Patent ID: 9318413
Filing Date: 2016-04-19
CPC Classification: H01L

Claim Text:
1. An integrated circuit (IC) structure comprising: a through-semiconductor via (TSV) embedded within a substrate, the TSV having an axial end; a dielectric layer adjacent to the substrate; a liner contacting the TSV and positioned about the TSV; a metal cap contacting the axial end of the TSV, wherein the metal cap has a greater electrical resistivity than the TSV; a metal layer embedded in the dielectric layer and in contact with the metal cap and the liner, wherein the metal layer has a lower electrical resistivity than the metal cap, and wherein an interface between the metal layer, the liner, and the metal cap forms an elbow junction; a first via extending from an axial end of the metal layer to the axial end of the TSV, wherein the first via forms an electrical connection between the metal layer and the TSV through the metal cap; and a second via extending from the axial end of the metal layer to the metal cap such that a portion of the metal cap separates the second via from the TSV, wherein the second via is laterally interposed between the elbow junction and the first via.