Abstract:
A method of producing deep submicron vias is described in which a metal blanket layer is formed on a premetal dielectric and patterned to form line elements. An intermetal dielectric is then deposited over the patterned metal and chemically mechanically polished down to the top of the line elements. A second metal blanket layer is then deposited and patterned to form via studs. An intermetal dielectric is also deposited over the patterned metal via studs and polished down to the tops of the studs. The process is repeated until a multilevel integrated circuit is formed.
Abstract:
The present invention provides methods of forming a semiconductor workpiece. One method of forming a semiconductor device in accordance with the present invention includes: providing a semiconductor workpiece; forming a via within the semiconductor workpiece, the via including plural sidewalls joining a bottom surface at respective plural corners; first sputtering a process layer upon at least a portion of the bottom surface using ionized metal plasma physical vapor deposition; and following the sputtering of the process layer, second sputtering at least some of the process layer towards the corners within the via.
Abstract:
An inductor circuit is disclosed. The inductor circuit includes a first in-silicon inductor and a second in-silicon inductor each having multiple turns. A portion of the multiple turns of the second in-silicon inductor is formed between turns of the first in-silicon inductor. The first and second in-silicon inductors are configured such that a differential current flowing through the first in-silicon inductor and the second in-silicon inductor flows in a same direction in corresponding turns of inductors.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method with which to implement metal fill during design using tools such as a place and route tools or layout tools. Unlike prior known solutions where metal fill was performed after design and layout, performing metal fill during layout with a uniform pattern of conductive traces sized and spaced according to the design rules of the device to be fabricated resulting in more planning and design. Dividing the conductive traces into active and inactive segments during the design and layout identifies potentially negative impacts on critical or sensitive device elements within the device during design and layout. Previously, metal fill was implemented after design and layout and often resulted in negative impacts not previously accounted for during IC design. Embodiments of the present invention reduce degradation, seen in other devices where metal fill is incorporated after design and layout. Additionally, because the physical characteristics of inactive metal fill segments are considered during design and layout of the ICs.
Abstract:
An inductor circuit is disclosed. The inductor circuit includes a first in-silicon inductor and a second in-silicon inductor each having multiple turns. A portion of the multiple turns of the second in-silicon inductor is formed between turns of the first in-silicon inductor. The first and second in-silicon inductors are configured such that a differential current flowing through the first in-silicon inductor and the second in-silicon inductor flows in a same direction in corresponding turns of inductors.
Abstract:
An inductor circuit is disclosed. The inductor circuit includes a first in-silicon inductor and a second in-silicon inductor each having multiple turns. A portion of the multiple turns of the second in-silicon inductor is formed between turns of the first in-silicon inductor. The first and second in-silicon inductors are configured such that a differential current flowing through the first in-silicon inductor and the second in-silicon inductor flows in a same direction in corresponding turns of inductors.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention provide a seal ring which includes a plurality of cuts separating the seal ring into seal ring portions which are disposed adjacent to different circuits in the integrated circuit die. The cuts reduce the noise coupling among the different circuits through the seal ring. To further isolate the sensitive RF/analog circuits from the noise generated by the digital circuit, the seal ring may be electrically (for dc noise) isolated from the substrate. This is accomplished, for instance, by inserting a polysilicon layer and gate oxide between the seal ring and the substrate. In addition, an n-well/p-well capacitor may be formed in series with the gate oxide, for instance, by implanting an n-well below the polysilicon layer in a p-type substrate. In this way, the seal ring provides substantially reduced noise coupling among the circuits but still maintains an effective wall around the periphery of the die to protect the circuits against moisture and ionic contamination penetration.
Abstract:
A capacitor and a method of making the capacitor is provided. The capacitor includes a metallization line with a high dielectric constant layer defined over the metallization line. A thin metallization film is defined over the high dielectric constant layer, such that the thin metallization film defines a top plate of the capacitor, the high dielectric constant layer defines a dielectric for the capacitor, and the metallization line defines a bottom plate for the capacitor. The metallization line is defined from a metallization level and the thin metallization film is defined before a next metallization level above the metallization level is defined.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a method for forming an aligned via under a trench to prevent voiding in a dual damascene process. The trench is formed in an oxide layer that is formed over a first metal layer and the first metal layer is formed over a semiconductor substrate. The method includes forming an etch stop layer over the oxide layer and forming a set of adjacent trenches in the oxide layer through a portion of the etch stop layer. The method also includes forming a resist layer at least partially over the etch stop layer. The resist layer is formed in a via pattern to expose the set of adjacent trenches through the via pattern. The method further includes etching the oxide layer under the set of adjacent trenches until the oxide layer is etched through to expose at least a portion of the first metal layer so as to form a via under each of the adjacent trenches. In this process, the etch stop layer inhibits the oxide layer underneath from being etched substantially such that each of the vias formed under the each of the adjacent trenches is substantially of a same width as and in alignment with the associated trench above.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a capacitive structure and method for making the capacitive structure for suppressing inductive noise produced by high performance device power supplies. The capacitive structure includes a trench having a bottom surface and respective walls that are integral with the bottom surface. The trench is defined in a semiconductor substrate and is configured to isolate at least one transistor active area from another transistor active area. The structure further includes an oxide layer that is defined along the bottom surface and the respective walls of the trench, such that a channel is defined within the trench between the oxide layer that is defined along the bottom surface and the respective walls. The structure also includes a conductive polysilicon layer that is defined within the channel and is within the trench. The conductive polysilicon layer defines a conductive electrode that is separated from the semiconductor substrate by a thickness of the oxide layer.