IP Library Granted Patent US 8,525,316
Granted Patent B2
US 8,525,316 · App. 12/914,859 · Granted Sep 3, 2013

Eutectic flow containment in a semiconductor fabrication process

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,525,316
App. No.
12/914,859
Granted
Sep 3, 2013
Kind
B2
Abstract

A disclosed semiconductor fabrication process includes forming a first bonding structure on a first surface of a cap wafer, forming a second bonding structure on a first surface of a device wafer, and forming a device structure on the device wafer. One or more eutectic flow containment structures are formed on the cap wafer, the device wafer, or both. The flow containment structures may include flow containment micro-cavities (FCMCs) and flow containment micro-levee (FCMLs). The FCMLs may be elongated ridges overlying the first surface of the device wafer and extending substantially parallel to the bonding structure. The FCMLs may include interior FCMLs lying within a perimeter of the bonding structure, exterior FCMLs lying outside of the bonding structure perimeter, or both. When the two wafers are bonded, the FCMLs and FCMCs confine flow of the eutectic material to the region of the bonding structure.

Claims (34)

1. A micro-electro-mechanical device, comprising:

a device substrate including a device structure;

a cap substrate defining a device cavity overlying the device structure;

a bonding structure connecting the device substrate and the cap substrate, wherein the bonding structure circumvents the device structure;

a flow containment micro-levee (FCML) formed on a first substrate, wherein the first substrate is selected from the device substrate and the cap substrate, wherein the FCML comprises an elongated ridge overlying a first surface of the first substrate, the FCML extending substantially parallel to the bonding structure; and

a flow containment micro-cavity (FCMC) formed in a second substrate, wherein the second substrate is selected from the device substrate and the cap substrate, wherein the FCMC comprises an elongated channel formed in a first surface of the second substrate, the FCMC extending substantially parallel to the bonding structure;

wherein the FCML circumvents the bonding structure.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the FCML is circumvented by the bonding structure.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the FCML comprises a first FCML of a plurality of FCMLs.

4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the FCMC comprises a first FCMC of a plurality of FCMCs.

5. The device of claim 4 , wherein the plurality of FCMCs includes the first FCMC and a second FCMC, wherein the bonding structure circumvents the first FCMC and wherein the second FCMC circumvents the bonding structure.

6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the FCMC comprises a first FCMC of a plurality of FCMCs and wherein the FCML comprises a first FCML of a plurality of FCMLs.

7. The device of claim 6 , wherein the bonding structure circumvents the first FCML and the first FCMC and wherein a second FCML and a second FCMC circumvents the bonding structure.

8. The device of claim 7 , wherein a lateral displacement between the first FCML and the bonding structure is less than a lateral displacement between the first FCMC and the bonding structure.

9. The device of claim 8 , wherein a lateral displacement between the second FCML and the bonding structure is less than a lateral displacement between the second FCMC and the bonding structure.

10. The device of claim 8 , wherein a lateral displacement between the second FCML and the bonding structure is greater than a lateral displacement between the second FCMC and the bonding structure.

11. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are the same substrate.

12. The device of claim 11 , wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are the cap substrate.

13. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are different substrates.

14. The device of claim 13 , wherein the first substrate is the device substrate and the second substrate is the cap substrate.

15. A micro-electro-mechanical device, comprising:

a device substrate including a device structure;

a cap substrate defining a device cavity overlying the device structure;

a bonding structure connecting the device substrate and the cap substrate, wherein the bonding structure circumvents the device structure;

a flow containment micro-levee (FCML) formed on a first substrate, wherein the first substrate is selected from the device substrate and the cap substrate, wherein the FCML comprises an elongated ridge overlying a first surface of the first substrate, the FCML extending substantially parallel to the bonding structure; and

a flow containment micro-cavity (FCMC) formed in a second substrate, wherein the second substrate is selected from the device substrate and the cap substrate, wherein the FCMC comprises an elongated channel formed in a first surface of the second substrate, the FCMC extending substantially parallel to the bonding structure;

wherein the FCML has a height and the FCMC has a depth in a range of approximately 10% to approximately 70% of a height of the bonding structure, a lateral displacement between the bonding structure and the FCML is in a range of approximately 10 um to approximately 50 um, and a width of the FCML and the FCMC is in a range of approximately 10 um to approximately 50 um.

16. A micro-electro-mechanical device, comprising:

a device substrate including a device structure;

a cap substrate defining a device cavity overlying the device structure;

a bonding structure connecting the device substrate and the cap substrate, wherein the bonding structure circumvents the device structure;

a flow containment micro-levee (FCML) formed on a first substrate, wherein the first substrate is selected from the device substrate and the cap substrate, wherein the FCML comprises an elongated ridge overlying a first surface of the first substrate, the FCML extending substantially parallel to the bonding structure; and

a flow containment micro-cavity (FCMC) formed in a second substrate, wherein the second substrate is selected from the device substrate and the cap substrate, wherein the FCMC comprises an elongated channel formed in a first surface of the second substrate, the FCMC extending substantially parallel to the bonding structure;

wherein the FCML comprises a first FCML of a plurality of FCMLs and wherein the plurality of FCMLs includes the first FCML and a second FCML, wherein the bonding structure circumvents the first FCML and wherein the second FCML circumvents the bonding structure.

Assignments (24)
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE REMOVE APPLICATION 11759915 AND REPLACE IT WITH APPLICATION 11759935 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 040925 FRAME 0001. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST. Recorded Feb 17, 2020
From: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
To: NXP, B.V. F/K/A FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
Reel/Frame 052917/0001 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE REMOVE APPLICATION 11759915 AND REPLACE IT WITH APPLICATION 11759935 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 040928 FRAME 0001. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST. Recorded Jan 17, 2020
From: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
To: NXP B.V.
Reel/Frame 052915/0001 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE REMOVE APPLICATION 11759915 AND REPLACE IT WITH APPLICATION 11759935 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 037486 FRAME 0517. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS. Recorded Dec 10, 2019
From: CITIBANK, N.A.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 053547/0421 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE REMOVE APPLICATION 12298143 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 042985 FRAME 0001. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE SECURITY AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT. Recorded Oct 22, 2019
From: NXP B.V.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 051029/0001 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE REMOVE APPLICATION 12298143 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 038017 FRAME 0058. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE SECURITY AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT. Recorded Oct 22, 2019
From: NXP B.V.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 051030/0001 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE REMOVE APPLICATION 12298143 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 042762 FRAME 0145. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE SECURITY AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT. Recorded Oct 22, 2019
From: NXP B.V.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 051145/0184 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE REMOVE APPLICATION 12298143 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 039361 FRAME 0212. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE SECURITY AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT. Recorded Oct 22, 2019
From: NXP B.V.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 051029/0387 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Sep 10, 2019
From: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
To: NXP B.V.
Reel/Frame 050745/0001 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE TO CORRECT THE APPLICATION NO. FROM 13,883,290 TO 13,833,290 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 041703 FRAME 0536. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE THE ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS.. Recorded Feb 20, 2019
From: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
To: SHENZHEN XINGUODU TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
Reel/Frame 048734/0001 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE REMOVE APPLICATION 12681366 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 039361 FRAME 0212. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE SECURITY AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT. Recorded May 9, 2017
From: NXP B.V.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 042762/0145 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE REMOVE APPLICATION 12681366 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 038017 FRAME 0058. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE SECURITY AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT. Recorded May 9, 2017
From: NXP B.V.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 042985/0001 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE REMOVE PATENTS 8108266 AND 8062324 AND REPLACE THEM WITH 6108266 AND 8060324 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 037518 FRAME 0292. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS. Recorded Feb 1, 2017
From: CITIBANK, N.A.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 041703/0536 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 7, 2016
From: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
To: NXP B.V.
Reel/Frame 040928/0001 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Sep 21, 2016
From: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
To: NXP, B.V., F/K/A FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
Reel/Frame 040925/0001 →
PATENT RELEASE Recorded Aug 17, 2016
From: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
To: NXP B.V.
Reel/Frame 039707/0471 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE REMOVE APPLICATION 12092129 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 038017 FRAME 0058. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE SECURITY AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT. Recorded Jul 14, 2016
From: NXP B.V.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 039361/0212 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT Recorded Mar 7, 2016
From: NXP B.V.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 038017/0058 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Feb 4, 2016
From: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
To: NORTH STAR INNOVATIONS INC.
Reel/Frame 037694/0264 →
ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS Recorded Jan 13, 2016
From: CITIBANK, N.A.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
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ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS Recorded Jan 12, 2016
From: CITIBANK, N.A.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 037486/0517 →
PATENT RELEASE Recorded Dec 21, 2015
From: CITIBANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
To: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
Reel/Frame 037357/0387 →
PATENT RELEASE Recorded Dec 21, 2015
From: CITIBANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
To: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
Reel/Frame 037357/0334 →
PATENT RELEASE Recorded Dec 21, 2015
From: CITIBANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
To: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
Reel/Frame 037357/0285 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Nov 6, 2013
From: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
To: CITIBANK, N.A., AS NOTES COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 031591/0266 →