Abstract: A chip scale semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor die, a first bump and a second bump. The first bump having a first diameter and a first height is formed on an outer region of the semiconductor die. A second bump having a second diameter and a second height is formed on an inner region of the semiconductor die. The second diameter is greater than the first diameter while the second height is the same as the first height. By changing the shape of the bump, the stress and strain can be redistributed through the bump. As a result, the thermal cycling reliability of the chip scale semiconductor device is improved.

Abstract: A scribe line structure between die regions is disclosed. The scribe line structure includes a dielectric layer disposed on a substrate; and a plurality of metal structures arranged up-and-down in the dielectric layer on the substrate, the plurality of metal structures comprising metal layers and metal vias, wherein the metal vias are disposed on the dicing path and regions outside the dicing path and the metal vias on the dicing path have a lower metal density than the metal vias not on the dicing path.

Abstract: A package-on-package (PoP) device comprises a bottom package on a substrate and a first set of conductive elements coupling the bottom package and the substrate. The PoP device further comprises a top package over the bottom package and a redistribution layer coupling the top package to the substrate. A method of forming a PoP device comprises coupling a first package to a substrate; and forming a redistribution layer over the first package and a top surface of the substrate. The method further comprises coupling a second package to the redistribution layer, wherein the redistribution layer couples the second package to the substrate.

Abstract: The scribe line structure for wafer dicing according to the present invention includes a plurality of metal structures arranged up-and-down on a substrate in a dielectric layer, and an upper one of the metal structures has a lower metal density than a lower one of the metal structures. In another aspect, the scribe line structure for wafer dicing includes a plurality of metal structures arranged up-and-down on a substrate in a dielectric layer, and each of the metal structures has a lower metal density on a dicing path for the wafer dicing than not on the dicing path. The scribe line structure can effectively avoid interlayer delamination or peeling issue caused by a dicing process, especially on a low-k/Cu wafer.

Abstract: A structure comprises a top metal connector formed underneath a bond pad. The bond pad is enclosed by a first passivation layer and a second passivation layer. A polymer layer is further formed on the second passivation layer. The dimension of an opening in the first passivation layer is less than the dimension of the top metal connector. The dimension of the top metal connector is less than the dimensions of an opening in the second passivation layer and an opening in the polymer layer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a solder mask trench used in a bump-on-trace (BOT) structure to form a semiconductor package are disclosed. A solder mask layer is formed on a trace and on a substrate. An opening of the solder mask layer, called a solder mask trench, is formed to expose the trace on the substrate. The solder mask trench has a width about a size of a diameter of a solder bump. A solder bump is landed directly on the exposed trace to connect a chip to the trace by an interconnect. With the formation of the solder mask trench, the trace exposed in the solder mask trench have a better grab force, which reduces the trace peeling failure for the semiconductor package. A plurality of solder mask trench rings may be formed in a package.

Abstract: A device includes a substrate, a metal pad over the substrate, and a passivation layer covering edge portions of the metal pad. The passivation layer has a first opening overlapping the metal pad, wherein the first opening has a first lateral dimension measured in a direction parallel to a major surface of the substrate. A polymer layer is over the passivation layer and covering the edge portions of the metal pad. The polymer layer has a second opening overlapping the metal pad. The second opening has a second lateral dimension measured in the direction. The first lateral dimension is greater than the second lateral dimension by more than about 7 ?m. A Under-Bump metallurgy (UBM) includes a first portion in the second opening, and a second portion overlying portions of the polymer layer.

Abstract: A device includes a first and a second package component. A metal trace is disposed on a surface of the first package component. The metal trace has a lengthwise direction. The second package component includes a metal pillar, wherein the second package component is disposed over the first package component. A solder region bonds the metal pillar to the metal trace, wherein the solder region contacts a top surface of the metal trace.

Abstract: A method comprises determining a warpage of an integrated circuit (IC) package design. The IC package design includes a substrate having a top solder mask on a first major surface and a bottom solder mask on a second major surface opposite the first major surface. The first major surface has an IC die mounted over the top solder mask. The design is modified, including modifying an average thickness of one of the group consisting of the top solder mask and the bottom solder mask, so as to reduce the warpage. An IC package is fabricated according to the modified design.

Abstract: A structure comprises a top metal connector formed underneath a bond pad. The bond pad is enclosed by a first passivation layer and a second passivation layer. A polymer layer is further formed on the second passivation layer. The dimension of an opening in the first passivation layer is less than the dimension of the top metal connector. The dimension of the top metal connector is less than the dimensions of an opening in the second passivation layer and an opening in the polymer layer.

Abstract: A structure comprises a top metal connector formed underneath a bond pad. The bond pad is enclosed by a first passivation layer and a second passivation layer. A polymer layer is further formed on the second passivation layer. The dimension of an opening in the first passivation layer is less than the dimension of the top metal connector. The dimension of the top metal connector is less than the dimensions of an opening in the second passivation layer and an opening in the polymer layer.

Abstract: The mechanisms of forming a copper post structures described enable formation of copper post structures on a flat conductive surface. In addition, the copper post structures are supported by a molding layer with a Young's modulus (or a harder material) higher than polyimide. The copper post structures formed greatly reduce the risk of cracking of passivation layer and delamination of at the dielectric interface surrounding the copper post structures.

Abstract: A package-on-package arrangement for maintaining die alignment during a reflow operation is provided. A first top die has a first arrangement of solder bumps. A bottom package has a first electrical arrangement to electrically connect to the first arrangement of solder bumps. A die carrier has a plurality of mounting regions defined on its bottom surface, wherein the first top die is adhered to the die carrier at a first of the plurality of mounting regions. One of a second top die and a dummy die having a second arrangement of solder bumps is also fixed to the die carrier at a second of the plurality of mounting regions of the die carrier. The first and second arrangements of solder bumps are symmetric to one another, therein balancing a surface tension during a reflow operation, and generally fixing an orientation of the die carrier with respect to the bottom package.

Abstract: A chip scale semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor die, a first bump and a second bump. The first bump having a first diameter and a first height is formed on an outer region of the semiconductor die. A second bump having a second diameter and a second height is formed on an inner region of the semiconductor die. The second diameter is greater than the first diameter while the second height is the same as the first height. By changing the shape of the bump, the stress and strain can be redistributed through the bump. As a result, the thermal cycling reliability of the chip scale semiconductor device is improved.

Abstract: A device includes a chip attached to a substrate. The chip includes a conductive pillar having a length (L) measured along a long axis of the conductive pillar and a width (W) measured along a short axis of the conductive pillar. The substrate includes a conductive trace and a mask layer overlying the conductive trace, wherein the mask layer has an opening exposing a portion of the conductive trace. An interconnection is formed between the conductive pillar and the exposed portion of the conductive trace. The opening has a first dimension (d1) measured along the long axis of the conductive pillar and a second dimension (d2) measured along the short axis of the conductive pillar. A ratio of L to d1 is greater than a ratio of W to d2.

Abstract: A ring structure for chip packaging comprises a frame portion adaptable to bond to a substrate and at least one corner portion. The frame portion surrounds a semiconductor chip and defines an inside opening, and the inside opening exposes a portion of a surface of the substrate. The at least one corner portion extends from a corner of the frame portion toward the chip, and the corner portion is free of a sharp corner.

Abstract: A bump structure in a semiconductor device or a packing assembly includes an under-bump metallization (UBM) layer formed on a conductive pad of a semiconductor substrate. The UBM layer has a width greater than a width of the conductive pad.

Abstract: A method comprises determining a warpage of an integrated circuit (IC) package design. The IC package design includes a substrate having a top solder mask on a first major surface and a bottom solder mask on a second major surface opposite the first major surface. The first major surface has an IC die mounted over the top solder mask. The design is modified, including modifying an average thickness of one of the group consisting of the top solder mask and the bottom solder mask, so as to reduce the warpage. An IC package is fabricated according to the modified design.

Abstract: A device includes a work piece, and a metal trace on a surface of the work piece. A Bump-on-Trace (BOT) is formed at the surface of the work piece. The BOT structure includes a metal bump, and a solder bump bonding the metal bump to a portion of the metal trace. The metal trace includes a metal trace extension not covered by the solder bump.

Abstract: In a package structure, a stiffener ring is over and bonded to a top surface of a first package component. A second package component is over and bonded to the top surface of the first package component, and is encircled by the stiffener ring. A metal lid is over and bonded to the stiffener ring. The metal lid has a through-opening.