Dual Damascene Redistribution Layer Adhesion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current packaging technologies face challenges in forming high-density, low-cost redistribution layers for semiconductor packages with improved mechanical strength and electrical reliability, particularly in achieving conformal seed layers and dual damascene structures that provide better adhesion and lower transmission loss.

Innovation Solution

The method involves forming a first dielectric layer with via openings and a second dielectric layer with trench openings, followed by a conformal seed metallic layer and a metal layer that fills dual damascene openings, resulting in dual damascene redistribution patterns with improved adhesion and mechanical strength, and subsequent planarization to form a redistribution layer with dual damascene patterns that enhance electrical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional packaging technologies are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but transmission loss increases and mechanical strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission lossVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the redistribution layer formation into multiple sequential steps: forming via openings in a first dielectric layer, forming trench openings in a second dielectric layer, creating dual damascene openings by combining both, and selectively filling different metal layers. This segmentation enables precise control over adhesion and electrical properties, reducing transmission loss while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized process modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different materials and structures to different regions: a conformal seed metallic layer is formed only in specific areas requiring enhanced adhesion, dual damascene patterns are created in high-frequency signal paths to reduce transmission loss, while other areas use simpler structures. This localized optimization balances performance improvement with manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If dual damascene structures are formed, then adhesion and mechanical strength are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dual damascene structure is segmented into distinct via openings and trench openings formed in separate dielectric layers. The via openings penetrate the first dielectric layer while trench openings are formed in the second dielectric layer, allowing independent optimization of each structure's adhesion properties. This segmentation reduces overall device complexity by breaking down the complex dual damascene formation into manageable, repeatable process steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by first forming the conformal seed metallic layer in the via openings before forming the trench openings. This preliminary adhesion layer is established early in the process, ensuring strong mechanical bonding before subsequent metal filling and planarization steps. This preliminary action simplifies later processing while guaranteeing mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If conformal seed layers are formed, then adhesion is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadhesionVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The conformal seed metallic layer is formed locally only in the via openings where enhanced adhesion is critical, rather than uniformly across the entire substrate. This localized application reduces the overall manufacturing precision burden while maintaining adhesion reliability in the most critical regions. The seed layer conformally coats only the necessary surfaces, optimizing the balance between adhesion improvement and manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables the fabrication of semiconductor packages with lower costs, reduced transmission loss, and improved mechanical strength, making them suitable for high-density and high-frequency applications while maintaining reliability and electrical performance.

Implementation Method 1

a conformal seed metallic layer and a metal layer are formed over the second dielectric layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConformal deposition: Deposition (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a metal layer is formed on the conformal seed metallic layer to fill the dual damascene openings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMetal layer deposition: Deposition (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11075184B2Semiconductor package and method of fabricating semiconductor package
Publication Date: 2021.07.27 TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO LTD
  • US11075184B2 patent drawing
  • US11075184B2 patent drawing
  • US11075184B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A semiconductor package has at least one die, a first redistribution layer and a second redistribution layer. The first redistribution layer includes a first dual damascene redistribution pattern having a first via portion and a first routing portion. The second redistribution layer is disposed on the first redistribution layer and over the first die and electrically connected with the first redistribution layer and the first die. The second redistribution layer includes a second dual damascene redistribution pattern having a second via portion and a second routing portion. A location of the second via portion is aligned with a location of first via portion.