Patent · US Expired

Method to enhance inductor Q factor by forming air gaps below inductors

US6835631B1 · kind B1 · utility

20Cited by
7References
63Claims
0Family size

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Key dates

Filing dateNov 20, 2003
Grant dateDec 28, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 20, 2023

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01L2924/12044
  • WIPO fieldSemiconductors
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A method of enhancing inductor performance comprising the following steps. A structure having a first oxide layer formed thereover is provided. A lower low-k dielectric layer is formed over the first oxide layer. A second oxide layer is formed over the lower low-k dielectric layer. The second oxide layer is patterned to form at least one hole there through exposing a portion of the lower low-k dielectric layer. Etching through the exposed portion of the lower low-k dielectric layer and into the lower low-k dielectric layer to from at least one respective air gap within the etched lower low-k dielectric layer. An upper low-k dielectric layer is formed over the patterned second oxide layer. At least one inductor is formed within the upper low-k dielectric layer and over the at least one air gap whereby the performance of the inductor is enhanced.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.