Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a new structure and method for capped copper electrical interconnects. More particularly, the invention encompasses a novel structure in which one or more of the copper electrical interconnects within a semiconductor substrate are capped to obtain a robust electrical interconnect structure. A method for obtaining such capped copper electrical interconnect structure is also disclosed. These capped interconnects can be a single layer or multi-layer structures. Similarly, the interconnect structure that is being capped can itself be composed of single or multi-layered material.

Abstract: A process for transferring a thin film wiring layer to a substrate in the construction of multilayer chip modules initially provides a sacrificial release layer formed on a surface of a carrier. Directly on the release layer there is formed in inverted fashion a plurality of multilevel thin film structures having at least one wiring path of metallic material exposed on the surface opposite the carrier. An electronic packaging substrate is provided, and solder or other joining material is applied to one or both of the exposed metallic surface of the multilevel thin film structure or the substrate. The multilevel thin film structure is then joined to the substrate so that the attached carrier is remote from the substrate. The release layer is subsequently contacted with an etchant for the release layer so as to remove the carrier from the multilevel thin film structure to produce a multilayer chip module.

Abstract: A ceramic substrate pad used for establishing brazed connection between a pin and the substrate in the packaging of microelectronic semiconductor circuit chip. The pad is characterized by a stepped setback in the upper surface thereof which setback is oxidized to prevent wetting by the brazing alloy which bonds the pin to the pad. Stresses attributable to the brazing are isolated from the setback area and thus have reduced effect in causing cracking at the edges of the pad-substrate interface.

Abstract: A device includes a ceramic substrate. A ceramic via is defined within the ceramic substrate at an actual location which differs from a designed desired location for the ceramic via. A minimal capture pad electrically communicates the actual location with the designed desired location. The minimal capture pad contains a ceramic via contact portion, a thin film stud contact portion, and a connecting portion; and each of the three is configured to be as small as permitted to limit the capacitances produced by the capture pad.

Abstract: An energy absorbing steering column assembly for a motor vehicle steering wheel. The column has a tubular jacket supported from the vehicle body by upper and lower sheet metal brackets. The upper bracket is connected to the body by releasable capsules. The jacket has a plastic end cap bushing fitted on its forward end. The bushing is releasably press fitted in a concentric collar portion of the lower bracket. Under predetermined impact loading on the steering wheel and column assembly, the capsules release the upper bracket allowing the column to be guided forward axially causing radial tabs on the bushing to be sheared-off in a first level energy absorption. Continued travel of the column assembly in a controlled lateral path provides second higher level energy absorption wherein the lower bracket is deformed in a controlled manner.