Abstract:
An apparatus and method for preventing damage to tape attachment semiconductor assemblies due to encapsulation filler particles causing damage to a semiconductor die active surface and/or to a corresponding semiconductor substrate surface by providing an adhesive tape which extends across areas of contact between the semiconductor die active surface and the semiconductor substrate. The present invention also includes extending the adhesive tape beyond the areas of contact between the semiconductor die active surface and the semiconductor substrate to provide a visible surface of visual inspection of proper adhesive tape placement.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus is disclosed for sequential processing of integrated circuits, particularly for conductively passivating a contact pad with a material which resists formation of resistive oxides. In particular, a tank is divided into three compartments, each holding a different solution: a lower compartment and two upper compartments divided by a barrier, which extends across and partway down the tank. The solutions have different densities and therefore separate into different layers. In the illustrated embodiment, integrated circuits with patterned contact pads are passed through one of the upper compartments, in which oxide is removed from the contact pads. Continuing downward into the lower compartment and laterally beneath the barrier, a protective layer is selectively formed on the insulating layer surrounding the contact pads. As the integrated circuits are moved upwardly into the second upper compartment, a conducting monomer selectively forms on the contact pads prior to any exposure to air. The integrated circuits can then be transferred to an ozone chamber where polymerization results in a conductive passivation layer on the contact pad.
Abstract:
A method for securing two or more semiconductor device components to one another. A hybrid adhesive material, including a pressure sensitive component and a thermoset component, is used to at least temporarily secure the semiconductor device components to each other. The pressure sensitive component of the hybrid adhesive material temporarily secures the semiconductor device components to one another. When the semiconductor device components are properly aligned, the hybrid adhesive material may be heated to cure the thermoset component thereof and to more permanently secure the semiconductor device components to one another. The cure temperature may be lower than about 200° C. and as low as about 120° C. or less. A system for effecting the method of the present invention is also disclosed, as well as semiconductor device assemblies that include the hybrid adhesive material.
Abstract:
A center bond flip chip device carrier and a method for making and using it are described. The carrier includes a flexible substrate supporting a plurality of conductive traces. A cut out portion is formed in each trace at a position within a gap of a layer of elastomeric material provided over the traces. Each cut out portion is sized and configured to receive a solder ball for electrically connecting the carrier with a semiconductor die.
Abstract:
A method for attaching a semiconductor die to a leadframe is provided. Also provided are an improved semiconductor package, and a system for performing the method. The method includes applying an instant curing adhesive, such as a cyanoacrylate monomer or anaerobic adhesive, to the leadframe or die, and then polymerizing the adhesive at room temperature and ambient atmosphere, to form a cured adhesive layer between the die and lead frame. A catalyst can be applied to the leadframe, to the die or to the adhesive, to initiate polymerization. In addition, fillers can be added to the adhesive to improve various electrical and physical characteristics of the resultant adhesive layer. The system includes a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the instant curing adhesive on the leadframe or die, and a die attach mechanism for positioning and placing the die in contact with the dispensed adhesive.
Abstract:
Resistance-reducing conductive adhesives, and apparatus and methods of attaching electronic components using resistance-reducing conductive adhesives are provided. In one embodiment, a resistance-reducing conductive adhesive includes a first quantity of conductive adhesive, and a second quantity of a chelating agent combined with the conductive adhesive. The chelating agent reacts with an oxidized conductive material (e.g. alumina or aluminum ion) on a conductive lead to form soluble conductive metal-ligand complex. The chelating agent may also passivate the oxide-free conductive material by forming hydrogen bonds. The resistance of the resulting electrical connection is reduced in comparison with prior art methods of conductive adhesive coupling, providing improved signal strength, reduced power consumption, and decreased waste heat. In alternate embodiments, the conductive adhesive may include an anisotropically conductive adhesive, an isotropically conductive adhesive, a conductive epoxy, or a hydrophilic adhesive. Similarly, the conductive material may include aluminum, copper, gold, nickel, platinum or silver. Alternately, the chelating agents may be any suitable agent that provides the desired reactive mechanisms, including, for example, an oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, or citric acid. In a further embodiment, the quantity of chelating agent is a value within the range from approximately 0.1 percent by weight to approximately 20 percent by weight, inclusive. In another embodiment, an electronic assembly includes a first component having a first conductive lead, a second conductive lead, and a resistance-reducing conductive layer extending between the first and second conductive leads. The first component may be a die, a circuit board, or any other electronic component.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for achieving a level exposed surface of an adhesive material pool for applying the adhesive material to lead fingers of a lead frame by contacting the lead fingers with the adhesive material pool within an adhesive reservoir. The level adhesive material exposed surface is achieved by attaching a coating stencil having small apertures, such as a screen or a plate with slots, to the adhesive reservoir, such that the only upward outlet for the adhesive material is through the apertures in the coating stencil. The surface tension between walls of the small apertures and the adhesive material flattens out the exposed surface of the adhesive material. This allows a larger area to be printed with a more uniform thickness layer.
Abstract:
A conductive plastic lead frame and method of manufacturing same suitable for use in IC packaging. In a preferred embodiment, the lead frame is constructed of a plastic or polymer based lead frame structure with an intrinsic conductive polymer coating. In a second embodiment, the lead frame is a composite plastic or polymeric material intermixed with an intrinsic conductive polymer coating.
Abstract:
A socket device for receiving a connection pin is disclosed, the socket device including a substrate having an upper surface. The socket device includes a connection pad disposed on the upper surface and a first layer disposed on the upper surface and on the connection pad. The first layer includes material having an overall positive coefficient of thermal expansion. The socket device includes a second layer disposed on the first layer. The second layer includes material having an overall negative coefficient of thermal expansion. The socket device also includes a contact hole formed in the first and second layers exposing a portion of the connection pad.
Abstract:
The invention pertains to semiconductor processing methods of implanting dopants into semiconductor substrates. In one aspect, the invention includes, a semiconductor processing method comprising: a) forming an organic layer over a semiconductive substrate; and b) implanting a conductivity-enhancing dopant through the organic layer and into the semiconductive substrate. In another aspect, the invention includes a semiconductor processing method comprising: a) providing a semiconductive substrate and defining source and drain locations within so the semiconductive substrate; b) forming an organic layer over the source and drain locations; c) implanting a conductivity-enhancing dopant through the organic layer and into the source and drain locations to form source and drain implant regions within the source and drain locations, respectively; and d) forming a transistor gate proximate the source and drain implant regions. In another aspect, the invention includes a semiconductor processing method comprising: a) forming a transistor gate over a semiconductive substrate and defining source/drain locations within the semiconductive substrate proximate the transistor gate; b) forming a polyimide layer over the transistor gate and over the source/drain locations; c) depositing photoresist over the polyimide layer; d) patterning the photoresist to form openings over the source/drain locations; and e) implanting a conductivity-enhancing dopant into the openings, through the polyimide layer and into the source/drain locations.