IMEC,
Europe's leading independent nanoelectronics research institute today announced
that it has made significant progress with its 3D-SIC (3D stacked IC) technology.
IMEC recently demonstrated the first functional 3D integrated circuits obtained
by die-to-die stacking using 5µm Cu through-silicon vias (TSV). It will
now further develop 3D SIC chips on 200mm and 300mm wafers, integrating test
circuits from partners participating in its 3D integration research program.
Test-chip taped for assessing design rules and models for 3D-SIC technology.
IMEC reported a first-time demonstration of 3D integrated circuits obtained
by die-to-die stacking and using 5µm Cu through-silicon vias (TSV). The
dies were realized on 200mm wafers in IMEC’s reference 0.13µm CMOS
process with an added Cu-TSVs process. For stacking, the top die was thinned
down to 25µm and bonded to the landing die by Cu-Cu thermocompression.
IMEC is upscaling the process for die-to-wafer bonding and is on track for migrating
the process to its 300mm platform.
To evaluate the impact of the 3D SIC flow on the characteristics of the stacked
layers, both the top and landing wafers contained CMOS circuits. Extensive tests
confirmed that the performance of the circuits does not degrade with adding
Cu TSVs and stacking. And to test the integrity and performance of the 3D stack,
ring oscillators with varying configurations were made, distributed over the
two chip layers and connected with the Cu TSVs. Tested after the TSV and stacking
process, these circuits demonstrated the chips excellent integrity.
“With these tests, we have demonstrated that our technology allows designing
and fabricating fully functional 3D SIC chips. We are now ready to accept reference
test circuits from our industry partners,” commented Eric Beyne, IMEC
Scientific Director for 3D Technologies, “This will enable the industry
to gain early insight and experience with 3D SIC design, using their own designs”.