Patent ID: 7545667
Filing Date: 2009-06-09
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method for programming a programmable link structure of a three dimensional integration (3DI) semiconductor devices, comprising: passing a current through a heating device, said heating device proximate a via filled at least in part with a phase change material (PCM), said via thereby defining a programmable link between an input connection located at one end thereof and an output connection located at another end thereof; wherein said input connection of said programmable link is formed on a first metal level, input and output terminals for said heating device are located on a second metal level, and said output connection of said programmable link is formed on a third metal level; wherein said via filled at least in part with said PCM is disposed between said input connection of said programmable link and a top side of said heating device, and wherein another via is disposed between a bottom surface of said heating device and said output connection of said programmable link, with said another via being disposed directly beneath one of the input and output terminals for said heating device, said another via filled with a metal material; and wherein said heating device is configured to switch the conductivity of a transformable portion of said PCM between a lower resistance crystalline state and a higher resistance amorphous state.