Abstract: A laser drilling system for drilling blind vias in printed circuit board panels, multichip modules and chipscale packages with top and bottom surfaces and which include multiple dielectric polymer and metal layers. The system includes a first laser module comprising a laser able to form at least one via per pulse through one or more polymer layers. The vias are circular or non-circular in shape. An articulated arm is adapted to move at a speed of about 200 inches per second and at an acceleration of about 5 g's or more. A beam delivery unit is attached to the articulated arm and a conveyor adapted to move panels at a constant speed. The first laser module positioned on a separate track from the conveyor moves at a faster rate than the conveyor to drill the top surface. A second laser module is positioned to move on another separate track from the conveyor movable at a faster rate so as to drill the bottom surface.

Abstract: A laser drilling system for drilling blind vias in printed circuit board panels, multichip modules and chipscale packages with top and bottom surfaces and which include multiple dielectric polymer and metal layers. The system includes a first laser module comprising a laser able to form at least one via per pulse through one or more polymer layers. The vias are circular or non-circular in shape. An articulated arm is adapted to move at a speed of about 200 inches per second and at an acceleration of about 5 g's or more. A beam delivery unit is attached to the articulated arm and a conveyor adapted to move panels at a constant speed. The first laser module positioned on a separate track from the conveyor moves at a faster rate than the conveyor to drill the top surface. A second laser module is positioned to move on another separate track from the conveyor movable at a faster rate so as to drill the bottom surface.

Abstract: A method for laser drilling blind vias at multiple depths in a multilayer panel comprising forming a panel having a plurality of conductive layers and a plurality of dielectric layers interposed therebetween, a first relief in the first conductive layer, a second relief in a second conductive layer, and a blind pin in the third conductive layer, the first and second reliefs and blind pin being aligned. The panel is irradiated, laser energy passing through the first and second reliefs to remove material from the first and second dielectric layers and then plated, thereby forming a blind via from the first to third conductive layers through the second conductive layer. A printed circuit board has two conductive layers by a dielectric layer, and a blind via electrically interconnecting the first and third conductive layers through the first and second dielectric layers and second conductive layer. The blind via can be round or oblong.

Abstract: A method for laser drilling blind vias at multiple depths in a multilayer panel comprising forming a panel having a plurality of conductive layers and a plurality of dielectric layers interposed therebetween, a first relief in the first conductive layer, a second relief in a second conductive layer, and a blind pin in the third conductive layer, the first and second reliefs and blind pin being aligned. The panel is irradiated, laser energy passing through the first and second reliefs to remove material from the first and second dielectric layers and then plated, thereby forming a blind via from the first to third conductive layers through the second conductive layer.

Abstract: A laser drilling system for producing blind vias (13) in multilayered circuit boards (9) includes an RF excited sealed carbon dioxide laser oscillator (19), X-Y motion table for moving the boards during on-the-fly via formation, and a controller. A laser beam (20) is focused beneath the circuit board by a long focal length lens (17) so as to be defocused at the surface of the board. A slotted mask may be used to allow drilling of multiple vias simultaneously, air may be injected to the via to assist in material removal, glass scales may be used for feedback position control, both the mask and table may be rotatable, and a computer may be used for determining an optimal processing path.

Abstract: A circuit board is manufactured from a core layer having a conductor run layer overlying the core layer on one side thereof, and a continuous layer of dielectric material overlying the conductor run layer, by forming a continuous outer layer of conductive material over the layer of dielectric material. Material of the continuous outer layer is removed at a predetermined location, and the dielectric material that is thus exposed is also removed so as to form an opening through which the conductor run layer is exposed. Conductive material is deposited into the opening to at least the level of the outer conductor layer, whereby the conductor run layer is connected to the outer layer of conductive material.