| abstract |
A bonding pad structure for a semiconductor device includes a first lower metal layer beneath a second upper metal layer in a bonding region of the device. The lower metal layer is formed such that the metal of the lower metal layer is absent from the bonding region. As a result, if damage occurs to the structure during procedures such as probing or bonding at the bonding region, the lower metal is not exposed to the environment. Oxidation of the lower metal layer by exposure to the environment is prevented, thus improving reliability of the device. |