Through-substrate-via cell

Abstract

A semiconductor structure according to the present disclosure includes a substrate; a through substrate via (TSV) cell over the substrate; and a TSV extending through the TSV cell and the substrate. The TSV cell includes a guard ring structure extending around a perimeter of the TSV cell, and a buffer zone surrounded by the guard ring. The buffer zone includes first dummy transistors, and second dummy transistors. Each of the first dummy transistors includes two first type epitaxial features, a first plurality of nanostructures extending between the two first type epitaxial features, and a first isolation gate structure wrapping over the first plurality of nanostructures. Each of the second dummy transistors includes two second type epitaxial feature, a second plurality of nanostructures extending between the two first type epitaxial features, and a second isolation gate structure wrapping over the second plurality of nanostructures.