Patent ID: 8173908

Claim:
A circuit comprising: a) a first layer of devices disposed over a substrate; b) an insulating layer covering the first layer of devices, the insulating layer containing one or more vias, the one or more vias each exposing a respective contact of a device of the first layer; c) a second layer of devices each having a respective contact, the devices of the second layer being positioned such that a contact of the device is aligned above a respective via in the insulating layer; and d) electrical contacts formed through each of the one or more vias between at least one device of the first layer of devices and at least one device of the second layer of devices to connect the respective contacts of the first and second layers, wherein at least one via containing an electrical contact is at least partially within the footprint of a device belonging to the first layer and at least partially within the footprint of a device belonging to the second layer; and wherein at least one respective contact of a device of the second layer comprises an electrical contact area that receives a conductive contact on two opposing sides and is disposed over the insulating layer such that the electrical contact area of the device is facing, yet spaced apart from, and is aligned above a respective via in the insulating layer.