Abstract:
In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for inserting dummy patterns in sparsely populated portions of a metal layer. The dummy pattern counters the effects of variations of pattern density in a semiconductor layout which can cause uneven post-polish film thickness. An algorithm according to one embodiment of the disclosure determines the size and location of the dummy patterns based on the patterns in the metal layer by first surrounding the metal structure with small dummy pattern and then filling any remaining voids with large dummy patterns.
Abstract:
Methods for forming openings in damascene structures, such as dual damascene structures are provided, using plug materials having varied etching rates. In one embodiment, a semiconductor substrate is provided with a low-k material layer formed thereabove, the low-k material layer having an upper surface and at least one via opening formed therethrough. A first plug material layer is formed over the low-k material layer and filled in the via opening, the first plug material layer having a first etching rate. The first plug material layer is etched back to form a first plug partially filling the via opening. A second plug material layer is formed over the low-k material layer and the first plug. The second plug material layer is etched back to form a second plug partially below the upper surface of the low-k material layer, the second plug material layer having a second etching rate higher than the first etching rate.
Abstract:
Semiconductor device components and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device component includes a conductive segment having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end. A first via is coupled to the second surface of the conductive segment at the first end. A second via is coupled to the first surface of the conductive segment at the second end, and a third via is coupled to the second surface of the conductive segment at the second end.
Abstract:
A capacitor includes the first electrode including the first conductive lines and vias. The first conductive lines on the same layer are parallel to each other and connected to a first periphery conductive line. The first conductor lines are aligned in adjacent layers and are coupled to each other by the vias. The capacitor further includes a second electrode aligned opposite to the first electrode including second conductive lines and vias. The second conductive lines on the same layer are parallel to each other and connected to a second periphery conductive line. The second conductor lines are aligned in adjacent layers and are coupled to each other by the vias. The capacitor further includes oxide layers formed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The vias have rectangular (slot) shapes on a layout. In one embodiment, the conductive lines and vias are metal, e.g. copper, aluminum, or tungsten.
Abstract:
A touch panel includes a touch sensor, a liquid crystal panel, and a reverse circuit. The reverse circuit receives common voltage ripples of the liquid crystal panel, and outputs reversed common voltage ripples after reversing the common voltage ripples. After the touch sensor receives the reversed common voltage ripples, the touch sensor outputs a sensing signal according to the reversed common voltage ripples.
Abstract:
A semiconductor chip includes a seal ring adjacent to edges of the semiconductor chip; an opening extending from a top surface to a bottom surface of the seal ring, wherein the opening has a first end on an outer side of the seal ring and a second end on an inner side of the seal ring; and a moisture barrier having a sidewall parallel to a nearest side of the seal ring, wherein the moisture barrier is adjacent the seal ring and has a portion facing the opening.
Abstract:
A display device having bi-directional scan mechanism includes a plurality of gate lines, a first shift register circuit and a second shift register circuit. The first shift register circuit includes a plurality of forward shift register stages. The second shift register circuit includes a plurality of backward shift register stages. Each of the gate lines is electrically connected to both a corresponding forward shift register stage and a corresponding backward shift register stage. When the first shift register circuit is enabled, the forward shift register stages are employed to provide plural forward gate signals sequentially enabled for scanning the gate lines based on a first sequence. When the second shift register circuit is enabled, the backward shift register stages are employed to provide plural backward gate signals sequentially enabled for scanning the gate lines based on a second sequence opposite to the first sequence.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for inserting dummy patterns in sparsely populated portions of a metal layer. The dummy pattern counters the effects of variations of pattern density in a semiconductor layout which can cause uneven post-polish film thickness. An algorithm according to one embodiment of the disclosure determines the size and location of the dummy patterns based on the patterns in the metal layer by first surrounding the metal structure with small dummy pattern and then filling any remaining voids with large dummy patterns.
Abstract:
A capacitor includes a first electrode including a plurality of first conductive lines, at least one first via, and at least one second via. The first conductive lines are parallel and connected to a first periphery conductive line. The first conductor lines in adjacent layers are coupled by the at least one first and second via. The at least one first via has a first length, and the at least one second via has a second length. The capacitor includes a second electrode opposite to the first electrode. The second electrode includes a plurality of second conductive lines and at least one third via. The second conductive lines are parallel and connected to a second periphery conductive line. The second conductor lines in adjacent layers are coupled by the at least one third via. The capacitor includes at least one oxide layer between the first electrode and the second electrode.