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.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 05, 2005
Filed:
Jul. 28, 2003
Joachim Nuetzel, Kulmbach, DE;
Joachim Nuetzel, Kulmbach, DE;
Infineon Technologies AG, Munich, DE;
Abstract
A method of providing dummy fill structures to meet the strict requirements for planarizing MRAM (Magnetic Random Access Memory) and other semiconductor devices to gain silicon floor space and allow maximum use of wiring levels. The method deposits a sacrificial or dummy layer of dielectric material such as SiOto form dummy fill structures prior to the planarization steps. The insulative dummy fill structures allow the use of less precise lithography and etching methods. The dummy fill structures provide support during the CMP process that planarizes the active devices prior to depositing another layer of SiOand etching lines of metallization. Since the dummy structures are made of a dielectric rather than conductive materials, the risk of shorts between levels of metallization and between active devices and lines of metallization is reduced.