Inductor formed in an integrated circuit
First Claim
1. A method for forming an inductor in a semiconductor integrated circuit, the method comprising:
- forming a conductive line in a metallization layer;
forming a first dielectric layer overlying the conductive line;
forming conductive structures in the first dielectric layer;
forming a conductive pad overlying and in electrical communication with one of the conductive structures and a terminal end of the conductive line;
forming a second dielectric layer overlying the first dielectric layer and the conductive pad;
forming a trench in the second dielectric layer; and
forming a conductive runner in the trench, wherein the conductive runner is in conductive communication with the conductive line through the conductive structures, and wherein the conductive line and the conductive runner cooperate to produce an inductive effect.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An inductor formed within an integrated circuit and a method for forming the inductor. The inductor comprises an underlying layer of aluminum formed in a first metallization layer and patterned and etched into the desired shape. In one embodiment the aluminum line comprises a spiral shape. According to a damascene process, a conductive runner, preferably of copper, is formed in a dielectric layer overlying the aluminum line and in electrical contact therewith. The aluminum line and the conductive runner cooperate to form the inductor. In another embodiment the aluminum line and the conductive runner are formed in a vertically spaced-apart orientation, with tungsten plugs or conductive vias formed to provide electrical connection therebetween. A method for forming the inductor comprises forming an aluminum conductive line and forming a conductive runner over the conductive line.
22 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A method for forming an inductor in a semiconductor integrated circuit, the method comprising:
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forming a conductive line in a metallization layer; forming a first dielectric layer overlying the conductive line; forming conductive structures in the first dielectric layer; forming a conductive pad overlying and in electrical communication with one of the conductive structures and a terminal end of the conductive line; forming a second dielectric layer overlying the first dielectric layer and the conductive pad; forming a trench in the second dielectric layer; and forming a conductive runner in the trench, wherein the conductive runner is in conductive communication with the conductive line through the conductive structures, and wherein the conductive line and the conductive runner cooperate to produce an inductive effect. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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- 4. The method of claim I wherein forming the conductive runner in the trench further comprises depositing copper in the trench.
Specification