Patent ID: 7470993

Claim:
A semiconductor component, comprising: a semiconductor body; a metal/insulation structure arranged above the semiconductor body as an uppermost metal/insulation structure of the semiconductor component and having a plurality of metal regions and insulation regions laterally adjoining one another, the metal regions configured to supply the semiconductor body with electric current; and a passivation layer covering exposed surfaces of the metal regions and exposed surfaces of the insulation regions of said uppermost metal/insulation structure that are not covered by the metal of the metal regions, said passivation layer being deposited as a sole layer of a uniform passivation material and configured to minimize influences of the environment and to avoid or minimize adverse effects on a function of the semiconductor component in the event of cracking in the passivation layer; wherein said uniform passivation material is a metal or a metal containing compound which has a high tear strength and a low adhesion strength on the insulation regions.