Abstract:
A CMOS image sensor array and method of fabrication wherein the sensor includes Copper (Cu) metallization levels allowing for incorporation of a thinner interlevel dielectric stack with improved thickness uniformity to result in a pixel array exhibiting increased light sensitivity. In the sensor array, each Cu metallization level includes a Cu metal wire structure formed at locations between each array pixel and, a barrier material layer is formed on top each Cu metal wire structure that traverses the pixel optical path. By implementing a single mask or self-aligned mask methodology, a single etch is conducted to completely remove the interlevel dielectric and barrier layers that traverse the optical path. The etched opening is then refilled with dielectric material. Prior to depositing the refill dielectric, a layer of either reflective or absorptive material is formed along the sidewalls of the etched opening to improve sensitivity of the pixels by either reflecting light to the underlying photodiode or by eliminating light reflections.
Abstract:
Optical structures having an array of protuberances between two layers having different refractive indices are provided. The array of protuberances has vertical and lateral dimensions less than the wavelength range of lights detectable by a photodiode of a CMOS image sensor. The array of protuberances provides high transmission of light with little reflection. The array of protuberances may be provided over a photodiode, in a back-end-of-line interconnect structure, over a lens for a photodiode, on a backside of a photodiode, or on a window of a chip package.
Abstract:
A global shutter compatible pixel circuit comprising a reset gate (RG) transistor is provided in which a dynamic voltage is applied to the drain of the reset gate transistor in order to reduce a floating diffusion (FD) leakage therethrough during signal hold time. The drain voltage of the reset gate transistor is held at a lower voltage than a circuit supply voltage to minimize the off-state leakage through the RG transistor, thus reducing the change in the voltage at the floating diffusion during the signal hold time. In addition, a design structure for such a circuit providing a dynamic voltage to the drain of a reset gate of a pixel circuit is also provided.
Abstract:
The present invention is a pixel sensor cell and method of making the same. The pixel sensor cell approximately doubles the available signal for a given quanta of light. The device of the present invention utilizes the holes produced by impinging photons in a pixel sensor cell circuit. A pixel sensor cell having reduced complexity includes an n-type collection well region formed beneath a surface of a substrate for collecting electrons generated by electromagnetic radiation impinging on the pixel sensor cell and a p-type collection well region formed beneath the surface of the substrate for collecting holes generated by the impinging photons. A circuit structure having a first input is coupled to the n-type collection well region and a second input is coupled to the p-type collection well region, wherein an output signal of the pixel sensor cell is the magnitude of the difference of a signal of the first input and a signal of the second input.
Abstract:
An imaging system for use in a digital camera or cell phone utilizes one chip for logic and one chip for image processing. The chips are interconnected using around-the-edge or through via conductors extending from bond pads on the active surface of the imaging chip to backside metallurgy on the imaging chip. The backside metallurgy of the imaging chip is connected to metallurgy on the active surface of the logic chip using an array of solder bumps in BGA fashion. The interconnection arrangement provides a CSP which matches the space constraints of a cell phone, for example. The arrangement also utilizes minimal wire lengths for reduced noise. Connection of the CSP to a carrier package may be either by conductive through vias or wire bonding. The CSP is such that the imaging chip may readily be mounted across an aperture in the wall of a cell phone, for example, so as to expose the light sensitive pixels on the active surface of said imaging chip to light.
Abstract:
The present invention is a pixel sensor cell and method of making the same. The pixel sensor cell approximately doubles the available signal for a given quanta of light. The device of the present invention utilizes the holes produced by impinging photons in a pixel sensor cell circuit. A pixel sensor cell having reduced complexity includes an n-type collection well region formed beneath a surface of a substrate for collecting electrons generated by electromagnetic radiation impinging on the pixel sensor cell and a p-type collection well region formed beneath the surface of the substrate for collecting holes generated by the impinging photons. A circuit structure having a first input is coupled to the n-type collection well region and a second input is coupled to the p-type collection well region, wherein an output signal of the pixel sensor cell is the magnitude of the difference of a signal of the first input and a signal of the second input.
Abstract:
The present invention is a pixel sensor cell and method of making the same. The pixel sensor cell approximately doubles the available signal for a given quanta of light. The device of the present invention utilizes the holes produced by impinging photons in a pixel sensor cell circuit. A pixel sensor cell having reduced complexity includes an n-type collection well region formed beneath a surface of a substrate for collecting electrons generated by electromagnetic radiation impinging on the pixel sensor cell and a p-type collection well region formed beneath the surface of the substrate for collecting holes generated by the impinging photons. A circuit structure having a first input is coupled to the n-type collection well region and a second input is coupled to the p-type collection well region, wherein an output signal of the pixel sensor cell is the magnitude of the difference of a signal of the first input and a signal of the second input.
Abstract:
The present invention is a pixel sensor cell and method of making the same. The pixel sensor cell approximately doubles the available signal for a given quanta of light. The device of the present invention utilizes the holes produced by impinging photons in a pixel sensor cell circuit. A pixel sensor cell having reduced complexity includes an n-type collection well region formed beneath a surface of a substrate for collecting electrons generated by electromagnetic radiation impinging on the pixel sensor cell and a p-type collection well region formed beneath the surface of the substrate for collecting holes generated by the impinging photons. A circuit structure having a first input is coupled to the n-type collection well region and a second input is coupled to the p-type collection well region, wherein an output signal of the pixel sensor cell is the magnitude of the difference of a signal of the first input and a signal of the second input.
Abstract:
A bond pad for effecting through-wafer connections to an integrated circuit or electronic package and method of producing thereof. The bond pad includes a high surface area aluminum bond pad in order to resultingly obtain a highly reliable, low resistance connection between bond pad and electrical leads.
Abstract:
A double gated silicon-on-insulator (SOI) MOSFET is fabricated by forming epitaxially grown channels, followed by a damascene gate. The double gated MOSFET features narrow channels, which increases current drive per layout width and provides low out conductance.