AbstractElectromigration experiments have been carried out on simple Cu dual-damascene interconnect tree structures consisting of straight via-to-via (or contact-to-contact) lines with an extra via in the middle of the line. As with Al-based interconnects, the reliability of a segment in this tree strongly depends on the stress conditions of the connected segment. Beyond this, there are important differences in the results obtained under similar test conditions for Al-based and Cu-based interconnect trees. These differences are thought to be associated with variations in the architectural schemes of the two metallizations. The absence of a conducting electromigrationresistant overlayer in Cu technology, and the possibility of liner rupture at stressed vias lead to significant differences in tree reliabilities in Cu compared to Al.
The average diameter of general tree structures
