Patents by Inventor Tom Muntifering

Tom Muntifering 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: 11450577
    Abstract: Methods and systems for imaging and cutting semiconductor wafers and other microelectronic device substrates are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system for singulating microelectronic devices from a substrate includes an X-ray imaging system having an X-ray source spaced apart from an X-ray detector. The X-ray source can emit a beam of X-rays through the substrate and onto the X-ray detector, and X-ray detector can generate an X-ray image of at least a portion of the substrate. A method in accordance with another embodiment includes detecting spacing information for irregularly spaced dies of a semiconductor workpiece. The method can further include automatically controlling a process for singulating the dies of the semiconductor workpiece, based at least in part on the spacing information. For example, individual dies can be singulated from a workpiece via non-straight line cuts and/or multiple cutter passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren M. Farnworth, Tom A. Muntifering, Paul J. Clawson
  • Publication number: 20170148691
    Abstract: Methods and systems for imaging and cutting semiconductor wafers and other microelectronic device substrates are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system for singulating microelectronic devices from a substrate includes an X-ray imaging system having an X-ray source spaced apart from an X-ray detector. The X-ray source can emit a beam of X-rays through the substrate and onto the X-ray detector, and X-ray detector can generate an X-ray image of at least a portion of the substrate. A method in accordance with another embodiment includes detecting spacing information for irregularly spaced dies of a semiconductor workpiece. The method can further include automatically controlling a process for singulating the dies of the semiconductor workpiece, based at least in part on the spacing information. For example, individual dies can be singulated from a workpiece via non-straight line cuts and/or multiple cutter passes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Warren M. Farnworth, Tom A. Muntifering, Paul J. Clawson
  • Patent number: 9579825
    Abstract: Methods and systems for imaging and cutting semiconductor wafers and other microelectronic device substrates are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system for singulating microelectronic devices from a substrate includes an X-ray imaging system having an X-ray source spaced apart from an X-ray detector. The X-ray source can emit a beam of X-rays through the substrate and onto the X-ray detector, and X-ray detector can generate an X-ray image of at least a portion of the substrate. A method in accordance with another embodiment includes detecting spacing information for irregularly spaced dies of a semiconductor workpiece. The method can further include automatically controlling a process for singulating the dies of the semiconductor workpiece, based at least in part on the spacing information. For example, individual dies can be singulated from a workpiece via non-straight line cuts and/or multiple cutter passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren M. Farnworth, Tom A. Muntifering, Paul J. Clawson
  • Publication number: 20140083270
    Abstract: Methods and systems for imaging and cutting semiconductor wafers and other microelectronic device substrates are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system for singulating microelectronic devices from a substrate includes an X-ray imaging system having an X-ray source spaced apart from an X-ray detector. The X-ray source can emit a beam of X-rays through the substrate and onto the X-ray detector, and X-ray detector can generate an X-ray image of at least a portion of the substrate. A method in accordance with another embodiment includes detecting spacing information for irregularly spaced dies of a semiconductor workpiece. The method can further include automatically controlling a process for singulating the dies of the semiconductor workpiece, based at least in part on the spacing information. For example, individual dies can be singulated from a workpiece via non-straight line cuts and/or multiple cutter passes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren M. Farnworth, Tom A. Muntifering, Paul J. Clawson
  • Patent number: 8597074
    Abstract: Methods and systems for imaging and cutting semiconductor wafers and other microelectronic device substrates are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system for singulating microelectronic devices from a substrate includes an X-ray imaging system having an X-ray source spaced apart from an X-ray detector. The X-ray source can emit a beam of X-rays through the substrate and onto the X-ray detector, and X-ray detector can generate an X-ray image of at least a portion of the substrate. A method in accordance with another embodiment includes detecting spacing information for irregularly spaced dies of a semiconductor workpiece. The method can further include automatically controlling a process for singulating the dies of the semiconductor workpiece, based at least in part on the spacing information. For example, individual dies can be singulated from a workpiece via non-straight line cuts and/or multiple cutter passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren M. Farnworth, Tom A. Muntifering, Paul J. Clawson
  • Publication number: 20120048085
    Abstract: Methods and systems for imaging and cutting semiconductor wafers and other microelectronic device substrates are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system for singulating microelectronic devices from a substrate includes an X-ray imaging system having an X-ray source spaced apart from an X-ray detector. The X-ray source can emit a beam of X-rays through the substrate and onto the X-ray detector, and X-ray detector can generate an X-ray image of at least a portion of the substrate. A method in accordance with another embodiment includes detecting spacing information for irregularly spaced dies of a semiconductor workpiece. The method can further include automatically controlling a process for singulating the dies of the semiconductor workpiece, based at least in part on the spacing information. For example, individual dies can be singulated from a workpiece via non-straight line cuts and/or multiple cutter passes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Warren M. Farnworth, Tom A. Muntifering, Paul J. Clawson
  • Patent number: 8053279
    Abstract: Methods and systems for imaging and cutting semiconductor wafers and other microelectronic device substrates are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system for singulating microelectronic devices from a substrate includes an X-ray imaging system having an X-ray source spaced apart from an X-ray detector. The X-ray source can emit a beam of X-rays through the substrate and onto the X-ray detector, and X-ray detector can generate an X-ray image of at least a portion of the substrate. A method in accordance with another embodiment includes detecting spacing information for irregularly spaced dies of a semiconductor workpiece. The method can further include automatically controlling a process for singulating the dies of the semiconductor workpiece, based at least in part on the spacing information. For example, individual dies can be singulated from a workpiece via non-straight line cuts and/or multiple cutter passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren M. Farnworth, Tom A. Muntifering, Paul J. Clawson
  • Publication number: 20080318395
    Abstract: Methods and systems for imaging and cutting semiconductor wafers and other microelectronic device substrates are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system for singulating microelectronic devices from a substrate includes an X-ray imaging system having an X-ray source spaced apart from an X-ray detector. The X-ray source can emit a beam of X-rays through the substrate and onto the X-ray detector, and X-ray detector can generate an X-ray image of at least a portion of the substrate. A method in accordance with another embodiment includes detecting spacing information for irregularly spaced dies of a semiconductor workpiece. The method can further include automatically controlling a process for singulating the dies of the semiconductor workpiece, based at least in part on the spacing information. For example, individual dies can be singulated from a workpiece via non-straight line cuts and/or multiple cutter passes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren M. Farnworth, Tom A. Muntifering, Paul J. Clawson
  • Publication number: 20070068504
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer saw and method of using the same for dicing semiconductor wafers are disclosed comprising a wafer saw including variable lateral indexing capabilities and multiple blades. The wafer saw, because of its variable indexing capabilities, can dice wafers having a plurality of differently sized semiconductor devices thereon into their respective discrete components. In addition, the wafer saw with its multiple blades, some of which may be independently laterally or vertically movable relative to other blades, can more efficiently dice silicon wafers into individual semiconductor devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventors: Warren Farnworth, Tom Muntifering
  • Publication number: 20070062511
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer saw and method of using the same for dicing semiconductor wafers are disclosed comprising a wafer saw including variable lateral indexing capabilities and multiple blades. The wafer saw, because of its variable indexing capabilities, can dice wafers having a plurality of differently sized semiconductor devices thereon into their respective discrete components. In addition, the wafer saw with its multiple blades, some of which may be independently laterally or vertically movable relative to other blades, can more efficiently dice silicon wafers into individual semiconductor devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Publication date: March 22, 2007
    Inventors: Warren Farnworth, Tom Muntifering
  • Publication number: 20060065262
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer saw for dicing semiconductor wafers are disclosed comprising a wafer saw including variable lateral indexing capabilities and multiple blades. The wafer saw, because of its variable indexing capabilities, can dice wafers having a plurality of differently sized semiconductor devices thereon into their respective discrete components. In addition, the wafer saw with its multiple blades, some of which may be independently laterally or vertically movable relative to other blades, can more efficiently dice silicon wafers into individual semiconductor devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: Warren Farnworth, Tom Muntifering
  • Publication number: 20050186761
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer saw and method of using the same for dicing semiconductor wafers are disclosed comprising a wafer saw including variable lateral indexing capabilities and multiple blades. The wafer saw, because of its variable indexing capabilities, can dice wafers having a plurality of differently sized semiconductor devices thereon into their respective discrete components. In addition, the wafer saw with its multiple blades, some of which may be independently laterally or vertically movable relative to other blades, can more efficiently dice silicon wafers into individual semiconductor devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Warren Farnworth, Tom Muntifering
  • Publication number: 20040031476
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer saw and method of using the same for dicing semiconductor wafers are disclosed comprising a wafer saw including variable lateral indexing capabilities and multiple blades. The wafer saw, because of its variable indexing capabilities, can dice wafers having a plurality of differently sized semiconductor devices thereon into their respective discrete components. In addition, the wafer saw with its multiple blades, some of which may be independently laterally or vertically movable relative to other blades, can more efficiently dice silicon wafers into individual semiconductor devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Warren M. Farnworth, Tom A. Muntifering
  • Publication number: 20020185121
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer saw and method of using the same for dicing semiconductor wafers are disclosed comprising a wafer saw including variable lateral indexing capabilities and multiple blades. The wafer saw, because of its variable indexing capabilities, can dice wafers having a plurality of differently sized semiconductor devices thereon into their respective discrete components. In addition, the wafer saw with its multiple blades, some of which may be independently laterally or vertically movable relative to other blades, can more efficiently dice silicon wafers into individual semiconductor devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Warren M. Farnworth, Tom A. Muntifering
  • Patent number: 6399464
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a wafer for chip packaging that minimizes stress and torque on wafer components during back grinding. The wafer has fabricated thereon a plurality of dies in a die side thereof opposite a back side thereof. A protective coating is spun on the die side to protect the dies. The wafer is separated into a plurality of connected pieces by scratching or cutting a recess into streets or scribe lines in the die side. The connected pieces of the wafer are secured to a surface with the back side thereof exposed. Material is removed from the back side of the wafer by chemical, mechanical, or chemical-mechanical methods until each piece is separated or disconnected from the other pieces. The protective coating is removed. The pieces can be situated upon a flexible surface that is stretched to increase the separation between pieces. Each die in the die side of each piece is then packaged into a die package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom A. Muntifering, Steven W. Heppler, Michael B. Ball
  • Patent number: 6162703
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a wafer for chip packaging that minimizes stress and torque on wafer components during back grinding. The wafer has fabricated thereon a plurality of dies in a die side thereof opposite a back side thereof. A protective coating is spun on the die side to protect the dies. The wafer is separated into a plurality of connected pieces by scratching or cutting a recess into streets or scribe lines in the die side. The connected pieces of the wafer are secured to a surface with the back side thereof exposed. Material is removed from the back side of the wafer by chemical, mechanical, or chemical-mechanical methods until each piece is separated or disconnected from the other pieces. The protective coating is removed. The pieces can be situated upon a flexible surface that is stretched to increase the separation between pieces. Each die in the die side of each piece is then packaged into a die package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom A. Muntifering, Steven W. Heppler, Michael B. Ball