Contacting Multiple Semiconductive Regions (i.e., Interconnects) Patents (Class 438/618)
  • Patent number: 8835247
    Abstract: A sensor array for detecting particles, the sensor array comprising a substrate having a plurality of holes, a plurality of electronic sensor chips each having a sensor active region being sensitive to the presence of particles to be detected, and an electric contacting structure adapted for electrically contacting the plurality of electronic sensor chips, wherein the plurality of electronic sensor chips and/or the electric contacting structure are connected to the substrate in such a manner that the plurality of holes in combination with the plurality of electronic sensor chips and/or the electric contacting structure form a plurality of wells with integrated particle sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: NXP, B.V.
    Inventors: Michel De Langen, Ger Reuvers, Frans Meeuwsen
  • Patent number: 8836141
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is prepared by an annealing process to interconnect at least two components of the device by a conductor line surrounded by an insulator material. The annealing process results in formation of residual stresses within the conductor line and the insulator material. A notch is designed in the layout on a selective portion of the mask for patterning conductor line. The existence of a shape of notch on the selective portion generates extra stress components within the conductor line than if without the existence of the notch. The position of the notch is selected so that the extra stress components substantially counteract the residual stresses, thereby causing a net reduction in the residual stresses. The reduction in the residual stresses results in a corresponding mechanical stress migration and therefore improvement in the reliability of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Min-Hwa Chi, Tai-Chun Huang, Chih-Hsiang Yao
  • Patent number: 8836129
    Abstract: A plug structure including a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, a barrier layer and a second plug is provided. The first dielectric layer having a first plug therein is located on a substrate, wherein the first plug physically contacts a source/drain in the substrate. The second dielectric layer having an opening exposing the first plug is located on the first dielectric layer. The barrier layer conformally covers the opening, wherein the barrier layer has a bottom part and a sidewall part, and the bottom part is a single layer and physically contacts the first plug while the sidewall part is a dual layer. The second plug fills the opening and on the barrier layer. Moreover, a process of forming a plug structure is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Ching-Wen Hung, Chih-Sen Huang, Po-Chao Tsao
  • Publication number: 20140252641
    Abstract: A semiconductor device has a plurality of semiconductor die. A first prefabricated insulating film is disposed over the semiconductor die. A conductive layer is formed over the first prefabricated insulating film. An interconnect structure is formed over the semiconductor die and first prefabricated insulating film. The first prefabricated insulating film is laminated over the semiconductor die. The first prefabricated insulating film includes glass cloth, glass fiber, or glass fillers. The semiconductor die is embedded within the first prefabricated insulating film with the first prefabricated insulating film covering first and side surfaces of the semiconductor die. The interconnect structure is formed over a second surface of the semiconductor die opposite the first surface. A portion of the first prefabricated insulating film is removed after disposing the first prefabricated insulating film over the semiconductor die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: STATS ChipPAC, Ltd.
    Inventors: See Chian Lim, Teck Tiong Tan, Yung Kuan Hsiao, Ching Meng Fang, Yoke Hor Phua, Bartholomew Liao
  • Patent number: 8828861
    Abstract: Methods for fabricating conductive metal lines of a semiconductor device are described herein. In one embodiment, such a method may comprise depositing a conductive material over a substrate, and depositing a first barrier layer on the conductive layer. Such a method may also comprise patterning a mask on the first barrier layer, the pattern comprising a layout of the conductive lines. Such an exemplary method may also comprise etching the conductive material and the first barrier layer using the patterned mask to form the conductive lines. In addition, a low temperature post-flow may be performed on the structure. The method may also include depositing a dielectric material over and between the patterned conductive lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tuung Luoh, Ming Da Cheng, Chin-Ta Su, Tahone Yang, Kuang-Chao Chen
  • Publication number: 20140248765
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device having a cell pattern formed on an interconnection and capable of reducing an interconnection resistance and a fabrication method thereof are provided. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate in which a cell area, a core area, and a peripheral area are defined and a bottom structure is formed, a conductive line formed on an entire structure of the semiconductor substrate, a memory cell pattern formed on the conductive line in the cell area, and a dummy conductive pattern formed on any one of the conductive line in the core area and the peripheral area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Jang Uk LEE
  • Publication number: 20140248766
    Abstract: Provided are a three-dimensional semiconductor device and a method of fabricating the same. The three-dimensional semiconductor device may include a mold structure for providing gap regions and an interconnection structure including a plurality of interconnection patterns disposed in the gap regions. The mold structure may include interlayer molds defining upper surfaces and lower surfaces of the interconnection patterns and sidewall molds defining sidewalls of the interconnection patterns below the interlayer molds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: JAE-JOO SHIM, Hansoo Kim, Wonseok Cho, Jaehoon Jang, Woojin Cho
  • Publication number: 20140246779
    Abstract: A semiconductor device has a semiconductor die and conductive layer formed over a surface of the semiconductor die. A first channel can be formed in the semiconductor die. An encapsulant is deposited over the semiconductor die. A second channel can be formed in the encapsulant. A first insulating layer is formed over the semiconductor die and first conductive layer and into the first channel. The first insulating layer extends into the second channel. The first insulating layer has characteristics of tensile strength greater than 150 MPa, elongation between 35-150%, and thickness of 2-30 micrometers. A second insulating layer can be formed over the semiconductor die prior to forming the first insulating layer. An interconnect structure is formed over the semiconductor die and encapsulant. The interconnect structure is electrically connected to the first conductive layer. The first insulating layer provides stress relief during formation of the interconnect structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: STATS ChipPAC, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yaojian Lin, Pandi C. Marimuthu, Kang Chen, Hin Hwa Goh, Yu Gu, Il Kwon Shim, Rui Huang, Seng Guan Chow, Jianmin Fang, Xia Feng
  • Patent number: 8822327
    Abstract: A chip contact pad and a method of making a chip contact pad are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention includes forming a plurality of contact pads over a workpiece, each contact pad having lower sidewalls and upper sidewalls and reducing a lower width of each contact pad so that an upper width of each contact pad is larger than the lower width. The method further includes forming a photoresist over the plurality of contact pads and removing portions of the photoresist thereby forming sidewall spacers along the lower sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Johann Gatterbauer, Bernhard Weidgans
  • Patent number: 8822328
    Abstract: A method for patterning a semiconductor structure is provided. The method comprises following steps. A first mask defining a first pattern in a first region and a second pattern in a second region adjacent to the first region is provided. The first pattern defined by the first mask is transferred to a first film structure in the first region, and the second pattern defined by the first mask is transferred to the first film structure in the second region. A second film structure is formed on the first film structure. A second mask defining a third pattern in the first region is provided. At least 50% of a part of the first region occupied by the first pattern defined by the first mask is identical with a part of the first region occupied by the third pattern defined by the second mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Chia-Wei Huang, Ming-Jui Chen, Ting-Cheng Tseng, Ping-I Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20140241026
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for interconnections for 3D memory are provided. One example apparatus can include a stack of materials including a plurality of pairs of materials, each pair of materials including a conductive line formed over an insulation material. The stack of materials has a stair step structure formed at one edge extending in a first direction. Each stair step includes one of the pairs of materials. A first interconnection is coupled to the conductive line of a stair step, the first interconnection extending in a second direction substantially perpendicular to a first surface of the stair step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Toru Tanzawa
  • Patent number: 8816216
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an encapsulation substrate for an organic light emitting diode display, includes fabricating a composite panel by forming an uncured carbon fiber resin portion having a plate shape and including an upper surface and a lower surface and forming an uncured insulating resin portion arranged to surround edges of the carbon fiber resin portion, the uncured insulating resin portion being perforated by a plurality of penetration holes, inserting a plurality of conductive components into corresponding ones of the plurality of penetration holes, covering upper and lower surfaces of the composite panel with metal films and bonding the metal films to the composite panel while simultaneously curing the carbon fiber resin and the insulating resin portion by applying heat and pressure to the composite panel. Therefore, fabrication processes of the encapsulation substrate are simple, and fabrication costs are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Choong-Ho Lee, Jung-Min Lee, Kie-Hyun Nam
  • Patent number: 8816423
    Abstract: A semiconducting multi-layer structure comprising a plurality of first conductive layers, a plurality of first insulating layers and a second conductive layer is disclosed. The first conductive layers are separately disposed. Each of the first conductive layers has an upper surface, a bottom surface opposite to the upper surface and a lateral surface. The first insulating layers surround the peripherals of the first conductive layers. Each of the first insulating layers covers at least a part of the upper surface of each of the first conductive layers, at least a part of the bottom surface of each of the first conductive layers and the two lateral surface of each of the first conductive layers. The second conductive layer covers the first conductive layers and the first insulating layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Erh-Kun Lai, Yen-Hao Shih
  • Patent number: 8815731
    Abstract: A semiconductor package and a method for fabricating the same. The semiconductor package includes a first substrate including a first pad, a second substrate spaced apart from the first substrate and where a second pad is formed to face the first pad, a first bump electrically connecting the first pad to the second pad, and a second bump mechanically connecting the first substrate to the second substrate is disposed between the first substrate where the first pad is not formed and the second substrate where the second pad is not formed. A coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the second bump is smaller than that of the first bump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young Lyong Kim, Hyeongseob Kim, Jongho Lee, Eunchul Ahn
  • Patent number: 8809184
    Abstract: One method disclosed herein includes forming a plurality of source/drain contacts that are conductively coupled to a source/drain region of a plurality of transistor devices, wherein at least one of the source/drain contacts is a local interconnect structure that spans the isolation region and is conductively coupled to a first source/drain region in a first active region and to a second source/drain region in a second active region, and forming a patterned mask layer that covers the first and second active regions and exposes at least a portion of the local interconnect structure positioned above an isolation region that separates the first and second active regions. The method further includes performing an etching process through the patterned mask layer to remove a portion of the local interconnect structure, thereby defining a recess positioned above a remaining portion of the local interconnect structure, and forming an insulating material in the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Inc.
    Inventors: Lei Yuan, Jin Cho, Jongwook Kye, Harry J. Levinson
  • Patent number: 8809183
    Abstract: A selective conductive cap is deposited on exposed metal surfaces of a metal line by electroless plating selective to exposed underlying dielectric surfaces of a metal interconnect structure. A dielectric material layer is deposited on the selective conductive cap and the exposed underlying dielectric layer without a preclean. The dielectric material layer is planarized to form a horizontal planar surface that is coplanar with a topmost surface of the selective conductive cap. A preclean is performed and a dielectric cap layer is deposited on the selective conductive cap and the planarized surface of the dielectric material layer. Because the interface including a surface damaged by the preclean is vertically offset from the topmost surface of the metal line, electromigration of the metal in the metal line along the interface is reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Griselda Bonilla, Lawrence A. Clevenger, Elbert E. Huang, Satyanarayana V. Nitta, Shom Ponoth
  • Patent number: 8802529
    Abstract: This invention discloses a semiconductor power device disposed in a semiconductor substrate comprising a lightly doped layer formed on a heavily doped layer and having an active cell area and an edge termination area. The edge termination area comprises a plurality P-channel MOSFETs. By connecting the gate to the drain electrode, the P-channel MOSFET transistors formed on the edge termination are sequentially turned on when the applied voltage is equal to or greater than the threshold voltage Vt of the P-channel MOSFET transistors, thereby optimizing the voltage blocked by each region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Alpha and Omega Semiconductor Incorporated
    Inventors: Hamza Yilmaz, Madhur Bobde
  • Patent number: 8802559
    Abstract: An electromigration and stress migration enhancement liner is provided for use in an interconnect structure. The liner includes a metal that has a thickness at a bottom of the at least one via opening and on an exposed portion of an underlying conductive feature that is greater than a remaining thickness that is located on exposed sidewalls of the interconnect dielectric material. The thinner portion of the electromigration and stress migration enhancement liner is located between the interconnect dielectric material and an overlying diffusion barrier. The thicker portion of the electromigration and stress migration enhancement liner is located between the underlying conductive feature and the diffusion barrier as well as between an adjacent dielectric capping layer and the diffusion barrier. The remainder of the at least one via opening is filled with an adhesion layer and a conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chih-Chao Yang, Baozhen Li
  • Patent number: 8802558
    Abstract: A structure and method of making the structure. The structure includes a dielectric layer on a substrate; a first wire formed in a first trench in the dielectric layer, a first liner on sidewalls and a bottom of the first trench and a first copper layer filling all remaining space in the first trench; a second wire formed in a second trench in the dielectric layer, a second liner on sidewalls and a bottom of the second trench and a second copper layer filling all remaining space in the second trench; and an electromigration stop formed in a third trench in the dielectric layer, a third liner on sidewalls and a bottom of the third trench and a third copper layer filling all remaining space in the third trench, the electromigration stop between and abutting respective ends of the first and second wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chih-Chao Yang, Marc A. Bergendahl, David V. Horak, Baozhen Li, Shom Ponoth
  • Publication number: 20140217518
    Abstract: A method of forming an interlayer conductor structure. The method includes forming a stack of semiconductor pads coupled to respective active layers for a circuit. The semiconductor pads include outside perimeters each having one side coupled to a respective active layer. Impurities are implanted along the outside perimeters to form outside lower resistance regions on the pads. Openings are then formed in the stack of the semiconductor pads to expose a landing area for interlayer conductors on a corresponding semiconductor pad and to define an inside perimeter on at least one of the semiconductor pads. Inside lower resistance regions are formed along the inside perimeters by implanting impurities for interlayer conductor contacts and configured to overlap and be continuous with the corresponding outside lower resistance region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: Yen-Hao SHIH, Yi-Hsuan HSIAO, Chih-Ping CHEN
  • Patent number: 8796133
    Abstract: A method of reducing white bump formation and dielectric cracking under controlled collapse chip connections (C4s). The method comprises fabricating a substrate having a plurality of metallization layers, one or more of the layers is of low k dielectric material. The substrate includes a plurality of attachment pads for the C4s. The fabricating comprises selectively forming at least a portion of the substrate with metal fill having a higher Young's modulus of elasticity than any of the one or more layers of low k dielectric material in portions of the substrate located beneath at least some of the attachment pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Griselda Bonilla, Timothy H. Daubenspeck, Mark C. H. Lamorey, Howard S. Landis, Xiao Hu Liu, David L. Questad, Thomas M. Shaw, David B. Stone
  • Patent number: 8796859
    Abstract: A multilayer interconnect structure is formed by, providing a substrate (40) having thereon a first dielectric (50, 27) for supporting a multi-layer interconnection (39) having lower conductor MN (22, 23), upper conductor MN+1 (34, 35), dielectric interlayer (DIL) (68) and interconnecting via conductor VN+1/N (36, 36?). The lower conductor MN (22, 23) has a first upper surface (61) located in a recess below a second upper surface (56) of the first dielectric (50, 27). The DIL (68) is formed above the first (61) and second (56) surfaces. A cavity (1263) is etched through the DIL (68) from a desired location (122) of the upper conductor MN+1 (34), exposing the first surface (61). The cavity (1263) is filled with a further electrical conductor (80) to form the upper conductor MN+1 (34) and the connecting via conductor VN+1/N (36, 36?) making electrical contact with the first upper surface (61).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Globalfoundries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan Ryoung-Han Kim
  • Patent number: 8796786
    Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming electrical contacts. A row of semiconductor material projections may be formed, with the semiconductor material projections containing repeating components of an array, and with a terminal semiconductor projection of the row comprising a contact location. An electrically conductive line may be along said row, with the line wrapping around an end of said terminal semiconductor projection and bifurcating into two branches that are along opposing sides of the semiconductor material projections. Some of the semiconductor material of the terminal semiconductor projection may be replaced with dielectric material, and then an opening may be extended into the dielectric material. An electrical contact may be formed within the opening and directly against at least one of the branches. Some embodiments include memory arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard T. Housley
  • Patent number: 8796134
    Abstract: Methods of forming integrated circuit devices include forming first and second electrically conductive lines at side-by-side locations on an integrated circuit substrate. Steps are performed to selectively etch each of the first and second electrically conductive lines into a respective pair of interconnects having facing ends that are separated from each other. This selective etching step is performed using a photolithography mask having a modified-rectangular mask pattern thereon, which is configured to define a shape of the facing ends of each of the pair of interconnects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chang-Hwa Kim, Ryan L. Burns
  • Publication number: 20140210105
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method comprising: forming a plurality of parallel lines (502, 504, 506) of a sacrificial material over a layer of conductive material (510) of an integrated circuit, said parallel lines being separated by trenches, at least one of said lines being interrupted along its length by an opening (516) dividing it into first and second line portions (504A, 504B) separated by a space (S); forming spacers (522, 524, 526, 528, 530) in said trenches on lateral sides of said line portions and filling at least a bottom part of said opening between the line portions; removing the sacrificial material by etching; and forming interconnection lines (302, 304A, 304B, 306A, 306B, 308, 310) of said conductive material based on a pattern defined by said spacers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventor: Vincent FARYS
  • Patent number: 8791009
    Abstract: A method for fabricating through-silicon vias (TSVs) for semiconductor devices is provided. Specifically, the method involves utilizing copper contact pads in a back-end-of-line wiring level, wherein the copper contact pads act as cathodes for performing an electroplating technique to fill TSVs with plated-conductive material (e.g., copper) from an electroplating solution. Moreover, the method provides a way to fill high aspect ratio TSVs with minimal additional semiconductor fabrication process steps, which can increase the silicon area that is available for forming additional electronic components on integrated circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mukta G. Farooq, Troy Lawrence Graves-Abe
  • Patent number: 8791010
    Abstract: A method of forming a memory device. A first thickness of dielectric material overlies a surface region of a substrate. A first wiring material including a first lining material and a silver material are formed overlying the dielectric material. A first adhesion material and an amorphous silicon switching material including a contact material are deposited overlying the first wiring material. The method forms one or more first structures configured to spatially extend in a first direction from the amorphous silicon switching material, the contact material, and the first wiring material. A thickness of second dielectric material is deposited overlying the one or more first structures. The method forms a second wiring structure comprising at least a second silver material and a second lining material spatially extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction overlying the second dielectric material and in electrical contact with the switching material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Crossbar, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Brad Herner
  • Patent number: 8785327
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, includes forming first layer on first and second regions in substrate, first layer having first width in first region and having larger dimension than first width in second region, forming first sidewall on first layer, forming second layer covering first sidewall in the second region and forming third layer having second width smaller than first width on the side face of first sidewall having second width after removing first layer, forming second and third sidewalls having second width so that second and third sidewalls is adjacent to first sidewall across third layer by second width in first region and across second and third layers by second interval larger than second width in the second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Keisuke Kikutani
  • Patent number: 8786094
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a workpiece and a plurality of first conductive lines disposed over the workpiece in a metallization layer. A plurality of second conductive lines is disposed over the workpiece in the metallization layer. The plurality of second conductive lines comprises a greater vertical height in a cross-sectional view of the workpiece than a vertical height of the plurality of first conductive lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Min Fu, Wen-Hao Chen, Dian-Hau Chen
  • Patent number: 8785319
    Abstract: Methods of forming fine patterns are provided. The methods may include forming first hard mask patterns extending in a first direction on a lower layer, forming second hard mask patterns filling gap regions between the first hard mask patterns, forming first mask patterns extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction on the first and second hard mask patterns, etching the first hard mask patterns using the first mask patterns as etch masks to form first openings, forming second mask patterns filling the first openings and extending in the second direction, and etching the second hard mask patterns using the second mask patterns as etch masks to form second openings spaced apart from the first openings in a diagonal direction with respect to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joon-Soo Park, Kukhan Yoon, Joon Kim, Cheolhong Kim, Seokwoo Nam
  • Patent number: 8785314
    Abstract: Methods and memory devices formed using etch bias homogenization are provided. One example method of forming a memory device using etch bias homogenization includes forming conductive material at respective levels over a substrate. Each respective level of conductive material is electrically coupled to corresponding circuitry on the substrate during patterning of the respective level of conductive material so that each respective level of conductive material has a homogenized etch bias during patterning thereof. Each respective level of conductive material electrically coupled to corresponding circuitry on the substrate is patterned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Fabio Pellizzer, Hernan A. Castro, Eddie T. Flores
  • Patent number: 8786093
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a chip package which includes: a substrate; a device region disposed in or on the substrate; a signal pad disposed in or on the substrate and electrically connected to the device region; a ground pad disposed in or on the substrate; a signal bump disposed on a surface of the substrate, wherein the signal bump is electrically connected to the signal pad through a signal conducting layer; a ground conducting layer disposed on the surface of the substrate and electrically connected to the ground pad; and a protection layer disposed on the surface of the substrate, wherein the protection layer completely covers the entire side terminals of the signal conducting layer and partially covers the ground conducting layer such that a side terminal of the ground conducting layer is exposed on a side of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventors: Chia-Sheng Lin, Tzu-Hsiang Hung
  • Patent number: 8778790
    Abstract: A rewiring is formed by forming a Cu seed layer of copper over an opening and insulating films, forming a photoresist film over the Cu seed layer, a step of forming copper film by plating-growth over the Cu seed layer, and forming a Ni film. After forming an Au film in an opening (pad region) over the rewiring, the photoresist film is removed and passivation processing is performed on the Ni film. Then, the Cu seed layer other than the formation region of the rewiring is etched. According to these steps, a passivation film is formed on the surface of the Ni film and the reduction in film thickness of the Ni film by the etching can be reduced. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce trouble due to distortion of a substrate resulting from an increase in thickness of the Ni film in view of reduction in film thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Tota Maitani, Yutaro Ebata
  • Publication number: 20140193972
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manufacturing semiconductor devices, and such semiconductor devices, are described. According to various aspects of the disclosure, a semiconductor device can be manufactured by forming a core region of the semiconductor device and forming a periphery region of the semiconductor device. A first polysilicon region can then be formed over the core and periphery regions of the semiconductor device. A first mask is formed on the first poly silicon layer and a second polysilicon layer is disposed such that the second polysilicon layer covers the first mask. A second mask can then be formed on the second polysilicon layer. After forming the second mask, portions of the first and second polysilicon layers that are uncovered by either the first or second masks are removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Scott A. BELL, Angela Tai HUI, Simon S. CHAN
  • Patent number: 8772941
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a circuit includes the step of providing a first wiring level comprising first wiring level conductors separated by a first wiring level dielectric material. A first dielectric layer with a plurality of interconnect openings and a plurality of gap openings is formed above the first wiring level. The interconnect openings and the gap openings are pinched off with a pinching dielectric material to form relatively low dielectric constant (low-k) volumes in the gap openings. Metallic conductors comprising second wiring level conductors and interconnects to the first wiring level conductors are formed at the interconnect openings while maintaining the relatively low-k volumes in the gap openings. The gap openings with the relatively low-k volumes reduce parasitic capacitance between adjacent conductor structures formed by the conductors and interconnects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Clevenger, Matthew E. Colburn, Louis C. Hsu, Wai-Kin Li
  • Patent number: 8772164
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for forming an interconnection pattern includes forming an insulating pattern, forming a self-assembled film, and forming a conductive layer. The insulating pattern has a side surface on a major surface of a matrix. The self-assembled film has an affinity with a material of the insulating pattern on the side surface of the insulating pattern. The forming the conductive layer includes depositing a conductive material on a side surface of the self-assembled film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yasuhito Yoshimizu, Satoshi Wakatsuki, Hisashi Okuchi, Atsuko Sakata, Hiroshi Tomita
  • Patent number: 8772156
    Abstract: Methods are provided for fabricating interconnect structures containing various capping materials for electrical fuses and other related applications. The method includes forming a first interconnect structure having a first interfacial structure and forming a second interconnect structure adjacent to the first structure. The second interconnect structure is formed with a second interfacial structure different from the first interfacial structure of the first interconnect structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Louis L. Hsu, William R. Tonti, Chih-Chao Yang
  • Patent number: 8772951
    Abstract: Some novel features pertain to a substrate that includes a first dielectric layer, a first interconnect embedded in a first surface of the first dielectric layer, and a second interconnect on the first surface of the first dielectric layer. The first interconnect is offset from the first surface of the first dielectric layer. The first interconnect being offset towards an inner portion of the first dielectric layer. In some implementations, the substrate further includes a third interconnect embedded in the first surface of the first dielectric layer, and a fourth interconnect on the first surface of the first dielectric layer. The first interconnect and the second interconnect are adjacent interconnects. In some implementations, the substrate further includes a first pad on the first surface of the first dielectric layer. The first pad is coupled to the first interconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Chin-Kwan Kim, Rajneesh Kumar, Omar James Bchir
  • Patent number: 8772127
    Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the same. The method for manufacturing the semiconductor device comprises: providing a silicon substrate having a gate stack structure formed thereon and having {100} crystal indices; forming an interlayer dielectric layer coving a top surface of the silicon substrate; forming a first trench in the interlayer dielectric layer and/or in the gate stack structure, the first trench having an extension direction being along <110> crystal direction and perpendicular to that of the gate stack structure; and filling the first trench with a first dielectric layer, wherein the first dielectric layer is a tensile stress dielectric layer. The present invention introduces a tensile stress in the transverse direction of a channel region by using a simple process, which improves the response speed and performance of semiconductor devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Haizhou Yin, Huicai Zhong, Huilong Zhu, Zhijiong Luo
  • Publication number: 20140187029
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device, comprising: forming a plurality of memory cell strings; coupling an interconnection to at least two of the memory cell strings; and coupling a bitline to the interconnection. The interconnection includes a body extending along a first direction and a protrusion protruding from the body along a second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventors: KWANG SOO SEOL, SEONG SOON CHO, BYUNGJOO GO, HONGSOO KIM
  • Publication number: 20140187035
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of etching a layer of porous dielectric material, characterized in that the etching is performed in a plasma formed from at least one silicon-based gas mixed with oxygen (O2) and/or nitrogen (N2) so as to grow a passivation layer all along said etching, at least on flanks of the layer of porous dielectric material and wherein the silicon-based gas is taken from all the compounds of the type SixHy for which the ratio x/y is equal or greater than 0.3 or is taken from all the compounds of the following types: SixFy and SixCly, where x is the proportion of silicon (Si) in the gas and y is the proportion of fluorine (F) or chlorine (Cl) or hydrogen (H) in the gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicants: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENE ALT, APPLIED MATERIALS, Inc., CNRS Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
    Inventors: Nicolas POSSEME, Sebastien BARNOLA, Olivier JOUBERT, Srinivas NEMANI, Laurent VALLIER
  • Publication number: 20140179099
    Abstract: Methods of forming a microelectronic assembly and the resulting structures and devices are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of forming a microelectronic assembly includes removing material exposed at portions of a surface of a substrate to form a processed substrate having a plurality of thinned portions separated by integral supporting portions of the processed substrate having a thickness greater than a thickness of the thinned portions, at least some of the thinned portions including a plurality of electrically conductive interconnects extending in a direction of the thicknesses of the thinned portions and exposed at the surface; and removing the supporting portions of the substrate to sever the substrate into a plurality of individual thinned portions, at least some individual thinned portions including the interconnects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: INVENSAS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cyprian Emeka Uzoh, Pezhman Monadgemi, Michael Newman, Charles G. Woychik, Terrence Caskey
  • Patent number: 8759207
    Abstract: One or more embodiments relate to a method of forming a semiconductor structure, comprising: providing a workpiece; forming a barrier layer over the workpiece; forming a seed layer over the barrier layer; forming an inhibitor layer over the seed layer; removing a portion of said inhibitor layer to expose a portion of the seed layer; and selectively depositing a fill layer on the exposed seed layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Barth, Mathias Vaupel, Rainer Steiner, Werner Robl, Jens Pohl, Joem Plagmann, Gottfried Beer
  • Publication number: 20140167271
    Abstract: An interconnect structure and a forming method thereof are provided. The method includes: providing a semiconductor substrate which has semiconductor devices formed therein; forming a conductive layer on the semiconductor substrate; forming a mask layer on the conductive layer; forming a groove in the mask layer and the conductive layer, the groove having a depth-to-width ratio greater than 0.8; and depositing an intermetallic dielectric layer to cover the mask layer and fill the groove, wherein an air gap is formed in a portion of the intermetallic dielectric layer in the groove. The mask layer is formed on the conductive layer, so that the depth-to-width ratio of the groove between adjacent interconnects is increased. Besides, the air gap with a relatively large size is formed between two adjacent interconnects. Therefore, a dielectric constant and parasitic capacitance between adjacent interconnects are reduced evidently, and the performance of the semiconductor devices is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Shanghai Huahong Grace Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Ernest Li
  • Publication number: 20140167285
    Abstract: An interconnect structure and fabrication method are provided. A substrate can include a semiconductor device disposed in the substrate. At least two porous films can be formed over the substrate and can include a first porous film having a first pore size, and a second porous film having a second pore size formed on the first porous film. The first porous size and the second porous size are different. The interconnect can be formed through the plurality of porous films to provide electrical connection to the semiconductor device in the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Semiconductor Manufacturing International (Shanghai) Corporation
    Inventor: MING ZHOU
  • Patent number: 8754444
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first device and a second device, which are implemented laterally next to each other in a substrate. A recombination zone is implemented in the substrate between the first device and the second device, so that diffusing charge carriers recombine between the first device and the second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Buchberger, Hans-Joachim Schulze
  • Patent number: 8753900
    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: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Karan B. Koti, Veena Prabhu
  • Patent number: 8749063
    Abstract: An object of the prevent invention is to provide a semiconductor device having a conductive film, which sufficiently serves as an antenna, and a method for manufacturing thereof. The semiconductor device has an element formation layer including a transistor, which is provided over a substrate, an insulating film provided on the element formation layer, and a conductive film serving as an antenna, which is provided on the insulating film. The insulating film has a groove. The conductive film is provided along the surface of the insulating film and the groove. The groove of the insulating film may be provided to pass through the insulating film. Alternatively, a concave portion may be provided in the insulating film so as not to pass through the insulating film. A structure of the groove is not particularly limited, and for example, the groove can be provided to have a tapered shape, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuya Tsurume
  • Patent number: 8749058
    Abstract: The semiconductor device includes an interlayer insulating film, a wiring provided in the interlayer insulating film, and a SiN film provided over the interlayer insulating film and over the wiring. The peak positions of Si—N bonds of the SiN film, which are measured by FTIR, are within the range of 845 cm?1 to 860 cm?1. This makes it possible to inhibit current leakage in a silicon nitride film, which is a barrier insulating film for preventing the diffusion of wiring metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuya Usami, Hideaki Tsuchiya, Yukio Miura, Tomoyuki Nakamura, Koichi Ohto, Chikako Ohto, Shinji Yokogawa
  • Patent number: 8749067
    Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device comprises contact plugs that comprise a first contact plug formed by a first barrier layer arranged on the source and drain regions and a tungsten layer arranged on the first barrier layer; and second contact plugs comprising a second barrier layer arranged on both of the metal gate and the first contact plug and a conductive layer arranged on the second barrier layer. The conductivity of the conductive layer is higher than that of the tungsten layer. A method for forming the semiconductor device is also provided. The present invention provides the advantage of enhancing the reliability of the device when using the copper contact technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Chao Zhao, Wenwu Wang, Huilong Zhu