A nonvolatile memory device includes a first lower interlayer insulation layer and a second lower interlayer insulation layer that are sequentially stacked in a first direction; a lower metal layer disposed in the first lower interlayer insulation layer; and a plurality of lower bonding metals disposed in the first lower interlayer insulation layer and the second lower interlayer insulation layer and spaced apart from each other in a second direction that intersects the first direction. An uppermost surface in the first direction of the lower metal layer is lower than an uppermost surface in the first direction of the plurality of lower bonding metals, and the lower metal layer is placed between the plurality of lower bonding metals.

Semiconductor die stacks, and associated methods and systems are disclosed. The semiconductor die stack may include a first die with a memory array and a second die with CMOS circuitry configured to access the memory array. The first die may not have circuitry for accessing the memory array. Further, the first and second dies may be bonded to function as a single memory device, and front surfaces of the first and second dies are conjoined to form electrical connections therebetween. The second die may include a portion uncovered by the first die, where bond pads of the semiconductor die stack are located. The first die may provide a space for bond wires to connect to the bond pads without interfering with another die attached above the semiconductor die stack. Multiple semiconductor die stacks may be stacked on top of and in line with each other.

Semiconductor die stacks, and associated methods and systems are disclosed. The semiconductor die stack may include a first die with a memory array and a second die with CMOS circuitry configured to access the memory array. The first die may not have circuitry for accessing the memory array. Further, the first and second dies may be bonded to function as a single memory device, and front surfaces of the first and second dies are conjoined to form electrical connections therebetween. The second die may include a portion uncovered by the first die, where bond pads of the semiconductor die stack are located. The first die may provide a space for bond wires to connect to the bond pads without interfering with another die attached above the semiconductor die stack. Multiple semiconductor die stacks may be stacked on top of and in line with each other.

In one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a first substrate including first and second regions on its surface, a first control circuit on the first substrate in the first region, a first memory cell array above the first control circuit in the first region and connected to the first control circuit, and a first pad above the first memory cell array in the first region and connected to the first control circuit. The device further includes a second control circuit on the first substrate in the second region, a second memory cell array above the second control circuit in the second region and connected to the second control circuit, a second pad above the second memory cell array in the second region and connected to the second control circuit, and a connection line above the first and second memory cell arrays and connecting the first and second pads.

In one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a first substrate including first and second regions on its surface, a first control circuit on the first substrate in the first region, a first memory cell array above the first control circuit in the first region and connected to the first control circuit, and a first pad above the first memory cell array in the first region and connected to the first control circuit. The device further includes a second control circuit on the first substrate in the second region, a second memory cell array above the second control circuit in the second region and connected to the second control circuit, a second pad above the second memory cell array in the second region and connected to the second control circuit, and a connection line above the first and second memory cell arrays and connecting the first and second pads.

Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards a pad with high strength and bondability. In some embodiments, an integrated chip comprises a substrate, an interconnect structure, a pad, and a conductive structure. The interconnect structure adjoins the substrate and comprises wires and vias. The wires and the vias are stacked between the pad and the substrate. The conductive structure (e.g., a wire bond) extends through the substrate to the pad. By arranging the wires and the vias between the pad and the substrate, the pad may be inset into a passivation layer of the interconnect structure and the passivation layer may absorb stress on the pad. Further, the pad may contact the wires and the vias at a top wire level. A thickness of the top wire level may exceed a thickness of other wire levels, whereby the top wire level may be more tolerant to stress.

Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards a pad with high strength and bondability. In some embodiments, an integrated chip comprises a substrate, an interconnect structure, a pad, and a conductive structure. The interconnect structure adjoins the substrate and comprises wires and vias. The wires and the vias are stacked between the pad and the substrate. The conductive structure (e.g., a wire bond) extends through the substrate to the pad. By arranging the wires and the vias between the pad and the substrate, the pad may be inset into a passivation layer of the interconnect structure and the passivation layer may absorb stress on the pad. Further, the pad may contact the wires and the vias at a top wire level. A thickness of the top wire level may exceed a thickness of other wire levels, whereby the top wire level may be more tolerant to stress.

A semiconductor structure includes a first device and a second device bonded on the first device. The first device has a first sidewall distal to the second device and a second sidewall proximal to the second device. A surface roughness of the second sidewall is larger than a surface roughness of the first sidewall.

A semiconductor structure includes a first device and a second device bonded on the first device. The first device has a first sidewall distal to the second device and a second sidewall proximal to the second device. A surface roughness of the second sidewall is larger than a surface roughness of the first sidewall.

A photoelectric conversion apparatus includes a pad, a first protection circuit provided on a first semiconductor substrate, and a second protection circuit provided on a second semiconductor substrate. The first semiconductor substrate, which includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion units each receiving incident light and generating signal charge, and the second semiconductor substrate, which includes at least one signal processing circuit that processes an input signal based on the generated signal charge, are laminated. The pad receives a power supply voltage as input from an outside of the photoelectric conversion apparatus. At least one of the first protection circuit or the second protection circuit is provided on an outside of a region in which the pad is provided, in planar view. At least one of the first protection circuit or the second protection circuit is connected to the pad.