Patent ID: 6478976
Filing Date: 2002-11-12
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
A method of forming an electrostatic discharge device contact comprising the steps of:forming a pad on a substrate; forming a composite protective layer between and over conductive plates and over and around the pad, wherein the protective layer isolates the conductive plates and pad and protects them from damage, and wherein the protective layer comprises a dielectric region underlying an electrostatic discharge region extending partially over the pad; patterning a photoresist over the electrostatic discharge region, wherein the photoresist pattern partially covers the electrostatic discharge region; and etching an opening through the protective layer and adjacent the electrostatic discharge region, wherein the photoresist and the electrostatic discharge region serve as masks during etching through a portion of the protective layer below the electrostatic discharge region, thereby forming the opening to the pad.