Patents by Inventor Mark V. Pierson

Mark V. Pierson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6756680
    Abstract: An electrical structure, and associated method of fabrication, for reducing thermally induced strain in a structure that couples a first conductive body of a first substrate to a second conductive body of a second substrate (e.g., a chip to a chip carrier; a chip carrier to a circuit card). The melting point of the first conductive body exceeds the melting point of the second conductive body. The second conductive body may include eutectic lead-tin alloy, while the first conductive body may include non-eutectic lead-tin alloy. A portion of the first conductive body is coated with, or volumetrically surrounded by, a material that is nonsolderable and nonconductive. The first and second conductive bodies are coupled mechanically and electrically by surface adhesion at an uncoated portion of the first conductive body, by application of a temperature that lies between the melting points of the first and second conductive bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Miguel A. Jimarez, Cynthia S. Milkovich, Mark V. Pierson
  • Publication number: 20040094842
    Abstract: An electrical structure, and associated method of fabrication, for reducing thermally induced strain in a structure that couples a first conductive body of a first substrate to a second conductive body of a second substrate (e.g., a chip to a chip carrier; a chip carrier to a circuit card). The melting point of the first conductive body exceeds the melting point of the second conductive body. The second conductive body may include eutectic lead-tin alloy, while the first conductive body may include non-eutectic lead-tin alloy. A portion of the first conductive body is coated with, or volumetrically surrounded by, a material that is nonsolderable and nonconductive. The first and second conductive bodies are coupled mechanically and electrically by surface adhesion at an uncoated portion of the first conductive body, by application of a temperature that lies between the melting points of the first and second conductive bodies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Miguel A. Jimarez, Cynthia S. Milkovich, Mark V. Pierson
  • Patent number: 6719871
    Abstract: A method for bonding heat sinks to packaged electronic components comprises the steps of: (a) exposing to a plasma a surface of a molded polymer formed on a substrate; (b) allowing the plasma to at least partially convert silicon-containing residue on the surface to silica; and (c) bonding an article to the surface by applying an adherent between the article and the surface. Often, the silicon-containing residue is silicone oil, a mold release compound, which may prevent the formation of a bond when using conventional bonding methods and materials. The silica layer formed on the surface of the molded polymer assists in formation of a proper bond. The plasma may be an oxygen plasma and the adherent may be selected from either a heat cured silicone-based paste adhesive with a metal oxide filler or a heat cured porous polymer film impregnated with adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Frank D. Egitto, Michael A. Gaynes, Ramesh R. Kodnani, Luis J. Matienzo, Mark V. Pierson
  • Patent number: 6699736
    Abstract: A method and structure for conductively coupling a metallic stiffener to a chip carrier. A substrate has a conductive pad on its surface and an adhesive layer is formed on the substrate surface. The metallic stiffener is placed on the adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive layer mechanically couples the stiffener to the substrate surface and electrically couples the stiffener to the pad. The adhesive layer is then cured such as by pressurization at elevated temperature. Embodiments of the present invention form the adhesive layer by forming an electrically conductive contact on the pad and setting a dry adhesive on the substrate, such that the electrically conductive contact is within a hole in the dry adhesive. The electrically conductive contact electrically couples the stiffener to the pad. The curing step includes curing both the dry adhesive and the electrically conductive contact, resulting in the dry adhesive adhesively coupling the stiffener to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Terry J. Dornbos, Raymond A. Phillips, Jr., Mark V. Pierson, William J. Rudik, David L. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6674647
    Abstract: Self-aligning combination of a substrate with a chip is provided, using reverse patterns of raised recesses and raised shapes on the respective substrate and chip surfaces. High-force contact bump production is avoided. Reliable contact between a chip and substrate is achieved, with minimized skewing after chip placement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark V. Pierson, Ajit K. Trivedi
  • Patent number: 6661661
    Abstract: A common heatsink for multiple chips and modules which are spaced on electronic packages, and an arrangement for the formation of precision gaps intermediate two or more chips or modules covered by a common heatsink. Furthermore, a precision tool enables positioning of a common heatsink for multiple chips and modules for electronic packages facilitating the formation of x, y and z-directional compliant thermal interfaces intermediate a plurality of chips and a common heatsink with minimized effects of package tolerances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Gaynes, Howard Victor Mahaney, Jr., Mark V. Pierson
  • Patent number: 6639638
    Abstract: A large liquid crystal display optical structure can be created by providing a transparent substrate with a dark mesh pattern disposed thereon. A means for optical scattering is over, adjacent, or surrounding the dark mesh, with a polarizer laminated to a smooth surface of the means for optical scattering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ramesh R. Kodnani, Mark V. Pierson, William J. Rudik, David B. Stone
  • Publication number: 20030128518
    Abstract: A common heatsink for multiple chips and modules which are spaced on electronic packages, and an arrangement for the formation of precision gaps intermediate two or more chips or modules covered by a common heatsink. Furthermore, a precision tool enables positioning of a common heatsink for multiple chips and modules for electronic packages facilitating the formation of x, y and z-directional compliant thermal interfaces intermediate a plurality of chips and a common heatsink with minimized effects of package tolerances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Gaynes, Howard Victor Mahaney, Mark V. Pierson
  • Publication number: 20030127499
    Abstract: Self-aligning combination of a substrate with a chip is provided, using reverse patterns of raised recesses and raised shapes on the respective substrate and chip surfaces. High-force contact bump production is avoided. Reliable contact between a chip and substrate is achieved, with minimized skewing after chip placement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark V. Pierson, Ajit K. Trivedi
  • Publication number: 20030127247
    Abstract: The current invention provides a method of attaching a plurality of cores wherein a core has a via with a conductive surface to be electrically connected to a conductive surface on another core. The method provides for applying a metallurgical paste to a conductive surface, removing a portion of the flux from the paste and joining the two cores. The current invention also provides a structure including a plurality of cores wherein a metallurgical paste electrically connects a via with a conductive surface on a core to a conductive surface on another core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lisa J. Jimarez, Mark V. Pierson
  • Publication number: 20030123229
    Abstract: A method for bonding heat sinks to packaged electronic components comprises the steps of: (a) exposing to a plasma a surface of a molded polymer formed on a substrate; (b) allowing the plasma to at least partially convert silicon-containing residue on the surface to silica; and (c) bonding an article to the surface by applying an adherent between the article and the surface. Often, the silicon-containing residue is silicone oil, a mold release compound, which may prevent the formation of a bond when using conventional bonding methods and materials. The silica layer formed on the surface of the molded polymer assists in formation of a proper bond. The plasma may be an oxygen plasma and the adherent may be selected from either a heat cured silicone-based paste adhesive with a metal oxide filler or a heat cured porous polymer film impregnated with adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Frank D. Egitto, Michael A. Gaynes, Ramesh R. Kodnani, Luis J. Matienzo, Mark V. Pierson
  • Patent number: 6576996
    Abstract: A method for bonding heat sinks to packaged electronic components comprises the steps of: (a) exposing to a plasma a surface of a molded polymer formed on a substrate; (b) allowing the plasma to at least partially convert silicon-containing residue on the surface to silica; and (c) bonding an article to the surface by applying an adherent between the article and the surface. Often, the silicon-containing residue is silicone oil, a mold release compound, which may prevent the formation of a bond when using conventional bonding methods and materials. The silica layer formed on the surface of the molded polymer assists in formation of a proper bond. The plasma may be an oxygen plasma and the adherent may be selected from either a heat cured silicone-based paste adhesive with a metal oxide filler or a heat cured porous polymer film impregnated with adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Frank D. Egitto, Michael A. Gaynes, Ramesh R. Kodnani, Luis J. Matienzo, Mark V. Pierson
  • Patent number: 6569710
    Abstract: A method of forming a plurality of individual semiconductor chip modules wherein a plurality of chips are placed in a plurality of chip compartments formed by adhering a support panel to the first surface and a cover panel to the second surface of a stiffener panel having openings defining sidewalls of the chip compartments. The resulting laminated panel structure is then cut into a plurality of modules each having at least one compartment containing at least one chip. Each chip is electrically connected to interior conductive pads on the inner surface of the support panel, and these interior pads in turn are connected by conductive paths to exterior conductive terminals deposited on the outer surface of the support panel. The electrical connections between the chip and the interior conductive pads of the support panel may be encapsulated in a polymeric material before the cover panel is adhered to the stiffener panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Mark V. Pierson
  • Patent number: 6559666
    Abstract: A method and device for testing and burning-in semiconductor circuits. The method and device permit the entire wafer to be tested by temporarily attaching the wafer to a test substrate using electrically conductive adhesive (ECA). The ECA conforms to deviations from co-planarity of the contact points of both the wafer and test substrate while providing a quality electrical connection at each point. ECA material can be deposited on either the wafer contacts or the substrate pads. In addition, the ECA may be deposited on C4 bumps or tin-capped lead bases. Variations in the method and device include filling vias of a non-conductive interposer with ECA. The electrical connection may be enhanced by forming conductive dendrites on test pads while the ECA is deposited on the wafer contacts. To further enhance the electrical connection, the ECA material can be plasma etched to remove some of its polymer matrix and to expose the electrically conductive particles on one side and then plating with palladium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William E. Bernier, Michael A. Gaynes, Wayne J. Howell, Mark V. Pierson, Ajit K. Trivedi, Charles G. Woychik
  • Publication number: 20030082853
    Abstract: A method and structure for conductively coupling a metallic stiffener to a chip carrier. A substrate has a conductive pad on its surface and an adhesive layer is formed on the substrate surface. The metallic stiffener is placed on the adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive layer mechanically couples the stiffener to the substrate surface and electrically couples the stiffener to the pad. The adhesive layer is then cured such as by pressurization at elevated temperature. Embodiments of the present invention form the adhesive layer by forming an electrically conductive contact on the pad and setting a dry adhesive on the substrate, such that the electrically conductive contact is within a hole in the dry adhesive. The electrically conductive contact electrically couples the stiffener to the pad. The curing step includes curing both the dry adhesive and the electrically conductive contact, resulting in the dry adhesive adhesively coupling the stiffener to the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Terry J. Dornbos, Raymond A. Phillips, Mark V. Pierson, William J. Rudik, David L. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6534848
    Abstract: A method and structure for conductively coupling a metallic stiffener to a chip carrier. A substrate has a conductive pad on its surface and an adhesive layer is formed on the substrate surface. The metallic stiffener is placed on the adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive layer mechanically couples the stiffener to the substrate surface and electrically couples the stiffener to the pad. The adhesive layer is then cured such as by pressurization at elevated temperature. Embodiments of the present invention form the adhesive layer by forming an electrically conductive contact on the pad and setting a dry adhesive on the substrate, such that the electrically conductive contact is within a hole in the dry adhesive. The electrically conductive contact electrically couples the stiffener to the pad. The curing step includes curing both the dry adhesive and the electrically conductive contact, resulting in the dry adhesive adhesively coupling the stiffener to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Terry J. Dornbos, Raymond A. Phillips, Jr., Mark V. Pierson, William J. Rudik, David L. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6517662
    Abstract: A semiconductor chip carrier assembly which includes a flexible substrate having a metallicized path on one of its surfaces in electrical communication with a semiconductor chip. A stiffener is disposed adjacent to said flexible substrate and is bonded thereto by an adhesive composition. The adhesive composition which comprises a microporous film laden with a curable adhesive is disposed between the flexible substrate and the stiffener. A cover plate is adhesively bonded to the semiconductor chip and to the stiffener. A process of making the assembly involving disposition of the flexible substrate in a vacuum fixture upon which the adhesive composition and stiffener is placed followed by the application of heat and pressure to cure the curable adhesive is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas M. Culnane, Michael A. Gaynes, Ramesh R. Kodnani, Mark V. Pierson, Charles G. Woychik
  • Patent number: 6513701
    Abstract: A method of making an electrically conductive contact on a substrate by applying a layer of solder paste to a circuitized feature on a substrate and selectively heating and melting the solder paste over the feature to form a solder bump. The excess solder paste is removed. A focused energy heat source such as a laser beam or focused Infrared heats the solder paste. A reflective mask with apertures may be used to allow focused heating source to selectively melt areas of the solder paste layer applied to a circuitized feature. The mask and excess solder paste are removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Donald I. Mead, Mark V. Pierson
  • Publication number: 20030017648
    Abstract: A method of forming a plurality of individual semiconductor chip modules wherein a plurality of chips are placed in a plurality of chip compartments formed by adhering a support panel to the first surface and a cover panel to the second surface of a stiffener panel having openings defining sidewalls of the chip compartments. The resulting laminated panel structure is then cut into a plurality of modules each having at least one compartment containing at least one chip. Each chip is electrically connected to interior conductive pads on the inner surface of the support panel, and these interior pads in turn are connected by conductive paths to exterior conductive terminals deposited on the outer surface of the support panel. The electrical connections between the chip and the interior conductive pads of the support panel may be encapsulated in a polymeric material before the cover panel is adhered to the stiffener panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Mark V. Pierson
  • Patent number: 6497943
    Abstract: A surface metal balancing structure for a chip carrier, and an associated method of fabrication, to reduce or eliminate thermally induced chip carrier flexing. A substrate, such as a chip carrier made of organic dielectric material, is formed and includes: internal circuitization layers, a plated through hole, and outer layers comprised of an allylated polyphenylene ether. A stiffener ring for mechanically stabilizing the substrate is bonded to an outer portion, such as an outer perimeter portion, of the top surface of the substrate, in light of the soft and conformal organic material of the substrate. The top and bottom surfaces of the substrate have metal structures, such as copper pads and copper circuitization, wherein a surface area (A) multiplied by a coefficient of thermal expansion (C) is greater for the metal structure at the bottom surface than for the metal structure at the top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lisa J. Jimarez, Miguel A. Jimarez, Mark V. Pierson