The dielectric via liner of through silicon vias was deposited at 400 degrees C using a tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS)-based plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition process in a via-middle integration scheme. The morphology, conformality and chemical compositions of the liner film were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. The thermal properties and electrical performance of blanket TEOS films were investigated by high temperature film stress and mercury probe Capacitance-Voltage measurements. The TEOS SiO2 films show good conformality, excellent densification, low thermal stress, high breakdown voltage and low current leakage. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.