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EP0448276A2 Expired / Lapsed EP ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Integrated circuit interconnection

Assignee: AT&T Inc
•
Filing: 1991-03-13
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2011-03-13
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Abstract

Abstract An integrated circuit and method of fabrication are disclosed. The invention provides an etch-stop layer between a plug formed in a via and an overlying runner. The etch stop layer serves a variety of functions, including protecting the plug during the etching process which defines the runner.

Inventors

  • 👤 Ajit Singh Manocha
  • 👤 Virendra Vir Singh Rana

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction EP
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-01 02:23
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10W; H10W20/00; H10W20/01; H10W20/031; H10W20/032; H10W20/033; H10W20/037; H10P; H10P50/00; H10P50/20; H10P50/26; H10P50/264; H10W20/056; H10W20/063; H10W20/0633; H10W20/069; H10W20/0693; H10W20/40; H10W20/41; H10W20/44; H10W20/4403; H10W20/4437; H10W20/4441

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim 113 words
A method of integrated circuit fabrication comprising the steps of: forming a patterned dielectric layer (e.g., 21) having at least one opening (e.g., 13); at least partially filling said opening (e.g., 13) with a a first material (e.g., 31 ); forming a second material layer (e.g., 41) in contact with said first material layer (e.g., 31 ) and with said dielectric layer (e.g., 21 ); forming a third material layer (e.g., 51 ) on top of said second material layer (e.g., 41); patterning, by a process which includes etching, said third material layer (e.g., 51), said second material layer (e.g., 41) serving as an etch stop; patterning said second material layer (e.g., 41).
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 25 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said patterned third material layer (e.g., 51) serves to define the pattern of said second material layer (e.g., 41).
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 22 words
The method of claim 1 in which said opening (e.g., 13) is substantially completely filled by said first material (e. g., 31).
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 32 words
The method of claim 1 in which said first material (e.g., 31 ) is chosen from the group consisting of tungsten, aluminum, aluminum-rich mixtures, aluminum-rich alloys, copper, copper-rich mixtures, and copper-rich alloys.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 27 words
The method of claim 1 in which said second material (e.g., 41 ) is chosen from the group consisting of tungsten silicide, titanium tungsten and titanium nitride.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 35 words
The method of claim 1 in which said third material (e.g., 51) is chosen from the group consisting of tungsten, tungsten-rich mixtures, tungsten-rich alloys, aluminum, aluminum-rich mixtures, aluminum-rich alloys, copper, copper-rich mixtures, and copper-rich alloys.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 35 words
The method of claim 1 in which said third material layer is patterned to form at least two runners (e.g., 155, 157) and said second material (e.g., 413) is patterned to connect both said runners.

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