Patent ID: 6305095
Filing Date: 2001-10-23
Classification: G01B,G03F,H01L

Abstract:
A structure comprising:a. a first conductive layer extending in a plane defined by perpendicular X and Y dimensions, wherein the first conductive layer is divided into a first plurality of circuit features;b. a second conductive layer extending in the plane, wherein the second conductive layer is divided into a second plurality of circuit features;c. a contact layer disposed between the first and second conductive layers;d. an alignment detection structure adapted to indicate an extent of misalignment of the first conductive layer and the contact layer in the X dimension, the detection structure including:i. a first conductive element selected from among the first plurality of circuit features and including first and second test terminals;ii. a second conductive element selected from among the second plurality of circuit features; andiii. a resistive element extending between the first and second conductive layers and defining a contact area within the contact layer, the contact area having a contact width in the Y dimension and a contact length in the X dimension;e. wherein the first pluralities of circuit features is aligned with the contact layer in the X dimension to within a first maximum alignment tolerance and in the Y dimension to a second maximum alignment tolerance;f. wherein the contact area is proportional to a first extent to which the first plurality of circuit features are aligned with the contact layer in the X dimension; andg. wherein the contact area is independent of a second extent to which the first plurality of circuit features is aligned with the contact layer in the Y dimension.