Abstract: A die tester comprising a testing table on which a plurality of dice arranged in an array are mountable, and a first probe and a second probe that are adjustable to a fixed position with a fixed separation distance between the first probe and the second probe. The fixed position corresponds to predetermined test points on the plurality of dice, and the testing table and the first and second probes are movable relative to each other so as to position test points of a first die of the plurality of dice to the first probe and the second probe for testing the first die. The die tester further comprises movable third and fourth probes that are movable relative to each other and positionable to test points on a second die of the plurality of dice for testing the second die.

Abstract: A die tester comprising a testing table on which a plurality of dice arranged in an array are mountable, and a first probe and a second probe that are adjustable to a fixed position with a fixed separation distance between the first probe and the second probe. The fixed position corresponds to predetermined test points on the plurality of dice, and the testing table and the first and second probes are movable relative to each other so as to position test points of a first die of the plurality of dice to the first probe and the second probe for testing the first die. The die tester further comprises movable third and fourth probes that are movable relative to each other and positionable to test points on a second die of the plurality of dice for testing the second die.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for mounting a transducer to a bond head of a wire bonder. In particular, the bond head of the wire bonder is operative to mechanically drive the transducer when forming electrical interconnections between separate locations within a semiconductor package. Specifically, the apparatus comprises: i) a flexural structure having a connector for connecting to the transducer, the flexural structure being configured to bend; and ii) at least one actuator attached to the flexural structure, the at least one actuator being operative to bend the flexural structure to thereby cause a displacement of the transducer connected thereto via the connector.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for mounting a transducer to a bond head of a wire bonder. In particular, the bond head of the wire bonder is operative to mechanically drive the transducer when forming electrical interconnections between separate locations within a semiconductor package. Specifically, the apparatus comprises: i) a flexural structure having a connector for connecting to the transducer, the flexural structure being configured to bend; and ii) at least one actuator attached to the flexural structure, the at least one actuator being operative to bend the flexural structure to thereby cause a displacement of the transducer connected thereto via the connector.

Abstract: A transducer is provided that comprises a horn that is configured to transmit vibrations along its length during operation in the form of an oscillatory waveform, such oscillatory waveform having a plurality of vibration nodal points. An ultrasonic generator is coupled to one end of the horn and a bonding tool is coupled to an opposite end of the horn for performing bonding operations. A first flange structure is located along the length of the horn at a first vibration nodal point for mounting the transducer, and a second flange structure is located along the length of the horn at a second vibration nodal point for mounting the transducer, such that the second flange structure is separated from the first flange structure by a distance of at least two consecutive vibration nodal points.

Abstract: A wire tensioner is provided for a wire bonder, the wire tensioner comprising a tubular body having a bore through which bonding wire is receivable and a bore outlet at an end of the tubular body from which the bonding wire is extendable towards a bonding tool. A chamber is formed next to the bore outlet that substantially encloses the bore outlet, the chamber including an air inlet connected to it that is operative to introduce clean air into the chamber. A vacuum outlet is connected to a side of the tubular body and is in fluid communication with the chamber via the bore, the vacuum outlet being operative to draw air from the bore outlet through the bore whereby to pull the wire.

Abstract: A method of forming a wire bond with a bonding tool is provided that comprises the steps of forming a ball bond onto a bonding surface, raising the bonding tool away from the ball bond to form a neck portion integrated with a top of the ball bond, locating a circumference of a tip of the bonding tool onto the neck portion, pressing the neck portion with the circumference of the tip to form a depression in the neck portion without bonding the neck portion to the ball bond, and thereafter raising the bonding tool away from the ball bond.

Abstract: A large electronic device having a bonding area on one side that comprises first and second portions may be bonded by first locating the first portion but not the second portion of the electronic device for bonding by a bonding tool. After the first portion of the electronic device has been bonded, the electronic device is conveyed to a rotary platform that is rotatable along a substantially horizontal plane. The electronic device is rotated on the rotary platform to change the respective positions of the bonded first portion and unbonded second portion of the electronic device, before the electronic device is conveyed to the bonding tool such that the second portion of the electronic device is located for bonding by the bonding tool. The second portion of the electronic device may then be bonded.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for supplying a shielding gas during the bonding of wires to electronic components with a bonding tool comprising a horn and a capillary. The apparatus comprises a main body with an elongated slot having a width that extends into the main body from a side of the main body generally in a first direction and the slot also extends from a top surface to a bottom surface of the main body in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction for the width of the slot. The slot is sized to receive a tip of the capillary which is operable to pass through the slot in the second direction. A gas outlet, which may be formed inside the slot, supplies shielding gas into the slot.

Abstract: A bonding apparatus is provided which includes a device handler for handling electronic devices, the bonding apparatus including a bonding tool at which the electronic devices are locatable for bonding. A storage assembly is provided for storing multiple electronic devices and a conveying track is further provided for conveying electronic devices towards and away from the bonding tool. The device handler includes a rotary platform for holding an electronic device, and which is operable between an orientation wherein the rotary platform is aligned with the conveying track for transferring an electronic device between the rotary platform and the conveying track, and another orientation wherein the rotary platform is aligned with the storage assembly for transferring an electronic device between the rotary platform and the storage assembly.

Abstract: A method of bonding wire between first and second bonding points with a bonding tool, such as a capillary, is disclosed. A first bond is formed at the first bonding point with the bonding tool, and further steps include moving the bonding tool away from the first bond by a first distance, then moving the bonding tool towards the first bonding point and coupling the wire to the first bond. Thereafter, the bonding tool is moved away from the first bond by a second distance and a kink is formed in the wire. The bonding tool is subsequently moved to extend a sufficient length of wire to form a wire loop between the first and second bonding points before the bonding tool is moved to the second bonding point to form a second bond. Characteristics of wire bonds formable using the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wire tensioner is provided for a wire bonder, the wire tensioner comprising a tubular body having a bore through which bonding wire is receivable and a bore outlet at an end of the tubular body from which the bonding wire is extendable towards a bonding tool. A chamber is formed next to the bore outlet that substantially encloses the bore outlet, the chamber including an air inlet connected to it that is operative to introduce clean air into the chamber. A vacuum outlet is connected to a side of the tubular body and is in fluid communication with the chamber via the bore, the vacuum outlet being operative to draw air from the bore outlet through the bore whereby to pull the wire.

Abstract: A transducer is provided that comprises a horn that is configured to transmit vibrations along its length during operation in the form of an oscillatory waveform, such oscillatory waveform having a plurality of vibration nodal points. An ultrasonic generator is coupled to one end of the horn and a bonding tool is coupled to an opposite end of the horn for performing bonding operations. A first flange structure is located along the length of the horn at a first vibration nodal point for mounting the transducer, and a second flange structure is located along the length of the horn at a second vibration nodal point for mounting the transducer, such that the second flange structure is separated from the first flange structure by a distance of at least two consecutive vibration nodal points.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for supplying a shielding gas during the bonding of wires to electronic components with a bonding tool comprising a horn and a capillary. The apparatus comprises a main body with an elongated slot having a width that extends into the main body from a side of the main body generally in a first direction and the slot also extends from a top surface to a bottom surface of the main body in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction for the width of the slot. The slot is sized to receive a tip of the capillary which is operable to pass through the slot in the second direction. A gas outlet, which may be formed inside the slot, supplies shielding gas into the slot.

Abstract: A large electronic device having a bonding area on one side that comprises first and second portions may be bonded by first locating the first portion but not the second portion of the electronic device for bonding by a bonding tool. After the first portion of the electronic device has been bonded, the electronic device is conveyed to a rotary platform that is rotatable along a substantially horizontal plane. The electronic device is rotated on the rotary platform to change the respective positions of the bonded first portion and unbonded second portion of the electronic device, before the electronic device is conveyed to the bonding tool such that the second portion of the electronic device is located for bonding by the bonding tool. The second portion of the electronic device may then be bonded.

Abstract: A bonding apparatus is provided which includes a device handler for handling electronic devices, the bonding apparatus including a bonding tool at which the electronic devices are locatable for bonding. A storage assembly is provided for storing multiple electronic devices and a conveying track is further provided for conveying electronic devices towards and away from the bonding tool. The device handler includes a rotary platform for holding an electronic device, and which is operable between an orientation wherein the rotary platform is aligned with the conveying track for transferring an electronic device between the rotary platform and the conveying track, and another orientation wherein the rotary platform is aligned with the storage assembly for transferring an electronic device between the rotary platform and the storage assembly.

Abstract: A wire bonding method and a wire bond formed from the method are provided to improve shear strength of a wire that is connected to a bonding surface. The wire bond includes a bonded wire having a base in contact with the bonding surface, a recessed portion formed substantially at an edge of the bonded wire wherein at least a portion of an underside of the recessed portion is in contact with the bonding surface, and a length of wire extending from the recessed portion.

Abstract: A method of forming a wire bond with a bonding tool is provided that comprises the steps of forming a ball bond onto a bonding surface, raising the bonding tool away from the ball bond to form a neck portion integrated with a top of the ball bond, locating a circumference of a tip of the bonding tool onto the neck portion, pressing the neck portion with the circumference of the tip to form a depression in the neck portion without bonding the neck portion to the ball bond, and thereafter raising the bonding tool away from the ball bond.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and a method for forming conductive bumps on a plurality of semiconductor devices with an oxidizable material. The apparatus comprises a bump forming device, a chamber system adapted to house the semiconductor devices and a gas supply for supplying an inert gas into the chamber system. A support table is provided for supporting the semiconductor devices during bumping, and the said support table is operative to move the semiconductor devices from a bumping site into the chamber system after bumping.

Abstract: The invention provides a wire bond bonding a wire to a connection pad of an electronic device, and a method of forming the wire bond. A first stitch bond is formed on the connection pad, and a second stitch bond is next formed on the connection pad that is contiguous with the first stitch bond.