A three-dimensional (3D) integrated circuit (IC) and associated forming method are provided. In some embodiments, a second IC die is bonded to a first IC die through a second bonding structure and a first bonding structure at a bonding interface. The bonding encloses a seal-ring structure in a peripheral region of the 3D IC in the first and second IC dies. The seal-ring structure extends from the first semiconductor substrate to the second semiconductor substrate. The bonding forms a plurality of through silicon via (TSV) coupling structures at the peripheral region of the 3D IC along an inner perimeter of the seal-ring structure by electrically and correspondingly connects a first plurality of TSV wiring layers and inter-wire vias and a second plurality of TSV wiring layers and inter-wire vias.

A three-dimensional (3D) integrated circuit (IC) is provided. In some embodiments, a first IC die comprises a first bonding structure and a first interconnect structure over a first semiconductor substrate. A second IC die is disposed over the first IC die and comprises a second bonding structure and a second interconnect structure over a second semiconductor substrate. A seal-ring structure extends from the first semiconductor substrate to the second semiconductor substrate. A plurality of through silicon via (TSV) coupling structures is arranged in the peripheral region of the 3D IC along an inner perimeter of the seal-ring structure and closer to the 3D IC than the seal-ring structure. The plurality of TSV coupling structures respectively comprises a TSV disposed in the second semiconductor substrate and electrically coupling to the 3D IC through a stack of TSV wiring layers and inter-wire vias.

The present invention provides a semiconductor structure and a method of fabricating the same. The method includes: providing a chip having conductive pads, forming a metal layer on the conductive pads, forming a passivation layer on a portion of the metal layer, and forming conductive pillars on the metal layer. Since the metal layer is protected by the passivation layer, the undercut problem is solved, the supporting strength of the conductive pillars is increased, and the product reliability is improved.

The present disclosure provides a semiconductor structure, including a substrate, a conductive pad, a passivation layer, a recess, a bump pad, and a conductive bump. The conductive pad is disposed over the substrate. The passivation layer is disposed over the substrate and partially covers the conductive pad. The recess extends through the passivation layer and extends at least partially into the conductive pad. The bump pad is disposed over the passivation layer and within the recess; and the conductive bump is disposed over the bump pad. A method of manufacturing the semiconductor structure is also provided.

Connector structures and methods of forming the same are provided. A method includes forming a first patterned passivation layer on a workpiece, the first patterned passivation layer having a first opening exposing a conductive feature of the workpiece. A seed layer is formed over the first patterned passivation layer and in the first opening. A patterned mask layer is formed over the seed layer, the patterned mask layer having a second opening exposing the seed layer, the second opening overlapping with the first opening. A connector is formed in the second opening. The patterned mask layer is partially removed, an unremoved portion of the patterned mask layer remaining in the first opening. The seed layer is patterned using the unremoved portion of the patterned mask layer as a mask.

The present disclosure provides a semiconductor structure, including a substrate, a conductive pad, a passivation layer, a recess, a bump pad, and a conductive bump. The conductive pad is disposed over the substrate. The passivation layer is disposed over the substrate and partially covers the conductive pad. The recess extends through the passivation layer and extends at least partially into the conductive pad. The bump pad is disposed over the passivation layer and within the recess; and the conductive bump is disposed over the bump pad. A method of manufacturing the semiconductor structure is also provided.

A method of forming a conductive material on a semiconductor device. The method comprises removing at least a portion of a conductive pad within an aperture in a dielectric material over a substrate. The method further comprises forming a seed material at least within a bottom of the aperture and over the dielectric material, forming a protective material over the seed material within the aperture, and forming a conductive pillar in contact with the seed material through an opening in the protective material over surfaces of the seed material within the aperture. A method of forming an electrical connection between adjacent semiconductor devices, and a semiconductor device, are also described.

A first semiconductor die and a second semiconductor die can be bonded in a manner that enhances alignment of bonding pads. Non-uniform deformation of a first wafer including first semiconductor dies can be compensated for by forming a patterned stress-generating film on a backside of the first wafer. Metallic bump portions can be formed on concave surfaces of metallic bonding pads by a selective metal deposition process to reduce gaps between pairs of bonded metallic bonding pads. Pad-to-pad pitch can be adjusted on a semiconductor die to match the pad-to-pad pitch of another semiconductor die employing a tilt-shift operation in a lithographic exposure tool. A chuck configured to provide non-uniform displacement across a wafer can be employed to hold a wafer in a contoured shape for bonding with another wafer in a matching contoured position. Independently height-controlled pins can be employed to hold a wafer in a non-planar configuration.

A three-dimensional (3D) integrated circuit (IC) is provided. In some embodiments, a first IC die comprises a first bonding structure and a first interconnect structure over a first semiconductor substrate. A second IC die is disposed over the first IC die and comprises a second bonding structure and a second interconnect structure over a second semiconductor substrate. A seal-ring structure extends from the first semiconductor substrate to the second semiconductor substrate. A plurality of through silicon via (TSV) coupling structures is arranged in the peripheral region of the 3D IC along an inner perimeter of the seal-ring structure and closer to the 3D IC than the seal-ring structure. The plurality of TSV coupling structures respectively comprises a TSV disposed in the second semiconductor substrate and electrically coupling to the 3D IC through a stack of TSV wiring layers and inter-wire vias.

A three-dimensional (3D) integrated circuit (IC) is provided. In some embodiments, a first IC die comprises a first bonding structure and a first interconnect structure over a first semiconductor substrate. A second IC die is disposed over the first IC die and comprises a second bonding structure and a second interconnect structure over a second semiconductor substrate. A seal-ring structure is in the first and second IC dies and extends from the first semiconductor substrate to the second semiconductor substrate. A plurality of through silicon via (TSV) coupling structures is arranged in the peripheral region of the 3D IC along an inner perimeter of the seal-ring structure. The plurality of TSV coupling structures respectively comprises a through silicon via (TSV) disposed in the second semiconductor substrate and electrically coupling to the 3D IC through a stack of TSV wiring layers and inter-wire vias.