Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080217735 | Metal e-Fuse structure design - An integrated circuit structure is provided. The integrated circuit structure includes a semiconductor substrate; a dielectric layer over the semiconductor substrate; a metal fuse in the dielectric layer; a dummy pattern adjacent the metal fuse; and a metal line in the dielectric layer, wherein a thickness of the metal fuse is substantially less than a thickness of the metal line. | 09-11-2008 |
20080231393 | STRUCTURE DESIGN FOR MINIMIZING ON-CHIP INTERCONNECT INDUCTANCE - A semiconductor device comprising a signal line and ground line is disclosed. The signal line comprises an opening and at least a portion of the ground line is in the opening in the signal line. | 09-25-2008 |
20080246031 | PCM pad design for peeling prevention - A semiconductor structure is provided. The semiconductor structure includes a semiconductor chip and a scribe line adjoining the semiconductor chip. A conductive feature is formed in the scribe line and exposed on the surface of the scribe lines, wherein the conductive feature has an edge facing the semiconductor chip. A kerf path is in the scribe line. A first cut is formed in the conductive feature, wherein the first cut extends from the first edge to the kerf path. | 10-09-2008 |
20080277659 | Test structure for semiconductor chip - A test structure for use in a semiconductor chip. In a preferred embodiment, a number of die are formed in an array on a semiconductor wafer substrate. Each die includes an active area defined by a seal ring and is separated from those adjacent to it by a thin scribe line. In addition to the operational structures formed in the active area of each die, one or more test structures are formed. In a preferred embodiment, these test structures are formed into one or more PCM (process control monitor) test pattern layout areas that are positioned near the seal ring and outside of the operational bond pads. Some or all of individual pads in the PCM test pattern layout area may then be connected to corresponding features on adjacent dice, and in some applications enable the simultaneous performance of WAT (wafer acceptance test) and CP (circuit probe) testing. | 11-13-2008 |
20080303539 | Parametric testline with increased test pattern areas - An integrated circuit parametric testline providing increased test pattern areas is disclosed. The testline comprises a dielectric layer over a substrate, a plurality of probe pads over the dielectric layer, and a first device under test (DUT) formed in the testline in a space underlying the probe pads. The testline may also include a second DUT, which is formed in a space underlying the probe pads overlying the first DUT in an overlaying configuration. The testline may further include a polygon shaped probe pad structure providing an increased test pattern area between adjacent probe pads. | 12-11-2008 |
20090057902 | METHOD AND STRUCTURE FOR INCREASED WIRE BOND DENSITY IN PACKAGES FOR SEMICONDUCTOR CHIPS - A semiconductor package provides an IC chip on at least one package substrate and including signal bond pads, ground bond pads and power bond pads. The package substrate includes signal contact pads, ground contact pads and power contact pads which are respectively coupled to signal bond pads, ground bond pads and power bond pads formed on the IC chip. The contact pads are coupled to the associated bond pads by a bonding wire. The bonding wires that connect the power and ground pads have a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the bonding wires that couple the signal pads. The various bond pads on the IC chip may be staggered to provide for enhanced compactness and integration. The package substrates may be a plurality of stacked package substrates. | 03-05-2009 |
20090081862 | AIR GAP STRUCTURE DESIGN FOR ADVANCED INTEGRATED CIRCUIT TECHNOLOGY - A method for forming air gaps between interconnect structures in semiconductor devices provides a sacrificial layer formed over a dielectric and within openings formed therein. The sacrificial layer is a blanket layer that is converted to a material that is consumable in an etchant composition that the dielectric material and a subsequently formed interconnect material are resistant to. After the interconnect material is deposited a planarized surface including portions of the dielectric material, vertical sections of the converted material and portions of the interconnect material is produced. The etchant composition then removes the converted material thereby forming voids. A capping layer is formed over the structure resulting in air gaps. A sidewall protection layer may be optionally formed between the interconnect structure and the sacrificial material. In some embodiments an ARC layer may be formed over the dielectric and form part of the planar surface. | 03-26-2009 |
20090091032 | Bond Pad Design for Fine Pitch Wire Bonding - A bonding pad design is disclosed that includes one or more pad groups on a semiconductor device. Each pad group is made up of two or more bonding pads that have an alternating orientation, such that adjacent bonding pads have their bond ball on opposite sides in relation to the adjacent bonding pad. | 04-09-2009 |
20090140393 | WAFER SCRIBE LINE STRUCTURE FOR IMPROVING IC RELIABILITY - A semiconductor wafer having a multi-layer wiring structure is disclosed. The wafer comprises a plurality of chip die areas arranged on the wafer in an array and scribe line areas between the chip die areas. The scribe lines of a semiconductor wafer having USG top-level wiring layers above ELK wiring layers have at least one metal film structures substantially covering corner regions where two scribe lines intersect to inhibit delamination at the USG/ELK interface during wafer dicing operation. | 06-04-2009 |
20090194889 | BOND PAD STRUCTURE - A bonding pad structure is provided that includes two conductive layers and a connective layer interposing the two conductive layers. The connective layer includes a contiguous, conductive structure. In an embodiment, the contiguous conductive structure is a solid layer of conductive material. In other embodiments, the contiguous conductive structure is a conductive network including, for example, a matrix configuration or a plurality of conductive stripes. At least one dielectric spacer may interpose the conductive network. In an embodiment, the conductive density of the connective layer is between approximately 20% and 100%. | 08-06-2009 |
20090298256 | SEMICONDUCTOR INTERCONNECT AIR GAP FORMATION PROCESS - A semiconductor package including an interconnect air gap and method for making the same. The semiconductor package includes a dielectric layer, a metallic interconnect, an air gap disposed between the dielectric layer and interconnect, and a spacer interspersed between the metallic interconnect and air gap. The metallic interconnect is laterally supported by and isolated from the air gap by the spacer. A method for making the same is also provided. | 12-03-2009 |
20090321890 | Protective Seal Ring for Preventing Die-Saw Induced Stress - A semiconductor chip includes a semiconductor substrate; a plurality of low-k dielectric layers over the semiconductor substrate; a first passivation layer over the plurality of low-k dielectric layers; and a second passivation layer over the first passivation layer. A first seal ring is adjacent to an edge of the semiconductor chip, wherein the first seal ring has an upper surface substantially level to a bottom surface of the first passivation layer. A second seal ring is adjacent to the first seal ring and on an inner side of the semiconductor chip than the first seal ring. The second seal ring includes a pad ring in the first passivation layer and the second passivation layer. A trench ring includes at least a portion directly over the first seal ring. The trench ring extends from a top surface of the second passivation layer down to at least an interface between the first passivation layer and the second passivation layer. | 12-31-2009 |
20100025824 | Structure for Reducing Integrated Circuit Corner Peeling - A crack prevention structure that reduces integrated circuit corner peeling and reduces cracking is disclosed. The crack prevention structure comprises a semiconductor substrate; a first plurality of dielectric layers of a first material disposed over the semiconductor substrate; a second plurality of dielectric layers of a second material different than the first material, disposed on the first plurality of dielectric layers, wherein the first plurality of dielectric layers and the second plurality of dielectric layers meet at an interface; and a plurality of metal structures and a plurality of via structures formed through the interface of the first plurality of dielectric layers and the second plurality of dielectric layers. | 02-04-2010 |
20100052065 | NEW METHOD FOR MECHANICAL STRESS ENHANCEMENT IN SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES - The present disclosure provides an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit includes a semiconductor substrate having an active region; at least one operational device on the active region, wherein the operational device include a strained channel; and at least one first dummy gate disposed at a side of the operational device and on the active region. | 03-04-2010 |
20100117080 | SEMICONDUCTOR TEST PAD STRUCTURES - A semiconductor test pad interconnect structure with integrated die-separation protective barriers. The interconnect structure includes a plurality of stacked metal layers each having an electrically conductive test pad separated from other test pads by a dielectric material layer. In one embodiment, at least one metallic via bar is embedded into the interconnect structure and electrically interconnects each of the test pads in the metal layers together. The via bar extends substantially along an entire first side defined by each test pad in some embodiments. In other embodiments, a pair of opposing via bars may be provided that are arranged on opposite sides of a die singulation saw cut line defined in a scribe band on a semiconductor wafer. | 05-13-2010 |
20100123135 | PAD STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF TESTING - An interconnect structure includes: a plurality of dielectric layers having aligned process control monitor (PCM) pads, and a conductive structure above a topmost one of the PCM pads. The conductive structure electrically connects the topmost PCM pad to a device under test above a level of the topmost PCM pad. The conductive structure is sized and shaped so as to leave a majority portion of the topmost PCM pad exposed for access by a test probe. | 05-20-2010 |
20100123219 | Heat Spreader Structures in Scribe Lines - An integrated circuit structure includes a first chip including a first edge; and a second chip having a second edge facing the first edge. A scribe line is between and adjoining the first edge and the second edge. A heat spreader includes a portion in the scribe line, wherein the heat spreader includes a plurality of vias and a plurality of metal lines. The portion of the heat spreader in the scribe line has a second length at least close to, or greater than, a first length of the first edge. | 05-20-2010 |
20100123246 | Double Solid Metal Pad with Reduced Area - An integrated circuit structure includes a bond pad; an Mtop pad located directly underlying the bond pad; an Mtop-1 pad having at least a portion directly underlying the Mtop pad, wherein at least one of the Mtop pad and the Mtop-1 pad has a horizontal dimension smaller than a horizontal dimension of the bond pad; a plurality of vias interconnecting the Mtop pad and the Mtop-1 pad; and a bond ball on the bond pad. Each of the Mtop pad and the Mtop-1 pad has positive enclosures to the bond ball in all horizontal directions. | 05-20-2010 |
20100164521 | Parametric Testline with Increased Test Pattern Areas - An integrated circuit parametric testline providing increased test pattern areas is disclosed. The testline comprises a dielectric layer over a substrate, a plurality of probe pads over the dielectric layer, and a first device under test (DUT) formed in the testline in a space underlying the probe pads. The testline may also include a second DUT, which is formed in a space underlying the probe pads overlying the first DUT in an overlaying configuration. The testline may further include a polygon shaped probe pad structure providing an increased test pattern area between adjacent probe pads. | 07-01-2010 |
20100171203 | Robust TSV structure - A die includes a seal-ring structure below a substrate. The seal-ring structure is disposed around at least one substrate region. At least one means for substantially preventing ion diffusion into the substrate region. The at least one means is coupled with the seal-ring structure. | 07-08-2010 |
20100187687 | Underbump Metallization Structure - A system and method for forming an underbump metallization (UBM) is presented. A preferred embodiment includes a raised UBM which extends through a passivation layer so as to make contact with a contact pad while retaining enough of the passivation layer between the contact pad and the UBM to adequately handle the peeling and shear stress that results from CTE mismatch and subsequent thermal processing. The UBM contact is preferably formed in either an octagonal ring shape or an array of contacts. | 07-29-2010 |
20100207251 | Scribe Line Metal Structure - A system and method for preventing defaults during singulation is presented. An embodiment comprises a dummy metal structure located in the scribe region. The dummy metal structure comprises a series of alternating dummy lines that are connected through dummy vias. The dummy lines are offset from dummy lines in adjacent metal layers. Additionally, the dummy lines and dummy vias in the upper layers of the scribe line may be formed with larger dimensions than the dummy lines and dummy vias located in the lower layers. | 08-19-2010 |
20100252916 | STRUCTURE FOR IMPROVING DIE SAW QUALITY - A semiconductor device is provided that includes a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of dies formed on the semiconductor substrate, the plurality of dies being separated from one another by a first region extending along a first direction and a second region extending along a second direction different from the first direction, a dummy metal structure formed within a third region that includes a region defined by an intersection of the first region and the second region, a plurality of metal interconnection layers formed over the substrate, and a plurality of dielectric layers formed over the substrate. Each of the metal interconnection layers is disposed within each of the dielectric layers and a dielectric constant of at least one of the dielectric layers is less than about 2.6. | 10-07-2010 |
20100283128 | Dicing Structures for Semiconductor Substrates and Methods of Fabrication Thereof - Dicing structures for semiconductor substrates and methods of fabrication thereof are described. In one embodiment, a semiconductor wafer includes a first chip disposed in a substrate, a second chip disposed adjacent the first chip and disposed in the substrate, and a dicing street disposed between the first and the second chip. A first and a second metal level are disposed over the dicing street, wherein the second metal level is disposed above the first metal level. A first alignment mark is disposed in the first metal level above a first portion of the dicing street, and first metal features disposed in the second metal level above the first portion of the dicing street. | 11-11-2010 |
20100283148 | Bump Pad Structure - An embodiment is a bump bond pad structure that comprises a substrate comprising a top layer, a reinforcement pad disposed on the top layer, an intermediate layer above the top layer, an intermediate connection pad disposed on the intermediate layer, an outer layer above the intermediate layer, and an under bump metal (UBM) connected to the intermediate connection pad through an opening in the outer layer. Further embodiments may comprise a via mechanically coupling the intermediate connection pad to the reinforcement pad. The via may comprise a feature selected from the group consisting of a solid via, a substantially ring-shaped via, or a five by five array of vias. Yet, a further embodiment may comprise a secondary reinforcement pad, and a second via mechanically coupling the reinforcement pad to the secondary reinforcement pad. | 11-11-2010 |
20100283149 | STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF FORMING A PAD STRUCTURE HAVING ENHANCED RELIABILITY - A semiconductor substrate is provided having a first metal layer formed over a first insulating layer. A second insulating layer is formed having a first damascene opening, the first opening having a second insulating layer portion formed therein. A resist layer is deposited to fill the first opening and the resist layer is thereafter patterned to form an etching mask for etching a second damascene opening. The second opening is etched into a portion of the second insulating layer, the second opening exposing a portion of the first metal layer. A second metal layer is formed to include filling the first and second damascene openings embedding the second insulating layer portion in the second metal layer. The second metal layer is planarized and a passivation layer is formed above the second insulating layer and the second metal layer, wherein the passivation layer partially covers the second metal layer. | 11-11-2010 |
20100327456 | Process for Improving the Reliability of Interconnect Structures and Resulting Structure - An interconnect structure of an integrated circuit having improved reliability and a method for forming the same are provided. The method includes providing a substrate, forming a dielectric layer overlying the substrate, performing a first shrinking process, wherein the dielectric layer shrinks and has a first shrinkage rate, forming a conductive feature in the dielectric layer after the step of performing the first shrinking process, and performing a second shrinking process after the step of forming the conductive feature, wherein the dielectric layer substantially shrinks and has a second shrinkage rate. | 12-30-2010 |
20110018128 | PACKAGE STRUCTURE AND METHOD FOR REDUCING DIELECTRIC LAYER DELAMINATION - A semiconductor package structure is provided. The structure includes a semiconductor chip having a plurality of interconnect layers formed thereover. A first passivation layer is formed over the plurality of interconnect layers. A stress buffer layer is formed over the first passivation layer. A bonding pad is formed over the stress buffer layer. A second passivation layer is formed over a portion of the bonding pad, the second passivation having at least one opening therein exposing a portion of the bonding pad. | 01-27-2011 |
20110031618 | Bond Pad Design for Reducing the Effect of Package Stress - An integrated circuit structure includes a semiconductor substrate, and an active device formed at a front surface of the semiconductor substrate. A bond pad is over the front surface of the semiconductor substrate. The bond pad has a first dimension in a first direction parallel to the front surface of the semiconductor substrate. A bump ball is over the bond pad, wherein the bump ball has a diameter in the first direction, and wherein an enclosure of the first dimension and the diameter is greater than about −1 μm. | 02-10-2011 |
20110079922 | INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH PROTECTIVE STRUCTURE, AND METHOD OF FABRICATING THE INTEGRATED CIRCUIT - A structure includes a semiconductor substrate having semiconductor devices formed on or in the substrate. An interconnecting metallization structure is formed over and connected to the devices. The interconnecting metallization structure including at least one dielectric layer. A passivation layer is deposited over the interconnecting metallization structure and the dielectric layer. At least one metal contact pad and at least one dummy metal structure are provided in the passivation layer. The contact pad is conductively coupled to at least one of the devices. The dummy metal structure is spaced apart from the contact pad and unconnected to the contact pad and the devices. | 04-07-2011 |
20110084390 | Chip Design with Robust Corner Bumps - An integrated circuit structure includes a semiconductor chip, which includes a corner, a side, and a center. The semiconductor chip further includes a plurality of bump pad structures distributed on a major surface of a substrate; a first region of the substrate having formed thereon a first bump pad structure having a first number of supporting metal pads associated with it; and a second region of the substrate having formed thereon a second bump structure having a second number of supported metal pads associated with it, the second number being greater than the first number. | 04-14-2011 |
20110115057 | DESIGN STRUCTURE FOR INTEGRATED CIRCUIT ALIGNMENT - A method and device for pattern alignment are disclosed. The device can include an exposure field; a die within the exposure field, wherein the die comprises an integrated circuit region, a seal ring region, and a corner stress relief region; and a die alignment mark disposed between the seal ring region and the corner stress relief region. | 05-19-2011 |
20110115073 | PAD STRUCTURE FOR SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES - A semiconductor device is provided which includes a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of microelectronic elements formed therein; an interconnect structure formed over the substrate, the interconnect structure including metal layers isolated from one another by an inter-metal dielectric, the metal layers including a topmost metal layer; dummy metal vias formed between at least two metal layers and disposed within a region of the interconnect structure; and a bonding pad formed over the topmost metal layer such that the bonding pad is aligned with the region of the interconnect structure. | 05-19-2011 |
20110127648 | Heat Spreader Structures in Scribe Lines - An integrated circuit structure includes a first chip including a first edge; and a second chip having a second edge facing the first edge. A scribe line is between and adjoining the first edge and the second edge. A heat spreader includes a portion in the scribe line, wherein the heat spreader includes a plurality of vias and a plurality of metal lines. The portion of the heat spreader in the scribe line has a second length at least close to, or greater than, a first length of the first edge. | 06-02-2011 |
20110193198 | Corner Stress Release Structure Design for Increasing Circuit Routing Areas - An integrated circuit structure includes a semiconductor chip, which further includes a corner and a seal ring dispatched adjacent edges of the semiconductor chip; and a corner stress release (CSR) structure adjacent the corner and physically adjoining the seal ring. The CSR structure includes a portion in a top metallization layer. A circuit component selected from the group consisting essentially of an interconnect structure and an active circuit is directly underlying the CSR structure. | 08-11-2011 |
20110241201 | Radiate Under-Bump Metallization Structure for Semiconductor Devices - An under-bump metallization (UBM) structure for a semiconductor device is provided. The UBM structure has a center portion and extensions extending out from the center portion. The extensions may have any suitable shape, including a quadrangle, a triangle, a circle, a fan, a fan with extensions, or a modified quadrangle having a curved surface. Adjacent UBM structures may have the respective extensions aligned or rotated relative to each other. Flux may be applied to a portion of the extensions to allow an overlying conductive bump to adhere to a part of the extensions. | 10-06-2011 |
20110248404 | Dummy Pattern in Wafer Backside Routing - A device includes a semiconductor substrate including a front side and a backside. A through-substrate via (TSV) penetrates the semiconductor substrate. A dummy metal line is formed on the backside of the semiconductor substrate, and may be connected to the dummy TSV. | 10-13-2011 |
20110266541 | Probe Pad On A Corner Stress Relief Region In A Semiconductor Chip - A semiconductor chip includes a circuit region and a corner stress relief (CSR) region. The CSR region is in a corner of the semiconductor chip. A device under test (DUT) structure or a functional circuit is disposed on the circuit region. A probe pad is disposed on the CSR region. A metal line extends from the circuit region to the CSR region to electrically connect the probe pad to the DUT structure or a functional circuit. | 11-03-2011 |
20110284843 | Probe Pad On A Corner Stress Relief Region In A Semiconductor Chip - A semiconductor chip includes a corner stress relief (CSR) region. An enhanced structure connects sides of a seal ring structure to surround the CSR region. A device under test (DUT) structure is disposed on the CSR region. A set of probe pad structures is disposed on the CSR region. Two of the set of probe pad structures are electrically connect to the DUT structure. | 11-24-2011 |
20110287627 | SEMICONDUCTOR TEST PAD STRUCTURES - A semiconductor test pad interconnect structure with integrated die-separation protective barriers. The interconnect structure includes a plurality of stacked metal layers each having an electrically conductive test pad separated from other test pads by a dielectric material layer. In one embodiment, at least one metallic via bar is embedded into the interconnect structure and electrically interconnects each of the test pads in the metal layers together. The via bar extends substantially along an entire first side defined by each test pad in some embodiments. In other embodiments, a pair of opposing via bars may be provided that are arranged on opposite sides of a die singulation saw cut line defined in a scribe band on a semiconductor wafer. | 11-24-2011 |
20110309465 | SEAL RING STRUCTURE IN SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES - The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device that includes a substrate having a seal ring region and a circuit region, a plurality of dummy gates disposed over the seal ring region of the substrate, and a seal ring structure disposed over the plurality of dummy gates in the seal ring region. A method of fabricating a semiconductor device is also provided, the method including providing a substrate having a seal ring region and a circuit region, forming a plurality of dummy gates over the seal ring region of the substrate, and forming a seal ring structure over the plurality of dummy gates over the seal ring region. | 12-22-2011 |
20120018875 | Reducing Delamination Between an Underfill and a Buffer layer in a Bond Structure - A die includes a metal pad, a passivation layer, and a patterned buffer layer over the passivation layer. The patterned buffer layer includes a plurality of discrete portions separated from each other. An under-bump-metallurgy (UBM) is formed in an opening in the patterned buffer layer and an opening in the passivation layer. A metal bump is formed over and electrically coupled to the UBM. | 01-26-2012 |
20120018877 | Package-on-Package Structures with Reduced Bump Bridging - A device includes a package substrate including a first non-reflowable metal bump extending over a top surface of the package substrate; a die over and bonded to the package substrate; and a package component over the die and bonded to the package substrate. The package component includes a second non-reflowable metal bump extending below a bottom surface of the package component. The package component is selected from the group consisting essentially of a device die, an additional package substrate, and combinations thereof. A solder bump bonds the first non-reflowable metal bump to the second non-reflowable metal bump. | 01-26-2012 |
20120091455 | PAD STRUCTURE HAVING CONTACT BARS EXTENDING INTO SUBSTRATE AND WAFER HAVING THE PAD STRUCTURE - A pad structure in a semiconductor wafer for wafer testing is described. The pad structure includes at least two metal pads connected there-between by a plurality of conductive vias in one or more insulation layers. A plurality of contact bars in contact with the bottom-most metal pad extends substantially vertically from the bottom-most metal pad into the substrate. An isolation structure substantially surrounds the plurality of contact bars to isolate the pad structure. | 04-19-2012 |
20120091578 | SEMICONDUCTOR CHIP HAVING DIFFERENT PAD WIDTH TO UBM WIDTH RATIOS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - The present application describes an semiconductor chip having a substrate, a first conductive pad formed over the substrate, a second conductive pad formed over the substrate and positioned farther from a geometric center of the semiconductor chip than the first conductive pad, a first under bump metallurgy (UBM) structure formed over the first conductive pad, and a second UBM structure formed over the second conductive pad. The first conductive pad and the first UBM structure has a first pad width to UBM width ratio, and the second conductive pad and the second UBM structure has a second pad width to UBM width ratio that is greater than the first ratio. | 04-19-2012 |
20120092033 | MEASUREMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF LOW-K DIELECTRIC IN A SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE - Provided is a test structure for testing an unpackaged semiconductor wafer. The test structure includes a force-application component that is coupled to an interconnect structure of the semiconductor wafer. The force-application component is operable to exert a force to the semiconductor wafer. The test structure also includes first and second test portions that are coupled to the interconnect structure. The first and second test portions are operable to measure an electrical performance associated with a predetermined region of the interconnect structure. The first and second test portions are operable to measure the electrical performance while the force is exerted to the semiconductor wafer. | 04-19-2012 |
20120098121 | CONDUCTIVE FEATURE FOR SEMICONDUCTOR SUBSTRATE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - A conductive feature on a semiconductor component is disclosed. A first passivation layer is formed over a substrate. A bond pad is formed over the first passivation layer. A second passivation layer overlies the first passivation layer and the bond pad. The second passivation layer has a first opening overlying the bond pad and a plurality of second openings exposing a top surface of the first passivation layer. A buffer layer overlies the second passivation layer and fills the plurality of second openings. The buffer layer has a third opening overlapping the first opening and together exposes a portion the bond pad. The combined first opening and third opening has sidewalls. An under bump metallurgy (UBM) layer overlies the sidewalls of the combined first opening and third opening, and contacts the exposed portion of the bond pad. A conductive feature overlies the UBM layer. | 04-26-2012 |
20120104594 | GROUNDED SEAL RING STRUCTURE IN SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES - A semiconductor device includes a substrate having a seal ring region and a circuit region, at least one corner bump disposed in the circuit region, a seal ring structure disposed in the seal ring region, and a connector electrically coupling a metal layer of the seal ring structure to the at least one corner bump. The at least one corner bump is configured to be coupled to a signal ground. A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes providing a substrate having a seal ring region and a circuit region, providing at least one corner bump in a triangular corner bump zone in the circuit region, providing a seal ring structure in the seal ring region, electrically coupling a metal layer of the seal ring structure to the at least one corner bump, and electrically coupling the at least one corner bump to a signal ground. | 05-03-2012 |
20120126359 | Structure to Reduce Etching Residue - A structure for reducing partially etched materials is described. The structure includes a layout of an intersection area between two trenches. First, a large intersection area having a trapezoidal corner may be replaced with an orthogonal intersection between two trenches. The layout reduces the intersection area as well as the possibility of having partially etched materials left at the intersection area. The structure also includes an alternative way to fill the intersection area with either an un-etched small trapezoidal area or multiple un-etched square areas, so that the opening area at the intersection point is reduced and the possibility of having partially etched materials is reduced too. | 05-24-2012 |
20120161129 | METHOD AND APPARATUS OF FABRICATING A PAD STRUCTURE FOR A SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE - The present disclosure involves a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a substrate and an interconnect structure that is formed over the substrate. The interconnect structure has a plurality of metal layers. A first region and a second region each extend through both the interconnect structure and the substrate. The first and second regions are mutually exclusive. The semiconductor device includes a plurality of bond pads disposed above the first region, and a plurality of probe pads disposed above the second region. The semiconductor device also includes a plurality of conductive components that electrically couple at least a subset of the bond pads with at least a subset of the probe pads. Wherein each one of the subset of the bond pads is electrically coupled to a respective one of the subset of the probe pads through one of the conductive components. | 06-28-2012 |
20120175728 | SEAL RING STRUCTURE FOR INTEGRATED CIRCUIT CHIPS - A semiconductor device includes a substrate having a circuit region and a seal ring region. The seal ring region surrounds the circuit region. A seal ring structure is disposed over the seal ring region. The seal ring structure has a first portion and a second portion above the first portion. The first portion has a width W | 07-12-2012 |
20120180018 | Increasing Dielectric Strength by Optimizing Dummy Metal Distribution - A method includes providing a wafer representation including a metal layer and a plurality of bump pads over the metal layer, wherein the metal layer includes directly-under-bump-pad regions. A solid metal pattern is inserted into the metal layer, wherein the solid metal pattern includes first parts in the directly-under-bump-pad regions and second parts outside the directly-under-bump-pad regions. Portions of the second parts of the solid metal pattern are removed, wherein substantially no portions of the first parts of the solid metal pattern are removed. The remaining portions of the solid metal pattern not removed during the step of removing form dummy metal patterns. The dummy metal patterns and the plurality of bump pads are implemented in a semiconductor wafer. | 07-12-2012 |
20120211902 | BOND PAD STRUCTURE - A bonding pad structure is provided that includes two conductive layers and a connective layer interposing the two conductive layers. The connective layer includes a contiguous, conductive structure. In an embodiment, the contiguous conductive structure is a solid layer of conductive material. In other embodiments, the contiguous conductive structure is a conductive network including, for example, a matrix configuration or a plurality of conductive stripes. At least one dielectric spacer may interpose the conductive network. Conductive plugs may interconnect a bond pad and one of the conductive layers. | 08-23-2012 |
20120235303 | REINFORCEMENT STRUCTURE FOR FLIP-CHIP PACKAGING - The present disclosure provides a carrier substrate, a device including the carrier substrate, and a method of bonding the carrier substrate to a chip. An exemplary device includes a carrier substrate having a chip region and a periphery region, and a chip bonded to the chip region of the carrier substrate. The carrier substrate includes a reinforcement structure embedded within the periphery region. | 09-20-2012 |
20120261662 | INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH TEST CIRCUIT - An integrated circuit system comprising a first integrated and at least one of a second integrated circuit, interposer or printed circuit board. The first integrated circuit further comprising a wiring stack, bond pads electrically connected to the wiring stack, and bump balls formed on the bond pads. First portions of the wiring stack and the bond pads form a functional circuit, and second portions of the wiring stack and the bond pads form a test circuit. A portion of the bump balls comprising dummy bump balls. The dummy bump balls electrically connected to the second portions of the wiring stack and the bond pads. The at least one of the second integrated circuit, interposer orprinted circuit board forming a portion of the test circuit. | 10-18-2012 |
20120299159 | STRUCTURE DESIGNS AND METHODS FOR INTEGRATED CIRCUIT ALIGNMENT - Devices and methods for pattern alignment are disclosed. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a die including an integrated circuit region, an assembly isolation region around the integrated circuit region, and a seal ring region around the assembly isolation region. The device further includes a die alignment mark disposed within the seal ring region or the assembly isolation region. | 11-29-2012 |
20120299167 | UNIFORMITY CONTROL FOR IC PASSIVATION STRUCTURE - The present disclosure involves a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a wafer containing an interconnect structure. The interconnect structure includes a plurality of vias and interconnect lines. The semiconductor device includes a first conductive pad disposed over the interconnect structure. The first conductive pad is electrically coupled to the interconnect structure. The semiconductor device includes a plurality of second conductive pads disposed over the interconnect structure. The semiconductor device includes a passivation layer disposed over and at least partially sealing the first and second conductive pads. The semiconductor device includes a conductive terminal that is electrically coupled to the first conductive pad but is not electrically coupled to the second conductive pads. | 11-29-2012 |
20130015561 | MECHANISMS FOR MARKING THE ORIENTATION OF A SAWED DIEAANM Chen; Hsien-WeiAACI Sinying CityAACO TWAAGP Chen; Hsien-Wei Sinying City TW - Mechanisms for identifying orientation of a sawed die are provided. By making metal pattern in the corner stress relief region in one corner of the die different from the other corners, users can easily identify the orientation of the die. | 01-17-2013 |
20130026618 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CIRCUIT ROUTING BY WAY OF UNDER-BUMP METALLIZATION - The present disclosure involves a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a substrate that contains a plurality of electronic components. The semiconductor device includes an interconnect structure disposed over the substrate, the interconnect structure containing a plurality of interconnect layers. The semiconductor device includes a passivation layer disposed over the interconnect structure. The semiconductor device includes an Under-Bump Metallization (UBM) layer disposed over the passivation layer, the UBM layer containing a UBM pad and a plurality of UBM devices, the UBM devices including at least one of: a UBM trace that is electrically coupled to one of the electronic components through the interconnect structure, and a dummy UBM device. The semiconductor device includes a solder bump disposed on, and electrically coupled to, the UBM pad. | 01-31-2013 |
20130043598 | BOND PAD STRUCTURE TO REDUCE BOND PAD CORROSION - Mechanisms of forming a bond pad structure are provided. The bond pad has a recess region, which is formed by an opening in the passivation layer underneath the bond pad. An upper passivation layer covers at least the recess region of the bond pad to reduce trapping of patterning and/or etching residues in the recess region. As a result, the likelihood of bond pad corrosion is reduced. | 02-21-2013 |
20130087914 | WAFER LEVEL CHIP SCALE PACKAGE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A wafer level chip scale package (WLCSP) includes a semiconductor device including an active surface having a contact pad, and side surfaces. A mold covers the side surfaces of the semiconductor device. A RDL structure includes a first PPI line electrically connected to the contact pad and extending on the active surface of the semiconductor device. A UBM layer is formed over and electrically connected to the first PPI line. A seal ring structure extends around the upper periphery of the semiconductor device on the mold. The seal ring structure includes a seal layer extending on the same level as at least one of the first PPI line and the UBM layer. A method of manufacturing a WLCSP includes forming a re-routing laminated structure by simultaneously forming an interconnection line and a seal layer on the molded semiconductor devices. | 04-11-2013 |
20130093077 | POST-PASSIVATION INTERCONNECT STRUCTURE - A semiconductor device includes a passivation layer, a first protective layer, an interconnect layer, and a second protective layer successively formed on a semiconductor substrate. The interconnect layer has an exposed portion, on which a barrier layer and a solder bump are formed. At least one of the passivation layer, the first protective layer, the interconnect layer and the second protective layer includes at least one slot formed in a region outside a conductive pad region. | 04-18-2013 |
20130093084 | Wafer-Level Chip Scale Package with Re-Workable Underfill - A package includes a printed circuit board (PCB), and a die bonded to the PCB through solder balls. A re-workable underfill is dispensed in a region between the PCB and the die. | 04-18-2013 |
20130113097 | METHODS OF AND SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES WITH BALL STRENGTH IMPROVEMENT - In a method of improving ball strength of a semiconductor device, a ball pattern of a plurality of connection balls to be formed as electrical connections for the semiconductor device is received. The pattern includes a number of columns and rows crossing each other. The balls are arranged at intersections of the columns and rows. An arrangement of balls in a region of the ball pattern is modified so that the region includes no isolated balls. | 05-09-2013 |
20130119449 | SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE WITH SEAL RING WITH EMBEDDED DECOUPLING CAPACITOR - A seal ring for semiconductor devices is provided with embedded decoupling capacitors. The seal ring peripherally surrounds an integrated circuit chip in a seal ring area. The at least one embedded decoupling capacitor may include MOS capacitors, varactors, MOM capacitors and interdigitized capacitors with multiple capacitor plates coupled together. The opposed capacitor plates are coupled to different potentials and may advantageously be coupled to V | 05-16-2013 |
20130119532 | Bumps for Chip Scale Packaging - A chip scale semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor die, a first bump and a second bump. The first bump having a first diameter and a first height is formed on an outer region of the semiconductor die. A second bump having a second diameter and a second height is formed on an inner region of the semiconductor die. The second diameter is greater than the first diameter while the second height is the same as the first height. By changing the shape of the bump, the stress and strain can be redistributed through the bump. As a result, the thermal cycling reliability of the chip scale semiconductor device is improved. | 05-16-2013 |
20130147018 | Structure for Reducing Integrated Circuit Corner Peeling - A crack prevention structure that reduces integrated circuit corner peeling and reduces cracking is disclosed. The crack prevention structure comprises a semiconductor substrate; a first plurality of dielectric layers of a first material disposed over the semiconductor substrate; a second plurality of dielectric layers of a second material different than the first material, disposed on the first plurality of dielectric layers, wherein the first plurality of dielectric layers and the second plurality of dielectric layers meet at an interface; and a plurality of metal structures and a plurality of via structures formed through the interface of the first plurality of dielectric layers and the second plurality of dielectric layers. | 06-13-2013 |
20130147031 | SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE WITH BUMP STRUCTURE ON POST-PASSIVATION INTERCONNCET - A semiconductor device includes a post-passivation interconnect (PPI) structure having a landing pad region. A polymer layer is formed on the PPI structure and patterned with a first opening and a second opening to expose portions of the landing pad region. The second opening is a ring-shaped opening surrounding the first opening. A bump structure is formed on the polymer layer to electrically connect the landing pad region through the first opening and the second opening. | 06-13-2013 |
20130147033 | POST-PASSIVATION INTERCONNECT STRUCTURE - A semiconductor device includes a passivation layer overlying a semiconductor substrate, and an interconnect structure overlying the passivation layer. The interconnect structure includes a landing pad region and a dummy region electrically separated from each other. A protective layer overlies the interconnect structure and includes a first opening exposing a portion of the landing pad region and a second opening exposing a portion of the dummy region. A metal layer is formed on the exposed portion of landing pad region and the exposed portion of the dummy region. A bump is formed on the metal layer overlying the landing pad region. | 06-13-2013 |
20130147034 | BUMP STRUCTURE DESIGN FOR STRESS REDUCTION - Low stress bumps can be used to reduce stress and strain on bumps bonded to a substrate with different coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) from the die. The low stress bumps include multiple polymer layers. More than one type of bump is coupled to a die, with low stress bumps placed on areas subjected to high stress. | 06-13-2013 |
20130228932 | Package on Package Structure - A package on packaging structure comprising a first package and a second package provides for improved thermal conduction and mechanical strength by the introduction of a thermally conductive substrate attached to the second package. The first package has a first substrate and a first integrated circuit. The second package has a second substrate containing through vias that has a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The second package also has a second integrated circuit having a second coefficient of thermal expansion located on the second substrate. The second coefficient of thermal expansion deviates from the first coefficient of thermal expansion by less than about 10 or less than about 5 parts-per-million per degree Celsius. A first set of conductive elements couples the first substrate and the second substrate. A second set of conductive elements couples the second substrate and the second integrated circuit. | 09-05-2013 |
20140045326 | METHOD OF MAKING A SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE HAVING A POST-PASSIVATION INTERCONNECT STRUCTURE - A method of making a semiconductor device includes forming a passivation layer overlying a semiconductor substrate, the semiconductor substrate having a first region and a second region, wherein the first region is a conductive pad and the second region is adjacent to the first region. The method further includes forming a first protective layer overlying the passivation layer and forming an interconnect layer overlying the first protective layer. The method further includes forming a plurality of slots in the second region and forming a second protective layer overlying the interconnect layer, wherein the second protective layer fills each slot of the plurality of slots. The method further includes exposing a portion of the interconnect layer through the second protective layer; forming a barrier layer on the exposed portion of the interconnect layer; and forming a solder bump on the barrier layer. | 02-13-2014 |
20140091437 | CHIP PACKAGE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A package includes a semiconductor device including an active surface having a contact pad. A redistribution layer (RDL) structure includes a first post-passivation interconnection (PPI) line electrically connected to the contact pad and extending on the active surface of the semiconductor device. An under-bump metallurgy (UBM) layer is formed over and electrically connected to the first PPI line. A seal ring structure extends around the upper periphery of the semiconductor device. The seal ring structure includes a seal layer extending on the same level as at least one of the first PPI line and the UBM layer. | 04-03-2014 |
20140106544 | SEMICONDUCTOR WAFER WITH ASSISTING DICING STRUCTURE AND DICING METHOD THEREOF - A semiconductor wafer with an assisting dicing structure. The wafer comprises a substrate having a front surface and a rear surface. The front surface of the substrate comprises at least two device regions separated by at least one dicing lane. The rear surface of the substrate comprises at least one pre-dicing trench formed therein and substantially aligned with the dicing lane. A method for dicing a semiconductor wafer is also disclosed. | 04-17-2014 |
20140315383 | METHODS OF MAKING INTEGRATED CIRCUITS - A method of making an integrated circuit including forming a seal ring structure around a circuit where the seal ring structure has a first portion and a tilted portion. The first portion of the seal ring structure is substantially parallel with an edge of the circuit. The tilted portion of the seal ring structure forms an obtuse angle with the first portion. The method further includes forming a first pad which is electrically coupled with the seal ring structure. The method further includes disposing a leakage current test structure in an area enclosed by the seal ring where at least one portion of the leakage current test structure is substantially parallel with the tilted portion of the seal ring structure. The method further includes forming a second pad which is electrically coupled with the leakage current test structure. | 10-23-2014 |
20150028481 | SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES WITH BALL STRENGTH IMPROVEMENT - A semiconductor device includes a contact region over a substrate. The semiconductor device further includes a metal pad over the contact region. Additionally, the semiconductor device includes a post passivation interconnect (PPI) line over the metal pad, where the PPI line is in contact with the metal pad. Furthermore, the semiconductor device includes an under-bump-metallurgy (UBM) layer over the PPI line. Moreover, the semiconductor device includes a plurality of solder balls over the UBM layer, the plurality of solder balls being arranged at some, but not all, intersections of a number of columns and rows of a ball pattern. | 01-29-2015 |