Patent ID: 8154097
Filing Date: 2012-04-10
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. An image sensor comprising: a substrate having a sensor array region and a peripheral circuit region; a first insulating film structure formed on the peripheral circuit region, the first insulating film structure including a plurality of first multi-layer wiring lines; a second insulating film structure formed on the sensor array region, the second insulating film structure including a plurality of second multi-layer wiring lines, wherein an uppermost-layer wiring line of the plurality of first multi-layer wiring lines is higher than that of an uppermost-layer wiring line of the plurality second multi-layer wiring lines, the first insulating film structure includes an isotropic etch-stop layer, and the second insulating film structure does not include the isotropic etch-stop layer; and a planarizing film formed on a first upper surface of the first insulating film structure and on a second upper surface of the second insulating film structure, wherein: the first upper surface of the first insulating film structure is higher than the second upper surface of the second insulating film structure; and at least a portion of a connecting surface that connects the first upper surface and the second upper surface has an isotropic etching profile and wherein the connecting surface includes a first portion contacting the first upper surface, a second portion contacting the second upper surface, and a third portion having a curved shape formed between the first portion and the second portion.