Recessed I/O Pad Structure for Low-Capacitance Semiconductor Packaging

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional 3D memory devices face challenges with parasitic capacitance, increased process complexity, and cost due to the thickness of insulating layers, which affects operating speed and memory density, and requires advanced technologies for forming through holes with high aspect ratios.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor device with an input/output pad disposed in a recess penetrating the substrate, reducing parasitic capacitance and eliminating the need for thick insulating layers, allowing for easier fabrication and lower costs, while maintaining high memory density.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the thickness of the insulating layer is increased to reduce parasitic capacitance between the I/O pad and substrate, then the parasitic capacitance is reduced, but the aspect ratio of through holes increases significantly, enlarging process difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparasitic capacitanceVSAvoidprocess difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the spatial arrangement by forming the I/O pad structure in a recess on the substrate surface rather than on the flat substrate surface. This dimensional change allows the insulating layer to be thinner while still providing sufficient insulation, as the I/O pad is positioned lower relative to the substrate surface, reducing the capacitance coupling area without requiring increased insulating layer thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a recess structure as an intermediary element between the I/O pad and the substrate. This recess acts as a mediator that provides natural electrical isolation and reduces parasitic capacitance without requiring a thick insulating layer, thereby avoiding the high aspect ratio through hole problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the thickness of the insulating layer is increased to reduce parasitic capacitance, then the parasitic capacitance is reduced, but more advanced technologies are required for forming through holes with larger aspect ratios, increasing device cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparasitic capacitanceVSAvoidfabrication technology requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By forming the I/O pad in a recess rather than on the flat substrate surface, the invention reduces the required insulating layer thickness to less than 1.4 microns. This eliminates the need for advanced high aspect ratio through hole formation technologies, keeping the fabrication process within standard capabilities and avoiding increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If small deviation of through holes occurs due to process error, then open circuit or current leakage occurs, but increasing insulating layer thickness does not prevent this issue

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidprocess tolerance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The recess structure serves as an intermediary that provides a larger effective opening for through hole formation compared to conventional flat surface structures. This larger opening provides greater process tolerance, allowing small deviations without resulting in open circuits or current leakage, thereby improving manufacturing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3915145B1Semiconductor device and fabricating method thereof
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 YANGTZE MEMORY TECH CO LTD
  • EP3915145B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3915145B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3915145B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A semiconductor device and a fabricating method thereof are provided. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor structure and an input/output pad. The semiconductor structure includes a first substrate and a conductive layer, in which the first substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, the conductive layer is disposed on the first surface of the first substrate, and the conductive layer includes one or more first trace. The first semiconductor structure has a recess penetrating the first substrate and exposing the one or more first trace, and the input/output pad is disposed on the one or more first trace and in the recess.