The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.

The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.

Date of Patent:
Aug. 25, 2026

Filed:

Dec. 21, 2022
Applicant:

International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY (US);

Inventors:

Brent A. Anderson, Jericho, VT (US);

Albert M. Chu, Nashua, NH (US);

Lawrence A. Clevenger, Saratoga Springs, NY (US);

Nicholas Anthony Lanzillo, Wynantskill, NY (US);

Ruilong Xie, Niskayuna, NY (US);

Attorneys:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
H10D 84/90 (2025.01); H03K 17/693 (2006.01);
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
H10D 84/907 (2025.01); H03K 17/693 (2013.01); H10D 84/953 (2025.01); H10D 84/975 (2025.01); H10D 84/985 (2025.01);
Abstract

Integrated circuits and related logic circuits and structures employing VTFET logic devices. In particular, during middle-of-line (MOL) processing, method steps are employed for forming two-level MOL contact connector structures below first (M) metallization level wiring formed during subsequent BEOL processing. Using damascene and subtractive metal etch techniques, respective MOL contact connector structures at two levels are formed with a second level above a first level contact. These contact connector structures at two levels below Mmetallization level can provide cross-connections to VTFET devices of logic circuits that enable increased scaling of the logic circuit designs, e.g., especially for multiplexor circuit layouts due to wiring access. The flexible MOL cross-connections made below Mmetallization level provides for much improved Mand Mwirability and enable semiconductor circuit layouts that allow for improved cell size reduction without creating significant connection issues at high wiring levels thereby increasing circuit design flexibility.


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