Electromigration test pattern simulating semiconductor components

摘要

A test pattern simulates conductors and interconnections of conductors of a multi-layer semiconductor device that may be subject to damage from electromigration. Test pattern elements are connected in a series circuit with two connection points for applying a test current to the elements. A break in this circuit or an increase in resistance during the test signifies that electromigration has damaged the test pattern and that the operating components of the device may have manufacturing defects that make them susceptible to electromigration. Probe points can be provided for testing particular parts of the series circuit. The pattern has at least one conductive stripe or other element in each layer of the device and it has interconnecting vias between these elements through one or more intervening layers of insulation where corresponding layer-to-layer interconnections are made in the operating components of the device. On the surface of the device, diffusions form part of the circuit path. The diffusions can be connected as a buried contact if the device uses this structure.