Abstract: An under bump metallurgy (UBM) structure is described. Two UBM mask processes are utilized. First, a top layer of copper (Cu) and/or a middle layer of nickel-vanadium (NiV) or chrome-copper (CrCu) is personalized by standard photoprocessing and etching steps utilizing a bump based size mask. This is followed by patterning an underlying seed layer with a second, larger mask, thereby preventing damage to the aluminum cap and seed layer undercut during the etching process.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of wafer level chip scale packaging including providing a semiconductor device having a silicon based substrate with discrete devices defined therein and a contact pad near an upper surface thereof, a passivation layer overlying the silicon based substrate and the contact pad, and the passivation layer having an opening therein exposing at least a portion of the contact pad, and a redistribution trace electrically connected to the contact pad near a first end and having a second end of spaced a distance from the contact pad. Forming an encapsulation layer over the semiconductor device including the redistribution trace. Forming an opening in the encapsulation layer down to the redistribution trace. Forming a contact post in the opening in the encapsulation layer, and the contact post having a first end electrically connected to the redistribution trace and a second exposed end.

Abstract: A method of protecting the active surface, front side, of semiconductor wafers during the operations of backside grinding, transporting, and packaging has been achieved. The invention discloses a method for applying an organic passivation layer or an aqueous material for protection of the active components. These materials are easily removed prior to final packaging of the dies.

Abstract: An under bump metallurgy (UBM) structure is described. Two UBM mask processes are utilized. First, a top layer of copper (Cu) and/or a middle layer of nickel-vanadium (NiV) or chrome-copper (CrCu) is personalized by standard photoprocessing and etching steps utilizing a bump based size mask. This is followed by patterning an underlying seed layer with a second, larger mask, thereby preventing damage to the aluminum cap and seed layer undercut during the etching process.

Abstract: A method of making a microelectronic assembly buying restraining a substrate in a fixture at room temperature, placing a flip chip on the substrate so that conductive bumps on the flip chip are aligned with contact pads on the substrate, heating the flip chip, the substrate and the fixture to reflow the conductive bumps on the flip chip, cooling the flip chip, substrate and fixture to solidify the conductive bumps and to mount the flip chip to the substrate, depositing an underfill between the flip chip and the substrate, curing the underfill by heating the flip chip, substrate, underfill and fixture to an elevated temperature, and removing the flip chip mounted substrate from the fixture.

Abstract: A method of improving adhesion of a surface including the following steps. A structure having an upper surface is provided. A composite anchor layer is formed over the upper surface of the structure. The composite anchor layer including at least an upper anchor sub-layer and a lower anchor sub-layer. The upper anchor sub-layer is patterned to form a dense pattern of upper sub-anchors. The lower anchor sub-layer is then patterned using the upper sub-anchors as masks to form lower sub-anchors. The respective upper sub-anchors and lower sub-anchors form a dense pattern of anchors whereby the dense pattern of anchors over the upper surface improve the adhesion of the surface.

Abstract: A matrix form semiconductor package substrate that has an electrode situated in-between a plurality of IC package substrates for providing electrical communication to conductive pads on the substrate is provided. The matrix form semiconductor package substrate includes a plurality of IC package substrates that are integrally formed on a strip in a matrix pattern that has a boundary between each two of the plurality of IC package substrates. Each of the plurality of IC package substrates has a multiplicity of conductive pad traces and an electrode, or a plating bar, formed in a serpentine configuration along the boundary for providing electrical communication to the multiplicity of conductive pads.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a wafer level chip scale package with discrete package encapsulation and devices formed by the method are described. A dry film photoresist layer is first deposited on top of a pre-processed wafer complete with a plurality of bond pads and an I/O redistribution metal layer. The dry film photoresist layer is then patterned to form a plurality of trench openings and a plurality of via openings followed by the process of depositing a liquid photoresist material into the plurality of trench openings and plating a conductive metal into the plurality of via openings to form via plugs. After the dry film photoresist layer is removed, an encapsulant layer is printed on top of the wafer to embed the protrusions formed by the liquid photoresist material and the via plugs.

Abstract: A reusable burn-in/test fixture for discrete TAB die consists of two halves. The first half of the test fixture contains cavity in which die is inserted. When the two halves are assembled, the fixture establishes electrical contact with the die and with a burn-in oven. The test fixture need not be opened until the burn-in and electrical test are completed. The fixture permits the die to be characterized prior to assembly.

Abstract: A reusable burn-in/test fixture for discrete TAB die consists of two halves. The first half of the test fixture contains cavity in which die is inserted. When the two halves are assembled, the fixture establishes electrical contact with the die and with a burn-in oven. The test fixture need not be opened until the burn-in and electrical test are completed. The fixture permits the die to be characterized prior to assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wire bonding bond pads formed on semiconductor dice to the lead fingers of a semiconductor leadframe are provided. Using an automated wire bonding apparatus two (or more) adjacent dice attached to the leadframe are wire bonded using a single indexing step for the leadframe. The wire bonding apparatus includes a heat block for heating the two adjacent dice, and a clamp for clamping the two adjacent dice to the heat block for wire bonding. A bonding tool of the wire bonding apparatus is moved to successively wire bond the two adjacent dice. The method of the invention is suitable for DIP, ZIP, SOJ, TSOP, PLCC, SOIC, PQFP, or IDF semiconductor packages.

Abstract: A reusable burn-in/test fixture for discrete die consists of two halves. The first half of the test fixture contains cavity in which die is inserted. When the two halves are assembled, the fixture establishes electrical contact with the die and with a burn-in oven. The test fixture need not be opened until the burn-in and electrical test are completed. The fixture permits the die to be characterized prior to assembly.

Abstract: This invention creates a high speed semiconductor interconnect system which contains a plurality of signal traces, each in a flexible printed circuit, and each adhesively sandwiched between or adjacent to a flexible ground circuit and a flexible power circuit. The signal, power and ground circuits are stacked in multilayers and are connected to respective lead fingers and respective die circuits by standard, known methods such as TAB or wire bond and encapsulated in a known way. The ground plane and power plane being adjacent to the signal plane reduces the power-ground loop inductance and thus reduces the package noise. By reducing the inductance, the circuit can have a shorter switching time. Also, by adding the ground plane, the power-ground capacitance is increased, which serves to reduce the effect of power supply fluctuations in the system.

Abstract: A new and improved integrated circuit lead frame to be used to reduce bowing during the assembly of conventional microcircuits is described, wherein a conventional die attach paddle is supported on one side by at least one tie bar, extending conventionally between the paddle and the lead finger support structure also known as dam bars, and supported on the opposing side by a plurality of tie bars which are attached on their opposing ends to a novel support beam. This support beam extends between opposing side of the lead frame and provides independent support for the tie bars on the one side and permits dimensional and angular symmetry, similarity and parity to be achieved in the location of all of the tie bars in order to optimize the stability and integrity of the die pad and reduce bowing after the encapsulation process.