Three-dimensional interconnect technology for ultra-compact MMICs

A novel interconnect technology was reviewed, which was developed for three-dimensional (3-D) ultra-compact MMICs. Using O₂/He RIE for the through hole and trench formation of a thick polyimide insulator layer, low-current electroplating for gold sidewall formation in the through-holes and the trenches, and ion-milling with WSiN metal stopper for gold patterning, a complete three-dimensional metal interconnection structure was built. We call this fabrication method as folded metal interconnection technology with thick insulator(FMIT). The 3-D interconnection structure involves vertical interconnection elements such as a wall-like microwire for shielding or coupling, and a pillar-like via-connection with multi-leveled planar interconnections in a 10-μm-thick polyimide matrix on an IC chip. The structure provides many passive functional elements and circuits in an extremely small area. This technology stages the next-generation of ultra-compact MMICs by offering the circuit designers great design flexibility and higher integration of circuits.