Altering Electrical Property By Material Removal Patents (Class 438/13)
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Patent number: 10643944Abstract: A first conductive routing structure is electrically connected to a first electronic component. A second conductive routing structure is electrically connected to a second electronic component. An additive deposition process deposits a material over a surface of a processed wafer to form a conductive or resistive structure, which extends from a portion of the first conductive routing structure to a portion of the second conductive routing structure, to configure a circuit including the first and second electronic components.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2018Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventors: Paul Merle Emerson, Benjamin Stassen Cook
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Patent number: 8941108Abstract: A method performs electrical testing and assembly of an electronic device on a wafer and comprising a pad made in an oxide layer covered by a passivation layer. The method includes connecting the electronic device to a testing apparatus; providing said electronic device with a metallization layer extending on the passivation layer from the pad to a non-active area of said wafer. The method comprises-performing the electrical testing on wafer of the electronic device by placing a probe of on a portion of the extended metallization layer; performing the cut of said wafer, reducing the extension of the metallization layer to the edge of the electronic device; embedding the device inside a package, forming on the metallization layer an electrical connection configured to connect the metallization layer to a circuit in said package.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2012Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventor: Alberto Pagani
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Patent number: 8766257Abstract: A test pad structure in a back-end-of-line metal interconnect structure is formed by repeated use of the same mask set, which includes a first line level mask, a first via level mask, a second line level mask, and a second via level mask. The test pad structure includes a two-dimensional array of test pads such that a first row is connected to a device macro structure in the same level, and test pads in another row are electrically connected to another device macro structure of the same design at an underlying level. The lateral shifting of electrical connection among pads located at different levels is enabled by lateral extension portions that protrude from pads and via structures that contact the lateral extension portions. This test pad structure includes more levels of testable metal interconnect structure than the number of used lithographic masks.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Gerald Matusiewicz
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Patent number: 8722768Abstract: According to the invention, a liquid resin composition which has favorable wet spreadability after mounting of a chip and exhibits excellent solder cracking resistance even in a high-temperature solder reflow process at about 260° C., i.e., even when being used in lead-free solder, and a semiconductor package using the liquid resin composition are provided. In the liquid resin composition of the invention, an acrylic copolymer having a radical polymerizable functional group contains alkyl(meth)acrylate as a constituent monomer having a linear or branched alkyl group having 6 to 9 carbon atoms in an amount of 10 wt % to 40 wt % of the entire constituent monomers.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kouji Makihara, Ryuichi Murayama
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Patent number: 8723158Abstract: A light emitting device includes a light emitting structure including a first conductive type semiconductor layer, an active layer and a second conductive type semiconductor layer; a multi-contact layer disposed on at least a predetermined region of the second conductive type semiconductor layer, the multi-contact layer including at least one pair-structure configured of a first layer including InGaN having a dopant doped thereon and a second layer including GaN having a different dopant doped thereon; and a first electrode and a second electrode to provide currents to the first conductive type semiconductor layer and the second conductive type semiconductor layer, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2012Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jung Hun Jang, Jeong Sik Lee, Jeong Soon Yim, Byeoung Jo Kim, Seung Keun Nam
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Patent number: 8673657Abstract: In a circuit area wherein a semiconductor integrated circuit is to be formed, an isolation insulating film is formed on a surface of a semiconductor substrate, and, at the same time, five isolation insulating films extending in one specific direction are formed within a monitor area at a fixed spacing. Then, a gate insulation film and a gate electrode are formed within the circuit area on the semiconductor substrate, and, at the same time, five gate insulation films and five gate electrodes extending in the same direction as the isolation insulating films are formed within the monitor area at the same spacing as that of the isolation insulating films.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2012Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor LimitedInventor: Kouichi Nagai
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Patent number: 8481342Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, includes: a step of etching a Si (111) substrate along a (111) plane of the Si (111) substrate to separate a Si (111) thin-film device having a separated surface along the (111) plane.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Oki Data CorporationInventors: Mitsuhiko Ogihara, Tomohiko Sagimori, Takahito Suzuki, Masataka Muto
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Patent number: 8445906Abstract: A method for sorting and acquiring a semiconductor element, including: disposing a plurality of semiconductor elements in an effective section in a semiconductor substrate; disposing a standard semiconductor element outside of the effective section in the semiconductor substrate; forming a bump in each of the plurality of the semiconductor elements and in the standard semiconductor element; performing a test on the plurality of the semiconductor elements in the effective section; forming a location map using the standard semiconductor element as a base point; and picking up the semiconductor elements determined as non-defective in the test from the plurality of the semiconductor elements based on the location map.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2010Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor LimitedInventors: Yoshito Konno, Yutaka Yamada
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Patent number: 8338192Abstract: An embodiment for manufacturing an electronic circuit forms at least one first structure on a semiconductor substrate, determines at least one electrically defined characteristic of the at least one first structure, selects a reticle corresponding to the measured characteristic, and forms at least one additional structure on the semiconductor substrate with the selected reticle.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2009Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.Inventors: Olivier Le Neel, Feng Zhou
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Patent number: 8236580Abstract: A method of monitoring copper contamination. The method includes method, comprising: (a) ion-implanting an N-type dopant into a region of single-crystal silicon substrate, the region abutting a top surface of the substrate; (c) activating the N-type dopant by annealing the substrate at a temperature of 500° C. or higher in an inert atmosphere; (c) submerging, for a present duration of time, the substrate into an aqueous solution, the aqueous solution to be monitored for copper contamination; and (d) determining an amount of copper adsorbed from the aqueous solution by the region of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2010Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Jay Sanford Burnham, Joseph Kerry Vaughn Comeau, Leslie Peter Crane, James Randall Elliott, Scott Alan Estes, James Spiros Nakos, Eric Jeffrey White
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Patent number: 8137995Abstract: A semiconductor device is made by forming a first active device on a first side of a semiconductor wafer. A first insulating layer is formed over the first side of the wafer. A first conductive layer is formed over the first insulating layer. A first interconnect structure is formed over the first insulating layer and first conductive layer. A temporary carrier is mounted to the first interconnect structure. A second active device is formed on a second side of the semiconductor wafer. A second insulating layer is formed over the second side of the wafer. A second conductive layer is formed over the second insulating layer. A second interconnect structure is formed over the second insulating layer and second conductive layer. The temporary carrier is removed, leaving a double-sided semiconductor device. The double-sided semiconductor device is enclosed in a package with the first and second interconnect structures electrically connected.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: STATS ChipPAC, Ltd.Inventors: OhHan Kim, JoungUn Park, SunMi Kim
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Patent number: 8012772Abstract: A substrate treating apparatus, in which a voltage is applied to between a treatment electrode and a target substrate in such a state that the treatment electrode is opposed to the target substrate to thereby perform substrate treatment for removing undesired substances on the target substrate, has a reference electrode, a transfer unit which transfers at least one of the treatment electrode and the reference electrode to thereby provide the treatment electrode so that the treatment electrode is opposed to the reference electrode, and a check unit for applying a voltage to between the treatment electrode and the reference electrode in such a state that the treatment electrode is opposed to the reference electrode and thereby checking an adhesion level of undesired substances onto the treatment electrode surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Satoshi Koide, Yasushi Iseki, Akira Ishii
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Patent number: 8000928Abstract: A method and apparatus for data analysis according to various aspects of the present invention is configured to automatically select one or more outlier identification algorithms for identifying statistical outliers in test data for components.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Test Advantage, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Scott, Jacky Gorin, Paul Buxton, Eric Paul Tabor
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Patent number: 7985671Abstract: Structures with improved solder bump connections and methods of fabricating such structures are provided herein. The method includes forming an upper wiring layer in a dielectric layer and depositing one or more dielectric layers on the upper wiring layer. The method further includes forming a plurality of discrete trenches in the one or more dielectric layers extending to the upper wiring layer. The method further includes depositing a ball limiting metallurgy or under bump metallurgy in the plurality of discrete trenches to form discrete metal islands in contact with the upper wring layer. A solder bump is formed in electrical connection to the plurality of the discrete metal islands.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2008Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Timothy H. Daubenspeck, Jeffrey P. Gambino, Christopher D. Muzzy, Wolfgang Sauter, Timothy D. Sullivan
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Patent number: 7986146Abstract: One exemplary embodiment is a method for detecting existence of an undesirable particle between a planar lithographic object, such as a semiconductor wafer or a lithographic mask, and a chuck during semiconductor fabrication. The exemplary method in this embodiment includes placing the planar lithographic object, such as the semiconductor wafer, over the chuck. The method further includes measuring a change in at least one electrical characteristic formed by and between the chuck and the planar lithographic object, such as measuring a change in capacitance between the chuck and semiconductor wafer, caused by the undesirable particle.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2006Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Inc.Inventors: Harry J. Levinson, Obert Reeves Wood, II
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Patent number: 7981700Abstract: A semiconductor oxidation apparatus is provided with a sealable oxidation chamber defined by walls, a base provided within the oxidation chamber and configured to support a semiconductor sample, a supply part configured to supply water vapor into the oxidation chamber to oxidize a specific portion of the semiconductor sample, a monitoring window provided in one of the walls of the oxidation chamber and disposed at a position capable of confronting the semiconductor sample supported on the base, a monitoring part provided outside the oxidation chamber and capable of confronting the semiconductor sample supported on the base via the monitoring window, and an adjusting part configured to adjust a distance between the base and the monitoring part.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2006Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Shunichi Sato, Naoto Jikutani, Akihiro Itoh, Shinya Umemoto, Yoshiaki Zenno, Takatoshi Yamamoto
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Patent number: 7946499Abstract: A method for either or both initializing and personalizing a portable data carrier having an electronic circuit, a data transmission device and a switching device. The method is characterized in that either or both before the initialization and personalization is carried out a bridging of the switching device is formed and after either or both the initialization and personalization has been carried out the bridging is eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2006Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbHInventors: Jens Jansen, Thomas Tarantino, Ralph Krysiak
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Patent number: 7935549Abstract: The present invention provides a signal transmitting/receiving method comprising: disposing a ferromagnetic film between a semiconductor device having an inductor and an external device which includes an external inductor provided in a position corresponding to the inductor of the semiconductor device; disposing the inductor and the external inductor so as to face each other via the ferromagnetic film therebetween; and in a state in which the inductor and the external inductor face each other, transmitting and receiving the signals between the inductor and the external inductor by electromagnetic induction.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2009Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Renesas Electronics CorporationInventors: Masayuki Furumiya, Yasutaka Nakashiba
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Patent number: 7927892Abstract: A thermal treatment apparatus having a first light source emitting a first light having light diffusion property, a reflectance measuring unit irradiating a treatment target with the light from plural directions by the first light source and determining a light reflectance of the treatment target, a light irradiation controller adjusting an intensity of a second light of a second light source on the basis of the light reflectance, the second light has diffusion property, and a thermal treatment unit irradiating the treatment target with the second light having adjusted the intensity of the second light by the light irradiation controller.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2008Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor LimitedInventor: Tomohiro Kubo
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Patent number: 7910395Abstract: An LED structure includes a first substrate; an adhering layer formed on the first substrate; first ohmic contact layers formed on the adhering layer; epi-layers formed on the first ohmic contact layers; a first isolation layer covering the first ohmic contact layers and the epi-layers at exposed surfaces thereof; and first electrically conducting plates and second electrically conducting plates, both formed in the first isolation layer and electrically connected to the first ohmic contact layers and the epi-layers, respectively. The trenches allow the LED structure to facilitate complex serial/parallel connection so as to achieve easy and various applications of the LED structure in the form of single structures under a high-voltage environment.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2006Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Helio Optoelectronics CorporationInventors: Shih-Chang Shei, Ming-Hung Chen, Shih-Yi Wen, Chun-Che Lee
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Patent number: 7897416Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for providing composition control to thin compound semiconductor films for radiation detector and photovoltaic applications. In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method in which the molar ratio of the elements in a plurality of layers are detected so that tuning of the multi-element layer can occur to obtain the multi-element layer that has a predetermined molar ratio range. In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method in which the thickness of a sub-layer and layers thereover of Cu, In and/or Ga are detected and tuned in order to provide tuned thicknesses that are substantially the same as pre-determined thicknesses.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2010Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: SoloPower, Inc.Inventors: Bulent M. Basol, Serdar Aksu
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Patent number: 7888142Abstract: A method of monitoring copper contamination. The method includes method, comprising: (a) ion-implanting an N-type dopant into a region of single-crystal silicon substrate, the region abutting a top surface of the substrate; (c) activating the N-type dopant by annealing the substrate at a temperature of 500° C. or higher in an inert atmosphere; (c) submerging, for a present duration of time, the substrate into an aqueous solution, the aqueous solution to be monitored for copper contamination; and (d) determining an amount of copper adsorbed from the aqueous solution by the region of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Jay Sanford Burnham, Joseph Kerry Vaughn Comeau, Leslie Peter Crane, James Randall Elliott, Scott Alan Estes, James Spiros Nakos, Eric Jeffrey White
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Publication number: 20110020958Abstract: By forming a trench-like test opening above a respective test metal region during the etch process for forming via openings in a dielectric layer stack of sophisticated metallization structures of semiconductor devices, the difference in etch rate in the respective openings may be used for generating a corresponding variation of electrical characteristics of the test metal region. Consequently, by means of the electrical characteristics, respective variations of the etch process may be identified.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Inventor: Matthias Lehr
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Patent number: 7871829Abstract: A metal wiring forming method in a semiconductor device can include forming an interlayer insulating film on a lower metal wiring, the first interlayer insulating film having a non-planar upper surface; forming a stop layer on the interlayer insulating film and over the lower metal wiring; forming an interlayer insulating film pattern on the stop layer, wherein an upper surface of the interlayer insulating film pattern and an upper surface of the stop layer are substantially coplanar; removing a portion of the stop layer to form a stop layer pattern, wherein a portion of the interlayer insulating film over the lower metal wiring is exposed by the stop layer pattern; and etching the exposed portion of the interlayer insulating film to form a via hole therethrough, wherein the lower metal wiring is exposed by the via hole.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2007Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hyung-Soon Jang
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Patent number: 7871843Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a high-output type nitride light emitting device. The nitride light emitting device comprises an n-type nitride semiconductor layer, a p-type nitride semiconductor layer and an active layer therebetween, wherein the light emitting device comprises a gallium-containing nitride semiconductor layer prepared by crystallization from supercritical ammonia-containing solution in the nitride semiconductor layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2008Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignees: Ammono. Sp. z o.o., Nichia CorporationInventors: Robert Dwilinski, Roman Doradzinski, Jerzy Garczynski, Leszek Sierzputowski, Yasuo Kanbara
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Patent number: 7844857Abstract: A writing data processing control apparatus includes an assignment part configured to assign processing of a plurality of pieces of writing data of predetermined divided writing regions, stored in a storage device, one by one to one of a plurality of processing apparatuses in which processing is performed in parallel, and a separation part configured, when a processing error occurred as a result of processing of writing data read from the storage device by a first processing apparatus assigned, to separate the first processing apparatus in which the processing error occurred from assigning targets of subsequent writing data processing, wherein the assignment part reassigns the processing of the writing data in which the processing error occurred to a second processing apparatus being different from the first processing apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2007Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: NuFlare Technology, Inc.Inventors: Yusuke Sakai, Tomoyuki Horiuchi
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Patent number: 7749778Abstract: A method of monitoring and testing electro-migration and time dependent dielectric breakdown includes forming an addressable wiring test array, which includes a plurality or horizontally disposed metal wiring and a plurality of segmented, vertically disposed probing wiring, performing a single row continuity/resistance check to determine which row of said metal wiring is open, performing a full serpentine continuity/resistance check, and determining a position of short defects.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2007Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Kaushik Chanda, Lawrence Clevenger, Timothy J. Dalton, Louis L. C. Hsu, Chih-Chao Yang
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Publication number: 20100167427Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for trimming passive devices during fabrication to account for process variations. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method by which an adjustable device layer comprised within a passive device (e.g., resistor body, capacitor electrodes) can be measured and subsequently trimmed (e.g., etched to reduce size) during processing to correct for process variations. Essentially, an operational parameter is measured for a plurality of passive devices. The measurements are used to form an adjustment map for a region of a semiconductor body (e.g., wafer) comprising information pertaining to operational parameters as a function of spatial coordinates. The adjustment map is utilized by a DMD projector configured to pattern openings into a hardmask configured over the adjustable device layer. The adjustable device layer is then etched in regions not protected by the hardmask, thereby effectively trimming the passive device according to the adjustment map.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2009Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Gregory E. Howard, Leland Swanson
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Patent number: 7736915Abstract: A method for neutralizing trapped charges in a buried oxide layer. The method includes providing a semiconductor structure which includes (a) a semiconductor layer, (b) a charge accumulation layer on top of the semiconductor layer, and (c) a doped region in direct physical contact with the semiconductor layer, wherein the charge accumulation layer comprises trapped charges of a first sign, and wherein the doped region and the semiconductor layer form a P-N junction diode. Next, free charges are generated in the P-N junction diode, wherein the free charges are of a second sign opposite to the first sign. Next, the free charges are accelerated towards the charge accumulation layer, resulting in some of the free charges entering the charge accumulation layer and neutralizing some of the trapped charges in the charge accumulation layer.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2006Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: John M. Aitken, Ethan Harrison Cannon, Alvin Wayne Strong
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Publication number: 20100124792Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the thickness of a conductive layer on a substrate includes a support to hold a substrate having a conductive layer, an eddy current monitoring system including a first plurality of core portions, and a motor to cause relative motion between the support and the eddy current monitoring system such that the substrate moves across the first plurality of core portions in a direction that defines a first axis. At least one core portion is positioned further from a second axis than at least two other core portions. The second axis is orthogonal to the first axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2009Publication date: May 20, 2010Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Hassan G. Iravani, Ingemar Carlsson, Boguslaw A. Swedek
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Patent number: 7687298Abstract: A microelectromechanical device and method of fabricating the same, including a layer of patterned and deposited metal or mechanical-quality, doped polysilicon inserted between the appropriate device element layers, which provides a conductive layer to prevent the microelectromechanical device's output from drifting. The conductive layer may encapsulate of the device's sensing or active elements, or may selectively cover only certain of the device's elements. Further, coupling the metal or mechanical-quality, doped polysilicon to the same voltage source as the device's substrate contact may place the conductive layer at the voltage of the substrate, which may function as a Faraday shield, attracting undesired, migrating ions from interfering with the output of the device.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2005Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Thomas Stratton, Gary Gardner, Curtis Rhan
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Publication number: 20100068831Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment, a method for site-specific trimming of a wafer to provide a target parameter value for a plurality of devices on the wafer includes performing a first measurement of a parameter at a subset of the number of devices on the wafer. The method further includes forming a top layer over the wafer after performing the first measurement. The method further includes performing a second measurement of the parameter at the subset of the devices on the wafer after forming the top layer. The method further includes determining an amount of the top layer to remove across the wafer to provide the target parameter value for the devices by utilizing the first and second measurements of the parameter. The method can be utilized to, for example, achieve a more uniform characteristic frequency for bulk acoustic wave (BAW) filters.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2008Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Bradley P. Barber, Johncy Castelino, Edward Aspell
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Publication number: 20100039740Abstract: A protection system implemented on one die of a multi-die package provides a discharge path for excess voltages incurred on one or more other die of the package. Ground paths are provided for certain circuitry in the package that have high noise-sensitivity, and ground paths are provided for certain circuitry in the package that have low noise-sensitivity relative to the high noise-sensitivity circuitry. The grounds of high noise-sensitivity circuitry of multiple die are shorted together, resulting in a common high noise-sensitivity ground. The grounds of low noise-sensitivity circuitry of multiple die are shorted together, resulting in a common low noise-sensitivity ground. A pre-designated removable path is included on the package external to the die, which shorts the common high noise-sensitivity ground and the common low noise-sensitivity ground. The removable path may be removed during manufacturing, if noise present on the shorted grounds results in unacceptable performance degradation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2008Publication date: February 18, 2010Applicant: QUALCOMM INCORPORATEDInventors: Reza Jalilizeinali, Sreeker Dundigal, Vivek Mohan
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Patent number: 7662672Abstract: A manufacturing process of a leadframe-based BGA package is disclosed. A leadless leadframe with an upper layer and a lower layer is provided for the package. The upper layer includes a plurality of ball pads, and the lower layer includes a plurality of sacrificial pads aligning and connecting with the ball pads. A plurality of leads are formed in either the upper layer or the lower layer to interconnect the ball pads or the sacrificial pads. An encapsulant is formed to embed the ball pads after chip attachment and electrical connections. During manufacturing process, a half-etching process is performed after encapsulation to remove the sacrificial pads to make the ball pads electrically isolated and exposed from the encapsulant for solder ball placement where the soldering areas of the ball pads are defined without the need of solder mask(s) to solve the problem of solder bleeding of the solder balls on the leads or the undesired spots during reflow. Moreover, mold flash can easily be detected and removed.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2008Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignees: ChipMos Technologies (Bermuda) Ltd., ChipMos Technologies Inc.Inventor: Hung-Tsun Lin
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Patent number: 7625495Abstract: Methods and devices for mechanical and/or chemical-mechanical planarization of semiconductor wafers, field emission displays and other microelectronic substrate assemblies. One method of planarizing a microelectronic substrate assembly in accordance with the invention includes pressing a substrate assembly against a planarizing surface of a polishing pad at a pad/substrate interface defined by a surface area of the substrate assembly contacting the planarizing surface. The method continues by moving the substrate assembly and/or the polishing pad with respect to the other to rub at least one of the substrate assembly and the planarizing surface against the other at a relative velocity. As the substrate assembly and polishing pad rub against each other, a parameter indicative of drag force between the substrate assembly and the polishing pad is measured or sensed at periodic intervals.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2006Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Jim Hofmann, Gundu M. Sabde, Stephen J. Kramer, Scott E. Moore
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Patent number: 7605014Abstract: A method of fabricating a resistive probe having a self-aligned metal shield. The method includes sequentially forming a first insulating layer, a metal shield, and a second insulating layer on a resistive tip of a substrate; etching the second insulating layer to expose the metal shield on a resistive region; etching the exposed metal shield; and etching the first insulating layer to expose the resistive region.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2006Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hong-sik Park, Ju-hwan Jung, Hyoung-soo Ko, Seung-bum Hong
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Patent number: 7598161Abstract: The halo implant technique described herein employs a halo implant mask that creates a halo implant shadowing effect during halo dopant bombardment. A first transistor device structure and a second transistor device structure are formed on a wafer such that they are orthogonally oriented to each other. A common halo implant mask is created with features that prevent halo implantation of the diffusion region of the second transistor device structure during halo implantation of the diffusion region of the first transistor device structure, and with features that prevent halo implantation of the diffusion region of the first transistor device structure during halo implantation of the diffusion region of the second transistor device structure. The orthogonal orientation of the transistor device structures and the pattern of the halo implant mask obviates the need to create multiple implant masks to achieve different threshold voltages for the transistor device structures.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2007Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.Inventors: Jingrong Zhou, Mark Michael, Donna Michael, legal representative, David Wu, James F. Buller, Akif Sultan
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Patent number: 7595257Abstract: An electronic device can include a substrate (12) having a primary surface (14), a second surface (16, 22) opposite the primary surface (14), and an electrode (50). In one embodiment, the electrode (50) can lie adjacent to the second surface (22) and include, a barrier layer (54) lying between a conductive layer (56) and a metal-containing layer (52), wherein the metal-containing layer (52) includes a first metallic element and not a second metal element, and the barrier layer (54) includes the second metal element and not the first metallic element. In another embodiment, an adhesion layer (52) and a conductive layer (56) can each include a metallic element, and lie immediately adjacent to a barrier layer (54). In still another embodiment, a process for forming an electronic device can include removing a portion of the substrate (12) opposite a primary surface (14).Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2006Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Brant D. Besser, David C. Burdeaux, Michael L. Kottke, Jean B. Martin
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Patent number: 7521338Abstract: Semiconductor wafer sawing systems and methods are described in which a wafer may be secured in a sawing position having a surface exposed to incur sawing with at least a portion of the exposed wafer surface positioned below the center of gravity of the wafer such that prevailing force of gravity may be used to assist in the removal of contaminants from the wafer.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Patricio Vergara Ancheta, Jr., Heintje Sardonas Vilaga, Ella Chan Sarmiento
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Patent number: 7465977Abstract: There is described a method for producing a packaged integrated circuit. The method comprises a first step of building an integrated circuit having a micro-structure suspended above a micro-cavity, and having a heating element on the micro-structure capable of heating itself and its immediate surroundings. A layer of protective material is then deposited on said micro-structure such that at least a top surface of the micro-structure and an opening of the micro-cavity is covered, wherein the protective material is in a solid state at room temperature and can protect the micro-structure during silicon wafer dicing procedures and subsequent packaging. The integrated circuit is packaged and an electric current is passed through the heating element such that a portion of the protective material is removed and an unobstructed volume is provided above and below the micro-structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2003Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: Microbridge Technologies Inc.Inventors: Leslie M. Landsberger, Oleg Grudin
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Patent number: 7456092Abstract: According to various exemplary embodiments, a spring device that includes a substrate, a self-releasing layer provided over the substrate and a stressed-metal layer provided over the self-releasing layer is disclosed, wherein an amount of stress inside the stressed-metal layer results in a peeling force that is higher than an adhesion force between the self-releasing layer and the stressed-metal layer. Moreover, a method of manufacturing a spring device, according to various exemplary embodiments, includes providing a substrate, providing a self-releasing layer over the substrate and providing a stressed-metal layer over the self-releasing layer wherein an amount of stress inside the stressed-metal layer results in a peeling force that is higher than an adhesion force between the self-releasing layer and the stressed-metal layer is also disclosed in this invention.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2004Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Thomas Hantschel, Sven Kosgalwies, David K. Fork, Eugene M. Chow
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Publication number: 20080268555Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a semiconductor device and an adjusting method for a semiconductor device wherein power source noises and noises radiated as radio waves can be reduced and power source noises inside the semiconductor device can be cut. The open stub OS1 is formed in the upper wiring layer of the semiconductor device 1. The stub length L1 is set to a length of ¼ of the wavelength of the known frequency containing peak components of noises. The noise receiving part AT1 is disposed adjacent to the open stub OS1. The open stub OS1 is connected to the power source wiring 4 by an interlayer wiring 6. The noise receiving part AT1 is biased to a ground potential. The basic wave component and odd-number harmonic waves of noises that are generated from the PLL circuit 11 and propagate (the arrow Y1 of FIG. 2) in the power source wiring 4 are reflected (arrow Y2 of FIG. 2) by the open stub OS1 so as to return to the PLL circuit 11, and do not reach the filter circuit 12.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventor: Shigetaka Asano
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Patent number: 7425471Abstract: Methods and systems selectively irradiate structures on or within a semiconductor substrate using a plurality of laser beams. The structures are arranged in a row extending in a generally lengthwise direction. The method generates a first laser beam that propagates along a first laser beam axis that intersects the semiconductor substrate and a second laser beam that propagates along a second laser beam axis that intersects the semiconductor substrate. The method directs the first and second laser beams onto distinct first and second structures in the row. The second spot is offset from the first spot by some amount in a direction perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the row. The method moves the first and second laser beam axes relative to the semiconductor substrate along the row substantially in unison in a direction substantially parallel to the lengthwise direction of the row.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2005Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Assignee: Electro Scientific Industries, Inc.Inventors: Kelly J. Bruland, Brian W. Baird, Ho Wai Lo, Stephen N. Swaringen, Frank G. Evans
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Patent number: 7413988Abstract: A method for planarizing a semiconductor substrate is provided. The method initiates with tracking a signal corresponding to a thickness of a conductive film disposed on the semiconductor substrate. Then, a second derivative is calculated from data representing the tracked signal. Next, the onset of planarization is identified based upon a change in the second derivative. A CMP system configured to identify a transition between stages of the CMP operation is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2003Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Lam Research CorporationInventors: Ramesh Gopalan, Sridharan Srivatsan, Katgenhalli Y. Ramanujam, Tom Ni, Conan Chiang
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Patent number: 7407861Abstract: A method and system for high-speed, precise micromachining an array of devices are disclosed wherein improved process throughput and accuracy, such as resistor trimming accuracy, are provided. The number of resistance measurements are limited by using non-measurement cuts, using non-sequential collinear cutting, using spot fan-out parallel cutting, and using a retrograde scanning technique for faster collinear cuts. Non-sequential cutting is also used to manage thermal effects and calibrated cuts are used for improved accuracy. Test voltage is controlled to avoid resistor damage.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2005Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: GSI Group CorporationInventors: Bruce L. Couch, Jonathan S. Ehrmann, Yun Fee Chu, Joseph V. Lento, Shepard D. Johnson
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Patent number: 7393701Abstract: Methods of adjusting a resistance of a buried resistor in a semiconductor are disclosed. In one aspect, the method includes using a silicidation blocking mask to define the buried resistor in the semiconductor; adjusting a size of the silicidation blocking mask to adjust a resistance of the buried resistor based on test data from a previous processing lot including a substantially similar buried resistor; and forming silicide on an area not covered by the silicidation blocking mask. The adjustment may be made by balancing the amount of the resistor that is covered with silicide versus un-silicided semiconductor to achieve the desired total resistance. The adjustment may be made according to an algorithm.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2006Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Douglas B. Hershberger, Alain Loiseau, Kirk D. Peterson, Robert M. Rassel
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Publication number: 20080150007Abstract: The present invention facilitates memory devices and operation of dual bit and single bit memory devices by providing systems and methods that employ a salicide block to vary and equalize the resistance of a memory array during fabrication. The present invention includes utilizing a common charge dissipation region to mitigate charge-loss by providing protection against charging up of the various lines as a result of further plasma etching processes. The salicide block equalizes the charge dissipation in the memory array by providing each wordline path with a varied amount of resistance in addition to the total path resistance. Because the charge protection provided to each wordline otherwise varies depending on the resistance path to a common discharge element, a salicide block for resistance equalization provides greater reliability and predictability during processing. Other such shapes conducive for any desired resistance path fall within the scope of the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Michael Brennan, Yi He, Mark Randolph, Ming-Sang Kwan
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Publication number: 20080102540Abstract: By determining at least one surface characteristic of a passivation layer stack used for forming a bump structure, the situation after the deposition and patterning of a terminal metal layer stack may be “simulated,” thereby providing the potential for using well-established bump manufacturing techniques while nevertheless significantly reducing process complexity by omitting the deposition and patterning of the terminal metal layer stack.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2007Publication date: May 1, 2008Inventors: Tobias Letz, Matthias Lehr, Joerg Hohage, Frank Kuechenmeister
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Publication number: 20080070329Abstract: A technique to remove dry film resist residues during solder bump formation. A resist assembly is formed on a metal pad on a substrate. The resist assembly includes a solder resist (SR) layer, a poly-electrolyte multi-layer (PEMU), and a dry film resist (DFR). A SR opening is formed in the resist assembly. A solder bump is formed on the SR opening. The PEMU is removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2006Publication date: March 20, 2008Inventors: Houssam Jomaa, Omar Bchir
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Patent number: 7258838Abstract: A solid state nanopore device including two or more materials and a method for fabricating the same. The device includes a solid state insulating membrane having an exposed surface, a conductive material disposed on at least a portion of the exposed surface of the solid state membrane, and a nanopore penetrating an area of the conductive material and at least a portion of the solid state membrane. During fabrication a conductive material is applied on a portion of a solid state membrane surface, and a nanopore of a first diameter is formed. When the surface is exposed to an ion beam, material from the membrane and conductive material flows to reduce the diameter of the nanopore. A method for evaluating a polymer molecule using the solid state nanopore device is also described. The device is contacted with the polymer molecule and the molecule is passed through the nanopore, allowing each monomer of the polymer molecule to be monitored.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2003Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard CollegeInventors: Jiali Li, Derek M. Stein, Gregor M. Schurmann, Gavin M. King, Jene Golovchenko, Daniel Branton, Michael Aziz