Patent ID: 7378342

Claim:
A method for forming a conductive via in a semiconductor device comprising: providing a substrate having a first surface and an opposing, second surface; forming a first opening having a first cross-sectional dimension in the first surface of the substrate, such that the first opening is defined by a first sidewall and a bottom surface; forming a second opening having a second, smaller cross-sectional dimension at least partially through a portion of the bottom surface of the first opening and extending through the opposing, second surface of the substrate, such that the second opening is defined by a second sidewall and communicates with the first opening; and forming a third opening having a third cross-sectional dimension different from and intermediate the first cross-sectional dimension and the second, smaller cross-sectional dimension in the substrate, such that the third opening is defined by a third sidewall and communicates with the first opening and the second opening; filling at least a portion of the first opening, at least a portion of the second opening and at least a portion of the third opening with at least one conductive material.