Patent application number | Description | Published |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20130140706 | UBM Structures for Wafer Level Chip Scale Packaging - A wafer level chip scale semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor die, a first under bump metal structure and a second under bump metal structure. The first under bump metal structure having a first enclosure is formed on a corner region or an edge region of the semiconductor die. A second under bump metal structure having a second enclosure is formed on an inner region of the semiconductor die. The first enclosure is greater than the second enclosure. | 06-06-2013 |
20130181347 | 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. | 07-18-2013 |
20130240883 | Contact Test Structure and Method - A system and method for testing electrical connections is provided. In an embodiment one or more floating pads may be manufactured in electrical connection with an underbump metallization structure. A test may then be performed to measure the electrical characteristics of the underbump metallization structure through the floating pad in order to test for defects. Alternatively, a conductive connection may be formed on the underbump metallization and the test may be performed on the conductive connection and the underbump metallization together. | 09-19-2013 |
20130241683 | Inductor for Post Passivation Interconnect - An inductor device and method of forming the inductor device are provided. In some embodiments the inductor device includes a post passivation interconnect (PPI) layer disposed and an under bump metallization (UBM) layer, each disposed over a substrate. The PPI layer forms a coil and dummy pads. The dummy pads are disposed around a substantial portion of the coil to shield the coil from electromagnetic interference. A first portion of the UBM layer is electrically coupled to the coil and configured to interface with an electrical coupling member. | 09-19-2013 |
20130270698 | STRAIN REDUCED STRUCTURE FOR IC PACKAGING - A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor die having first and second conductive pads, and a substrate having third and fourth bonding pads. A width ratio of the first conductive pad over the third bonding pad at an inner region is different from a width ratio of the second conductive pad over the fourth bonding pad at an outer region. | 10-17-2013 |
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 |
20140045327 | 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. | 02-13-2014 |
20140077356 | Post Passivation Interconnect Structures and Methods for Forming the Same - A device includes a metal pad, a passivation layer overlapping edge portions of the metal pad, and a first polymer layer over the passivation layer. A Post-Passivation-Interconnect (PPI) has a level portion overlying the first polymer layer, and a plug portion that has a top connected to the level portion. The plug portion extends into the first polymer layer. A bottom surface of the plug portion is in contact with a dielectric material. A second polymer layer is overlying the first polymer layer. | 03-20-2014 |
20140087522 | 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. | 03-27-2014 |
20140170850 | UBM Structures for Wafer Level Chip Scale Packaging - A wafer level chip scale semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor die, a first under bump metal structure and a second under bump metal structure. The first under bump metal structure having a first enclosure is formed on a corner region or an edge region of the semiconductor die. A second under bump metal structure having a second enclosure is formed on an inner region of the semiconductor die. The first enclosure is greater than the second enclosure. | 06-19-2014 |
20140183693 | Capacitor in Post-Passivation Structures and Methods of Forming the Same - A device includes a metal pad and a passivation layer having a portion overlapping the metal pad. A capacitor includes a bottom capacitor electrode underlying the passivation layer, wherein the bottom capacitor includes the metal pad. The capacitor further includes a top capacitor electrode over the portion of the passivation layer; and a capacitor insulator including the portion of the passivation layer. | 07-03-2014 |
20140203438 | Methods and Apparatus of Packaging of Semiconductor Devices - Methods and apparatuses for forming an under-bump metallization (UBM) pad above a dielectric layer are disclosed. The dielectric layer may be above a metal layer and comprises a first opening and a second opening surrounding the first opening, which divide the dielectric layer into a first area and a second area. An UBM pad extends into and fills the first opening of the dielectric layer, above the first area between the first opening and the second opening, and may further extends down at least partly into the second opening covering a part or the whole of the second opening of the dielectric layer. The UBM pad may further extend over a part of the second area of the dielectric layer if the UBM pad fills the whole of the second opening of the dielectric layer. A solder ball may be mounted on the UBM pad. | 07-24-2014 |
20140242791 | METHOD OF FORMING BUMP STRUCTURE - A method of forming a bump structure includes forming a metallization layer on a top metal layer by electroless plating process, forming a polymer layer over the metallization layer; forming an opening on the polymer layer to expose the metallization layer, and forming a solder bump over the exposed metallization layer to make electrical contact with the top metal layer. | 08-28-2014 |
20140264922 | SEMICONDUCTOR STRUCTURE - One or more embodiments of techniques or systems for forming a semiconductor structure are provided herein. A first metal region is formed within a first dielectric region. A cap region is formed on the first metal region. A second dielectric region is formed above the cap region and the first dielectric region. A trench opening is formed within the second dielectric region. A via opening is formed through the second dielectric region, the cap region, and within some of the first metal region by over etching. A barrier region is formed within the trench opening and the via opening. A via plug is formed within the via opening and a second metal region is formed within the trench opening. The via plug electrically connects the first metal region to the second metal region and has a tapered profile. | 09-18-2014 |
20150017778 | Capacitor in Post-Passivation Structures and Methods of Forming the Same - A device includes a metal pad and a passivation layer having a portion overlapping the metal pad. A capacitor includes a bottom capacitor electrode underlying the passivation layer, wherein the bottom capacitor includes the metal pad. The capacitor further includes a top capacitor electrode over the portion of the passivation layer; and a capacitor insulator including the portion of the passivation layer. | 01-15-2015 |
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 |
20150031200 | 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. | 01-29-2015 |
20150061079 | Wafer Level Dicing Method - Disclosed herein is a method for dicing a wafer, the method comprising forming a molding compound layer over each of one or more dies disposed on a wafer, the one or more dies separated by scribe lines, the molding compound layer having gaps over the respective scribe lines. The wafer is separated into individual dies along the gaps of the molding compound in the scribe lines. Separating the wafer into individual dies comprises cutting at least a portion of the substrate with a laser. Forming the molding compound layer comprises applying a stencil over the one or more dies and using the stencil to form the molding compound layer. | 03-05-2015 |