Reliability Detection of Process-Induced Metallization Defects in GaAs Devices

2015 ◽  
Vol 1792 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve H. Kilgore

ABSTRACTProcess-induced defects in electroplated Au interconnect metallization on GaAs devices were detected during the course of reliability testing. Abnormally high lognormal sigma values (σ > 0.7) indicated the existence of a bi-modal failure mechanism. A distinct early lifetime failure mode was observed along with the intrinsic electromigration metallization wear-out failure mode. Physical characterization of the electroplated Au film revealed as-deposited nanoscale voids. Elimination of these voids through process improvement as well as suggested mechanisms for the early failures are discussed.

Author(s):  
Richard M. D. Sledd ◽  
Ellen J. Bass ◽  
Stephen M. Borowitz ◽  
Linda A. Waggoner-Fountain

Author(s):  
Martin Versen ◽  
Dorina Diaconescu ◽  
Jerome Touzel

Abstract The characterization of failure modes of DRAM is often straight forward if array related hard failures with specific addresses for localization are concerned. The paper presents a case study of a bitline oriented failure mode connected to a redundancy evaluation in the DRAM periphery. The failure mode analysis and fault modeling focus both on the root-cause and on the test aspects of the problem.


Author(s):  
John Butchko ◽  
Bruce T. Gillette

Abstract Autoclave Stress failures were encountered at the 96 hour read during transistor reliability testing. A unique metal corrosion mechanism was found during the failure analysis, which was creating a contamination path to the drain source junction, resulting in high Idss and Igss leakage. The Al(Si) top metal was oxidizing along the grain boundaries at a faster rate than at the surface. There was subsurface blistering of the Al(Si), along with the grain boundary corrosion. This blistering was creating a contamination path from the package to the Si surface. Several variations in the metal stack were evaluated to better understand the cause of the failures and to provide a process solution. The prevention of intergranular metal corrosion and subsurface blistering during autoclave testing required a materials change from Al(Si) to Al(Si)(Cu). This change resulted in a reduced corrosion rate and consequently prevented Si contamination due to blistering. The process change resulted in a successful pass through the autoclave testing.


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