A semiconductor device includes a first dielectric layer over a substrate, the first dielectric layer including a first dielectric material extending from a first side of the first dielectric layer distal from the substrate to a second side of the first dielectric layer opposing the first side; a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer; a conductive line in the first dielectric layer, the conductive line including a first conductive material, an upper surface of the conductive line being closer to the substrate than an upper surface of the first dielectric layer; a metal cap in the first dielectric layer, the metal cap being over and physically connected to the conductive line, the metal cap including a second conductive material different from the first conductive material; and a via in the second dielectric layer and physically connected to the metal cap, the via including the second conductive material.

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 system-level fan-out packaging structure and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The method includes: forming a rewiring layer on a supporting substrate, the rewiring layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, wherein the rewiring layer includes at least one inorganic dielectric layer and at least one metal wiring layer; forming a hybrid bonding structure between the first surface of the rewiring layer and semiconductor chips to electrically couple them, wherein the hybrid bonding structure includes a first bonding layer formed on the first surface of the rewiring layer; a plastic packaging layer on the first surface of the rewiring layer to cover the semiconductor chips; removing the supporting substrate to expose the second surface of the rewiring layer; and providing a packaging substrate electrically coupled to the second surface of the rewiring layer.

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.

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 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.

A semiconductor device includes a conductive component on a substrate, a passivation layer on the substrate and including an opening that exposes at least a portion of the conductive component, and a pad structure in the opening and located on the passivation layer, the pad structure being electrically connected to the conductive component. The pad structure includes a lower conductive layer conformally extending on an inner sidewall of the opening, the lower conductive layer including a conductive barrier layer, a first seed layer, an etch stop layer, and a second seed layer that are sequentially stacked, a first pad layer on the lower conductive layer and at least partially filling the opening, and a second pad layer on the first pad layer and being in contact with a peripheral portion of the lower conductive layer located on the top surface of the passivation layer.

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.

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.

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.