Patent ID: 8114769
Filing Date: 2012-02-14
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method of making a semiconductor component, the method comprising: forming an insulating layer over a first metal layer; forming a first metal hard mask (MHM) layer over the insulating layer, the first MHM layer comprising a first material; forming a trench mask layer over the first MHM layer; etching the first MHM layer to form one or more openings through the first MHM layer corresponding to the trench mask layer; removing the trench mask layer; after removing portions of the first MHM layer, forming a second MHM layer over remaining portions of the first MHM layer, the second MHM layer comprising a second material different from the first material; forming a via mask layer above the second MHM layer; etching at least a portion of the insulating layer corresponding to the via mask layer to at least partially form a via opening within the insulating layer; removing the via mask layer; and etching portions of the insulating layer corresponding to the second MHM layer to form the via opening for exposing at least a portion of the metal layer and to form a metal line in the insulating layer.