Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Comp. Ltd.

Ming-Hsien Yang

Dun-Nian Yaung

Feng-Chi Hung

Jen-Cheng Liu

Ching-Chun Wang

Chun-Yuan Chen

Kuo-Cheng Lee

Chun-Hao Chou

Jhy-Jyi Sze

Keng-Yu Chou

Yen-Ting Chiang

Wei Chuang Wu

Sin-Yao Huang

Shyh-Fann Ting

Chia-Yu Wei

Wen-I Hsu

Huan-En Lin

Feng-chi Hung

Kuan-Fu Lu

The present disclosure provides a high-dynamic range (HDR) pixel circuit, which includes a pixel subcircuit and a light-responsive switch circuit. The pixel subcircuit includes a photodetector, a capacitor, and a source-follower transistor. The source-follower transistor is enabled using a power supply voltage provided by the light-responsive switch circuitin response to the HDR pixel circuit being in a low light illuminance. The source-follower transistor is enabled using a first voltage generated by the photodetector in response to the HDR pixel circuit being in a high light illuminance. A first voltage detected by the photodetector and a second voltage associated with electric charges stored in the capacitor are outputted to form a HDR pixel value.

High dynamic-range (HDR) pixel circuit, color-image sensor package structure, and method for operating HDR pixel circuit

A CMOS image sensor includes PDAF pixels distributed in an array of image pixels in plan view. Each PDAF pixel includes m×m binned photodiodes, a PDAF color filter overlying the binned photodiodes and laterally surrounded by a first isolation structure, and a PDAF micro-lens overlying the PDAF color filter. A first horizontal distance between a center of the PDAF color filter and a center of the binned photodiodes varies depending on a location of the PDAF pixel in plan view in the CMOS image sensor. Additionally, the first isolation structure includes a first low-n dielectric grid, a second low-n dielectric grid underlying the first low-n dielectric grid, and a metal grid enclosed by the second low-n dielectric grid. The second low-n dielectric grid includes a filler dielectric material different from a second low-n dielectric grid material. Thus, quantum efficiency and uniformity of the CMOS image sensor are improved.

CMOS image sensor

A semiconductor image sensing structure includes a substrate having a first region and a second region, a metal grid in the first region, and a hybrid metal shield in the second region. The hybrid metal shield includes a first metallization layer, a second metallization layer disposed over the first metallization layer, a third metallization layer disposed over the second metallization layer, and a fourth metallization layer disposed over the third metallization layer. An included angle of the second metallization layer is between approximately 40° and approximately 60°.

Semiconductor image-sensing structure and method for forming the same

Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards image sensors including composite backside illuminated (CBSI) structures to enhance performance. In some embodiments, a first trench isolation structure extends into a backside of a substrate to a first depth and comprises a pair of first trench isolation segments. A photodetector is in the substrate, between and bordering the first trench isolation segments. A second trench isolation structure is between the first trench isolation segments and extends into the backside of the substrate to a second depth less than the first depth. The second trench isolation structure comprises a pair of second trench isolation segments. An absorption enhancement structure overlies the photodetector, between the second trench isolation segments, and is recessed into the backside of the semiconductor substrate. The absorption enhancement structure and the second trench isolation structure collectively define a CBSI structure.

Composite BSI structure and method of manufacturing the same

A semiconductor device structure is provided, in some embodiments. The semiconductor device structure includes a semiconductor substrate having a first surface, a second surface, and sidewalls defining a recess that passes through the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor device structure further includes an interconnect structure having one or more interconnect layers within a first dielectric structure that is disposed along the second surface. A conductive bonding structure is disposed within the recess and includes nickel. The conductive bonding structure has opposing outermost sidewalls that contact sidewalls of the interconnect structure.

Semiconductor device structure and method for forming the same

Composite bsi structure and method of manufacturing the same

A semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a semiconductor substrate having a first surface, a second surface opposing the first surface, and sidewalls defining a recess that passes through the semiconductor substrate. A first interconnect layer is within a first dielectric structure disposed along the second surface, and a bonding pad is in the recess and extends to the first interconnect layer. A dielectric filling layer is also within the recess. The dielectric filling layer has an opening over a portion of the bonding pad and a curved upper surface over the bonding pad. A nickel layer is over the bonding pad and in the opening.

The present disclosure relates to a stacked SPAD image sensor with a CMOS Chip and an imaging chip bonded together, to improve the fill factor of the SPAD image sensor, and an associated method of formation. In some embodiments, the imaging chip has a plurality of SPAD cells disposed within a second substrate. The CMOS Chip has a first interconnect structure disposed over a first substrate. The imaging chip has a second interconnect structure disposed between the second substrate and the first interconnect structure. The CMOS Chip and the imaging chip are bonded together through along an interface disposed between the first interconnect structure and the second interconnect structure.

Stacked SPAD image sensor

A semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a first semiconductor substrate having a first surface, a second surface, and a recess. The second surface is opposite to the first surface. The recess passes through the first semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor device structure includes a first wiring layer over the second surface. The semiconductor device structure includes a first bonding pad in the recess and extending to the first wiring layer so as to be electrically connected to the first wiring layer. The semiconductor device structure includes a nickel layer over the first bonding pad. The semiconductor device structure includes a gold layer over the nickel layer.

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Taichung, Taiwan

Ming-Hsien Yang