dielectric layer extending opposite the inductor. The first electrically conductive shielding layer may encapsulate exposed portions of the first and second electrically insulating dielectric layers. The shielding layer may operate as an electromagnetic shield between the inductor and an external structure, such as an integrated circuit package, and also shield against environmental contamination (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Intergrated Device Technologies, inc.
    Inventors: William Eddie Armstrong, Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Vidyabhusan Gupta, Justin O'Day, Nader Fayyaz, Gordon Carichner
  • Publication number: 20120086101
    Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to integrated circuits (IC), IC interconnects, and methods of fabricating the same, and more particularly, high performance inductors. The IC includes at least one trench within a dielectric layer disposed on a substrate. The trench is conformally coated with a liner and seed layer, and includes an interconnect within. The interconnect includes a hard mask on the sidewalls of the interconnect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: David A. DeMuynck, Zhong-Xiang He, Daniel R. Miga, Matthew D. Moon, Daniel S. Vanslette, Eric J. White
  • Publication number: 20120080770
    Abstract: A transformer arrangement and a method for producing a transformer arrangement is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventor: Uwe Wahl
  • Publication number: 20120068301
    Abstract: Providing for a monolithic magnetic induction device having low DC resistance and small surface area is described herein. By way of example, the magnetic induction device can comprise a substrate (e.g., a semiconductor substrate) having trenches formed in a bottom layer of the substrate, and holes formed in the substrate between the trenches and an upper layer of the substrate. Additionally, the magnetic induction device can comprise a conductive coil embedded or deposited within the trenches. The magnetic induction device can further comprise a set of conductive vias formed in the holes that electrically connect the bottom layer of the substrate with the upper layer. Further, one or more integrated circuit components, such as active devices, can be formed in the upper layer, at least in part above the conductive coil. The vias can be utilized to connect to integrated circuit components with the conductive coil, where suitable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Johnny Kin On Sin, Rongxiang Wu, Ron Shu Yuen Hui
  • Publication number: 20120068303
    Abstract: In an integrated circuit an inductor metal layer is provided separately to the top metal layer, which includes the power and signal routing metal lines. Consequently, high performance inductors can be provided, for instance by using a moderately high metal thickness substantially without requiring significant modifications of the remaining metallization system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Tsui Ping Chu, Hyung Sun Yook, Poh Ching Sim
  • Publication number: 20120056297
    Abstract: A magnetically-coupled structure is integrated with an integrated circuit in back end-of-line (BEOL) digital CMOS fabrication processes. A differential primary (or secondary) coil is formed by patterning a thick copper (Cu) metal layer, and a single-ended secondary (or primary) coil is formed by patterning a thick aluminum (Al) top metal bonding layer. Crossovers and/or cross-unders are formed using thin metal layers. One embodiment provides a stacked balun with a differential primary input winding defined in the copper layer, directly underneath a single-ended spiral winding defined in the aluminum layer. The spiral forms the single-ended secondary output of the balun and is rotated by 90° to prevent metal shorting for its cross-under connections. Another embodiment provides a transformer with one differential primary (or secondary) coil defined in the copper layer and another differential secondary (or primary) coil defined in the aluminum layer and adding a center tap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Siraj Akhtar, Richard Francis Taylor, Petteri Litmanen
  • Publication number: 20120040509
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes fabricating an active layer on a first side of a semiconductor substrate. The method also includes fabricating a metal layer on a second side of the semiconductor substrate. The metal layer includes a passive device embedded within the metal layer. The passive device can electrically couple to the active layer with through vias.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jonghae Kim, Shiqun Gu, Brian Matthew Henderson, Thomas R. Toms, Matthew Nowak
  • Publication number: 20120032297
    Abstract: The invention provides an electronic device and method for fabricating the same, and a spiral inductor device and method for fabricating the same. The electronic device includes a substrate and a conductive trace pattern formed on the substrate, wherein the conductive trace pattern has an opening to expose the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: RICHWAVE TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventor: Ja-Hao Chen