Patent ID: 7074707

Claim:
A method of forming a connection device that connects layers of integrated circuits, comprising: forming a first dummy layer over a first metal layer; forming an actuating layer over the first dummy layer, wherein the step of forming an actuating layer comprises forming a resistive heating element; forming a second dummy layer over the actuating layer; forming a second metal layer over the second dummy layer; forming a plurality of re-configurable vias, each re-configurable via extending from the first metal layer through each of the first dummy layer, the actuating element and the second dummy layer and to the second metal layer, wherein the step of forming a plurality re-configurable vias comprises a step of forming a plurality of re-configurable phase-change vias; and wherein the step of forming the plurality of reconfigurable phase change vias comprises forming a plurality of openings through the first dummy layer, the actuating layer and the second dummy layer and between the first metal layer and the second metal layer; and form pillars in each of the plurality of openings.