Patent ID: 6723636
Filing Date: 2004-04-20
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A method, comprising:providing a first metal layer comprising a plurality of conductive portions and a plurality of dielectric portions; forming a via etch stop layer overlying the first metal layer; forming a dielectric layer overlying the via etch stop layer; forming a trench etch stop layer overlying the dielectric layer; etching a plurality of vias that reach the via etch stop layer through the trench etch stop layer and the dielectric layer, each via at least partly overlying a particular one of the conductive portions; overfilling the vias with a dielectric material to a level sufficient to form a second metal layer overlying the dielectric layer, the dielectric material having a lower dielectric constant than the first metal layer; forming a cap layer overlying the second metal layer; and defining a plurality of trenches each connected to and at least partly overlying a particular one of the vias by etching through the cap layer, the second metal layer, the dielectric material in the respectively underlying vias, and the via etch stop layer to reach the conductive portions respectively underlying the vias.