Abstract: Arrangements for plating a single surface of a thin foil are described. In one aspect, a metal foil is wrapped tightly at least partially around a plating solution drum. The drum is partially immersed in a plating solution such that the waterline of the metal plating solution is below a break point where the metallic foil strip begins to unwind from the plating solution drum. With this arrangement, one side of the metallic foil strip is exposed to the metal plating solution, while the opposing back side of the metallic foil strip does not come in substantial contact with the metal plating solution. In this manner, the exposed side of the foil is plated while the back surface of the foil is not plated. The drum may be rotated to convey the foil through the plating solution.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating an electromechanical systems device that mitigate permanent adhesion, or stiction, of the moveable components of the device are provided. The methods provide an amorphous silicon sacrificial layer with improved and reproducible surface roughness. The amorphous silicon sacrificial layers further exhibit excellent adhesion to common materials used in electromechanical systems devices.

Abstract: Methods of making a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device are described. In some embodiments, the method includes forming a sacrificial layer over a substrate, treating at least a portion of the sacrificial layer to form a treated sacrificial portion, forming an overlying layer over at least a part of the treated sacrificial portion, and at least partially removing the treated sacrificial portion to form a cavity situated between the substrate and the overlying layer, the overlying layer being exposed to the cavity.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating an electromechanical systems device that mitigate permanent adhesion, or stiction, of the moveable components of the device are provided. The methods provide an amorphous silicon sacrificial layer with improved and reproducible surface roughness. The amorphous silicon sacrificial layers further exhibit excellent adhesion to common materials used in electromechanical systems devices.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating an electromechanical systems device that mitigate permanent adhesion, or stiction, of the moveable components of the device are provided. The methods provide an amorphous silicon sacrificial layer with improved and reproducible surface roughness. The amorphous silicon sacrificial layers further exhibit excellent adhesion to common materials used in electromechanical systems devices.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating an electromechanical systems device that mitigate permanent adhesion, or stiction, of the moveable components of the device are provided. The methods provide an amorphous silicon sacrificial layer with improved and reproducible surface roughness. The amorphous silicon sacrificial layers further exhibit excellent adhesion to common materials used in electromechanical systems devices.

Abstract: A method of handling an IC wafer that includes a multiplicity of dice is described. Solder bumps are formed on bond pads on the active surface of the wafer. The back surface of the bumped wafer is adhered to a first mount tape. The wafer is singulated while it is still secured to the first tape to provide a multiplicity of individual dice. The active surfaces of the singulated dice are then adhered to a second tape with the first tape still adhered to the back surfaces of the dice. The first tape may then be removed. In this manner, the back surfaces of the dice may be left exposed and facing upwards with the active surfaces of the dice adhered to the second tape. The described method permits the use of a conventional die attach machine that is not designated for use as a flip-chip die attach machine.

Abstract: Methods of making a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device are described. In some embodiments, the method includes forming a sacrificial layer over a substrate, treating at least a portion of the sacrificial layer to form a treated sacrificial portion, forming an overlying layer over at least a part of the treated sacrificial portion, and at least partially removing the treated sacrificial portion to form a cavity situated between the substrate and the overlying layer, the overlying layer being exposed to the cavity.

Abstract: A method of packaging integrated circuit dice into exposed die packages is described. The method includes depositing a metallic layer onto the back surface of an integrated circuit wafer such that it covers the back surface. The method additionally includes applying a protective layer over the metallic layer such that the protective layer covers the metallic layer. The method further includes singulating the wafer to produce individual dice. Each die may then be electrically connected to a lead frame. The die and portions of the lead frame may then be encapsulated with a molding compound. The protective layer inhibits the molding compound from contacting the metallic layer on the back surface of the die. The protective layer is then removed from the metallic layer. As a result, an individual IC package is produced that includes a die having a metallic layer exposed on the back surface of the die.

Abstract: A method of handling an IC wafer that includes a multiplicity of dice is described. Solder bumps are formed on bond pads on the active surface of the wafer. The back surface of the bumped wafer is adhered to a first mount tape. The wafer is singulated while it is still secured to the first tape to provide a multiplicity of individual dice. The active surfaces of the singulated dice are then adhered to a second tape with the first tape still adhered to the back surfaces of the dice. The first tape may then be removed. In this manner, the back surfaces of the dice may be left exposed and facing upwards with the active surfaces of the dice adhered to the second tape. The described method permits the use of a conventional die attach machine that is not designated for use as a flip-chip die attach machine.

Abstract: A variety of leadless packaging arrangements and methods of packaging integrated circuits in leadless packages are disclosed. The described lead frames are generally arranged such that each device area has a plurality of contacts but no die attach pad. With this arrangement, the back surface of the die is exposed and coplanar with the exposed bottom surface of the contacts. A casing material (typically plastic) holds the contacts and die in place. In one aspect of the invention, the back surface of the die is metallized. The metallization forms a good attachment surface for the package and serves as a good thermal path to transfer heat away from the die. In another aspect, at least some of the contacts have a top surface, a shelf, and a bottom surface. The die is wire bonded (or otherwise electrically connected) to the shelf portions of the contacts. The described package is quite versatile.