Patent ID: 6054721
Filing Date: 2000-04-25
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A device for detecting undesired connection between conductive structures within multiple layers on a semiconductor wafer during fabrication of an integrated circuit on said semiconductor wafer, said device comprising:a first conductive structure fabricated within a first layer on said semiconductor wafer;a second conductive structure fabricated within a second layer on said semiconductor wafer;an interlevel of an insulating material disposed between said first layer and said second layer for separating said first layer from said second layer;a contact structure of conductive material disposed within said interlevel of said insulating material, said contact structure being connected to said first conductive structure; anda detector for determining when said contact structure is undesirably connected to said second conductive structure;wherein said first conductive structure has a comb structure with a respective contact structure connected to each tooth of said comb structure, and wherein said second conductive structure surrounds three sides of said respective contact structure.