Patent ID: 8329579
Filing Date: 2012-12-11
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method for forming through substrate via (TSV) connections, comprising: providing a substrate wafer of first thickness, having a front surface and an opposed rear surface, and in which front surface semiconductor devices have already been formed in a device region of a first thickness proximate the front surface; forming first vias containing first conductors and extending from the front surface into or through the device regions but not through the substrate wafer; removing material from the rear surface of the substrate wafer to form a thinned substrate wafer of a reduced thickness and having a newly exposed rear surface; forming a second via extending inward from the newly exposed rear surface to intercept multiple ones of the first conductors while leaving intact the portion of the device region in which the first vias are formed located between the front surface of the substrate wafer and the bottom of the second via; depositing a conductive lining in the second via making electrical contact with the first conductors, wherein a cavity remains in the second via after depositing the conductive lining, thereby providing electrical or thermal continuity or both from the front surface to the newly exposed rear surface; and filling the cavity with a dielectric material.