Abstract:
A method for testing a semiconductor component includes the steps of bonding an interconnect to the component to form bonded electrical connections, applying test signals through the bonded electrical connections, and then separating the interconnect from the component. The bonding step can be performed using metallurgical bonding, and the separating step can be performed using solder-wettable and solder non-wettable metal layers on the interconnect or the component. During the separating step the solder-wettable layers are dissolved, reducing adhesion of the bonded electrical connections, and permitting separation of the component and interconnect. The interconnect includes interconnect contacts configured for bonding to, and then separation from component contacts on the components. A system includes the interconnect, an alignment system for aligning the substrate to the interconnect, a bonding system for bonding the component to the interconnect, and a heating system for heating the component and the interconnect for separation.
Abstract:
Microelectronic workpieces that have bump sites over bond-pads and methods of fabricating such bump sites. One embodiment of such a workpiece, for example, includes a substrate having a plurality of microelectronic dies comprising integrated circuitry and bond-pads, such as copper bond-pads, electrically coupled to the integrated circuitry. The workpiece further includes (a) a dielectric structure having a plurality of openings with sidewalls projecting from corresponding bond-pads, and (b) a plurality of caps over corresponding bond-pads. The individual caps can include a discrete portion of a barrier layer attached to the bond-pads and the sidewalls of the openings, and a discrete portion of a cap layer on the barrier layer. The caps are electrically isolated from each other and self-aligned with corresponding bond-pads without forming a mask layer over the cap layer.
Abstract:
The invention relates to interconnects for an integrated circuit memory device. Embodiments of the invention include processes to fabricate interconnects for memory devices in relatively few steps. Embodiments of the invention further include memory devices with metallization layers having unequal pitch dimensions in different areas of the chip, thereby permitting simultaneous fabrication of array electrodes and electrical interconnects in different areas of the chip. This reduces the number of fabrication steps used to make interconnects, thereby speeding up fabrication and reducing production costs.
Abstract:
A through-wafer interconnect for imager, memory and other integrated circuit applications is disclosed, thereby eliminating the need for wire bonding, making devices incorporating such interconnects stackable and enabling wafer level packaging for imager devices. Further, a smaller and more reliable die package is achieved and circuit parasitics (e.g., L and R) are reduced due to the reduced signal path lengths.
Abstract:
Disclosed are a method and apparatus which provide a magnetic shield for integrated circuits containing electromagnetic circuit elements. The shield is formed of a magnetically permeable material, which may be a non-conductive magnetic oxide, and either partially contacts or completely surrounds the integrated circuit.
Abstract:
Some embodiments include apparatus, systems, and methods having a base, a first die, a second arranged in a stacked with the first die and the base, and a structure located in the stack and outside at least one of the first and second dice and configured to transfer signals between the base and at least one of the first and second dice.
Abstract:
A radio frequency identification device includes an integrated circuit including a receiver, a transmitter, and a microprocessor. The receiver and transmitter together define an active transponder. The integrated circuit is preferably a monolithic single die integrated circuit including the receiver, the transmitter, and the microprocessor. Because the device includes an active transponder, instead of a transponder which relies on magnetic coupling for power, the device has a much greater range.
Abstract:
A wireless identification device including a housing; circuitry in the housing configured to provide a signal to identify the device in response to an interrogation signal; and a selectively actuated switch supported by the housing and controlling whether the circuitry identifies the device. A method of manufacturing a wireless identification device, the method comprising configuring circuitry to provide a signal to identify the device in response to an interrogation signal; coupling the circuitry to a push-on/push-off switch supported by the housing and controlling whether the circuitry provides the signal to identify the device; and encasing the circuitry in a housing such that the switch is actuable from outside the housing by touching a portion of the housing.
Abstract:
A radio frequency identification device includes an integrated circuit including a receiver, a transmitter, and a microprocessor. The receiver and transmitter together define an active transponder. The integrated circuit is preferably a monolithic single die integrated circuit including the receiver, the transmitter, and the microprocessor. Because the device includes an active transponder, instead of a transponder which relies on magnetic coupling for power, the device has a much greater range.
Abstract:
The present invention provides electronic communication devices, methods of forming electrical communication devices, and communications methods. An electronic communication device adapted to receive electronic signals includes: a housing comprising a substrate and an encapsulant; an integrated circuit provided within the housing and comprising transponder circuitry operable to communicate an identification signal responsive to receiving a polling signal; an antenna provided within the housing and being coupled with the transponder circuitry; and a ground plane provided within the housing and being spaced from the antenna and configured to shield some of the electronic signals from the antenna and reflect others of the electronic signals towards the antenna. A method of forming an electronic signal communication device includes providing a substrate having a support surface; providing a conductive layer adjacent at least a portion of the support surface; providing a dielectric layer over the conductive layer; providing an antenna over the dielectric layer; coupling an integrated circuit with the antenna; and encapsulating the antenna, the dielectric layer, and the integrated circuit using a flowable encapsulant.